PART IIIRelation to God

CHAPTER XXIBe a Christian

INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER XXI

By Samuel Fallows

“Early letmeseek Thy favor;Early letmedo Thy will;Blessed Lord, and only Savior,With Thy lovemybosom fill;Blessed Jesus,Thou hast lovedme, lovemestill.”

“Early letmeseek Thy favor;

Early letmedo Thy will;

Blessed Lord, and only Savior,

With Thy lovemybosom fill;

Blessed Jesus,

Thou hast lovedme, lovemestill.”

What is it to be a Christian? It is to be born again. What is it to be born again? The New Testament gives the answer. He that “believeth that Jesus is the Son of God is born of Him.” (1 John 5:1). He “that loveth is born of God.” (1 John 4:7). He “that doeth righteousness is born of Him.” (1 John 2:29).

Faith, love righteousness and trust in Christ, love for Christ, right deeds through this faith and love in every sphere of life, deeds of justice, of mercy, of goodness, of purity, of charity for the welfare of his fellowmen,—these make a Christian.

Be such a Christian, my boy. Be a trusting, brave, noble, strong, gentle, pure, loving and self-sacrificing follower of Jesus Christ.

Samuel Fallows

CHAPTER XXIBe a Christian

Having fairly embarked on the voyage which ceases not till the port of eternity is reached, it is an exhibition of good seamanship to take one’s bearings. By the log is estimated the progress of the vessel; by the compass, the direction the ship is pursuing, and by the altitude of the stars the latitude in which it is. In like manner the Moral chapters indicate the progress boys should make; the Social, the course they should take, and the Religious, the latitude in which they should live. Of these the religious are the most essential, for a boy cannot be truly religious without being moral and social.

When the Rebellion began a young man went to his mother and said: “Mother, may I volunteer? I argue the matter in four plain ways. First, my country needs me. Second, she calls me. Third, I am able to go. Fourth, I am willing. This makes the duty very clear to me, unless you interpose a veto, and I think you are too good a patriot to do that.” She gave her consent, and before he departed, she said: “You know, my son, how much I have wished to see you a Christian. Now I want you to look at the claims of Jesus exactly as you have looked at those of your country, simply and honestly, and see if those same four plain propositions will not lead you into the service of heaven.” “I’ll think of it, mother,” was his answer, and they parted. He did not forget his promise. On his first Sabbath in camphe resolutely set himself to the fulfilment of his mother’s request. Remembering how he had argued duty to his country, he brought before his mind in the same manner the subject of the divine claims upon his heart and life. “Does Jesus want me? Does He call me? Am I able to serve Him? Am I willing?” With an open Bible, the first three questions were quickly answered. At the last one he hesitated, but duty seemed so clear that he dared not falter, and falling on his knees he gave himself to Christ. The next letter home announced him to be a Christian soldier.

Many names and titles are significant, but none means so much or has so much honor attached to it as the word “Christian.” Young said, “A Christian is the highest style of man.” A Christian is a Christ-lover and a Christ-worshipper, because he sees God in Christ, and in the God-man he sees the world’s Redeemer and his own personal Saviour. He lives in the world, but is not of the world. While in the world he blesses it by living a godly, upright life. His life work and influence are a benediction to those among whom he moves. His purpose is “not to make a living,” as Governor Russell, of Massachusetts, used to say, “but to make a life.” He is far more concerned about this than about dying. Death is the least of his concerns. To live is Christ, and because of this, his life is proof of his profession.

To become a Christian is not a hard matter, though to live the life of one is a battle with the world, the flesh and Satan. It is because of the simple rules laid down whereby one can become a Christian that many of mature life neglect it. Were it culture, polish, orliberality, many more would be enrolled as Christians, but because a change of heart, affections or living is demanded, many cling to their ordinary life, but at the last deplore it, earnestly pleading for forgiveness and acceptance by Christ.

Three propositions are given in the New Testament, which, accepted, will lead any boy to know what it is to be a Christian. First, repentance: “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching ... repent ye.” (Mark 1:14, 15). Repentance means such sorrow for past conduct as leads to amendment of life. Second, confession of sin. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8, 9). Third, faith in Christ to save. Paul said to the jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31).

