Lesson 268: HERITAGE NOT HATE
Army of Tennessee Chaplain David Chaltas
HERITAGE NOT HATE One of the statements I
heard regarding the Sons of Confederate Veteran that enticed me to join the
organization was the message of heritage and not hate. I had read several
books on General Lee and I found his attitude towards ‘those
people’ to be admirable. Other men such as Thomas Jackson and JEB Stuart
also emulated those virtues. Most of the soldiers that
Lee was drawn to fight against he had trained or had trained someone that they
had taught. He did not hate his adversaries. He prayed for them every
night. Those who fought against him praised him as a man of Christian
character. His attitude embodied all the attributes that I found honorable. Can we not continue to learn
from the words and deeds of General Robert E. Lee? Let us reflect upon his
example. Read Robert E. Lee’s words
and listen to them from your heart. “Do You Think Your Remarks Were in the Spirit of That
Teaching?” General
Lee’s ability to remain calm during adverse times is legendary. After
the course of the war he was indicted for treason and would later appear before
Congress. Most men would be bitter but he retained his Christian nature. On
one occasion a preacher was visiting him at his home and was complaining about
the despicable acts that were being heaped upon the old general. As the man
began to leave, Lee reminded him of the principles he was called to follow.
The pastor must have went away quite humbled from the mild admonishment. This
profound truth in his own words says it all in summating the man called Lee. “Doctor,
there is a good old book which I read and you preach from, which say,
‘Love your enemies, bless them that persecute you, do good to them that
hatred for you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.’ Do you
think your remarks this evening were quite in the spirit of that
teaching?” “Those who oppose our purposes are not always to be
regarded as our enemies.” “Both Sides Forget That We Are All Americans” General
Lee was not only a brilliant military mind but also possessed a keen insight
into the looming conflict. On one occasion he stated that the war would not be
a short event but literally be fought for years and would entail a great
suffering for all the people. His predictions rang true. “They
do not know what they say. If it came to a conflict of arms, the war will last
at least four years. Northern politicians will not appreciate the determination
and pluck of the South, and Southern politicians do not appreciate the numbers,
resources, and patient perseverance of the North. Both sides forget that we are
all Americans. I foresee that our country will pass through a terrible ordeal,
a necessary expiation, perhaps, for our national sins.” General Lee speaking on the
feelings he had towards the North: I believe I may say,
looking into my own heart, and speaking as in the presence of God, that I have
never known one moment of bitterness or resentment.” “I
have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were
seeking to wrest from the South its dearest right. But I have never cherished
toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and I have never seen the day when I
did not pray for them.” “I think it the duty of every citizen, in the present condition of the
Country, to do all in his power to aid in the restoration of peace and harmony,
and in no way to oppose the policy of the State or General Government directed
to that object.” “Abandon your animosities and make your sons
Americans." “The Duty of its Citizens Appears to Me too Plain to
Admit Without Doubt” Prior
to his arrival at Lexington, Virginia, to shoulder the robes of educational
leadership, General Lee wrote the former governor of Virginia expressing his
views regarding the reunification efforts that were at hand. The following
excerpts sample his resolve to accomplish that ultimate goal. “The
questions which for years were in dispute between the States and the General
Government…having been decided against us, it is the part of wisdom to
acquiesce in the result, and of candor to recognize the fact…The
interests of the State are the same as those of the United States…The
duty of its citizens, then, appears to me too plain to admit without
doubt.” “Tell Them From Me That It is Unworthy” Christiana
Bond remembered a valued lesson that the old general taught while at a social
event. Several Pennsylvanians were in the ballroom but the Southerners were
shunning their company. General Lee asked if some of the ladies would
accompany him to be introduced to the Northerners. Finally, Christiana
consented. Stopping underneath a chandelier, Lee told her “…of
the grief with which he found a spirit of unreasoning resentment and bitterness
in the young people of the South, of the sinfulness of hatred and social
revenge, of the duty of kindness, helpfulness and consideration for
others.” The old sage then gave her a charge. “When you go
home, I want you to take a message to your young friends. Tell them from me
that it is unworthy of them as women, and especially as Christian women, to
cherish feelings of resentment against the North. Tell them that it grieves me
inexpressibly to know that such a state of things exists, and that I implore
them to do their part to heal our country’s wounds.” (Lee, The Last Years; Flood, Charles Bracelen;
Houghton Mifflin Company; New York; 1981; pages 165-166) Notice what he said about the qualities of being a true
gentleman. “The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily
remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can not
only forgive; he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and
mildness of character which imparts sufficient strength to let the past be put
the past.” Again note his overall tone. This is prophetic in nature.
