Salvation Enjoyed

In December, 1909, Moses was called to the deathbed of his aged grandmother, who protected him after his mother’s death. Great was his amazement when, on speaking to her of Christ, she exclaimed, “He glorified God.” “Glory to His Holy Name.” “And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you” (Isa. 46:4). As He Himself said, “A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench” (Matt. 12:20).
How wonderful His words!
His Name be praised forever!
In March, 1910, Moses enlisted in the 83rd Wallajahbad Light infantry, and soon began to witness a good confession of Christ amongst his comrades. Finding several other native Christians in the regiment, he eventually formed a branch of the Soldiers’ Christian Association, the monthly official organ of which is “Ready.” In this connection an interesting incident may be recorded. Two European Christian soldiers were traveling on the same train as a detachment of the 83rd W.L.I. When the train was stopped, one of the native Christians of this regiment caught sight of “Ready,” which was being read by the two white soldiers. Not being able to speak to them in English, he hastened to tell his companions, the result being that Moses came on the scene, and recognizing one of them, enjoyed a brief period of Christian fellowship together.
On the outbreak of the great war, the 83rd W.L.I. were ordered on active service to—, and Lance Nazak (LanceCorporal) Moses was left behind to take up duty as hospital Havildar (Sergeant) on board the hospital ship L—, then engaged in taking British sick and wounded from an Eastern port to England, returning with Indian wounded en route for India. On one occasion the L—, outward bound with a large number of sick and wounded on board, came into collision at dead of night with a G—, the latter of which was sunk. “I was fast asleep at the time,” Moses told me, “when a friend came and awoke me, telling of the danger. ‘I have no fear of death,’ I said, ‘I am a Christian.’” Through the goodness of God, Havildar Moses’ life was saved, and he was transferred shortly afterward to the hospital ship S—sailing between A—and D—, eventually joining the—Indian Field Ambulance, and is still (July, 1917) serving with his unit “Somewhere in the East.”
The following extracts taken from some of Havildar Moses’ letters may be of interest:—
“The trials of warfare have been severe, difficulties and dangers have surrounded me on every hand, yet I have had no fear. The Captain of the Host is with me every step I take. He leads me.”
“I was very glad to receive your parcel, which I distributed amongst my comrades. I thank you for remembering me before the Lord. We may go to the firing line soon, and I desire that you pray that I may glorify His holy name in life, or in death.”
“His promises are true, and wonderful, and I prove them day by day. I feel His presence every moment around me, and I can, in the language of Psalms 23:4, say, ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.’”
“I desire the prayers of the Christians for me in my testimony amongst my Indian comrades; I can lift up my head towards heaven, where Christ ever lives for me, knowing His ability to save completely those who approach by Him to God, always living to intercede for them (Heb. 7:25, N.T.), and we shall meet each other on the day when the Lord Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven to take us to be with Himself.”
How much it means for a Hindu to take a stand for Christ, to forsake all and follow Him! How few of us know anything of it! Yet many from India will be found forming part of the Body of Christ, and thus giving joy to His heart when He presents the Church to Himself, glorious, having no spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Eph. 5. 27, N.T.).
The night is far spent, and as the dawn of the morning without clouds to the Christian draws nigh, may each in the spirit of the good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3,4) have increased desire to make known the blessed story of redeeming love to the vast millions who have never heard it.
J.J. PIPER.
Note. —The account of the death of Havildar R. G. Moses, who was killed by a Sepoy, is given in the April number of “Message from God.” The account of the “going home” of our beloved friend and brother, Mr. J. J. Piper, the writer of this article, is given in the May number of “A Message from God.” Mrs. Piper’s address Isaiah 2, Canterbury Road, West Worthing.