Sunday with the Soldiers
October — 1917
“Whilst addressing the men in the D. R., the Corporal of the Guard, a Christian man, unlocked the door, came to me and—pointing out one of the defaulters who was listening very attentively―said to me: ‘I hope you will do him good, sir.’ I replied: ‘I can do him no good, but I can direct him to One Who can and will―the Lord Jesus Christ.’ The Corporal was greatly interested in this man, and was anxious for his soul’s salvation. He (the Corporal) asked me how long I had known the Lord. I said ‘Fifty years.’ ‘That is a long time,’ he said, as he looked steadfastly in my face. I said: ‘You asked me to try and do this man good. What about yourself, may. I ask?’ ‘I am with you,’ he replied. I looked searchingly in his face, and discovered that I had seen him a few times before, and―grasping his hand―said, ‘Thank God. His side is the best.’ I went on speaking. He listened a few minutes, then went out and turned the key. I distinctly felt the Spirit’s power, and held the listeners’ attention intensely. Three or four were deeply impressed. Some of them had been wounded. I spoke to one and said: ‘You have been wounded twice?’ ‘Yes, but that chap (referring to the man I had mentioned) has been wounded three times.’ My heart was filled with compassion, when he said ‘That is true, sir.’ ‘Suppose you had been killed?’ I asked, what would have been your end? Eternal misery or eternal joy?’ The arrow found its mark. The poor fellow could not reply, but his face betokened his dismay. ‘Now my lad, I will tell you what I think,’ I said. ‘When I see those stripes of gold that tell of your wounds, I know you have been wounded in fighting fort your king and country, and that includes me, and I thank you and all that have suffered thus. And then come those words, in Isaiah 53: But! but!! but!!! He (Jesus) was wounded for my transgressions, and yours too. My dear lads—all of you—read the full description given in the Gospels. He was crucified on Calvary’s Cross for sinners, and that includes me, and I believe it, and therefore I am saved from the wrath to come.’ My heart was melted, as I said: ‘Think of it, my dear lads, how cruelly He was served before He was led away to be crucified. Pilate ordered Him to be flogged. I saw scores of men flogged in H.M. service, and when I read that Jesus was flogged, I cannot express my thoughts adequately. And lads, He was insulted in a way which any person would feel the greatest insult —they spat in His face twice. ―Yes lads, they spat in the face of my blessed Saviour.’ I had to pause, for my inmost soul was moved. Then I concluded with an appeal to them: ‘Won’t you come to this Jesus and be saved? Oh! how love Him.’ The Corporal’s friend looked at me―his eyes tear-like, as mine were―holding his hand. ‘What is your answer? Decide now.’ He hesitated before answering―I still holding his hand. At last he said: ‘I will now.’ All I could say to him was ‘Thank God.’ Three others were impressed. I am praying for them.” J. P. C.