WISDOM OF HIS POLICY.

187

him it was the old veni, vedi, vici,' story. A messenger despatched by Lee to inquire how he was getting on, found him quietly watching the repulse

of the enemy.

"By the blessing of Providence they will soon be driven back," was all his reply.

His wisdom at this crisis, and the benefits that accrued from it to the cause he served, will become apparent when it is considered that the Confederate army, exhausted by toil, discouraged by the loss of some of the bravest of their officers, and in other respects, from other causes, disheartened and depressed, were in no condition to risk a general engagement. By resisting, therefore, the first approaches of the Federals, and selecting for these attacks the strongest and least decimated of the troops under his command, he was in all probability the means of averting destruction from the entire Confederate army.

CHAPTER XVI.

BRIEF RESPITE.

JACKSON'S army, enjoying a brief respite, was now encamped on a tributary of the Potomac, in the most charming regions of the lower valley. Here they soon forgot their fatigues in the abundant sources of refreshment round them. Jackson, or "old Stonewall," as they called him amongst themselves, was their idol; and "there comes old Jacks" was an expression that sufficed to bring them all to their feet with the heartiest of cheers.

But Jackson was never idle. The quiet interval now allowed him he devoted to refitting his men, recalling stragglers, and readjusting general defects. On the 11th October, he was made lieutenant-general, the highest military grade but one in the service. The organisation of his corps was now confirmed: it consisted of four divisions, to which were added numerous batteries.

But other interests absorbed him beyond those already mentioned. The spiritual instruction of his soldiers pressed much upon his mind. Many ministers of religion availed themselves of the interval in

PRAYER MEETINGS IN THE CAMP.

189

the storm to visit the camp as missionaries. Now began revivals, attended by glorious fruits. Prayer meetings were held by the light of the camp fire, under the trees in the quiet evenings. "From the bosom of some moonlit grove," to quote the passage entire from Professor Dabney's work, "a hymn was heard, raised by a few voices, the signal for the service and at this sound the multitudinous noises of the camps died away; while the men were seen gathering from every side, until the group, from which the hymn had arisen, was swelled into a great crowd. The man of God then arose and began his service by the light of a solitary candle, or a fire of resinous pinewood, elevated on a rude platform. While his face and the pages of the Holy Word were illuminated thus, all else was in solemn shadow; and his eye could distinguish nothing of his audience save the dusky outline of the multitude seated all around in a wide circle upon the dry leaves on the green sward. But though his eye could not mark the impress of the truth, it was drunk in by eager ears; and many was the bearded cheek, which had not been blanched amidst the horrors of Sharpsburg, that was now wet with silent tears."

Need it be added that at these meetings Jackson was a constant worshipper. In his correspondence are reiterated allusions to them, and thanksgivings to God for their blessed effects. To Mrs Jackson he writes:

"I heard an excellent sermon from the Rev. Dr

S. His text was 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6, " For there is one God, and one Mediator, &c. Who gave Himself. . . . .' It was a powerful exposition of the Word of God. . . . . When he came to the word 'Himself,' he laid great emphasis on it. . . . . What could God do more than give Himself, a ransom ? He is labouring in a revival in Ewell's division."

Like all other similar works, there were of course errors in this. Some agents were indiscreet, and some results imperfect, but it was agreed on all hands that the movement itself had as much to do with the excellence of the corps, as the ability of the general by whom it was commanded.

A pleasing incident in Jackson's private history occurred at this time. It will have been seen that his temperament was reserved, and that in reference to his own spiritual experience he was particularly reticent. On one occasion, however, he spoke with unusual freedom to a brother officer who had visited him on business. Jackson, though not regarding his friend as a decided Christian, was exceedingly interested in his spiritual state, and the conversation (their business over) took a rapid turn in that direction. The question raised was, whether the fear of wrath constituted an element in true repentance. Jackson argued, that, in combination with grateful love, it did. He then declared that "he had himself, been for a long time a stranger to the fear of wrath, because he knew and was assured of the love of Christ to his soul, that he felt not the faintest dread that he

"ASSURANCE OF HOPE."

191

should ever fall under the wrath of God, although a great sinner, because he knew that it was for ever reconciled by the righteousness of Christ, and that love for God and Christ was now the practical spring of all his penitence." Speaking thus, he rose up from his seat, and, with an impressive mien of humility and solemn elation, continued in substance thus:"Nothing earthly can mar my happiness. I know that heaven is in store for me, and I should rejoice in the prospect of going there to-morrow. Understand me, I am not sick, I am not sad. God has greatly blessed me, and I have as much to love here as any man; life is very bright to me. But still I am ready to leave it any day without trepidation or regret for the heaven which I know awaits me, through the mercy of my Heavenly Father. And I would not agree to the slightest diminution of one shade of my glory there. . . . for all the fame I have acquired or shall ever win in this world."

Fame was the mainspring of his career. He loved it-as a scholar, literature; as a miser, wealth; as a public man, honour and distinction. But he had learned, in chastened humility, "to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

To Mrs Jackson he says:-" Our God makes me so many friends! I mention these things in order that you may see how much kindness has been shown to me, and to express things for which I should be more grateful, and to give you renewed cause for gratitude.