Union Poem 
Sermon on the Crisis
February 4th, 1861.
Rev. WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WHITE
« We have no might: neither know we what to do; but our eyes are upon Thee.”—2 Chron. 20. 12
WILMINGTON, DEL:
C. P. Johnson, Book and Job Printer, No. 416 Market Street.
1861
FOR ANOTE.—It should be remarked, in view of any imperfections in this poem, that the service, for which it was prepared, was not contemplated until the evening before its delivery. It may be regarded, therefore, almost as an Impromptu.	W. A. W.
Salisbury, Mb., Feb. 7th, 1861.I.
Bring forth the Standard of the free,
That oft has waved o’er land and sea ;
And bent beneath its foldings fair,
Send to the skies your earnest prayer,
O God, our strength and succor be;—
We turn our tearful eyes to Thee.
II.
When Colon to this western shore
Castile’s bright banner proudly bore ;
Soon as he touched the new found strand,
’Mid martial host and priestly band;
The Cross stood forth to greet the main,
High o’er the colours of old Spain.
III.
When first to brave Columbia’s foes,
The eagle from his eyre rose;
When royal power and freeman’s might,
Were matched in bloody fields of fight;
When trembling hearts could find no cheer,
And stoutest souls were still with fear;
In lonely wilds, on forest sod,
Our country’s sire invoked his God.IV.
O Washington, thou man of prayer,
Thy guide was Hoaven—thy way its care ;
No vaunting spirit stirred thy breast,
To draw the sword for spoil unblest;
No thirst was thine, for gold or fame,
Our nations weal, thy constant aim.
V.
Where is the fire of other days ?
Where the pure flame that once did blaze,
By peril and by tempest fann’d,
The love, that joined us hand in hand ?
Ah, tell mo not that light has fled,
The glowing embers are not dead !
YI.
What tho’ our Home be reft of cheer,
The Union hearth-stone dark and drear ;
Some kindly angel from on high,
Tho Guardian of our Liberty ;
Thou God, shalt send, when humbly we
But turn our tearful eyes to Thee!
And Heaven to our grand halls restore,
Tho peace they knew in times of yore.VII.
When might is gone, and wise men fail,
To guide aright while foes assail;
When trouble sits on every brow,
And hate supplants each tender vow;
And brothers stand in bold array,
Armed for a civil battle fray :—
VIII.
When all the visions of the past.
By angry clouds are overcast;
And North and South their hands unclasp,
Gone all the love of wedded grasp;
And chiming bells and cannon’s roar
Toll the sad tale from shore to shore :—
IX.
Ah, thon to Thee, Great Power on high,
Guide of our Nation’s destiny,
Wo turn with trembling and with tears,
For only Thou can’st calm our fears:
Yet,with our folly, vice and pride,
How can we say “ God hero abide ?”
O land of plenty, power and sin !
Where shall thy Sovereign enter ini —X.
He comes to souls that anxious wait
His knocking at the spirit’s gate :
He comes to those whose hands are pure,
Whoso faith and zeal are ever sure :
His presence cheers the penitent,
In humble supplication bent.
XI.
He comes to nations when they fall
Prostrate before the Lord of all:
Their pomp and glory in the dust,
Confessing God their only trust;
As Judah, when her monarch made
The fast that haughty Ammon stayed.
XII.
So come to us, our father’s God;
We own thy judgments and thy rod:
Our art how poor, our strength how vain
Thy temple, Freedom, to sustain;
Bring to thy Lord, those unbound darts,
Lest soon they quiver in our hearts ;
Bend at His feet, O Liberty,
Who bow to Christ alone is free !XIII.
O could our minds the future scan,
With all its joys^and woes for man,
How little would those ills appear,
That daily cross our pathway here;
How pale the purest earth-born light,
If Heaven were open to our sight.
XIY.
’Mid every change that comes below,
In every grief that here we know,
Blest is the balm that heaven imparts,
When wounded oft by sorrow’s darts,
We find relief from every throe,
In Him who feels the sinner’s woe.
XV.
Earth may not give; Time may deny,
The bliss for which so oft we sigh ;
But, shall our faithless souls forget
There is a land of promise yet,
Where sweet repose,—the end of strife,—
Comes, with thy dawn, eternal life;
Where truth and peace, joy and love,
Shall ever reign in realms above ?XVI.
Our eyes to Thee; the seaman lost,
His bark by wind and tempest toss’d,
Seeks, mid tho clouds that gather nigh,
Some friendly planet in the sky ;
Blest, if, thro’ all the darkness round,
One single ray of hope is found.
XVII.
Our eyes to Thee; so he who strays
Bewildered in some tangled maze,
Strains his keen sight, to view afar
Tho cottage blaze, or evening star;
Joy to his fainting soul returns,
If for his weal one watch-light burns.
XVIII.
So we, poor pilgrims of life’s day,
On ocean or on land astray,
When all the skies about are dark
The path-way or the struggling bark,
Look to that Father, Guide and Friend,
Who only help and grace can send ;
To Him we turn our tearful eyes,
Who pities tho’ the world despise.XIX.
Our eyes to Thee, O Jesus blest,
With thee is happiness and rest;
Earth’s wild commotions shall be still,
Obedient to thy sacred will;
And peace return at thy command,
For Faith, and Friend, and Fatherland.
XX.
To Thee we turn, who once below,
Drank deep the cup of human woe;
Made perfect thro’ thy sufferings here,
Great Captain of the Host, appear ;
Haste, while our threat’ning foes increase,
O shield our country “Prince of Peace!”
