The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-09-29
NlifitAry Glory,


Let me not disguise the truth. Ii is too
true that this is still cherished by mankind
that it is still en- object of regard and am
biIion-ihat men follow war, and count it
pursuit "honorable"-that tie feats of brute
force in battle are pronounced "brilliant''-
and that Yet prevailing public opinion
animates unTefecting and mistaken mortal'
to "seek the bubble reputation cen in III,
cannon's mouth" Ii is too tue, thar ma
tons persevere in Offering praise and thanks
giving-such as no labors Of Benefcenct
can achieve-to the chief whose hands art
red with the blood of his fellow-men.
But whatever may be the usage of the
world, whether during the long and dreary
Past, or in the yet barbaIous Present, il
must be clear TO all who are willing 10 con
front this question with candor, and in the
light Of unquestioned principles and exam
pies, that all "gloy," won in bloody strife
among Gods children, must be fugitive,
evanescent, unreal; unstable as water,
worthless as ashes. II is the offspring Of Q
deluded public sentiment, and must Ger
tainly disappear, as men learn to analyze
its elements and to appreciate its true char
acier. Too long, indeed. has mankind
worshipped what St. Augustine called the
splendid uices, neglecting the simple vir.
tues. Too long has mankind cultivated
the Haunting and noxious weeds, careless
Of the golden corn which produces the
bread Of life. Too long has mankind been
insensible to those Christian precepts, and
80 .ho. high example, which, whatever may
be the apologies OF selroefence, reUuku oil
the pretensions Of military glory.
Look for one moment at this "glory. -
Analyze i, in the growing light which il
she'd by the lamps Of history. Regarding
war as an established arbtrament, for The
adjudication of controversies among ma
tions-like the petty wars Of an earlier
period between cities, municipalities, ant
provinces, and the trial by battle between
individuals-the conclusion is irresistible
that an enlightened civilization must con
denn all the pariaker in its duels, ant
all their Wanted achievements, precisely
as we now condemn all the partakers ii
those miserable contests which disfgur,
the commencement of modern history
The proves of the individual is all for
gotten in unutterable disgust at the inglori
Gus barbsrism of tbe strife in which it wal
displayed.
Observe yet again this "gIory," in thu
broad illumination of Christian truth. lr
all ages, even in heather lands, men have
looked with peculiar reverence upon thu
relation of brotherhood. Feuds among
brothers, from that earliest mutual murder
Z ing contest beneath the walls Of Thebes
have been accounted dismal and abhorred
never TO be mentioned without condemna
lion and aversion. This ssme sentimen
was revived in modern tunes. and mer
sought 10 extend the holy circle of its in
fluence. According to curious and savag'
custom, valiant knights, DESTROYS Of associ
ating in this sacred connection, voluntaril.
caused themselves TO be bled together, tina
the blood Of each other, as il spirited from
the veins, might intermingle, and thus con
stitute them Of ono blood. 10 the SAM
spirit, an emperor of Conslantinople, ant
one of the crusading kings, confirmed al
alliance Of friendshiP-being bled togeth