J. T. Mawson
Contents
"We're Saved! We're Saved!" or, The Relief of Lucknow
On which Side are you? or, the Death of Julius Caesar
The Danger of Delay! or, Mac Ian's Fatal Mistake
A Sacrifice of Love; or, How Prince Emile's Life was Saved
Besieged and Relieved; or, Mafeking, Ladysmith, Kimberley
No Surrender: or, The Siege of Derry
Sought and Ransomed; or, King Richard's Deliverance
Worthy to be Trusted; or, Lord Roberts' Mission to South Africa
Ten Minutes too Late; or, How the Prince Imperial Lost his Life
The Paths of Glory; or, the Death of Wolfe
Forgiven; or, King Richard's Last Act
The Double Choice; or, Salvation and Suffering
Set Free! or, The Emancipation Act
Unsatisfied and Unsaved; or, the Disappointed Monarch
Haul down the Flag. — The Fashoda Incident
Even to Death; or, Durosier's Devotion
"We're Saved! We're Saved!"
or, The Relief of Lucknow.
In all English history there is no story more thrilling than one that comes to us as authentic in connection with the relief of Lucknow, and I must give it to you to illustrate the great pains that God has taken in order to save you from the terrible danger which threatens all who do not know Jesus as their Saviour.
You have all read of the Indian Mutiny, and of the terrible bloodshed that followed the rising of the Sepoys against their British officers in the year 1857. Revolting indeed were the deeds enacted during those terrible months; yet, amid all the treachery and slaughter, wonderful fortitude and bravery was displayed by the handful of English men and women. Some of them I doubt not, were sustained through their sufferings by the grace and love of the Lord Jesus Christ, for they knew Him as their Saviour.
It is a good thing to be a Christian, for Christians have a joy that worldly adversity cannot spoil, and a power from Jesus in heaven to sustain them in every trial.
The Sepoys Besieged Lucknow in the month of May; and until the end of September the siege lasted.
Awful were the sufferings of the little garrison and their wives and children. Famine and pestilence thinned their ranks from within, and the fierce foe threatened them from without. Help, long-looked for, was at last despaired of, and they almost gave up all hope of being saved. Forlorn indeed they must have been as day after day came and went, only to find and leave them again in greater danger than ever.
And do you know, dear young reader, that this is but a feeble illustration of your danger if you are still without Christ. You ARE A SINNER. And your sins, like a host of foes, are against you, and will certainly bring about your eternal condemnation if they are not put away.
Then God's Word tells us that Satan goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He is your enemy, and you need saving from his power.
Eternity is before you. The sins you have committed deserve God's righteous judgment. How great indeed is your danger! Oh! that you would wake up to it, then you would look eagerly for salvation, as the little garrison in Lucknow did.
In this death-beleaguered city there was a corporal's wife, named Jessie Brown. Throughout the siege she had been in a constant fever, but at length she fell asleep on the stones of the street. Suddenly, with a wild scream, she awoke, and, after listening for a moment to some sound that had fallen upon her ear, she cried: "DINNA YE HEAR IT? DINNA YE HEAR IT? IT'S THE SLOGAN OF THE HIGHLANDERS. WE'RE SAVED! WE'RE SAVED!"
Those around her were perfectly bewildered. For a moment their faces brightened and they strained their ears to catch the welcome sound, but instead they only heard the cannons' roar, and they one and all sank into worse despair.
But Jessie Brown persisted that she really heard deliverance at hand. "Courage! courage!" she cried. "Hark to the slogan — to the Macgregor, the grandest of them all. The Campbells are coming! D'ye hear? Will ye no' believe it noo? They'll come through fire and water, never fear."
"Oh, they listened, dumb and breathless,
And they caught the sound at last,
Faint and far beyond the Goomtee
Rose and fell the pipers' blast!
Then a burst of wild thanksgiving,
Mingled woman's voice and man's:
God be praised! The March of Havelock!
The piping of the clans!"
There could be no doubt about it now. The weird shrillness of the Scottish bagpipes sounded above the booming of the guns and was heard by every ear.
Salvation was just at hand.
Through a veritable storm of bullets, Brigadier Havelock and his brave Highlanders forced their way, until, with a loud and ringing shout of triumph, they reached the streets of the city.
Touching it must have been to have seen the meeting between the delivered and the deliverers. Those Highlanders, with tears streaming down their rough cheeks, caught up the children in their arms and pressed them to their bosoms, while round them thronged the men and women of the garrison, eager to express their gratitude and to listen to the story of the amazing hardship they had passed through to save them. And do you think that those people would ever forget their deliverers? I think not!
Now let me tell you that One has come to save you. He came from heaven to meet the foes and overcome them that He might deliver you. Jesus could not fail in what He came to accomplish. Jessie Brown had great faith in the Campbells when she cried, "Never fear." Yet they might have failed, but Jesus could not. His love was great, but His power was also great, and His love led Him to endure the fire of wrath against sin, and to pass through the waters of judgment. Truly Jesus went through fire and water that He might save sinners. Now the news of salvation is brought to you — not of a salvation still to be accomplished, but of a glorious work already finished. Boys, if you will trust in Jesus you shall be saved. Your many sins shall all be forgiven. Satan shall have no more power over you. Instead of going to hell, heaven shall be your home for ever.
And Jesus wants to press you to His heart of love, as those brave Highlanders embraced the delivered children of Lucknow. Oh! don't reject Him. Let Him save you. Think of all His wonderful love in coming down from heaven, and, as you think of all this, put your confidence in Him. Then, like Jessie Brown, you will be able to say to those who have trusted Him too, —
"Never Fear,
We're Saved! We're Saved!"
On which side are you?
or, The Death of Julius Caesar
The knives of the assassins were stained with blood, and the hearts of the Romans beat wildly as the news passed from lip to lip that Julius Caesar — the Ruler of Rome — had been foully murdered. The city was in an uproar; men did not know what to expect next; but, one thing was certain,
They must take sides.
Mark Antony was permitted to speak at the funeral. He was Caesar's friend, and, speaking of the many good things which the latter had accomplished, he extolled him as a public benefactor. He also read Caesar's will, by which every Roman citizen was benefited, and finished his oration by laying bare to the gaze of the assembled Romans the body of the murdered man — all marred by the traitors' knives.
Then came the question, Which side would they take? Would they take up Caesar's cause, or stand by Cassius, Casca and Brutus, who had murdered him? The question scarcely needed to be put; Caesar had given his murderers no cause for their hatred; he had done great things for Rome which they appreciated; and, last of all, Antony had told the Romans that Caesar loved them and they believed it: they could not do otherwise than abhor his murderers and avenge his death.
A fouller deed than ever stained the annals of the city of Rome — black as is her history — has been committed in and by this world. The blessed Son of God has been here. He came with His heart full of love to men, yet they rejected Him. Caesar might have been charged truly with ambition and a desire to rule, but Jesus was the meek and lowly One; He had not where to lay His head in this world, though He was the Owner of heaven's eternal palaces. He never thought of Himself. His great desire was to bless, and on every hand He scattered His blessing.
BUT THE WORLD ROSE UP AGAINST HIM, they all cried, "Away with Him." They hated Him without cause, they put Him to shame and nailed Him to the cross. The world is guilty of the blood of God's beloved Son, and every man and woman, and boy and girl in it, is either for the world and against Christ, or for Christ and against the world. Now, I would put the question at the head of this paper to my young reader:
On which side are you?
Before you decide, I should like you to remember that JESUS LOVES YOU. Do you believe it? He has proved His love. He could have withstood His foes. He could have called twelve legions of shining beings to His aid, and with one mighty sweep have driven men and demons into eternal perdition, but He did not. "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not his mouth." (Acts 8:32.)
Why did He suffer thus? Ah! I find the answer in one blessed word of four letters — L-O-V-E.
He loved Sinners. His desire was to save them and fill heaven with them; but if the glory-gates were to be opened and sinners welcomed to God's home the judgment which their sins deserved had to be endured. The life of a holy, spotless Victim had to be offered instead of the guilty, if the guilty ones were to be pardoned. And so great was His love that we read Christ died for the Ungodly.
Tell me, dear lad, Can you think of the love of Jesus without being touched by it? Does not His love constrain you to say, If He loved me so much, I will by His grace love Him in return, and confess His name in this world where He was rejected and murdered?
But there is another point: MARK ANTONY COULD ONLY SHOW TO THE ROMANS THE MARRED AND BLOOD-BESMEARED CORPSE OF CAESAR. We can point to a risen Saviour, yes, — A blessed, living Saviour in Heaven, — and tell you that He is alive for evermore. He has been raised from the dead, and is now crowned with everlasting glory at the right hand of God. He is a glorious as well as gracious Saviour, so that you have no need to be ashamed of taking His side in this world. You may be laughed at if you do, but He is able to uphold you by His grace, and to keep you from falling. Then for all who confess Him here there is a crown laid up there, and none who trust in Him can ever be shut out of heaven.
Jesus is coming again.
He is coming first to claim His own people, and to introduce them into the Father's many-mansioned home above, there to share His joy eternally. Then all who have not trusted Him will be left behind for judgment. What a terrible thing it will be if my young reader is LEFT BEHIND. Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess Him then as Lord; and throughout this world which murdered Him there will be bitter wailing because of Him.
Then, last of all, He shall sit upon the Throne to pass the eternal sentence upon every one whose name is not found written in the book of life. There will be no mercy then. Every soul unredeemed by His precious blood will be cast into the lake of fire.
