A day in the hospitals.
The following letter from
the Rev. Joseph H. Martin, a Presbyterian clergyman, who is laboring in the hospitals at
Knoxville, Tenn., gives a very interesting account of the religious condition of our sick'soldiers.
The letter is addressed to
Rev. A
E. Dickinson, of this city, by whose society
Mr. Martin is supplied with tracts:
‘
I passed through the hospitals to day, distributing tracts, and will give you brief account of what occurred, while they are fresh in my memory.
I was particularly pleased with the evidences of conversion afforded by a young man. Approaching his bedside, I inquired, "Are you a Christian?" He replied, "I am not a member of the
Church" I said, "Have you experienced a change of heart?
Do you love God?" He said he thought he had undergone a change since he had entered the hospital.
He continued, "I love God and his people.
I love sinners and mourn over their sins, and at times feel moved to remonstrate with them Some listen to what I say, others make light of it" I inquired by what means he had been converted.
He replied that a religious book had been given him by the
Chaplain of his regiment, (the 20th Alabama,) the reading of which forced upon him the conviction that he was lost and helpless.
He looked to God and was soon rejoiced in a sense of forgiveness.
He remarked, "these tracts are also good things to read."
’
Another expressed himself substantially in the same way, having been converted from reading a little book while on service in the camp.
A youth of sixteen summers and of pleasing countenance seemed deeply interested in religious matters, and several times remarked, with great emphasis, ‘"I do wish I was a Christian."’
I met another with whom on previous occasions I had conversed.
He expressed deep penitence for his past conduct, and indulged the hope that he was a renewed man. He had a Bible which he picked up on the battle-field at
Manassas.
In addition to giving a tract to each man, I usually make I short religious address in each room or ward, and offer prayer, besides conversing with particular individuals.
I regard the hospitals as affording a field of great usefulness by means of colportage effort.
