The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-18
ROBERT [, LIE
 AS 4 CHRISTIAN pr. Jones of Richmond Breaches
 to Veterans HE KNEW GEN. LEE WELL Sermon Delivered in First Baptist church-Dr. Jones Was at One Time pr. Dickinson's Pas
 tor In Richmond.
lE KNEW GEN. LEE WELL

Rev. Dr. John William Jones of Rleh- mond. Va. chaplain of the United Con- federate veterans spoke to a large con- gregatlon. of which a large portion were Confederate veterans, at the First Baptist church at the morning ser vice yesterday, taking as his theme. The Christian Character of General Robert E. Lee.'
 The services were opened by the Rev. A. J. Dickinson, who after reading the 46th Psalm, the favorite chapter of General Lee, presented Dr. Jones to the congregation. paying him and the cause that he followed during the sixties, a high tribute.
 Dr. Jones in beginning his discourse warmly greeted his old comrades. the Confederate veterans. He stated that 1t was a pleasure to preach In the church of which his friend and brother. Dr. Dlekn- son was pastor. especially when he him self had once been Dr. Dickinsons pas tor in Virginia.
 Takes Text from Acts.
 i'As dhlOullNtu ltAL ITOIu Acts 4th Chapter and 24th verse: He Was Good man and Full of the Holy Ghost and of Fath.''
 He said This passage can be appro- prlately applied to the life of General Robert l.. Lee. the mortal man of cen turies.
 ''lf there be those that came here to hear n Hicpncctnr, of tlo of the war record of General Lee they will go away disappointed l shall con fine my address to the Christian char acter of General Lee as 1t was my oppor- tunity to know thls great and good man.
 It is our natural disposition to exaIt the virtues of public man, whom we like, and to cover up his faults I shall speak of the commander-n-chief of the Confederate army, from a close acquain- tance and friendship. As chaplain in the southern army I came in close touch with him. Later l was his pastor at Lexing- ton when he was president of the Wash ington and Lee University.
 His First Talk With Lee.
 "The first time I ever had a talk with him was on personal religion I had heard a good deal of General Lees Christian character, had seen him as a devout wor- shipper at our camp services, had mo- ticed expressions in his official papers, indicating his firm trust in an everrullng Providence, and had heard many incl dents showing that he was decided Christian. But my first personal inter- view with him on religious matters was when l was sent as a member of the committee of our chaplain's association ter observance of the Sabbath in the army. He met us with great courtesy and entered promptly into our views, is- suing an order in which he directed that none but duties strictly necessary shall be required to be performed on Sunday
 Lee was a man of prayer. He had family worship, he prayed in public and private Dr. Jones then told of several incidents in which General Lee prayed in the meetings of the prvates conduct ed by the chaplain
 A Student of Gods Word.
 Ait Wdo eh cluutHL Ol 1Ou 5 word. tIGn- eral Lee was great lover of Gods word. In speaking of the bible to me once he said. There are many things in the bible that cannot understand but know that 1t was written by the pen of inspir- ation and hope some day to understand.'
 "Genral Lee was a regular attendant of religious services" Dr. Jones recalled the time at which Dr. Broadus preached to over 5000 at General Jackson's head quarters. His text on that great occasion was, Her ways are ways of pleasure an1 all her paths are peace" The vast con gregation was touched to tears at this preaching of the simple gospel"
 In conclusion pr. Jones spoke of the activity of General Lee for the good of others. "He fully realized" said the preacher, that he was saved to serve, and was always an active worker for the good of others. When he was president of Washington and Lee 1t was his custom to ask each student, as he r1atrlculated to what church he belonged. If he was not a church member he ascertalned to what church his parents belonged. He was wont to make lists and furnish them to the several pastors of the city"
 In closing Dr. Jones paid a beautiful tribute to the Confederate veterans lie pointed out the fact that they were rap idly passing over the river, and appealed to them to be ready when the summon came.
 pr. Jones addressed large congregation at the First Baptist church at the even ing service yestrday on "rhe Christian Character of General Stonewall Jack son."
 EXCtIRSION RATES