The Surety of God's Promises
By J. O. C.
MY attention was recently called to an army incident that illustrates not only the base of God's operation on behalf of sinful men, but also the absolute dependence one may place in His promises. A son was born in a certain army regiment, whose father was an officer of the line. The frail but God-fearing mother had trained her beloved boy in the principles of Christianity; but when the father was killed in battle, the poor mother faded like an autumn flower, and in a few months was borne to the grave. The boy, however, was retained in the regiment as a drummer, but was quartered with some of the worst men in his company assignment. Here he was very ill at ease because of the bitter jests about his religious scruples, but bore up bravely under them all. One night an injury was done to the field targets, so that the usual shooting practise was interfered with. The colonel sought for the guilty party, and traced the mischief-maker to the very tent in which the drummer boy was quartered. Every one in the tent was placed under arrest to await trial by court-martial. Evidence was secured to prove that one or more of them were guilty of the trespass. To save punishing the innocent with the guilty, the colonel announced681that if one would come forward and receive the punishment demanded, the rest would be permitted to go free. But in vain the manhood of the soldiers was appealed to, and sullen silence reigned for the time. At last the drummer boy stepped out and said: “Colonel, you said that if one of us takes the punishment, the rest will go free. I am ready, sir, and please give it to me now.” The colonel was deeply affected at this, knowing well enough that the boy was guiltless. Turning with a deep frown toward the others, he said: “For shame, men! Are you all cowards, that you permit this boy to suffer for you? You know that he is not guilty.” Not one of them moved, however, but all remained in their sulky frame of mind. Only the boy looked up into the colonel’s face, and quietly said, “I am ready, sir.” So the order was sorrowfully given, and the boy was led away for punishment. As the fourth stroke of the lash fell on his bare back, a faint moan escaped his nearly bloodless lips. At this juncture the culpable wretch sprang forward and exclaimed: “Stop it, sir, and punish me. I am the guilty one.” But the poor boy turned toward him, and faintly said: “No, you are safe now. The colonel’s word will stand.” “O, why did you do it?” asked the humbled and repentant one of the boy, as he lay on his couch, dying from the shock received by the punishment. “Because,” said the boy, “I wanted to show the love of Christ for sinners.” In like manner Christ, the Spotless One, tasted death for every one, however guilty; and the promise therefore is that whosoever confesses his sin shall find mercy from above. And the Master’s word will stand. Let us believe it and trust Him. J. O. C.