Then ’neath the Cross our flag shall wave,
Since Christ vouchsafed our land to save.Faith, and Friend, and Fatherland.

BY REV. WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WHITE.

For Faith, and Friend, and Fatherland,
I have an earnest heart and hand ;
When trials come, within my breast,
There’s patient strength to bear the test;
And love shall give my spirit cheer,
To toil for those to me most dear.
If e’er the Church, proud foes assail,
My soul shall never faint or fail;
But, with the Saviour’s holy sign,
I’ll brave the world for truth divine ;
And Heaven shall cause me firm to stand,
For Faith, and Friend, and Fatherland.
When peril proves fond friendship’s power,
In gloom, and doubt, and sadness’s hour;
Ah ! then, true hearts unwavering,
Shall closely to each other cling—
Firm as the beacon on the strand,
For Faith, and Friend, and Fatherland.
When tumults fill the happy shore,
Where sweet contentment reigned before;
When war with dark and woeful train,
Comes o’er each quiet hill and plain,
I’ll join my country’s trusty band,
For Faith, and Friend, and Fatherland,
God keep the Church—God bless my friend—
And peace to all our Union send.
Tho’ skies are dark and days are drear,
The bow of Hope shall soon appear;
Bright o’er the earth, in beauty spann’d,
For Faith, and Friend, and Fatherland.

Salisbury, Md., Jan. 12, 18G1.CLAGGETT SOCIETY’S TRACTS.—No. 1.
SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENT
“Grow in grace.”—2 Peter, iil. 18.
BY THE
REV. WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WHITE, PRIEST,
Rector of Spring Hill Parish.
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY,
BY KING & BAIRD, No. 9 SANSOM STREET,
PHILADELPHIA.
1849.From a Discourse preached in St. James’ Church, Down-ingtovrn, and in Trinity Church, Philadelphia, Penn., 1845, and subsequently in other places. Published agreeably to a resolution of the Directors of the Claggett Society, passed April 20, 1849.TRACTS OF THE CLAGGETT SOCIETY. No. I.
SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENT.
Grow in Grace.—2 Peter, iii. 18.
Tiie word Grace is one of the most comprehensive and important terms in the Christian’s vocabulary. The volume of inspiration, as well as the language of holy men in every age, shows its very general use as applied to the great plan of redemption ; the operation of the gospel ordinances; and the sacred life in every true disciple. St. Paul saith, “ By grace are ye saved.” lie characterizes the way of atonement for sin, and the ground of salvation to the sinner, as Grace. Thereby setting forth how large a meaning this phrase hath, since the whole of the new dispensation, aye, even all true religion from the beginning of the world, may be said to be of grace. Grace is the love of God. Grace is the merit and righteousness of Christ. Grace is the renewing operation of the Holy Spirit, and the aid of the same Spirit. Grace is the reconciliation and peace made between heaven and earth. Grace is the glad tidings of the Gospel. Grace signifies spiritual knowledge and instruction. Grace meaneth the peculiar qualifications and gifts of the Holy Office. Grace signifies the principle of godliness in the soul of every Christian.
The excellence then, of the charge of St. Peter, “ grow in Grace,” can hardly be questioned, since so much that is pure and heavenly is suggested by the expression, and somuch that is all important for our happiness, in time and in eternity, is brought to mind. It should here be remembered, that nature and grace are carefully distinguished and separated in the word of God. Man’s own pride would lead him to presume, that there is more of good in the carnal heart, than really does exist. This is a common error. But the Scriptures declare, that whatever is righteous is of grace, and that wickedness alone is the product of human inclinations. We do not say or suppose, that unregenerate men never do anything that is good or right; but we affirm, that it is the grace of the Spirit, and not the mere passion of the soul, that prompts them to perform even that good which they do effect.
It is resisting the universal and free grace of the Lord, which makes the hardened and confirmed sinner. It is re-ctivingand cherishing the same grace, which makes the Christian believer. . The one casts out all grace : the other is blest by imbibing continually “ grace unto grace.” New strength, new monitions, and new benedictions succeed all that have already been improved before.
It is a fact also, that, in spiritual as well as in temporal things, there cannot be a state of complete neutrality or a condition of perfect inertness. The heart is either bound to nature, or else joined to Grace. And, moreover, it is either increasing in sin or making advance in holiness. As therefore no one can say, “ I am nothing," in regard to religion ; bo likewise, no one can declare, “ I do nothing:" since every soul becomes either worse and worse daily; or else “groics in grace" and in that sacred life which tends toward heaven. These truths are serious ones; and should be heeded by those who are wont to imagine, that they are excusable from making a religious profession, because they are not open opponents of Christianity; or who deceive themselves by thepernicious self-flattery, that they are, if no better, certainly no worse than they were.
O beloved reader, peril not, ruin not your immortal soul, with such vain and trifling pleas. Nothing will avail, in the last day, but repentance and obedience. Nothing that man can devise, will save from the terrors of perdition and the black darkness ot hell. There is hope only in the Cross of Christ; there is salvation unto thee, only through Grace received by Faith.
