(For the Lord’s Little Ones.)
WHEN the writer was a boy, and his education was nearly finished, his master informed him and his schoolfellows that the lady to whose benevolence the school owed its rise and continuance had determined to have a public examination, and that three prizes would be given to those who had made the most proficiency in their studies. Anxious to acquit themselves in a creditable manner, the boys soon began to prepare for the occasion; and as their master was equally anxious that they should be a credit to him, he spared no pains in explaining to them the things that were hard to understand and difficult to comprehend. And as the time for preparation was short, and fearing that the books and catechisms through which they had already been had slipped their memories, he wished the boys to devote a part of their play-hour at dinner-time to looking over them, that they might be perfect therein.
For a few days, most of them carried out his wish; but as there was no positive command about the matter, those who liked play better than study became tired of the confinement, and returned to the pursuit of their favorite games; others, who thought it a waste of time to go through the same books again, shortly followed their example; and, ere long, the writer was often the only one who cared to do as all had been desired.
The master sometimes wrote in the schoolroom after dinner, and finding him thus alone on one occasion, he encouraged him to persevere, saying it would give him great pleasure to see him secure a prize, and that he should be disappointed in him if he did not carry off the head one. Thus encouraged, he went on from day to day, and though he had to bear much from his schoolfellows, some of whom laughed at, while others annoyed him, he allowed neither their laughter nor their insults to divert him from his purpose.
The day of examination at length arrived, and many parents and friends, as well as a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen who had been specially invited for the occasion, assembled to witness it. It had been arranged that the boys should be examined in classes, standing, and that those who could not answer the questions put to them should sit down immediately. The lady’s chaplain was the examiner, and so severely did he question the scholars, that not a few broke down at the outset; others soon did the same, and, in a short time, all but three had taken their seats. The questioning and cross-questioning then became more severe and puzzling, and many were the commendations which their quick replies elicited; but, eventually, two out of the three rivals were silenced, and the writer was standing alone. After the lapse of a few moments, he was called up to receive the chief prize. It was a large Bible, and as the chaplain presented it, he said, “I have much pleasure in awarding you this sacred volume, and I wish it may be the means of making you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” — a wish which, through grace, has long since been realized. The prize was received with a blushing, yet animated countenance. The patroness of the school kindly patted the winner on the head, and hoped his reward would stimulate him to increased diligence; several of her visitors congratulated him on his success; the smile that played on the features of the master showed that he was satisfied; and as the writer returned to his place, his heart glowed with joy, and his happiness was complete. After the distribution of the remaining prizes, and a short address, the boys were dismissed, to spend the rest of the day as a general holiday.
Now, dear young Christian readers, while you know, from the word of God, that salvation is wholly of grace, and that “the blood of the Lamb” will be your only title to heaven, you may-not so clearly understand that so far as the rewards of grace are concerned, there is a close connection between the character of your sowing here, and your reaping hereafter. Nevertheless it is so: and the writer presses upon you the serious fact that as he and his schoolfellows were examined that it might be known what sort of scholars they were, etc., so there is a day coming when “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Should not this solemn truth speak loudly to any Christian readers who are not what they once were? There was a time when you bowed at once to the plain teaching of the word of God; but, alas! is it so now? Like “the Church of Ephesus,” have you left your “first love,” and ceased to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?” Do you now smile at what some call the fanaticism of those whose self-denying walk and ways condemn your own self-indulgent course? Oh, if it be thus with you, what a change for the worse has taken place; and should you still continue to decline, who can calculate either your present or future loss? The joy of salvation unknown, and fellowship “with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ,” not realized, sorrow and self-reproach for having preferred the ease of the flesh, to the will of God will be your portion here; and when Christ comes, like many of my schoolfellows who blushed before the examiner, what can you expect but to be “ashamed before him,” and to suffer loss with those whose works are burned up?
But to you, young Christian friends, who still desire earnestly to please God, the writer would say, Suffer neither the sarcasms nor the opposition of any to hinder you from following the Lord fully, but continue to cleave to him with full purpose of heart. Notwithstanding all your weakness, it is possible for you to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,” and to “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Should the Lord tarry, and your lives be lengthened, you will have many opportunities of glorifying “God in your body, and in your spirit,” which others, converted later in life, can scarcely hope for; and if you make Christ, and not your service, your only object, and, as constrained by his love, live to and for him alone, you will in the power of the Spirit “bring forth fruit unto God,” realize his presence, and have the smile of his approval here; and, if you continue faithful, be rewarded in the day of his appearing. Yes; Christ will recompense the very works which his own grace gave you the power to accomplish; and the brighter the crowns then received from his once pierced hand, the greater will be your delight, and the deeper your joy in casting them at his feet, and owning that to him alone belongs all the praise.
N.