The Ambulance Corps

“These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” — Revelation xiv. 4.

There are three classes in the Christian Life — the men of the wing, the men of the couch, and the men of the road. The first are those who fly before; they are the pioneers of progress, they are in advance of their fellows. The second are those who stand still, or rather lie still; they are the invalids of the human race; they come not to minister, but to be ministered unto. The third are those who follow; they are the ambulance corps of humanity; they are the sacrificial souls that come on behind. I think with St. John that these last are the most beautiful souls of all. They are lovely in their unobtrusiveness. They do not wish to lead, they would rather be in the rear; they come forward only when others are driven backward. They want no glory from the battle, no wreath for the victory, no honourable mention amid the heroes. They seek the wounded, the dying, the dead. They anoint for life’s burial, they bring spices for the crucified, they give the cup of cold water, they wash the soiled feet. They break the fall of Adam; they break the fall of Magdalene. They take in Saul of Tarsus after he becomes blind. They are attracted by defects, they are lured by every form ot helplessness. They come out to meet the shadows; they go in the track, not of the lark, but of the nightingale; they follow the Lamb.

Captain of salvation, put me in the rear of Thine army — with the ambulance corps! It is not for the sake of safety that I ask it; it is not to be relieved from the burden and the heat of the day that I wish to be in the rear. It is because I think the trouble is greater there; it is because I see more room for sacrifice, more chance of doing good. There are some whom Thou sendest before Thee — angels of the everlasting gospel who fly in advance over the face of heaven. Speed them, bless,them! But I am not fitted to be one of these; I am not swift enough, I am not brilliant enough. Put me in a sphere where swiftness is not wanted, where brilliancy is not required! Give me the trouble without the glitter, O Lord! Let others lead! — I am content to follow. Be Thou my rearward! Help me to serve Thee in the background! Is it not written, “They that tarry at home divide the spoil.” I cannot fight Thy battles, but I can nurse Thy wounded. I cannot repel Thy foes, but I can repair Thy fortress. I cannot conduct Thy marches, but I can succour those who have fainted by the way. Write my name amongst those who follow Thee I