“I wish I could start tonight, but I can hardly do that. I shall spend next Sunday with them, see if I don’t,” said Austin with his face beaming.
Strong as the home cords were pulling, Austin found it hard to say farewell to his many friends where he was. Especially had his life in the village congregation been most sweet. The Pastor had been encouraging him in Christian service, and deep in Austin’s heart was a desire to be of real use in the Master’s vineyard. He wondered if some time he might not, like good Pastor Bennet, preach the gospel. His efforts in the class meetings had given him a boldness and confidence that was making him a leader among them in other ways. He had a Sunday-school class, which would miss him very much. All these things Austin considered that night after he had gone to bed, and found that even his joy for going would be mixed with regret at leaving his church home.
After talking the whole matter over frankly with Uncle John, Austin had returned to his boarding-place in the home of Harry Coles and told Harry and his wife his new plans. They sympathized with him, for they had known something of his homesick longings, but they were sorry to lose his comradeship out of their home, for they had grown to love him.
“You had better see your school term through. You may never have another chance,” Harry suggested.
“I can not do it, Harry. I should be no good in school after this. I must go at once. I would start tonight if I could get ready,” said Austin, his face shining with animation.
His school-teacher was sorry to lose her earnest, faithful pupil and told him so. He found himself regretting leaving her who had made his path clear through the winter’s study.
Saying good-by to Pastor Bennet proved to be quite an undertaking. Austin did not realize how he had learned to love this friend, nor all that his pastor had been to him; but now, as he stood before him for the last time, his lips trembled and his heart sank. Who would give him the advice and council so needed by every young Christian? To whom should he go in times of spiritual darkness and perplexity?
“Austin, you will have peculiar trials in your father’s home, for you tell me he is not only unsaved, but a drinking man also. If you settle it in your heart to be a bold witness for Christ from the beginning, you will have little trouble with discouragements from him. Be bold and determined and keep your faith strong in God, and you will be able to meet the hardest trials.”
“Brother Bennet, Christ is needed in my father’s house. I mean to do my duty by the children, and if possible lead them to the Savior. I will neither turn back nor give up, and by God’s grace I shall be bold to speak for Him when I ought. Pray for me that I may be able to prove myself a real Christian.”
“Another thing, Austin, seek out some spiritual people and meet with them regularly. It is far more difficult to live a Christian life without the encouragement of fellow travelers in the way.”