Devoutly."[220]
In such a spirit no True Glory can be achieved. And is not this plainly the spirit of the soldier, regarded as a "machine" only, and acting in unquestioning obedience to orders? No command of Government, or any human power, can sanctify wrong; nor can rules of military subordination, or prejudices of an unchristian patriotism, dignify conduct in violation of heaven-born sentiments. The inspiring inscription at Thermopylæ said, "O stranger, tell the Lacedæmonians that we lie here in obedience to their commands";[221] but the three hundred Lacedæmonians who there laid down their lives were stemming, in those narrow straits, the mighty tide of Xerxes, as it rolled in upon Greece.
To all defenders of freedom or country the heart goes forth with cordial, spontaneous sympathy. May God defend the right! Their cause, whether in victory or defeat, is invested with the interest which from the time of Abel has attached to all who suffer from the violence of a brother-man. But their unhappy strife belongs to the DISHONORABLE BARBARISM of the age,—like the cannibalism of an earlier period, or the slavery of our own day.
Not questioning the right of self-defence, or undertaking to consider the sanctions of the Institution of War as an established Arbiter of Justice between nations, or its necessity in our age, all may join in regarding it as an unchristian institution, and a melancholy necessity, offensive in the sight of God, and hostile to the best interests of men. A field of battle is a scene of execution according to the laws of war,—without trial or judgment, but with a thousand Jack Ketches in the odious work.[222] And yet the acts of hardihood and skill here displayed are entitled "brilliant"; the movements of the executioners in gay apparel are praised as "brilliant"; the destruction of life is "brilliant"; the results of the auto da fé are "brilliant"; the day of this mournful tragedy is enrolled as "brilliant"; and Christians are summoned to commemorate with honor a scene which should rather pass from the recollection of men.
The example even of martial Rome may here teach us one great lesson. Recognizing the fellowship of a common country, conflicts between citizens were condemned as fratricidal. Civil war was branded as guilt and crime. The array of opposing forces, drawn from the bosom of the same community, knit together by the same political ties, was pronounced impious, even where they appeared under such cherished names as Pompey and Cæsar:—
"Impia concurrunt Pompeii et Cæsaris arma."[223]
As the natural consequence, victories in these fraternal feuds were held to be not only unworthy of praise, but never to be mentioned without blame. Even if countenanced by justice or dire necessity, they were none the less mournful. No success over brethren of the same country could be the foundation of honor. And so firmly was this principle embodied in the very customs and institutions of Rome, that no thanksgiving or religious ceremony was allowed by the Senate in commemoration of such success; nor was the triumph permitted to the conquering chief whose hands were red with the blood of fellow-citizens. Cæsar forbore even to send a herald of his unhappy victories, and looked upon them with shame.[224]
As we recognize the commanding truth, that God "hath made of one blood all nations of men," and that all his children are brethren, the distinctions of country disappear, ALL WAR BECOMES FRATRICIDAL, and victory is achieved only by shedding a brother's blood. The soul shrinks from contemplation of the scene, and, while refusing to judge the act, confesses its unaffected sadness.
"The pomp is darkened, and the day o'ercast."