PROCLAMATION OF PEACE.
BY REV. J. L. DAGG, D. D.
In less than two years, war has inflicted on our country, before prosperous and happy, evils so many, and so great, that the heart sickens in contemplating them. Millions of property have been consumed, and millions of debt have been accumulated, to oppress unborn generations. Extensive regions of our territory have been ravaged and desolated, and the inhabitants have been driven into exile, or subjected to tyranny and insult. Many thousands of our citizens have perished in battle, or by disease originating from the hardships of military service; and other thousands have been so maimed and enfeebled, as to be unfitted for the duties and enjoyments of life. The land is filled with widows and orphans; and mourning, lamentation and woe, have spread through all its extent. Oh! for a return of peace! When will the calamity be past? If some envoy from European power would lift up his voice, and in the name of humanity protest against the wrongs which we suffer, what relief would it afford! And if our enemy, whether yielding to necessity, or a sense of justice, should authorize a proclamation of peace to go through the land, how would our hearts leap for joy!
But gloom, anxiety, and terror still prevail. Where shall we look for help? Ye men of piety, who, like Israel of old, have power with God, why do you not besiege the throne of grace, and give the Almighty no rest until he interposes in
