Duke University Libraries To a Christian Conf Pam 12mo #927 0^113^3 + No, 43 TO A CHRISTIAN IN THE ARMY. My Dear Brother : — I need hardly remind you that your present situation has much that is unfavorable to the culture of the Christian graces. The very idea of war implies as much. You are removed from the restraints of Church, family, social life, and a regulated public opinion ; and exposed to scenes in camp, that are unfriendly to vir- tue as well as piety ; the more often in contact with un- godly, and often sceptical men, who sneer at all religion as delusive, or deceptive ; and compelled to witness sin so constantly, that you are in danger of I • horror of it which you ought constantly to cherish. The force of these things is mournfully attested by the number of pr fessed christians, who have fallen away in the army, m marking a sorrowful career which beginning at the cod munion table, ends in the grave of the drunkard, the blas- phemer or the gambler. That these influent- counteracted is proven by the many bright examples of those who have shown that a christian soldier is as possi- ble now as it ev^r has been. Pardon then a few sugges- tions to enable you to be a good soldier of Jesus Chi 1. Remember that you are a witness for Jesus in your present position, and that your obligations are increased rather than lessened by entering the army. That " light of the world " and " salt of the earth," that is so needful in the quiet of peaceful society, is much more needful in a state of things where thousands of men are brought to- gether under circumstances likely to develop all that is evil in their hearts, many of whom are to die away from the influences of religion, and the rest to return home to com- municate there the moral character they have formed in ths « army. You never needed your religion more than you do now, and never had more reason to cultivate it. 2. Take special heed of your heart. The most vigilant watch is always kept at the place most likely to be assailed, and all experience shows that in the christian warfare, that is the heart. This watchfulness is the more needful because of the absence of the aids you once enjoyed in keeping alive the love of God, and the mingled monoto- my and excitement of camp life, while you pace your soli- tary round as a sentinel, or do duty as a scout or picket. You may often commune with youHieart, discover its con- dition before God, and "Strengthen the things that re- main." 3. Keep up as far as possible the religious habits of your home life. You may not always be able to keep the Sabbath, and observe religious duties in the week, as you did in peace, but you may always " remember " the Sab- bath, and redeem as much of its time to holy uses as pos- sible; may daily read some portion of Scripture ; may have worship in your tent when in camp, and often in the weariness of a march; may pray in private, even if you are compelled to kneel in the sight of your comrades ; and by thus keeping up the devotional habits of home, may meet its dear ones in the stated approaches which you make in concert to the." blood-bought mercy seat." The brave Havelock always gained time for his religious duties by rising two hours before drum-beat, and thus kept alive the grace of God in his heart. If you intermit the regu- lar, stated discharge of these duties, you are in danger of omitting them altogether. 4. Do not be ashamed of Christ, It is neither needful nor proper to make a sanctimonious .ostentation of your religion, but it is equally improper to make a timid con- cealment of it. A gentle and quiet, but firm and fearless avowal of your religion will gain you the respect of even ■ the ungodly, and protect you from man}- a solicitation to * sin. In battle there in generally more safety in facing the foe than iu flying, for the greatest slaughter is usually on the retreating columns, and so it is in rhe Christian war- fare. The panoply of its armor has no defence for the Lack. Show your colors, and then stand to them. 5; Seek to honor Christ by your conduct. Many think that a Christian is either a gloomy, moi pitiful; canting coward, wh a cloak for indolence, or poltroonery. Show by your conduct that all this is a mistake. Be cheerful, hopeful, ready for any innocent relaxation, mirthful if need be, for no man on to be happier than a christian, and true religion never yet made a man less happy, if he understood and received it aright. Be also prompt and manly in every duty and danger, shirking no call to labor, bearing heroically your needful privations, calmly ; in the hour of peril, knowing that his protection is around you then, much as in your quiet home, and she ourcoolm. and courage, that the same religion that makes you bow "like a bulrush" before God, will also make you stand •• like a stone wall " before man. 6. Seek opportunities of doing good. The d( sickness or wounding'of your comrades will present many such. A word thus, will often lead the soul ;