"The likeness of a grinning idiot; and the meaning of this was, as we read in the wise king's sayings, 'He who trusteth his own heart is a fool' (Prov. xxviii. 26). If we, whose best deeds are full of sin, seek for reward instead of forgiveness, what are we but rebels, who in their king's presence come boldly forth and claim a dress of honour, instead of falling on their faces and begging for mercy!'"
"The beautiful picture must, after all, have been enclosed in the leaden casket, on which was written—'Who chooseth me must give and hazard all that he hath,'" observed the oilman.
"Is it not so with the Christian religion?" asked the doctor. "The Lord promised not to His disciples worldly riches, but said, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.' He promised not the praise of the world, but said, 'Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake.' He declared, 'Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.'"
Natthu muttered half aloud, "Such a religion is not for me!"
"To you, O my friend! It has a dull, repulsive look, like the leaden casket," said the Christian, "but I, who have chosen it, can tell of the treasures that lie within. There is, first, forgiveness of sin; God hath declared that 'the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin' (1 John i. 7). There is then peace with the Most High, 'We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ' (Rom. v. 1). There is the promise of the Spirit to dwell in our hearts, whose fruit is love and peace and joy. There is comfort in the hour of death, and after death 'glory, honour, and immortality,' robes of white, a crown that never shall fade, a kingdom that never shall end!" The eyes of the convert sparkled with joy as he thus spoke of the blessings bestowed on believers.
But Natthu was not one to give and hazard all that he had for any spiritual profit. If he could have at once the hope of heaven and the good things of earth, the praise of God and the praise of men, he was content to be a Christian. But if he must choose between the spiritual and temporal advantage, Natthu's choice was not present affliction. And so he went on from day to day in a downward course, living as a Hindu amongst Hindus, though convinced in his mind that the religion of the Bible is indeed the only true religion.
After a while the glimmering of truth which Natthu had received died away like a lamp which is fed with no oil. He avoided intercourse with Isa Dás, lest he should be suspected of embracing his opinions. So the heart of the Hindu became harder and harder, till he gave up altogether thinking of God and the judgment to come.
The case of Natthu is a common one in India; is it altogether unknown even in England, where the sacrifices to be made for God are so much smaller than those required of the poor Hindu? We are not called to be aliens from family, exiles from home, though from every Christian is required the spirit that is ready to give and hazard all for the Lord.
