The war has done in a few months what years of preaching apparently failed to effect.  It has produced a revival of religion amongst men, and consequently a slump in ritualism.  Christianity has always had its enemies, and any opportunity for adversely criticizing the system has been laid hold of by some with amazing alacrity.  The report that the nearer men get to the firing line the less mindful they become of the claims of Christ is entirely false, and could only have been circulated by people who desired to depreciate the men whose character and courage command the admiration of all who know and understand them.  Those responsible for the rise and spread of such a libel are neither the friends of the Church nor of the soldiers.

All soldiers are not saints; all may not be gentlemen.  Such claim has never been made by them, nor has it ever been their well-wishers’ boast.  Yet there are many soldiers whose lives are clean and sweet, who are entitled to be described ‘saints’ if ever man was.  As for what constitutes a ‘gentleman,’ a difference of opinion exists; but judged by the standard raised since the outset of this terrific conflict amongst the nations, I have no hesitation in affirming that the vast majority of them are ‘Nature’s own.’

Certainly there are some who are careless and callous, who are not and never were amenable to the claims of Christ, who daily grow more forgetful of home-ties and become slaves to ignoble appetites; but such are few, very few, indeed; and the like are to be seen not only in military but also in civil life, and generally are not unfamiliar with orderly or court-room proceedings.  Is it right that all should be condemned because of the capricious behaviour of an infinitesimal section?  Is it Christ-like to condemn those whose actions are called into question?  Even they are not beyond the pale of reformation and redemption—­for such Christ tasted death.

Then there are a few whose knowledge of the world and its wickedness is limited, who are separated from the restraints of home life, and who stray as sheep and sin in ignorance.  Are all so strong that they can dispense with guidance, or so pure that sin ceases to allure?  ’Let him who is without sin throw the first stone.’

The men in the main are better since they joined up, and evidence is not lacking that from the date of enlistment they appreciably realized the seriousness of the work to which they so willingly devoted themselves.

As they get nearer to, and while they are at, the Front, they become more reverent and less disposed to frivolity.  All church parades are voluntary, and the chaplains have no occasion to complain about poor attendances.  The men crowd the buildings used for gospel meetings, and large numbers of them have publicly acknowledged their acceptance of the Christian faith.

In proportion to the number of services conducted and the opportunities for attending them, more soldiers are present at religious meetings at the Front than civilians at home.  In the ranks and amongst both N.C.O.’s and officers there are splendid Christian men.  These men are a tower of strength to the chaplains, and their influence for good amongst their comrades is incalculable.