Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-07-10
The Christian Soldier.

There must be endurance as well as action
fortltude must offset courage. Indeed this is
the only ultimate test of true and faithful
spirit. A devotion less than the highest may
be sustained by the activities of actual conflict J;
the roll of drums, the clash of arms, the stimu-
lous OF competition, the. cheers, shouts, and in
deed the shrieks and groans of battle, have a
sympathetic power that may keep even a mer-
cenary to his work-much more an enthusiast.
But let a limb be suddenly shattered by a shot,
or still worse, let some sore disease strike the
soldier down, and the stuff that is in him ap-
pears, of what sort it is If the fever or the
fiux, on the mattress in the friendless hospital,
does not discourage him; if his glazing eye
brightens at the glimpse of the distant flag if
his ear catches the passing tread of his com
rades, and tingles at their acclaim; if the name
OF his leader fixes his wandering faculties, and
makes him forget his pains if he can die, say
ing that the sacrifice was nothing for his love to
make-then we know that this was a true sol
der, and all men cry, well done! .fe4'f.c
This is no uncommon or peculiar test, either
that belongs only to soldiers and military life
1t is of general application. From the school
boy at his tasks, or the child out of his parents
sight, to the statesman tOiling in the unreWard-
ed night, and the missionary whispering Jesus
as he dies in the Jungle, it is the same and al
ways an ultimate test of fearnestness and loyalty
To suffer well, unheraded and uncomplaining,
proves the hero. Can we not see why God per
mits so much trial and suffering to fall to the
lot of his children?: Is he mkind to them-is
he unmindful Of their happiness? Rather if
it became him to make the Captain of their sal
walton perfect through suferings, will he not
make those sufferings the very example of the
means OF their pertecting and publication
The weapons OF our warfare are not carnal
but spiritual, and the alenbic of trials is a
means of spiritual refining. A great captain
among men can do somewhat even with the
merest brute material If he can keep his mas
ses together long enough to hurl them upon the
foe, and they make the onset without breaking,
he will often effect his purpose--he does not
need heroes for that, but heavy, controllable
machinery. 1t is not so with the Captain of
ties, and powers, and spiritual wickedness in
high Places His recruits are nothing till they
are spiritual veterans. They must be tested IN
the amer man, before they can bear his armor
This is the reason why they are passed through
such fiery trials. They might fail otherwise,
and in the ruin of their failure involve not only
their own salvation, but his wider purposes.
0, the blessings Of the pallet bed in Christ S
hospital To the sufferer comes with his pains
the sweet assurance of his soldiership and ac-
ceptance, of which he often had misgivings
Wnen LII uealtn, ana aln1Q the eXcltementS OF
the march and field. By his side, too, often
stands the great leader, of whom, perhaps, he
rarely had glimpse when he was under arms
to whom he could rarely or never speak, for
lack of time, and for the distance that duty
bred. But now that most revered form passes
often through the wards. and pauses by the
bed, and takes the fevered hand, and looks with
divine love upon the sallow face Nay. he sits
down, and says gentle words Of home soon to be
gained, or perhaps-thrilling the chastened
soon to be won, in which the recovered soldier
shall bear part. 0, christian brother, hast
thou known these sweet uses of adversely? If
not, earnestly covet them; for be thou sure that
if thou art of Jesus they will come to thee
There is no son whom he loveth but he chas-
teneth-o otherwise, they who thought they were
sons find themselves unrecognized, and must
wander forth, uncared for by sweet homey dis
c;plipa