W.S―A.B., H.M.S. —

He writes and says: ―
“A few days ago, while resting after my day’s toil, I happened to pick up a small book written by you: ‘How Can I be Saved’ I read it almost through, but I am sorry to say I have not seen the way in which you point out to sinners to travel towards salvation. But I have another motive in writing to you. For two years I have been on rather intimate terms with a shipmate who is an atheist. My friendship with him has helped to shatter my faith, and I am coming to think the same as he does. So I want you to point out to me how I may strengthen my belief in God, and overcome this atheist feeling. We have been through the Dogger Bank battle together. I got wounded while I was standing at his side, and he came through it unscathed. We also did three months at the Dardanelles. I received a slight shrapnel wound, and here again he escaped. I have seen him stand on our ship’s deck and mock at God. I have heard him ask God to prove His strength by striking him blind or dead. So try and endeavor to point me out a way to overcome this feeling.”