The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1864-11-12
The Plan, System, Extent. and
wants of the Work of the
u. 8. Christian Comm issi i'm
the Field.

the Fseau.
The United States Christian Commission
is in present pressing want of means for its
work in the Army and Navy. Encouraged
by generous contributions at home, and urg-
ed by earnest demands from the field, its be-
neiiccnt operations have been greatly extend
ed, and large sums are required to maintain
the scale il has reached. Signal success has
induced still more urgent calls from the field
for yet wider extension. Experience has
been gained. System has been perfected
Methods have been tested. Relations have
been adjusted. Position has been achieved
All necessary facilities secured. We arr,
therefore, prepared safely to enlarge if the
means to do it are supplied. We, however,
are merely a'moners of the people to the
men who are fighting our battles. What is
placed in our hands we place in theirs
That is all we can do. If you give us more
we can do more. If less, we must reduce
the work.
Already you have intrusted to US large
amount. We refer you to our Annual Re
port now ready for gratuitous distribution
for the account of our stewardship. You
will find therein, accounts Of our work in all
the great fields of war. You will find also
accurate and full statements of all our re-
ccipts and disbursements. Your special at
tention is invited to them. They exhibit
work unparalleled in its economy and eff
cheney. Compared with the amount cXpcnd-
ed, the amount achieved is wonderful in the
grandeur Of its extent and vastncss of its
bcneiiccnt results. This, under God. is not
so much due to any wisdom of ours, as to
the deep interest felt in our brave men,
This has enabled us to obtain extraordinary
facilities from the Government, commanders
in the field, Railroad and Telegraph Compa-
MES. and also the gratuitouS services of about
1000 ministers and others. Thus, a great
work has been done at comparatively small
cost
The Christian Commission embraces in its
plan both spiritual and temporal benefits, by
means of men, stores, and publications.
Some suppose our work to be exclusively
religious SO it is, in the true idea of rcli-
gion. Our Lord regarded men as both NOR
tai and immortal. He healed the body and
saved the soul. The Christian Commission
seeks the same end. 1t is both the Good
Samaritan and the Good Shepherd. 1t binds
up wounds, pours in the oil and wine, and
pays all expenses. 1t also leaves the ninety
and-ninc at home to seek the one lost in the
field.
The plan requires money and stores as
well as men and publications.
The plan of distribution is directly from
the hands of the delegate to the hands of the
soldier. No room for failure between. 1t
sends delegates to seek out the needy, the
suffering. the dcspondent and supply, re-
licvc. and cheer them.
Experience has taught that this is the only
plan upon which the wants of our brave
men in the field can be met
THE sY3rrM.
Of the United States Christian Commits
sion is this:
|. 1t has small permanent paid field
agency, employed to Supcrintcnd, direct and
report the work in the field.
,. \ large voluntary unpaid delegation. OF
clcrgymcn and others to do the work.
3. 1t has stations at principal centres.
them. A chapel-tcnt, storc-tcnt, and sub
sistencc-tcnt, with stores and publications. to
distribute, and two or three delegates TO dis
tribute them free writing-tahle furnished,
and daily, or twice, or thrice daily. religious
services by the delegates are the chief lea
lures of IL centre station. An ut-Station is
point IN some camp. post. or battery for
stated services and distribution.
4. Reports to the stations are required
ercrv week of all the work and distribution
By delegates, and every month from the field
agents to the Central Office.
-. cams wagons ana S"ll''es are pro
'ioea 10 enable inc agents aha dcIeSatcS TO
move with the armies when they move. and
he on the field in time Of battle with their
stores. mus 'he s'h''oh oeiegateS IN inc
army at rest, become the minute men for the
march and the battle.
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