The words of our text are a plain exhortation to Spiritual Advancement. They are addressed particularly to those, who by repentance and faith, and through the ordinances of the Gospel, have received grace. Those who in the covenant of “Christ crucified,” have tasted that the Lord is gracious and merciful. The charge then, is to a continuance in good things, and in a good way already begun. And the caution that a Christian be not weary in well doing, but that he progress constantly, is by no means so superfluous as some affect. Too many begin a godly life, who fall away into the snare of the Devil. Too many receive the word with gladness, but suffer those evil and abundant thorns, “ the cares of this world,” to choke the growth of godliness; so that they bring no fruit of the heart to perfection ; and finally the germ of grace within them withers and dies. Alas! how great a mistake is made, in supposing that there is no need of energy and activity after conversion to the true faith of Christ. What a gross error to think, that a soldier of the cross may lay down his armor, when he has just begun the fight; or that a seeker of an immortal crown, may encumber himself with garments of ease and pleasure, when he has just started in the Christian race. Nay, my friends, hear the ' Gospel on these heads. “ Put on the whole armour of God,” saith St. Paul, “ that ye may be able to stand against thewiles of the Devil. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked ; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit* which is the word of God.” (Eph. vi. 17.) “ Fight the good fight of faith ; lay hold on eternal life.” (I Tim. vi. 12.) The same Apostle exhorts, “ Let us lay aside every weight,, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Heb. xii. 1.) “ Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Cor. ix. 24.)
If these admonitions were considered and obeyed, how little relapse into sin would there be among Christians; how much less of scornful reproach among the ungodly who make a mock of sin.
“ Grow in Grace.” The sanctification of the heart is gradual. It may be likened to the fruits of the earth in its progress. Hence the expression “grow in grace,”— that is, daily increase in holy wisdom, in devout affections, in the love of God, and in faithful obedience. Let godliness planted in the soul, rise and flourish with health and vigor; let it show at least the promise of good fruit, from the good seed of the Gospel, and in due time let it bear sixty and an hundred fold to the praise of God. Every Christian should thus view himself, as accountable to God for all that he has and all that he is. lie should bear in mind that to be spiritually idle is to commit sin, and to be spiritually careless and indifferent is to commit sin also. He should remember, that the Saviour expects of every disciple, advancement in the divine life. And all are bound to use the ordinances of the covenant, that they may “ grow in grace.” TheScriptures, the House of Prayer, the Eucharist, and the teaching of the Church, are the cultivators of the heart; the means whereby, the tares and the thorns of the world may be kept out or exterminated, and the soul be nourished with proper soil and careful rearing; beside the blessed influence of the dew and the rain of heaven, and the life-giving power of the Sun of Righteousness.
None of these then should be neglected ; none esteemed of little value, since they have been provided by the Great Master and Lord of the Vineyard, for our benefit. But above everything, must the disciple depend upon Christ Jesus, who is all in all to our spiritual advancement;—our perfect pattern, and our faultless model. Our captain to lead us as soldiers; our guide to conduct us as pilgrims; our strength in the Christian race, and our rewarder when it is won; in fine, lie is the “ Author and Finisher of our faith.” Are we desirous of imitating our Saviour? we must seek to “ grow in grace,” for Christ who was without sin, St. Luke saith, “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Are we anxious to follow the steps of the Apostles and Saints, and obtain citizenship with them hereafter? Then must we strive daily to enter the kingdom of the blessed; then must we go, as the holy David saith, “ from strength to strength until before the God of gods,” we appear in the heavenly “ Zion.” Profession is not enough. Pious views are not enough. Outward forms are not enough. Vital godliness and growth in grace, alone will suffice. A life of holy obedience; faith shown in works; an honest and righteous heart, aiming at perfection, and striving for sanctity, indicated by every day duties, and every day conversation. This through the merits and mercy of Christ, supplying the defect of our best thoughts and actions, will be acceptable with God.
Now consider, my reader, whether you do “grow in grace?”Ask yourself what advancement you are making in the spiritual life? Let there be candor in your self-examination, for God seeth not as man seeth; he looketh on the heart.
Does sin reign in your mortal body less than in former times? Are you more a victor over “ unclean thoughts, unlawful designs and inordinate desires?” If so, you have grown in grace. Are you increasing in your love for sacred truths, duties and ordinances? Is your zeal waxing stronger and more fervent for the Redeemer’s cause? And do you find continually new glories in the religion of the Cross? If so, you are growing in grace. But if on the contrary, your Christianity was as a meteor light, whose lustre soon vanished, leaving you in carnal darkness; if you are no wiser and better, than you once were, be assured you are worse, though you know it not; you are turning your steps backward, making no spiritual advancement.
In these solemn matters, the Scriptures declare, that “ measuring ourselves by ourselves we are not wise.” It is not just, to judge our condition by our neighbors; saying, we are surely not so bad as one,—equally good with a second, and much better than a third ! To that law and testimony turn, out of which we shall be judged at the last great day, with impartial equity. To the inspired word of Jehovah, go thou, my reader, to learn whether thou hast grown in grace. To the example of Christ refer, to see if there is with thee a becoming progress in the divine life. And I beseech you who have been baptized in the name of Christ, and engrafted into the body of His Church, that ye heed the exhortation of that great Apostle St. Peter, “grow in grace.” He charged the Christians to this, in view of “ the day of the Lord (which) will come as a thief in the night, in the which the heaven shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.” He charged them to this, in pros-pect of that “ new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
And shall not these same things influence you? Shall they not cause in you watchful care and godly fear? We are persuaded they ought so to do.
A discourse on Spiritual Advancement has, of course, especial reference to those who have began a Christian life; but, nevertheless, with the vastly important subject of grace to fallen man, and grace in the soul of man, all have much to do.—And in conclusion, I beg the unbaptized and unrenewed, to reflect how necessary to their welfare it is, to seek the beginning of grace in them, that they may grow in godliness and in the fear of the Lord.