A father and son were once following a perilous path among the Alps. In passing along they gathered some beautiful flowers, but the boy, seeing a lovely one waving in the breeze, thoughtlessly hurried to secure it. His foot slipped and he rolled down an incline until he was stopped by some tall bushes. With all his strength he seized hold of the shrubbery and commenced to call for help. The brush grew on the brink of a yawning abyss. It was impossible for the father to reach his son with his hands, but he carried a staff on one end of which was an iron hook. The boy had around him a leathern belt, so the father reached down and fastened the hook in his girdle. The lad, however, could not be drawn up without releasing his hold on the bushes. He could not see his father, nor did he in his fright even feel that his father held him up; he only heard his voice: “Let go of the bushes, my son, and I will save you.” To the boy it seemed as thoughhe would thus hurry himself to destruction, but, relying on his father’s word, he forsook his hold and was drawn in safety to his father’s side.

That boy was saved through faith. His firm belief in his father’s word saved him. Had he persisted in holding on to the bushes through doubt or hesitation it would have meant his death. To be saved, every boy must forsake his hold on sin, yield himself to Christ’s power and mercy, and then will he find to his joy, that Christ saves to the uttermost. (Heb. 7:25).

Solomon said there is “a time to every purpose under the heaven,” (Eccl. 3:1) and no purpose is greater and no time more important than when a boy becomes a Christian. Youth is the most important period of one’s life. It is the time when the faculties are most susceptible, heart tender and will pliable; the time when tastes and biases are created, habits acquired and character formed for future weal or woe. No other period affords greater possibilities of long usefulness as well as opportunities for peculiar usefulness.

A staff-officer, riding over the field of battle during the Civil War, was attracted by a body lying under a tree, handsomely dressed, with a fancy sword. He removed the covering and looked into the sweetest and handsomest face he had ever seen. It was that of a boy, a temporary aide to some officer. In his pocket was found a Testament in which was written “James Simmons, N. Y. My son, ‘Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.’” (Eccl. 12:1).

That is it, youth. The best and most profitable time for piety. Jeremiah and John the Baptist loved and worshipped God in their youth. Josiah knew the Lord at eight years of age. Timothy knew the Scriptures and loved Christ from a child. Polycarp accepted Christat nine, Jonathan Edwards at seven, Isaac Watts at nine, Adam Clarke at four, William Penn at nine, Matthew Henry at eleven, Robert Hall at twelve, Augustus Toplady at sixteen, while Joseph Griggs not only became a Christian very young but wrote the hymn—

“Jesus! and shall it ever beA mortal man ashamed of Thee!”

“Jesus! and shall it ever be

A mortal man ashamed of Thee!”

when but ten years of age.

Some years ago the “Golden Rule” sent letters of inquiry to prominent men of the land asking several questions, one of which was: “At what age did you become a Christian?” It was found on receiving the answers that out of one hundred and forty-nine less than one in ten became Christians later than twenty years of age; twenty-nine were so young that they did not remember; at least sixty-three professed Christ before they were eighteen. Nine-tenths of all saved persons are saved before twenty. “Why this?” you ask. Physiologists say “the cells of the brain change as we grow old until finally there are ruts in them.” Carlyle explains it thus: “In younger years the whole mind is, as it were, fluid, and capable of forming itself into any shape that the owner of the mind pleases. The mind is in fluid state, but it hardens up gradually to the consistency of rock or iron, and you cannot alter the habits of the old man, for as he began he will go on to the last.” To procrastinate in youth is to jeopardize one’s soul in age.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,” (Eccl. 12:1) is the most important exhortation of the Old Testament. Remember is just the opposite of forget, and the one to remember is the most exalted and important in the universe, “thy Creator.” Remember His Word and believe it, for the promise is: “Hethat heareth My Word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” (John 5:24). Remember His work and accept it, for He was made to “sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor. 5:21). Remember His love and return it, for “herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us,” (1 John 4:10) and “gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Remember this Creator now. Only one time is mentioned in the Scriptures at which eternal life is promised. Cowley sang of an “everlasting now,” but there is no such time, and no wise boy desires that there shall be. There is an eternity of the past, an eternity of the future, but “now” is limited to now. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2). And this—

“Opportunity lost, however deploredIs eternity gone and is never restored.”

“Opportunity lost, however deplored

Is eternity gone and is never restored.”

