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THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. ATLANTA, GEORGIA. SATURDAY~JANUARY 24,1863. The News. From official information, it apears that Gen. Wheeler has captured four transports, laden with supplies for Rozencrans, on the Cumberland river. A gunboat was also captured soon af terwards, and 400 prisoners were pa roled, and sent down the Cumberland on one of the vessels, which was bond ed. The gunboat panic ought now to subside. Gov. Brown has issued a Proclama tion requiring all deserters from the army and such as are not absent un der military consent, to rejoin their respective commands at once; or they will be arrested, imprisoned, and given over into the hands of the proper mil itary officers. A number of deserters and others, have, if reports be true, joined them selves together for the purpose of re sisting the enforcement of the Con script act. The accounts, touching this robber band, must, 1 think, be very much exaggerated. Lincoln says, “The rebellion (is) nearer crushed than ever before, as we now hold 100,000 square miles more than he had a year ago.” The 109th Illinois regiment has dis banded, and the Lieutenant Colonel has gone over to the Confederates. A revolution seems to be in progress in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. They can’t swallow Lincoln’s late Proclama tion. It will very probably result in the separation of the North-Western from the North-Eastern States. The Alabama has destroyed the Fed eral gunboat Hatteras, in a fight near Galveston, Texas. The latter was sunk, and all on board perished, except one officer and five men. Vallandigham has made an arm istice speech in the Federal Congress, which attracted close attention. The Yankee army seems to be retir ing from North Carolina. Truly the shoulders of this noble old State seem to be protected from the cold by her extensive capes. President Davis’ Message is one of the finest documents of the war. Eu rope, as well as Lincoln and his satel lites, must feel the force of his pointed logic. The “Atlanta Intelligencer” publish es an “ authoritative vindication” of Gen. Bragg, as connected with the Kentucky campaign. May the old Gen eral win laurels as bright as ever deco rated the victor’s brow. Henry Ward Beecher’s sermon on Lincoln’s late Proclamation, strikingly verifies the truth, that talent and learn ing, when the heart is ruled by base principles, assimilate man to a fiend.— He exults over the Proclamation. Since the capture, by our cavalry, of a number of the enemy’s gunboatsand transports, a friend suggests that the captors should be styled “ Horse Ma rines.” The Yankees burn, steal, rob, and excite insurrection wherever they go. They are preparing a bitter cup, which they will soon drink, “dregs and all.” A Short Sermon. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”— Acts. I. It is clearly to be inferred from this text that, previous to “Injlieving on the Lord Jesus Christ,” mewrenotf saved, or in a saved state; but, as the term, “saved,” suggests its opposite, lost, it follows that all those whose du ty it is to believe on Christ, and yet have not done so, are lost, or in a lost state. To appreciate fully the gracious meaning implied in the word, “saved,” it is necessary to understand the dread ful import of the word lost. What, then, is the meaning of the word ? Without even desiring to comprehend the full meaning of “lost”—for finite mind cannot grasp all its meaning,— it may heighten, or intensify our con ception of its import, when we con sider — Ist. I hat to be lost,” is to be ex posed to the consequences resulting from sin. What a deplorable state, when the soul, robed in eternal disgrace, is left to suffer the guilt of all its crimes!— One sin forever disqualifies the soul for companionship with pure, uncon taminated spirits. Billions of sins, while they will not })rolony the sin ner’s suffering above the guilt accumu lated by one sin, will much increase the pain and anguish of the soul. — What, then, must be the condition of that soul that is left to enduro the tor. ture which, according to the law of God and of its own nature, must fol low the commission of billions and even trillions of sins ! Lost! lost! lost! — What an awful depth of meaning this little word has! Eternity alone can disclose its import to created intelli' gence. But as eternity can never end, it is impossible for mortal ever to form an adequate conception of its meaning. 2nd. To be lost, is to be banished forever from the society of “just men made perfect,” of angels and of God. For a man to be banished from re fined society, to be exiled from his na tive country, to be disregarded by the good, just and pure, because of his vile conduct and character—to suffer even this, would burden one with a load of punishment hard indeed to be borne. — But what is all this, compared with the suffering of that soul that, for its vile ness and sinfulness, must be forever deprived of communion with all the just and holy, and with God, the foun tain of purity, happiness and love ? I am aware that the unpardoned sin ner does not now realize the dreadful loss which he sustains as a consequence of his sins; yet his present sinful state involves all the loss above specified ; and the time is coming when he will reaiize it. If he should at this moment be made sensible of his lost and wretch ed state, fie, like the poor trembling jailor, would cry out, “What must I do to be saved ?” This leads to the inquiry— -11. What is it to be saved I an swer : 1 st. It is to be relieved from the con sequences of sin. 2nd. It is to be “killed to the love of sin,” and to be “alive to holiness” — it is to be “born of the spirit,” to be “born again” —to hate sin, and love ho liness. 