Sunday with the Soldiers

In barracks, whilst talking to a company of bright young soldiers last March, I remarked to the sergeant of the guard, “It is very cold, almost cold enough for snow.” He replied, “I think not.” Judging by his speech that he was a Scotchman, I said, “Perhaps where you came from it is much colder, and you are used to it?” He said, “I come from Perthshire.” “Dear me,” said I, “it is a long time since I was there—1873.” “That was five years before I was born,” said he. Then the Spirit prompted me to ask if he was born again. Before I could get an answer he was called away. But one of the men followed me outside and said to me, “I don’t quite understand what it means to be born again.” “I will try and explain it. The first thing is to know that you are a sinner and that Jesus died on the cross for YOUR sins, and to believe in your heart that they were laid on Him” (Isa. 53:6; 1 Peter 2:24). “Yes, that’s all right.” “Very well, then,” said I, “as a soldier you will understand what right about turn means!” “Certainly,” he said. “Then you will be going the opposite way, won’t you, if you right about turn?” “Yes, that’s plain enough.” “Now then,” said I, “for the proof: Before you knew that Jesus was your Saviour, and before God’s Holy Spirit began His work in your heart, you did not care a jot about pleasing God. But since, your desire is to please Him and to lead a new life, and that certainly means a new and a spiritual birth, as I understand it.” He exclaimed, “I see it now, that’s plain enough. I see it now. God bless you,” and his smile of delight was a pleasure to see.
If any who reads this true incident have any difficulty of a similar kind, the Editor of this Magazine will be very glad to help you. F. P. C.