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Divine Aid in War.

Cassius.

O Almighty Lord God, King of all kings, and Governor of all things, that sittest in the throne judging right: we commend to Thy Fatherly goodness the men who through perils of war are serving this nation, beseeching Thee to take into Thine own hand both them and the cause wherein their country sends them. He Thou their tower of strength, that, armed with Thy defence, they may be protected through all dangers, to glorify Thee, who art the only giver of all victory. Grant also that we may evermore use Thy mercy to Thy glory, to the advancement of Thy kingdom, and the honour of our Sovereign; seeking always the deliverance of the oppressed, and, as much as lieth in us, the good of all mankind, through our only Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

How in our troubles and griefs the gods are always called in question. When our pride, our avarice, our interest, our desire to domineer, are worked upon, are we not for ever pestering Heaven to decide in their favour? In our great American quarrel did we not on both sides appeal to the skies as to the Justice of our causes, sing Te Deum for victory, and boldly express our confidence that the light should prevail? Was America right because she was victorious? Then I suppose Poland was wrong because she was defeated?

Is it Fate that awards successes and defeats? Is it the Just Cause that ever wins? How did the French gain Canada from the savage, and we from the French, and after which of the conquests was the right time to sing Te Deum? We are always for implicating Heaven in our quarrels, and causing the gods to intervene, whatever the nodus may be. Does Broughton, after pummelling and beating Slack, look up a black eye to Jove, and thank him for the victory? And if ten thousand boxers are to be so heard, why not one? And if Broughton is to be grateful, what is Slack to be?