is mentioned 'the holy
purpose which has been assigned to Russia by divine providence.' And
this holy purpose has been no secret for a long time. 'According to the
design of providence,' wrote Peter the Great, 'the Russian people are
called to universal dominion over Europe for the future.'

"Such a future cannot longer be averted from Europe, except by common
efforts. Prussia has come to an understanding, as to the object in
view, with the other powers; and when an object or purpose is sought to
be attained, the means must also be provided. To make an impression by
words and peaceful means, is quite out of the question, after this
imperial pastoral letter, which proclaims war in the name of God and of
Jesus Christ. Force can only he repelled by force. It was not our wish
to compel our government prematurely. With reference to Prussia's
position, the warlike interference of our troops was not desired until
England and France had concluded a firm alliance between themselves,
and with Turkey; and had commenced the war in earnest. Now, when all
this has taken place, and the thunder of cannon is roaring over sea and
land; now, when Austria, which conceals within herself so many more
dangers, prepares, with manly determination, to advance; what excuse
can Prussia {464} have, called upon by right to the leadership; what
excuse can she make to herself for remaining behind? In the Vienna
protocol of April 9, Prussia has pledged herself, beyond what we could
have dared to hope, towards the Western Powers: in the treaty with
Austria of April 20, Prussia has bound herself, in certain
eventualities that may occur at any moment, to a warlike support of
Austria. Is it not, therefore, high time for Prussia to arouse herself
from her lethargy, in order to undertake the support contracted for by
treaty? If history teaches anywhere an evident lesson, Prussia will
find it in her own past history. Once before Prussia promised to help
Austria, and was not able to perform her engagement. All the misfortune
by which we were attacked in 1806 is to be ascribed to Prussia not
having completed her preparations in 1805, and to her not appearing in
the field before the battle of Austerlitz. It was reported lately to be
the saying of a brave general, that when he heard the enemies'
batteries firing, it always seemed t