Oh! dear boys, take sides with Christ now, trust in Him as your Saviour, and confess His name. Then, instead of sharing the doom of this guilty world, you will share His home and His joy. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9.)
The Danger of Delay:
or, Mac Ian's Fatal Mistake.
How often we find the sad consequences of delay recorded in history, and how many cases could be cited to illustrate the fact that procrastination is one of man's worst enemies.
We might fill a volume in recording instances where many lives have been thrown away because somebody was behind time. But I think we could not find any incident more striking than that which brought about the massacre of Glencoe.
Glencoe is one of the wildest and most dreary valleys in all the west of Scotland; mists hang continually over its grey and barren rocks, and the uplifted voice of the tempest and the weird cry of the wild bird are the only sounds that break the stillness.
This wild district was inhabited by a proud and brave clan, named the Macdonalds of Glencoe. In the reign of William and Mary the chief of this clan was an old man named Mac Ian; he was a rugged Highlander, with a spirit almost as untameable as the storms which so often raged about his home.
Mac Ian, like most of the Highland chiefs, sympathised with James II., who had been dethroned because of his adherence to Popery.
The Earl of Breadalbane had been appointed governor of Scotland, and on him fell the work of bringing about a peaceful settlement with these Highland chiefs; but he was hated by them, and many difficulties arose between him and them until it seemed almost impossible that his purpose could be carried out.
While things were in this state, the English government issued a proclamation calling upon all rebel chiefs to take an oath of allegiance to King William before the 1st January, 1692, and declaring that all who failed to do so would be looked upon as traitors and treated accordingly.
All the chiefs took care to take the oath before the time appointed but Mac Ian, who, in the pride of his heart, imagined that it would be a fine thing to be the last to submit. Accordingly, he put off doing so until the 31st of December, when he presented himself at Fort William. To his dismay he was told he must go to Inverary, as only a magistrate could receive the oath, and there were none nearer. Then, for the first time, the awful folly of his vanity dawned upon him, for Inverary was six days journey from Fort William, and between the two places lay rugged mountains, snow clad and almost impassable. In his desperation the poor old man set out for Inverary, and reached that place on the 6th of January.
The day of grace was passed — he was behind time, and when the Governor of Scotland heard that he had not submitted at the appointed time, he determined on the destruction of the whole clan.
Treachery and infamy marked the carrying out of this order, it is true; but it never could have happened had not Mac Ian put off his submission until it was too late.
Early on the morning of February 13th the work of slaughter began. Many of the Macdonald's were slain in their beds, and their chief paid the penalty of his folly by being one of the first to fall.
Let not this sad story from Glencoe's dreary valley of weeping be lost upon us. Let us not forget that procrastination brought about all the desolation and death that was witnessed there on that fatal 13th of February; and, while we think of all this, let us remember that the loss of a soul is an infinitely greater loss than merely that of life, for the one is for eternity and the other only for time; and yet we know that many have lost their souls and heaven for ever because they madly put off the question until it was too late.
Hear me out, for these things deeply concern you. God has sent forth a proclamation concerning His beloved Son. He has exalted Him to the highest place in heaven, and just as the Highland chiefs could only have peace by bowing to King William, so now sinners can only have peace with God by bowing to the Lord Jesus Christ. For all who do bow there is forgiveness and eternal heaven, but for all who refuse there is nothing but the devouring fire of everlasting judgment. It is now the day of grace, and in long-suffering mercy God is lingering over a rebellious world, and you may own Jesus as Lord and Saviour to-day; but, remember, IT MAY BE TOO LATE TO-MORROW. A man once told me that he would never bow to Jesus, but he will, in spite of his foolish pride of heart which made him speak thus; for God has so decreed.
Breadalbane, who had to bring about the subjection of the chiefs, was hated by them all, and this, no doubt, kept Mac Ian from submitting sooner. But there is no reason why you should not submit to Jesus, for He is all love, and has proved His love by dying for us, while we were enemies of God.
I would beseech you not to let this love of Jesus — so wonderfully proved at Calvary — be in vain as far as you are concerned; but bow your knee to Him, trust Him as your Saviour, and confess that He alone has a right to you. Then, washed from your sins by His precious blood, you will be ready for the glory of God, and you will have no fear of being too late for the blessing and heaven.
How fearful will be the awakening of those whose love for the world has kept them away from Christ until the day of grace is passed! Alas! there will be many of this class. When the door of mercy is closed, they will stand outside with sorrow-charged hearts, begging for admittance; but there will be no mercy then! In righteousness that awful word "depart" will sound from within, blasting all their false hopes and sealing their eternal doom. Oh! look about you! See the danger of delay! Flee now to Christ.
"All things are ready, Come!
To-morrow may not be;
O sinner, come, the Saviour waits
This hour to welcome thee!"
A Sacrifice of Love:
or, How Prince Emile's Life was saved.
Most of my readers will have heard of the great Napoleon Buonaparte, and how, after subduing almost the whole of Europe, he marched with a magnificent army into Russia, intending to conquer that country. He hoped to make Moscow (which was then the chief city in Russia) his head-quarters, and there he took his soldiers. On his approach the Russians fled from the city, but before doing so they set fire to it, and when Napoleon arrived he found it deserted and ablaze. The wooden houses burned quickly; the flames defied the efforts of the soldiers to extinguish them; and before long Napoleon, who had hoped to gain a great triumph, had to abandon the city and return to France, outwitted and disappointed.
So it is with everything in this world. No matter where men go for satisfaction they meet with disappointment, and even if they do gain what they desire, it is only to prove that THE GREATEST WEALTH OR PLEASURE OR FAME CAN NEVER GIVE TRUE JOY.
Amongst Napoleon's officers was a brave young soldier named Prince Emile, of Hesse Darmstadt; he was captain of a thousand hussars, and they loved him dearly, as the following story will prove.
When the French army started back for France the terrible Russian winter had set in, and the poor soldiers who had started from home in such high spirits died by thousands on the road back again.
Prince Emile's regiment suffered severely. Some were killed by the intense cold, others by the Russians who constantly harrassed the retreating army, and last of all in crossing the river Berezina all but ten were swept away. These ten remaining soldiers rallied round their captain, determined to stand by him while life lasted. For days they marched on, afraid of lying down to sleep, lest in their sleep the cold should prove fatal to them. But at length they were so completely overcome with fatigue that they could go no further, and the Prince gathered them round him and said: "As long as I have been able to overcome the desire for sleep I have made you watch with me; now the need of rest overcomes me; if God wills … He will wake us in the morning." He lay down and soon fell asleep. When he awoke the following day, refreshed by the rest that he had enjoyed, he found himself in a thatched shed, warmly wrapped in what proved to be the coats of his faithful men.
Their love for him would not allow them to forsake him, and they had stripped themselves and covered him, that he might not be frozen to death.
Where were they? and, How had they been able to endure the cold of that terrible night? were the questions that flashed through his mind. Rushing out of the shed in search of them, he found them STRETCHED OUT ON THE COLD SNOW OUTSIDE, HALF NAKED AND FROZEN TO DEATH.
His devoted men had died for him; they had given up their clothes, which might have saved their lives, to save his; and you can no doubt understand something of what he felt as he gazed upon their stiffened bodies. They must have loved him to sacrifice themselves thus for his sake, and surely he would never forget their wonderful devotion.
But I have a story of far greater love than this to tell you. The love of the Son of God outshines every other love, and the sacrifice that He made is the greatest that the world has ever seen. Don't throw away this book because you have heard of it many times before. If it is an old story it is the most wonderful story of love ever told, and the best part of it is, that it is for you.
Emile's soldiers died for a generous captain who loved them well. Jesus was slain for His foes, and it is a deeply solemn thing for you to remember that if you have not yet trusted Him YOU ARE ONE OF HIS FOES, and if you refuse to trust Him, you will die in your sins; then the judgment which His foes deserve will be yours for ever. But "CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY." Even before we had being He, in His great love, went to the Cross that we might be saved.
Prince Emile did not ask his men to die for him.
While he slept, altogether unconscious of what they were doing, they stripped themselves that he might live. So the blessed Lord did not wait until we sought Him. He stripped Himself, and came down from heaven to die, because He desired to save us even when we had no desire at all for Him. Oh! this was great love, and this love is unchanged: to-day He desires to bless and save you. THOSE TWELVE, FOURTEEN, OR SIXTEEN YEARS OF SIN CAN ALL BE FORGIVEN, because of what He has done. His precious blood is able to wash away every stain, and He desires to fold you in the arms of love and give you everlasting joy. Jesus alone can do this, and He wants to do it now. Oh! trust Him, take Him as your Saviour, then you will be able to say—
"He loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Gal. 2:20.)
Besieged and Relieved or, Mafeking, Ladysmith, Kimberley.
Mafeking, Ladysmith, Kimberley, are names that will never be forgotten in British History. How thrilling are the incidents and how great have been the sufferings in connection with these places. With what anxiety were the eyes of the British Empire upon these towns and their gallant garrisons, while they were foe-beleaguered and famine-stricken; and again, into what a delirium of joy was the nation plunged when, after all the suspense and waiting, the news of relief came. And no wonder; for while these towns remained unrelieved British prestige hung in the balance, and British subjects were suffering and in great danger.
