The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-07-20
[For the Richmond Dispatch.]
APica for the S0ldfee!

RICHMOND, Va, july ~, 1o6l
At the late annual meeting OF the baptist
| General Association OF Virginia, it was deter
mined at once TO send ''colporteurs to occupy
| all the important points OF rendezvous, and
promptly to reach all the soldiers in service
| IN this State In pursuance OF this plan, 1
was directed to appeal for aid to "Such per
sons in the Confederate States as may feel in
terested in the spiritual welfare OF the soldiers
who are gathered from various Southern States
to fight their common pattieS Oh tAe SOIL Oh
Virginia.
There are now in all probability, not less
than $50 900 soldiers OF the Confederate Army
within the limits of our State, and the course
of events indicates that, in a lew months, we
shall have double that number. Very many
of these brave men have not the Word of God.
Our colporteurs have found many companies
in which two-thirds are destitute of copy OF
the New Testament while in almost every
company a considerable proportion have neg
iected to bring with them this invaluable
treasure. There is great anxiety on the part
OF our soldiers to secure religious reading. In
maHy ms tances they have called upon clergy
men in this city and begged for q supply OF
Tes taments and tracts. Bat they have, 10 a
large extent, begged in vain as nearly all our
religious literature, including Bibles, Tesla
nents, and tracts, has been published at the
North, and now We cannot obtain n supply
from that quarter. Feeling that the South
must build up 4 Christia literature for her
self, and that no foreign growth in this aspect
can answer her home necessities, we are pub
y ",
especially adapted to soldiers, and expect soon
to bring out an edition OF the New Testament.
We have pious, devoted and experienced col
porteurs, who are anxious TO be sent into this
eternal life. Already thirty ARE iaboring in
This capacity under our direction, and their
report Is are of the most encouraging charac ter.
Had we the requisite funds, we could in a
few weeks send forth not less than hundred
such laborers. Besides, many of the chap
iains are being supplied by us with tracts for
general distribu ton. Thus it will be seen
that there is much need of funds If this most
important and interes ting work is vigorously
prosecuted, and we are solely dependent on
the free will offerings of those who feel in
terested in such labors. Our books and tracts,
which are such as are approved by all evan
geIical denominations, are for the most part
given away.
There is scarcely another such school of
vice on the earth as the encampment, and we
must counterfeit its hurtful teachings by the
" book of books, F." and by volumes and tracts CT
kindred influence. The leisure of the soldier,
If we can secure it for religious reading may
win him to become as well a soldier OF the
cross.
In no way can We SO effectually show our
appreciation OF those who are now defending
all that is worth living or dying for; in 40
way well aid the sacred cause of Southern
independence, rs by surrounding our soIdery
with the restraining, Sanctifying and ennno-
bling influences OF Christianity Urged by
such convictions, / would most earnestly in
wife the operation of all classes throus hon
our young nationality in this inviting field
which to publish Testaments and defray the
expenses OF Colporteurs. Let all who ma We
| a mind to help, at send on whatever they
feel inclined to contribute. Address,
A. Z. DICKINSON,
Gen'l Sup't Baptist Colportage.
Richmond, Va.
Papers throughout the South win render us
an important service by ir sorting the above