Let us have half-an-hour’s talk together, boys. Let us be thankful that we have a covert from the storm that rages without, and more thankful still, for a shelter from “the wrath to come.”
“You all profess to be saved I hear. Are you all truly converted?”
A look along the semi-circle of ten bright boys—then a hearty “Yes, sir, all saved.”
“Praise the Lord for that. It’s truly grand to be saved in the golden days of youth; to be openly and boldly on the Lord’s side; witnesses, walkers, workers, and warriors in the kingdom of God.
I know a number of converted schoolboys, and some of their trials and triumphs too. No doubt some of you find it pretty hard lines to be at school, surrounded by unconverted schoolmates, with temptations on every side. I know well what it means, but what I want to put before you is, that the Lord is stronger than all your foes, and able to keep you happy and whole-hearted for Him, even at school.
In the face of all this, do you think there is any fear of you being overcome? Not one bit, as long as you trust in Christ and cleave to Him. He will not fail you, He will riot forsake you. You may count upon Him giving you the victory.
But mind, this is not to make you self-confident or careless. If you put yourself foolishly into the way of temptation, or mix up with ungodly company, He has not promised to keep you then.
Never try how near you can walk to sin, or how far you can go with those who serve the devil. Give them a wide berth. Stand out clear for Christ. Confess Him as your Lord everywhere, and always. Never shrink from openly confessing His name. Never shirk the Cross. The truly happy Christian boy is the out-and-out disciple of Christ.
“Kept by the power of God,” is a text for you for every day. Hang it up beside your bed; have a look at it every morning as you go out for the day. Think of it during its busy hours, and lie down on it as your pillow at night, singing praise to God.
ML 05/24/1936