The advent of that splendid Christian soldier, Field-Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar, put an entirely different face upon the war.  He came with a heavy sorrow resting upon him.  His son had been struck down at the front, earning, however, the Victoria Cross by a conspicuous act of bravery before he died.  He himself had by long service earned the right to rest upon his laurels.  He was an old man, but at the call of duty he cheerfully left home and friends, and, with heart sore at his great loss, went out to win for England the victory in South Africa.  His first thought was to send for Lord Kitchener, and when these two men landed in South Africa England knew that all things possible would be accomplished.

And surely their task was great.  England’s prestige had suffered severely.  Lord Methuen had fought at Belmont, Graspan, Modder River and Magersfontein, but the enemy’s entrenchments were apparently as strong as ever and Kimberley as far off.

On the other side of the field of operations Sir Redvers Buller was confronted with insurmountable obstacles, and his forces seemed altogether inadequate for the task before him.  Gallant little Mafeking was holding out, but with no hope of speedy relief.  How Lord Roberts’ advent changed all this in a few brief weeks the country knows right well.

=Lord Roberts Issues a Prayer for Use in the Army.=

Perhaps the most remarkable fact in the history of this or any war is that a few days after landing in South Africa Lord Roberts issued a prayer for the use of the troops.  Many army orders have been issued which have stirred the blood and fired the heroism of the British soldier as he has gone forth to fight for his country or has returned triumphant from the field.

’When on the eve of Trafalgar the signal floated out from the mast-head of the Victory, “England expects every man to do his duty,” it told of the exalted courage of the hero who was about to fight his last fight and win his last victory.  It kindled a like courage in every man who read it, and it ever after became a living word, a voice that is heard everywhere, an inspiration to our race.

’But an army encouraged to pray, an army order in which the commander-in-chief hopes that “a prayer may be helpful to all her Majesty’s soldiers now serving in South Africa”!  And doubtless many of our comrades have so used the prayer that now they know all the blessings of pardon, purity, power and comfort which it teaches them to ask of God.’[6]

THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF’S LETTER.

     ’ARMY HEADQUARTERS, CAPE TOWN, January 23rd.

’DEAR SIR,—­I am desired by Lord Roberts to ask you to be so kind as to distribute to all ranks under your command the “Short Prayer for the use of Soldiers in the Field,” by the Primate of Ireland, copies of which I now forward.

     ’His Lordship earnestly hopes that it may be helpful to all of her
     Majesty’s soldiers who are now serving in South Africa.