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

[262] They gathered into their Association the members of all the different Churches, and mutually bound themselves to promote the welfare of the members, to exert a salutary and wholesome religious influence in the regiment, and by a life of holy living to constrain others to glorify their Father in heaven. Can we wonder that men of such character should fight well and die well?

The revival was greatly promoted by the free circulation of religious reading among the soldiers. Being almost wholly cut off by the strict blockade of all the Southern ports from foreign supplies of Bibles and Testaments, as a substitute select portions of the Scriptures, chiefly from the Psalms and the New Testament, were printed under the title of “Bible Readings,” and sent by thousands to the various departments of the army. Small Hymn-Books were also printed in great quantities, and these, with tracts and religious newspapers, made up the religious literature of the camps. The arrival of these helps to the revival were hailed with delight by the soldiers, and eager crowds would surround the fortunate chaplain who had received a supply, and happy was the soldier who succeeded in securing even the smallest tract. Rev. William Hauser, chaplain of the 48th Georgia, and a diligent colporteur, says:

The precious leaves from the tree of life are healing our sin-diseased soldiers. Swearing, and all other crime-incident to an army, are evidently diminishing, and deep piety is on the increase. Every night the holy songs of Zion go up on this balmy spring air, a sweet incense, I think, to the throne of the Eternal. Prayer-meetings are held every night in several of our companies, and a great desire is manifested to get Hymn-Books. Bless the Lord! He is working among us, and giving us, I do not doubt, a silent yet precious revival of religion, the effects of which are seen more and more plainly every day. It would do you some good to see how eagerly these gallant, weather-beaten warriors crowd