Do we Love our Captain?
By L. T.
We have heard of the attachment of soldiers to their leaders. The sight of Washington, of Wellington, and of Napoleon, often filled the troops of those great captains with an irrepressible enthusiasm. In many cases the simple shout of the leader's name, more stirring than the drum-beat or bugle-note of battle, made them willing to suffer want, to go shoeless and shelterless, to cross almost insurmountable mountains, to brave the snows of Russia and the burning sun of Egypt and Palestine, fearless of death to face the most formidable foe. Even the veteran soldier, long after he has been laid aside from active service, and when memory alone could supply him with motive, has been known to kindle with young ardor, and lift up his bent and trembling form with lofty pride at a bare allusion to his beloved captain. But what is any earthly leader, even though his name be Washington, or Wellington, or Napoleon, compared with Him whose name is "Wonderful?" What banner should animate us like that of the cross? What are the trophies of earthly warriors,180to the trophies of Him, who with his "name written on his vesture and on his thigh, King of kings and Lord of Lords, travels in the greatness of his strength, as the Captain of our salvation?" And what is the fading wreath of laurel that crowns the victor's head, to the fadeless diadem which, all the more lustrous and valuable for being won by his skill, and placed upon the head by his own hand, our Captain bestows upon "him that overcometh?" Soldiers of Christ, do we love our Leader? Does his name send a thrill of satisfaction and joyful enthusiasm through and through us? Then, to our dying day, let us be bold for him, and faithful to him. God forbid that we should be cowards under such a Captain. Above all, let us never be ashamed to own him as our Captain, or to be known as marching under his banner. Think of Washington's troops ashamed of Washington. Think of Wellington's troops turning their backs to the enemy because they fear or blush to be seen in Wellington's ranks. Think of Napoleon's army deserting his standard because they have no love for, and no confidence in, Napoleon. What then do we think of the Captain of our salvation? Are we ever ashamed of Him? L. T. [Am. Messenger]