IN reading over the following extract from “Tidings of Light and Peace”, we fell into a kind of reverie, during which we recalled to our mind one of the days of the terrible attacks made upon Verdun, when such reckless waste of human life was being made by the German Crown Prince.
EXTRACT: ―
“The recent four years’ war, with its millions of victims, has undoubtedly made itself keenly felt throughout the whole civilized world! Then, following close on this heart-saddening calamity, certain deadly epidemics have been rapidly carrying many to the silent grave.”
“In the light of Holy Scripture we may safely say that in permitting such disasters, God has had before Him the spiritual awakening of those who, until then, had settled themselves down in sleepy indifference to their soul’s appalling danger. ‘Lo, all these things God worketh oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living’ (Job 33:29, 3029Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, 30To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. (Job 33:29‑30)).
“And doubtless the coming day will declare that many have thus been brought, not only to see their true state as sinners under God’s holy eye, but to find sure refuge in the blessed Saviour Whom His love has provided.”
Though we were some way from the front, we were near enough to see long trains come in daily full of wounded; and twelve hospitals in ― were full of dying men. It must be said that during that awful time the population seemed subdued, and that the most strenuous and unselfish efforts were made, and especially by the women, to meet the urgent need, in attending the wounded, and keeping the night watches.
One day seemed to pass before us as a dream (alas! it was but too real). We were in a long room in the College, a dormitory that had been converted into a hospital. It was a day when all seemed bright and glorious in creation. No cloud, and a soft breeze along the rapid Rhone whose murmur could be distinctly heard. But all sounds and sights of joy and health seemed to cease or die out as we looked along the rows of sufferers.
We were trying to speak to a Kabyle (African soldier in the French service) who was lying in great pain ― his face having been destroyed by ‘liquid fire’ ― when a young man was carried in from the operating room, where he had just had both his legs amputated above the knee, and was laid upon a bed just opposite. He was deadly pale, perfectly calm, and said quietly, “I am glad to get off with so little”. He fell asleep, hoping soon to be sent home; but we do not believe he awoke in this world. His place was vacant when we went again to the hospital.
We cannot say why, but this made a deep impression upon us. There were cases of more terrible suffering, but the quiet assurance of the young man struck us.
The war is over, and the relief great. The long dormitory with the groans and sighs of the wounded is now filled again with school boys, who have not yet been under fire. The ripple of the Rhone is as musical as ever, and we fear that many impressions of the past woe are dying out. In recalling this short tragedy, we would say that our sole object is to arouse any reader who does not yet possess a part in “that other world” where sin and death can never come. Death is reigning on this earth, so beautiful even in its present ruinous state, and this is what is before you. You may be called at any moment to leave all that you have here, and forever!
Listen to the voice of Him who is still calling. He, our blessed Saviour, came into this world, not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ, and acquaint yourself with Him, as the One who came to seek and to save the lost; and you will find at once your place with Him as your Redeemer and your eternal joy. In the midst of a world subject to death, you will find, not some mere, vague hope of escaping, but “life and incorruptibility” will be yours, through the infinite value of the work of Christ. You will have the sure and certain hope, which He alone can give you, and which no one can take from you
E. L. B.