Smyrna times., 1881-07-20
Garfield, Soldier and Christian.

The following incident is narrated to
me by an eyewitness as having occurred
in the fall of 1861, in the church then oc-
cupied by one of these congregations in
Cincinnati on the corner of Eighth and
Walnut streets. The annual missionary
meeting of the denominations had been
holding its session at that place. General
then ColoneD Garfield happened that day
to be passing from his regiment, encamped
near Louisville, to Columbus, Ohio. The
excitements and contentious over political
questions had more or less given tone to
the discussions but on this afternoon feel
ing had risen to a very high heat over
some topic relating to the management
of the church with which they met The
utterances by the Southern members had
been very plain, not to say naughty and
dictatorial. While this feeling was at its
tensest, voice from the very back seat
rang out clear and full, and the new
speaker with his first words began to APP
proach the pulpit. AS he rapidly strobe
up the aisle, the audience saw man in
the uniform of Union officer his panta-
looms were tucked into the tops of thick
mudasplashed boots, a soldiers Overcoat
on his left arm and kept In his upraised
right hand. His speech was somewhat as
follows:
"Is this the house of God or q tabernacle
of the unbelievers? Are ye loyal anC
true men, or have we forgotten that We
are of one flesh and blood, brothers indeed
despite the north, south, east OF west? L
this the day or hour to question on thes'
matters, TO doubt and hesitate? All gOOC
and honest men are proud of this land
u proud of our traditions, and glory in ou
:, ancestors as the best and nOblest of men
Then, oh friends and brothers, oh sister
and mothers, do not linger or debate
= Stand valiantly for the right, and the Co
of our fathers, the Holy One, will, by Hi
s glory and might, guide, guard and protec
and by His strong right hand lead u
u safely and joyously into the green pas
lures of peace and by the flowing water
of prosperity and happiness"
d Only u few words had the speaker
N Colonel Garfield, uttered, before he stoo
e, in the front of that crowded audience
4 every ear was attentive to his Words an
r his impassioned and strong speech I
y seven or eight minutes enthused and e.
IS, allied every soul. All desire to advocat
c disloyalty seemed burned out by the vii
c. ming presence and inspiring eloquence
e. the speaker.
IN When he closed IN nearly the fpliowir
Ill words "How weak and feeble all the'
o. difference will seem when we have passC
n the great chasm which separates tin
se, from eternity, and stand blessed al
Tn united there in His presence where there
lis no discord or sorrowing," Mr.. Hopkir
en- of Lexington, KY, as by an inspiratio
Ills caught the coming meaning of his wore
mt and springIng TO his feet, in strong swe
to voice led off in q familiar hymn havi
lth the refrain;
w Therell be no sorrow there.
vs. The entire audience rose as he stru
1' the keynote, and joined in great a
y heartfelt chorus.
And there was thenceforth an end to
N dispute and controversy in that denomiI
~. ton on questions and matters political
Ia L. Boston COngregationaList.
He "The Doctor told me to take a blue |
0 is but didn't for had already been pois'
18th cd twice by mercury. The druggist Il
you me to try Kidney-Wort, and j did.
TO was Just the thing for my billiousness Q
lat constipation, and now ! am as well
ever" Torpid kidneys and liver IS
ns' trouble, for which kidney-Wor alws
are, proves to be the best remedy known
dis Hartford C0ardnf