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; as they met with a terrific impact, the German’s sword inflicted 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 officer 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 stained with his blood. Then 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 Saviour whom he loved.
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 many, 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 bold type:
Comment on such God-given words is needless. There, is but one thing to do: Just drink — drink in faith, and LIVE FOR EVER.
F.B.H.