It was their duty to keep them clean and fit.
For a few brief moments, he turned to the others present at the service--the fathers, mothers, wives and sweethearts of the soldiers, and reminded them in tones thrilling with tenderness and sympathy that though not privileged to share in the soldiers' service in the front lines, none the less might they share in this sacrifice, by patient endurance of the separation and loss, by a cheerful submission to trial, and by continual remembrance in prayer to Almighty God of the sacred cause and its defenders they might help to bring this cause to victory.
In the brief prayer that followed the sermon, in words tender, simple, heart-moving, he led the people in solemn dedication of themselves, soul and body, to their country, to their cause, to their God.
The effect of the sermon and prayer was overpowering.

There were no tears, but men walked out with heads more erect, because of the exaltation of spirit which was theirs.

And women, fearful of the coming hour of parting, felt their hearts grow strong within them with the thought that they were voluntarily sending their men away.

Upon the whole congregation lay a new and solemn sense of duty, a new and uplifting sense of privilege in making the sacrifice of all that they counted precious for this holy cause.
It was the sermon that brought the decision in the matter of Barry's appointment.
"What do you think of that, Colonel Kavanagh ?" asked Captain Neil Fraser, who came in for the service.
"A very fine sermon! A very notable sermon!" said the colonel.

"Who is he ?" "He is my own minister," said Captain Neil, "and he gave me, to-day, the surprise of my life.