But, interested as you may have been in the relief of these places, I have something to bring to your attention which ought to interest you far more deeply. I have to write not so much of foe-besieged towns but of foe-besieged sinners. Every unconverted man, woman and child is foe-besieged; yes, surrounded by a host of foes bent upon their destruction. This is the danger that you are in if not saved. You may say that you were not aware that you had a single enemy on earth. If so, you have forgotten — (yes, sinners do forget) your sins.
How many sins have you got?
It has been said that most people will plead guilty to having committed at least three sins a day, one of thought, one of word, and one of deed. This means more than one thousand sins a year. If my youthful reader has reached the age of fifteen then there are at least fifteen thousand sins against you. FIFTEEN THOUSAND SINS! What a host! It may be you have reached maturer years. Every year, every day adds to the dreadful catalogue and increases the great host, and EVERY SIN IS A FOE. They surround you; they dog your footsteps; they seek your destruction. They have been recorded in God's Book in heaven, and there they stand against you. How formidable they are! If you have never thought of your sins before, do so now. Face the situation. Discover the strength of the enemy.
British Generals met with reverses at the commencement of the war because they underrated the strength of the foe. Don't you make this mistake or it may prove for ever fatal to your soul's safety. One sin is more than you can cope with; you cannot wash out one stain. One sin is sufficient to keep you out of heaven and put you in hell for ever. But if you cannot deliver yourself, we can tell you of relief nigh at hand.
When the news reached England that the Boers had invaded British territory, and that they were besieging British garrisons, even then relief was on the way.
It is true that deliverance was long delayed, for the enemy was powerful and strongly entrenched, and great and many were the difficulties that confronted the deliverers; but surely onward they pushed, facing wounds and sickness and death until all the world wondered at their bravery.
At length success crowned their efforts. General French entered Kimberley, General Buller relieved Ladysmith, and Colonel Mahon drove the Boers from the vicinity of Mafeking. Those upon whom the work of relief was put saw it through, they upheld the glory of their country and relieved their comrades. The agony of suspense was over. The Empire rejoiced, and we can well understand that those who had been in such danger for so many months rejoiced deeply as well.
Thus were foe-beleaguered Mafeking, Ladysmith and Kimberley relieved; and their deliverance shall help us to illustrate the wonderful story of the way in which foe-besieged sinners can be set free from all their foes. One thing is certain, and that is, we could not set ourselves free, deliverance had to come from outside. We cannot save ourselves, but there is one who can — even Jesus. How sweet it is to see that the same verse which tells us that we are without strength, also tells us that Christ died for the ungodly (Rom. 5:6). He undertook the work of relief; He has met the foe; He has gained the mighty triumph; and now He can save all who trust in Him.
The foes that held us were strong and many, and the work to be accomplished was very great, but Jesus the Son of God has proved Himself equal to the great work. On the cross He bore the judgment that sinners deserved; there He died for the ungodly. It was by His death that the power of Satan was broken; and now as the risen, living and victorious Saviour, He offers full deliverance to all who will take it. Have you taken this wonderful salvation yet? If not, do not delay. Throw open wide the gates of your heart and give the great Captain of Salvation a hearty welcome, for He brings not only deliverance from the foe, but the full wagons of supplies. He feeds the hungry souls and satisfies the famishing.
Look at those worn and haggard watchers upon the outworks of Mafeking, Ladysmith and Kimberley; how they scan the horizon; with what eagerness they look for the coming of the relief column. They hear the battle from afar, but will victory be with their would-be deliverers? This is the anxious question. At length, along the veldt they see horsemen hotly riding, and presently hearing the ringing British cheer, they know that it is the salvation column. Do they fix bayonets and prepare to resist and repel the relieving force? Oh, no; madmen alone could do such a thing as that. They make the very air resound with their shouts of gladness; they escort their deliverers with songs of triumph into the centre of the town, and put upon them the best honours that they can bestow.
God has highly honoured the victorious Saviour because of what He has done. On the cross Jesus maintained the glory of God which the devil and sin sought to spoil, and God has taken Him from the grave, the gates of heaven were thrown open to Him, and God has given to Him the highest place in glory. The brightest crowns have been put upon His brow, and every creature in those blessed palaces above is vocal with His praise.
Will you not honour him? Oh, let Him into your heart and crown Him there. Let Him be for ever supreme, your Saviour and your Lord. Resist Him not: do not fight against Him. He brings you perfect salvation from the foes; He brings you joys from heaven above; in Him is all you need. Then yield to Him now. Own Him as your Lord and Saviour.
"Swing your heart's door widely open,
Bid Him enter while you may!"
No Surrender
or, The Siege of Derry.
Not long ago, I was in the city of Derry, in the North of Ireland, and a friend took me to see the historic bomb in the Cathedral there. This bomb brings to mind a story of wonderful bravery. In the year 1690 the city was beseiged by James II. He was a Roman Catholic, and, because of this, had been dethroned, and William of Orange, a staunch Protestant, was crowned in his place. The greater part of Ireland adhered to popery and supported James II., but the people of Londonderry had learnt the blessing of having an open Bible in their midst, and they desired to worship God according to their conscience, so they espoused the cause of William III. James was enraged, and marched against them with a large army, determined to make them yield.
The governor of the city, Lundy by name, was a great coward, and wanted to surrender the city to the Papists, and even went so far as to leave the gates open; but, as James approached, a handful of apprentice lads rushed out and closed the gates, and when James demanded the surrender of the city he was answered by the loud shout of
No Surrender!
What a glorious watchword! I thought if only every dear Christian lad would take it up in the strength of the Lord what joy he would have, and through him the Lord would get much glory. To stand for Christ thus will no doubt bring suffering and ridicule, but think of the wonderful consequences of doing this. There is a crowning day coming, when every bit of real testimony for Christ will receive a full reward.
The citizens of Derry had to suffer greatly for the stand they took. For one hundred and five days the siege lasted. The provisions ran short, famine and disease raged in the city. Still those brave men and women, strengthened by the words of a Christian man named Walker, refused to yield, choosing rather to die than give up their religious liberty.
One day the Huge Bomb now in the Cathedral was shot over the walls by James; in the inside a paper was found again demanding the surrender of the city, and telling the citizens of the awful punishment that he would inflict upon them if they refused to yield. They fired back the bomb with their answer inside; it was a very short one containing only those two words which had now become their watchword, — "NO SURRENDER."
Treachery and threats alike were useless, and at length the sentinels of the towers saw the sails of three vessels in the distance; slowly they advanced up the river, broke through the boom which James had laid across, and at ten o'clock the same night the ships were moored alongside the city quays. Then those heroic men and women, instead of feeding on tallow and the like, fed upon beef and flour and peas, while they gave thanks to God for their great deliverance. Oh! what a glorious thing it would be if my dear young Christian readers would fly their colours, and take their places in the ranks, and show to all around that they are soldiers of Jesus Christ, and determined to resist the world, the flesh and the devil, as these men resisted James.
But if this is to be so, you must learn that you have no strength in yourself, and that it is only as you live in dependence on the Lord that you can overcome. Yet what a joy it is to know that He has provided for us all that we need.
You will remember that before the Lord expected His disciples to stand up and confess Him before the world, He sent down a new power. The Holy Ghost came down and abode in each of them, and then they were able, in the power of the Holy Ghost, to confess Christ in spite of all the threats of their foes. (Acts 2)
Boys, if you have believed in Jesus, if you can say that He is your Saviour, then the Holy Ghost dwells in you, and you have no need to look to yourself or trust yourself for anything. The Holy Ghost, which dwells in you, can, and will fill your hearts with Christ if you are surrendered to Him; and then He will enable you to cry "No Surrender" in reply to all the seductions and persecutions of the world.
* * * * * * *
But you cannot take up such a watchword unless you have first surrendered to Jesus and owned Him as your Lord and Saviour, and if you have not yet done so we call upon you to
Surrender.
In one of the gallant Nelson's great sea-fights he captured a French ship. The officer in command with a smile extended his hand to his captor. "No," replied Nelson, "give me your sword first and then your hand." The Frenchman could not be on terms of friendship with Nelson until he had surrendered to him; until then he was still accounted an enemy.
As this French officer treated Nelson, so there are many treating the Lord Jesus Christ. They profess themselves to be friendly to His cause, yet they have never surrendered to Him. Now this cannot be. You cannot feel the pressure of His hand of love unless you yield to Him.
You must Surrender.
God has decreed that every knee shall bow to Jesus, and every tongue confess that He is Lord. To do this now brings blessing for evermore. But this bowing to Christ must not be merely an outward profession; there must be bowing of heart. Lip profession merely is hypocrisy, and hypocrisy is hateful to God.
With all earnestness I would ask, Have you bowed to Christ yet in this way? Can you say —
"'Tis done, the great transaction's done,
I am my Lord's, and He is mine"?
If you can say this, you have every cause to rejoice, for He who is your Lord, is the One who died for you that your sins might be for ever washed away.
But if you are not yet His, you are passing swiftly onward to the awful judgment that awaits every Christ-rejector. To be lost for ever in the depths of hell must be fearful indeed, but it is the just judgment of God upon all who refuse His blessing through Christ Jesus.
Then, turn you now, while you may. Lay down the sword of rebellion at the feet of Jesus; think of the matchless love that led Him to shed His precious blood for a sinner like you; then say —
"Just as I am, Thy love I own,
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O, Lamb of God, I come."
Then boldly confess His name before men. You need not be afraid, for the great Captain of our Salvation is mighty, and He is leading us home to glory; and, as we are dependent on Him, in His strength we shall be more than conquerors. — (Romans 8:37.)
