Revival In The Army

Revival In The Army

God is our only refuge and our strength. Let us humble ourselves before him.

REVEREND J. W. JONES was a chaplain in the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. In his book, Christ in the Camp, he related how God worked among the Confederate Army troops. Jones attributed thousands of conversions directly and indirectly to a day of prayer and fasting that Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, called for on August 21, 1863.

Robert E. Lee gave the following order in response to President Davis’s request:

The President of the Confederate States has, in the name of the people, appointed the 21st day of August as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer. A strict observance of the day is enjoined upon the officers and soldiers of this army. All military duties, except such as are absolutely necessary, will be suspended. . . . Soldiers! We have sinned against Almighty God. We have forgotten His signal mercies, and have cultivated a revengeful, haughty, and boastful spirit. We have not remembered that the defenders of a just cause should be pure in His eyes; that “our times are in His hands;” and we have relied too much on our own arms for the achievement of our independence. God is our only refuge and our strength. Let us humble ourselves before Him. Let us confess our many sins, and beseech Him to give us a higher courage, a purer patriotism, and more determined will; that He will convert the hearts of our enemies; that He will hasten the time when war, with its sorrows and sufferings, shall cease, and that He will give us a name and place among the nations of the earth. R. E. Lee, General

The day of fasting was almost universally observed within the army. The troops were deeply affected by the Christian influence of General Lee. A revival of sorts had recently begun, and the soldiers were open and receptive to a day of fasting, preaching, and prayer. The services were well attended that day, and many miraculous events were attributed to the day’s observance. The following excerpts are from letters written in the days surrounding August 21, 1863.

Rev. Haley wrote, “It has been my pleasure recently to spend a week with Smith’s Brigade, Early’s Division. I preached every day while I was with them. . . . There are religious revivals all over the army. Many are turning to God.”

Chaplain Tomkies of the Seventh Florida Regiment wrote, “On last evening fifteen were buried with Christ in Baptism. . . . Each evening scores of soldiers are inquiring, ‘What shall we do to be saved?

The chaplain of the Tenth Alabama Regiment wrote, “I believe that 100 anxious souls presented themselves for prayer last night after the sermon.”

The revival began spreading at home, also. The Richmond Christian Advocate reported:

Not for years has such a revival prevailed in the Confederate States . . . The Pentecostal fire lights the camp, and the hosts of armed men sleep beneath the wings of angels rejoicing over the many sinners that have repented. The people at home are beginning to feel the kindling of the same grace in their hearts. It is inspiring to read the correspondence, now, between converts in the camp and friends at home, and to hear parents praise God for tidings from their absent sons who have lately given their hearts to the Lord. “Father is converted,” says a bright-faced child of twelve years; “Mamma got a letter to-day, and father says that there is a great revival in his regiment.” What glorious news from the army is this! It is the best evidence that prayer is heard, and that the Lord is with us. Let us show ourselves grateful for such grace and “walk worthy of God, who has called us to His kingdom and glory.”

Reflection

When God’s people pray, he listens and will answer regardless of their politics. Recommit yourself today to pray without ceasing, and he will listen!

When you pray, I will listen.

Jeremiah 29:12-13