We are now going to try to operate our Christian Banner newspaper from the web site.  Because of the increased cost of postage, the increased cost of trying to keep the mailing data-base current and the increased time just putting the paper together, taking it to the printer and then to the mailing company we have decided to try putting it on the web site.

The format will not be as long, 16 pages, as the old Banner but we pray we will be able to have just as much good content.  As the web master will allow, we will try to add line art and pictures to keep it interesting.  Please give us your comments once we are totally up and running. ChaplainFarley@rmjc.org

Again we are sorry the paper has been off the press for so long but we do pray that this method will work.  We do know that not everybody will be able to access it because they do not have a computer but at least this way we are not mailing out papers to folks who don’t want them, who have moved and don’t send in their forwarding address or postal workers who refuse to forward it.

Thank you again for your understanding and as always please pray for this new venture.

In the Bonds of the Saviour,

Chaplain Alan Farley

“For I am nothing but a poor sinner trusting in Christ alone for salvation.” - General Robert E. Lee, 1864

Serving the Civil War community since 1984

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Inscription on the Liberty Bell, Leviticus 25: 10, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof…."

Virginia Gazette, July 18, 1777

Yesterday the 4th of July, being the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstration of joy and festivity. About noon all the armed ships and gallies in the river were drawn up before the city, dressed in the gayest manner, with the colours of the United States and streamers displayed. At one o'clock, the yards being properly manned, they began the celebration of the day by a discharge of thirteen cannon from each of the ships, and one from each of the thirteen gallies, in honour of the Thirteen United States. In the afternoon an elegant dinner was prepared for Congress, to which were invited the President and Supreme Executive Council, and Speaker of the Assembly of this State, the General Officers and Colonels of the army, and strangers of eminence, and the members of the several Continental Boards in town. The Hessian band of music taken in Trenton the 26th of December last, attended and heightened the festivity with some fine performances suited to the joyous occasion, while a corps of British deserters, taken into the service of the continent by the State of Georgia, being drawn up before the door, filled up the intervals with feux de joie. After dinner a number of toasts were drank, all breaking independence, and a generous love of liberty, and commemorating the memories of those brave and worthy patriots who gallantly exposed their lives, and fell gloriously in defence [sic] of freedom and the righteous cause of their country. Each toasts was followed by a discharge of artillery and small arms, and a suitable piece of music by the Hessian band. The glorious fourth of July was reiterated three times accompanied with triple discharges of cannon and small arms, and loud huzzas that resounded from street to street through the city. Towards evening several troops of horse, a corps of artillery, and a brigade of North Carolina forces, which was in town on its way to join the grand army, were drawn up in Second street and reviewed by Congress and the General Officers. The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated. Every thing was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal. Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen, and amen.

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John Adams to Abigail Adams

Philadelphia July 3d. 1776

...But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America._____

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

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Cornerstone of Human Government

"Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" "Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity"?

John Adams, July 4, 1837 when he delivered a
Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts

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On Freedom and Liberty

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed — else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

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Liberty Takes Root

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

George Washington, March 2, 1788,
in a letter to James Madison

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The Value of Liberty

The value of liberty was thus enhanced in our estimation by the difficulty of its attainment, and the worth of characters appreciated by the trial of adversity.

George Washington, letter to the people of South Carolina, circa 1790

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Christian Principles

The general principles on which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.

John Adams, June 28, 1813, to Thomas Jefferson

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Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

…It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

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The Patriot Pastor, or The Rising in 1776

Out of the North the wild news came,
Far flashing on its wings of flame,
Swift as the boreal light which flies
At midnight through the startled skies.
And there was tumult in the air,
The fife's shrill note, the drum's loud beat,
And through the land everywhere
The answering tread of hurrying feet;
While the first oath of Freedom's gun
Came on the blast from Lexington;
And Concord, roused, no longer tame,
Forgot her old baptismal name,
Made bare her patriot arm of power,
And swelled the discord of the hour.

Within its shade of elm and oak
The church of Berkely Manor stood;
There Sunday found the rural folk,
And some esteemed of gentle blood.
In vain their feet with loitering tread
Passed 'mid the graves where rank is naught;
All could not read the lesson taught
In that republic of the dead.