Sought and Ransomed:
or, King Richard's Deliverance.
King Richard Coeur-de-Lion was a great and enthusiastic Crusader, and he spent the greater part of his ten years' reign in Palestine, fighting the Saracens who were then masters of Jerusalem.
While there on one occasion the news reached him that his brother John had been plotting with the King of France to rob him of his dominions. Now King Richard was a man of marvellous courage and energy, and immediately on hearing this news he started almost entirely unattended for England. In crossing the Adriatic Sea his ship encountered a furious storm, and he was wrecked upon the coast of Austria. With only one attendant he wandered about for some time in disguise; but this attendant was an indiscreet man, and suspicion was aroused as to who his master was. He was discovered to be the King of England, and was taken prisoner by his life-long enemy, Duke Leopold of Austria.
When James VI., Emperor of Germany, heard of his capture he wanted to get Richard into his power, and paid Leopold a sum equal to £60,000. Richard was cast into prison away from his country and people, held captive by his enemies, and bound by a chain, of which he said afterwards, "A horse could scarcely have borne it."
You will agree that this was not a very pleasant position to be in, and Richard must often have sighed for his freedom and home. But if you cannot say that Jesus is your Saviour, Richard's case is an illustration of yours. You are lost and a captive, held in bondage by the cords of sin, and Satan means to have you in hell's prison-house for ever if he can. You may not feel this bondage, for the cords of sin often appear silken, but they are, none the less, terrible and strong. It is high time you discovered your position and your danger. You need a deliverer, — a Saviour, — and, thank God, we can tell you of one; — One who can break the cords of sin that bind you, and open the prison doors and set you free for ever.
There is a beautiful story told of the way in which Richard's place of imprisonment was discovered, and though some think it not true, it is as likely to be so as not, and as it illustrates the true Gospel story, I will tell it to you.
There was a minstrel, named Blondel, who was very much attached to the king, and his love for him made him travel throughout Germany in search of him. It was his wont to go from castle to castle and sing beneath the walls some English song. One day he reached a castle and commenced to sing as before, when from within a voice joined in the song. At once the minstrel knew that the one who responded to his singing was Richard, and in this way his place of captivity was discovered.
Does not this seeking minstrel remind you of One who came forth to seek poor lost and captive sinners? He said, "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." He desires that His words of tender mercy should reach your ear and heart, and if they do you will find them to be full of sweetest music. Oh! the gospel story is wondrously melodious to weary and sin-stricken hearts, and this gospel story is for you. It tells you of Jesus, the seeking Saviour, the One who seeks you because He loves you; who seeks you that He might set you free from slavery; and if you would but listen to His voice you would be constrained to respond to it as did Richard to Blondel's.
But Richard had to be Ransomed as well as sought, and his captor demanded a great price. Nothing less than 100,000 marks would satisfy him; but this price was paid by the English people that the captive might be set free. When he returned to England the whole country was given up to rejoicing, so delighted were they to have their lost King back again.
I am sure you will anticipate the application of this part of the story. If you were to be saved a great price had to be paid for your ransom: not gold or silver could do it; the wealth of all the world could not have delivered you. Your sins had made you a lawful captive — for your sins you deserved the just judgment of God — and only by the judgment being satisfied and Satan's power broken could you be saved.
Jesus has accomplished both. Gold and silver could not have delivered you; all the wealth of all the world would have failed to secure your ransom; but Jesus shed his precious blood, and this is the price that has been paid, and through His blood alone can you have redemption. He died, but He has risen again, proving that He has overcome and destroyed him that had the power of death, so that He might deliver those who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage.
Oh! will you not trust in this Saviour? You must be eternally lost without Him; but if you do but trust Him, if you do but cast yourself upon Him for deliverance and salvation, no tongue can tell the greatness of the blessing that shall be yours. If you trust Him now, no harp in heaven will be silent; God will rejoice over you, and the Shepherd — even Jesus — who has sought and saved you will rejoice, and their joy tunes all Heaven to praise.
Richard met with a Glorious Reception when he reached his home and kingdom, and so will all the blood-washed and ransomed company when they reach their home above the sky to be for ever with their Lord. Attended by the heavenly multitudes they will pass onward and upward to His throne, to reign with Him. Once more, Will you be there?
"When He gathers His own
In that bright, bright home —
Will you be there, and I?"
Don't forget it! If you wish to be there your works cannot gain you admittance, nothing but the precious blood can secure an entrance into that blessed home for you, and, if you are wise, you will seek its cleansing, saving power to-day.
Worthy to be Trusted;
or, Lord Roberts' Mission to South Africa.
It is a good thing always to have someone in whom confidence can be placed, but there are times when this is specially needful: this has often been proved in history, but never more so than during the great Boer war. British territory had been invaded; British soldiers were besieged and suffering. Troops were sent out, but no success attended their operations, and from the far-off battle-fields news of reverse after reverse reached the home country. The enemy proved strong and wily and fully prepared to withstand the prowess of Britain's generals and the gallantry of her soldiers; and the heart of an empire was sorely pained and filled with distress. Those who hated England were exultant, while the foe became daily more audacious and self-confident.
A Man was Wanted, one who was worthy to be trusted, who could turn the tide of disaster and lead the arms of Britain to certain victory and unfurl the Union Jack in the capital of the enemy. But was there such a man? Lord Roberts heard his country's call; and, with Lord Kitchener as his chief of staff, went to the front.
He had been often tried before and his worth was well known: a long career of success was his; he had always been worthy of confidence; but would this be so again? Others had been trusted and failed, for the difficulties were great and the foe valiant. Would they be too great for Roberts? or, would he prove himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him?
In an agony of suspense the empire waited, but soon the suspense was relieved. The country had its answer; success crowned every movement of the veteran warrior and his capable lieutenant; the power of the Boers was broken, and eventually the British flag floated proudly over Bloemfontein and Pretoria.
Roberts accomplished his task and proved himself fully worthy of England's trust.
What a good thing it was that such a man was forthcoming in the hour of his country's need; and truly his service will not be forgotten by those to whom it was rendered.
But what is the use of recounting that which is already well known. Ah! that is the point. Have you not yet discovered that you need One in whom you can trust. It may be that more than once you have been brought to a crisis in your life when much was at stake, and you found that your own wisdom was not sufficient to guide you aright; then you looked round for someone to help you in your difficulties. But we speak not of the things of this life, but of
Your soul and Eternity.
You are in danger, unsaved reader, in positive danger of being overwhelmed by foes too strong for you to grapple with. Your sins, and death, and Satan's power are all against you. YOU NEED A SAVIOUR, and unless you find someone who can undertake your case and save you, your eternity will be black with judgment and woe.
But there is One who can be trusted, even in this matter; to Him you may safely turn. He is the Friend of the friendless, the Saviour of sinners. You have often heard His name: it is Jesus; and wonderfully sweet is His name to those who have proved how worthy He is to be trusted. They can sing in their gladness:
"Sweetest note in seraph song,
Sweetest name on mortal tongue,
Sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!"
Will you trust in Him? The fact is that He is the only Saviour in God's universe, and you are sinful and lost; you cannot save yourself. He is the only One who can save you, and there is not a single ray of hope for you apart from Him. You are shut up entirely to Jesus, for God has said: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.) But then you have no need to turn to another person for what you want. Jesus is sufficient; He came down from heaven above to die; and His sorrow, His death, His blood, all prove that He is worthy to be trusted; they speak of salvation for you.
And Jesus rose again.
Death was vanquished by His mighty power, and now in the glory of God above He is exalted and crowned, and His exaltation and glory prove that He is worthy to be trusted and that there is salvation for you.
Millions of sinners have trusted Him: their guilt was as black as yours, but they have been made white as snow in His precious blood, and heaven is their home. Could they speak to you to-day they would all tell you that He is worthy to be trusted and that there is salvation for you.
Will you not trust Him then? God has trusted Him. He entrusted Him first with creation's work and pronounced it very good; He sent Him down to show forth His grace in a world of sinners, and proclaimed from heaven that He was well pleased with Him. But He also entrusted Him with redemption's work, and Jesus accomplished that work so perfectly that God has given Him the highest glory in heaven.
Yet again He has entrusted to His hand all who will take His salvation, and Jesus will prove Himself worthy of this trust, so that not one believer shall be lost on the way. He has said: "They shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." They shall all stand upon the everlasting shore, white-robed and glory-crowned, and heaven will be vocal then with His praise: and if you will but turn to Him to-day, you shall find, like millions more have found, that He is worthy to be trusted.
There are many who would like to trust Him; but, strange to say, they are ashamed to take Him and confess Him; afraid of what the world would say, they go on without the blessing.
The British Nation is not ashamed of Lord Roberts
Had he failed in his mission and fled before the foe, and dragged the British flag through disaster and defeat, then would Britain have been rightly ashamed of him; but having been victorious, having scattered the foes and brought glory to the country which he served, his praise is upon every tongue. The Queen bestowed an Earldom upon him, and his country rewarded him by a vote of £100,000.
Now it is because Jesus is a victorious Saviour that we are not ashamed of Him. If he had failed to accomplish salvation's work, if Satan had triumphed, then we would never have mentioned His name; but He has conquered, He has broken the power of Satan and lives for evermore; and those that believe in Him shall never be ashamed. Oh! believe in Him. He is worthy to be trusted, worthy to be confessed; and all who do this are saved by God's great salvation.
Ten Minutes too Late:
or, How the Prince Imperial Lost his Life.
