The letter from the mother of private Gaul was received by me in December last: ―
“Dear sir, I feel it a merciful act of Gods providence that one of your books, A message from God for the month of December was read by named William Forton, a soldier stationed at Norwich, whose parents are personal friends of ours. He brought the book to his mother, and she immediately paid us a visit to enable us to read it. It proved to be my son, only too true, although I have had official information from the war office concerning his death. Sir, I feel more grateful to the Lieutenant who forwarded the letter to you for publication, to know my son was buried in a grave, as we had previously heard to the contrary, that he was blown to atoms. Dear sir, I enclose two stamps, as I feel sure you will oblige me sending me one of the books with the information about my son, as I should like to have one in my possession. Sir, if you have gotten any other information in your hands concerning my late son I shall be glad to hear from you” ―A. A. GAUL.
I sent her the “Message” and in acknowledging it she said: ―
I think it very hard to lose him, he was always a comfort to me, and a respectable lad. He came home from France last February on his twenty third birthday, when he had this photo taken, which I am sending to you. His last words to me when he went back, were: ‘Don’t fret, mother, God will spare me to come home again and see you all.’ Now I know his words won’t come true, but I trust I shall meet him in heaven.” — A. A. GAUL.
Yes, we all hope mother and son will meet before the throne of God. The picture of that dead lad with the postcard in his pocket, filled in ready to be sent for a Testament, has moved me very much. We must all do what we can to see that these dear lads all have a Testament. Read last page of “Message.”