The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1867-01-11
Written for the EAst Tennessee UhIon PlAE,l
Letter from Sullivan County.
SCLLIyAN EuuNrY. Tran. }

December 10, 1866.
DEAN Carr. GRIsBGM lin my last commit
n~icaIiSn | closed with the remark that the
rebel preachers in my o~pinion) were holding
themselves in readiness, II another opportu-
nifty (of rebellion) offered, ito pieh-iH. This
may seem 10 be somewhat rash to you, [
therefore take this opportunity 10 give you
some Of the reasons from which drew that
conclusion.
LIST. When the rebellion Was crushed out, I
met with several, both preachers and proni-
nsnt lay members OF the NE. Church, South,
that said the cause OF separation Was now
removed, and there was nothing 10 hinder
tbs Churches from being united again. But
since.that time, they have concluded not to
change their Chureh-relations, notwithstand.
ing they have taken the oath Of allegiance
to the United States government. They still
maintain iheir membership In the ". L.
Church, South, which was rs much n part Of
the rebellion as was Lees army, which sur
rendered and fell back to its original posi-
ton in the United States government from
which il had reyolted, and Of course II Was
as much the duty OF the EcelesIastical or
gAnization that bad been engaged ia carry
ing on he rebellion to all back again to
Sheir original position. Their refusal to do
so is-unreAtnnAbls and ine1eusabls, because
there is.nOthing TO bslost either in doctrine
or usage by changing their Church relations,
nor in Church property, for il would still be
theirs; but there would be a. great gain TO
them b. so doing il would be giving evil
dencs Of their sincerity Ia their professions
Of Loyalty by taking their stand IN a Church
that has always been loyal and never sus-
peeted Of %disloyalty. Men are known by the
company they keep.
End. IL would be placing themselves in an
attitude in which they would enjoy the syn.
pathies Of the loyal citizens, whether in or
out oLthe Church, which Is = thing mueh
needed al this time 10 give qu!et 10 the pub
lie mind for, I assure you, Captain, al LOYAL
men look at these Southern Churches with
considerable suspicion, and cannot iratsrniEs
with them: having conscientious seruplss
As 70 their deggns-What. has been may be
again. These men once profeS5ed TO be loysl
citizens Of the United States, but rsbelsd 10
ls6l-1, and done al in their power 10 dis
solve this government, By praying, preach
log, and hghting,s and certainly there IL as
good reason for them 10 do so sgain, not
WlthI.anding their present professions OF
loyalty, ~ there vas, that they would do 20
Wben they fsbellsd before, especially when,
By changing their Church relations, there
would DO no Iaeri6ee 10 be made bat much
10 be gained. There is another reason for
suspicion, that u, The great effort that is
making 20 change the Aan<. II everything
Is right, why change the name Of their
Church. There must be ZONE motive that
does not appear On the surface. Every ss-
tiou Of man must havs . motive what
'thsir motiys iS must be len for tine 10 de-
Eslo2. "a.
There has been many ehahEsS Of nsnss Of
places and persons, bat not making any
change In The place o. person for The batter.
! knos q yillage the. has Lad ~ name
changed three tines bat without natisg Il
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'Dsru ush' hsAlss ~ 0'y aoi-yss TtIa