Inhabitants of Buren
[Translation.]
Expression of adhesion to the address of sympathy to the North American Union by the people of Switzerland.
The great rejoicing on account of the recent great victories of the American Union has found an echo in our hearts, as that country has always been friendly to us, and friendly to freedom throughout the world.
“Freedom to man, though he be born in chains,” says our great poet, Schiller, in his ideal enthusiasm for freedom and the dignity of manhood. Whoever considers these words, and understands them properly, cannot help feeling how superior a man who believes in and practices them is to one who is governed by the demon of servitude and oppression. Whoever has a heart that beats warm for the greatest blessings of humanity, must join the general gratulation of the friends of freedom everywhere on the triumph of the glorious cause for human rights on American soil.
Abraham Lincoln, the mighty leader of these great events, the manly model of civic virtue, of pure and noble humanity, will be held holy in the memory of the inhabitants of his native land, and be worshipped by the world. May this idea console the country that is destined to live on in prosperity for his cruel death. May this view in the history of nations, and of our country in particular, teach us that it is the will of Providence for all religious, social, or political reforms to be accomplished by a baptism of blood.
May God keep the people of the North American Union ever hereafter in freedom, peace, and unity.
In the name of the synod:
Assistant Teacher.