DEAR MR. EDITOR,—In common with my predecessors I have to state that the duties assigned to me, in connection with the Royal Naval Reservists, stationed at Portsmouth and Chatham, were intensely interesting. Your readers will probably be familiarized with the method used in carrying on the work of the Mission, as some of my brethren have given detailed Reports. Therefore little, if anything, remains for me to add. I will, however, briefly outline my work in that excellent field of labour.
The period I was in England extended from the 10th of September till the 18th of October. The services at Portsmouth and Chatham were conducted every alternate week; at the former place on Friday and Sabbath evenings, at seven o’clock, at the latter on Thursday, Saturday, and Sabbath at the same hour. In addition to those, several services were held at Haslar, which is situated on the Gosport side of the Ferry between Portsmouth and Gosport. There were fewer Highlanders there than at the other two stations. The services were held in one of the mess rooms; but now the Y.M.C.A. Hall, which was in course of erection, is available.
The attendances at the several places were very satisfactory. It diminished latterly, as some were on furlough and others were drafted “somewhere” on duty. Frequent expression was given of their indebtedness to those who attended to their spiritual interests. May the Word of God work effectually!
Interesting though the work among the Reservists was, we (Mr. Fraser accompanied me) found visiting the sick and wounded in London Hospitals equally so. One hears a great deal of the heroism of our Empire soldiers in the field of battle; there it is to be seen exemplified in their sufferings. One is struck with the cheerfulness and patient endurance manifested by them in untold agonies. For instance, we saw one whose face, arms, and legs were mutilated, and when asked how he was, he replied, “Champion!” We found it refreshing to meet those who were fighting, not only in defence of their country, but also “the good fight of faith.” An interesting case of this nature was that of an officer, Captain —, well known in Free Presbyterian circles. We were greatly impressed with the description he gave of his experiences on the battlefield in the light of divine Providence. Though he had been very near the gates of death, it appears that the truth he received, when he was wounded, namely, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall I shall arise, etc.,” is to be fulfilled. He is, we are pleased to say, recovering favourably.
We distributed Bibles to those who were without them. These were greatly appreciated, and the general remark on receipt of one was, “Thank you, I have lost my own in France (or the Dardanelles as the case might be).” As the supply sent by the Rev. Neil Cameron was exhausted and he was absent from Glasgow in the North, I wrote the National Bible Society of Scotland for a further supply. They generously sent a quantity gratis, with an assurance that more would follow, if required. En passant, let me say that the Society deserves encouragement and financial aid to carry on its good work of distributing Bibles to soldiers and sailors unhampered.
I was indebted to Mr. Angus Fraser of Glasgow, who is at present supplying the London Mission, for the kind assistance he rendered me in conducting services on several occasions. Praying that the Rev. Alexander Macrae, who succeeded me, may have great liberty in preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ, I am, yours, etc., ANDREW SUTHERLAND.
FAITH and hope are the attendants of the Christian here; but love and sight shall be his eternal attendants above. As it were, faith and hope fight the battle, and love and sight sit at home, and divide the spoil. Faith and hope embrace Christ through the veil; but love and sight embrace Christ with the eyes. We must leave our faith and hope, but we shall never weep for the leaving of such companions.—Andrew Gray.