No Retreat in Christian Warfare by H. H. Votaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 17, 1916

No Retreat in Christian Warfare

By H. H. Votaw

H. H. VOTAW

A LITTLE time ago there died in one of the provinces of France the last survivor of the French North African campaign of 1846. This veteran had been decorated by his government, and his countrymen delighted to show their pride in him. His townsmen were proud that he lived in their community.

What had he done? — In an engagement he had been taken prisoner by the Mohammedan tribesmen against whom he had fought. Some time later the French were again attacking, and their foes evidently were afraid. Thinking to aid their cause by trickery, our hero's captors brought him before their chief, who promised that his life would be spared and freedom given to him if he would sound the French signal for a retreat when bidden to do so. If he refused he would lose his life at once.

At a critical moment in the fighting he was bidden to blow, but instead of sounding a retreat he blew a charge. The French, believing this to be the command of their officers, stiffened their lines and charged to victory. Our friend was rescued.

Every one recognizes the valor this man displayed. He refused to accept personal safety at a risk to others. He refused to herald discouragement just because his own condition seemed discouraging.

Since reading the above incident there has come to my mind again and again a striking sentence from “Steps to Christ.” It is this: “When Satan tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness.” We may be passing through trying experiences. The way may be dark, and the future may seem to offer us little hope. But we never improve conditions by talking in a discouraging way. Such a course hurts both us and our neighbors. Our discouragement becomes contagious. Some weak brother, wavering in the face of the enemy, hears our note of retreat, and he turns to flee instead of bravely fighting. We may rise above our despair; let us never, never breathe a word of doubt.

* Washington Missionary College.