TO THOSE WHO MOURN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 237, 22 December 1916, Page 4 (Supplement)

TO THOSE WHO MOURN.

By THE REV. HUGH B. CHAPMAN,

CHAPLAIN OF THE CHAPEL ROYAL, SAVOY.

At a. moment when many are losing their Moved, and hundreds of our V.erocs are laving down th'eir lives for their fatherland, it is a fine thing to realise that, though there may be cause for grief; there is none for despair. It is far, far better to die in the ser- • vice of King and Country than to live and become demoralised or even a failure. Whatever a man's past may have l>een, ho at all events must start well on the other side who gave his life for others, nor do I doubt but that he will recivo a wondrous welcome from the "Captain of his Salvation who Himself led the way by dying on the Cross. Let every widow, every mother, every sweetheart remember that, though they weep, their tears become -•diamonds before they leave their oliefck, for these a,re the jewels which adorn a crown worth more than all the coronets which have cost nothing or -have been bought by the wearer. BE WORTHY OF OUR DEAD. Such deaths should ennoble everv one connected with them, and should inspire the whole nation to follow in their train, in order henceforth to live worthily of these examples until called to join them in Paradise. Strangely enough many of those with 'the worst beginning have made the iliest ending, and though lam well aware that character cannot be changed in a moment, on the other hand I am wholly persuaded that the mercy of heaven will be especially shown to those who did much to blot out their past by a last act of supreme devotion. Such sacrifice should go far to purify the Empire, to abolish drink and vice, and for ever to destroy ail I that ' lowers or drags down; while, on the eontrarv, the thoughts of our dear ones, now become our guardian angels, •should aft as flakes of snow which •cover all the mire. Certain it is that there is no remission without blood, and to these men who have paid the price we offer our humble thanks, making a solemn promise not to repine or to look back, but to be braced by their daring into becoming worthy of bearing their name. WHEN WE MEET AGAIN. One great benefit should at least accrue through their lass, namely, the extinction of all snobbery, all covertousness, and all self-pleasing, while the best tribute we can offer them is never to rest until, by the grace of Christ, with Whcm they are, wvs achieve a glorious and permanent victory, both obroad and in our own hearts.

May those who iweep for their dear ones, and have cause to fear as to their future, remember that the Judge before whom we must appear is also the •tenderest and the gentlest Saviour, Who, when the Court is opened and i>efore the sentence is pronounced, will claim the prisoner for a friend, and will say, "This man was not only my brother, but through the manner of his death he was indeed a gentleman." And now, Eyes Front! Hitch your wagon to the stars; drive ahead, and, far their sakes, be as great as they were to the very end, when we shall meet them, never to part again, in the liresencx? of Perfect Love. HUGH B. CHAPMAN.