Channels, Fall 2019

Channels • 2019 • Volume 4 • Number 1 Page 61 also worded as a call to action. The lyrics call the listener to join the cause and fight to make men free. The mission of Jesus Christ encouraged the Union to fight to free slaves. “Glory to God in the Highest!” 51 In addition to its textual allusions, this song also includes narrative allusions. For example, the first verse rehearses Israel’s history, explaining how God brought Israel out of “bondage” through the Red Sea, Edom, and Jordan. These narratives are found in the books of Exodus and Numbers. However, the song also says, “up to the land of His promise we’ve trod,” framing the work of God with Israel as work that the writer of the song identifies with. The effect of this narrative allusion is similar to that in the song “Where is Our Moses.” The allusion shows the Union identified with the nation of Israel, hoping in God to deliver them in the war. “Army Hymn” 52 This hymn is written as a prayer to God that asks Him to strengthen and guide the Union. The song also claims that “[God’s] power has made our Nation free; to die for her is serving [Him].” The song clearly relates fighting for the Union with serving the Lord. The song also uses a narrative allusion about the Lord’s guidance. The song asks God to “be Though a pillared flame… and when the battle thunders loud, still guides us in its moving cloud.” In Exodus, God led the nation of Israel through the wilderness by a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. Exodus 14 also describes the Egyptians fearing the pillar of God’s presence with the nation of Israel, seeing it as a sign that God fights for them. The song draws from this narrative, especially when it says, “Sovereign Lord, in Thy dread name we draw the sword.” The narrative allusion shows that the soldier’s hoped in God to be with and guide them like he did with the Israelites in the Old Testament. The Union fought in the name of God and expected Him to lead them to victory. “To Canaan” 53 In addition to its textual allusions, this song also includes a substantial narrative allusion that spans its entire fourth verse. What song is this you’re singing! The same that Israel sung When Moses led the mighty choir, And Miriam’s ‘timbrel rung! The priests and maidens cried; To Canaan! To Canaan! The people’s voice replied. To Canaan! To Canaan! The Lord has led us forth, To strike up the captive’s chain The hammers of the North! 51 Parkhurst and Duganne, Glory to God in the Highest! 52 Otto Dresel and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Army Hymn , (Boston: G. D. Russell, 1863) Notated Music. 53 Kelly, To Canaan.