How sweet the hour of Sabbath talk,
The vale with peace and sunshine full
Where all the happy people walk,
Decked in their homespun flax and wool!
Where youth's gay hats with blossoms bloom;
And every maid with simple art,
Wears on her breast, like her own heart,
A bud whose depths are all perfume;
While every garment's gentle stir
Is breathing rose and lavender.

The pastor came; his snowy locks
Hallowed his brow of thought and care;
And calmly, as shepherds lead their flocks,
He led into the house of prayer.
The pastor rose; the prayer was strong;
The psalm was warrior David's song;
The text, a few short words of might,—
"The Lord of hosts shall arm the right!"

He spoke of wrongs too long endured,
Of sacred rights to be secured;
Then from his patriot tongue of flame
The startling words for Freedom came.
The stirring sentences he spake
Compelled the heart to glow or quake,
And, rising on his theme's broad wing,
And grasping in his nervous hand
The imaginary battle brand,
In face of death he dared to fling
Defiance to a tyrant king.

Even as he spoke, his frame, renewed
In eloquence of attitude,
Rose, as it seemed, a shoulder higher;
Then swept his kindling glance of fire
From startled pew to breathless choir;
When suddenly his mantle wide
His hands impatient flung aside,
And, lo, he met their wondering eyes
Complete in all a warrior's guise.

A moment there was awful pause, —
When Berkeley cried, "Cease, traitor! Cease!
God's temple is the house of peace!"
The other shouted, "Nay, not so,
When God is with our righteous cause;
His holiest places then are ours,
His temples are our forts and towers,
That frown upon the tyrant foe;
In this, the dawn of Freedom's say,
There is a time to fight and pray!"

And now before the open door—
The warrior priest had ordered so—
The enlisting trumpet's sudden roar
Rang through the chapel, o'er and o'er,
Its long reverberating blow
So loud and clear, it seemed the ear
Of dusty death must wake and hear.

And there the startling drum and fife
Fired the living with fiercer life;
While overhead, with wild increase,
Forgetting its ancient toll of peace,
The great bell swung as ne'er before;
It seemed as it would never cease;
And every word its ardor flung
From off its jubilant iron tongue
Was, "War! War! War!"

"Who dares?" — this was the patriot's cry,
As striding from the desk he came,—
"Come out with me, in Freedom's name,
For her to live, for her to die?"
A hundred hands flung up reply,
A hundred voices answered, "I!"

Thomas Buchanan Read,
quoted from Poems for Patriarchs

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Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

"It's Robert Morris," mumbled that sleepy voice. A loud pounding at their door had awakened the couple from their sound sleep. "I wonder what he could need so urgently at this hour of the morning."

His wife yawned. "Especially on New Year's Day. I hope nothing has happened to his family."

The two quickly dressed and went downstairs to let Robert in. "Are you well, Robert? Id your family well?"

"Yes, yes, we are fine. Bit I have something of the greatest urgency to discuss with you. Have you heard of our splendid victory at Trenton? George Washington has proven to all that with God's help, the Continental army is well able to defeat the British."

Robert held out a letter. "It is on behalf of general Washington that I have come today. He writes that many of his soldiers will not reenlist unless they can be paid. Their families are in dire distress. The men will not accept the worthless paper bills issued by the Continental Congress. George Washington needs fifty thousand dollars in gold and silver most urgently."

Sensing his friends' hesitation, Robert continued. "We must follow up on the success won at Trenton. We have the British on the run. If we don't pursue them at this time, in all probability the American cause will be lost. I beg you, give what you can. We must not let General Washington down!"

Going from one wealthy friend to another, Robert Morris collected and sent the entire amount in "hard Money" to the man he called "the greatest man on earth."

Robert Morris was a warm and generous man with a talent for earning money. He was a partner in one of the top business houses in Philadelphia and owned a fleet of trading ships. His many, many friends were among the most famous American patriots, including Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and George Washington. Called the Financier of the Revolution, Morris also had a God-given knack for raising funds. Historians have said, "Had it not been for Robert Morris's services in raising funds, it is hard to see how the Revolution could have succeeded."

Time and again, George Washington would let Robert know about a pressing need, and Robert would be able to come up with the amount. Once, the British came so close to Philadelphia that the Congress fled to Baltimore. Washington was almost in despair and wrote to Robert, saying that to make any successful movement, he would need an almost impossible amount of money. Mr. Morris left the office feeling utterly hopeless and headed for home.

