Our departure has been delayed a few days.
But if you only knew how little difference it makes to me now! I go joyfully, knowing that whatever comes, I am secure. Yes, now I can say, I am saved. This astonishes myself. I, who until the present time, have been deaf to all appeals of God; I, who had abandoned all religious services, and was most dissipated and worldly of all the children of Christians—how great is the mercy of God! It was necessary that this war should burst upon us, in order that my eyes should be opened. If you only knew how happy I am. The war! O I do not think of it now. Show my letter to my uncle, and tell him, I request him to read it before the Assembly to show them that the prayers they offered have been answered. I do not know what awaits me in the future, but “one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”
“I hasten to let you know I received the package containing so many gifts of love, for which accept my heartfelt thanks to you and the brethren. The Gospels of John, I distributed in the company, and they were received thankfully. Since this war began, there have been many changes in our men. Many of the soldiers who boasted of being infidels, and were scoffers and quarrelsome, are entirely changed. There is now a great seeking after God. The tracts which you so kindly sent shall be distributed, and they will serve to drive home the true meaning of the Word. One now hears, nearly always, Christian songs instead of foolish, worldly ones. Please send more tracts, that I may have some to give in the trenches.”
“Last week I received your letter, and today the package. Hearty thanks for both. Through the Lord’s mercy it is well with me. Through a thousand dangers the Lord has led me unhurt. As I came to the front, a comrade said, “In a battle, a man learns to pray.” In the godless condition in which I then was, I could not believe it, but laughed to myself. Two days later we were in another battle, but as we were at a distance from the enemy, we had only artillery fire, against which we were well protected. Suddenly a piece of iron fell between my comrade and myself. I realized then that one must pray, and I thought how my beloved father and mother often prayed for me, who had given them so much heart-sorrow in my youth, and then, after many years, came the first prayer. But it was only out of fear of death, and I escaped with my life, The following two days we had rest, though within I had no rest, thinking, Where would you have gone had that piece of iron struck you?
I had known that I must bow my knees and ask a righteous Judge for forgiveness of sins, but I loved the world too much to do that. I also thought it would be time enough when I got old or sick.
The next day we had strenuous, hard marching, and I was very unhappy. We had another battle which lasted five days and nights. Here I prayed almost incessantly, but found no peace, for the preservation of my life was still the main object of my prayers. Later on I prayed one whole day, for I felt that I could not go on this way any longer. I prayed humbly for the forgiveness of my sins, and the faithful God gave me peace. I became happy in the Lord. At three o’clock the next morning the order came to go forward, and I was filled with joy to think that I would be with the Lord, come what might. In that battle a number of my comrades were killed or wounded. I prayed to the Lord to let me live long enough to write to my parents that I had found peace. I knew I could not give to my parents a greater joy than this, knowing—they have always prayed for me.
Now every member of our family is saved. My brother also found peace in this war. I can’t thank the Lord enough that He allowed me to be in this war. It matters not now what comes.”