It contains a true word of prophecy. Says an American writer:
soon after, 'I meet him at every turn. John Brown is not dead;
he is more alive than ever he was.' As that same year the
Northern States gird themselves for the great Presidential
contest, determined that at length a thorough Abolitionist named
Abraham Lincoln shall tenant the White House, it is evident that
John Brown's soul is marching on.
When at length fierce civil war breaks out, and those same
Northern States month by month are brought to the sure
conviction that Freedom as certainly as Union is the cause for
which they fight, and as through long disappointment and
suspense, lavish effusion of blood, generous sacrifice of their
bravest sons they steadily press to victory under the ever-
patient, dogged leadership of President Lincoln and General
Grant, it is evident that John Brown's soul is marching on.
In the tramp of ten thousands of armed men, in the strains of
that grand old battle-hymn of the Republic, I hear the march of
his soul:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are
stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible, swift
sword:
His truth is marching on.
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