It is through Grace, that the Christian has joy in this world, and hope for the world to come. It is the foundation of all spiritual life and pleasure. Without it we are dead, “ dead in trespasses and sin without it, we are lost forever. How glad then the tidings, that grace has come through Jesus Christ, to every man. Its abundant blessings are open to the chief of sinners. No one of you need despair, by reason of manifold crimes; for the blood of the Saviour is able to cleanse from every stain of guilt. His ransom is universal, and all who will own his faith and bear his cross shall receive the benefits of his intercession and mediatorial passion. Be not deluded to suppose on the one hand, that you will be saved by grace, without repentance, faith and regeneration. Be not deceived either on the other hand, to consider God as debarring any from the mercy of his Son our Blessed Redeemer, who draw near in penitence and humility.
The path to the Cross, though hard to tread, is plain to be found ; and angels by the way help each pilgrim on his road.
.Rivers of living waters spring up as we approach the hallowed spot, and manna falls,—sweet food from heaven!—tocheer the hearts who gain that happy spot. It is not a sad and gloomy thing to lead a life of grace. It is not a wretched journey to the Saviour’s Cross. Go, and make but the trial of a Christian course;—go thyself to the mercy-seat in supplication and prayer, and then say, if it is not a blessed, a thrice blessed lot, to be a follower of the Lamb, and a receiver of celestial benediction through the covenant of Grace.
Be not hindered from your salvation, by the clamor and division of those called Christians. Be not kept back by the diversity of opinions on some sacred themes. You have an immortal spirit to be saved or lost, let this subject now engage your thoughts. There is truth in “ Christ and the Church.” Therefore first of all be renewed in your mind: “ Be born of water and the Holy Ghost" Be humble even as a little child now; and thou mayst learn of Jesus, lessons of faith, in time;—and in eternity, thou shalt know the miracles and^mysteriesofthe Incaknatf. Word, and the Spiritual Kingdom.
O beloved friend, seek for grace, live by grace,—“ grow in graceso may you be among the number of those, whose names are written in the Book of eternal Life, and whose souls shall be the precious jewels of Christ, when he makes His Diadem of Glory. Which may God grant for Christ’s sake.
Amen.We beseech Thee, 0 Lord, pour Thy grace into our hearts; that as we have known the Incarnation of Thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel; so by His Cross and Passion, we may be brought unto the glory of His resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Collect for the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.]Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. We then as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.—St. Paul to the Corinthians.
By grace are ye saved.—Em. ii. 5. Grace be with you all.—Her. xiii. 25.Printed for the Society
BY KING & BAIRD, No. 9 SANSOM STREET.
PHILADELPHIA.
1850.
CLAGGETT SOCIETY'S TRACTS, No. I
JEHOVAH NISSI.
Exodus xvii. 15.
-BY THE
REV. WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WHITE, PRIEST.
Rector of Spring Hill Parish.From a Discourse preached in Spring Him, Parish. Published agreeably to a Resolution of the Directors of the Claggett Society, passed May 28, 1850.TRACTS OF THE CLAGGETT SOCIETY No. 2.
JEIIOVAH-NISSI.
EXODUS XVII. 15.
It was a pious custom among the ancient people of God, to erect suitable monuments in memory of the remarkable events which occurred in their time, and the wonderful deliverances which were wrought by the hand of the Lord of Hosts in their behalf. We find that a rude altar, was not unfrequently the token which their faith pointed out, as the most becoming mark for designating the spot hallowed by some great marvel, since with its erection would naturally be associated a solemn sacrifice to that Great Being who was their refuge and strength. It 1is indeed a blessed thing, to be able to view all the good things, and all the evil things of this existence, in a religious manner; to contemplate even the most trivial circumstances of our lives, as being truly under the direction of an all-wise and merciful Providence, “ who doeth all things well.” The feelings of this sort were signally manifest in the Patriarchs of old, who, amid a thousand difficulties and dangers, still reposed unchanged confidence in God; and through a thousand temptations and trials, displayed a bright and shining faith, whose purity was seen more clearly at each recurring test.
The altar called Jehovah-Nissi, was erected under circumstances of the most interesting character. 1 ho people of Amalek, those bitter and powerful enemies of the Hebrews, came to fight with Israel at Rephidim. Joshua, as the leader of the Holy Tribes, went with their hosts to battle, while Moses stood on the top of an adjacent hill, with the rod of God in his hand, attended by his faithful companions, Aaron and Hur. And the Scripture informs us, that “ It came to pass, when Moses held up his hand that Israel prevailed, but when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy, and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon ; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Thus they triumphed over their enemies; and not only was amemorial of it to be written in a book, and Joshua to be informed by the use of what means, under the special favour of God, he was victorious, but an altar was built and named Jeliovah-Nissi, which signifies “ The Lord is my Banner .” What a beautiful example have we here of that confidence and gratitude which is ever becoming the believer ! What a striking instance of that faith by which, as St. Paul declares,* kingdoms were subdued, and the armies of aliens put to flight. We may furthermore observe, that this event took place just after the people of God had shown a sad disposition to murmur at the trials of the Wilderness, provoking the anger of the Lord at Massah. There did they chide Moses, and tempt the Lord, saying, with “ an evil heart of unbelief,” «Is the Lord among us or not?” And yet, for Ilis names’ sake, Jehovah gave them water out of the flinty rock, and refreshed them with streams in the desert. Then came their foes upon them j and though He might most justly have delivered them up to their enemies, as the punishment for their iniquity, He saved them, and was their strength and defence, “ for His mercy endureth forever.” This was the first conflict in which Israel had engaged, and they wero thus early taught the sublime truth, that the battle is the Lord’s, and that it mattereth not with Him to save by many or by few. It was not the skilful generalship of Joshua, but the devotional posture of Moses;
* Heb. xi.not the glittering sword stained with blood, but the sacred rod which blossomed and budded, that, through faith in God, caused the victory.
