Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 16.djvu/210

 204 Southern Historical Society Papers.

the battle of Gettysburg a Federal chaplain, preaching to Federal soldiers, paid this high tribute to the Southern armies:

"The Southern army," said he, "is one which, from its com- manding generals to its lowest privates, is pervaded with the sense of dependence upon God. The highest councils of its military leaders are opened with prayer for His divine guidance and benedic- tion. Every battle is planned and every campaign conducted in the spirit of prayer.

" More than this ; every soldier is taught to feel that the cause in which he contends is one that God approves; that if he is faithful to God, His almighty arm will protect, and His infinite strength ensure success. Thus believing that God's eye of approval is upon him, that God's arm of protection is thrown around him, the Southern soldier enters the field of battle nerved with a power of endurance and a fearlessness of death which nothing else can give.

"You may call this fanaticism, enthusiasm, or what you will, but re- member, you are fighting an enemy that comes from the closet to the battlefield; that comes from its knees in prayer to engage in deadly strife; that comes in the belief that its battles are the battles of Jehovah; that His smile is resting upon its banners and will ensure success.

" With what indomitable strength," said he, "does such a con- viction, whether true or false, endue men ? What power it has to make every man a hero, and every hero, if need be, a martyr."

I want no higher encomium than that; I want no better testimony to the truth of the position I assume. Far be it from us to assert that the armies of the South were armies of saints.

I do not assert that ; but I do affirm that, perhaps, never in the world's history were gathered together such large bodies of men who were so generally pervaded by a deep and strong religious spirit.

How many of its leaders were great whole-hearted Christian men. Polk was a bishop; Pendleton, a clergyman, and D. H. Hill a religious author. Call the roll of brigadiers, and you will be aston- ished to find how large a proportion of them were God-fearing men.

Joseph E. Johnston, eminent for military skill, consecrated his talents to the service of God. Lee is the noblest type of a Chris- tian warrior that our century has produced; nay, stands peerless among the sons of men of every nationality and of every age. In the crisis of many a fight the right arm of Stonewall Jackson was seen uplifted in prayer to the God of battles, and many a long night