February, 1941
T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
44
R ECENTLY I attended a church banquet, held in the basement . of the building. While en ed in the fellowship of the evening, instinctively my mind roved over the Atlantic to Britain where I knew that thousands of brave men and women, including many of my personal friends, .were spending hours in basements where conditions are wretched. Rush-; ing to their catacombs as darkness falls, untold numbers •are obliged to remain in these cramped quarters, with their stone floors and wooden benches, until the “all clear’’ signal is sounded. The. state of these underground shel ters and the results of using them are causing the authorities great concern. The air is heavy' and close, vitiated with body odors and the smell of fu migating chemicals. Colds and rheu matism are afflicting hundreds. Fighting for their life and for the life and freedom of the world, multi tudes of Britishers appear to be taking sacrifice and hardship in their stride. From the ruins of castle and cottage alike we hear brave souls saying, “We can take it.” Thousands of Americans are anxious to know just how the peo ple feel as they watch their homes and loved ones being destroyed. A late report from London tells of a visit King George paid to the terribly scarred city of Birmingham. The King was picking his way around bomb craters less than- twelve hours after the third big German attack on that important Midlands industrial center. A crowd had formed around the mon arch as he surveyed damaged buildings and flattened houses. “We’re not down-hearted, Your Maj esty—it is nice to be alive," said a Mrs. Ashford who had just dug her self from the ruins of her home. “It is indeed,” the King replied.
joyed the sumptuous feast and deligh
That such a magnificent spirit gen erally prevails in all the cities and towns is evident from letters received from many dear ones who are up against the savagery of pagan forces. A friend of mine, who is obliged to gather up a few sheets after his day's work and seek the supposed safety of “ BRUISED BUT NOT BROKEN, BLASTED BUT STILL A BLESSING”— these words on # a sign outside a bombed church in England indicate the determined t r u s t in God # which is itself a victory.
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