" Jehovah-Nissi,” says an excellent divine, “ is the suitable inscription for every undertaking; tho meaning is ‘ the Lord is my banner/ And how blessed is it to set this over us, in all the conflicts of our warfare, because it appeals to God, and calls on God to our help in all emergencies. Hence the Church cries out, 1 We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners/ (Ps. xx. 5.) And how lovely is the Church described when strengthened in the Lord her God, ‘ Looking forth as the morning, fair as the the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners/ (Song, vi. 10.) But this inscription has a yet more special reference to Jesus. Now, as Joshua was a type of Christ, so Amalek became a type of the devil. There is nothing neutral in this war; * he that is not for us, is against usbut what a blessed relief is it to the soul that the issue is not doubtful. While Christ is our banner, and Jehovah-Nissi the glorious Name under whom we fight, we shall bo more than conquerors, through Him who helpeth us/’
u Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord is my Banner.” The figures employed in holy writ, are many of them taken from the usages and customs of war. We are continually engaged in a great and important conflict. It is therefore necessary that we should be strong and quit ourselves like men, taking the whole armour of God, and being ready, as soldiers of Christ, to fight the good fight of faith. You then that are members of Christ, should constantly bear in mind, what watchfulness and perseverance are requisite in the service of the Captain of our salvation. He, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Prince of Peace, expects that you will do your duty with a fidelity becoming the solemn vows which you have made. His banner, which is love, is over you. lie is ever ready to encourage you by His gracious promises ; and so long as you lift up holy hands unto Him for aid and succor, He will be your defence against the face of your enemies. Let me then earnestly exhort you, members of Christ’s army—His Church which is a host militant, to be sober and watch unto prayer. Be often found in that devout posture, in which Moses was during the battle of Rephidim. Pray without ceasing; that is, in all your ways acknowledge God, and do not begin, continue, or finish any undertaking, unless you can, upon the same, ask the special favor of heaven; and hope, in faith, that when your work is done and your purpose accomplished, there may be inscribed upon it, “Jehovah-Nissi.”
The world, the flesh and the devil, are adversaries to be encountered every day. The Christian is ever in the Valley of Rephidim. We must now oppose everything sinful and carnal, if we would be saved. 0, that the 1*young did remember how many idle words, foolish jests, improper and impure thoughts, vain and careless actions, fill up those hours which should be spent in prayer to God, and in the reading of Ilis Holy Word.
Yes, even some of you are very negligent concerning your duty. Ye have not so learned Christ, that ye are by Him permitted to sport and rejoice in the enemy’s camp. Ye have not so learned Christ, that ye may make a mock at sin, or look with favour and allowance upon the ways of the ungodly. Fearful will be your condemnation, 0 communicant, if instead of holding up the hands of Moses by your consistent conversation and labour, you do, after all, encourage and assist the tribes of Amalek. Woeful will be the doom of that slothful and disobedient servant and soldier of Jesus, who, signed with his cross, and marching even under the outward banner, is but a traitor in the camp, and tho aid and abettor of Satan, by his sinful and improper behaviour. You have taken Christ for your Saviour; you have owned God as your king. “ Render therefore unto God the things that are God’s." Give him your heart with all its powers. You have joined the army of the faithful. Look well upon the standard which waves in its midst. Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah upon it. See the Holy Cross emblazoned upon its folds. See the golden crown and the snow-white dove, and then ask yourself, have I walked worthy of the vocation wherewith I have been called ? have I been faithfulin all things to my Prince Messiah, so that truly I can say, Jehovah-Nissi ? Sinful mortal, erring disciple ! the devil has tempted thee, the world has beguiled thee, the flesh has ensnared thee. “Repent and do thy first works." Resist the devil, and he will flee from you as Amalek; despise the world, and it will vanish as Gebal; crucify the flesh, and it shall be powerless as Ammon.
But there are many who have never begun to serve the Prince of Peace; many who are really and truly the enemies of Christ, and the foes of their own souls. Choose ye then this day whom ye will serve. If the Lord be God, then serve Him in a sober, righteous, and godly life. If the flesh, the world and the devil, be proper objects of honor and worship, cleave to them and serve them, and receive their reward. My impenitent and unrenewed friends, I desire you to observe, that as the Children of Israel were a type of all faithful people to the end of time, so the wicked nations of Canaan were emblems of the ungodly in every generation. Behold how long they transgressed and thought themselves secure against punishment. Behold how they scoffed at the religion of tho true God, and opposed the holy tribes. Even so now is the kingdom of Satan as one of them. So now is the carnal heart at enmity with God, and the antagonist of the Holy Church of Christ. But even as they wero driven from the earthly Canaan . and destroyed, so will the wicked be excluded from the heavenly Canaan hereafter, and punished with everlastingdestruction. As the Lord swore that He would have war with Amalek, from generation to generation, so we must believe that He will now never look upon iniquity with allowance, but will verily cut off the evildoer with the sword of His just and holy power. The Psalmist David says of the enemies of God in his Church, “ They have cast their heads together with one consent; Gebal and Ammon and Amalek are confederate against thee.” And what a league is this! Gebal, the world, full of vanity and folly, reserved for those flames which shall make it flee away as a burning scroll. Ammon, the flesh, which is but impurity and sin, and the heir of corruption. And Amalek, the devil, a rebel angel, who lost the place he had on high amid the heavenly courts, and is one day to be bound forever in the blackness of darkness, together with all who follow him. Yes, what a confederacy is this! What a doom is before it! And yet you arc joined to it. You take a part in its counsels, and act in concert with its movements. God forbid, you say. But nay, it is even so. For inasmuch as you are not in the service of Christ, you are under the banner of the aliens. He that is not actively for God and the Church, is reckoned by the righteous Judge as against Him and His Gospel. It is your part and duty neither u to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful.” It is your place, to “ cease to do evil and learn to do well;” to choose the Lord foryour God, and leaving the world, the flesh and the devil, with all their works and ways, to engage with faith and courage in taking up your cross daily, and following the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.
