QUOTE (Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson) – Jan 21
January 21, 2015
“You wish to know how to come to God; so as to have your sins forgiven, and to receive “the inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” Now my dear sister the way is plain: the savior says in Mark XVI chapter, 16th verse “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” But you may ask what is it to believe. To explain this I will quote from an able theologian, and devoted servant of God. To believe in the sense in which the word is used here, “is feeling and acting as if there were a God, a Heaven, a Hell; as if we were sinners and must die; as if we deserve eternal death, and were in danger of it. And in view of all, casting our eternal interests on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. To do this is to be a Christian.”
“But let me advise you simply to do as God enabled me to do, that is, resolve to spend the remaining part of life in His service, to obey the teachings of the Bible until death, and to rely entirely on the mercy of God for being saved, and though the future looked dark, yet it has become very bright. Never despair, even old Christians have dark moments.”
“[M]y religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.”
In honor of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, a Confederate General in the US Civil War, who was born on this day in 1824.
Resources:
This Day in History for 21st January
Goodreads > Quote by Stonewall Jackson
Stonewall Jackson Letters
A DEVOTED LIFE 
I was struck by these words of Gen. Jackson: “Even old Christians have dark moments.” That could be taken as a negative statement. After all, it seems only fair that old Christians be rewarded with light and ease, right? But I see hope in those words. Even righteous old saints must sometimes face hardship. Suffering is not a punishment; it is simply a fact of the human condition. Note to self: Don’t take it personally! Take it to God, who will give the grace and strength to persevere. Lord, may I avail myself of your power when the dark moments come. Thank you, JD, for another of your well-chosen quotes.
I love this quote! I’m liking this one for sure………
[…] The film Gods and Generals (2003) tells the story of Gen Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The special features explains that Stonewall Jackson was such a Christian (Presbyterian) he wouldn’t do anything on Sunday, even read the newspaper. Gen Richard Stoddert Ewell (1817–1872), senior commander under Jackson, was an atheist, but he learned Jackson. When he came into his tent one time and found him on his knees, Ewell said, “If that’s religion, I want it.” Jackson was the penultimate soldier in the Civil War. His life and death was the turning point of the war. As long as Jackson alive, the Confederates were winning; after Jackson died, everything went against them. Continue reading → […]
Reblogged this on StationVI Blog.
While the saying is a great one, I have a hard time following anyone that was pro slavery, which he was. As far as the turning point of the war, maybe God had a hand in removing him so the confederates did not win? Just a thought.
I love that quote. Thanks for posting it.
Can’t tell you how much I needed to read this tonight. Thank you.
Reblogged this on Things Past and commented:
The film Gods and Generals tells the story of Gen Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The special features (2003) explains that Stonewall Jackson was such a Christian (Presbyterian) he wouldn’t do anything on Sunday, even read the newspaper. Gen Richard Stoddert Ewell (1817–1872), senior commander under Jackson, was an atheist, but he learned Jackson. When he came into his tent one time and found him on his knees, Ewell said, “If that’s religion, I want it.” Jackson was the penultimate soldier in the Civil War. His life and death was the turning point of the war. As long as Jackson alive, the Confederates were winning; after Jackson died, everything went against them.
‘Gods and Generals’ special features (2003). Stonewall Jackson was such a Christian (Presbyterian) he wouldn’t do anything on Sunday, even read the newspaper. Gen Richard Stoddert Ewell (1817–1872), senior commander under Jackson, was an atheist, but he learned Jackson. When he came into his tent one time and found him on his knees, Ewell said, “If that’s religion, I want it.” Jackson was the penultimate soldier in the Civil War. His life and death was the turning point of the war. As long as Jackson alive, the Confederates were winning; after Jackson died, everything went against them.
Oh boy this is really good. I especially love that last paragraph.
For a homeschool project my daughter and I went to the movies to see Gods & Generals depicting the life of the generals in the Civil War. It had such an impact on me, most specifically how they both struggled to find God in the war they were involved in. Very powerful.