TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SHARP COUNTY RECORD SEPTEMBER 6, 1918 P. 4
To the Church at Lebanon.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: - My heart turns back to you as tonight I am far away from all that are near and dear to me, except my Savior. I feel that I am very near Jesus tonight, and it seems to be that I could not possibly live without His blessed guidance.
I am associated with men from all over the United States, both good and bad, and to my sorrow, I must tell you that there are many more who are going the downward road than are traveling the straight and narrow way. And let me ask you as my brethren and sisters that you send up a united petition to the Hill of the Lord in behalf of our dear soldier boys who are willing to give their lives for their country, but who are not brave enough to conquer sin. I feel that I am very weak, but with God’s help I am able to lead at least a few to the cross of Christ.
In the barracks where I sleep one may find most anything going on. Some sing gospel songs, some read their Bibles, some are writing to loved ones at home, and others are collected by a table where money changes hands very often. Of course you know what I mean. They are simply gamblers, whose souls are as black as the ace of spades they use to gamble with. I tell you these things that you may know what is going on and just what a Christian soldier has to bear.
I am ever thankful to God that I was reared by a christian father and that I was permitted to attend the big meetings at dear old Lebanon. I may never again be with you all. Of course we all pray that, if it be God’s will, the war may close soon, but if it should be my lot to die for my country and the fair womanhood of our dear old United States, I would rather meet that fate than to know that our dear women and girls should be subjected to the horrible outrages of the Germans, and I feel that my way to heaven is bright and clear. I hope to return some day to my darling wife, who is now weeping and cannot be comforted because of my absence, but there are thousands of others suffering as we are, so I pray for all of them.
I love all my folks, but I love my Jesus best of all. So when our big meeting time comes, think of me in your prayers and remember that I shall be there in my prayers. And to the young christians, especially the young men who may soon be away from home and friends, let me warn you to keep close to God. He alone can give you strength to withstand all temptations. I pray for soldiers every night, and they know it, too. So let me beg each of you christians to pray without ceasing for sinful men and for peace. Pray for me when it goes well with you. I could write half the night, but lest I tire you, I will close. May heaven’s richest blessings rest upon you all is my prayer.
Your brother in Christ and soldier boy for the U.S.A.
Will S. Miller
NOTES: Miller is from Nelsonville, Arkansas and is writing to the members of his church, Lebanon Baptist Church. He was a member of the church.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD
To the Church at Lebanon.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: - My heart turns back to you as tonight I am far away from all that are near and dear to me, except my Savior. I feel that I am very near Jesus tonight, and it seems to be that I could not possibly live without His blessed guidance.
I am associated with men from all over the United States, both good and bad, and to my sorrow, I must tell you that there are many more who are going the downward road than are traveling the straight and narrow way. And let me ask you as my brethren and sisters that you send up a united petition to the Hill of the Lord in behalf of our dear soldier boys who are willing to give their lives for their country, but who are not brave enough to conquer sin. I feel that I am very weak, but with God’s help I am able to lead at least a few to the cross of Christ.
In the barracks where I sleep one may find most anything going on. Some sing gospel songs, some read their Bibles, some are writing to loved ones at home, and others are collected by a table where money changes hands very often. Of course you know what I mean. They are simply gamblers, whose souls are as black as the ace of spades they use to gamble with. I tell you these things that you may know what is going on and just what a Christian soldier has to bear.
I am ever thankful to God that I was reared by a christian father and that I was permitted to attend the big meetings at dear old Lebanon. I may never again be with you all. Of course we all pray that, if it be God’s will, the war may close soon, but if it should be my lot to die for my country and the fair womanhood of our dear old United States, I would rather meet that fate than to know that our dear women and girls should be subjected to the horrible outrages of the Germans, and I feel that my way to heaven is bright and clear. I hope to return some day to my darling wife, who is now weeping and cannot be comforted because of my absence, but there are thousands of others suffering as we are, so I pray for all of them.
I love all my folks, but I love my Jesus best of all. So when our big meeting time comes, think of me in your prayers and remember that I shall be there in my prayers. And to the young christians, especially the young men who may soon be away from home and friends, let me warn you to keep close to God. He alone can give you strength to withstand all temptations. I pray for soldiers every night, and they know it, too. So let me beg each of you christians to pray without ceasing for sinful men and for peace. Pray for me when it goes well with you. I could write half the night, but lest I tire you, I will close. May heaven’s richest blessings rest upon you all is my prayer.
Your brother in Christ and soldier boy for the U.S.A.
Will S. Miller
NOTES: Miller is from Nelsonville, Arkansas and is writing to the members of his church, Lebanon Baptist Church. He was a member of the church.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD