THE GATLING GUN. V BY REV. I. VILLARS, D. D., Ex-President of McKendree College, and Author of "The Resurrec- FRICE, FIFTY CENTS. Send orders to the author, Lake Bluff, Ill., or to the publishers. CINCINNATI: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY CRANSTON & STOWE. PREFACE. THE following lectures have been delivered in various parts of this country, East and West, and are published substantially as delivered, with the exception of five or six quotations which are given in full in the book, while in the delivery they were simply referred to. The author knows that the publication as well as delivery of these lectures means sacrifice. One truthfully said: "Though at times popularity may follow in the wake of a reformer, yet the reformer knows popularity is not love." The title of this little book is significant; suggested by one who heard the lectures and whose judgment is worthy of respect. The original Gatling gun is a "machine gun," says Webster, "invented in 1861-62." "It is composed of six barrels, a hand-crank causing them to revolve about a central axis parallel to their bores; as each barrel comes opposite a certain point, a self-primed metal-cased cartridge, falling from a hopper, is pushed into the breach by a plunger, where it is exploded by a firing-pin. The machinery is simple, and not apt to get out of order, and the gun can fire two hundred shots a minute with great range and precision." There are some very striking similarities and dissimilarities between the "machine gun" invented by Mr. Gatling and this weapon of moral warfare. Both have in hand the work of execution. His has six barrels; this has six. It is said his is worked by a crank; so is this. His is said to revolve around a "central axis" that is "parallel to their bores;" so does this. The "central axis" is sometimes called one idea, which runs parallel to all truth. Mr. Gatling's gun is for the destruction of human life; this is for the destruction of the liquor-traffic and the saving of life. "The Gatling Gun" which is now offered to the public contains six lectures-call them barrels if you will. As each barrel comes opposite a certain point called a holy purpose, a self-primed metal-cased cartridge called truth, falling from a hopper called brains, is pushed into the breach called logic, by a plunger called conviction, where it is exploded by a firing-pin called the Holy Spirit. Where "firing" is attempted without the agency of the Holy Spirit, the result is what is usually called a "flash in the pan." Other similarities might be traced, such as the simplicity of the "machinery" (the organization of principle for practical ends), and not apt to get out of order, except where it becomes mixed with ammunition foreign to its character and aim. The "gun" is then rendered useless, being "spiked." As to all that is said of the "range," "great precision" and "rapid firing" of the original Gatling gun, our enemies themselves being judges, they say that in this one the long-sought-for invention of a "perpetual motion" has at last been found-that parties may go and parties may come, but "cranks" go on forever. Seriously, whatever may be the displeasure incurred, the sacrifices endured, the imprudence charged, just such lectures as these are the need of the hour. A book may be able to say to the public what the pastor dare not proclaim from the pulpit. In our boyhood days our ideal of a statesman was inspired by the spirit of Washington. We early committed to memory his words: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of happiness, these firmest props of duties of men and citizens. The merest politician, equally with the pious man, ought to protect and cherish them. A volume could not trace their connection with private and public felicity." Nor do we wish to rid ourselves of, but rather pray for, a double portion of the spirit of Jeffersonianism breathed in the inaugural of that great statesman: "I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from their native land, and planted them in a land flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with his providence and our riper years with his wisdom and power; and to whose goodness I ask you to join with me in supplication, that he will enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their counsels, and prosper their |