WE hope you will find a corner in the Magazine for this short letter written solely to indicate our appreciation of Rev. J. P. Macqueen’s services to us while in barracks “Somewhere in England.” When we left home, and some of us did so for the first time, we felt we were turning our back on the preached gospel, not knowing when we would hear it again. The Lord was kind to us. A friend at home communicated with Rev. J. P. Macqueen, London, and told him our whereabouts, and asked him to visit us. This Mr. Macqueen did the first opportunity he had. During his first visit he did not keep a service but he indicated that he would give us a weekly sermon if we could procure a place to gather in. The Lord opened the way; we managed to procure the Strict Baptist Chapel for the services, and the Strict Baptists themselves attended also, so this very fact prevented any of the services being held in Gaelic. We did not like to offend them, as they pled with us to have the services in a language all could understand. We are greatly indebted to those in charge of this little congregation of Strict Baptists who gave us the use of their Chapel. They were also very kind in inviting us to their hospitable homes. Some of us have to say that Mr. Macqueen’s visits and weekly sermons were our only happy moments in barracks. The horror of swearing companions and the hardships of the Sabbath were for the moment forgotten as we listened to the gospel we used to hear. We hope that the word preached will be blessed to all of us who attended those services. Now that we have been shifted to another part it is not easy for Mr. Macqueen to follow us and apart from that we may be sent soon to an unknown destination from which some of us may never return. We do hope that the Free Presbyterian Church will in the future make an endeavour to follow her sons with the gospel not only to the training centres but to the foreign field. None but the isolated know what it is to be deprived of the gospel, and especially in such trying circumstances. On my own behalf and on behalf of my comrades.—A Gairloch 4th Seaforth.
*The writer of this letter, who is well-known to the people of our Gairloch congregation may rest assured that the praying people of our Church are following her sons who are on service with their prayers continually and if those who would like to have some of our ministers conduct services for them would write us we are sure an effort would be made to get in touch with them and have their requests attended to. It is gratifying to know that Rev. J. P. Macqueen was able to conduct these services which were so much appreciated. May we also tender our sincere thanks to the English friends who showed such kindness to our lads.—Editor.