IN one of the sanguinary bayonet encounters, which have been so frequent in this terrible war, a certain young Englishman was engaged. When the shock of the contending forces took place he found himself face to face with a German officer armed with a sword. It was a wild scrimmage, but they met with a terrific impact, the German's sword inflicting a nasty wound in the Englishman's thigh, whilst the Englishman drove his bayonet through the German's chest, doing mortal injury. It was all over in a moment, and, becoming disentangled, they both fell to the ground.
The tide of battle rolled over them, and then receded, and there, amongst many others, they lay weak and helpless. Presently the German spoke.
"How do you feel?" he said.
“Pretty bad," said the young Englishman.
“Anything you want?" said the other, still using the English language, in which he was evidently thoroughly at home.
“Just water," was the reply; "I am terribly thirsty.”
The officer moved a little, though in evident pain, and fumbling in the region of his belt at length produced a water bottle. He held it within reach of the Englishman's hand, saying, "Drink this and live!”
The water was thankfully accepted and drunk, and as the young fellow felt revived and refreshed he could not but notice that death was plainly written upon the officer's face. A further period of silence supervened, and then once more the German started to move and fumble within his tunic.
At last he drew forth an English New Testament, and turned over the leaves to a certain page. It was smeared and stained with his own life's blood, so holding it out as far as he could in the direction of the Englishman he said, "Can you see to read that?”
Upon receiving an answer in the affirmative, he carefully placed his thumb upon a text, which was found on the open page, and handing it across said feebly, yet distinctly, "Drink that, and live Forever!”
The life-giving words were read, and not long after the young soldier was picked up by British Red Cross men, tended in the base hospital, and transported to England, where recently he was convalescent in the town of B— . Whether he drank and lived forever I am unable to say. One can only trust and pray that he did.
And what of the enemy?—the enemy, who finished by behaving like a friend and a Christian. By the time the Red Cross men came on the scene he was beyond all human aid. His eyes were glazing in death. We have no hesitation in adding that his redeemed spirit departed to be with the Savior, whom he loved.
But is it possible that poor mortals like ourselves may live forever? Is eternal life placed within our reach? Indeed it is. And is it true that so great a boon as that may be received by believing, by a faith which simply drinks in words, which have been written in the Book of God? It is even so.
To Cornelius, the Roman centurion, it was said, "Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved" (Acts 11:13, 14). The words that saved him can save you, for in believing them you believe the God whose words they are. By believing God you will be put in right relations with Him, and the life eternal will begin.
Oh! sinful men and women, why do you neglect this priceless blessing? No tragic end upon the blood-stained fields of Europe may be yours, yet Death, the king of terrors, will ultimately track you down. His aim, if not so swift, is far more sure than that of the most murderous machine gun. Your life is forfeit to your Creator, for "sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:15.)
And still., in spite of your indifference, the grace of our God waits upon you, still the value of the atoning blood of Christ is preached in your hearing, still the forgiveness of sins is placed within your reach if you suddenly slip out of this life, and find yourself plunged into the second death, which is the lake of fire, truly you will have no one to blame but yourself.
But the text?—What were the words of Scripture which the German officer indicated with his thumb as being life-giving in view of eternity? They were words well known to most, yet their meaning has been fully appreciated and valued by none. They deserve to be written in letters of gold, for the life-blood of the Son of God was shed in order that they might be written. These are they Let them stand out in good bold type
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)
Comment on such God-given words is needless. There is but one thing to do: Just drink in faith, and LIVE FOR EVER.
You will never forgive yourself if you do not; and if you do, we shall hear you singing:
“I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Behold, I freely give
The living water, thirsty one,
Stoop down; and drink, and live.
I came to Jesus and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.”
F. B. H.