After the overthrow of the French empire by the Germans, Prince Napoleon joined the English army, and went among the savage tribes of South Africa. One day while with a squad of soldiers outside the camp, he was warned by one of the company, who said: “We had better return. If we don’t hasten we may fall into the hands of the enemy.” “Oh,” said the Prince, “let us stay here ten minutes and drink our coffee.” Before the ten minutes had passed a company of Zulus came upon them and in the skirmish the Prince lost his life. His mother, when informed of the facts, said, “That was his great mistake from boyhood. He never wanted to go to bed at night in time, nor to arise in the morning. He was ever pleading for ten minutes more. On this account I sometimes called him ‘Mr. Ten Minutes.’”

The habit of delay was to him what it is to thousands who pass the tenth, fifteenth and twentieth milestone without accepting Christ, his ruination. Such delay weakens the force of the will, unfits for action when opportunity presents, robs the present and blasts the future.

“If youth,” as Ruskin said, “is essentially one of formation, edification, instruction,” then is it the proper time to be a Christian, for “There’s never an hour of it but is trembling with destinies, not a moment of which, once past, the appointed work can ever be done again, or the neglected blow struck on cold iron.”

A boy should be a Christian for the sake of safety. As one grows away from boyhood, he grows away from the opportunities for salvation. He is liable to drift. There is a point on Niagara River called “Past Redemption Point,” where the current is too strong for human power to battle against. Manhood and age have no special promise like “they that seek Me early shall find Me.” (Prov. 8:17).

A boy should be a Christian that he may be happy. To properly remember God, to lose oneself in adoration of Him, is to be like Him, to be “holy as He is holy,” (1 Pet. 1:15, 16) consequently it is to be happy as He is happy. Holiness and happiness are inseparable. True love and true joy come together.

A boy should be a Christian to be useful. God’s promise to Abraham was: “I will bless thee, and thou shalt be a blessing.” (Gen. 12:2). When Joseph dwelt in Potiphar’s house, we read: “The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house, for Joseph’s sake.” (Gen. 39:5). And the boy who loves Christ will be a rich blessing in many ways to others.

A boy should be a Christian because it is right. Rightis better than might, and worth more than gold. “In the matter of right,” said Martin Luther, “I will take my stand, I yield to none.” “I’d rather be right than President,” said Henry Clay. The only proper life to live is the Christian life. It is sweet on earth, which makes heaven the sweeter.

My boy, be a Christian. “All men at the head of great movements,” said Mr. Gladstone, “are Christian men. During the many years I was cabinet officer, I was brought into association with sixty master minds, and all but five were Christians.” To be a Christian is the most satisfactory, honorable, influential course to pursue. It gives unspeakable joy in life, peace in death, and glory hereafter. Remember then—

God wants the boys—all kinds of boys—To love Him, serve Him, do His will;He wants those boys that make much noise,And those who keep so very still.God sent His Son to die for all,And on the cross His blood was shed.No boy need spurn His gracious callOr of the “Bread of Life” be fed.Then why not to this Christ now fleeAnd on His mercy cast thyself?O hear His words: “Come unto Me,”And answering back, “I yield myself.”

God wants the boys—all kinds of boys—To love Him, serve Him, do His will;He wants those boys that make much noise,And those who keep so very still.

God wants the boys—all kinds of boys—

To love Him, serve Him, do His will;

He wants those boys that make much noise,

And those who keep so very still.

God sent His Son to die for all,And on the cross His blood was shed.No boy need spurn His gracious callOr of the “Bread of Life” be fed.

God sent His Son to die for all,

And on the cross His blood was shed.

No boy need spurn His gracious call

Or of the “Bread of Life” be fed.

Then why not to this Christ now fleeAnd on His mercy cast thyself?O hear His words: “Come unto Me,”And answering back, “I yield myself.”

Then why not to this Christ now flee

And on His mercy cast thyself?

O hear His words: “Come unto Me,”

And answering back, “I yield myself.”

CHAPTER XXIIBe Prayerful

INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER XXII

By A. C. Lorimer, D. D.

When I was a youth, I loved to climb Arthur’s Seat early in the morning, for the purpose of breathing the air borne to our inland home from out the mighty seas; and so it is well for every lad each day to seek the summit of highest faith, that he may hold communion with God; that he may inhale something of the atmosphere of eternal worlds.

