man are remarkable alike for their earnestness and their frank, blunt, unmistakable way of putting things: TULLAHOMA, N. & C. R. R., TENN., July 18th, 1864. GEO. H. STUART-Dear Sir: Will you be so kind as to send me a book, the title of which is A Pastor's Sketches, in two volumes? In looking over the contents I see a few pieces, the headings of which fit my case so well that I want to see the reasoning. Paul said that he was the "chief of sinners," but I think if he were here that I could drill him for two or three years to come in that well-known science of the devil-wickedness. The Record of an Inner Strife. I have taken it into my head that if there is grace for the devil's "right bower," I will, through Christ, try and obtain it. I have no faith that I ever shall be saved, but it is perhaps worth an effort in that direction. I was brought to that conclusion yesterday by reading The Young Irishman,' from A Pastor's Sketches. His case and mine are not parallel by any means, but I hope some of the other sketches are. If I thought God would forgive me at all, I would go about praying with a light heart, even though the blessing was deferred until the last moment of my existence. But I have been so wicked that I know He ought not to pardon, and I fully believe He will not. So I do not feel like praying. Another thing,-I Can't Repent; I am Waiting for Conviction; I think it possible that I may have committed The Unpardonable Sin; I have No Escape; I Can't Pray; I Can't Feel; What Can I Do? 2 I have not the amount of money equal to the price of the two books, or I would cheerfully send it. I, like the prodigal son, have spent my money in " riotous living." I merely ask the books as a favor-not that they will benefit me; but they may be the means of Driving the Arrow Deeper into my Divided Mind." If it does any good, you shall hear from me. Yours respectfully, 1 Published separately in tract form. A. L. G., Co. F, 5th Tenn. Cav. 2 Those acquainted with Dr. Spencer's invaluable book will recognize these phrases as the titles of several of the sections. peared with renewed violence; its inroads upon his constitution could not be repaired. A friend from his Western home came to cheer him day after day with kindest converse and sympathy. One day, before an operation, he said to me— "I feel sometimes like giving up, but when I think of home and friends, I try to live for their sakes." "But, my boy, you were brave in the face of the enemy ; can't you meet this foe with the same courage? You may have an Almighty Arm to lean upon." 66 Oh, how much I need it! How I long to find it!" "But you may find it at once; Jesus says so,- Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." "Ah, yes; but I've been such a sinner, so wicked, such a hard boy, —and all the while I had a praying mother at home.” "But the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. Only receive Him now, and your mother's prayers are answered." He was soon enabled to accept the Saviour. He drooped gradually, and cared less for the comforts brought him, but never wearied of listening to the "sweet story of old." He looked at me thoughtfully one day, and said— "I have made up my mind that I can't live, and I'm ready to die; but, oh, if I could only die at home, with my mother and little sister beside me, I should be satisfied! That's all I want now." With an imploring look, he added "Will you ask my Doctor if I may be carried home? It is my last request," and then the tears came. I turned away heart-sick, to entreat for what I knew could not be granted. My husband assured me it would be impossible; so I carried back a reluctant response. He was calmer. When I told him, he said— "I could hardly have expected it." "Shall we send for your mother?” "No," said he, after a moment; "she is feeble, and must not come here." No more earthly complaints were uttered; no more wishes for what might not be. The "Everlasting Arms" were underneath and around him, until he was "present with the Lord." The two following letters from a Tennessee cavalry man are remarkable alike for their earnestness and their frank, blunt, unmistakable way of putting things: TULLAHOMA, N. & C. R. R., TENN., July 18th, 1864. GEO. H. STUART-Dear Sir: Will you be so kind as to send me a book, the title of which is A Pastor's Sketches, in two volumes? In looking over the contents I see a few pieces, the headings of which fit my case so well, that I want to see the reasoning. Paul said that he was the "chief of sinners," but I think if he were here that I could drill him for two or three years to come in that well-known science of the devil-wickedness. 66 The Record of an Inner Strife. I have taken it into my head that if there is grace for the devil's right bower," I will, through Christ, try and obtain it. I have no faith that I ever shall be saved, but it is perhaps worth an effort in that direction. I was brought to that conclusion yesterday by reading The Young Irishman, from A Pastor's Sketches. His case and mine are not parallel by any means, but I hope some of the other sketches are. If I thought God would forgive me at all, I would go about praying with a light heart, even though the blessing was deferred until the last moment of my existence. But I have been so wicked that I know He ought not to pardon, and I fully believe He will not. So I do not feel like praying. Another thing,-I Can't Repent; I am Waiting for Conviction; I think it possible that I may have committed The Unpardonable Sin; I have No Escape; I Can't Pray; I Can't Feel; What Can I Do? 2 I have not the amount of money equal to the price of the two books, or I would cheerfully send it. I, like the prodigal son, have spent my money in "riotous living." I merely ask the books as a favor-not that they will benefit me; but they may be the means of Driving the Arrow Deeper into my Divided Mind. If it does any good, you shall hear from me. Yours respectfully, 1 Published separately in tract form. A. L. G., Co. F, 5th Tenn. Cav. 2 Those acquainted with Dr. Spencer's invaluable book will recognize these phrases as the titles of several of the sections. The books named, with one or two others, were procured and sent to him. In due time came the following letter: DEAR BROTHER: TULLAHOMA, August 12th, 1864. The books came safely to hand; and they have more than met my expectations in removing the obstacles in my way. I trust, under God, through the merits of Christ, that every prop of unbelief and sin will be knocked from under me, and that I shall be compelled by the holy influences of the Divine Spirit to flee the wrath to come and embrace the truths of Christ crucified. I do not know in what terms to express my gratitude to you for your kindness. I shall study the precepts of the books in as prayerful a manner as my wicked nature will permit; and I pray God that if you hear from me again, you will find I have fully embraced Christ. I have been desperately wicked, but I believe Christ died to save sinners, and I know I am one of them; so He certainly died to save me. Brother, will you pray that His dying be not in vain so far as my individual case is concerned? I know you will; and after this life shall have been spent, I hope to make your acquaintance in that region where there is no sin to corrupt, no doubts to blind our vision, but where we shall see as we are seen and be for ever under the shadow of that love which fills the soul with eternal bliss. May God for ever bless you and yours is the sincere prayer of your unworthy brother, A. L. G., 5th Tenn. Cav. We have only one other trace of the earnest Tennesseean's life. It is after the war, in a town of Southern Tennessee. We find him laboring to gather together a school of the neglected children of the neighborhood, sending for books for them as once he had done for himself. God grant him full entrance into the privileges of the children of God! The Pittsburg Branch of the Commission had sent a large invoice of crutches to the office at Nashville. In a letter under date August 10th, 1864, to Mr. Wm. P. Weyman, the Receiver of the Pittsburg Committee, |