Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-05-23
C.P. sabbath school Celebration

Yesterday was day of rejoicing among
the Sabbath-scheols of our city and vicin-
ity. There were several picnies. Il was
our good fortune to attend the celebration
of the c. P. s. school, which paid visit
TO Franklin and spent the day near that
.place, in the grounds of Col. John Nc
Gavoek. We simply express the senti-
ment of all when we say that it would
have been impossible 10 have passed day
more pleasantly.
Col. McGaVock and his most estimable
lady, welcomed The school with their
characteristic hospitality. With plenty TO
eat and drink, in addition to most favora.
bic weather, all, both young and old,
could but be satisfied with their pursuit
of pleasure. 1t was indeed beautiful
scene to see the happy children, scattered
throughout the grassy woods, perfectly
delighted to get free from the dust and
hustle of the city, and enjoy a romp in the
country. Nature smiled her sweetest for
them. Flowers gsrmented anew in their
robes of beauty, could be seen in contrast
with their joyous faces. Flowers and
childhood How appropriate the union !
1t is not strange that flowers are
loved by universal humanity. 1t is
not strange that they should be wreathed
around the cradle, the marriage altar and
the tomb. As a representative Of the pure
and true, they should be placed beside the
cradle Of childhood. "As a lovely type
of marriage, they should deck the brow Of
the youthful bride. As a symbol of the
resurrection in their EXPERIMENTING beau
ty, they should twine around the tomb"
As an incense Offering, "they should fes-
loon the altar, for their fragrance and their
beauty ascend in perpetual worship to the
Most High"
10 looking upon the happy scene, We
could but be impressed with the wondrous
changes which few years had wrought.
In November, 1854, two armies met in
mortal combat in this very wood. Then
the light of sunset, not sunrise, died out in
the smoke of fratricidal field. Death
was everywhere. The din of arms, the
shout Of charging hosts, and the groans of
the dying and the dead closed out the day.
Now, another army is marshaled here, but
it is one of holiness and concord. Their |
songs are songs of peace. Their arms are
those Of peace and love. The blessed Jesus
is their leader and common Master. How
suggestive the scene For the sweet |
threnody of by-gone days wells up uncon-
sciously in the hearts of the survivors of /
that November evening, to speak even in
its deep silence with power which rises l
above and beyond all mockery of words.
To-day images enshrined in the picture
gallery of many soul stand forth anew. /
Images which are now like faded pictures
upon the desolate walls Of blackened i
ruin-realities no more. Still they come
adown these grand old forest aisles, not as
weird shadows, but as ministering angels,
to pour blest fragrance into many an
opened Heartburn, to energize to the duties
Of holy life, and inspire true manhood
and wOmNnhood, at last, to
Die full of hope and christian trust,
Like those who fell in battle here"
At 5 in the evening the school embarked
On the train and returned to the city,
4
without any accident whatever to mar the
pleasure of the day. We wish them many
oyous returns of their annual celebration
Law