Jehovali-Nissi: well may this be inscribed upon the altar of our hearts, for God is our strength against our spiritual enemies, and He will give us grace to triumph, if our hands and our hearts are but elevated to Him. “ Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” What wonder has prayer wrought,—faithful, fervent prayer! Consider Elisha, of whom St. James makes particular mention: “ he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months; and he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit.” Consider also Hezekiah, and Manasseh, and Daniel, and Cornelius, and St. Peter, who all received marvellous and gracious answers to their pious supplications.
We are exhorted by the Apostle to come boldly to the throne of grace, to ask that we may receive. We are invited to approach the mercy seat of God, in the heaven of heavens, and seek Him early that we may find Him. We are told to knock at the gate of the celestial city, and it shall be opened unto us. Thus encouraged by the example of the patriarchs, the prophets and the apostles, and cheered by tho promises, who of you ought not with-* out delay, to repose confidence in God and begin a reli-gious life; neither waiting for a more convenient season, nor expecting a more abundant influence of that Gracious Spirit, which, if now quenched and grieved this time, may take his everlasting flight!
0 Lord, here revive thy work in the souls of thy children, that they may serve thee more devoutly;—in the hearts of sinners, that they may cease from their evil doings! Let thy rod, 0 God, be over us, and the hands of our Mediator be lifted for our sakes, that we may be conquerors through the blood of the Lamb ! Then will be named this altar Jehovah-Nissi, and we shall rejoice that the Lord is our banner. “ God is love.” “ God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Follow then the banner of Jehovah's Love. Look to the standard of the crucified Jesus, and remember that He loved us and gave Ilimself for us; that we should be a peculiar people; that we should be even as Himself, holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. To-day is the call made, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” To-day, if ye will hear his voice, the Prince of Peace saith, “follow me; yea, leave all and follow me.” Amalek is in the field! The trumpet has sounded to tho battle; the cornets announce the onset. And are we but lookers on,— but careless spectators, heedless and neutral ?
Nay, the heart of each one of you is with God, or withSatan. It is that of a true Israelite, or that of an Amale-kite. And it is destined to a glorious victory, celebrated and consummated by the holy worship at the altar of Jehovah-Nissi; or it is doomed, by its own choice, to that awful defeat and destruction which awaits the enemies of God in the region of perdition. May the God of the armies of Israel receive you into His service; may lie appoint you even the humblest post in His camp, that you may escape the wrath to come, and be the inheritor of everlasting life.
May pure and true devotion lift every heart and every hand to the Most High; in the congregation,—with your families, and in your chamber; in the sanctuary of God, and at the hearth of home, morning, noon and night. In all thy ways remember God, and He will never leave thee nor forsake thee; but He will cause thee to rejoice in His victorious arm, and to rear at many a station in this earthly pilgrimage—for difficulties overcome, for sins repented of and forsaken, for spiritual enemies vanquished,
 an ALTAR to His praise and glory, which thou shalt
name with humble adoration and thanksgiving,
Jeiiovaii-Nisst.Lord, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thou hast given a Banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the Truth. Psalms, Ix. 4.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy, vi. 12.May Jacob’s God defend And hear us in distress;
Our succour from his Temple send,
Our cause from Sion bless !

May He accept our vow,
Our sacrifice receive,
Our heart’s devout request allow,
Our holy wishes give !

0 Lord, thy saving grace
We joyfully declare;
Our banner in thy Name we raise—
“ The Lord fulfil our prayer ! ”
( Psalms, Selec.16. ICHURCH UNITY, CHRISTIAN UNION,
REV. WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WHITE, PRIEST,
Rector of Spring Hill Parish.
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY.
BY KING & BAIRD, No. 9 SANSOM ST, PHILADELPHIA 185 1.
PRICE ONE DIME.
CLAGGETT SOCIETY’S TRACTS, No. 3.
BY THEFrom a Discourse preached in the Churches of Spring Hill Parish.
Published according to a Resolution of the Directors of the Claggett Society, passed October 20th, 1851.TRACTS OF THE CLAGGETT SOCIETY.
No. 3.
CHURCH UNITY, CHRISTIAN UNION.
We being many, are one body in Christ.
Romans xn. 5.
Among the doctrines regarded by many at the present day as non essential, is that of the Unity of the Church of Christ. Not, indeed, that any presume to deny the great advantage it would be to Christianity, if its professors were all one in heart and hand, in spirit, in doctrine, and ecclesiastical fraternity: but they suppose that by Christian Unity, and the oneness of tho Church as enjoined in Holy Scripture, we are not to understand such a visible agreement, and such a tangible fellowship. They set forth that the Holy Catholic Church itself is not a visible body; hence its visible unity is a theory false and absurd. Upon these principles, so rife in tho Nineteenth Century, it is easy to see that the vast body of men who call themselves the “ Christian World,” and the " Christian Public,” while at times they may plan and scheme a little about harmony and concord among believers, do, after all, by their very position, render . entirely vain and futile an effort towards gaining ano
object, which is, after high encomiums upon it, and apparent labor for it, pronounced, non-essential.
