Everyman’s Hut

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 60, 14 February 1941, Page 8

Everyman’s Hut

RECESSIONAL. God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle line, Beneath whose awful Hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine— Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget! The tumult and the shouting dies; The captains and the kings depart: Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, And humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget! Far-called, our navies melt away; On dune and headland sinks the fire; Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the Nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget! If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe, Such boastings as the Gentiles use, Or lesser breeds without the Law— Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust In reeking tube and iron shard, All valiant dust that builds on dust, And guarding, calls not Thee to guard, For frantic boast and' foolish word— Thy mercy on Thy People, Lord! —Rudyard Kipling. In the early days of the war, when the first rush of the Huns seemed to be sweeping all before it, and prospects were not too bright, it was only natural that men should cry to God for help and deliverance. On two occasions, at the request of His Majesty, national days of prayer have been observed. To-day, prospects are brighter, although there is yet a long road to travel. Do we recognise our improved position as the direct answer of God to our prayers, or do we give credit to our own efforts and the increasing help of America? Future events depend largely upon our attitude to these questions. If we give God the praise for answering our prayers and helping us, then we should be encouraged to go in in humility of heart before Him, seeking to do His will and seeing Him driving our enemies before us, but if we forget Him and take credit to ourselves, then let us beware of what lies ahead, for He "will surely bring us again to that condition where we

have to call upon Him. Let us, then, by all means, do all in our power to help on to victory, but let it be with crust in God and not in man, so that when victory comes, we may be found worthy to help in the cause of peace.