Our thoughts turn longingly to Ireland now, and we seek to enlist your fullest sympathy for our work there. We reprint our circular and letters about Ireland:—
Our Work in Ireland, and its Need
We need all your sympathy and prayers in these sad days for our work in Ireland. We would ask all our readers to remember Ireland. There is a wonderful work for God going on there now, and an increasing desire for the Word of God. We want to send hundreds of parcels of Testaments to the various Barracks, and to workers among the civil population. I am going to print you a few recent letters to show what God is doing.
A Dear Worker writes from Dublin
Dear Friend, I enclose you the enclosed cards for Testaments for the soldiers; they asked me to leave some with them at― Barracks. A Roman Catholic soldier, one of the wounded men, told me yesterday that he had a Testament, and read it every night at the hospital. He told me also that the men took them out every evening to read, and that one soldier commenced reading when he got up and read all day.... I had no idea that so many were without Testaments. I am going round to all the barracks I can. It gives me great joy to hear of their reading the Word. The Roman Catholic soldier told me he got a card from me and filled it up, and sent it to Dr. Wreford and got the Testament by post. I feel so thankful to you, Dr. Wreford, for enabling me to do so much with God’s precious Word.
Another Appeal from Dublin
Dear Dr. Wreford,
Once again I am feeling the need of more of your parcels; all the Testament cards are gone, and all the Testaments, too, and my soldiers seem still hungry for more. Several, too, have been asking for “Travelers’ Guide,” and all reading matter is eagerly devoured, The half battalion I had have been relieved by the other half, and a large draft has arrived from―, and new recruits have come in from the depot, so that the demand is great. There are signs of blessing everywhere, and they love to get round and ask questions; but one feels that if we can only keep the truth as it is in Jesus faithfully before them, there must be real results, especially when watered by constant prayer.
Letters from Londonderry
I cannot thank you enough for the magnificent parcel which came to me yesterday. God only can recompense you. I believe and think your repeated gifts followed by earnest prayers are bearing fruit, and I know, that is what you want.... The―’s are, I am glad to say, having a rest, they were completely run down with want of sleep and nervous strain, some of them during the worst riots, collapsing in the streets. They were so very young, mere boys many of them, bur they were brave and adaptable beyond their years, and a credit to their country. They are replaced by the— ‘s, and I trust they will do as well for us all.
Another letter says: ―
Your last large parcel has been, I believe, the means of blessing to many, both soldiers and civilians. We are still in a state of siege, and hemmed in with barbed wire, armored cars, sand bags, etc., but thank God we have no fear. The soldiers are very brave in the midst of civil war.
A Lieutenant Colonel writes from Ireland
Dear Dr. Wreford, I enclose 30/-. Will you kindly send 100 Testaments to the 1St Battalion― Regt.? Go on, dear brother!
Roman Catholic Soldiers and the Testaments
A friend writes: ―
I thank you very much for the large parcel of Testaments. I shall thank you very much for more, and for trads. I have not one left. A Roman Catholic soldier told me it was only a waste of money as they will not read them. I told him, they do read them, and that the Lord Jesus died for him, and that if he did not accept Him as his Saviour he will be one of those who will cry out hereafter: “Oh! I had the same opportunity as the rest to accept the gospel, and I did not, now it is too late!” I also told him the Lord Jesus will say to him then: “Depart, I never knew you.” He had not a word to say. As the Roman Catholics abused the Testaments in— I don’t give them away unless they ask me for them. So three different Roman Catholics pressed me for them, so I gave them one each, and they promised to read them.
Our Appeal for Ireland
We want to help the terrible soul need in Ireland. We know many workers who are doing all they can to spread the truth. We shall help them all we can. We are sure our friends will help us also. The dear soldiers and civilians need all we can do for them. I have very many letters speaking of the awful need now. I am glad God has given us an open door in Ireland. We are sending hundreds of Testaments to soldiers and many parcels to workers.