Morning Star

From the Youth's Cabinet

FLAGS.

Their origin and use--the different sorts.

The colors displayed by different nations, are used to distinguish their ships and armies, particularly in the time of battle. They generally present, in emblem or similitude, something concerning the nation to whom they belong. Their origin is very ancient; they are frequently referred to in the Bible. In the time of Moses, the tribes of Israel were each distinguished by an ensign, or standard. They were called ensigns, because each was a sign of a particular division; and standards, because elevated or lifted up. The Church, or God's people are said, in a figure, to be gathered under the banner of Jehovah. He is said to set up a banner, and the nations to flow unto it; and His banner is represented as being love. Under this banner,-hung upon the cross of Christ, --the kingdom of darkness is destroyed, and God's kingdom set up; and Jesus becomes "King of kings, and Lord of lords." May all our little readers gather round this holy banner for protection, joy and peace.

In more modern times, flags have been brought into more general use, by the crusaders, and since the 11th century, have become so general, that now, even the heathen Islands, some of them, have their national flag. That of the Sandwich Islands is blue, white, and red stripes, and a red cross on a blue field.

The name of flag, is from an old English word that means to flicker, or wave and tremble, like a flame, as flags do when in the wind. Colors is the general name; including flags, banners, pennons, ensigns, pendants, and streamers, which are particular names of colors for different uses.-- They are called colors, because generally composed of different colors. A white flag is used for a sign of peace, offered from one army to another; and is called a flag of truce, that is, of faith and promise, and is respected among all nations; and when exhibited, hostilities cease.

Pennons are so called, because shaped like a bird's wing. The same are called ensigns, because used as signs or signals, to distinguish some particular ship in a fleet, or company in an army. Sometimes colors are called pendants, because hung from the top of the mast; these are sometimes very long and narrow, and used for ornament to stream in the breeze, and so are called streamers. When used on festive occasions, in public processions for display, they are called banners; though this anciently used to be the general name of flags. A banner is a square flag, hung on a rod crossing the staff, and thus presenting the appearance of a cross. They were anciently used for sacred purposes, or connected with religion. Such were used in the armies of the crusaders, who went to redeem the Holy Land from the Turks. The flags thus presented before their armies, gave a bann, or proclamation, that they were engaged in the cause of the Holy Land.

The American flag is called the Star Spangled Banner; and its bann or proclamation to the world, is, LIBERTY and PEACE, which were the great objects of the patriots of '76, who planned and secured American freedom. Let their sons live up to those high and noble purposes--promote peace on earth, and good will among men, and let "the people all go out free." The starry banner should never be raised in a war of conquest. Its ample fold should offer protection to all the oppressed, and the nation whose banner and ensign it is, to be worthy its glories, should be a people that "wear no chains."

Slavery, intemperance, ignorance, superstition, and war, should be abolished: for

They are the brave, and only brave,
The free, and only free,
Who burst asunder every chain,
That hindereth LIBERTY.

S. W. S.