The Messenger, June 24, 2010
God’s Providential Soldier, Part 1:
Gen. Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson

By SAM RICHARDSON
Special to The Messenger
As a young 2nd Lieutenant in the Mexican-American War during a disappointing time, Thomas Jackson wrote to his sister, “I throw myself into the hands of an all wise God and hope that it may yet be for the better.”
This sentiment became the overarching theme to Jackson’s life. In Jackson’s mind, God’s sovereignty directed his life and he depended wholly on a loving God’s providence. As Confederate General Daniel Harvey Hill stated in a letter, “I never knew of anyone whose reverence for Deity was all pervading, and who felt so completely his entire dependence on God.”
On Jan. 21, 1824, Jackson was born to very humble beginnings. His father, Jonathan, died when Jackson was 2, and he lived with his poverty-stricken mother until he was 7 years old. At that time, he and his sister Laura were sent off to live with their paternal grandmother and their Uncle Cummins Jackson.
His mother died a year later, making Jackson an orphan.
It was at his mother’s deathbed that Jackson received his earliest memory of Godly devotion. His mother prayed fervently for God to watch over her orphaned children.
Uncle Cummins was not religious but he was an honest man who tried to be a loving caretaker of the young Thomas Jackson. Though he had a reputation of sinful ways, Uncle Cummins proved to be a good influence on Jackson, teaching him hard work, a love for nature and honesty. Jackson learned from Uncle Cummins that his word was as precious to him as his independence: “Short of his honor, he has nothing”.
It was at age 16, during his time living with his uncle, that religious matters caught Jackson’s curiosity. Despite the secular influence of his uncle, young Thomas started to regularly attend the local Methodist Church. He came to believe that he must study Christianity carefully to fully gain all its joys and learn its duties. He became a voracious Bible reader and would gladly discuss theological matters if asked. At this early age Thomas Jackson started to form his religious and doctrinal beliefs.
After graduating from West Point in 1846 and serving in the Mexican-American War, Jackson left the army and took a teaching position at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. It was here that he was introduced to Presbyterianism. In Lexington, Jackson met and became good friends with John Blair Lyle. Lyle, a devout Presbyterian and a bookstore owner, discussed Calvinism with Jackson and provided him with many books to read and study.
Initially, Jackson had disagreed with some things about Presbyterianism, but he came to the conclusion that he could join the Presbyterian Church. After searching through many denominations throughout his life, Jackson found a home at the Lexington Presbyterian Church. Over time, through council with Lyle and their pastor, Dr. William S. White, Jackson rapidly became one of the most devout Calvinists of his time
Editor’s note: Sam Richardson attends Grace Community Church in Union City (www.graceunioncity.com).