DURING the Indian mutiny, in 1857, two young soldiers, James and Matthew, on a march were taken ill, and detained in hospital. A lady visited them, and pleaded with each to turn to the Savior; and warned them of the consequences of refusing Him. James refused to listen, and each day treated her with scorn.
James was soon well and left the hospital. The lady writes: "I saw him just before he left, when he said, 'You see I was right; I told you I was young and hearty; that I had nothing to do with these things-death and eternity—there's time enough.' I was much grieved, and tried even then to win him to Jesus. ‘You know,' I said, 'that hymn, James—
No present health can health ensure,
For yet an hour to come;
No medicine, though it oft can cure,
Can always baulk the tomb! '
“He turned away. When next I heard of James, he was dead! And yet but a few short hours had intervened; he had gone to the bazaar, and 'indulged' with some comrades; walking back to the barracks God's judgment fell on him; he fell down senseless, and was carried back to the bed he had left but an hour or two before. He lived there but to open his eyes, and, calling Matthew, said, 'I find her words are true too late—I am lost! '”