It is said that Daniel opened his window when he prayed, toward Jerusalem. It was doubtless that he might think of the hallowed city. Better far, however, to open the windows of the soul toward heaven, not merely that we may think of the hereafter, but that the invisible, at the present moment, may stream into our being.

Prayer is the soul’s voice. It is the aspiration of the highest part of man. It is the sublime confidence, that, though foreign, still it is within the range of possibility to hold communion with the Creator of us all. Every time we bend the knee before the Throne of Grace, we declare our belief in our own God-likeness and in our indestructible affinity for the divine. Therefore, pray, my boy, and keep on praying; for it is the true Jacob’s ladder that will lead you, round by round, up to the Everlasting Throne.

Yours Heartily Geo. C. Lorimer

CHAPTER XXIIBe Prayerful

A noble characteristic of any boy is love for prayer. Too many consider common amusements more important than going to some chamber or church to commune with the loving Saviour. They are not. The former bring transient happiness and with it a weary frame, the latter an unexplained peace, rest of body and soul. The former gratifies for a time without changing selfish desires or promoting lofty aspirations, the latter moulds into the image of the Christ-character.

Prayer is not simply a petition or mere forms of a vain repetition. It is a turning of the life toward God, an opening of the soul toward heaven, a reaching out of one’s being with desire to appropriate the Divine. It was a shoemaker’s shop, with bench, half-worn shoes and not a few boxes. The proprietor was an old friend of the writer, so deaf that few could converse with him. Visiting the village in which he lived, I called upon him. After a chat by means of the lips, signs and paper, he asked if I would like to hear his son play the harp. Assenting, he called the lad, who brought a beautiful instrument. Placing his feet on the pedals, he ran his fingers over the wires and melodious music resounded. When it stopped, I turned to the old man, and asked by signs: “Did you hear it?” Shaking his head, he answered, “Not a note.” Then stepping to the stove, he picked up a long black poker, and putting one end between his teeth and the other on the harp, he motionedthe boy to play. The lad’s fingers moved as if by magic. The room was flooded with music and passing pedestrians stopped to listen. Suddenly the musician stopped. I propounded the same question: “Did you hear anything?” He laughed and answered: “All that you heard, I heard.” How? That dirty poker was changed into a conductor of sound. It brought harp and listener in contact with each other. In like manner prayer brings God and petitioner into near relation. What one pleads, the other hears, and answering, God makes music in the soul.

Many great men have beengreatin praying. Men of the Bible, men of science, history and influence have been firm believers in it. Charles Simeon and Joseph Alleine spent from four to eight o’clock in the morning waiting upon God. Wesley gave two hours a day, Luther the first three hours. Samuel Rutherford was up at three in the morning to give God praise. Archbishop Leighton was so much alone with God that he seemed to be in a perpetual meditation. Bishop Ken was so much alone with God, that his soul was said to be God-enamored. David Brainerd prayed hour after hour. John Fletcher spent whole nights in prayer, John Welsh often seven to eight hours a day. When the hour for devotion arrived, General Gordon displayed a white handkerchief outside his tent, and as long as it remained, no one was allowed to disturb him. General Stonewall Jackson’s servant used to say that when his master got up several times during the night to pray there was to be a battle next day. Abraham Lincoln acknowledged that he had been driven to his knees “by the overwhelming conviction that he had nowhere else to go.” Gathering his pupils about him at the opening of his school, Agassiz said, “It is becoming that we firstof all bow in the presence of the Infinite One.” Well might these exclaim with thousands of others: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 3:14).

During the Civil War a dozen soldiers were playing cards one night when one exclaimed: “What on earth was that?” Listening attentively a moment, he heard a low, solemn voice, coming from the next tent, occupied by several recruits, who had that day arrived in camp. Accompanied by the others he approached the tent on tip-toe. “Boys, he’s praying, or I’m a sinner!” he roared out. “Three cheers for the parson!” shouted another man of the group as the prayer ended. “You watch things for three weeks. I’ll show you how to take the religion out of him,” said the first speaker, laughing. He was a large burly fellow, prominent in mischief. The recruit was a slight, pale-faced boy. During the next three weeks the latter was the butt of the camp. Then several of the boys, conquered by the lad’s gentle patience and uniform kindness, begged the others to stop annoying him. “Oh, the little ranter is no better than the rest of us!” answered the ringleader. “When we get under fire, you’ll see him run. These pious folk don’t like the smell of gunpowder. I’ve no faith in their religion.”

