Stonewall Jackson

Alright, its been a little while, for different reasons I haven't posted in a while. Last time I made it to the computer, I spent most of the time ordering some more books thanks to my tax refund! Right now I am about half way through the Life and Letters of Stonewall Jackson by his wife Mary Anna Jackson. I have to say that Jackson was a very interesting man. Darren, my roommate, and I talk about some of the similarities of his personality to that of Jackson. We joked this weekend though when I read that he enjoyed gardening and his desire to always be punctual and on those points they at least have differed! Reading Mrs. Jackson's description of Lexington, VA has really made me want to visit there again. For those that love the movie "Gods and Generals" they show at least one scene in the Jackson home. One thing interesting having visited the real home, is that it looks very different (on the inside) from the house they used in the movie. I believe that it is owned privately and they will not let you take pictures in the house and they would not let the filmmakers use it for the movie either. Anyways, here is just a little piece of a letter that Major Jackson wrote to his wife in the summer of 1859. This has to do with a sermon he was able to hear. Jackson writes:

"August 15th. Last night I enjoyed what I have long desired-listening to a sermon from the Rev. Dr. Thornwell, of South Carolina....After concluding his introductory remarks, he took his text from Genesis, seventeenth chapter, seventh verse, which he presented in a bold, profound, and to me original manner. I felt what a privilege it was to listen to such an exposition of God's truth. He showed that in Adam's fall we had been raised from the position of servants to that of children of God. He gave a brief account of his own difficulties when a college student, in comprehending his relation to God. He represented man as a redeemed being at the day of judgment, standing nearest to the throne, the angels being farther removed. And why? Because his Brother is sitting upon the throne he is a nearer relation to Christ than the angels. And his righteousness is superior to that of the angels-his being the righteousness of God himself. I don't recollect having ever before felt such love to God. I was rather surprised at seeing so much grace and gesture in Dr. Thornwell. I hope and pray that much good will result from this great exposition of Bible truth....."