3rd. To be “saved,” is to have true, though imperfect, happiness now, and perfect happiness in all eternity. 4th. To be “saved,” is to be restor ed to the favor of God, and to enjoy communion with the “Holy Spirit.” sth. To be “saved,” is to receive a title “to mansions in the skies”—to enjoy Heaven with the society of all its happy inmates for ever ami ever.— In a world to be “saved,” is to secure a title to every thing needful for us here, and every thing desirable for us hereafter. What incalculable gain is involved in being “saved!” How can this infi nitely desirable end be secured ? Read, O, sinner ! and write the language with a diamond point upon your heart, so as never to forget it — 111. “ Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" Yes, believe ou the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Christ ful filled the law, which you, sinner, have so often violated ; doing this, He gave his soul an offering for sin. He now requires you to believe in him, and trust his merit for salvation. Can you not do this? Why not? “He that believeth on the son, hath eternal life; he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” If you desire to escape “the lake that burnetii with tire and brimstone if you desire to have the elements of woe extracted from your soul, and the germ of eternal blessedness planted in its stead ; if you wish to be admitted into the “pearly gates” of the New Je rusalem, where you will reign forever with Christ, saints and angels—-if you desire all this, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. - When the war first broke out, a highly respectable gentleman, who is now a Colonel in the Confederate army, said to me: “Politicians and parties have ruined the country, and I do not hold myself entirely free from guilt, for 1 have voted for my party often at the expense of moral w orth and integ rity. But, if lam ever permitted to vote again, I will look both to the principles involved and the character of the candidates.” A sensible reso lution this. “Principles” aud “men” must both be taken into the account, i f we would cast a sensible vote. Opinions of the Press. “The Soldier’s Friend ” is the title of a new paper published w’eekly in Atlanta, Ga., of which the first num ber has reached us. It is edited by Mr. A. S. Worrell, who gives abun dant evidence of the proper qualifica tions for that position in the opening number. The name of the paper, as well as its object —the moral elevation of the soldier—sufficiently commend it to public favor. We wish our cotem porary success. — Columbus Times. “The Soldier’s Friend” is an exceed ingly neat and handsomely printed sheet, containing nearly twenty col umns of well selected and original reading matter. It is religious in its tone, and well calculated to elevate as well as to amuse and instruct the mind of the care-worn soldier. Every fath er ought to send his boy a copy of the “Soldier’s Friend.”— Charleston Cou rier. “The Soldier’s Friend” is neatly printed, and admirably suited to the SHirpose for which it was gotten up. — t answers the purpose of religious tracts, and at the same time affords the soldier a large amount of the current news of the day. — Marion {Ala.) Common wealth. “The Soldier’s Friend” is the name of a new paper published at Atlanta, Ga., devoted to the moral, religious and sanitary interests of the Army.— It is a well printed sheet, and we cor dially commend it to public favor.— Alabama Observer. “The Soldier’s Friend” is a religious paper and devoted entirely to the use of our gallant soldiers, and should be promptly and patriotically supported by the Southern people. To Mr. Wor rell, and his noble enterprise, we wish a hearty success.— Democratic Watch tower. Military Life and Scenes chapter in. “Ellen, read it. My eyesight seems to be failing. Your mother and I will listen.” Tremblingly, for one letter followed the other so closely that they feared the w orst, the seal was broken and a sweet girlish voice dwelt upon the words of her absent brother. Camp , Sept. Ist. Dear Father, Mother and Sister: — Doubtless you are anxiously awaiting tidings of your absent son and brother. Though still too weak to hold my pen steadily, I must try to lessen the bur den of suspense resting on your hearts. My illness was short but severe. For a few days I was so much exhausted that a blank was left in my mind.— Time passed I know not how; since then I have improved very rapidly. — Though my comrades are kind-hearted and willing, they will never excel you, dear mother and sister, in nursing. I feel specially indebted to John for his many kindnesses. He waited on me with the devotion of a brother, often depriving himself of the meagre com forts of camp life, to make me more comfortable. You may think that the comforts of a tent are few indeed ; but when one has been used to sleeping out on the bare ground, a tent seems almost as comfortable as a house. I hope you will not allow yourselves to be uneasy about my being exposed. It would be very pleasant to be at home, but since this is impossible, I content myself with thinking of you and picturing to myself the manner in which you pass your evenings. Dear Ellen, that little work basket you use so constantly, forms its own part in my home pictures. You re member, of course you de, that pretty little needle book I