Harry: A True Story for Boys.
HARRY was a stirring lad, with a strong will of his own, but he got a red New Testament for regular attendance at Sunday school. Still he was a restless fellow, full of tricks, but he was very straightforward, and hated hypocrisy.
I hope you do so too. He caused no small care to his teacher, but she had faith in the seed she was sowing, ―even the Word of God, ―that it would take root some day. The summer treat had been announced, to the great joy of all, as you may suppose, and Harry in particular. He was always talking of it. But the weather had been very wet, so a neighbor said he might be disappointed. To this he replied, “No, for Mr. D― (the superintendent) prayed for a fine day, and he was sure of it.” Dear Harry! God honored his simple trust; it was a day without a cloud, ―the best of the whole season.
Summer gave place to autumn, and our young friend was run over by a van, and his leg sorely injured, so he had to be taken to the Royal Infirmary. He bore up manfully; he was a plucky fellow. Some lads would have got low spirited over it, but not he. His teacher felt glad when she saw him lying in his crib reading his little red Testament. There is mighty help in the Scriptures. You try dem. Harry recovered, but greater suffering was in store for him. Nobody likes to suffer, especially boys who like best to romp about.
In the succeeding spring God graciously wrought, by His Holy Spirit, amongst the children. Week after week found anxious seekers, and willing workers, earnestly speaking about the things of God. Both girls and boys confessed Christ as their own personal Saviour. Of course, there was opposition, especially, I am sorry to say, by the boys of the district, who were very noisy, even upsetting forms, and putting out the lights. But then Satan knew God was saving sinners, so, being the enemy of souls, he sought to hinder the work. But the Lord is the stronger. One night Harry went home and said, “Mother, I am converted; I will be a better boy now.” She replied that she was glad of it. For a few days he was very quiet. But, as I said before, he was a stirring boy, Habits are not conquered all at once. He confessed the Lord amongst the boys in the class. Have you ever confessed Christ? I advise you strongly to do so; it will turn to your salvation. One Sunday he left his red Testament in his teacher’s box, saying he would get it next week; but he never handled it again. It now lies where his parents can see it, with many a sad thought. This world is full of sorrow.
The observance of the Queen’s Birthday is an event of much importance to young folk. The boys can scarcely sleep for thinking of crackers, squibs, cannons, and bonfires. So Harry was full of it. With a light heart and a bright face he joined his companions, but by night he passed into eternity. A group of lads had a brass cannon. They loaded and primed it, applied the match, and stood back, listening for the report. But it did not go off. Impatient of waiting, Harry and others went near to see the cause, when it suddenly exploded with a loud bang. There was a cheer; then the fun was exchanged for grief, for poor Harry lay bleeding on the ground. The charge had entered his bowels, and, in spite of the best professional skill, he died, after a few hours’ intense suffering. A happy company of young converts gathered for tea that evening, and Harry’s sister was amongst them. But a messenger came to call her to see her dying brother. How sad, dear boys! Are you ready to die? You know not how soon your soul may be required, and what then? Harry bore his sufferings with marked patience. He kissed his mother, bidding her goodbye, only asking for more water, for his thirst was very great.
A large group of his schoolmates gathered round his grave; and after the solemn burial service of the English Church, they joined in singing the well-known hymn: ―
“Around the throne of God in heaven
Thousands of children stand,
Children whose sins are all forgiven,
A holy, happy band.
Singing glory, glory, glory!”
Will Harry be there? Will you? Life is short; eternity long. Oh! make Christ your choice today. The future stands before each one of us, with its two issues, ―either glory for the ransomed,― “Forever with the Lord,”―or judgment for “the fearful and the unbelieving... and all liars in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Oh, be wise in time, my, dear boys. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
T. R. D.