On the way he met a wealthy Quaker – and promptly asked him for help.

"What security can you give?" asked the Quaker.

"My note and my honor," replied Robert.

The Quaker said, "Robert you shall have it."

The money was immediately sent to Washington. Without Robert's help at this crucial moment, Washington would not even have been able to hold his starving troops together. But with the money Robert raised, Washington made a surprise attack on Trenton, New Jersey, that resulted in a much-needed victory.

Another time Washington wrote Robert that the army needed bullets. Every scrap of lead the Colonists could find had already been used for the cause – even the weights of clocks and the downspouts of houses had been used. Even so, the army scarcely had enough bullets to fight a single battle. At just this critical moment, one of Robert Morris's ships arrived, loaded down with ninety tons of lead. Robert immediately hired one hundred men to mold bullets, and within two days Washington had the ammunition he so desperately needed.

In 1781 Robert agreed to serve as Superintendent of Finance, or "the financier" of the government, on condition that no more paper money be issued. He explained. "The United States may command everything I have except integrity, and the loss of that would effectually disable me from serving them now."

It was true: Many who did not trust Congress to make good on its promises to pay believed that the word of Robert Morris was as good as gold. When Robert took over as financier, the treasury had more than two and a half million dollars worth of past due accounts. For three years Robert worked night and day to raise the money his country needed a continued to operate. At one point he had borrowed a total of $600,000 on his own credit. He also sent every dollar of his own that he could lay his hands on to help the suffering Continental army.

By August 14, 1781, the war had been dragging on for six long years. George Washington was preparing to attack the British in New York when he got news from French Admiral Count de Grasse that the French fleet – all twenty-nine ships and three thousand soldiers – had changed plans. They were no longer headed for New York to help Washington, as promised, but were instead headed for Virginia. Robert Morris was at headquarters that day and saw how bitterly disappointed General Washington was at this news.

But Washington's despair was short-lived. Almost immediately Robert saw Washington's face brighten with sudden inspiration. He would attack General Cornwallis and his troops at Yorktown instead. Robert watched in silent awe as Washington quickly outlined the campaign that would soon result in Cornwallis's surrender and the end of the war.

Washington turned to Judge Richard Peters, at that time secretary to the board of war. "What can you do for me?" he asked.

"With money, everything. Without it, nothing," Judge Peters replied, looking anxiously at Robert Morris.

"Let me know the sum you desire," Robert replied. Before noon, General Washington had completed his plan and had estimated the cost, an amount Robert readily promised. He unhesitatingly risked his property and his reputation to ensure liberty for his fellow Americans. The campaign that virtually won the war was waged solely on Robert Morris's financial credit.

Robert was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. But July 4, 1776, was not the first time Robert had committed his all to his country. On the night of the Battle of Lexington, he was at a dinner party when news of the battle came. Most of the party quests soon left, but a few stayed and discussed the great question of American freedom. That night Robert and these few men, by a solemn vow, dedicated their lives, their fortunes, and their honor to the sacred cause of the Revolution.

By the end of the war, Robert Morris had given much of his fortune to the country. But his business ventures were so successful that he was soon once again one of the wealthiest men in America. Robert continued to serve his country as a member of the Congress that framed the Constitution, and he later served in the first Senate.

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After the surrender at Yorktown, General Washington acknowledged the many providential events of the battle. He declared the day after the surrender to be a day of thanksgiving and his troops were directed to attend religious services. On November 15, 1781, Washington wrote to the president of Congress: "I take particular pleasure in acknowledging that the interposing hand of Heaven, in the various instances of our extensive preparations for this operation, has been most conspicuous and remarkable."

Taken from "Under God" by Toby Mac and Michael Tait

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The Smithsonian Associates Civil War E-Mail Newsletter, Volume 1, Number 6

Religion played an important role in the lives of most Civil War soldiers. And during holidays like Easter and Christmas, they tried to preserve their family traditions as much as they could. This was important also for the Jewish Civil War soldier, of which there were many thousands fighting on both sides.

Passover is the annual Jewish celebration commemorating the Hebrews' escape from slavery under the Egyptian Pharaohs many centuries ago. So, how would it be possible to hold a Passover Seder dinner in the middle of a Civil War, far away from home? It would not be easy to obtain the items needed to celebrate the Jewish Passover, but this is a story of a few who did.

