The Iowa Reunion by Geo. I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 13, 1870

The Iowa Reunion.

By Geo. I. Butler

It was my privilege to be present at the great Reunion, held in the capital of Iowa a few days since. This caused me some reflections.

It seemed a happy thought of the powers that be, to have the brave soldiers of the commonwealth, who were fighting bravely together for their country's salvation a few years since, to meet again, now victory is gained, and renew each other's acquaintance, and talk over former hardships and sufferings. It was an inspiring scene. It was thought that thirty thousand of Iowa's bravest were present. Ample provisions were made to make their stay pleasant and comfortable. All the railroads in the State carried private soldiers free each way, and their entertainment here was, likewise free. It was a pleasant, a touching, sight to see old soldiers who had parted, perhaps on the battle-field or from prison, where they had been confined, grasp each others hands, and greet each other with soldierly warmth and energy, and hear them recount the scenes of interest and danger through which they had passed. It was most interesting to see the warmth with which they greeted Gen. Sherman, the renowned leader of the “march to the sea.” As they pressed around him, eager to grasp his hand, and with such force that he seemed in danger of being crushed in the throng, they almost carried him away on their heads, such was their enthusiasm at again beholding their beloved commander. It must have been a proud moment to him. And when they formed in long columns and filed through the streets, their steady tramp, tramp, tramp, mingled with the loud huzzas of the men, the booming of the cannon, the beautiful strains of music, the waving of the flags, some of them torn to shreds with shot and shell, and begrimed with smoke, could but make one's heart beat quicker, who had any of the human left in him. The pomp and circumstance of war were reproduced.

So far as earthly aim, and earthly glory, was concerned, the reunion was a success, and seemed worthy and proper for such as are governed by such notions. But how unsatisfactory to the Christian. Of the vast number present, how few will remain when a few years are flown. How common, when these soldiers were greeting each other, to hear the blasphemous oath, the name of the Deity taken irreverently, the obscene expression, and scoffing at sacred things.

How little of abiding happiness could be seen even on such an occasion as this. How weary and unsatisfied nearly all appeared after passing through the exciting scenes of the day. The thousands who had come, were more glad to get away than to get here. Such is the nature of all earthly pleasure. It leaves a sadness behind. It never satisfies.

While beholding these scenes, my mind was caused to reflect upon a reunion that will be seen in the future, far different in its influences and results. The pure in heart alone will meet there. Praises to God will flow from every tongue. Joyful greetings with unalterable emotions of happiness will be witnessed in all directions. What a thought, to reflect upon the feelings of husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, tried and warm friends, as they clasp hands in the city of God, never more to be separated! There will be fullness of joy; no weariness, no desire to depart; and what provisions will be made for our comfort—palaces, mansions in the city of God! They have been preparing them for our reception for centuries in the past. Our Elder Brother, our warmest friend, who has even died to save us, has been superintending the work, to leave nothing unready. What a table will be in readiness, loaded with immortal fruit. And our loved Commander will even attend to the wants of his faithful soldiers in person. He will be present to place upon the brow of every guest a glorious crown of light and beauty. It is not to receive merely a wave of the hand, or a nod of recognition from those above us in position, but his own soft hand shall wipe away every tear, and “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” will be spoken to those, and to those only, who have done well. Will it not be sweet? And as the immense throng, whom no man can number, from every tribe, from every clime, from every land, file through the streets of gold with enlivening strains of Heaven's sweetest music, who will regret that he has suffered for Christ, that he has left the shadow for the substance, that he has given a little here of earth's trash for the eternal riches of Paradise? In that reunion I must mingle. How many of those who read these poor lines will share in it?

Geo. I. Butler.

Des Moines, Iowa, Sept. 7, 1870.