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General Gordon, whose name shines so brightly in the records of England’s noble soldiers, was as loyal to Christ as he was to his country. Indeed, noble as he was as a soldier, he was nobler still as a Christian. Each morning, during his journey in the Soudan, there was one half hour when there lay outside General Gordon’s tent a handkerchief, and the whole camp knew the meaning of that small token, and most religiously was it respected by all, whatever their creed, color, or business. No foot dared to enter the tent while this handkerchief lay there. No force of sentinels could better have guarded the tent door. No message, however pressing, was ever sent in; whatever it was, of life or death, it had to wait until the guardian signal was lifted and removed. Every one knew that God and Gordon were alone there together; that the servant prayed and communed, and that the Master heard and answered. Into the heart so opened, the presence and the life of God came down. Into the life so laid upon the altar, the strength of God was poured. No wonder that when that man came out of his tent the glory of God seemed to shine on his face and the fragrance of heaven to cling to his very garments, and that he had such sublime peace and such calm, majestic power.
We all need to get more of such half hours into our lives, when God’s very angels will pause in reverent silence at our doors, while within we commune with the blessed Trinity. Then we shall be strong for service, and our influence shall be hallowed by the very touch of Christ.