CHAPTER XXI
Be 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 camp he 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.
A CHRISTIAN.
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.
HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN.
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, or liberality, 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 though he 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.