It is a great pleasure that Dr. Wreford has given me to come in touch with the many readers of the “Message,” and I ask all who are interested in our soldiers to remember those who are still exposed to danger and hardships, as in Ireland.
The following short extracts are from India: ―
“It seems hard after going through one war, and then to come here to fight these savage tribes. We had five days’ march through a river bed, and that was awful going through, and then to go on marching in wee clothes... but I will trust in God to bring me through, as He did before.... I hope you will excuse my writing in pencil, but we are in a place now where ink is out of the question. All we can see here is mountains no other white people have been on... any moment you may he sniped by these tribes... Am glad to say I received your letter yesterday, also books. My mother is worrying awful about me, but I have written and told her not to worry over me, as I trust in God to bring me back safe from here.... Yes, I believe what the Lord has done. He paid the highest price―His life.... We get no services; no chaplain; no one to conduct services.”
This dear boy is young, and has already had many hard battles to fight against the many temptations of army life.
What a privilege, through Dr. Wreford, to continue to send books to him and his comrades. How these boys need our prayers in their isolation. We are cheered from time to time by letters from those it was our privilege to be in touch with during the war. One writes of the beloved doctor: ―
“The old war-time army can thank him for much. It was the result of such hard work on the part of such men as Dr. Wreford and Mr. J. J. Piper and others, that made the Gospel so easy for a soldier to get. No matter where one went, there were always supplies of Gospels, Testaments and books from the Doctor, with a word of cheerio from him. Since then, dear Mr. Piper has been called home. I had some Hindu Gospels sent to me from Mr. Piper, which I distributed to the natives, some in the Madrasi and others in the Telegu languages. But for this kind action on his part these natives might at this day never heard of their Saviour and Lord. I never heard from him again, as he was taken ill, and then taken to be forever with the Lord, whom he delighted to serve.”
Dear reader, does your heart beat with joy at the prospect, daily drawing nearer, when the wilderness journey will be over, and we shall see Him, “whom absent we love”? Can you say from your heart,
“I’m waiting for Thee, Lord;
Thy beauty to see, Lord”
A. A. L.