The Spiritual Life of Stonewall Jackson

Gen. Robert E. Lee made his first move of the war to move the fighting out of Virginia in which the battle of Antietam was fought and won in by the Confederate army, not the Union army as some would say (you can read the book about that). This battle occurred in September of 1862. Gen. Lee moved back across the Potomac River into Virginia and in his columns rear was fought a little known battle of Boteler's Ford. At this point Gen. McClellan's advanced force crossed the river in order to engage the Confederate Army. He was met by Gen. Jackson who turned and destroyed this body of men and sent them swimming back across the river. After this battle was won and the months of hard fighting had finally been silenced Gen. Jackson and his men found themselves back near Winchester to rest and be resupplied. Here among other places began the work of the Lord amongst the soldiers and officers that other books have been dedicated to. As I read today I came across a few letters written to his wife that show how the Lord was working. It may also help to read these knowing that this man had obtained a great reputation as a leader of men and warrior to those at home, the enemy and those overseas.

From Bunker Hill, October 13th he writes:
"Mr. G- invited me to be present at communion in his church yesterday, but I was prevented from enjoying the privilege. But I heard an excellent sermon from the Rev. Dr. S-. His text was I Timothy, chap. ii: 5th and 6th verses." ("For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.") "It was a powerful exposition of the word of God. He is a great revival minister; and when he came to the word 'himself', he placed an emphasis on it, and gave to it, through God's blessing, a power that I never before felt.... And I felt, with an intensity that I never before recollect having realized, that truly the sinner who does not, under gospel privileges, turn to God, deserves the agonies of perdition. The Doctor several times in appealing to the sinner, repeated the sixth verse 'Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,' What more could God do than give himself a ransom?....He is laboring in a revival in General Ewell's division. Oh, it is a glorious privilege to be a minister of the gospel of the Prince of Peace! There is no equal position in this world."

Several days later on October 27th Gen. Jackson wrote his wife again:

"Our God makes me so many friends! I mention these things in order that you may see how much kindness has been shown me; and to express things for which I should be more grateful, and to give you renewed cause for gratitude."......"Don't trouble yourself about representations that are made of me. These things are earthly and transitory. There are real and glorious blessings, I trust, in reserve for us, beyond this life. It is best for us to keep our eyes fixed upon the throne of God, and the realities of a more glorious existence beyond the verge of time. It is gratifying to be beloved, and to have our conduct approved by our fellow men; but this is not worthy to be compared with the glory that is in reservation for us, in the presence of the glorified Redeemer. Let us endeavor to adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, in all things; knowing that there awaits us 'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' I would not relinquish the slightest diminution of that glory, for all this world, and all that it can give. My prayer is, that such may ever be the feeling of my heart. It appears to me that it would be better for you not to have any thing written about me. Let us follow the teaching of inspiration: 'Let another praise thee, and not thyself.' I appreciate the loving interest that prompted the desire."

These quote are taken from Life and Campaigns of Lt. General T. J. (Stonewall) Jackson by R.L. Dabney.