'It is a wonderful banner,' pursued Mr. Upton thoughtfully, 'the enemy
confronted with it on every side. In the thick of the fight 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 not march to meet the foe
with such a banner dyed red with the life-blood of their Captain, the Son
of God, the Saviour of the world?'

Teddy drew a long breath, and when the rector paused, he cried
enthusiastically, 'Please go on, sir. I like to hear it. Will God let me
hold up the banner for Him?'

'If you have enlisted in His service. Are you one of His soldiers?'

'I don't know.'

'God always wants each of us to present ourselves to Him, if we want to
enlist in His army. Have you done that? There must come a time in our
lives when we yield ourselves wholly and unreservedly to the one who is
our rightful owner. Why, my boy, do you believe that Jesus died upon the
cross to save you? Did He bear your sins for you there?'

'Yes,' said Teddy, fixing his blue eyes earnestly on the rector, 'I
really believe He did, for mother has often explained it to me.'

'Then how dare you stand aloof from His army? How is it that you have
never enlisted? Are you marching along in the enemy's ranks?'

Teddy's small hands were clenched, and his eyes lit up with a
great resolve.