WE were at Malta, on board H. M. S. "A—,” when a Christian brother from the Berkshire Regiment visited us; and as it was the evening for the prayer and praise meeting, we were soon assembled; not however in the Whitehead Torpedo Room, the usual place of meeting, but in the flat, as some "Whiteheads" were under repair.
If boatswain's tanks, log-reels, small arm magazines, torpedo and electrical stores could only speak, they would be able to tell a joyful story. Praise indeed, and thankfulness to our God and Father were offered up, not only that evening, but on many a one; in the same corner. And on this, occasion there was joy in heaven, and joy on earth, for a wandering sheep had returned, to trust the Good Shepherd, Who had given His life for him.
“Then sing of the Shepherd Who died,
Who died for the sake of the flock;
His love to the utmost was tried,
But firmly endured as a rock.”
That same night two of our number went to the topgallant forecastle, and although late, we lingered, sitting and talking of the many blessings the Lord had been pouring upon us. It was not long before we observed a shipmate come up and join himself to the sentry, who paced the deck in faithful service to his Queen and country.
Somehow—one can't remember how—a third person joined and paced the deck too, and shortly, our Royal Marine Light Infantryman (for such the private was) opened his heart, and confessed that he had come up there to inquire the way to heaven!
His mother's last request to him was, he said, "Robert, meet me in heaven;" and she was dying Down before the topgallant forecastle bitts we got, and asked God to show this anxious, needy soul the way to heaven; and, after waiting some considerable time, Jesus as the way was made clear to him. Then we, very reluctant, but exceedingly happy, retired full of praise for the Lord's goodness and mercy.
That this narrative may point others to Jesus, "the way, the truth, and the life," is the earnest desire of the one who was an eye-witness to Bob's conversion.