Teddys Button | Page 9

and his eyes lit up with a great
resolve.
'I'll enlist at once, sir. I'll be one of God's soldiers now.'
'How are you going to do it?'
'I don't know. Tell me, please.'
There was silence. Mr. Upton met the child's earnest, upward gaze with

awe, as he realised how much hung on his words. He had a firm belief
in children being able to lead a consistent Christian life. He knew the
Master would accept a child's heart, and guide and keep the frail and
helpless steps on the way heavenward. And with a swift prayer for
guidance he spoke.
'You must tell God about it yourself, and don't be in a hurry. Kneel
down quietly by yourself somewhere, and first of all ask that the Holy
Spirit may guide you, that your sins may be blotted out, and your name
written in the Book of Life, for the sake of Jesus who died for you.
Then tell God you want Him to enlist you, and give yourself right up to
Him for now and for all eternity.'
Mr. Upton spoke slowly and emphatically; he knew he often preached
above the heads of his little hearers, and he strove to speak in simple
language now.
Teddy remained very silent; then he said, 'And if I enlist, shall I have to
be God's soldier for ever and ever, till I'm an old man of a hundred,
with white hair and no teeth?'
'Would you rather be one of the devil's soldiers?'
'No.'
'You are quite right to think it over. I would rather you did not decide
too hastily. Go home and think it out. And come and tell me when you
have decided.'
The boy's white brow was crumpled with anxious creases.
'I should like to be one of God's soldiers, but who shall I have to fight?
Any real enemies, or only make believe?'
'I will tell you about your enemies after you have enlisted. I can show
you one very real one that is your worst enemy.'
'Can you? A real live one?'

'A real live one.'
Teddy smiled contentedly.
'Now,' added Mr. Upton, 'I am going to send you home. If you enlist,
the first person you will have to hold up your banner to is that little girl
whom you said you hated. Before you go I want to pray for you. Kneel
down with me.'
The evening sunshine streamed in through the open window, and
alighting on the white hair of the minister and the boy's fair curls, as
they knelt together, bathed them in a golden glory. With closed eyes
and folded hands Teddy listened to Mr. Upton's prayer,--
'Loving Father, another lamb I bring to Thee. Guide him in his decision,
and if he enters Thy fold, use him and bless him through all eternity.
Grant that he may fight a good fight, and be crowned with glory
hereafter. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.'
An hour later, and Teddy was seated by his mother's side in the old
porch. His grandmother and uncle had gone to evening church, and Mrs.
John was left with her boy alone.
He had been telling her the substance of his conversation with the
rector, and now curled up on the low wooden seat, his small legs
crossed underneath him, he was gazing dreamily out into the
sweet-scented garden. The bees were droning, and the gnats humming
amongst the tall hollyhocks and crimson and white roses close by; the
birds were already twittering their last 'good-nights' to one another, and
a soft, peaceful spell seemed to be falling on all around.
'I feel,' he said presently, as he gazed up into the still blue sky, 'as if
God is waiting for me, mother.'
Mrs. John did not answer. He added quickly, 'When did you enlist,
mother; long, long ago?'
'Yes, darling, just before I married your father.'

'And when did father enlist? When he was a little boy like me?'
'Not till he was a grown man, sonny. He often used to say he wished he
had given his heart to God when he was younger.'
'I suppose God will take little soldiers? Do you think I shall be the
youngest He has?'
'No, darling; He has many brave little soldiers younger than you.'
Another long silence, then a deep-drawn sigh from Teddy.
'I feel I have very big thoughts to-night, mother, and I get so crowded
thinking. Will you read to me before I go to bed?'
Mrs. John pressed her lips on the curly head so near her.
'My boy, I am so glad for you to have these thoughts. Mother has often
prayed that you may be one of Christ's little soldiers and servants. Now
what shall I read?'
'Read me about the three men and