Dear Sir,―I am writing this to you for your kind advice with regard to a-theory which is being preached to we soldiers, namely, “the cancelling of all previous sins by dying an heroic death on the field,” This I heard from the, pulpit and believed until a small pamphlet (which I believe was issued by you) reached me, and there I saw the light.
The men generally are only too willing to accept this doctrine, and indeed in many arguments I have had, have always fallen back on this same point. Aid now Mr. Bottomley writes an article in the “Royal,” dealing with the same subject. I have enclosed this article, as perhaps you have not seen it. And so, sir, what I ask is just this: that you will give me some of God’s messages which will strengthen my mind on this point and provide matter with which I can beat down any arguments brought up by many of these misled men. Trusting you will help me. — I am, yours truly hi the Saviour’s Name, Lance-Corpl. H. C.
The article which the Lance-Corporal enclosed was entitled, “Does an Heroic Death Wipe out Past Misdeeds?” It was written by Mr. Horatio Bottomley, and appeared in the “Royal Magazine.”
I feel that the position Mr. Bottomley has taken up is too solemn a one for me to answer in my own poor words. I take my stand on what Mr. Gladstone calls, “The impregnable rock of Holy Scripture,” and from that divine standpoint I have sought to meet his arguments by words from God which I know to be inspired. I feel that these men, face to face with death, in fact, all of us, want everlasting certainties. We cannot leave our future to chance, or gamble with our souls with the dice of human reasonings or theories. We want the TRUTH. The Psalmist says: “If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do?” (Psa. 11:33If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)). But we read in 2 Timothy, second chapter and nineteenth verse: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure.”
So I have quoted Mr. Bottomley’s words in one column, and what God says in the other. May God guide you dear fellows into the way of truth!
Articles like these which are scattered about broadcast show the terrible necessity of every soldier having the Word of God in his possession. Everything must be tested by the Word of God. So every soldier or sailor who sends to me, Dr. Heyman Wreford, “The Firs,” Denmark Road, Exeter, shall have a Testament sent to him post free.
Dear soldiers and sailors, believe nothing that cannot be proved true by the Word of God.