The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1862-08-27
. WORDS OF JESUS"

aWoRDS OF JESUS"
II lay neglected in corner Of the tent
the little hook, with its lowly vel lofty title.
all UNDECIDED BY the careless group who
crowded around, sent by some loving moth
err, or sister, or wife, with an earnest prayer
thai il might lead their loved ones to think of
Him who. though :" He be not far from ev.
ery one of u.s. is too often forgotten in this
sinful world-it lay awaiting its mission.
The messmates were mostly young; but
few had attained the meridian OF life, and
some had begun to wear the look Of years.
Several were Tor professed to be- Christians;
but admid the din Of war and temptations Of
the camp their religion seemed almost for
gotten, or laid aside for a more convenient
season. Cards we're the usual pastne and
Christian and wording alike seemed to find
more of interest in them than in the weighti-
err matters Of "rightesusness, temperance
and judgment to come" But this afternoon
even they were laid aside. and there was 4
feeling Of snnai and sadness creeping over
all the party.
Finally, one Of the group, noble hearted
man, though one who did not always remem
Der to walk worthy Of his high vocation,
glanced at the little volane, aud took il up
carelessly to while away The time. The IL
tie was simple, but il grated harshly on his
ear: " Words oil Jesus" All who amid the
tumult of war. the confusion Of the camp,
and in quiet hours the thought Of home. could
stop TO mediate on Him who was "meek
and lowly Of heart" the heavenly Friend,
who a. bare our transgressions and received
our chsstisement:" But the Spirit blessed
the book, as unthinkingIy he proposed read
ing aloud, "for the sake Of something new, !"
us was lightly said. And 50 the reading
commenced, at first carelessly. but with
gradually increasing interest until they heard
gladly of Jesus Of Nazsreth. the Saviour or
sinners. And as they heard 0f HIS weary
life on earth, His loneliness, Ills sorrow and
suffering for SINFUL men. they forgot them
selves awhile 70 look 20 Hin, the Author Of
eternal life. Words ofJesus." Whlirest
and security they breathed hp they point.
ed TO the blissIul haven above--to the home
ready, the " house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens = and how trivial and
unworthy seemed the life below the strife
Of men, the Struggle for power, the bitter en-
wings snd anger Of hnnan hearts. Over
them all there came change. and for that
evening at least they were wiser and better
men. With their softened feelings came,
too, remembrances not only Of the tender
lore Of dear ones at home, but their earnest
prayers for them, and they felt that. like
other blessings with which their lives we're
crowned, Of them they were all unworthy.
Well, Charlie" spoke up one of the
hearers, when the book was laid aside, and
with voice which would be husky despite
the light tone, that was frst.raie-bettef
than cards, don't you think 7"
Eyes, indeed" was the feryent reply {" I
believe some good angel placed the book
there; it seems message sent 20 draw Us
again into the path Of duty and true happi.
ness from which we we're 80 sadly straying /;
and for one am truly thankful for the gen.
tie reproof, the timely warning, as well as
the blessed hope IL gives for bright eterni.
y we may some day enjoy. 4 may be
soon"
My readers, does not this show that we
may be, - least, instruments in doing good
by sending Bibles and tracts 10 soldiers:
Dear soldiers Of our Confederate States,
perilling your lives, and, Ear more, your
souls, for the sake Of honor aud home; oh,
that we could persuade YOU to pause awhile
each day and think Of Eternity-of the 10Y
or woe that world contains for you. We be.
seech you TO abstain from the profane world
---ihe drink which, II 10 fails TO intoricate,
still dsadrns The riini and heart - III thai