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

“Doctor, I bless God that you ever taught me the way of life and salvation. I have been a poor blind sinner all my life; but now I feel an assurance of happiness in heaven through Christ my Redeemer. Oh, I hope to meet you in heaven, and bless you there for the interest you have taken in my soul's salvation.”

This physician said that he accepted the appointment of army surgeon that he might enjoy the privilege of preaching Christ to the soldiers; a rare exception-he found his reward in the success of his pious labors.

From the hospital, the fire of holy love was often carried by some happy soldier to the camp, and gloriously re-kindled there among his comrades. One who was converted while in the hospital, on returning to his regiment made known the blessed change in his life. He invited such as desired a similar one to join him in a prayer-meeting. Five met with him; they prayed together, and the interest extended until scores became anxious on the subject of salvation. They had no minister with them, but one came from another regiment and preached to them;--as the result of this effort, no bigger than a man's hand at first, more than one hundred professed faith in Christ.

As the revival progressed, there was scarcely any situation in which our soldiers could be placed where they did not find God ready and willing to pour out his Spirit in answer to earnest prayer. An awakened soldier was converted on a march,--when a minister inquired whether he had yet given himself to Christ, he said, “Yes, I have found him! Why, sir, when we set off on that march I felt such a weight on my soul that I could scarcely drag myself along, but after a while God heard my prayers, and then the burden was gone, and I felt as if marching was no trouble at all.”

In the midst of the battle of Williamsburg, while the conflict was raging, and a chaplain was encouraging the men of his regiment to do their duty, a soldier passed,