the stormy winds of distress break forth, then it begins to ring. How many a comrade who has forgotten how to pray will, out yonder, in the fight for life or death, fold his hands again! Distress teaches us to pray, and so shall it also be at home. Let the serious days which have come upon us, let the war-storm which has come on, set the bells ringing again. Let us pray for our fighting brothers. Not only now and then, in a solemn hour. No, no; let us be true in prayer. As our fathers once in war-times rang the bells every evening and bared their heads at the sound and prayed, so also let us not forget intercession for a day. Moses held up his hands until the going down of the sun, and Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Our fight is not brought to an end in a day. But do not let the hands become tired or idle until the victory has been gained. Let our prayers be a fiery wall around the camp of our brothers. How the thought will strengthen them, make them enthusiastic, and excite them, that thousands, nay, millions, at home bear them in their praying hearts! The King of all kings calls volunteers to the fore. Who will be the praying one for the empire? Oh, if one could only say here, "The King called, and all -all came!" Not one of us must be wanting. History will one day describe the fights of these days. But man sees only what he has before him; he can say only what the wisdom of the leaders, the courage of the troops, the sharpness of the weapons, have done. But eternity will some time reveal still more-it will show how the secret prayers of the believers were a great power in these fights, how the old promise is again fulfilled. "Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saveth them out of their distress." And thus, keep to prayer. Amen.

Almighty God, dear Heavenly Father, Thou Lord of Hosts and Ruler of Battles, we raise, praying, our hands to Thee. On Thy heart we lay the thousands of brothers-inarms, whom Thou thyself hast called to battle. Protect with Thy almighty protection the breasts of our sons. Lead our men to victory. On Thy heart we lay the wounded and sick. Be Thou their comfort and their strength, and heal their wounds which they receive for king and fatherland. On Thy heart we lay all those whom

Thou hast ordained to die on the field of battle. Stand by them in the last struggle, and give them everlasting peace. On Thy heart we lay our people. Preserve, sanctify, increase the enthusiasm with which we are now all imbued. Lord our God, we trust in Thee. Lead Thou us in battle. We boast, Lord, that Thou wilt help us, and in Thy name we unroll the banner. Lord, we will not leave Thee; then wilt Thou bless us. Amen.

WILLIAM WIRT

AGAINST AARON BURR

[William Wirt, LL.D., an American statesman, author, and jurist, was born of Swiss-German descent in Maryland in 1772. He received an academic education, and after studying law, he practiced in Virginia, and became very prominent at the bar. In public life his rise was a rapid one, although the offices he held were mainly such as an eminent lawyer would capably fill. Thus he was a chancellor in Virginia, United States district attorney for Virginia, and, finally, attorney-general of the United States for three successive terms, or twelve years in all. Nor must it be overlooked that he played a prominent part in the prosecution of Aaron Burr for treason.

The notable writings of William Wirt include "Letters of a British Spy," which ran through a dozen editions; a series of essays called "The Old Bachelor," and "Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry." The last named work was a masterpiece of its kind,, and edition after edition was exhausted. Wirt delivered at Washington the memorial oration on the death of Adams and Jefferson, who, as every American knows, died within a few hours of each other on the fiftieth anniversary of American independence. Wirt died at Washington in 1834. The speech that follows, a scorching denunciation of the character of Aaron Burr, on trial for treason in attempting to seize Texas and other adjacent territory and establish a rival republic at the south and southwest, was delivered in the U. S. Circuit Court at Richmond, Va., in 1807.]

LET

ET us put the case between Burr and Blennerhassett. Let us compare the two men and settle this question of precedence between them. It may save a good deal of troublesome ceremony hereafter.

Who Aaron Burr is, we have seen in part already. I will add, that beginning his operations in New York, he associates with him men whose wealth is to supply the necessary funds. Possessed of the mainspring, his personal labor contrives all the machinery. Pervading the Continent from New York to New Orleans, he draws into his plan, by every allurement which he can contrive, men of all ranks and descriptions. To youthful ardor he presents danger