“THERE WAS ONE WHO WAS WILLING TO DIE."

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 248, 18 February 1916, Page 5

“THERE WAS ONE WHO WAS WILLING TO DIE."

“Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other Name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved. —Acts 4:12. “There was none other good enough To bear the price of sin ; He only could unlock the gate Of heaven, and let us in.” He had gone forth, full of courage, to “do his bit” to save hearth, home, country from dishonour, and though hoping for the best, he was prepared for the worst, —if needs be, for these lay down his life. A soldier’s grave marks the spot where lie his mangled remains. And as he enfolded his mother in a last tender farewell, he whispered in her ear, “Now as always, mother mine, Always to 1 hy Cross 1 cling.” Congratulatory condolences from the high places reached the stricken mother; a great flood-tide of sympathy rolled in upon her from all sides, but in her sorrow she seemed terribly alone. “I have trodden the winepress alone,” and ere long the wounded spirit found its balm in H»m, “ 1 he Man of sorrows, and acquainted wuh grief.” Too restless to remain indoors, she sallied forth to the busy mart. She stood as one dazed, and looked around as if for some tangible support. A tiny service was proffered. Ou* eyes met, and in sepulchral tones she utte. ?d the simple request, “May speak to you?” In presence of this tortured soul 1 involuntarily recalled Shakespeare’s words: “Give thy grief a name, The grief that does not speak, whispers the o’erwrought heart, And bids it break.” We withdrew to a quiet nook. Her first words, “My boy!” “Through the war?” 1 vaguely asked. “\es, and she produced a photo, of a stalwart youth, and read a letter from him full of filial devotion. “Never fear for me, mother. 1 shall soon be back, and then you «nd I will have .» wee bonnie home all to ourselves in the country. Won’t that be nice? Kach loving phrase was as a stab t my own heart. What of her s r What could I say that wouTd not be a

mockery to her in her grief? And now ! How face the now ? She rambled on about his many noble and courageous deeds from childhood up with all a mother’s pride in such a son, and deep affection for the boy who “had never given her a moment’s pain or anxiety.” Now and again a smile flitted over her wan fare as pleasant memories were revived ; a touch of maternal pride that he was well reported of by officers and comrades. And between the recitals there was much incoherent talk as with glittering eyes and unnatural voice she exclaimed, “But, my boy, what shall ldo without him?” It seemed that reason was trembling in the balance. No tears came to her relief. Taking a nerveless hand firmly between my own, it seemed so natural to pass from one desolate scene to another, where, too, an only Son went forth to die that others might live. And the words took on new meaning in the light of that supreme sacrifice, “(iod is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Yes, He, too, had parted from an only child. He knew the pangs of parenthood, bereft of c hil 1. And He who went forth to die on Calvary’s Cross, knew the arrow that would pierce through His mother’s heart, and made provision for her need, “Woman, behold thy son,” and to the disciple whom He loved, “Behold thy Mother.” Ah! who like He can bind up broken hearts; restore life’s wastes? He would understand. He would sympathise. He would step in where human comfort failed. “In the hour of sad bereavement, \\ hen you mourn the lov’d, the dear; Breathe the Name of Jesus softly, He will dry the mourner’s tear.” And it worked. The slight form stood erect. The eyes looked out upon life, ca m, steadfast, courageous, even triumphant, for now the forces of her being were consecrated to the great purpose of comforting, even as she had been comforted. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Fatner ot mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any tiouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” —2 Cor. 1 13, 4GERTRUDE COCKERELL.