The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1865-02-02
Influence OF a Christian Officer.

In General Lees army there is captain
who recently made profession of religion. As
soon as he found peace by believing on Jesus,
he called his company together and told them
that they had always followed where he had led
them; that he wished to know whether they
were willing to follow him to the feet of Jesus,
and walk with him in the paths of righteous
ness. Also we learn-wthout single ex-
ception, manifested desire to initiate the ex-
ample of their leader.
There is another company, in the same army,
whose first captain was a wicked man. He
exerted an influence over his men, as all com
handing officers do; but it was not for good.
He was openly profane and nevo attended re-
ligious services In those days the company
was known as one of the most wicked in the
regiment Months rolled by and another man
was appointed to the command. His conduct
and conversation indicated that he was
consistent Christian, and a man of earn
est deep-toned piety. He sought to carry his
men to church; and in the prayer meeting strove
to lead them to the throne Of grace lie showed
that he cared for their spiritual as we'll as their
physical interests. Now mark the change. In
that company, once so noted Tor ltsSicked-
ness, prayer meeting is held every night; among
its members are scme active, energetic Chris
tans; and some happy converts have been made
there. Assistance to advance the cause of
religion can always be obtained from this COM
pany
These facts-and others might be mentioned
teach an important lesson They show that
the officers of our army occupy an important
and responsible position, since they WELD such
a potent influence over their men. How care.
full should they be to secure this influence in
behalf of truth and right
A correspondent of the Biblical Recorder
gives some examples of similar character
':Whie in conversation, few days since,
with brave and noble Captain of the Army of
Northern Virginia. he remarked: 81 say 1T not
by way of Boosting, but there is not a more
orderly or we'll disposed company in the service
than mine | have endeavored to watch over
them with the same care would my own chill
dren have always told them, that ''press-
ing" was stealing, and ''runn:ng the blockade"
was equivalent to deserton. The result of this
is, my men have never been charged with steal
ing, and not one has deserted since the war be-
gan; although have men from different Sec
lions of the country volunteers and conscripts.
There is not one in my company who plays cards;
| checked this vice among them the first year
of the war; but of large company, have only
two who ever swear, and they very seldom
None ever get drunk, it matters not how great
the temptation | have also used my utmost
efforts to discountenance these evils. When not
on duty they spend their time in holding prayer
meetings, in singing and in innocent conversa-
ton. large majority of them have become
church members. For these efforts, am not
less beloved by my men, but believe they
would do any thing in their power for me-"
This officer, you may judge, is an upright gem
tleman and we believe sincere Christian.
We know another Captain stationed not far
from u.s. whose men will walk several miles
every night to attend church, and whenever
they have preaching in camp almost every man
attends. There are but few in the company,
who play cards, or commit any other gross vice
This officer zealously watches over the religious
interests of his command. His heart is filled
with Joy, whenever, he sees, or knows his men
to be concerned upon the subject of religion
He too, is beloved by his command.
This war has afforded some men the greatest
fields of usefulness imaginable. Eternity will
alone reveal how faithful they have been to
their. trust Reader, how will it stand with
you! Those ranks of yours, diminished by
the casualties of war and time, will be filled at
that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be
known. What will they then say for or against
yon3 You may, not only, be idle yourself, but
at the same time be retarding the usefulness of
that Chaplain or Missionary of your command,
who, hitherto sad and depressed by your cold
and stern Indifference, has been compelled to
toll on unaided BY you, when you might have
encouraged and animated him in his labors of
love-"