Teddy's Button

iting S

e, and groups of two and three were passing in at the old lych gate. Mrs. John was talking in her sweet clear voice to her boy, and he, letting his restless blue eyes rove to and fro, noting every bird on the hedges and every flower in the path, kept bringing them back to his mother's f

restless little body was a sore trial to any one who sat next him in church, and many were the lectures tha

of me, twenty rifles pointing-I shall stand like a rock-I'll set my teeth, and I shan't even blink my eyes. Now

him, Teddy could not remain unmoved beneath her gaze for long. His little hands were working nervously in his coat pockets. Why did she stare at him so? Well, he could stare back, and then blue eyes and brown confronted eac

hocked gaze met his, Teddy crimsoned to the roots of his hair, and taking up a large Prayer-book, he used it as a shield from his small antagonist during the remainder of the service. As the congregati

d to make your little boy so

y. I really thought he wa

a with me this afternoon, and we

ore his notice, but it had never yet fallen to his lot to receive the invitation. Mr. Upton had his own way of doing things, so peopl

he felt that this morning's action must receive a check. 'Thank you, sir,' re

d, walked home beside his mo

at the opposite end into a brilliant flower garden. Spotless white druggeting covered the floor and stairs, and everything indoors

the rector appeared, an

le conversation, my boy. Sit down, and tell me what yo

n Egypt. I'm afraid I don't remember very much what he

o talk; then, after he was thoroughly at

Epistle of St. John, and the third chapter.

eager importance Teddy

brother is a murdere

five minutes in silence, and then tel

the five minutes were over, then he said timidly, 'I wouldn't hate a broth

er means any person in the

ought to

actedly out of the window, and said slowly, 'The root of murder is anger. The same mot

more cheerful tone the rector

story, and who it was tha

ector was quite bewildered when it came to an end. 'It's father's button I care about,' added the boy, fingering h

button; I have heard, but

ector, and told the oft-repeated tale with dramatic force and effect. Mr. Upton listened with interest, but before he

time. He wondered if all the naughty boys interviewed by the rector had been treated to the

ome more talk with you. Your father was a brave soldier; he died

r, indee

banner-His colours. Will you say it after me?-"His banner over

we can but hoist our colours, "Love." God's love to man, when man is fighting from his infancy against his Maker. What host would n

he cried enthusiastically, 'Please go on, sir. I like

in His service. Are yo

n't k

ere must come a time in our lives when we yield ourselves wholly and unreservedly to the one who is our rightful o

estly on the rector, 'I really believe He di

y? How is it that you have never enlisted?

clenched, and his eyes li

, sir. I'll be one o

you going

now. Tell

had a firm belief in children being able to lead a consistent Christian life. He knew the Master would accept a child's he

at 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

e often preached above the heads of his little hea

, shall I have to be God's soldier for ever and ever, till

r be one of the

N

r you did not decide too hastily. Go home and think

ow was crumpled wi

iers, but who shall I have to fight? A

r you have enlisted. I can show you one

A real l

l live

iled con

st person you will have to hold up your banner to is that little girl whom y

air of the minister and the boy's fair curls, as they knelt together, bathed them in a

enters Thy fold, use him and bless him through all eternity. Grant that he may figh

in the old porch. His grandmother and uncle had gone to e

, he was gazing dreamily out into the sweet-scented garden. The bees were droning, and the gnats humming amongst the tall hollyhocks and crimson and white

gazed up into the still blue sky, '

dded quickly, 'When did you en

ust before I mar

enlist? When he was a

often used to say he wished he had giv

le soldiers? Do you think I s

any brave little soldi

ce, then a deep-dr

t, mother, and I get so crowded thinking

er lips on the curl

Mother has often prayed that you may be one of Christ'

hree men and the bur

wing her boy close to her till his little head reste

a kiss, he clasped his arms round her neck and whispered