On joining the Forces in October, 1941, I made the acquaintance of a young accountant of brilliant intellect; he took first place in his intermediate examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. We went to a training camp together, and soon became close friends.
Early in January, we became frequent visitors of a Forces' Institute situated near the large depot in which we were stationed. Each night there is a meeting where the gospel is faithfully preached. We enjoyed these short services, and my friend soon became deeply interested in the Word of God. I began to notice a great change in him, and, toward the end of January, he confessed that he had accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior.
Just before he parted from me to go overseas, my friend and brother in Christ gave the following testimony at a gospel meeting, "About two years before this war commenced, I attended a creditors' meeting. On one side of the table sat the debtor looking very miserable as he faced the prospect of disgrace and financial ruin. On the other side were the creditors who had met to consider his case, and, if necessary, to force him into bankruptcy; that was the penalty for his transgression against them.
"At the head of the table I sat. The debtor was trusting in me, his accountant, to make the best terms possible with his creditors. Fortunately, I was able to persuade them to allow me to continue the business, in an effort to restore its financial stability.
"Today, the business is once again in a sound position. The debtor was saved from disgrace and financial ruin.
"In January, 1942, I found myself in a similar position before God to that of the debtor before his creditors. I learned that I was a lost and ruined sinner, already condemned by God for my transgressions against Him. I saw before me a life of hopelessness and misery throughout eternity.
"But I also learned of a wonderful Savior in whom I could put my trust, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.' John 3:16-1816For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16‑18).
"I trusted Him, and He has saved me from the guilt and penalty of my sins. I have found joy in the new life which I have in Christ.”
O, the love that drew salvation's plan;
O, the grace that brought it down to man;
O, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary,
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, AT CALVARY.