Scripture Reading to the End SASRA

This book, based on the diary of Army Scripture Reader William G Ransley in the First World War with foreword by Brigadier Dobbie, has an extraordinary charm which does not date. It records numerous conversations as ASR Ransley, himself a veteran of the Boer War, shone the light of Christ and the gospel into tragic situations. Starting in Boulogne and then working in field hospitals among the wounded, it recalls how ASR Ransley responded to all manner of questions and situations. it would be of particular value to anyone doing personal work, especially among the sick and people in trouble. His labours were among men of a century ago with Christian, religious backgrounds made serious by a grim war and personal distress. A sad aspect of the stories is the behaviour of certain lazy and godless chaplains. There were good chaplains too. A recurring theme is the influence of mothers and the way soldiers recalled their godly, early upbringing at their mother's knee. "W..., aged 19, with leg off, said to me: I trust in God and shall always do so after this. I used not to but I learnt up at the font that the manly thing to do is to own God and never fear the consequences. God has been good to me, and it's up to me to show Him I can act the man. My mother has always prayed for me and now she'll be pleased to know her prayers have been answered." In another place Ransley adds "Many thanked me today for straight talks and asked for New Testaments". We heartily recommend this book.

Soon after the outbreak of World War I, SASRA was given permission to post Scripture Readers to army bases set behind the front lines. One such was William Ransley, himself a veteran of the Boer War. During 1918, he worked as a Scripture Reader in barracks and hospitals in Boulogne, France. This short book is an edited version of his diaries, providing an account of his ministry during that period. We are familiar with diaries produced by soldiers in the trenches recording their horrific experiences. It is good to also have this account from a servant of Christ. It reminds us that alongside the chaos and horror of war, there were men who were quietly, faithfully and unspectacularly speaking God’s Word to the wounded and dying. Along with sharing the gospel to servicemen, Ransley encouraged fellow Christian believers who were far from home and whose faith may have been faltering. His compassion and love for those to whom he ministered is evident The diary is not written in polished English, the theology is not deep and few obvious conversions are recorded, but only eternity will reveal the full impact that God’s Word and a godly life had on the men ministered to by Ransley, some of whom would die of their wounds shortly thereafter. The diary is edited by Bill Newton who adds some historical and biblical explanatory notes.