Saint Mary's beacon., 1877-12-14


Since the commencement Of The war
between Russia and Turkey, the world
has several times been startled by the
announcement that the Flag Of the
Prophet" was about to be unfurled in
the streets Of Sta-bool. Such an event,
If il should happen (which may heaven
aveftI would proclaim crusade in
which an true Mnssulmans would be
bound to take an active part, and to
6sht against Christianity in every part
OF the world. They may be in India,
Arabia, Egypt. or wherever else their
scattered race has found home; the
raising Of the green standard is a call
which none may disobey without. as the
Koran lays it down, sacrificing all his
hopes of Paradise.
This fearful appeal TO all the worst
passions of the Eastern races hangs like
menace over the Mohammedan W world;
and if the word was once uttered and
the dreaded flag unfurled, there is no
telling to what sanguinary excesses il
might lead an enthusiastic and hslf-sav-
age people. 1t may be of interest to
our readers it, under these ciscumstan-
ces. we endeavor to make them ac-
quainted with the origin and history Of
a banner which has not seen the light
Of day since the Empress Catha.ine Of
Russia attempted to reinstate Christi
anity in the City Of the Sultans, and
which once unfurled would set a whole
world ablaze.
There have been many flags or sig
nails used by various nations at different
crises IN their history 10 incite the peo.
pie to battle on behalf Of religions, dy-
nasties and ideas; but none has attained
to the fearful notoriety which apper-
tain, 10 the terrible Flag of the Prophet,
which is really banner OF blood, for it
dispels the idea OF mercy from the minds
and hearts of its followers, and gives no
quarter 10 man, woman or child.
In France the "orihammc" or golden
sun upon a field Of crimson sign;fied
mo quarter but this celebrated Flag
of the Prophet means infinitely more
than this. Ii is summons to an anti
Christian crusade, a challenge of every
believer in the Prophet to arms: war
signal, in fact, which, like the Fiery
Cross of Scotland, would fash its dread
command through the domain OF Islam.
The Prophet himself predicted that
one dav, when his followers should num-
Der 100, ,GGO, ,00O-which they do now,
with 2n,0o0,00O more added to this
flag should fly against the advancing
power Of the Northern races; and the
Koran or Mohammed dan Bible says that
when its silken folds are flung forth
'';hc earth will shake, the mountains
melt into dust, the seas blaze up in fire,
and the childrcn's hair grow white with
anguish" This language is of course
metaphorical; but it is easy to conceive,
by the light Of very recent history. tina,
some such catastrophe might take place,
as the displaying of this terrible symbol
would raise frenzy Of fanatIci>m in the
breasts of the Mohammedan race all
over the globe.
The origin Of the insignia is curious
one. Mohammed gazing out upon a
vast prospect of field, said Mature is
green, and green shalt be fny emblem,
for it is everlasting and universal
In course OF time. however, it lost that
innocent significance; and amid his vis-
ions the great dreamer saw the Green
Flag floating as sign that al! true be-
hevers should take up their arms and
march against the infidel in fact. the
green turban was the sacred head-dress
of the pilgrim or perfected l>iamite who
had gone to Mecca: and hence the sane
titv Of this Formidable banner.
When once unfurled, it summons all
Islam BY an adjuration from the Koran
that the sword is the solitary emblem
and instrument of faith, indepe ndence
and patriotism: that armies, not priests,
make converts; and that sharpened steel
is the true KEY" to heaven. Upon
that fearful ensign are inserted the words
which are supposed to have been writ
ten at Mecca itself--namely "Ali who
draw it t.he sword will be rewarded
with temporal advantages: every drop
she'd Of their blood, every peril and
hardship endured by them, will be reg
i>tered on high as more meritorious than
either fasting NJ praying. they fall
in battle, their sins will be at once blot
ted out. and they will be transported to
paradise. Blu, for the first heaven are
reserved those of the faithful who die
within sight of the Green Flag of the
Prophet" Then follow the terrible and
all-significant words, the fearful war.
cry against God ard man: Then may
no man give or expect mercy ~
Thi, j. the outburs. Of barbarism with
which the world is threatened in thi.
year Of grace 1877: and the reader can
not do otherwise than mark the cunning
nature "A the porte n,ous words inscribed
on the Prophets banner. What would
not most men do, civilized or savage,
for temporal advantages :" While to
the Eastern people fasting and praying
are looked upon a. OF so meritorious a
nature, that 10 find something else
which, in the eyes OF Allah, would be
deemed of greater value still, would be
a desideratum which none would fail to
grasp, BY any me ans whatever, If II
came within their reach. But Moham-
med's wonderful knowledge of human
nature, and more especially of Eastern
! human nature, is shown IN his picture
of paradise as prepared for the faithful
who fall in battle: while his declar alton
that the highest heaven in this so-calied
paradise will be reserved for those who
die within sight OF The Green Flag, is a
masterpiece Of policy unequaled in the
annals OF mankind.