14
REASONS FOR THANKSGIVING.
that»was cared for. But the first wanton blow at the
authority of the government, compelled the putting
forth of every latent power, in assertion of its preroga¬
tives. Men began to think that something must be
meant, far beyond what they had given themselves the
trouble to enquire into, by magistrates holding the
sword in such a way, as to be a terror to evil doers,
and a praise to those that do well. More has been
accomplished in this short space of time to educate the
nation in this fundamental maxim, than had ever been
done before. We are learning a lesson, it is hoped, so
as never to need a repetition, on the true limits between
personal liberty, and the authority which every govern¬
ment on earth must exercise, or be guilty of the crime
of suicide. All must go by the board the moment it is
admitted that any one man, or any combination of men
may decide how far they shall obey, and when they
may begin to disobey.
Again, as the war progresses we are all, whatever our
political creeds or preferences, fast learning to correct
mistakes, into which all alike had fallen. Many a fond
theory has been toppled over into the dust by the rough
logic of the last two or three years' events. It was
imagined at the North that the contest must be short,
inasmuch as we had a vast superiority in numbers and
wealth, and especially as there was a whole race in the
South to which war would bring, it was supposed as a
necessary consequence, the hope of chains burst and
privileges of freemen enjoyed. Almost every one imag-
Permalink: http://pid.emory.edu/ark:/25593/nmmgp
