ellow-disciples in prayer-meetings in the camp. Should preaching be
accessible, always be a hearer. Let the world know that you are a
Christian. Read a chapter in the New Testament, which your mother
gave you, every morning and evening, when you can, and engage in
secret prayer to God for his holy Spirit to guide and sustain you. I
would rather hear of your death than of the shipwreck of your faith
and good conscience.

4. As you will come into habitual contact with men of every grade,
make special associates only of those whose influence on your
character is felt to be good. Some men love to tell extravagant
stories, to indulge in vulgar wit, to exult in a swaggering carriage,
to pride themselves on their coarse manners, to boast of their
heroism, and to give utterance to feelings of revenge against the
enemy. All this is injurious to young and impressible minds. If you
admire such things, you will insensibly imitate them, and imitation
will work gradual but certain detriment to your character. Other men
are refined without being affected. They can relax into occasional
pleasantries without violating modesty. They can be loyal to their
government without indulging private hatred against her foes. They
can be cool and brave in battle, and not be braggarts in the absence
of danger. Above all, they can be humble, spiritual, and active
Christians, and yet mingle in the stirring and perilous duties of
soldier-life. Let these be your companions and models. You will thus
return from the dangers of camp without a blemish on your name.

5. Should it be your lot to enter into an engagement with the enemy,
lift up your heart in secret ejaculations to the ever-present and
good Being, that He will protect you from sudden death, or if you
fall, that He will receive your departing spirit, cleansed in the
blood of Jesus, into His kingdom. It is better to trust in the Lord
than to put confidence in princes. Commit your eternal interests,
therefore, to the keeping of the Almighty Saviour. You should not,
even in the hour of deadly conflict, cherish personal rage against
the enemy, any more than an officer of the law hates the victim of
the law. How often does a victorious army tenderly care for the dead
and wounded of the vanquished. War is a tremendous scourge which
Providence sometimes uses to chastise proud and wicked nations. Bot