BY THE REV. D. M. MACDONALD, NORTH UIST.
DEAR MR. EDITOR,—The details of the reports concerning our Naval Mission are now almost invariably of a similar nature, and as I have no new information to give, I need not dwell on the details of my last visit to the naval ports at any length. I gave nine Sabbaths to the work, and, on the whole, enjoyed the services. Part of my time was devoted to hospital visitation, and in the course of my visits, I found both naval and military patients bearing their sufferings with fortitude and cheerfulness. May the Divine Physician heal them in body and soul!
I am indebted to Messrs. Angus Fraser and Kenneth Mathieson for taking my place on different occasions in Chatham and Portsmouth. In passing, I may say that there is no official objection to laymen conducting services among our sailors.
There are not a few among our naval men, who manifest that they are true followers of the Lord Jesus, and it has been a real pleasure to meet such.
The long night of war appears now to be drawing to a close, and we should not slacken our efforts as a Church for the spiritual well-being of our brave defenders on sea and land, but should continue our services with renewed energy until demobilisation is over. It is during this period that the men will have to face their greatest temptations, and a faithful presentation of the Gospel may, with God’s blessing, be the means of preserving them from the moral and spiritual evils that abound everywhere.
In conclusion, I would seek to acknowledge the goodness of the Lord in preserving me from all dangers during my stay in England. A most determined air-raid took place in London a few days after I arrived in the city, resulting in considerable material damage and heavy casualties; but, fortunately, no bombs were dropped in the locality where I resided. May the Lord bless our soldiers and sailors with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus!
As on former occasions, I conducted the week-night services in our London Mission while there. Notwithstanding adverse circumstances arising from the War, it is maintaining its position, and should be a centre of attraction to Highlanders in the Metropolis, who value sound doctrine and a scriptural mode of worship.