Thank God for such words, written by a dear soldier friend, just received from Canada. Dr. Wreford wrote in the “Message” for December, 1917, of S. F.’s conversion; also in March, 1918, that he was in a hospital suffering from shell shock, having been unconscious two days. I had several letters from S.F. in hospital, before his return to his loved wife and children; then came a long silence, and it was a great pleasure to see again the familiar handwriting. I was grieved to hear how much he had passed through, in a mental hospital, all last summer, at times semi-conscious. He is returning to another hospital for more drastic treatment. I do not wonder he should write: “I cannot help it, I do get despondent, when I come round a bit, to think what I was, and what I am, and what I may become.”
And then my heart was filled with thankfulness, as my friend recounts God’s wondrous way, of blessing to souls, and sustaining grace, in such a trial of faith. He writes:
“I have had a unique experience: a captain suffering like myself was touched by my singing some snatches of hymns; we conversed together, and I pointed him to my Saviour, who was also his if he would. In time he came to my room, declaring his determination to cast himself at the Master’s feet. So you see the Spirit of God can work, even in an insane ward. It is good to our soul to be able to talk to others of that matchless love of the Christ of Calvary. Also another captain was led to talk of divine and lasting things; result not apparent yet. Perhaps I go back to complete.
“How strange—wonderfully, beautifully strange—that a person’s mind may become estranged from things temporal, yet anchored deep (amidst Satan’s buffetings and self-sought terrors) is that security of the soul, calm, peaceful, contented. Yes, we have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and firm while the billows roll. Fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love and His promises. Says me Lord, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’ ‘No one can pluck you out of My hand.’ I have proved the literal truth of these promises. Praise His holy name. I do not think I can write more. ‘Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.’ But we are so empty, are we not? Ye shall be filled and satisfied some day with His presence. I must conclude. Good-bye, hoping to meet you beyond the river, where there will be no pain, no tears, no death.”
S. F. closes his letter as before: “Only a sinner saved by grace.” Will our friends in Christ unite with us in prayer that if it is according to God’s will, our dear friend’s mind may be fully restored. We have to do with a God with whom nothing is impossible. A. A. L.