To the color / by John F.W. Ware.

  • Ware, John F. W. (John Fothergill Waterhouse), 1818-1881.
Date:
1863
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: To the color / by John F.W. Ware. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    I have felt your resolve within myself, as the hallowed ensign fluttered in the breeze, and lifted up all eyes and nerved all hearts. Should some one advance to-day and lift the cross above your 6erried ranks, and intrust it to your keeping, would it receive such homage, rouse such resolve? I know what music does in camp and field. I have marked men when some patriotic strain fell on their weariness or depression. The faltering ranks have been re-strung to power and valor as the “ Star-Spangled Banner” or “Rally round the Flag, Boys l ” has caught their ear, and the music has given them the victory. Were some one to chant to you to-day sweet songs about the cross, of him who died upon it, of the Father he re- vealed, and the new life he laid before us, should you become all glowing with new desire, and spring into the great conflict with sin and self, so armed, so shielded, so resolved, that the crown of the vic- tor would be yours ? These are questions to test yourself by, to gauge your loyalty with; and if it be that you love your flag, your country, better than the cross, your Saviour, — if your loyalty to it 6tand before your loyalty to God,— no matter how true and faithful your service to the one, have you not failed, are you not recreant in that first duty and loyalty which is owed the other? Rally round the cross, boys! It is in peril. This nominal allegiance is more harmful to it than open