William W. Bennett, A narrative of the great revival which prevailed in the Southern armies during the late Civil War

[261] of him, and anxiously wish we could have the benefit of his ministrations.

Yesterday I attended a Conference of the chaplains of Jackson's corps. It was a most interesting meeting, and a precious season of grace. Our hearts burned within us as they talked of God's dealings with their various regiments. They represent the different denominations, and are working harmoniously and successfully in this vast field. Occasional services will be held by them in our regiment, and we hope for good results.

In this regiment, a Christian Association was formed, with Colonel C. C. Battle, President; Captain R. H. Powell, Vice-President; Lieutenant W. H. Gardner, Secretary; Sergeant E. H. Hart, Assistant Secretary; Lieutenant W. T. Bilbro, Treasurer. These soldiers and their comrades expressed their sense of the need of mutual religious help in noble words: “In religion, as in everything else connected with the affairs of this world, there is strength in union. ... Being engaged in a constant warfare with ‘spiritual wickedness in high places,’ beset on every side, and most sorely tempted, man needs the advice and encouragement of a brother who, similarly tempted and tried, by a word fitly spoken, or a consistent, upright walk and godly conversation, may strengthen him in his determination to serve God. Oh! how greatly we, here in camp, deprived of the sacred influence of home and all its hallowing associations, need the kindly offices of Christian brotherhood! How keenly we have felt the lack of fellowship and communion of hearts, has been shown — to our confusion be it said-by the crooked paths we have made for our feet, and the shame and reproach we have too often brought upon the name of our blessed Jesus. The leanness of our souls, the lukewarmness of our hearts, the delinquencies of our lives, barren of good works to the glory of God, all call for the genial, soul-cheering, heart-comforting influence of the communion of saints.”