found in it one morning, marked with my initials ? If this letter was not to father and mother too, I would tell you all 1 know about this same needle book—but spare my blushes. I suppose it will gratify you all to learn that I have not forgotten how to sew on buttons and darn socks. In deed, late experiences have improved me in this one respect. We have received orders to prepare for a march. I will be allowed to go with the wagons, I suppose, as I am not able to walk. I will write soon, again. Affectionately, THOMAS BRANTLY. “I am heartily glad to hear that he is so much better, but fear the fatigue of a long march w ill cause a relapse.” “Please, father, do not prophecy evil. Mother always looks younger when we have such letters, and if you make her sad, I will have to find fault with you.” “Your father, my child, would not needlessly'excite my fyars. There is always danger and we ought always to be prepared for it. But what did Thomas mean by the needle book ?” Inquired good Mrs. Brantly with a woman’s usual curiosity. A soft low laugh made music throughout the room before the an swer came. “O nothing, only that a needle book, very prettily and conveniently formed, was found in my basket one day after Alice Reeves had been here. I teased Tom no little about it, but he always i denied having the least knowledge of who put it there. He has been en lightened, I suppose.” “I am very glad he knows how to patch. Poor boy, he used to think it a very severe punishment to have his socks to darn. Your fatlier used to think I ought not to make him do it, but it was for the best. Now if he goes ragged, he is to blame.” “Well, I must run over and tell Clara about our letter. I am sure, mother, there is nothing in brother’s letter to show that he is growing worse—John, I mean; so I will tell Clara to cast aside her fears.” So saying she caught up her bonnet and was gone. “There is something in that, w ife. Thomas never speaks otherwise than in laudable terms of John. Do you think he ‘would tell us, if anything was wrong ?” “I cannot tell. He would not like to distress Clara; and if he is grow** ing worse too, he may not notice John’s defects. His silence causes me some uneasiness.” “Well let us hope for the best. His generosity may keep him silent. While there is a hope, let us cling to it, and pray for him.” In the happy routine of home life a few days passed away not without bringing peace to the little family. — Then another letter from some un known post office (almost every one from Thomas bore strange post marks) came, causing the hearts of the aged parents to beat faster and the eager Ellen’s hand to tremble while she read the few hastily written lines. Dear Father: — We have had a fight. I escaped unhurt. John was severely, though we hope not mortally wounded. He was shot just above the heart. The physician says that he is doing well. He talks of home and Clara constantly. He has been deli rious all day. My health is very good. I feel as strong as I did before 1 was sick. I did not suffer from fatigue on the march. I rode in an ambulance. Do not advise Clara to come here to see John. This is no place for a lady. I will wait on him as well as I am able. Much love to mother and Ellen. Yours in haste, THOMAS. “Thank God, for sparing our be loved one,” would have more nearly expressed the feelings of that father, mother and sister than any other words. If, in thinking of their own loved one, they forgot, for a time, the anguish another w as to feel, it is but meet that they bemxeused. None can properly sympathize unless placed in circum stances similar to those who need sym pathy. “We should indeed be thankful;” faltered Mrs. Brantly. “But,” she continued, “in our own gratitude, we must not forget the sor row of others. Ellen must go imme diately to Clara and tell her.” “She has been so uneasy recently that I almost fear to be the bearer of such sad news. Had I better let her read the letter?” “By all means, otherwise she may imagine we withhold something. Let her know all that we know.” “You and Mother then, must not try to find a gloomy subject while I am gone. I will soon be back to write an answer to the letter, and hope to be able to tell brother you are smiling for him.” Both parents smiled upon her as she donned her bonnet and mantle and ran away. For a while they rejoiced over Thomas’ escape, then pitied poor woun ded John, w'ondering all the while, if either or both of the boys had forsa ken the path of virtue, finally settling the whole matter with: “Well, well, it will all end right.” After the knitting needles began to move with their usual rapidity and Mr. Brantly returned to the Daily, they were suddenly surprised by the en trance of Miss Alice Reeves, the daugh ter of a neighbor and the most beauti ful lady in the vicinity. She was beau tiful not only physically, but also men tally and morally. Finding Ellen was not at home, she declined taking off her bonnet, but lin gered long enough to inquire for the latest war trews, and listened with an. attentive air, while the -old gentleman told the contents of his son’s letter. — As a friend of Clara’s, Alice went to offer her sympathy. Upon her arrival, Ellen accosted her with, “What do you think, Alice, will be come of Clara ? She says that she is determined to go to the hospital to nurse John, who is wounded.” “I have just heard the sad tidings from your lather. I think it quite nat ural for her to desire to be with her husband, and would advise her to has ten to him.” “There Ellen, you can use no other argument to influence