In a few weeks, the regiment broke camp, marched toward Richmond, entered the Wilderness and engaged in that fearful battle. The company to which the young recruit belonged had a desperate struggle. The brigade was driven back, and when the line was formed behind the breastworks they had built in the morning, he was missing. When last seen, he was surrounded by enemies, fighting desperately. At his side was the brave fellow who had made the poor lad a constant object ofridicule. Both were given up as lost. Suddenly the big man was seen tramping through the underbrush, bearing the dead body of the boy. Reverently he laid the corpse down, saying as he wiped the blood from his own face: “Boys, I couldn’t leave him behind, he fought so. I thought he deserved a decent burial.”

During a lull in the battle the men dug a shallow grave and tenderly laid him to rest. Then, as one was cutting the name and regiment upon a board, the big man said, with a husky voice, “I guess you’d better put the words ‘Praying soldier’ in somewhere. He deserves the title, and maybe it’ll console him for our abuse.”

There was not a dry eye among those rough men as they stuck the rudely carved board at the head of the grave. “Well,” said one, “he was a praying Christian soldier if ever there was one! And,” turning to the ringleader, “he didn’t run, did he, when he smelt gunpowder?” “Run!” answered the big man, his voice tender with emotion. “Why, he didn’t budge an inch! But what’s that to standing for weeks our fire like a man, and never sending a word back! He just stood by his flag and let us pepper him, he did; and boys, I have made up my mind if prayer will make a man as bold, as loving, as forgiving, as good, as it did that boy, I’m going to resort to it. It did him good and it’ll do me good,” and as the other fellows bent their heads he prayed for forgiveness and salvation, at the close of which the others said, “Amen!”

Prayer is a blessed privilege, a vital necessity, an imperative duty, but many there are who do not know how to pray. A mere repetition of words or reading prayers is not prayer. Prayer may be a sigh, a tear, a groan, a bungling utterance, “a true wish” as Phillips Brooks used to say, “sent God-ward.” It is—

“the soul’s sincere desireUttered or unexpressed.The motive of a hidden fireThat kindles in the breast.”

“the soul’s sincere desire

Uttered or unexpressed.

The motive of a hidden fire

That kindles in the breast.”

Prayer should always be accompanied by thanksgiving and confession. David said, “I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,” (Psalm 32:5) and Paul exhorts, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 5:20). Prayer should be offered in faith. Faith is taking one at his word and thus Christ said, “If ye ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14). To pray without faith, the Bible informs us, is sin, and this is the reason why many of our petitions are not answered. They are like those blossoms which fall blasted to the earth. They had a certain beauty and fragrance, but for want of some conformity to the law of growth, they never developed into fruit. They are, as Mrs. Stowe says, “drowsy mutterings of unawakened souls, talking in their sleep.” But real prayer is always answered. There may be delays as in Daniel’s petition, or tests to strengthen faith, as when Jesus said to Jairus, “Fear not, only believe,” (Luke 8:50) for what Christ has promised, He will certainly perform.

Prayer should be our vital breath. As with Paul, it should be “without ceasing,” (Thess. 5:17) our inward desire continually going up to God. It should be the first exercise of the morning and the last in the evening. “It is the first hour of the morning,” says a Chinese proverb, “that gives color to all the others that follow.” Louis XIV. was awakened every morning with the words: “Arise, Monsieur, you have great things to do to-day.” But how could they be done properly withoutGod’s blessing, and how could God’s blessing be secured without asking? When Arthur P. Stanley the first night went to the dormitory at Eton School where he with others had to sleep, he knelt down to say his evening prayers. Instantly a shower of pillows and shoes flew about him. He prayed on. “Stanley,” said one of the boys next day, “I ought to have done as you did. I haven’t said my prayers at night because I was afraid of the ridicule of the boys.” It was not long before a score of them followed his example. President Garfield when a boy undertook with a number of students from Williams College to climb Mount Greylock. Their plan was to spend the night on the mount. Seated around the campfire they sang college songs and told stories all the evening. At bedtime Garfield took a Testament from his pocket and said: “Boys, it is my custom to read a chapter in the Bible and have prayer before going to bed. Shall we have it all together?” and though it seemed rather hard to do, Garfield did it and all were blessed for it.

