IF our kind editor can spare me the space I should like to tell my younger readers a very simple story.
Some years ago passing through a little Scottish town not far from the Moray Firth, we turned aside to visit the “auld kirk.” I suppose it must have been Monday morning, for we found the caretaker busy with her duties. Seeing that we seemed a little interested, she volunteered to show us over the building, and told us much of, the history connected with it. When we came outside she said, “Now you must see the graves of the Covenanters,” and she led us to the hallowed spot in the kirkyard where sleep, I think, ten of those who had sealed their testimony with their blood. Then she began to speak of the negotiations, which were pending, for reunion among the Scottish churches, and asked me “What do you think about it?
“I am not sure that I know enough to give an opinion,” I answered, “I would rather hear what you think.”
Swift and decisive her answer came, “Should they give up what their fathers died for?” “No,” I said, “they should not,” and with that she was satisfied.
Today I want to pass that question on to you. You have an open Bible; you have access to God through the one Mediator. Jesus Christ the Righteous; you assemble freely to remember the Lord, to hear His Word, to praise and pray. You do it openly by daylight, not secretly after nightfall, fearing all the time lest soldiers lurk outside, to deliver to prison and death those who have been within.
Do you realize that countless saints of God have suffered imprisonment and torture even unto death that you may have such wonderful light and freedom? Have you never read of the Catacombs at Rome? of the fires of Smithfield? of the Dragonnades in France? of the Inquisition in Spain? yea, of an unnumbered multitude of martyrs who counted not their lives dear unto them?
I will speak of later times. You look for the Lord from heaven; you have heard that the Church is a heavenly stranger in this world, her home in heaven with Christ her Lord, who loved the church and gave Himself for it, and who awaits the moment when He shall present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
Do you know that many of those from whom these truths came to us suffered shame and persecution and the loss of all that makes life dear?
We who are nearing the end of the journey received the light of truth through them; we have sought to pass it on to you uncorrupted, we only wish we could have done it with far more urgency and power. Now we appeal to you, and we solemnly charge you to take the torch, bear it high, and carry it far.
You have perhaps been brought up in the sweet circle where all these precious truths are enjoyed and taught. You have always heard them and they have never meant very much to you. Not so did these, of whom I write, conceive their Christian calling. Their eyes had looked upon Him who though He was rich yet for their sakes had become poor; upon Him who had been despised and rejected of men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, who alone had borne the cross, alone its grief sustained, who had gone down alone into those depths of woe that He might raise them to inherit the heights of glory with Him. His mighty love had made their hearts its willing captives, constraining them to live not unto themselves but unto Him who died for them, and rose again, and if need be gladly to die for His Name.
It is of course very comforting to believe that you will go to heaven when you die, and to know that God hears your prayers and helps you in your daily life, but if this is all with you, let me beseech you to turn to the Lord about these things, to seek Him earnestly until like Jeremiah the fire burns in your own soul, or like Isaiah the live coal from off the altar touches your lips. He can do this for you and He alone.
It is true we look for the Lord, indeed, we expect Him very soon; but should He in His wisdom delay a little while yet, make no mistake about it, perilous days will come, more dark and difficult than any that have been. The foes today are of a more subtle sort and half measures will not defeat them.
Beloved young saints, you have a great opportunity, the Lord grant you may not be found wanting!
L.R.