HE DIED FOR ME
During the U.S. Civil War, conscription was not absolute. The drafted man could always hire a substitute if he could afford it. Starting in 1862, the U.S. government allowed this escape from military service on the theory that, so long as each name drawn from the wheel produced a man, it made no difference whether the drafted person or one hired to take his place appeared for service. (Answers.com)
There is a story about a farmer named Blake who was drafted. He was deeply troubled about leaving his family because his wife had died and there would be no one to support and take care of his children in his absence.
The day before he was to leave for the army, his neighbor Charlie Durham came to visit him. "Blake," he said, "I’ve been thinking. You’re needed here at home, so I’ve decided to go in your place." The farmer was so overwhelmed that for a few moments he was speechless. The offer seemed too good to be true. He grasped the hand of the young man and praised God for this one who was willing to go as his substitute.
Sadly, Charlie was shot and killed in his first battle. When the farmer heard the bad news, he immediately rode out to the battlefield. He found the body of his friend and arranged to have it buried in the
...