J. William Jones, Christ in the camp, or religion in Lee's army

[304] Rev. B. T. Lacy. Although the weather was excessively raw, he had already preached twice that day in the open air to large congregations in another brigade. And here, Mr. Editor, as you have called me out, let me call him out.. I think a fuller and more accurate statement than I could give of the position he now holds and the work he has undertaken would be useful. I will only say that, in my judgment, he has now before him, if the Church gives him her prayers, and God His blessing, the most important field he was ever called to occupy; yea, such a field, that no man, who is free to enter it and whom God has fitted for it, need wish for one wider or more promising.

These nightly meetings were in progress before my arrival, and were to continue after my departure. May the Spirit of grace and power make them a means of unmeasured blessing!

On Wednesday morning I set out in company with the Rev. B. T. Lacy to visit Fredericksburg and its battle-ground. When General Jackson heard of our intention, he added to his many kindnesses that of sending us over on his horses. During part of my stay in camp I had been his guest. I will not do violence to the sacredness of private intercourse by publishing any account of the hours I was permitted to enjoy in his society. But I am sure that it ought not to wound his delicacy that I give utterance once more to the sentiment which fills his soul; his sense of the necessity and power of prayer; prayer in the army; prayer for the army; prayer by the whole country. I am sure it makes him glad and strong to know how many of the best people in the world pray for him without ceasing; and not for him merely, but for the great and just cause for which God has raised him up. I am sure that his whole expectation of success—and that he expects to succeed, who that looks into his firm and hopeful face, who that sees the placid diligence of his daily toils, can for a moment doubt?—his whole expectation of success hangs upon two things which God has joined together, and which no man can safely put asunder: natural means earnestly used, and God's blessing earnestly sought. Fanaticism scorns the use of the natural means, and presumptuously claims the blessing of God. Atheism scoffs at the blessing of God, and presumptuously depends on mere natural means. The profoundest wisdom, which is but another name for the simplest faith, fixes its humble trust in God's promised blessing on the means He Himself has put within our reach. Espousing a