On his way to the station he visited a dying navvy at Sydenham, with whom he prayed. The man said, "He never heard such a prayer; it went straight to his heart."
Whilst waiting for the train, he spoke of "the comfort of love between Christian friends," and then added in a low under tone, yet slightly hurried, "I have one last favour to ask of you. When I am shot, write to my mother; see her when you can; comfort her as God will teach you."
As soon as I could make any reply, I gave him the promise he required; but added that it seemed to me that so much prayer was made for him, we ought to believe that a special Providence would be extended over him.
He said he did not doubt it. Still his impression was that he should not return. It did not depress him, only gave him a more solemn trust in God, that He would make the name of the Lord Jesus Christ glorified in him whether by life or by death.
As his regiment was under orders to hold itself in readiness for embarkation at a day's notice, we all thought at the time that this would be his last visit to Beckenham, and "sorrowed most of all for the words which he spake, that we should see his face no more."
"March 31st.
" * * * I have left the quiet peace and heavenly calm of blessed Beckenham, soon, perhaps, to enter upon scenes of angry warfare and strife; but be assured, dearest friends, that you will ever live in my memory, my thoughts, and my prayers; and should it be God's will that we should not see each other here again, we will not sorrow, 'even as others which have no hope, for if we believe (thank God!
we do) that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.'
