“In all Times of our Tribulation—”

Then the corporal began: — “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but, rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
As he read there were loud shouts below; doors banged, and glass was smashed. But he went on: — “He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” He ended, and his grave face took on a wry smile. “I’m no’ a gude hand at this job,” he said, “but we maun finish it off. Let us pray.”
The corporal stood, with the book in his hand, and the others knelt and bowed their heads. A little haltingly, but, very simply, he committed their way to God and asked for strength to meet their coming fate like men. While he prayed a heavy hand thrust open I shall be glad to print any requests for prayer that may be sent me. This is the time for prayer; never was it more needed. Send the door and they heard an exultant exclamation and then a gasp of surprise. Not a man moved, and the corporal went calmly on.
After a pause he began, with great reverence, to repeat the Lord’s Prayer. That a German officer or private was standing there they realized; they did not see, but they felt, what was taking place. They heard the click of his heels, and they knew that he also was standing at attention. For a moment the suspense lasted, and then came the soft closing of the door and his footsteps dying away. The tumult in the house gradually ceased, and soon afterwards the storm of war retreated like the ebb of the tide. At dusk the four men ventured forth, and by making a wide detour worked round the flank of the enemy and reached the British outposts in safety.
From the United Free Church Record.
“In peace let me resign my breath,
And Thy salvation see;
My sins deserved eternal death,
But Jesus died for me.”