Friday, April 19, 2013

The Road that Takes Me Home

I recently listened to a new collection of music.  Called "The Road that Takes Me Home", its songs are a unique combination of ballad/hymn.  The five songs by Dorothy Schwartz chart their way through the journey of every Christian.
"Lamentation" tells of man's depravity and God's justice which must be satisfied.
"Sinner, Repent and Believe" picks up where "Lamentation" left off, showing the way from eternal death to eternal life by knowing "thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."--John 17:3
"The Road that Takes Me Home"  tells of the Christian's journey in this life to his new home--heaven.
"Worthy the Lamb" praises Christ, who died to redeem his people from their sins.
"The Day will Come" is the final song, describing the Christian's longing for heaven.

Samples of all five songs are available for free at www.TheRoadThatTakesMeHome.com, along with full lyrics.  I highly recommend this collection of music!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Major Gillies MacBean

Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden.  Culloden was a decisive defeat for Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobites.  But even in defeat, there were heroes.

Painting from http://www.military-art.com/mall/more.php?ProdID=933


"Icy rain adds its misery to the bitter conflict on Drumossie Moor. In the shadow of the Black Isle, two English ships on the waters of the Moray Firth, await the outcome of the decisive battle. Pounded by Cumberland's gunners and raked by steady musketry, the Princes brave men can make no headway. Although the Irish and French regulars refuse to give ground, the Jacobite lines gradually disintegrate. Tired, cold and hungry men flea past Culloden House for the relative safety of Inverness. On the Scottish right the Argyll Militia, supported by Hawley's Dragoons, tear down the walls of the Culwiniac and Culchunaig enclosures in an outflanking attack. Avochie's men offer some resistance but Major Gillies McBean stands alone on the breach. He cuts down more than a dozen Argylls, including Lord Robert Kerr, who lies mortally wounded, but his foes are too many. The hero eventually falls to a vicious cut to the forehead, his thigh bone is also broken. Despite the cries of a mounted officer to save that brave man, the major is ruthlessly bayonetted, his back against the wall. The victory is complete and nothing more can be done. In the distance, the Young Pretender is forced to abandon the field and Scotlands hope of claiming the British Throne." from http://www.military-art.com/mall/more.php?ProdID=933

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

M. Dubois, Intendant of French India

During the Seven Years War, French power in India was broken--not so much by the British as by official thieves in the government, who stole money and supplies which Louis XV sent to them.  M. Dubois was Intendant (government head of business) for French India, and he compiled many documents detailing the corruption.  When Pondicherry fell to the English, he was insulted and killed in the street.  His documents were then stolen.

J. C. O'Callaghan (from whom this anecdote is taken) then says, "On this occasion, as elsewhere, it is but too plain, in the expressive language of Scripture, that 'men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.' (John iii. 19-20)"

How many historians now would dare to use a Bible verse to apply to history like Mr. O'Callaghan does?  I think very few.  But hopefully, this will change in the future!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Lauffeldt

As the War of the Austrian Succession drew to a close, the French Marshal Saxe maneuvered his army to besiege the city of Maastrect.  Caught off guard, the Pragmatic Army (so named because it supported the Pragmatic Sanction) under the Duke of Cumberland hurried into position.  Saxe attacked them on July 2, 1747 near the village of Lauffeldt.  The victory was in doubt for several hours as Saxe's left wing stormed into Lauffeldt, only for his right to be hit by Sir John Ligonier's cavalry.  Saxe consolidated his men, and Cumberland ordered his cavalry to cover the retreat.  Again Ligonier's men charged.  But this time, they were sacrificed to guard the rest of the army.  Ligonier himself was captured by the Royal-Carabiniers.

After the battle subsided, Marshal Saxe introduced Sir John to Louis XV (who had watched the battle) with the words "Sire, I present to your Majesty a man who has defeated all my plans by a single glorious action."  Even in war, Marshal Saxe showed respect for a brave enemy.