In the Sixteenth Century, the Unity of the Church was, by some Theologians, pressed far beyond the warrant of the Gospel and the teaching of primitive days. They thought that the Communion which had united nation to nation and Bishop to Bishop, in the bonds of “One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism,” was not enough, and they esteemed it a dogma of highest moment that there should be not only a Unity, but a visible centre of Unity. The ultra among them did and do reckon that centre to be the infallible oracle of truth, and himself the sole vicar of Christ, in the government of the whole Church;—namely, the Bishop of Rome. You perceive then, my hearers, that the errors of the Romanist are the very extreme point remote from the opinions alluded to just now as being those of our day. The latter may be said to have produced the first named, by the natural consequence of things j for when men have been bound to one extreme, they rarely escape from it without rushing to another, and so from the Reformation to this time, even learned and pious men, in their aversion to the corruptions and abuses of Romanism, have run far past the medium ground of Catholic Truth, to the opposite extreme of a Gospel of grace without essential doctrines and sacraments, and a Church without the power to make good the Divine Commission.We speak soberly and advisedly, when we say that there are a few who have taken pains to inquire what the Faith of the Church was in its early days. The careless talker about creeds and sects, contents bimself with something, which is seen to have its origin this sule of that awful mist, which the timid call the Dark Ages. He knows that at a certain period Rome was mistress of the world, but beyond that it is “without form and void” to him. He knows, that a thousand denominations have sprung into existence, subsequent to the shaking of the Despotic Power of the Papacy, and in any one of these he finds certain elements of truth, and hence argues that any, and perhaps all may be safe and right. So that while rigid ultra Romanism bids all to a unity centered in one prelate, as being necessary to salvation ; —the ultra Protestant strikes off every shackle of symbols and doctrines, and declares honesty of purpose and sincerity of soul, to be the surest passport to the skies j unwilling to fetter by any sectarian peculiarities or denominational distinctions (as they are called) the progress of Christian association. Alas ! my friends, and could St. Paul view Christendom at this hour, would not his spirit burn within, at the sight of Rome, once pure in faith, but now “ too superstitious” and “ given to idolatry,” like pagan Athens. Would he not ask in vain, for the “ faith once delivered to the saints,” ' among them who have added so much to the apostoliccreed. "Would lie not lament over the countless sects, who have “ heaped to themselves teachers,”—-and say, as once he did, “ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?”—Yes, painful is the sight of errors in the body of Christ, and so many by schism separated from it; sad the reality that under the name of Christ, and the pretence of advancing His Church, the greatest enormities are committed; sad also the contra-reality that the religiously disposed will seek for spiritual happiness and advancement, while living in utter neglect of the divinely appointed instruments and means of grace; aiming to do without Christ and the Church, that which alone can rightly be accomplished by the “ Head, Blessed forevermore,” and “ the Body, which is the Fullness of Him.”
“We being many arc one Body in Christ.” The Apostle evidently speaks in behalf of that great number, who had, since the memorable day of Pentecost, avowed themselves the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth, and who at the city of Antioch were first called Christians. Many truly they were, and of divers nations, tribes, languages and tongues “ Parthians, Medes and Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt, in Lybia, strangers of Rome, Jews, Cretes and Arabians,”— and yet all “ one body in Christ.” It is an important practical question to ask and answer, What was the groundof this harmony of the early Christians ? How were they one body in Christ ? I reply most plainly, that Church Unity was the basis of Christian Union. By being members of the one Holy Church, they became members of Christ, and also members one of another. No other conclusion can properly be arrived at, if we weigh well the counsel of St. Paul to the Ephesians in the 5th chapter of that Epistle, in which he says, “Christ is the Head of the Church, and he is the Saviour of the body.” “ We are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.” By which we are given to understand the true position of the Church, and its intimate and holy relation to the Almighty Jehovah, who was pleased, as the Incarnate Word dwelling among men, so to sanctify our lot as to make us, when duly engrafted into His Visible Body, the Church, the heirs apparent of his glory, as he was once the partaker of our sufferings. Let us never forget that our beloved Lord, before He left the world, did most plainly testify that it was not Ilis pleasure that Christians should be divided and subdivided into various sects and parties. He thus prayed to the Father: “ Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” “ I in them and those in Me, that they may be made perfect in one.” For ages this sacred counsel was obeyed, and schism and heresy regarded with abhorrence; but awhileand the minds of men grew gross and worldly, they became despisers of the truth, and then under various pretences sought ways after their own hearts, not regarding the will and the power of the Lord.
Church Unity is Christian Union; and there can be among ourselves no real and substantial union without it. We are many, and if we would be made one, it must be by submission to the authority of the Holy Church, according to the faith of that Church before the era of error and superstition, and before the evil days of misrule and confusion. Without it there can be no Christian union in the sense of our being individually united to Christ, since only by his Holy Sacraments, as properly administered in Ilis Church, have we the assurance that we are made again the sons of God by adoption in Baptism, and are mystically united to Christ; which union is increased and perfected at the reception of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist at the altars of Immanuel, wherein we become partakers in a mysterious manner of the Body and Blood of our Lord, and present our bodies as a living sacrifice uuto him.
