Queen Victoria once attended a service in St. Paul's Cathedral and listened to a sermon that interested her greatly. Afterwards she asked her chaplain, "Can one be absolutely sure in this life of eternal safety?" His answer was that he knew no way that one could be absolutely sure.
This incident was published in the Court News and came to the notice of a humble minister of the Gospel, John Townsend. After reading of Queen Victoria's question and the answer she received, he prayed much about the matter and then sent the following note to the Queen.
"To her gracious Majesty our beloved Queen Victoria from one of her most humble subjects: "With trembling hands, but heartfilled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure now for our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9,10.
"I sign myself, your servant for Jesus' sake,"
John Townsend
John Townsend was not alone in praying about his letter to the Queen. He took others into his confidence and much prayer was offered up to God in Her Majesty's behalf. About two weeks later he received a modest-looking envelope in which was enclosed the following letter.
"To John Townsend:
"Your letter of recent date received and in reply, would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to. I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God's grace to meet you in that Home of which lie said, `I go to prepare a place for you'."
(Signed) Victoria Guelph.