“They do not know what they say. If it came to a conflict of arms, the
war will last at least four years. Northern politicians will not appreciate the
determination and pluck of the South, and Southern politicians do not
appreciate the numbers, resources, and patient perseverance of the North. Both
sides forget that we are all Americans. I foresee that our country will pass
through a terrible ordeal, a necessary expiation, perhaps, for our national
sins.” Regarding slavery, he stated the following: “So
far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is
abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully
am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost
by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object
attained.” Note that there was not one manner of resentment, hate or
bitterness. He stood tall amongst the ashes, becoming a beacon for those to
immolate. One of my favorite stories of Lee was described by the
Reverend William J. Jones. In
Jones’s reminiscences, he relates a story as told by a neighbor of Marse
Robert. This incident happened during the autumn of 1869. General Lee was
standing by his gate and had just concluded talking to a rather poorly dressed
man when the neighbor arrived. After talking of usual pleasantries, the image
of the poor man leaving just as the neighbor arrived entered into the
conversation. The kindly old general simply stated in a matter of fact
fashion, “That is one of our old soldiers who is in necessitous
circumstances.” With his curiosity aroused, the neighbor questioned
President Lee as to what command the gentleman was from and much to the
neighbor’s surprise General Lee replied, “He fought on the other
side, but we must not remember that against him now.” On another
occasion, General Lee’s neighbor happened upon the man that had been
talking to Lee on that autumn day. Eventually the topic of the much-admired
General entered into the conversation. Remembering what the general had said,
Lee’s neighbor inquired further as to their communication topic. The man
respectfully stated, “Sir, he…not only had a kind word for an
old soldier who fought against him, but he gave me some money to help me on my
way.” This demonstration of love and fulfillment of Jesus’
commandments to serve one another struck me with reverence and awe for the
man. “For I was hungry and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed
me.” It humbled me with shame as I reflected on the times that I have
neglected to serve my fellow man. With this act he personified a true
Christian. Did not our Lord and Savior instruct us to Love our
enemies. In Matthew 5:44, Christ teaches us an unyielding lesson: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you.” In Romans 12:20, our Bible tells us
"But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a
drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Luke
6:27 captured the words of Christ’s lesson to us: “But I say to you
who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Friends, I yield to no man in
my love for my heritage. My ancestors fought in the First Revolution and have
distinguished their selves in the defense of this country. My love for America
permeates my very being and would gladly offer my life for her if called upon.
The War Between the States saw Americans fighting Americans, brothers against
brothers and fathers against sons. I also possess ancestors who fought on the
blue side of things and I honor their decisions as well. Both sides are my
heritage. I cannot deny either side without denying or condemning my family.
To dishonor one is to dishonor all. A few years ago there was
discussion to remove the bust of Jefferson Davis from the rotunda in Frankfort,
Kentucky. There were protests and appeals. The strongest appeal came from a
man who personifies Abraham Lincoln. His message was clear and simple. He
stated that it was only proper and fair to remove the image of Jefferson Davis
ONLY after you removed the one of Lincoln. Both were Kentuckians. Both served
the United States. Both fought for their beliefs. You cannot remove one
without removing the other. History is inseparable. As citizens of the South do we
not owe it to God, Country, and the cause to embrace the same Christian spirit
that Lee demonstrated, as we stand yielding to none in honoring our heritage?
As chaplains, we must remember our purpose and calling; that of the Great
Commission. The role of the chaplain is plainly expressed in the Bible as well
as in the Chaplain’s Handbook SCV compiled and edited by Dr. Rumburg. I
have taken the liberty of listing the qualifiers below: The Role of the
Chaplain QUALIFICATIONS
AND RESPONSIBILITIES of a Chaplain Qualifications:
Inward: A man born of the
Spirit or as the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3 that he must be born
again, that is, he must come to repentance of his sin and faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Outward: 1. There should be
manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit who indwells the believer as set
forth in Galatians 5:22-26. 2. The requirements for
deacons and elders are set forth by the hand of inspiration in I Timothy 3:1-13
and Titus 1:5-9 are excellent requirements for the Chaplains as well. The same
requirements are desirable for any leader giving forth the Word of God. Chaplain Responsibilities (Chaplain's Handbook; page 71) 1. Open and close all
camp meeting with prayer. 2. The chaplain may
give a brief devotional at the opening of the meeting. 3. The traditional
translation is The Kings James Version. 4. Denominational
distinctions should be avoided but a scriptural presentation of the
gospel of Christ should be given clearly without apology. *Note the
words of General Jackson: “Denominational distinctions should be kept out
of view, and not touched upon. And, as a general rule, I do not think
that a chaplain who would preach denominational sermons should be in the army .
. . I would like to see no question asked in the army of what denomination a
chaplain belongs to; but let the question be, “Does he preach the
Gospel.” 5. Every prayer given should be in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ. 6. Do the work of a colporteur. Tracts are a
means of getting the Gospel into the hands of the camp members. 7. "Study to show thyself approved." The
following books/websites are excellent sources Dear brothers and sisters let us go forth from this moment
remembering with pride that we are the remnants of the grandest army that ever
was assembled. An army led by Christian men and chaplains of faith. This was
an army that believed in God and witnessed one of the greatest revivals of all
time. This is our legacy. Let us carry the banner and the Book forward representing
our beloved heritage with the pride and dignity that it deserves. To do less
would be an injustice to our ancestors’ good names. For we are the
current day Christian warrior and we must rise above the rattling of sabers and
live by the example of Christ. For Heritage, never hate, I remain the old
general CHAPLAIN'S HANDBOOK SCV, Compiled and Edited by Dr.
Rondel Rumburg; 2005; page 71-72 CHAPLAINS IN GRAY;
Pitts, Charles F. CHRIST IN THE
CAMP; Jones, J. William GREAT REVIVAL IN
THE SOUTHERN ARMIES; Bennett, W. W. LEE, THE LAST YEARS;
Flood, Charles Bracelen; Houghton Mifflin Company; New York; 1981; pages
165-166 THE LEGEND AND
LEGACY OF LEE; Chaltas, David; 2007 PERSONAL
REMINISCENCES, ANTIDOTESS AND LETTERS OF GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE; Jones, J.
William; D. Appleton; New York; 1875
pages 71-72).