#9

Corinth, Mississippi

Sabbath, Oct. 19, 1862

 

Dear Mother:

                        Yes, it is indeed the Sabbath, and as a beautiful a day as heart could wish, and I will write down a few thoughts that have flitted through my mind as I have lain here in my tent. O, how I would like to be at home this day, and attend service in the old church. For two months now I have not heard preaching or seen the face of a minister, and sadly have I felt the want of the religious influences of home; but notwithstanding I am deparived of these privileges, and am to-day far from home, and in the midst of surroundings unfavorable to thought and meditation, as I have lain reading my Bible this afternoon, the sweet peace of God—that peace that "passeth understanding"—has filled my sould richly, and I / have realized that God is as well on the tented fieldas in His Santuary, and is at all times ready to bless those who love him. God has been very good to me since my entrance into the army. I have felt myself specially under His guidance and protection, and it is very sweet to implicitly trust Him. And when I think of our Nation as in its present distracted state, of the prolongation of this terrible war, and of the confused condition of affairs generally, it is cheering to reflect that there is One who is overruling all these things for some wise purpose of His own, and who will at last bring out all things right.

 

            I find that the temptations that surround me here are great—very great. There are temptations to neglect of duty, liability, almost unconsciously to one's self,—to fall into the use of improper language, to become intemperate / and profane. If a man depends upon his own strength, he surely will fail, and even some in our own company who once professed the name of Jesus are now amongst the profane and the card players. But, although all these things that I have written are true, I have no sympathy with the espression I have sometimes heard "It is impossible to live a Christian life in the Army". I have all confidence that He who has promised that as "thy day is so shall thy strength be", will not fail to perform His promise to those who call upon Him. Let a man's soul be thoroughly imbued with love for God and his country, and he need not hesitate one moment to go forth at his countrys call, lest he should be contaminated by evil. I firmly believe that God will give all needing strength for the display of Christian / heroism.

 

            Remember me to Mr. Leonard and tell him that I miss his ministrations much. Ask him to remember me at the prayer meeting. I would love dearly to attend to-morrow night our young peoples' meeting. Tell him to say to them that my message to them is, Trust in God, and improve the privileges to the utmost that they now enjoy. Forget not to pray for us in the army.

 

            I have felt prompted to write these few thoughts this afternoon, and although I have written 3 or 4 letters home during the past week.

 

            I received a Register and Examiner from Hiram the other day.

                                               

Write as often as you can.

                                   

From Your affectionate son

Geo. R. Gear.

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