We call ourselves "disciples"; that is, pupils. It is a great and honorable name. As we venture forth further and further into the illimitable realms of truth, it is important that we should have a guide and a map of the country. Our Guide is the competent One, who said, "I am the truth." Our map is the Scriptures, of which He said, "Search them, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me. And thus we venture forth; our Guide holding us by the right hand, and our left hand holding the Word of God. And our prayer is ever for more light. "Open the windows," said Goethe on his death-bed; "let in more light!" And more light there shall be, more and more forever; until faith is lost in sight and hope in fruition. Now we know in part and see through a glass darkly; but in the blest realm of truth immeasurable we shall know even as we are known, and see face to face and eye to eye. THE CHRISTIAN Thou hast given all for me, I would give all to Thee, Let my heart cling to Thee, HENRY BURTON. I Chapter XVII THE CHRISTIAN In which a Definition is drawn from an Inci- T is not an easy thing to frame a definition of any religious thing in these days. Such simple words as "God," "truth," "divinity," "inspiration," "incarnation," and "atonement," words which were formerly clear and definite, have by a sort of quibbling jugglery been rendered so obscure that it is difficult to say whether they have any significance at all. The term "Christian" was once intelligible; but recent developments in some quarters have so broadened it that nearly everybody who has not been in Sing Sing can rest under its shadow. Is a Jew a Christian? Certainly, if he tells the truth and pays his honest debts. Is a Moslem a Christian? Beyond all peradventure, if he is a moral man. Presto, change! And lo, the word has just reversed itself; so much so that the people of Antioch, its inventors, would not recognize it. If anybody is competent to pass upon the true meaning of the word it should be Christ Himself. To the young ruler who came running to Him with the eager question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He replied, "One thing thou lackest. The man was rich, learned, influential, and so amiable that "when Jesus looked upon him He loved him." But one thing was lacking to make him a Christian. He was like a |