Two places are mentioned in the Scriptures where a boy should pray. Those places are the Christian’s arsenal. One is the secret chamber where communion is sweet because undisturbed, the other is the church, where in unity believers call upon God. To the devout boy both are the “Holy of Holies” where God delights to meet him at the “Mercy Seat.” Blessed is the place of public prayer! Never neglect it. But the place of secret prayer is still more blessed. Cyprian would resort to a shady arbor where “no profane listener may hinder my musings, and no domestic clamor drown them.” Robert Murray McCheyne declared, “It is my noblest and most fruitful employment.” Henry Martyn mourned at the close of his saintly life, that he had devoted “too much time to public works and too little to private communion with God.” God said, “In quietnessand in confidence shall be your strength.” (Isa. 30:15).

O, the sweetness of one hour at the feet of Jesus. It changes dispositions, purifies character, overcomes obstacles, imparts strength to resist temptations, yes, it makes life worth living.

“We kneel, and all around us seems to lower;We rise, and all, the distant and the near,Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear;We kneel, howWEAK!we rise, how full ofPOWER!”

“We kneel, and all around us seems to lower;

We rise, and all, the distant and the near,

Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear;

We kneel, howWEAK!we rise, how full ofPOWER!”

More things are wrought by prayer than anything else. It opens heaven’s door, commands God’s ears to hear and hand to bestow, makes darkened clouds withdraw, climbs—

“the ladder Jacob saw,Gives exercise to faith and love;Brings every blessing from above.”

“the ladder Jacob saw,

Gives exercise to faith and love;

Brings every blessing from above.”

Prayer has brought rain a thousand times since Elijah prayed, softened kings’ hearts since Nehemiah won the sympathy of Artaxerxes, shut lions’ mouths since Daniel was cast into their den, given victory to armies since Amalek was discomfited, liberated captives since Peter was delivered from prison, abated storms since Christ said to wind and wave: “Peace! be still,” (Mark 4:39) arrested hundreds of prodigals since Monica prayed for her wicked son Augustine, restored health, supplied food, transformed lives and revolutionized nations.

Prayer is the means that aids to keep in subjection the sinful tendencies of human nature and though living in the world keeps us separated from it. It is the means to aid us in winning souls for Jesus. John Wesley was once riding along when he saw a man kneelingby the wayside breaking stones. “Ah,” cried he, “I wish I could break the hearts of some who hear me as easily as you are breaking those stones.” The man looked up and said, “Did you ever try to break them on your knees?” Pleading with God should always precede pleading with souls to come to God, and it is a question whether anyone has ever come to God who was not earnestly prayed for by some one.

Prayer will also make a death-bed glorious. “Yea,” saith the Psalmist, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). A boy was dying at midnight. He had just awakened from sleep. “Is it near morning?” he asked his father. “It soon will be,” replied the parent. “Do you think I will get well?” “I hope so,” sobbed the father. There was a long silence, then the lad moved restlessly on the pillow and said, “Hold me up, father, I want to say my prayers.” Then, clasping his hands together, he repeated: “Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come. Thy kingdom come. I can’t remember, father! I can’t remember!” A short time after the morning light stole into the room. “Forever and forever,” uttered the boy and he fell asleep in death.

O, my boy, cultivate this glorious habit of praying. To be intimately acquainted with God cheers, inspires, ennobles. An old man lay dying. His sons stood around his bed to receive his parting counsel, and his last blessing. He had fought the battle of life successfully; and, so far as this world was concerned, had come out crowned with honors. He had been a pillar in the church; his seat had never been vacant, his hand always freely opened to every call. For months he had been laid aside by a lingering and painful illness. “Boys,” he said, “God has been good to me. He hasgiven me many friends, good children, a loving wife, and abundant means; but what I thank Him for now most of all is this long and painful illness. Without it my life would have been a failure; I should have gone hence without knowing as I should the only One worth knowing. Boys, whatever you do or whatever you leave undone, whether you make another cent of money or not, take time to get acquainted with God.” That’s it. So acquainted with Him that with simple words you can breathe your heart’s desire. So acquainted as to talk with Him the first thing in the morning and the last in the evening. So acquainted as to seek His favor in everything and to praise Him for anything.

“Implore His aid, in His decisions rest,Secure, what’er He gives, He gives the best.”

