Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-05-12
CAMp NEAR GUrsEA's srArros. Va.

AAAO
Mr. EDITOR: have been in the service
OF my country about seven months, and for
one, | have looked with anxiety to the end
of this cruel war. In the beginning the con-
slant cry was, we will drive our enemy from
our land in a short time. To-day the end
seems more remote than hitherto. Our CRY.
Ell foe instead of being discouraged, appears
to be just preparing for the trial. Now, Mr..
EDITOR, though nothing but a boy, if you
will allow me space, | wish to give to your
readers and my fellow-soldiers, my feeble
opinion. The suspense of the present day.
is indeed, painful-painful to many, because
their country with all It's goods is involved
In these passing and uncertain days and to-
others because the lives of those most dear
to them hang in doubt on the result of this
conflict. Is this not a time to try our chris
tain faith /?
Our way is not yet blockaded. God al
ways accepts his repentant children and
have we not faithful warning enough in
these national trials to drive us to the Cross
Will He who so loved us as to give Himself
an offering for our redemption, not deliver
US from these troubles, and restore our woun-
ded country to peace? must suggest that
we as soldiers, and as a christian people.
cease to conide in the skill of man. Our
O0AtA d IACiu OuI Iict IlOOl0 arm anu IN
vited US to lean on her mighty strength; but
leaning there we have lost shining spots on
our coast and border. Victory after victory
has been gained over US, This and more We
have seen and the time is now at hand to
cease bragging-to withhold our boasts in
the power of our arms, and look to Him who
is mighty to save.
Many of our commanders, and the major
ity of our soldiery, are men who profess faith
in God, and confidence in His word. Not
withstanding this, to what a shameful degree
is profanity carried on in camp. The soldier
seems to lose sight of righteousness; and in
nearly every tent, a deck of gaming cards is
substituted for the Bible and the blessed
volume, bestowed on them as a parting bles-
sing from loved ones at home, remains I'M
opened in the trunk or knapsack, and only
for their kind remembrance, they are not
thrown aside to get rid of the weight.
May we not calmly hope for Gods assis :
lance while we thus act ! If we believe ia
: God, will we not look to Him with repentarss
hearts z Piety in camp will not only aid u1
in fighting for our country, but will fit our
souls for ending this rough existence in the
glory Of tho promised Canaan. | am pleased
:. to say there are still faithful followers Of the
Lamb in the camps. The songs of Zion are
often heard around our camp-tlres, and our
hearts have melted as we have heard faithful
e soldiers, both of their country and the Gross,
: change happily from the savage war-whoop tc
the melody of the songs of Heaven.
In these plain lines, L, as a tented soldier
call on all, both at home and in camp, to lay
v aside the strength of man, and look to Hin,
who has said " the race is not to the swift
nor the battle to the strong"
Tho health of the 21th ic comnorat;ua
2 !. go1a: n q, gs yoaa paper Per. WI aal search unsl
M. C. DAVIS,
e Co. E. Saith Rec. N. e. Troons