There is a beautiful story connected with the work of the Rev. George Allen for soldiers.
It is narrated by a visitor to Mr. Allen. On the pastor’s desk lay a parcel of letters and messages from men who had gone into the fight—letters treasured in remembrance of bygone days with these men. And, written across the top of one letter by the minister’s own hand; were the words― “Killed in action.”
Mr. Allen took up the letter, which had come from a Leeds soldier, and handed it to the visitor. It showed that the brave fellow had learned too live for Jesus, as well as to die for Him! Mr. Allen pointed to the close of the letter, where the soldier said—writing on the eve of Christmas— “I feel quite calm and happy, sir, and I pray to God I may hear the angels sing tonight.”
And, as the pastor remarked to the visitor—profoundly moved, yet with the smile of one who knows what he says: “Poor fellow! He did hear the angels sing that night, too. But it was in a way he wist not when he wrote the words!”