396.
THE KING’S BUSINESS
fortunate enough to find shelter outside of the tavern, in the house of an old lady, sixty- five years old, who is a Baptist. She is a child of God. She also received my wife in a loving manner when she visited me. I did not know that my wife had come until five minutes before the alarm was suddenly sounded for reinforcements in the trenches. I could talk to her only a little while and I had to depart for three days and three nights to the trenches. For the first time, my wife heard for three days and nights the terrific report of the cannons, firing un ceasingly, one shot after another: Those were three long day's and nights, but through the grace of God they passed rap idly, and I could hasten into the open arms of my wife. There were awaiting me warm shoes, hot water for the bathing of my feet, and also cabbage, potatoes, and pork chops prepared. We could converse freely with each other, while my dear comrades had to lie in the crowded tavern, wedged in with out taking their clothes, off. They have not had their clothes off for four or six weeks, and some are already troubled with vermin. These are experiences which we meet daily. The seriousness of the situation and death are always before our eyes. Unceasingly one hears the roar of the cannons. My duty consists in patrolling at night. These nightly patrol walks are very dismal. The eye and nerves are strained. The breathing is suppressed. The steps are very soft. The ear is eagerly listening to dis cover the enemy, and continually with the prayer in my heart, “Oh, Heavenly Father, protect me. Spare my life. -I promise Thee to be true in -Thy work.’’ It seems to me that I can hear the words, “Fear not, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” Here and there arise sky rockets and the rays of the searchlights, illuminate the dark ness. One gives a sigh of relief. Suddenly, only a few hundred yards away, a battery fires a death-dealing salvo. One is startled and frightened. The fiery missiles go hiss ing over our heads. Next, there is a bright glare in the air and one after another the shells explode with a terrific report. A mo
ment, everything is quiet; thee the Rus sians answer. Five to ten shots are heard and in a gruesome manner the destructive missiles are approaching. The hissing sound is heard and tells us that it was meant for the artillery as an answer to their attack. How long may it yet last? Must we stand here in the open, freezing in the cold weather ? These are thoughts that are pass ing through our minds. Oh, Heavenly Fa ther, put an end to this; but Thy will be done. All at once there are terrific reports and a relentless artillery duel is in progress. I have plenty of opportunities pf telling my dear comrades of the great salvation. Only a few have an understanding of these things. I am known in the company as the missionary. They are friendly and oblig ing to me. Often I sing our beautiful Gos pel songs to them from my German song- book, “Evangeliums Klaenge,” and one said, “Wehking, sing onCe more the song, Num ber 135.” Once I had the opportunity of holding meeting in a waiting-room. God was with me. To Him be the praise. A young officer of our company fell while on patrol duty. A'comrade and I dug his" grave. He passed into eternity unprepared. O God, how good art Thou that I am saved through the blood of Jesus! Gladly I would -do more for the Lord, but the peo ple are so deep in sin. Rum and cigars are furnished to them. As much as is in my power, and when opportunities offer them selves, I reprove them for their sins, and let my light shine. Now, dear children of God, I have writ ten you somewhat of the terrible war. Pray for me. Be of good courage. I am firmly convinced that after this war we can work with liberty in the Gospel work in Russia! Then we will labor with the help of God. Our heavy batteries are now in action in an awful manner and the roaring of the guns is terrific. Hearty greetings from your brother in the Lord, saved and sanctified through the blood of Jesus. .
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