{The body of the Prince Imperial was brought to England in H.M.S. Orontes, and at Spithead was transferred to the Enchantress for conveyance to Woolwich, where it arrived on July 10, 1879. Our engraving depicts the Duc de Bassano affixing the Insignia of the Legion of Honour to the pall at Woolwich. Two days later the funeral took place at Chislehurst.}
Standing amid the tall Tambookie grass, near a dry water-course in South Africa, was a small party of British soldiers; they were chatting together all unconscious of danger, when they were suddenly startled by wild yells and the crash of rifles. More than forty swarthy and blood-thirsty savages rushed upon them from the donga near; the soldiers escaped, but the commander — a brave young officer of kingly bearing — fell a victim, pierced by sixteen spear wounds.
This young officer was the Prince Imperial, son of Napoleon III. of France. He had one great fault, and this fault cost him his life. We are told that when he was quite a boy he would plead for ten minutes delay in almost everything, so that the Empress Eugene, his mother, used to call him, "MONSIEUR TEN MINUTES." He would want to lie in bed ten minutes longer when it was time to rise, and want to sit up ten minutes after his usual bedtime, and sometimes when too sleepy to speak he would hold up his ten fingers as representing the ten minutes' delay which he desired.
As the young Prince grew older this habit grew with him; he was known constantly to plead for "JUST TEN MINUTES MORE," little thinking how terrible an end this would bring him to in after years.
I do not know how the brave Prince treated the matters which concerned his soul's eternal welfare, but I do know that some of my young readers are treating these matters as though they were not very important, and when pressed to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they often plead a little delay, forgetting that THAT LITTLE DELAY MAY ROB THEM OF HEAVEN FOR EVER.
In the year 1879 war broke out between England and Cetewayo, King of the Zulus, and the Prince Imperial went out with the British army to fight these fierce blacks. On the 1st of June of that year he was ordered off with seven soldiers under his command to find a camping-ground for the army. Having found a suitable place, and finished their work, they were ready for starting back to the camp, when a friendly native announced that he had seen a Zulu near the place. On hearing this the Prince proposed that they should "let their horses graze just ten minutes longer," and then start back again. That ten minutes proved fatal to him.
The Zulus had been stealthily approaching the little party along the water-course, hidden from view by the tall grass, and now with yells of fury they rushed upon them. The Prince's horse took fright and galloped off, and he — left alone to face those fierce savages — was soon slain.
Let us learn a lesson from his sad end. I expect that some of you will be inclined to say that it was very foolish to delay so needlessly in the midst of so much danger; but, to delay your soul's salvation is far greater folly; the Prince's bravery and prowess might have saved him from an untimely death, even when beset with foes, but nothing can save you from eternal woe if you neglect God's great salvation.
Eternity is before you, and, though young and strong, you may die very soon, and if you die without Christ you will be shut out of heaven. What a terrible thing it must be to be eternally lost, banished from God's presence, to bear for ever His justly-merited judgment. Oh! don't delay longer, lest you should be just too late to escape.
If the Prince had not delayed most likely he would not have perished, but there is no doubt at all in your case, my dear reader, if you delay not, but come now to the Saviour, YOU SHALL NOT PERISH, but be eternally saved. A way of salvation has been made, and though you are a sinner we can say to you, Jesus will receive you.
Jesus came from heaven to die, that sinners both young and old might be saved. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15.) Now because of what Jesus has done, the door of mercy stands wide open, and God invites poor sinners to come to Christ for salvation. There is no other way to heaven, no other means of salvation. If you trust Him now you will be saved, but ten minutes' delay may put this wonderful blessing beyond your reach for ever.
The Lord is coming!
Coming to take His ransomed ones home to glory, where fulness of joy and eternal pleasures will be theirs. Everyone who has trusted Him will be taken then, but if you have rejected the Saviour or merely neglected this salvation, you will be left behind, shut outside, and for ever lost. "When once the Master of the house is risen up, and has shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us: and He shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are DEPART FROM ME." (Luke 13:25-27.) Then you will be TOO LATE for every joy and for every blessing, THE DOOR SHUT and you outside for ever. Oh! trust in Jesus now, and be saved, lest this come upon you.
"The Paths of Glory:"
or, The Death of Wolfe.
After taking a bowl of sack, on the morning of his execution, Sir Walter Raleigh remarked: "That is a good drink if a man might tarry by." Ah! but that is where the trouble lies. There are many things in this world which men would call "good" if only they could tarry by them, but that cannot be. Death comes in and hurries men away; then the world's wealth and fame and pleasures must be left behind for ever.
I should like to press this upon my youthful reader. It may be that you have very high aspirations; you would like to become a great scholar, or a gallant soldier, or famous in some other way: but remember that if you gained the highest honour that this world could put upon you, you could not keep it; death blights every worldly prospect and the grave is the end of all man's glory; therefore, how good it is to have a brighter and better portion beyond the grave!
Not very long ago I stood near the Heights of Abraham, outside the City of Quebec, Canada. I was greatly interested in the spot, for it was there that the brave Wolfe lost his life. In my younger days he was amongst my special heroes, and I had often read with great pride how he had made the courageous and perilous ascent of those almost perpendicular cliffs, and surprised and completely defeated the French army on the plains above. But as I gazed upon the spot, a very different kind of feeling took possession of me. It was no longer one of pride because of the valorous deeds wrought by British soldiers, but one of great sadness as I thought of the way in which thousands of men are rushing after fame and wealth, all the while forgetting that
"The Paths of Glory lead but to the Grave," and that beyond the grave there stretches the vast For-ever, where earthly glory is not worth a thought.
But I must tell you the story briefly. England was at war with France, and in consequence of an attempt on the part of the French to spoil England's trade with America, General Wolfe was despatched to command an expedition against them. He was ambitious and brave, and determined to allow no difficulty to stand in the way of his taking Quebec, which was then in the hands of the French.
On the night of September 14th, 1759, he took his little army down the St. Lawrence, intending to engage the French on the following day. Everybody was filled with excitement and expectancy, and as the fleet was borne almost silently down the river on the tide, Wolfe recited to his officers that well-known poem, entitled: "Gray's Elegy in a Country Churchyard," one verse of which reads:
"The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
Await alike the inevitable hour,
The paths of glory lead but to the grave."
Little did he think that before another day had passed he would prove the truth of the last line quoted. The soldiers were landed and commenced to climb the precipitous cliffs (one would wonder how they managed it). At length they reached the top, and as the morning began to dawn, it found them drawn up in line of battle. The French were startled from their slumber by the approach of the foe, and at once prepared to fight. The engagement was short and decisive, as the enemy could not stand before the deadly fire and unflinching bravery of the British soldiers, and soon they turned and fled; but just at the moment of his victory Wolfe fell mortally wounded.
This victory was his highest achievement, and when the news reached England, the country rang with his praise, and honoured his name by giving him a state funeral and raising a costly monument in Westminster Abbey to his memory. But what did all this matter to him as he lay cold, and still, and dead?
He could not carry his glory with him, and in the next world not they who have done valiantly in this world are great, but those who knew and loved the Lord Jesus Christ.
Whether Wolfe knew the Saviour or not I cannot tell: all I know is that "THE PATHS OF GLORY" led him to the grave, and others enjoyed his conquest.
My object in writing is to set some better thing before my young readers. The glory of this world fades away and all its pleasures are fleeting. You have to exist throughout Eternity, and it will be great wisdom on your part to secure a glory that can never pass away.
Christ Jesus sits upon the throne, and in His presence is fulness of joy; everlasting pleasures are to be found in His home; but to reach that home you must know Him as your Saviour; your sins must be washed away by His precious blood. Do not imagine that these things are only for spiritless fellows who cannot make headway in the world. You will find that it will require a great deal of courage to confess Christ. In fact the reason a great many lads have not become christians before this is because they are cowards, and altogether afraid of the laugh and the jeer of their companions.
I trust my dear reader will not be found amongst this cowardly company. Just look back and think of your sins; think of the judgment that they deserve; then think of the love which brought Jesus down from heaven to die for sinners, and last of all think of the eternal glory which awaits all those who have been saved by His precious blood, and, as you think, turn to Him; trust Him as your Saviour; bow to His claims over you, and then boldly confess His blessed Name. Then, though you may not be able to gain great distinction in this world, you may be assured that the harp of gold, the palm of victory, and the crown of glory await you in heaven.
Forgiven
or, King Richard's Last Act.
Of all the English Kings, Richard I. seems to have been the bravest. History tells us that he was a great warrior, and because of his daring and prowess upon the battlefield he was surnamed Coeur-de-Lion, or, the Lion-hearted. Like many another brave man he was also very generous, and able to forgive wrongs. It is recorded that when his treacherous brother John, who had tried to rob him of his crown, pleaded for mercy, he said: "I forgive him, and I hope to forget his injuries as easily as he will forget my pardon."
After he had reigned about ten years one of his French vassals, Vidomar, Viscount of Limoges, rebelled against him. Richard at once marched his army against him, and besieged him in his castle of Châluz.
During the siege, with his usual disregard of danger, Richard approached very near the castle walls, almost wholly unattended. Seeing this, a young man, named Bertrand de Gurdun, fitted an arrow to his bow and took aim at the King.
