not march to meet the foe
with such a banner dyed red with the life-blood of their Captain, the Son
of God, the Saviour of the world?'

Teddy drew a long breath, and when the rector paused, he cried
enthusiastically, 'Please go on, sir. I like to hear it. Will God let me
hold up the banner for Him?'

'If you have enlisted in His service. Are you one of His soldiers?'

'I don't know.'

'God always wants each of us to present ourselves to Him, if we want to
enlist in His army. Have you done that? There must come a time in our
lives when we yield ourselves wholly and unreservedly to the one who is
our rightful owner. Why, my boy, do you believe that Jesus died upon the
cross to save you? Did He bear your sins for you there?'

'Yes,' said Teddy, fixing his blue eyes earnestly on the rector, 'I
really believe He did, for mother has often explained it to me.'

'Then how dare you stand aloof from His army? How is it that you have
never enlisted? Are you marching along in the enemy's ranks?'

Teddy's small hands were clenched, 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.