MANY hundred years ago, a little boy of the name of Cyril was called upon to lay down his young life for Christ. His father was a heathen, and hated Christianity, yet his youthful son did not hide from him the fact that he believed in Jesus, the Lord. Fearless of the face of man, Cyril was known as one who prayed to God, and neither punishment nor aught else could make him cease.
Enraged at this conduct, the cruel father sent him from his home, declaring that he would no longer regard him as his son. This young believer was then taken before a judge, who endeavored to reason him out of his faith. He told Cyril that he ought to obey parental authority, and that if he would do so, he might return to his happy home and all the past would be entirely forgiven.
The noble-hearted boy knew that he was called upon to obey One higher than his father, and the latter only “in the Lord.” Since his parent was not allowing him to own the Lordship of Christ, he chose “to obey God rather than men,” like the apostles of old. Cyril told his judge that he must ever be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ, adding, “I am not sorry, because I am turned out of the house, for I have a better mansion, and I am not afraid to die, because then I shall have a better house.”
Still hoping to make the boy yield, the judge endeavored to frighten him into obedience. He therefore commanded him to be fettered and taken from his presence, as if about to be put to death. But yield he would not, in spite of all that the judge could say or do, and even the flames before his eyes did not alarm him. Truly God alone gave the needed strength to that youthful witness, and stayed his heart upon Himself. “I am going to a better home,” said he, “and greater pleasure too; make haste and kill me, that I may enjoy them.”
Some wept as they looked on that young and courageous boy on the brink of the grave, while still in full health and vigor. To these Cyril said, “O, you know not what a city I am going to live in, or what a hope I have.”
There with the blessed One whom he had loved and trusted on earth, dear Cyril entered into rest in the spring-time of his days. Could you, my dear reader, thus nobly die for Christ? You could only do so by having the heart first set on brighter things above.
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
ML 06/03/1917