Channels, Fall 2019

Channels • 2019 • Volume 4 • Number 1 Page 57 is borrowed from the New Testament, specifically the Gospels. The song characterizes their cross as something that will remain forever and result in freedom and glory. This cross will be marked by the triumph and victory of the brave. In Matthew 10:38, Jesus gives instructions to the twelve disciples and tells them that whoever does not take up their own cross is not worthy of following Him. Similarly, in Matthew 16:24, Jesus tells his disciples again that if someone wanted to follow Him, they must take up their cross. In Mark 10:21, the one who takes up their cross and follows Jesus also receives treasure in heaven. These are the instances where the use of the “cross” matches that of “The Cross of the South.” Combined with a narrative allusion that will be discussed later, it seems as if the song borrows the “cross” vocabulary to relate their fight to their spiritual duty of following Jesus Christ. Following Christ connected to fighting for the Confederacy and would result in triumph and victory. “The Battle-Cry of Freedom” 40 This particular song has a unique story in and of itself. The song was sung by both the Union and the Confederacy, with the lyrics being tweaked for each side. Both songs are highly patriotic and act as rallying calls for soldiers and the “battle-cry of freedom” served as the heart cry of both versions. The Confederate version utilizes the word “cross” to describe their position and side in the war. It says, “The Dixie forever, 41 she’s never at loss—Down with the eagle, up with the cross.” Here, the Union is personified as the “eagle” and the Confederacy is personified as the “cross.” The use of borrowed language involving the cross was evaluated in the previous song, “The Cross of the South.” Although not as explicit in this song, it seems as if the borrowed biblical language still connects a divine duty and the fight of the South. The contrast between the two versions highlight the way that the South saw their actions as Christian. The cross emphasizes their desire to follow Christ by fighting this war. “God and Our Union, the Anthem of Freedom” 42 “Grateful and loyal, our anthem shall be, ‘God and our Union!—the Hope of the Free!’” This is the anthem’s chorus. This song includes several occasions of borrowed biblical language and references to the Revolutionary War as a sort of proof text to interpret the work of God in the Civil War they fought. This song declares that George Washington now dwells with the angels who counsel the Union to reject the South’s attempts to secede. Washington is “sainted in glory” and rejoices when the nation is unified. “Sainted in glory” is borrowed from the Bible, where believers are described (Ephesians 1:18). The borrowed biblical language shows the Union soldiers believed the war carried out the desires and efforts from the Revolution, specifically those of George Washington, who is described the same way as believers in the Bible. By fighting the Civil War, the Union continues the work of Washington’s own Christian work in the Revolution. This song also says that that “God was their Guide” and made them strong to triumph over their oppressors. The language is borrowed from Psalm 48:14, where God guides His people forever, 40 Hermann L. Schriener and William H. Barnes, The Battle-Cry of Freedom, (Macon & Savannah: J. C. Schreiner & Son, 1864) Notated Music. 41 In contrast to “The Union forever” in the Union version of the lyrics. George F. Root, The Battle-Cry of Freedom , (Chicago: Root & Cady, 1862) Notated Music. 42 Leopold Meignen and Louis Dela, God and Our Union, the Anthem of Freedom . (Philadelphia: Beck & Lawton, 1860) Notated Music.