Show the children how sensible and right it is to expect them to take publicly the name of “Christian,” by using the following illustration:—
Ask a boy his name. “John.” John what? “John McDonald.” Why is he called McDonald? Because it is his father’s name. But why should he want to carry his father’s name? Why not drop it? Because he couldn’t be told, then, from other Johns. Because he loves his father, and his father loves him. Because he is proud of his father, and of his father’s name. Because his father takes care of him, and it would be very mean not to own his father after all his father has done for him.
Ask a girl her mother’s name. “Mrs. Mary Jones.” But why is she called Mrs. Mary Jones Why not simply Mrs. Mary? Because Jones is her husband’s name. But why should she want to carry her husband’s name? Because she wants to be distinguished from other Marys. Because she loves her husband, and her husband loves her, and takes care of her. Because she is proud of her husband and of her husband’s name.
Ask some of the boys to what political party their fathers belong. “He is a Democrat.” “He is a Republican.” Why does he call himself a Democrat? a Republican? Because he believes as that party does. Because he wants to be counted with it and for it. Because he thinks that party best for him and for the country. Because he is proud of it and of its name.
By this time it will be easy enough to show why, if it is right and wise for people to take these different names, it is also their duty to take the name of Christian, and for just the same reasons: So that they may be distinguished from others. Because Christ is taking care of them. Because he loves them and they love him. Because they are proud of him and of his name.