Virginia is notable for two of the most important surrenders of American history, that of Lord Cornwallis to Washington at Yorktown, on the 19th of October, 1781; and eighty-four years later, that of General Robert E. Lee to General U. S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, on the 9th of April, 1865. By the first was secured the independence of the American Colonies from the British Crown; by the second, negro slavery was abolished in the United States, and the union of all the States established.
Speaking of the first, a Virginia historian says: "On this memorable occasion, the American and French troops were drawn up in two columns, Washington and Rochambeau being at their head; and between them the conquered British marched out and laid down their arms, the bands playing, 'The world's turned upside down.' "
The incident we love most to remember in connection with the second, is General Grant's permitting the Confederate soldiers to keep their horses, saying, "They will need them for their spring plowing." This was a noble act in connection with the victory which made his name famous. And General Lee, in bidding farewell to his soldiers, said: "Men, we have fought through the war together; I have done my best for you; my heart is too full to say more."
My reader, let me tell you of a surrender more important to me, by far, than either that of Yorktown or Appomattox Courthouse. It took place at South Bend, Indiana, about the middle of June, 1939. In that place and at that time a rebel laid down his arms and surrendered to his lawful Sovereign. I was that rebel; the Lord Jesus was the Sovereign to whom I yielded, and the act is what we commonly call "conversion." Yes, I was then converted, saved by His grace who says, "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,... ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:33And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3).
This great surrender also took place in the life of Saul of Tarsus, when smitten to the earth on the Damascus highway, he cried out in dismay, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"
Reader, every knee must bow, and every tongue shall confess to Jesus Christ the Lord. When Lee surrendered to Grant he was given most generous terms by the victorious general; and if the rebel sinner surrenders now to the Lord Jesus Christ in this day of grace, he will be given terms more generous than human conquerors ever dream of giving. He not only pardons but makes the surrendered rebel unspeakably rich with eternal life, happy in the love of God, and rejoicing in hope of the coming glory!
The magnanimous General Grant let the soldiers of the South keep their horses for the spring's plowing —they were now to go to work as subjects of the lawful government in Washington. And when the sinner submits to God and the Lord Jesus Christ, he is supposed to go loyally to work in the vineyard of the Lord.