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

[278] preserve and promote it. The Church has precious interests at stake, in that many of her members are found in the ranks, and need ministerial instruction, and sympathy, and influence, to counteract surrounding temptations and keep up in vigorous action their personal piety. Moreover, the exposure of our fellow-citizens, kindred, and friends, to disease and death, in a thousand forms, makes an earnest effort for their salvation a duty which admits of no delay, and calls upon us all to do what we can to meet the emergency with loving hearts and liberal hands. The Great Head of the Church has manifested his gracious will by sending his Holy Spirit in a remarkable manner to the aid of those who are laboring in this important field.

Men and brethren, help. Your country calls. Your Church implores your aid. Patriotism urges, by all the ties of citizenship and the claims of your imperilled countrymen. Piety pleads with you by the love of Christ and of souls, the sanctified hopes and affections of our immortal nature, the present duty and future glory of the Redeemer's kingdom upon earth. Let us be up and doing. Give freely, largely. Deny yourselves. Magnify the grace of God in you and toward you. Fill the treasury of the Lord, that we, your servants, for Christ's sake, may send the gospel of peace to every army of the Confederacy.

Rev. Dr. E. W. Sehon, the Missionary Secretary of this Church, travelled at large appealing to the people and collecting thousands of dollars for the Army Mission. “But one heart of patriotism,” he said, “beats is the land. All are united in a struggle for justice and right, and all are laboring to sustain our noble army. We call for the same attention to be manifested by the Churches to their spiritual wants. With all the wise provisions of the Government in the appointment of chaplains, there is still a loud call for ministerial help. Other faithful preachers should be sent to aid in the ”