The arrow pierced Richard's left shoulder, and proved to be a mortal wound. While the King lay in his tent, the castle was taken, and Bertrand made a captive. Heavily ironed, he was led to the bedside of the suffering and dying monarch. Richard looked calmly into his face and said: "Youth, I forgive you my death." Then, turning to his soldiers standing by, he said: "Let him go free and give him a hundred shillings." Just think what the feelings of Bertrand de Gurdun must have been as he stood beside that death-couch. I am sure that he would be moved as he listened to Richard's gracious words, and, as they took the chains from his wrists and ankles, his hatred must have died away in his heart, and love for the one he had hated most have taken its place. He did not deserve to be treated thus, nor did he expect it, for his was the greatest of crimes — the murder of his King. Yet, when Richard uttered that one word, "forgiven," all was settled. There was peace between them.
But not only was THE PAST FORGIVEN, but he was, by Richard's order, MADE FREE IN THE PRESENT, and one hundred shillings were commanded to be given him from the King's own treasury FOR HIS FUTURE ENJOYMENT.
I have something still to tell you of Bertrand de Gurdun, but I wish to turn aside and to ask: Can you say that you are forgiven? You cannot undo the past, and all its sins have been most faithfully recorded, and they are either forgiven or else they stand against you in God's book. Which? You are passing on to the great Forever, and if you die unforgiven, where Jesus is you can never go. How fearfully solemn for you.
But all your sins can be forgiven to-day. God's word says: "Through this man (Christ Jesus) is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." (Acts 13:38-39.) You may have the joy of knowing that all the guilty past is forgiven, and that the bonds of sin are for ever broken, and that you are saved from the judgment you so richly deserve.
But all this blessing is to be had through Christ alone. Prayers are not sufficient to obtain it. Resolutions will not secure it; nothing but the death of Jesus could make it possible for God to bless the guilty thus. Then think of the wonderful love which led Him to die. He allowed men, in their wickedness, to nail Him to the Cross. He gave them no cause for this, and all this hatred and wickedness did but prove the greatness of His love, for upon the cross we hear Him praying for them: He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." In His great love He submitted to be led as a lamb to the slaughter that He might accomplish the work of redemption, and that forgiveness might be proclaimed to sinners.
If you have discovered that you are a sinner with no hope of saving yourself, turn to Him, for He is full of grace, and as Bertrand de Gurdun heard Richard's words of forgiveness, so shall you hear the pardoning voice of Jesus. He will say to you as He said to a guilty sinner long ago, "Thy sins are forgiven." (Luke 7:48.) Then all your sins which have stood between your soul and God and barred your way to heaven, will be removed and you will be able to rejoice in the fact that THE PAST IS FOR EVER SETTLED.
And He who forgives the past will break the chains of sin that bind you, and you will be SET FREE FOR THE PRESENT.
Then He opens His treasury and bids you draw upon His resources — even upon the riches of His grace, and this grace is sufficient for ALL YOUR FUTURE NEED. This grace can keep you bright and joyous down here, then in heaven, throughout eternity, you will share the wealth of the glory with all the blood-washed ones.
Let us put these three things together so that we may have a clear view of the great blessing which Jesus gives: —
THE PAST — FORGIVEN.
THE PRESENT — SET FREE.
THE FUTURE — GRACE FOR EVERY NEED.
But King Richard died.
Then Bertrand de Gurdun found out, to his dismay, that the man who had been so powerful in life had no longer any power. The King's word, which had been law as long as the life remained in his body, was altogether disregarded now that he was dead, for the soldiers of Richard took him and put him to a cruel death, so that Richard's mercy and grace were useless, because he was unable to see that his commands were carried out.
How different are those to whom the Lord shows mercy. He died, died that mercy might flow freely to sinners, — but He rose from the dead, and, as the risen one, all power has been given to Him, and what He has spoken can never be altered. If he forgives it is for ever. If He saves, none can destroy His saved ones. He Himself said: "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." (John 10:28.)
He said, speaking of His own blood-bought ones, "Where I am, there ye may be also," and no power on earth or hell can hinder the Lord Jesus from having those whom He has redeemed by His precious blood with Himself.
He takes them up in the hand of power, and places them upon His strong shoulders, and will never put them down until He gets them home. Then He will rejoice over them, and they will rejoice with Him for ever. (Luke 15)
May my dear readers be amongst the Lord's forgiven, blood-washed, and home-bound flock; and along the way fear not to speak to those around who know not this precious Saviour.
The Double Choice:
or, Salvation and Suffering.
There is a story told in Russian history, the details of which are somewhat as follows. The Czar had died suddenly, and there were two claimants of the throne. To one of these — a princess — one of the ministers of the empire went at dead of night. Announcing to her the death of the Czar, he said, "You must come at once and take possession of the crown."
The princess saw many difficulties connected with such an exalted position, and she hesitated and would have refused altogether, but the minister said, "Sit down, princess, for one minute, and consider. You MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO COURSES. You may wear the crown of all the Russias — you may reign as Empress and have the homage of the whole nation on the one hand; or you will be thrown into prison, with all its attendant horrors, and eventually be brought out to die. That is the other side of the question, and to-night your Majesty must choose between the two."
The counsellor brought the glories of one course and the suffering of the other so vividly before the mind of this Russian princess that she did not continue to hesitate.
She chose the Crown. Was she not wise? I am sure you agree that she was.
Now there is one of two destinies before every reader of this page, as there was before this princess. You must make your choice and you must do it speedily. I need not tell you that Eternity lies before you; you know it well. At the Sunday School and in the Gospel meeting this solemn fact has often been pressed upon you. You know, too, that in Eternity THERE IS HEAVEN AND THERE IS HELL. Now, consider. Which of these two destinies will you choose? Need I ask such a question? Surely no one in his senses would deliberately say, I choose hell. Yet many find themselves there for ever, not because they wanted hell, but because they delayed, and delayed, and delayed, until it was too late to choose heaven. Let me put the two sides of the question for your consideration.
1. The forgiveness of sins. Present peace and joy. HEAVEN — its crowns, and harps and song, and above all, the presence of Jesus, His love, and the light of His countenance.
2. DEATH — The judgment that your sins deserve. HELL — The gnawing worm and quenchless flame. Darkness, sorrow, and woe, for ever and for ever.
Oh! which shall be yours? Make your choice now. You will never have a better moment than the present. Your heart will grow harder as time speeds on, or you may be gone in a moment, and then all would be settled and sealed with you for ever. DECIDE AT ONCE.
You know the way to heaven. Jesus said, "I am the Way." He died upon the cross that heaven's gates might be opened wide for you; and His precious blood can make you fit for that unsullied home of light.
There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is salvation. It is to be had through the Lord Jesus Christ. Whosoever believes in Him shall be saved. If you will trust Him now YOUR NAME SHALL BE ENROLLED IN HEAVEN AMONGST THE SAVED.
"Oh, love unbounded, grace how free,
Heaven's gate still open stands for thee,
For thee, for thee,
Stands open wide for thee."
When you have chosen Christ as your Saviour, you have settled the question as to your destiny. His work secures heaven for you, and delivers you from the hell that you have deserved. This work Jesus accomplished alone, and He accomplished it perfectly; and your soul's salvation depends entirely upon Christ's work, and not upon yours at all.
But now, having made your choice for Eternity, I would ask you to choose again.
There are two classes of Christians in this world. One class are disciples indeed: they confess and follow the Lord in spite of scorn and persecution. The other class love not the path of discipleship. They seek ease, and fear to stand for Christ because of the consequences. To which of these two classes will you belong?
You may have read of Francisco Pizarro, the great Spanish soldier. We are told that, when on his way to the discovery and conquest of Peru, his soldiers got disheartened because of the great difficulties which they had to encounter. Disease and famine tried them sorely, and at length some of them talked of returning to their homes in Panama.
Pizarro would not force them to follow him, but he himself determined to press on to Peru. He stood out before his men, and drawing a line on the ground with his sword, east and west, he told them that south of that line there was suffering, disappointment, and perhaps death, but in the end there was great reward for themselves, and glory for Spain. On the north side of the line lay Panama — their homes, whole skins, and bread and ease. "CASTILLIANS ! CHOOSE AS BEFITS YOU," he cried. "I RETURN NOT BACKWARD. I STEP ACROSS THE LINE."
They watched him for one moment, then one soldier strode after him, then a second, then a third, until fourteen men stood on the south side of the line. The rest returned to their homes.
These faithful fourteen stuck to Pizarro through many hardships, until at length, with the help of others who joined him afterwards, Peru lay conquered at his feet.
Then was the time for their reward. They were amply repaid for all their suffering.
Now, what will you choose, young believer? If you have found out that the Lord Jesus Christ loved you even to death, I am sure you desire to follow and serve Him. If so, count fully the cost. It may mean suffering and loss in this world, for the disciple is not above his Lord, and if Jesus was despised and rejected of men, you must not be surprised if this world scoffs at those who confess Him.
But in the midst of trial and scorn you will be sustained by the love and grace of the Lord Jesus, and your faithfulness will bring great reward to you, and glory to His peerless name. "IT IS A FAITHFUL SAYING … if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." (2 Tim. 2:12.)
We delight to speak well of those we love, and if Jesus' precious love has touched our hearts, then we must love Him.
You would not join hands with those who spoke evil of your father, or mother, or brother; instead, you would want to defend them, and prove that what was said was untrue. Now in the school and the office and shop, there are those who hate the Lord Jesus and speak evil of Him. Christian boys, join not with them, but by your ways and words exalt the One Who has loved you and given Himself for you. This is your blessed privilege now; you will not have it in eternity. If you miss it now, you will have missed it for ever. Oh! then step across the line. Decide not only to have heaven at last, but to follow the Lord Jesus now, and, be sure of this, you will not be the loser. The crown of glory, the harp of gold, and the palm of victory await the disciple, and, above all, the smile and the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. May His love and grace enable each young reader to trust and to follow Him.