“Implore His aid, in His decisions rest,

Secure, what’er He gives, He gives the best.”

CHAPTER XXIIIBe a Bible Student

INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER XXIII

By James H. Brookes

1.The command of our Lord: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.”—John 5:39.

2.They will make a boy wise: “From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”—2 Timothy 2:15.

3.They will cleanse his way: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.”—Psalms 119:9.

4.They will be a lamp and a light: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.”—Psalm 119:195, 130.

5.The Bible will do more for you than father or mother: “When thou goest, it shall lead thee: when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee: and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.”—Proverbs 6:22.

6.By the Word you are born again: “Being born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”—1 Peter 1:23.

7.By the Word you grow: “As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.”—1 Peter 2:2.

Yrs in Him. James H. Brookes.

CHAPTER XXIIIBe a Bible Student

Never was there an age with so many books as the present; books to amuse and instruct, books of fact and fiction, but the greatest and grandest is the Bible. “It has,” as Locke said, “God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without mixture of error for its matter,—it is all pure, all sincere; nothing too much, nothing wanting.”

The Bible is the only book in which the best literature of thirty centuries is incorporated, the only book which has been translated into more than three hundred languages and printed by the hundreds of millions. The only book which has stimulated invention, advanced education, given stability, order and prosperity to homes and nations, emancipated slaves, exalted virtue, and led lost souls to a knowledge of Christ and everlasting life.

The Bible! Bishop Foster said, “Exiled, it has created a new kingdom and shifted the center and balance of power. Carried away captive, it has broken down rival altars and overthrown false gods, till the right of way has been accorded to it by friend and foe. Sold into bondage by false brethren, it has captured the hearts of its masters, and ascended the throne of dominion. Driven into sea, it has gone over dry shod, seeing its enemies overwhelmed in the flood and itself singing the glad song of deliverance. Burned on the public square by the public executioner, it has risen Phœnix-like and floated away in triumph, wearing thesmoke of its own funeral pyre as a flag of victory. Scourged from city to city, it has gone through the capitals of the civilized world, leaving behind it a trail of light attesting its divine authority. Cast into the leper’s pest-house, it has purified the scales of contagion, restored the soft pink skin of smiling infancy, quickened the energies of romping youth, and recreated the sinews of heroic manhood. Betrayed by a kiss, it has stood erect in the calm majesty of eternity, amid the swarming minions of its enemies. Nailed to a felon’s cross it has illuminated the darkness by the radiance of its own glory, and transformed the summits of sacrifice into a throne of universal judgment. Sealed into the gloom of a sepulcher, it has come forth with the echoing footsteps of Almighty God, rising to dominion over all intelligences.”

The Bible! Marvelous book! It has illuminated every darkness, broken the shackles of vicious habits, and given inspiration along all lines of goodness. The pictures of Raphael, the images of Milton, the allegory of Bunyan were all drawn from it. Ruskin built his literary productions upon it. The poets Thompson and Johnson dipped their pens in the style of the Orientals. Emboldened by its teaching Howard devoted his life to the amelioration of prisoners, Wilberforce and Lincoln to the emancipation of slaves, and the Pilgrim Fathers forsook their native land to accept the hardships of this untilled country, where they might worship God according to the dictates of their conscience.

The Bible! It is the best book for boys. Not only does it tell the story of Joseph sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Samuel called by God in the night, David killing Goliath with sling and stone, Daniel cast into the lions’ den, Christ confounding the doctors of the law by His knowledge of the Scriptures, but it makes one rich in things eternal. In London a poorman once purchased a second-hand family Bible, and was turning over its leaves, when he found two stuck together. His wife loosened them with hot water, and found there six crisp five pound bank-notes, twenty-five dollars each. He was questioning his right to keep them, when he found these words written on one of them: “I have had to work very hard for these, and, having no natural heirs, I leave thee, whoever shall buy this Holy Book, my lawful heir, June 17, 1840, South End, Essex.” So—

“This Book unfolds Jehovah’s mind,This voice salutes in accents kind;This friend will all your needs supply,This fountain send forth streams of joy.This mine affords us boundless wealth,This good physician gives us health.This sun renews and warms the soul,This sword both wounds and makes us whole;This letter shows our sins forgiven,This guide conducts us safe to heaven;This charter has been sealed with blood—This volume is the Word of God.”