me. She has tried to frighten me out of going by telling of the danger of disease, and the impropriety of being in hospitals. We all give up to Alice. Poor, dear John, how I long to be with him.” “Don’t cry so dear friend, but dry your eyes and consult some older per son about this matter. We all hope to have John safe at home yet. “It is growing late, so I must go back home. Alice will take care of you to-night. If you decide to go to let me know.” “Alice you must help me to persuade my friends that it is best to go; or will you too try to dissuade me when you hear that Thomas thinks the place unfit for a lady ?” queried the young wife, and despite her tears a smile played upon her lips as she noted the deepening color on her friends face. “It will, of course, be unpleasant, but a wife cannot it seems to me be out of place when attending her sick, helpless husband. However, you had better take Ellen’s advice and consult some older person.” “Then it must be done soon, for I want to go on the first train.” GENERAL NEWS SUMMARY. General Fitz Porter has been acquitted of the charges preferred by Gen. Pope. Lyman Beecher, father of Harriet Beech er Stowe died in Brooklyn on Saturday last. Ex Governor William D. Moseley, of Florida, died at Palatka on Sunday 2d in stant. Rosencrans, in his official report, desig nates .the late battle in Middle Tennessee as the battle of Stone’s River. Nine thousand seven hundred and sixty seven persons were arrested in Baltimore by the police during the year 1862. John C. Heenan, it is said, is to marry Miss Sarah Stevens, a New York actress now playing at Bourcicalt’s, in London. Yankee papers say that Rosencrans is not a General who is “fishing for the Presi dency.* We presvme Hooker is the man, then, who is.. The members of the bar, of Dallas co., Ala., held a meeting at Cahawba on the 15th inst., and resolved not to raise their fees dur ing the war. Meagher’s Irish brigade, which went into the battle of Fredericksburg with five full regiments, has now less than three hun dred men fit for duty. So the Northern pa pers say. The Legislature of Mississippi has passed a bill providing that not over three acres of cotton shall be planted to thehand,under a penalty of SSOO per acre, half to go to the informer. The workmen at the Wilmington Sword Factory have formed themselves into a com pany, armed with lances or pikes. They turned out Saturday and made quite a gay appearance, with the pennauts'altached to their lances. Allen Taylor Caperton, of Mercer county, Va., who has been elected Confederate Sen ator from that State to fill the vacancy oc casioned by the death of Hon. Win. Ballard Preston was an old line Whig. The Federal papers say that the Mississip pi River is widening and deepening the ar tificial channel opposite Vicksburg. This is undoubtedly a false stasement, put forth merely to delude the masses. The Mobile Register says the number of men enrolled and sent to the field in that county, by the conscript officers, is 1,505, and the number claiming exemption on various grounds is 1,979. The New York Herald says that 300,000 of nine months men and two years men go out of service in May next, so that what ever the Federals do must be done by that time. Thad. Stevens (Abolitionist), from Pennsylvania, proposes to fill their places with negroes. The leading financial men of New York are urging upon the Federal Congress the passage of a bill declaring all United States notes issued, or to be issued, shall be receiv able in payment of all taxes, internal duties excises, duties on imports, debts and de mands of every kind due the United States. The Lord Bishop of Quebec, Rev. S. 8. Mountain, is dead. A cotton factory is about to be established in Nachitoches county, Liu A large number of slaves from Africa have lately been landed in Cuba. Col. Marurs J. Wright, of Memphis, has been commissioned a Brigadier General. Secretary Chase is in New York holding a conference with the Bank Presidents. Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill passed through Ra leigh on Saturday last, en route for Charlotte, where his family resides. Gen. McClernard has superseded General Sherman on account of the Vicksburg dis aster to the latter. A new French paper has been started in New Orleans under the title of La Repuhli que. Its political proclivities are strongly Yankee. A fire occurred on the 17th in Williams* Oates & Co’s warehouse at Charlotte, N. C- The loss was from $12,000 to $15,000 in cot ton. One horse was burnt in lhe stable at tached. A Nashville dispatch, dated the 151 h, says Bragg has been superseded by Longstreet; that conscripts are deserting the rebel army and arriving in Nashville daily. The Yankee cavalry ascended the western shore of the Mississippi, a few days ago, to within nine miles of Port Hudson, commit ting their usual depredations upon the pro perty along their route. The late Wm. Sanford, Esq., of Baldwin county, Ga., bequathed SIO,OOO to Ogle thorpe University, near Milledgeville; $lO,- 000 to Emery College, near Covington, and $5,000 to Mercer Institute, at Penfield. Dr. James Rogers, a well known physi cian of Knox county, Tenn., a lew days ago, dropped a pistol on the floor, sending a ball through one thigh, and into the other. The wound is a dangerous one. On Saturday last, 17th, a baggage cur on the train coming south on the North Caroli na Railroad (between Charlotte and Golds boro’,) took fire from a spark four miles from Durham’s Station, and' was entirely consumed, with all its contents, consisting of a lot of freight, etc.