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

[180] I found the most destitution there I made the most frequent visits. I have usually conversed with each patient, or made an address and prayer in the hearing of all the inmates of the ward. I have distributed thousands of tracts, hymn-books, spellingbooks and religious newspapers. These last have been particularly acceptable to the soldiers. The proprietors of the Religious Herald, Central Presbyterian, Southern Churchman and Christian Observer have shown a cheerful liberality in furnishing me with their papers for distribution; and, as they all conduct their journals with ability and with a catholic spirit, I have thankfully received them and distributed them widely among the soldiers. They are more appreciated than tracts, because they afford more variety of matter. I take this method of suggesting to those subscribers to all these papers who have been within the enemy's line during part of the year, and who consequently have not received all their numbers, that they would do well to pay for the whole year, inasmuch as all the copies which failed to find them —and many more—were generously circulated among the convalescents in the hospitals, and among the several camps.

The result of my labors I must leave to the final day to disclose. Many cases of deep and thrilling interest have come under my observation. Some were fervent disciples of Jesus, who, during the war, having maintained their integrity, gave me a cordial welcome to their bedside. Others were rejoicing in a recent hope of eternal life. And many others exhibited marked anxiety about their salvation, and received with a docile spirit every suggestion made for their benefit. I cannot begin to particularize. Suffice it to say, that since the battle of Seven Pines I have conversed with probably 500, who, having passed through the recent bloody scenes either unhurt or wounded, have told me, with different degrees of emphasis, that they have resolved to lead a better life. They ascribe their deliverance to the special providence of God, and felt obliged to requite Him with love and obedience. I shall be disappointed if very many soldiers do not seek fellowship with the churches of Christ immediately after their return home. Let pastors look out for them. All these battles, with their hair-breadth escapes and their terrible sufferings, have produced a softened state of mind which harmonizes well with our efforts to evangelize.

If all the colporters and chaplains of posts in and near Richmond could have a meeting and agree on some plan of distribut-