The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1862-10-30
COMMUNICATIONS.
For TIE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
CAMP NINEyEH, Warren Co., ;
Oct. Esd, 1862.

clad DeWS with reference TO G0Q WORK now
going on here. Oar artillery corps has been
in camp at this place, about L miles from
Winchester, for nearly three weeks past. We
have thus had q quiet time and excellent op
portunity to think of eternal interests. The
minds of our soldiers seemed the more dis
posed to such thoughts by their late expert
ences of hardships, privatiou and perils.-
God too, in his good providence, favored
us, by sending to us, on q visit very dear
brother-the Rev. II. r. Scott of the Epis
copal church--well known for his brotberly
sympathy with Christ's people of every de-
nominations; bis broad charity and strong
devotion to his Masters work. He has been
staying with ne, and preaching to my men
every night. The men were eager to hear
the gospel, and the word was evidently &C
companied by the blessing Of the Holy
Spirit from the beginning. The first services
were held Sabbath night two weeks ago
The next night Mr.. Scott was absent, and
no service was held; but a few. including
seven who were not professors Of religion,
as they sat around their camp fire, began
70 sing hymns in Gods praise. | went and
Joined in the singing. After a little while, l
made few remarks 10 the little company;
no formal address but as | sat- On the
ground, and in conversational way. | said
to them that it would be such a blessed
thing If those present would agree to con-
secrate themselves g., Sod from that hour;
Dointed them TO the blood Of Jesus as the
oply atonement for sin, aud to.his righteous
ness az our only ground Of acceptance with
God the Father. | then asked each nan
present what he purposed with reference TO
the salvation Of his soul To hoy surprise,
every man present, except one, declared
himself ready then and there to give up sin,
to turn unto God with full porpose Of new
obedience, and resting on Jesus for saliva
ton and grace to lead new life thence
forth. This was the happy beginning Of a
glorious work Every night since that, it has
grown in the depth OF its solemn earnestness.
until it has in many respects, become the
most remarkable outpouring of converting
Grace I ever witnessed. Daring part Of
the time the weather was very threatening
and unpleasant, but this did not prevent the
Gathering of ~ .;e.,-,s saints aai A.~e' az
irouirers around the bright camp FIRE. To
them the gospel has been preached nfost
fully and tenderly. The great doctrines of
justification By faith-of evangelical repen-
lance, of the new birth-of Jesus as our
wisdom, righteousness, sanctiication and
redemplion-have been unfolded with clear
ness and simplicity. There has been no *
element; never any large crowd; but a
steady. quiet, most manifest and beautiful
work of the Holy Ghost, until now between
forty and fifty Ct my own company have
been hopefully converted, and are very hap.
ryin hope of bliSsful and peaceful immor-
tsGty. Some of the hardest heaits-long-
lived and desperate sinners, have been
melted under the power Of the truth, and
like little children have come to Jesus -
Tney now sit al his feet clothed and in their
rioht mind. One Of the most remarkable
featur Of the work is the great number q
instances of simple, child-jke faith in Jesus
Indeed bslieye this beautiful character
istic ma, ks every case. am also rejOced
10 see that the young converts seem to be
aiming more as the substantial graces OF
filth, humility and love, than to obtain joy,
or peace, or comfort Another good sign is
the fact that every one Immediately engages
in the work, and seems most anxious to Go
somet5ino for perishing souls around him
Tins for some II have been bapiized--Dot
into communion with any particular denomi
nation-but with Cbrjst's people aad wish
every Christian frieud of mine could have
Witnessed the administration Of this solemn
sacrament. 1t was most interesting and
torcninr: and then when on last Sabbath
we gathered together on The green lawn to
partake Of the LORDS supper, the sight was
one over which heaven rej0iced when, for
the first time, 80 many brave soldiers de-
clared themselves soldiers Of the Cross for
all time to come. Thus far the work has
baen pretty much confined to my own COM
nanv-yet not altogether so; for the C5gis-
tians in other companies have become dee ply
interested, and some lev from their ranks
have professed faith in QUE dear Saviour
The CaDtains Of the other companies have
been specially interested, and now ask ltat
the meetings may be held in their camps.
Thus We have hope that the good work
will extend till hundreds shall rejoice in Je-
sus. On that it could spread through all
our noble army Pray that this may be so.
In my own company there is hardly single
man, oat of ll5, who is not professor of
faith in Jesus, or in some degree, an en-
quirer for the way of life. Some remarkable
instances have occurred of men trying to
stave off the blessed il fuences Of the Spirit,
and vet, being unable to do so. Many such
have come forward to dedicate themselves
to Christ | cannot tell YOU, my dear broth
err in Jesus, how blessed all this has seemed
in my eyes, how l have rejoiced in this Wis.,
tatiOn of mercy, grace and salvation How
delichtful to be thus met by the wayside; to
be Unexpectedly aroused from the monotony
of camp life, by J SIS HI nself appearing in
our midst with all his power and Willingness
to save What blessed interlude in the
fierce drama of war! Urge all to still
more importunate p layer. The blessings Of
salvation are greatly needed in the army
Unless they are poured out upon US very
abundautly, fear peace would be very
Questionable good to society For, other
wise we should have to turn loose thousands
who have been greatly corrupted by thei-
army experience, aud who would go for b