ANOL GRUNDSET by Anol Grundset

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 7, 1912

ANOL GRUNDSET

By Anol Grundset

Abyssinia

ANOL GRUNDSET

The twelfth day of August was a day long to be remembered by the native populace of Asmara and vicinity, for at 12:40 P. M. appeared the first section of trains bringing back Abyssinian soldiers having served under the Italian flag at Tripoli.

The public road for half a mile or more was filled with native people, and large, anxious crowds were gathered at the station. I especially noticed amid the multitude two classes; one class was overjoyous and happy in the expectation of meeting their loved ones again, and the other class were mourners, on whose countenances no happy, anticipating joy was seen, but a trace of sorrow rested there. If possible they would press themselves through the throng to get from some fellow soldier a detail of the death and last words of some loved one. I asked one if he expected a brother on the incoming train. His eyes filled with tears as with quivering lips he replied, “I had a brother that went, but he is no more.” How comforting that we still have an open door of comfort to which we may point those oppressed by sorrow and affliction!

Now the train is whistling in the distance, and the commanding officers have all they can do to keep order and the lines open. The train pulls in under the playing of the Italian band, and a deafening outburst of the peculiar Abyssinian victory cry. At the entrance the military department seemed well organized, from highest to lowest, to act its part in the welcome. What interested me still more, however, was the religious welcome arranged for. Immediately to the rear the Abyssinian priests, with all the sacred paraphernalia of the native church, awaited the believers of the Coptic faith. At their side another company of religious leaders unfurled their banners, upon which conspicuously were exhibited the half-moon and stars, thus plainly identifying themselves as followers of Mohammed, the false prophet. Immediately to the other side was seen the Catholic prelate. The Protestant leaders were also well represented, to show to those who were inclined toward Protestantism that they were not forgotten.

FIRST TRAIN AT ASMARA BRINGING ABYSSINIAN SOLDIERS RETURNING FROM TRIPOLI

In the midst of this welcome a pouring rain of about fifteen minutes’ duration fell over the large and mostly unsheltered gathering. This, however, in no way seemed to affect or lessen the joy of the joyful, though adding only another gloom to those whose thoughts in sorrow went out for loved ones, fallen on yonder battle-field.

After the formalities were over, the returned soldiers filed through the gates, and were soon out in the open to meet and converse with the waiting ones. The scenes which then took place I shall long remember. As I witnessed their embracing, kissing, and great joy, it showed that the same implanted divine love abides naturally in all mankind of whatever color or race. God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” My own heart was moved as I beheld that African throng, and thought of their country’s great need and the everlasting gospel due them in this generation.

When we were departing to our homes, my mind went out to that final gathering soon to take place,—the home-coming of God’s enlisted soldiers of the cross, of all generations, from all the ends of the earth. In that joyous multitude, welcomed by the Lord himself and his angelic host, there will be no missing ones of those who have truly served their heavenly country while on earth, for though they may have fallen in momentary death, by power of the Christ life, hidden in Jesus, they only sleep, to be raised in the resurrection morn and join in the triumphant song of victory over sin and death. Another company will then be seen, those who have spurned the day of preparation, the ungodly of all time, intermingled with those who have become “weary in well-doing” amidst the momentous fight against sin and temptations to gain a full salvation. O, what fathomless, holy joy for the prepared; what unspeakable sorrow for the unprepared! Among what company do we stand in heart and life to-day? With what company will we be found “at the end of the days”? Our daily life will determine in the ultimate our final destiny.

The voice of Jesus still calls: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:28, 29. The compassionate Saviour is still waiting. Who will heed to-day his loving invitation? Ere the sun has set on the horizon of time, let us ponder well where we shall spend eternity.

Asmara, Eritrea, East Africa.