IT HAPPENED in Japan years ago. A group of Japanese school boys were gathered in a corner of the school yard, under the shadows of the heathen temple to which the school belonged. Something unpleasant was in the air, and the older boys were holding a council of war.
“He’s got to clear out,” demanded one of the leaders in a rough voice.
“Who’s got to clear out?” asked another.
“Why, that new fellow over there. I’ve just found out he’s a Christian. His father has a house near ours. They only came about a month ago.”
“I wonder why he comes here if he’s a Christian,” remarked another boy.
“Well, there’s no other school for him to go to, I suppose. Anyway,” added the leader, fiercely, “He’s got to go.”
“Why not report him to the teacher at once?” suggested one of the younger boys.
“Pooh! That shows how much you know about it,” remarked the older boy. “The government has allowed the Christians’ religion, and they can come and go and do what they like.”
The boys tried to think of some way that they could corner the new boy and have him banished, but in vain. Then a few days later it was noised abroad that the new scholar had been reported to the teacher on a charge of “Black Magic.”
The boys trooped into school that afternoon in high glee to witness the trial. The teacher’s face was stern, for the charge was a grave one. He was not a little surprised that the new boy who was quiet and well-mannered, should be the accused; however, he resolved to judge the matter at once in public and give the defendant the chance of clearing himself. When the whole school had assembled he accordingly called him up to the front.
All unsuspecting, the boy obeyed. Then as he stood before him, the teacher told the school of the charge which had been made against him — the serious charge of using the arts of Black Magic in the form of curious incantations and signs made over food at mealtime. These had excited suspicions and such conduct was entirely forbidden in that school.
“Now,” said the teacher, “what answer have you to make to these charges?”
For a moment an awful silence reigned, and even some of the conspirators were surprised to find themselves actually wishing they had not made it quite so “hot” for their poor school-fellow. But, conscious of his innocence, the boy met his master’s gaze fearlessly. For a few minutes he had been entirely surprised and perplexed.
“Black Magic?” He, a Christian, accused of Black Magic! He knew his companions for the most part did not like him, though he had tried to be friendly, but he had never dreamed they would carry their dislike so far. What ground could he have given them for this charge?
Then suddenly a light broke upon him — the mystery was solved. How foolish he had been not to think of it at once! Eagerly he broke the silence: “Please, sir, I’ve never used ‘Black Magic’ or anything of that sort in my life, but I think I know now what has led to my being accused of it. I’m a Christian, sir,” Continued the boy, drawing himself up bravely, “and we always thank God, before and after our meals, for His goodness in supplying our food. We always close our eyes and say a few words of thanks and praise to Him. I suppose the boys noticed me at lunchtime. That’s all I can think of, sir.”
The boy had hardly made his brave confession when the teacher sat down and buried his face in his hands. The boys held their breath in astonishment. What was the meaning of such conduct?
It was only for a moment, hover; the teacher was on his feet again, his face pale with intense emotion, but a new light shone in his eyes.
“My boy,” he said, “you have cleared yourself of all blame. You have been guilty of no sin. This accusation is utterly unfounded. Wait a minute,” he added, seeing that the boy was about to go back to his seat, “There is something more I have to say to the whole school, and I should like to have you beside me.”
Then with his hand on the boy’s shoulder, the teacher continued: “Boys, there is something I wish to tell you that will, no doubt, come as a great surprise to you all. I too am a Christian. Some years ago, bore I came here, I learned to know and trust the same great God and Saviour as this boy. But I now confess with shame and sorrow that here in this place I have been afraid to own it. I knew that as a Christian I should not be given the job of teacher in this school, and so I hid my true colors. The brave confession of faith which this boy has made has opened my eyes to my sinful failure. I know that now I can no longer remain here as your teacher, but I pray that I may never again be tempted to disown the Lord Jesus Christ, cost what it may.”
As expected, the teacher had soon to look for employment elsewhere, but he was not long in getting a situation in a Christian school. He never forgot the lesson learned that memorable day, nor the sight of that solitary little Christian standing fearlessly in the midst of his heathen companions. He has learned that the same power that kept that dear boy true and brave could keep him in the hours of temptation and trial.
ML-07/20/1969