Everyman’s Hut

Camp News, Volume 3, Issue 149, 20 November 1942, Page 4

Everyman’s Hut

THE VICTORY MESSAGE. “I can offer you nothing but blood and toil, Tears and sweat,” he said. Our courage was high though our hearts were sad As we thought on the way ahead. But what did we offer to Him who came On earth to set us free? Nothing but blood and tears and pain As He hung on Calvary’s tree. Yet in glory and triumph He rose again: So must our cause prevail, As forward we , go with united strength, It will not be suffered to fail. The way may be long, the task be hard, But to us shall be victory; Though first we must suffer the blood and tears, And face our Calvary. So onward we go in hope and faith To that Resurrection morn, When form blood and toil and tears and sweat World peace shall be reborn. VIOLET FRASER. Kurow R.D. Ever since Mr. Churchill assumed the responsibility of first Minister to His Majesty the King, he has been at pains not to minimise the burdens to be borne—the tasks to be performed before victory could be assured. He has rallied the people as never before, not by rosy promises for the future, but by the grim stark facts -of “blood and toil, tears and sweat.” Plans have had to be prepared and decisions made in the light of the knowledge available at the time, and, doubtless, history will reveal many mistakes. But in spite of setbacks, in spite of being misjudged and mis-

understood, he has held steadily on his course, stuck grimly to his task of guiding the Empire through the storms of war. Always has he counselled patience and perseverance and a trust in the Almighty God Who must one day cause the powers of evil to be overthrown. In. facing up bravely to the worst that may befall, keeping nevertheless his rugged optimism in belief of ultimate victory, he has become the symbol of the Empire’s spirit. In a prison camp in Germany where many of our boys are interned, they have a little pet dog which they have called Churchill. The Germans are amazed that the name of the leader of the nation should :be given to a dog. They cannot understand the spirit of loyalty and gratitude which .finds expression in thus naming a pet which must bring much happiness to them in their restricted freedom.

And now the tide shows signs of turning. Patience and perseverance are bearing fruit and the long silent church bells of Britain have pealed out their songs of thanksgiving for victory attained so far.

May their peals be the beginning of a spiritual awakening throughout the nation, and of increased prayer, not on special days only, but every day that we may so conduct ourselves that we may be found worthy of God’s help until this terrific conflict ceases and peace once more reigns, and also in the post-war world reconstruction.