Education for Missionary Work
61
The Training of Soldiers
Just in front of our printing-office in Basel, Switzerland, is a large
park of many acres, reserved by the government for military drill.
Here, day after day, at certain seasons of the year, we see the soldiers
training. They are drilled in all the duties of the army, so that in case
of war they may be ready at the call of the government to engage in
actual service.
One day a fine tent was brought upon the ground. Then came the
discipline of pitching it and taking it down. Instruction was given as
to setting it up in proper order, every man having his specific work to
do. Several times the tent was pitched and taken down.
By another company many small cannon were brought upon the
ground, and lessons were given by the officers in the matter of moving
these quickly from place to place, in taking apart the cannon wagon,
and setting the gun ready for use, and in quickly attaching again the
fore wheels, so as to be ready at the call to set them in motion in an
instant.
Ambulances were brought to the ground, and the sanitary corps
were taught to take care of the wounded. Men were laid upon stretchers,
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and their heads and limbs were bandaged as are those of the wounded
on the field of battle. Then they were laid in the ambulance and drawn
from the ground.
For hours, soldiers are drilled to disencumber themselves of their
knapsacks, and place them quickly in position again upon the person.
They are taught how to stack their arms, and how to seize them quickly.
They are drilled in making a charge against the enemy, and are trained
in all kinds of maneuvers.
Thus the drill goes on, preparing men for any emergency. And
should those who are fighting the battle for Prince Emmanuel be less
earnest and painstaking in their preparation for the spiritual warfare?
Those who engage in this great work must take part in the necessary
drill. They must learn to obey before they are fitted to command.
Facilities for Training
There should be decided advancement in the matter of special
preparatory work. In all our conferences there should be well-