A Letter from the Front

“I should like to take this opportunity of again thanking you for the generous way in which you continue to supply me with Gospels, Testaments, tracts, etc. Had it not been that you had sent me those parcels, hundreds of our dear men would have gone to the trenches without God’s Word; but through you they have had that priceless treasure in their pockets, and I know, from letters I have received and from what hundreds of men have said from different parts of the Front, that this Book has been, and is being, largely read. If that is so, who can tell how many men, through the reading, were resting on the finished work of Christ when they were called into the presence of God? If the Christians in England could only see how eager the men are to get the living Word I am sure I would not see so many hundreds of men leave this place daily without a New Testament. How often men come and ask for one, and I have to say, ‘I am sorry, I have none!’ I can give him a good tract, but that is not the same to him. Here is what has happened several times when I have had a number of Travelers’ Guides and Testaments. I have asked which they would have. In every case the Testament has been chosen. They have said: ‘Oh! the Testament, sir’ I never give Testaments unless they really want them. You kindly ask me how often I should like a parcel. Well, the only thing I can say is, I never have enough of Testaments and Gospels, and shall be very glad to receive them whenever you can send them. The work here is most encouraging, and my testimony is this: that wherever the good old Gospel of a present salvation is preached crowds of men come, and many are really saved. To God be all the praise. If Christ is not held up the results are not the same. Oh! that there were more real reapers! We have a meeting daily at the Station, where crowds of men have to wait about for hours, and oh! how they love to listen to the story of God’s love! These dear fellows are on their last journey before they meet the enemy in earnest, and they know it. How one’s heart goes out to them, as we stand and watch them fall in and march to their places in the train. There are lads whose mothers are praying for them; there are husbands who have left wives and children behind them. How often, as one refers to these loved ones while giving a last word in the carriage, the tears come into their eyes. Pray for these dear fellows and for us. Pray that we may be meet for the Master’s use. Again thanking you for all your kindness, and looking forward to its being continued.”