10
THE BATTALION.
UNITY.
In the vast vocabulary of the English language there is
probably no word, that comes nearer shaping itself to all
circumstances and conditions as the word unity. If we could
reasonably credit it with one face, we could undoubtedly
charge it with forty.
Me thinks I can see it mounting higher and higher in the
estimation of man, as the great number of English words are
being multiplied beneath it. It has been said: “How good
and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in un
ity.” And how sublime and thrilling it is for us to reflect
upon the phrase, “in union there is strength,” but every
channel has its obstructions. We as a nation, theoretically
dwell in unity for should our flag be insulted today no mor.
tal power could with stand the living tide of humanity that
would madly hurl itself upon the offender, personal enemies
would clasp hands and the bloody wind rows of Americans
upon Americans would testify to our unity. Yet if it were
possible to combine or compress the minds of our people in
a single mould there would be immense stratas of darkest
difference, if it be so among our people, how much more so
must it be among different nationalties, upon this, the ques
tion some times arises, should the U. S. continue to be the
dumping ground of all nations.
The almost certain reward following from unity is sought
after by all classes, for, united we stand separated we fall
has been repeatedly illustrated since before the time of the
Gauls, The Christian knows that the standing of his church
depends upon the unity of faith held by its members. The
leader of a band of outlaws knows that his power is increased
or diminished according to the unity of the opinions of his
men; so seemingly it has reference to good and bad, yet mean
ing the same. Unity follows the general principle if made
to cover a large space, it is diluted, if small, it is concen-
rated. Yet it is a thing united itself, but separated from