J. A. Joel of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Regiment was in winter quarters at Fayette, West Virginia. He and about twenty of his fellow Jewish soldiers obtained permission to observe Passover, and so they tried to organize a Seder dinner. The challenge would be to gather all the symbolic items traditionally used to observe the holiday properly. They arranged for the camp sutler to send seven barrels of matzoh (unleavened bread) and prayer books. Then, the soldiers foraged for the remaining necessary items: wine, lamb, chickens, eggs, horseradish and charoses. Obviously, it would be difficult to find all these things in winter quarters. But "Yankee ingenuity" prevailed. They already had the matzoh. (Unleavened bread is used to symbolize the quick escape from Egypt--unable to wait until the bread rose, they took it and used it unleavened). They found kegs of cider to use in place of wine, the symbol of rejoicing. They found lamb, representing the Paschal sacrifice. Instead of horseradish to represent the bitterness of slavery, they substituted: "horseradish we could not obtain, but in lieu we found a weed whose bitterness, exceeded anything our forefathers 'enjoyed'." Charoses is a sweet concoction of apples, wine, and nuts and is used to represent brick mortar because the Hebrews were forced to make bricks during their slavery in Egypt. Instead, the men of the 23rd Ohio had an actual brick on the Seder table, which they contemplated during the meal. And, if tested, they believed it would probably be closer to the texture of the sweet charoses than their usual ration of hard tack. This make-shift Passover Seder went according to tradition and the men were satisfied with their efforts--until they discovered the cider was more like wine than they thought. As Joel writes, "the consequence was a skirmish, with nobody hurt."

He continues, "There in the wild woods of West Virginia, away from home and friends, we consecrated and offered our prayers and sacrifice... There is no occasion in my life that gives me more pleasure and satisfaction than when I remember the celebration of Passover of 1862." And it was all possible because of Yankee ingenuity.

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Numbers 10:9, "And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies."

Psalm 91:7, "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."

There is an amazing story told about God's providential watch care in the life of George Washington our nation's first president. President Washington was born in Westmoreland County, VA on February 22nd 1732.

This incident happened on July 9th, 1755 while Washington was just a colonel in the colonial militia and only 23 years of age. The colonies, along with British were, at war with the French and Indians (a mix of Ottawa, Huron and Chippewa tribes) over disputed land in the Ohio Valley.

On one operation Colonel Washington and colonial militia along with British regulars under the command of General Edward Braddock were dispatched to Fort Duquesne which is now known as Pittsburgh. They were to drive the French out of that area.

The small force marched from Fort Necessity, with a combined number of almost 1,500 troops. These troops had to have been quite a sight with their bright red uniforms and marching through those woods as if on dress parade. These soldiers had been trained in for European warfare.

As they approached Fort Duquesne, in a valley along the Monongahela River they were attacked. The French and Indians were hidden behinds trees and brush while the British stood in the open, not breaking and firing at what they could not see.

In the sight of two hours the French and Indians had killed or wound over 1,000 British and Colonial troops while only having 30 of their own wounded, none killed. It was truly a slaughter. The British force was compelled to retreat back to Fort Necessity.

Nine days after the battle, having heard a rumor that he had been killed, Colonel Washington wrote a letter to his brother to confirm that he was in truth still alive.

"…As I have heard since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech. I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first and of assuring you that I have not as yet composed the latter. But by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectations; for I had four bullet holes through my coat, and two horses shot under me yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"

This is not the end of this story. Fifteen years later, 1770, George Washington and several friends traveled back to this battlefield in the Pennsylvania woods. An old, respected Indian chief, hearing George Washington was in the area traveled a long way to personally meet him.

This chief sat down with Washington, face to face over a council fire and related this story;

"…I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of the forest that I first beheld the chief Washington.

I called to my young men and said, "Mark you tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe – he hath an Indian's wisdom and his warriors fight as we do – himself alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain and he dies.

Our rifles was leveled, rifles which but for you, know not how to miss – 'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we shielded you. (The chief fired at Washington 12 times and one other brave said he had no less then 18 clear shots at Washington and could not hit him)

Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you. I am old and shall soon be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of the shades, but ere I go, there is something buds me speak in the voice of prophecy.

Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man [pointing to Washington] and guides his destinies – he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can die in Battle."

Dowload a printable version of this story. Select the version either PDF or MS Word.

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Archived Articles and Devotionals:

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