“ We are one in Christ.” Beloved people, I beseech you to strive for that delightful peace and harmony which should characterize members of tho household of faith. Put away from you all evil speaking, all bitterness, all evil surmisings, all jealousies, all contentions,all envyings; these are not the fruits of the Spirit; ye have not learned of Christ to bite and devour one another; ye have not learned of Christ to be unwilling to forgive your brother his trespasses. Ye have not been taught by the beloved Apostles to let sun after sun go down upon your wrath. Nay, holier and better is the teaching of the Gospel than has been the practice of some of you. “ I speak this (as St. Paul saith) to your shame/'
What though all the world around may be full of strife, let us who arc of the One True Body of Christ, endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace and in righteousness of life. Happy are we, in that great measure of concord and love which does pervade our parochial limits. Happy are we, in that confidence and affection which binds closely in one pastor and people. It is a reasonable union, for by it we are strong against the enemies of the truth. It is a sacred, union, for it is in obedience to the laws and precepts we have received from the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. It is a delightful union, for by it our pathway through this vale of tears is rendered brighter and better, by the smiles of those who rejoice when we do rejoice, and the tears of those who weep when we arc constrained to weep. Happy is it for all tho members of Christ’s Living Body, to realize and remember the sublime truth that we are members ofhis flesh, and of his body, and of his bones, and likewise to bear in mind that we as such,—as the component parts of that sacred and mystical corporation, are members one of another. “ We being many, are one Body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
With respect to the Church of Christ, it is plain from Holy Scripture that there is but one, and that not an invisible thing; not a mere ideal, not a fancied spiritual concord without open and manifest unity. It does not detract from the truth of the doctrine advocated, that there have been ruptures in the communion of this Church, or breaking or suspension of fellowship for years or even centuries. The members of a human family are, by their connection with one Head, in a certain sense one body themselves; and this too, notwithstanding occasional variances and differences among themselves. So with the Church, it is by its position one body. One by the will and creation of Christ;— one by the relation which in it we bear to our Heavenly Father, as his adopted and regenerated children.
But it is equally plain to observe that human societies and organizations by assuming the name of Church can never thereby make themselves really and truly parts and portion of the Sole Household of Faith. The world was called into being by the Word of God, and tho same Divine Word made also the Church. The world has suffered earthquakes and deluges; the Churchhas endured convulsions and purifying ordeals. The Church has been, and may be, Reformed, Revived, Renewed, but made she was, once and forever! constituted with all those gif's and graces necessary for the spread of the Gospel of Redeeming Love, and fortified with such strength and order as becometh the army of the Prince of Peace, following the standard of the Holy Cross. The wisdom of man cannot invent anything more excellent, than the Almighty Benefactor has provided for our wants in this institution, which is styled by the Apostle “ the Pillar and Ground of the Truth.”

“ Tho Church her amplo bosom may expand,
Again contract,—may open far and wide
Her tent, extend her cords, on either hand
Break forth : again into herself subside :
Alike with her Faith’s oracles abide,
Revered by fickle worshipper, or spurned.
Oft faint, ne’er lost the Lamp by Heaven supplied ;
Oft dimmed by envious mists, ne’er undiscerned ;
God’s witness, through all time hath in his Temple burned.
[Lyra Apost. p. 146. The Rule of Faith.]

Such (as sketched by the Poet,) do we believe the Church to be; and believing this, how can it seem bigotry or superstition to reverence the same. How shall it seem uncharitable or illiberal either, to speak in a free land the truths of the Gospel as we have received them, in all plainness and with all kindnesstoward those, whose various deviations from the Apostolic Faith we would gladly see abandoned, and whom we would earnestly welcome as penitent children returning from the ways of error, to that holy and happy fold, whose under-shepherds regard themselves as by Divine permission the keepers of his flock, until the Great Shepherd of the Sheep shall appear : that fold which the Lord invites you to enter by the door of Holy Baptism, saying to the contrite sinner, 11 Come unto Me and I will give you rest.’'
The doctrine of Christian Union by means of Church Unity is not a matter of idle speculation. Controversy concerning the nature of primitive truth, and apostolic order, is not as some fancy, opposed to evangelical piety, and ardent love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Deep as may be our affection to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us on the Cross, we ought to have abundant love for that Blessed Institution, that Holy Household, which he declares to be a part of Himself.	“ I am the
Vine, ye are the Branches.’’ He is the Head, we are the Body. The vine and branches arc not two; but one vine. The Head wf the divers members are not two, or many, but one body. So the Church is inseparable from Christ, and Cbrist,by his own fiat, by his own promise, indivisible from the Church.
I beseech you, my hearers, who are members thus of one Body, to weigh well this solemn subject, and letyour life slow that you estimate in some measure the true nature of your position. Let Holiness and Truth, Piety and Peace be your constant aim.
Train up yourself, and train up your children, not in the ways of the sinful world, but according to the discipline of the Gospel and the Church. Look yourself, and make your offspring look upon the rites and ordinances of religion, with the utmost veneration and awe. Study yourself, and cause your household to study, not how to be rich and grand in the earth, but how to prepare for that everlasting existence which shall begin when Time shall be no more; and God shall separate the evil from the good, as at the creation he divided the darkness from the light. Watch and pray, lest you lose that inheritance which may be yours. Watch and pray, lest in an unguarded moment you sell for a “ mess of pottage” (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life,) your heavenly birth-right, to weep and repent over your folly, like Esau, with unavailing tears.
May the Holy Spirit bless this preaching, for Jesus’ sake, Amen.“ IMMANUEL.”
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body : so also is Christ.
1 Cor. xii. 12.
“Christ and the Church.”
“ God with us.”PRAYER FOR UNITY.
0 Almighty God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner stone; grant us so to be joined together in Unity of Spirit by their doctrine, that wo may be made an holy temple acceptable unto Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Collect for S. S. Simon and Jude’s Day.“ Holy Father, keep them, that they may be one.”
Our Saviour.
“ One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.”
St. Paul, A. D. 62.
“One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.”
Nicene Creed, A. D. 325.