of the Gospel, making welcome, as perhaps some of them had never done before, the precious promises of divine consolation of which their souls stood so much in need.  Many were devout and earnest Christian men and women, and the weekly fellowship, in song and supplication, with God and with one another, did much, I do not doubt, to enable them to endure the tribulations which were their appointed lot.

’So, amid these many labours, the months flee past.  You know the story of the several attempts to relieve us.  Away over the hills, on December 15, we heard the fierce roll of the artillery, and our hopes beat high.  But the ominous silence of the next few days prepared us for the mournful tidings that that attempt had failed.  Then came January 6, and the determined assault by the Boers on Ladysmith.  It began before dawn close by our camp, and all day long we watched the struggle, as it swayed this way and that, like the waves of the sea, till at last British valour gained the day.  But much precious life was lost.

’After that, on January 20, the hills once more re-echoed the roar of distant artillery.  This was the attempt at Spion Kop and Potgieter’s Drift.  After days of uncertainty, we learned that our relief was not yet.

’At last in the early weeks of February began the final and heroic effort of General Sir Redvers Buller’s forces.  Day and night the firing ceased not, and we rejoiced to mark that it came nearer and nearer.  Suddenly the enemy’s forces melted away, all in a night, as once before, long since, around Samaria.

’On Wednesday evening, February 28, we descried a small body of horsemen coming through a gap in the hills, as it were a little stream trickling down the mountain side.  We looked in amazement.  The British guns were silent.  It could be no foe.  Suddenly a loud British cheer burst from the advancing troop, and we knew our relief was accomplished.  It was Lord Dundonald’s advanced patrol.  Next day, March 1, General Buller and his staff rode in.

     ’I have only to add that, by the good hand of God upon me, I have
     been preserved all through from sickness and disease.’

Of all things the men dreaded enteric.  ‘My lad,’ said Mr. Hordern to one of the men who had just come into hospital, ’have you got enteric fever?’

‘No, sir,’ was the reply; ‘I am only wounded.’

They have come back now, hundreds of them, and as we interview them, one and all declare in their own terse language, ’We would rather have three or four hits than one enteric.’

=Testimonies to the Reality of Christian Work.=

But all this time Christian work in the town and camp had been going steadily forward.  On Sunday as many services as possible were held, and night by night Christian soldiers gathered together for prayer.  There was a spirit of inquiry about spiritual things.  Death was very near, and in its immediate presence the men felt the importance of decision for Christ.  Letter after letter tells of conversions at the soldiers’ simple services.