Set Free:
or, The Emancipation Act.
The 7th of August, 1833, was a great day for the negroes in the British West Indian Islands, for on that day a bill passed through the House of Commons, declaring that all slavery in British dominions must cease. The lash, the iron collar, the bitter tyranny were things of the past — the slaves were free.
By the proclamation which followed, 311,050 slaves in Jamaica alone were delivered from the bondage into which they had been born. Ever since Las Casas, the Spaniard, nearly four centuries ago suggested that Africans should be shipped from their native land to work in the West Indian plantations, they had endured this bondage. Its curse was upon them at birth; they lived and toiled without the light of liberty, and died as they had lived — in slavery, and if at any time any one of them sought to escape their cruel bondage by flight, they were hunted down by fierce bloodhounds and their latter end was worse than the first.
But on the morning of the emancipation day they were free, and now Britons boast that slaves cannot breathe upon British soil, and in one sense of the word this is true, for Anglo-Saxons love liberty, and are generally ready to help the oppressed. Yet there is a slavery in which millions, on British soil as well as on foreign shores, are held, which is infinitely worse than that in which the West Indian slaves were found. Satan holds his slaves in the chains of sin; and young and old, rich and poor, black and white, are driven to their toil by him, for every soul that does not belong to Christ, is Satan's slave.
Satan is a hard task-master; never did negro smart beneath the cruel lash as some of Satan's serfs are made to smart, and his object is not only to hold them in bondage while they live, but to plunge their souls into destruction when they die.
Thank God, there is deliverance from this bondage; full emancipation is offered to whosoever will take it. The writer has got this deliverance, and can praise God for it; and if the reader is still a stranger to it, we earnestly commend to you the Saviour: He can set you free to-day.
William Wilberforce championed the cause of the Negro Slaves; he was an earnest Christian man, and his heart had been touched by the story of their sufferings. He determined to devote his life to their emancipation, and for over forty years he laboured with this in view. Ten times in Parliament his motions were defeated; but, with the help of devoted men like Clarkson and Fowell Buxton, he persevered, until at length success crowned his efforts, and just before he died he had the joy of knowing that the English Parliament had voted £20,000,000 to be paid to the slave-owners, in order that all slaves might be set at liberty, though he died just one month before the Act came into force.
£20,000,000 was a Great Price to pay, yet the English Government gave it freely; but not by such a price could sinners be delivered. All the gold of Klondyke and California would have been too small a price to ransom one sinner — it required nothing less than the precious blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Freely from heaven Jesus came in order to pay this price, that sinners might be delivered, and now as the risen Saviour He can send out the proclamation of rest and liberty to all.
There was great joy amongst the Slaves when the glad news reached them. We are told that when the ship bearing the news hove in sight of land, the shore was lined with thousands filled with great excitement, for they knew not whether the ship brought good tidings or bad; but when through the trumpet that grand word, "freedom" rang out, an indescribable and never-to-be-forgotten scene took place — men and women shouted and danced in their joy, and gladness beamed from every countenance. I remember, when in Jamaica, meeting an old negro who had often felt the lash during the days of slavery, and he told me that he well remembered the day when the news reached them; they had longed, and hoped, and prayed for freedom, and when it was really theirs it seemed too good to be true. But true it was; by the law of the British realm they were free, and none could take their liberty from them.
Shall freedom from slavery be your happy portion, my reader, whether young or old? It may be, if you will have it. In distant days they cried, "Shall the lawful captive be delivered?" To-day we can reply: "Yes, for Jesus has paid the price of their ransom, and delights to set them free."
But many love the service of sin, and refuse the liberty which the gospel message proclaims; they are deceived, and do not know their danger. The devil has bewitched them by the vain things of this world, so that they do not feel the weight of sin's yoke, nor long for the sweetness of God's salvation. They refuse God's free gift, and forget the while that sin's bitter wages await them. "THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH," and after this comes the judgment. Hell, with all its terrors, lies at the end of a sinful and salvation-rejecting life.
Be not like to these, my readers; think of what it cost Jesus the Saviour to procure deliverance for you. His own precious blood was the price. Think of heaven and hell, in one or other you must be for ever; and think also of the difference between the misery of Satan's service here and the happy freedom and joy of belonging to Christ. Turn to Him now; He will receive you, and cleanse away your sins, and fill your heart with joy. Then you will delight in His service, and be able to say —
"I could not work my soul to save,
But Christ that work has done,
Yet I would work like any slave;
In love to God's dear Son."
Unsatisfied and Unsaved
or, The Disappointed Monarch.
On the 28th of September, 1556, there was an unusual stir in the small seaport town of Laredo, on the coast of Spain. A fleet of ships had cast anchor in the harbour, and in one of these — the "Espirito Sancto" — was no less a person than Charles V., Emperor of Germany. He had abdicated his throne and was on his way to the Convent of Yuste, there to spend the rest of his days.
When he was but nineteen years old his grandfather, Maximilian, had died, and he was raised to Imperial dignity. King of Spain and Emperor of Germany, he was the most wealthy and powerful monarch in Europe, and, surely, if man could have been satisfied with this world, Charles V. ought to have been. He had been a very ambitious man, and in the early part of his career he had been singularly successful, but his later schemes of conquest had failed, and he had been bitterly disappointed, and now with an aching and empty heart at the age of fifty-five, he was leaving the world and its glory behind in the hope of finding solace and salvation in the seclusion of a monastery. As he stepped from the ship to the shore, with cast-down and care-worn countenance, he eloquently though silently proclaimed the fact that
The world — big as it seems in the eyes of men — is too small to fill the heart.
Yet Charles V. might have been a happy man, for he had listened to the gospel, and had he only turned to Jesus, the sinner's Saviour, he might have been blest with heaven's best blessings, as also may you if only you will turn to Him.
It was Charles who presided at the famous Diet of Worms, when Martin Luther so fearlessly proclaimed, in the presence of so many enemies, the truth of salvation by faith alone; but he rejected the testimony of this champion for the truth, and afterwards was heard to say that he wished he had violated the safe-conduct which he had given to Luther and slain him while he had him in his power.
But having failed to find satisfaction for his heart for fifty-five years in the world, he spent eighteen months in a monastery seeking salvation for his soul; but, alas, we fear he sought it by works instead of through Christ alone, and you will remember the scripture says: "To him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5.)
It was about this time that he ordered that great artist, Titian, to paint a picture of himself kneeling at the gate of heaven; evidently, he wanted to get inside the gate, but that gate is closed to everyone, whether emperor or beggar, who seeks to gain admittance on the ground of works. But, thank God, on the other hand, the gate of heaven is open wide to whosoever will seek admission through the work of Christ.
I hope my reader will not make the mistake of thinking that what he has done will obtain a place in heaven for him — if that is so, you are deceived — the work which Christ accomplished on Calvary can alone save you. His precious blood alone can cleanse away your sins and give you a title to heaven.
Queen Elizabeth, who began to reign over England shortly after the death of Charles, had learnt something of the worthlessness of works as a means of salvation. Proud monarch though she had been in her lifetime, when she came to die her pride left her and she became sorely troubled about the future. It is recorded that she sent for the Archbishop of Canterbury to minister some comfort to her. He said: "Madam, you ought to hope in the mercy of God; your piety and zeal, and the admirable work of the Reformation which you have established afford great grounds of consolation for you."
But the queen could not be thus deceived. She replied: "My lord, the crown which I have borne so long has given enough of vanity in my time; I beseech you not to augment it in this hour when I am so near death."
Yes, it is true that in God's sight there is "no difference," all must be saved in the same way, for "all have sinned," and nothing but the Blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse the sinner.
Well would it have been for Charles had he learnt what Queen Elizabeth did; he would then have turned from his penance, his religious observances and dead works to the only Saviour of sinners.
For eighteen months he was seeking to make preparation for eternity, and at length he felt he was really going to die. Then he desired, for the good of his own soul, he said, to perform his own funeral. In the midst of a gorgeous scene, with robed monks and curling incense and beautiful flowers, he delivered up a lighted taper to his confessor, meaning to imply that he was yielding up his life. Then the monks chanted the funeral service over him. Afterwards he was conducted to his apartments, where a few days afterwards he died, holding in his hand a lighted taper and a crucifix. What poor things to lean upon in the hour of death, and how dark must the passage into eternity be for those who have no other than natural light. Many now-a-days might say, What an absurd and superstitious man Charles must have been; and yet these same people hope that the light of their reason, their charitable doings or good feelings will illuminate the darkness of death for them, and they are alike deceived. None but the One who was once dead but is now alive for evermore can drive the darkness from the valley of death; by Him alone has death been robbed of its sting, and the grave of its victory.
What a happy thing, then, it is to have this blessed Saviour, even Jesus, as our Saviour; to know that His love can satisfy the heart, and that His Blood can cleanse the soul from sin, and that what He has done secures heaven for ever for all those who trust in Him.
Then do not forget, dear reader: kings and paupers, old and young, rich and poor, must all be saved through Christ alone, or be lost in hell for ever without Him. See to it that you trust Him, and that just now.
Haul down the Flag.
The Fashoda Incident.
