April 1, 1861; Southern Confederacy (Atlanta, GA)
Yesterday morning, at ten o’clock, the spacious room in the City Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, to hear a sermon from the Rev. Dr. J. S. Wilson—well known and universally beloved throughout this community—before the “Gate-City Guards,” previous to their departure for Pensicola, which took place today at half-past one o’clock. It was a bright and glorious Spring morning, and the glorious orb of day seemed prodigal of his cheering light, as if in mockery of the sadness within many hearts at the parting with those who were near them, and whose patriotism called them to the point of their country’s danger.—At half-past ten, the “Guards,” with solemn tread, entered the room under command of Capt. Ezzard, and quietly took the front seats, which had been reserved for them. After some excellent vocal music, the venerable Minister arose, and, with evident emotion, read the morning lesson, which consisted of 1st, 46th, and 99th Psalms. He then offered up to the Throne of Grace a fervent, heart-moving prayer for the safety and protection of our gallant soldiers, the salvation of all his hearers, and the peace, prosperity and glory of our beloved land.
He selected his text from the 13thverse, 6th chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
The first portion of his sermon was addressed to the congregation at large, urging the necessity of all Christians wearing the armor of Godliness, with which successfully to fight the great battles of life and win the never-fading crowns of glory which are reserved for the faithful to the end. The learned Divine then took up the causes which have for forty years been agitating the public mind and exciting apprehensions for our safety on the part of the people of the South, and which have brought about our present difficulties. With a master hand he portrayed those causes, pointed out their remedies, and established the justice of our cause. He implored the blessings of Heaven on our threatened country and her gallant defenders. His features glowed with earnestness, and his eloquence and power as a pulpit orator are peculiarly his own. All who were present, listened spell-bound to his burning words, and were deeply impressed. Many mothers, wives and sisters of those who left to-day, earnestly lifted up their hearts in silent prayer for their safety. May their Christian spirits, like guardian angels, hover over and protect our gallant soldiers from every temptation and evil, and from all harm.