“We had the laurels ready
That patient brow to crown,
But the traitors steel was swift and sharp
To strike our honours down.
God His own victor crowneth,
He counts not gain nor loss,
For the dauntless heart that battles
’Neath the shadow of the Cross.
Rest for the gallant soldier,
Where’er he lieth low,
His rest is still and deep to-day,
’Mid clash of friend and foe.
He stands amid the light he loved,
Whence all the clouds depart,
But there’s a gap within our ranks,
And a void within our hearts.”
Great men are usually measured by their character, not by their successes; but measured
by either standard Gordon must be considered a great man. In him were incarnated all the highest characteristics of the heroes of our land, and other lands, and of the illustrious servants of God in all ages. His life was swayed by a noble purpose, and by this he was borne onward and upward in a career of noble doing and daring. He had courage of the very highest quality, and by this he carved his way into the very front rank of our heroes, and won remarkable distinctions in life’s fiercest battles. His crowning characteristics were, I think, his genuineness, and unfailing trust in God. These, especially the latter, were the inspiration of his life; and these alone offer the truest explanation of his heroic deeds. Even in Spain his name had a fragrance that was attractive and beautiful. One of the papers The El Dia, of Madrid, wrote: “Where even the greatest events which occur abroad hardly attract the attention of the general public, the daring enterprises of General Gordon had excited the greatest interest. This was partly because of the immense importance of the drama which was being played in the Soudan, and because of the extraordinary development
of the drama; but it was chiefly due to the sympathy of the people with the heroic champion of light and civilization; for his spotless honesty; for his valour, tried times without number; for his British tenacity; for his faith in his religion and country; for his keen insight; for his heroic unselfishness, and for all his other fine qualities. Gordon has become recognised in Spain as an original character, grand and complete, whom future generations will idealize, and whom history will call by the name of genius.”
But Gordon, the great soldier and loveable Saint is dead; and he himself could wish no nobler ending of an unselfish life, after such a life of adventure, of heroism, and of humble trust in God.
A combination of strange, rare qualities helped to make him one of the most remarkable men our country has ever seen. As a Christian of rarest purity and consecration, and as a hero whose fame has filled two hemispheres, “His name shall be had in everlasting remembrance.” He has added new chapters to the glorious stories of British pluck and heroism, and has left a name to which our young men will look back
upon with pride; and the best of us will reverence, so long as truth, faith, self-devotion, and lofty sense of duty stir the admiration of men who are worthy to be called his fellow-countrymen. Our British nation thrills with a proud joy as it reflects upon the splendid achievements of that stainless life, now crowned with the laurels of martyrdom, and of an Empire’s love.
The memorial in St. Paul’s Cathedral most beautifully sets forth the leading traits in his character:—
“Major General Charles George Gordon, C.B., who at all times and everywhere, gave his strength to the weak, his substance to the poor, his sympathy to the suffering, his heart to God.
“Born at Woolwich, 28th Jan., 1838.
“Slain at Khartoum, 26th Jan., 1885.
“He saved an Empire by his warlike genius, he ruled vast provinces with justice, wisdom, power. And lastly, obedient to his Sovereign’s command, he died in the heroic attempt to save men, women and children from imminent and deadly peril. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’—St. John, xv. ch., v. 13.
