There had been a sharp battle lasting for some hours and the Allied troops holding a village had been forced to retire before overwhelming German forces. In the confusion of the retreat a corporal and three privates found themselves cut off from their company, and they darted into the first open door they came to.
The house was deserted, so they climbed a steep staircase, hoping to reach the roof and from there watch the progress of the battle. But it ended in a large empty loft lighted by a skylight, high above their reach.
“Better lie low for a while,” said the corporal, and there they waited, hour after hour, listening to the sounds of battle going on outside and expecting every moment to be discovered and captured or shot.
Suddenly the corporal said, “Boys, let’s have a bit of service; it might be our last.” The men looked surprised, but they put down their guns and stood at attention.
“Can’t we sing something first? Try your hand at the Twenty-Third Psalm. Quiet, very quiet, now.”
Yea, though I walk through death’s dark vale Yet will I fear no ill; For Thou art with me, and Thy rod And staff they comfort still.”
Taking a small Testament from his pocket he began to read, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10:28-3128And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28‑31).)
As he read there were loud shouts below, doors banged, and glass was smashed. But he went on: “I’m not a good hand at this job, but we must finish it off. Let us pray.”
A little nervously, but very simply, he asked God to have mercy on them, but if they were to die there, that they might meet death in peace. As he prayed a heavy hand thrust open the door. Not a man moved, and he went calmly on. After a short pause he began: “Our Father, which art in heaven.” The soldiers all felt, though they did not turn to see that a German soldier was in the room, that by the click of his heels he, too, was standing at attention.” For a few moments the suspense lasted, then the door was softly closed and the intruder was heard going downstairs. The shouts in the house ceased, and soon Afterward the noise of battle seemed farther away. At dusk the men ventured forth, and after crossing several fields were able to outflank the enemy and reach the Allied lines in safety.
ML-11/12/1978