Texas in 1850. By Melinda Rankin. Page: 195 of 196

198

TEXAS IN 1860.

affords ample security for an enlarged system of enterprise,
both in a physical and moral point of view.
Great as have been the achievements and improvements
of the past, Texas has yet a great work to
perform. Her love of national liberty inspired to
deeds of noble valor, and shall she not evince a similar
patriotism, when interests of immortal value are at issue ?
Her military power subdued the haughty insolence of
Mexican invasion, and shall not her spiritual power
effect another independence, which shall outvie the farfamed
one of San Jacinto ? A contest is waged
not
against a worldly foe, but against the power of darkness,
the spiritual enemy. Soldiers are called upon for
rallying around the standard of freedom, equipped with
spiritual weapons, drawn from heaven's armory. This
contest must not be one of doubtful issue; victory or
death must be the motto of every soldier on the field.
What though he falls
a more glorious cause could
never be desired, for which to fall a sacrifice ! The love
of civil liberty embalms the patriot's grave, and shall
not the love of spiritual liberty wreathe never-fading
laurels too ? The Christian patriot's name shall live,
not, perhaps, imprinted on brass or marble, but in the
records of Eternity he will find deeds inscribed, which
will survive when earthly monuments and mementos
shall have passed into oblivion.
Texas must yet erect her victorious banner at every
point of the spiritual enemy's dominion,
not stained
with human carnage, but the blood-stained banner of
the Prince of peace.