lowed memories, and more helpful
than any sermon.

'Nevertheless, I ventured to speak to them solemnly, yet cheerily,
of the mobilisation order that Joshua issued to the Hebrew host on
the eve of battle, when he commanded them as the one supremely
essential thing to sanctify themselves. The men were reminded that
character tells, above all, on the field of battle, as Cromwell's
troopers proved, and that since, of all work, war is the most
appallingly responsible and perilous, every soldier is doubly
called to be a saint. Such was "Stonewall" Jackson, America's most
victorious general, and as in his case, so in theirs, grace would
not rob them of grit, but increase their store. That grace they all
might find in Christ.

'We also all seemed to feel it a consoling thing to bow in prayer
on that rolling lower deck for Queen and country, for comrades
already at the seat of war, and for "the old folk at home," so, in
our humble measure making ourselves one with that innumerable host
who thus seek "to bind the whole round earth by golden chains about
the feet of God." Not a man seemed unmoved, and the memory of that
first full and official parade will be helpful to me for many days
to come.

'The Roman Catholics were also mustered; but as there was no priest
on board, associated worship was for them quite impossible, and
they were accordingly at once dismissed.

'In the absence of an Anglican chaplain, Surgeon-Colonel McGill,
the principal medical officer, read prayers with the men of the
Royal Army Medical Corps. The captains of the various regimental
companies did the same for their Church of England men; while in
the main saloon the ship's captain conducted worship with as many
of the naval and military officers as found it convenient to
attend. At the harmonium presided Bandsman Harrison, of the
Northamptons, who for the last two years has helped ever so well at
the Sunday afternoon services of sacred song in Aldershot.

'After church there was an excellent gathering in the guardroom for
prayer and Bible reading, when we refreshed our hearts with the
thought of the glories of the ascended Saviour who is indeed "The
Almighty"; and although in this singular meeting-place we have
never before ventured to indulge in song, to-day we could no