The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-02-07

A Loyal Minister'S Farewell TO a
Secession Church.

The Rev. r. G. Grundy, d. D., is a
we'll known in the Presbyte-
rian Church for earnest piety, splendid
Attachments aud fervid eloquence. For
the last Eve years he has been pastor Of
the Second Church in Memphis, Tennes-
see. IL we rightly remember, be has been
the only minister in that pestiferous city
who ever since the dragon of rebellion
first beloved, has stood up, as firm as
rock, for the Government established by
the Fathers As matter Of course he
has suffered many hardships in conse-
quence, none of which, however, have
shaken his purpose or restrained his
tongue.
DR. Grundy, having received a call
from church 10 Ohio, lately preached a
farewell sermon to the congregation
which had so long claimed his labors.
We are indebted to much esteemed
friend in this city Tor a paper which con-
tains its perora.ion. Hhio we place be-
fore our readers for two reasons: First,
because they will relish and admire the
loyal and patriotic spirit which it breaths
next, that they may see what effect
treason 10 having upon Christians at the
South. DIR. Grundy said:
Aud now my ministerial work here is
done. have preached in this pulpit, as
far as / know, my last sermon. l
have stood by it amid the rage aud vio-
lence Of Secession, ua'il, by the blessing
of God, | have seen planted over it the
flag ofolr Fathers aud OF our common
country. May that glorious old flag ever
"A III.
ing breath and touch Of Secession
preacher. thank God that have been
made the instrument in His hand, of pro-
tecting aud preserving at least one of the
pulpiis in this city from the hypocrisy
and immortality of political Secession
regret TO know that this is the only
pulpit in Memphis. Amid the ministry
of all denominations in this city, | have
stood single-handed and alone and, mn
pleasant and trying as is the position,
would continue so 10 stand did deem
this necessary to protect this pulpit from
the profanity and hypocrisy of treason.
But so | learn not my duty from the
present circumstances Of the case Hav-
ing stood by the pulpit in the hour Of
danger and of trial until God has spread
over it the great flag of my country, as
the emblem of his presence and power
surely can now leave it without any
fear as TO the future.
In regard to the Session Of this
church, have but word to say. know
the constitution Of my Church, and the
duty, and character Of her officers. COM
paring the spirit and conduct Of the Ell
ders and Deacons Of this church with the
true and Scriptural standard, 1 know, Of
a truth that they have forfeited ali clam,
as such 10 my respect and confidence.
For these men, however, | have no bitter
words Of reproach or abuse. As God
knows my heart indulge toward them
no feelings of hatred or revenge. Look
ing at their conduct 10 its true light, and
treating it as il is, have for them lofty
contempt, and from my soul I pity them.
| pity them because, tried by the prin-
ciples of common honor and honesty,
they have disgraced themselves. as l
have the documents TO show. l pity
them because they are not only traitors
10 their country, but upon their souls
rests the guilt Of the destruction Of this
church. They not only irAmpled upon
the constitution Of their church by seek
ing 10 remove their minister regardless
Of the will Of the people, thereby PERU
ring their souls by violating their ordi-
nation vow TO study and obey the same,
but they have sold themselves, soul and
body, to rebellion, the very basis of
which is falsehood, and the very spirit Of
which is murder. | pray God TO pre-
serve this pulpit from the control Of
such men, and this house from the hy-
pocrisy Of their devotion. This may
seem TO some harsh: but have seen
enough Of the spirit Of Southern Secess-
ion, and heard enough of its prayers, to
know for myself that il is not the spirit
of the Gospel And, finally, pity the
Elders aud Deacons Of this church, and
the membership Of it controlled by them,
because they are part and parcel Of a
Godforsaken church, whose worship is
an abomination. God pity the Southern
Church, aud save il from utter ruin.
Loyal members Of the Doctors con-
gregation united in preparing and sing
ing the following justification Of his
course:
To us, this is one Of the sad conso-
quences OF this unholy strife. We ask
God 10 give US grace, as he has given il 10
you, 10 forgive the authors OF this sorrow
full event; but while memory lives we
cannot forget them.
They determined that the cause Of re-
ligion, like everything else, should be
subordinaled TO the canse of treason, and
only too thoroughly have they done their
work.
You who were once-how brief period
sinoe--ihe bosom friend, nay, almost the
idol, Of these men; are now forsaken be-
cause you refuse 10 lay aside the honor
able habiliments Of your country and don
the degrading livery Of rebellion.
You can have no regrets as TO your
past course. You followed the dictates
Of reason, justice, religion and patriot
ism.
The throng Of false, 6aiiering syoo-
phauts has dispersed; their place is oc-
cupied by few faithful, honest admir-
ers, dey0tedly attached 10 you. The
hollow voice Of hypoorilioal cant has van
ished away, aud you are greeted with the
grateful worms Of friendship and truth.
There are few who have read this ar
ticle, thus Ear, that will not be ready 10
calculate Heaven bless DR.. Grundy,
and The noble-hearled men who have so