Lord Kitchener's brilliant victory over the Khalifa at Omdurman in the month of October, 1898, will not yet be forgotten, and it will also be remembered that, after crushing this great tyrant's power, he sailed up the Nile to Fashoda, to place there the flag of the country under which he served.
On arriving at Fashoda he found the place already occupied. Marchand was there before him to dispute his right to the place, and the tricolour of France floated from a tall mast near the river's bank.
It is evident that both flags could not fly there at once. If Kitchener was to unfurl the British and Egyptian standards then Marchand must haul down the French flag. The place could not be held by two powers.
Now I am sure that most English lads were interested in what is known as the Fashoda incident, and I want to use it as an illustration. Your heart is the Fashoda, and there is One who claims the right to fill it. His name is Jesus. He wants to gain your love, He wants to gain your whole heart for Himself, and while you read this paper we claim it for Him.
Alas! we often find the hearts of boys as well as grown-up people already filled. The banner of the world has been raised over the citadel, and a legion of things have taken possession to resist the claims of the Lord Jesus Christ.
During the Reign of Queen Mary England lost the town of Calais, her last remaining possession in France. This so preyed upon the Queen's mind that she said if they opened her breast after her death they would find the word "Calais" written upon her heart. Evidently Queen Mary's heart was set on Calais.
I wonder what is written upon the heart of my young reader. Is it pleasure, fame, or love of self? If these things are filling your heart, we fear there is no room for Jesus there, and He is the only one who has a right to be there.
Now we do not want to be misunderstood. We love to see boys happy and successful. We have no sympathy with long-faced and dolorous Christianity. We shall be glad to hear that you have passed your examinations well, or that you are getting on in your profession. We like to see boys able to handle the bat and kick the ball, for everything that you do ought to be done heartily. But if your heart is set upon any of these things to the exclusion of the Saviour, they will surely bring about your ruin.
The devil does not care what he fills men's hearts with if only he can keep Christ out. He has sin, pleasure, fame, wealth and fashion. These are the "Marchands" with which he garrisons the sinners' hearts to resist the claims of Christ, and over thousands, nay millions, his flag, the tricolour of the world, the flesh and the devil, waves.
Oh! boys, if you are not yet saved, will you bow to Jesus now? HAUL DOWN THE FLAG, submit to the Saviour. He alone can give you lasting joy. Everything else must miserably fail.
Just before Cardinal Wolsey died, he said: "If I had served my God as I have served my king, He would not, in my old age, have cast me off." Ah! but that is like the world and the devil: for a few years a man may have the desire of his heart, but then, if he gains all that he desires, and loses his soul for ever, what will it profit him?
This did Wolsey; he wanted power, his heart was set upon it, and he got his desire, but lost his soul. Beware of this then, let not the world fascinate you as it has done some, but —
"Swing your heart's door widely open —
Bid Jesus enter while you may."
If you do it you shall be eternally blest.
Jesus can give you peace and liberty. If you have felt the bitterness of sin, Jesus can deliver you from its bondage. He can do this because He is the Victor.
Lord Kitchener carried freedom to the oppressed because he had crushed the great tyrant's power. He carried peace because he had gained the victory; and it is for this self-same reason that Jesus can deliver you.
Think of the love that filled His heart and brought Him down from heaven to take up your cause. He came to deliver the devil's captives, to take the prey from the mighty one, and He can do this because He has completely overcome him. He has been into the battle and has gained the mighty victory. He is a living and all-powerful Saviour, and none who trust in Him shall ever perish.
Then won't you trust Him now? He can settle every question that troubles you. If your sins make you miserable — His blood cleanses from all sin. If it is judgment to come that you fear — He bore the judgment for all who believe in Him, and they shall not come into condemnation, but have passed from death to life.
* * * * * *
For all who refuse to bow to Jesus now, there is a terrible future. He is Lord of all, and God has decreed that all shall acknowledge Him as Lord, if not now when they may be saved, then in eternity when there will be no mercy.
Marchand hauled down the Flag that had floated so proudly over Fashoda. Time was given to the French to consider whether they would do so or not, and they wisely decided to yield up the place to the conqueror of the Khalifa.
So the Lord has lingered for years over some of my readers. Will you not yield now? The Lord must triumph eventually, and terrible indeed it will be for you if it is in the day of judgment.
There was once an emperor of Rome named Julian. He persecuted Christians and sought to stamp out the name of Christ from the earth. He used to speak of Him contemptuously as "the Galilean." It is said that at the close of his wicked life when he felt himself to be dying, he cried out, "Oh! Galilean, thou hast conquered!" and so all must confess. May you do it now, my dear reader, then salvation and eternal heaven, present peace, and lasting joy, will be your portion.
Even to Death;
or, Durosier's Devotion.
In the army of the Emperor Napoleon Buonaparte there was a young officer named Durosier: he was greatly attached to his leader, and always prepared to run any risk in order to serve him: often had he endangered his life in carrying out Napoleon's commands; and the only reward he sought was the approval of his master.
It happened at a very critical part of a great battle that Napoleon wished to send a despatch to a divisional general, who was hotly engaged with the enemy. The result of the battle would probably depend upon the safe delivery of the despatch, and Napoleon wanted a man in whom he could trust. He called for a volunteer, and Durosier at once offered himself for the important task.
"Spare neither yourself nor your horse, and come back at once," was the Emperor's command, as the young soldier put spurs to his horse and galloped off on his perilous ride. He was seen by the enemy and their fire was turned upon him; but on he went through a veritable hail of bullets, and safely delivered Napoleon's message to the general.
Back again he started, and in fifteen minutes' time was at the Emperor's side again.
"You have done well," said Napoleon; "I give you the rank of captain, and attach you to my person."
"Thank you, sir, but it is too late; they have shot me," replied the gallant young soldier; and opening his coat he displayed a blood stain and fell back dead.
That was a wonderful act of devotion and bravery, and when I first read of it my thoughts reverted to another act of devotion which shall never be forgotten throughout Eternity.
You may not have heard that God in heaven desired to send a message — a wonderful message of love into this world; or, perhaps, you have often heard the story and it has never really interested you yet. If so, I pray you give heed to it to-day, for it greatly concerns you.
God not only loved the world, but He wanted the world to know it; and whom, think you, did He choose to send into this world with this wondrous despatch? There was only one person who could be trusted with such an important mission, and that person was Jesus, God's beloved Son. And Jesus offered to go, for we read, He said: "Lo! I come to do Thy will, O God." He knew well what it would cost Him when He started — even His own precious blood: but come He would, that He might bring God's great love down to sinners.
Has it ever struck you, my young reader, that God loves you, and that He wants you to know it? You are far from Him if you have not yet trusted in Jesus. You are a sinner, and in danger of perishing in hell-fire for ever, but from this God longs to save you; He wants to bring you to Himself and have you in His bright home for evermore. He wants to bless you with heaven's best blessings, and, that this might be, Jesus came down from the skies.
But Jesus had to die.
Our sins deserved unmitigated wrath, and the strong foes had to be destroyed, and Jesus both bore the wrath and closed in conflict with the foes. All Satan's power was put forth to withstand Him, and all God's righteous judgment poured upon Him, but He went through it all that He might prove God's love to us. He has done it, He has delivered the blessed despatch safely. He has accomplished His work, but it cost Him His precious life. His blood flowed, but that flowing blood was the seal of God's great love. "God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8.) And now the Glad Tidings can be proclaimed to sinners everywhere: God loves them; His home is open to them; "Whosoever will may be saved."
Napoleon could not honour Durosier for his devotion, but God has highly exalted His beloved Son, He has put the brightest crowns of heaven upon His worthy brow, and decreed that all shall bow to Him, and every ransomed soul — all who have received the message of God's love delight to cry —
"Worthy, O Son of God art Thou,
That every knee to Thee should bow."
But in vain, as far as you are concerned, will have been this wonderful proof of God's love, unless you trust in Jesus. God offers salvation to you through Him, but if you reject it nothing but the judgment awaits you. "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36.)
We would beseech of you then to trust in this Saviour, and thank God for His great love in sending Him down to die for you.
When saved you belong to Christ.
He who saved you is your Lord, and it will be your happy privilege to serve Him; and as His Father sent Him into the world even so will He send you, that along with other christians you may show forth in this world what He is. I can understand my young Christian reader saying: Well, I should like to serve Him; He loved me and gave Himself for me, and to serve Him would give me deepest joy. If you have such a desire He will help you, and you have no need to be afraid of the consequences.
Durosier did not fear the foe, he only desired to please Napoleon, and yet he got nothing but death for his devotion; for Napoleon's rewards were only of value to those who lived to enjoy them. How different it is with those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ. They may be despised and scorned, and even slain for Christ's sake, as many have been. You have read many a time no doubt of the devoted martyrs who sealed their love to Christ by their own blood — shall not they have their reward? Indeed they shall.
They suffered here, but with Him they shall reign. They were cruelly slain by Satan's slaves in this world, but the One whose love made them willing thus to suffer has folded them to His heart, and, on the crowning day that is coming soon, all the world will behold them receiving from the pierced hand of their Saviour a starry diadem. And if you confess Him you shall receive the crown: He will say, "Well done." He will attach you then to Himself and make you reign with Him before all the universe.
Don't shrink from the pathway of devotion to Christ; He is with you to enable you to stand. He has said: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee;" so that you may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man shall do to me."
In your own strength you can only fail, but if you are truly dependent upon Him, through Him you will be more than a conqueror.