Year: 1863

tiers from the army" True, that does occur.
But they must write when they and often
when they are 10 sad plight. An hour may
make great difference. l have had two soldiers
this week to tell me, that often after their letters
had gone they regretted it, because it was so use-
less, and was really calculated to make an improp-
er impression as to their condition.


The religious question in the army is interesting
to US all. | did not see a single careless look at
divine SERVICE nor did hear a word of disrespect
for religion OF its ministers; but did see more
devoutness than usual in congregations and great
desire to hear preaching One evening invited
captain to stand with me by tree and sing q
hymn 1t was nearly dark When the hymn
was finished l found that it had gathered nearly
200 men for prayer We marched all day Sun.
day. At night several men gathered about fire
where was brought out Bible and requested
service. All knelt, officers and men. On Mon
day had gone miles ahead to see the impressive
sight OF l34 wagons wind among the hills and
ford stream Our orders were countermanded
and rode back to camp Upon coming into Gen.
Ramseurs Brigade, | found he had sent two
chaplalEs to call me to preach Being allowed
twenty minutes to sleep, fell on the ground and
was aroused to see such congregation as few
cities ever present. The General and staff and
nearly every officer was present. Among them
were boys to whom had preached at Chapel Hill
now noble men doing yoemaG service for the coun.
try. All the close of my sermon | invited such as
desired to strive after the life everlasting to come
forward for prayer. More than twenty men step.
ped out and knGeled down. Afterwards several
persons who had made profession of religion
joined the Church One evening came upon
Rev. Mr. Belts holding prayer meeting and hav-
Ing number of penitents, among them officers,
sons of friends who had been my parishonefs in
North Carolina. At Gen. Iversons request
preached for his Brigade, officers uniting with the
men heretofore. 1n Gen. Daniels Brigade
the congregation was immense; the attention strict
and the solemnity most Impressive Gen Ram
seur sent for me before | up, on the morning
of the Culpeper fight, to preach once more for his
men, but before | was sufficiently rested we we're
in the line of march, the enemy having crossed
and attacked Stuart's cavalry.


| mention these facts to show that the officers
and men deeply feeling the need of divine
grace. Oh! what an opening is in the army
Prvates have come to me at night begging me to
STAY and officers have almost insisted that should
not leave If our pastors would take month or
two from their churches and preach for destitute
regiments, they would lay up treasure for heav-
en-, and carry blessing back to their churches
The men in the army, exposed to peculiar
temptations, but they are sa0ed from peculiar
temptations. They are not surfeited with meat
or drink, thcy are NOT o! the Dusy ana ABSORBING
rush Of trade, the greed of gain is in allegiance.
They have no business domestic cares. Their
routine of duty leaves the mind free and the heart
free to receive with meeEness the engrafted word"
Now is the time to press in the truth Of God up
on their consciences.


The revival in the army differs in external in-
dications from those at home. There is little
noise, or sobbing, or even tears. The men are
deeply moved but they acting ever from prin-
ciple They march up to the cross as to seri-
Gus, important duty. No sister or mother lays a
fond hand on the soldiers head, but Christ moves
his heart before even he confesses him


Why does not the Church seek at this moment
to join the army in a'near approach TO Christi!


Affectionately and faithfully,


CHARLES T. DEEMS.