The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1893-06-08

'hbh ull Iullhh anu
of the men engaged in that fratricida
strife-nn undercurrent none the les
deep and strong that the surface wal
stained with the blood of brothers nnC
strewn with the wrecks of war-th,
dying and the dead.
In was in the early spring Of 1862
when the Federal forces, under Major
General B, were advancing on that
memorable campaign in the valley o.
Virginia. Every foot Of ground, from
the Potomac to Staunton, had already
been fought over--at one time occu
pied by Federal hosts, ut another by
Confederate.
General B had advanced hi,
lines as far as Middletown, in the upper
valley and beyond, while the Confed
crate army, under General !, wa,
occupying the Luray valley, near
Staunton and Harrisonburg-made ia
nous in history by the not far distan.
battle field of Port Republic.
II was one of those calm, quiet Sun.
day mornings, suggestive rather OF
peace on earth aud good will to mer
than of the fiery passions born of wal
and bloodshed, when General B
rode out from his headquarters in the
town, accompanied by his personal
staff, on short tour of reconnaissance.
1t was slightly pageant-that well ap.
pointed band, with their bright sabres
flashing in the sunlight, and their gaily
csparisoned steeds impatient of the
control of bit and bride.
An hours rapid ride through field
and wood brought them in sight Of a
small country church, nestled away
just within the vestibules of forest,
with its modest spire still pointing
heavenward, having not yet had the
Ta'-' TH"r'f'"', S.,S.y SS- oNll'.--s, dpo. Il.
as tne casaleade spproached they
became aware of the fact that a con.
gregation had assembled. and that the
services had already commenced.
Concluding that he was still by
several miles within his picket
lines, General b ordered a
halt, and after brief consultation
with his officers, and the staticning OF
four sentries commanding all the APP
proaches to the building, the whole
cavalcade dismounted, and leaving
their horses in charge of their order
lies, proceeded in u body to the
church.
The beautiful morning service-the
distinguishing feature of Episcopal
worship-was just ending as this un-
expected accession to the congregation
entered
The organ wa9 pealing Jorth its a
most human cry of Jesus, Saviour OF
my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly"
as, quietly and with most respectful
solemnity, this small but distinguished d
band of officers took their seats.
Small as was that little country
church, there were numbers of empv
pews, and those that were occupied
were occupied mostly by women and
children, with small contingent OF
gray-haired men.
There was most noticeable absence
OF men worshipers-only two or three
old men with whitened locks, and
three others, two young men and q
manly boy who had seen scarcely four
teen summers, all three dressed In
Confederate uniform.
The momentary ripple of excitement
occasioned by SO unlooked-for a pres.
ence soon gave way before the spell OF
pious devotion which pervaded that
little sanctuary as though some angel
had whispered to their hearts; peace,
be still !"
And now came from the chancel the
voice of the aged pastor, as he an.
nounced his teSt-a voice deep, sonor.
Gus, and pathetic. Standing there,
with his long white hair and flowing
beard, his very presence seemed ser
mon in itself; but from the moment
he announced his text: "Come unto
Me, oil ye that are weary and heavy
laden, and / will give you rest" every
eye was riveted upon him, every ear
was strained to catch his holy utter
ances.
He stood within the chancel rail.
without manuscript or note. He said
81 come to you this Sabbath morning,
my beloved brethren, with gracious
message from heaven. come as the
ambassador Of Christ, 10 offer rest 10
the weary, and relief to the heavy
laden-rest, sweet abiding rest, to
earsh's toil-worn and sin-laden suffer
sra
Let us first consider. my brethren,
Who 1t is that makes this gracious
.lfer. When I tell you it is Christ
timself, mighty to save all who come
INTO God through Him, you will re-
cognize not only the ability, but the
Willingness of the gracious offerer
We all know, my brethren, what rest
means to the hungering and thirsting