Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1918-05-01
E LAST PRAYER OF
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS

rom a French biography of Gustavus
olphus OF Sweden, we extract the fol-
SSk ing account of the conduct of this
s ristian soldier on the morning of the
fat break of day. Gustavus Adolphus
81 mmoned his chaplain, and spent an
lur in prayer with him. He afterwards
E% OK part in the religious service per-
81 rned every morning for the soldiers
@M was remarked that contrary to his
sssual custom, he remained on his knees
ESeepest meditation. He commanded the
celebrated war-song, composed by himself
@5 pe sung, which aroused the spirit of
sEE is warriors on the eve OF battle
81 Fear not, little flock, the tumut and
U ne threatening cries around thee thine
s5hehues are rejoicing over thy downfall.
but their Joy shall not endure Let not
my courage fail Thy cause is the cause
OF God; fulfil thy mission. commit thy
self into the hands of the Lord and thou
sshait fear no danger. Another Gideon
sshaI arise to defend the people and the
h word of God.
IS I'VE trust in the nme OF Jesus, and the
SSiolence and craft of the infidels shall he
81 lrned against themselves They shall
IA ecome objects of scorn and contempt;
goo is with us, We are with him; victory
Is OurS'
& It was the 9th of November. 1882: a
= nick fog overspread the scene of the
4 expected combat. Even the most ad-
others ETF 6eRR b %er9 o Invisible to each
fSaIms, oVerpOWered occa sionalIy bv the
SIoaf OF WailenstefnS cannon, which an
snounced the approaching attack Gusta-
Vus Adolphus, waiting the rising of the
sun, arranged his army in order of bar
tie, and gave it the ancient watch-word
God is with us" He was on horseback
anu without armour His friends en-
treated him to shield himself from the
hre OF the enemy, especially on a dav
such as that on which they were enter
ing He replied THE Lord is my shield"
lie subsequently passed through the
ranks to encourage the soldiers. He first
addressed the Swedes Beloved country
men and friends, the day has arrived
wherein you must avail yourselves of all
gagements. You have before you the en-
envy. so long sought for and he is no long
er sheltered by formidable intrenchments
or lofty mountains; he is there on the
Know, does he accept the challenge nor
because he believes himself sure of vic
tory. NO, but because he finds it impos-
SIble longer to avoid the encounter
wherefore be ready, conduct yourselves
as valiant soldiers, fight bravely for your
GOD your country, and your kind" He
passed from thesce to the left wing of
the army My brethren and loyal COM
rades entreat and exhort you. by your
conscience as Christians and by your hon
OF as soldiers, to do your duty this day
Jas you have done it heretofore A wear
aago ana not far from this spit, you con-
s4uered old lilly and his army | trust
ssshe enemy now in front of us viii have
'Sasp peter fate. / am ready to risk NV
and shed my blood with you Follow
Sc: Trust in God, and gain victory of
Sghlch you and your descendants shall
sS9ap the fruits for evermore Remenl-
ger that If you are conquered, farewell
forever to your religion and your liberty"
The soldiers responded to the words of
lhelr leader by enthusiastic shouts Of ioy.
Gustayus Adolphus far from joining in
their transports, was more grave than
usual and appeared almost sad He had
made all his arrangements as a man pre-
pairing for death He had appointed the
Duke Bernard de Weimar his successor in |
command, in the event of his falling in
the battle. The melancholy overshadow- /
ing his count enance indicated the solemn |
thoughts which stirred his soul. and the
last regret bestowed on the purest |