Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-03-09
u. s. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION.
CAMP D1sTR1BUTIoN, Va, Feb. %, 1865
u. 5. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION

, experience IN the y. -. =. u, propose W
| give in your valuable paper, with your ap-
proval Of course,) to the people OF Brad
: ford county, little account Of what have
seen, hoping that ! may thereby induce the
good people Of that county to greater ex-
: ertion to do something more for the benefit
of our noble, self sacrificing soldiers, and
just let me say right here that | think if
ever the true spirit of christianity has been
exhibited by men on EARTH it is done III the
Christian Commission. TO see men leave
their homes and families and go hundreds,
aye, thousands of miles to administer to
the necessities Of the needy soldiers, with
out pay, with hard fare and hard work, looks
something like true christianity. Now let
me say something Of the wants of our dear
tian Commission is to do what the Govern
mcnt ought to do but to fill the vacancy
left by the Government. The soldiers in
health needs very much housewife, which
will contain little thread, needle or two,
a few buttons for pants and some for shirts
as the buttons frequently drop off they
want combs, they want handkerchiefs and
towels, they want pens, ink, and paper and
envelopes, they want reading matter and
mittens and gloves, none of which are fur
nished by the government, and if they are
obliged TO buy Of the sutler or at the store
it takes most of their wages, and then their
familic must suffer; and then Uncle Sam
does not always pay as soon as the work is
done, and then they have no money to buy
with. Now the Christian Comm ssion fills
as far as possible that deficiency for the
healthy soldier. Now let us look after the
sick and wounded solder: the thing he
wants most is a friend, and being from home
and among set OF men where stern ncces-
ity would seem to oblige each to look for
himself as best he can, the appearance Of
Christian delegate among them with the
milk Of human kindness in his heart, sym
pathy i'll his countenance, is like the oasis
to the weary way worn traveller in the des-
ert. Then the warm gushings of the heart
flowing not only in looks and words, but
also in the bestowment of such things as
are necessary for his comfort, will do very
much to cheer, encourage, and recuperate
the worn out energies of suffering soldier
Often have heard them say, it does me
50 much good to have you come and talk to
me, / do wish you would come oftener."
Then when the appetite is wanting, to
have little jelIy,a taste of canned peaches,
o: berries, or tomatoes, or something of
that kind, will often induce an effort to take
something, and have often heard them say
that does taste good, let me taste again.
Oh, you can hardly conceive the difference
it will make in their appearance. And
then in such a state Of the mind, you can
with great prospect Of success, point them
to the Saviour, recommending him as the
friend that sticketh closer than brother
Now to the christian appeal, and to the
| genuine disciple Of Christ especially, with
out regard to denomination or preferences,
! appeal with confidence for aid to the
| Christian Commission Our common hui
manity demands little sacrifice at your
| hands for the benefit of those who have
sacrificed 50 much for you. To the patriots
| appeal in behalf of your country's brave
defenders, do not beseech you let a sordid
selfishncss prevent you from coming to the
relief of our suffering, dying soldiers. In
short | appeal with all the sympathy Of my
heart, to all classes both old and young,
the high and low, rich and poor that you
will pat your hands to this great work of
philanthropy and christian benevolence. |
can assure you that your benefactions will
not be misapplied to any considerable ex-
tent, as ! have the means of knowing that
a more noble hearted, honest, rigidly eco
nomical company of men are not to be found
than those engaged i'll the Christian Com
mission the most rigid economy is prac-
tcod in regard to the living of the dele
gates and the judicious distribution of the
stores. AS another inducement for you to
come to the rescue tell you that God has
blessed the Christian Commission far be-
yond the expectations of the most eanguine
He has not only the hearts of our own peo-
pie, but foreign nations are pouring their
offerings into the Christian Commissions
treasury (mstance, Honolulu has sent us
$18,000). Friends of the cause if you
could meet the hundreds of soldiers in the
chapel Of Camp Distribution and see and
hear some praising God for his mercy,
others pleading mercy at the foot of the
cross, and others by scores asking chris
tians to pray for them, and hearing them
saying in the sincerity of their souls, have
found the Saviour precious, am sure your
resolution would be made Immediately. |
must and will have part in such a work
as this. We have prayer meetings every
morning at o'clock, and prayer meetings
and preaching every evening. ...
Yours truly, Z. P. CoBURN.
AN exchange says, our junior partner
returned pair of trowsers to his tailor
last week because thew were too small in