ON THE EDGE of the forest in Hanover, Germany, many years ago there lived two God-fearing farmers, named Drewes and Hinz. Grandpa Hinz was nearly 80 years of age.
A terrible war was raging in Germany at that time causing much grief and sorrow. However, the Christians persevered in faith, enduring the trial because they loved the Lord. The soldiers plundered and robbed them of their belongings, but they did not complain. Each family had a prize possession — a large Bible. This precious volume is to be valued above all others, as it is God’s voice at all times. The looting soldiers had sought to destroy all the sacred books but they missed the Bibles and these proved to be a special comfort at that time.
In the evening after supper the family would gather around the crackling fire, and the father would read a portion of Scripture commenting in simple and loving words. He would give thanks for the only begotten Son who died for sinners, and then the whole family sang a hymn together. After this stories from family adventures would be the subject of lively conversation, so the delighted children especially looked forward to this time of the day. The fire =place became a sacred spot or family altar. While mother sat at her spinning wheel, father sat in a large, upholstered chair which had a secret compartment underneath the seat. It was the hiding place of the large family Bible. The troops sought to destroy all sacred books.
One evening as father Drewes and the family sat around the fire suddenly Grandpa Hinz knocked at the door and exclaimed excitingly, “Quick neighbor! loose the cattle and let us flee. The troops are on the way!”
All rose up in fear, quickly a few clothes and some food were gathered together and then everyone hastened toward the nearby forest.
Grandpa Hinz brought up the rear, and as soon as all had disappeared into the woods, he climbed a tree to watch. Soon a heavy column of smoke showed that all their buildings were in flames.
When the soldiers had left Grana Hinz came down from the tree and all bowed their knees and praised God for sparing their lives and their cattle. Yet there were no complaints: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.” They were strengthened because of Him who never forsakes His own.
They were setting about to build a cabin when some noticed tears rolling down Mr. Drewes cheeks. “Dear ones,” he remarked, with touching voice, “where is our treasure, the Bible? How sad that we had forgotten it. In our haste we thought only of food and clothes. Perhaps it went up in the flames.”
A deep silence followed for everyone felt the great loss of their precious Books. Then Grandpa Hinz drew near and broke the silence saying, “Be comforted, even though our precious Books are gone. Our Lord and Saviour abides the same; we have Him in our hearts, and have His Word in our memories. Each morning and evening I will recite you a chapter until the Lord be pleased to give us a Bible. We shall begin at once.”
Without waiting for an answer he began in a clear plain voice: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”
On he went through the complete psalm in a comforting voice. Then raising his voice confidently he repeated: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:77For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).
As he finished all seemed to be conscious of an inward peace and joy, and in a short time all were sound asleep amid the aroma of the evergreens.
The next morning after a simple breakfast Grandpa repeated another psalm and a chapter from the New Testament. He then closed with a few words of exhortation and encouragement. His prayer made a profound impression on all and hearts were moved by the Spirit’s presence. After this it was decided that Mr. Drewes and three others would go and check the remains of their homes.
The men carefully approached the charred walls and smoldering ruins. All was deathly still except the birds who sang as usual. As they drew near they heard groans. They came upon two wounded soldiers and, lo and behold, they were sitting in their beloved upholstered chairs. The enemy had left these wounded ones behind. The poor soldiers expected nothing but death as a revenge, however our friends treated them with utmost kindness. They were amazed to be cared for as friends rather than enemies. Carefully they were carried into the forest to the great amazement of the women and children.
When the secret compartments in the chairs were opened the beloved Bibles were found to be undamaged. What joy and rejoicing there was!
They decided to move the wound men to a nearby farm but they pleaded to be allowed to remain with their benefactors as they had not long to live. Grandpa Hinz took a special interest in them and made them aware of their soul’s need. He showed them the way of salvation and soon they were rejoicing in the knowledge that their sins were forgiven. They were “brands plucked from the burning.” Once they had been as “brute beasts,” now they were washed clean in the most precious blood of Christ. There was great joy in that forest.
As the dying soldiers saw their end approaching for the last time they expressed their gratitude, above all for having been led to the Saviour. Then they gave instructions as to how their uniforms were to be opened after their death. After the funeral according to their directions, several gold pieces were found in their tunics — sufficient to rebuild the homes which were destroyed. Over the soldiers’ graves for many years could be seen this inscription: “Here rests Friedrich Wenzeslaus a Bohemian, and Jurischliz Lansitz. Without their knowledge they saved two Bibles from the flames, and through them found the gift of eternal life.”
Translated from the German
ML-05/19/1974