“This Book unfolds Jehovah’s mind,

This voice salutes in accents kind;

This friend will all your needs supply,

This fountain send forth streams of joy.

This mine affords us boundless wealth,

This good physician gives us health.

This sun renews and warms the soul,

This sword both wounds and makes us whole;

This letter shows our sins forgiven,

This guide conducts us safe to heaven;

This charter has been sealed with blood—

This volume is the Word of God.”

The Bible, being such an excellent book, should be read with care. There is not a condition or circumstance in life but that some appropriate counsel is given. “In this Book,” as Dean Stanley said to the skeptic Ewald, “is contained all the wisdom of the world.” George Muller formed the habit of reading it through with diligent attention four times a year. So delighted was Sir William Jones with it, that he wrote on the blank leaf of his Bible: “I have regularly and attentively perused these Holy Scriptures.”

If the Bible is good to read it is better to study. Tostudy is an art and is the couplet to habitual practice. Said a talented young man to a musician, “Tell me how to play the sonatas of Beethoven in their true spirit.” “You ask too much of me,” said the musician, “yet I will do what I can. What do you play these days?” “Nothing.” “My friend! How shall I tell you how to play Beethoven when it is not your habit to play anything at all? To know how to play Beethoven you must first of all know how to play.” So with the Bible. To know how to study it, we must first of all know how to study. To enjoy a painting one needs more than to glance at it. It should be looked at from every point, the variety of shading noticed minutely, and then, taking a step backwards, one is better able to appreciate it, as its whole beauty stands out prominently. There is an ingenious engraving of the first draft of the American Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation, so finely shaded that at a little distance one presents a perfect likeness of George Washington, the other an excellent portrait of Abraham Lincoln. So after investigating this authentic history, this library of sixty-six of the world’s best books, the more than a hundred pieces of its best music and double that of pictures, one cannot fail to see standing out from all the great Jehovah and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

To study the Bible was once considered a crime. Only priests were allowed to read and interpret it. Those who were caught searching its sacred pages were punished by fine, imprisonment and not infrequently death. On one occasion Joseph II. under the assumed name of “Count of Falkenstein” was traveling in Bohemia, and, being stopped by a rainstorm took shelter at a village inn. During the evening some of the peasants called at the tavern to talk with the landlordabout a small house just outside the village, in which they claimed dark-looking objects, carrying lighted torches, were moving about. Superstition had such a hold upon the peasantry that they thought the future welfare of the little town depended upon the utter annihilation of that cottage, together with its occupants. Joseph, overhearing their conversation, expressed a desire to see the place. Accordingly he proceeded thither with his escort. On arriving, he commanded his attendants to surround the house while he knocked at the door. The summons was answered by an old man who asked, “Who is it that disturbs an honest man at so late an hour?” The Emperor replied: “If you are honest, no harm shall befall you, but, if not, you shall die this very night.” The old man re-entered the room and Joseph followed and seated himself on the stove-hearth. In the center of the room was a table with a Bible upon it, and gathered around were several pious-looking people who had been engaged in divine worship. Joseph ordered the master of the house to proceed with his devotions. This he did, reading from the third chapter of the Gospel of St. John: “For God so loved the world.” After listening a little while, the ruler, with tears in his eyes, exclaimed: “I was not aware that there were people who still had the courage to read the Bible.” He invited the pious father to come to Vienna and inquire at the imperial palace for the “Count of Falkenstein.” The good man, in company with his son, soon after went, and found the Count to be the Emperor himself. Joseph grasped both his hands and gave him a scroll which contained the toleration edict, dated October 13th, 1781. He also handed him a purse of five hundred florins with which to build a chapel. This chapel bearing the inscription, “A present from the Emperor,” is situated in the village of Lackenstein,Bohemia, while the name of Senitz is still honored as the one who dared study the Word of God, though a nation opposed it.

To study the Bible one needsa proper spirit. Ezra said, “He prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord.” (Ezra 7:10). Heart preparation is needed to open the covers of this Book indited by the Holy Ghost. It is God’s Book, and should be handled by clean fingers and a clean heart. Without doubt Ezra prayed before he studied. “Open Thou mine eyes,” said David, “that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” (Psalm 119:18). Every boy should speak to God before he looks into the Bible, asking that he may reverently and intelligently read its contents.

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