human
Don't be ashamed to take it, old boy, said the marine kindly, as his comrade hesitated.
gpt
You know, a fellow sometimes feels out o' sorts, and not up to much, however stout he may be when well, so just you lay hold, for somehow I happen to feel as strong as an elephant to-day.
human
But I _ain't_ ill, returned Simkin, still declining,
gpt
Of course you are better able to do it than I am, in a general way, returned his friend,
human
You're a good fellow, Stevenson, even though you _are_ a Blue Light,
gpt
Perhaps it's _because_ I am a Blue Light, returned the marine, with a laugh.
human
At all events, it is certain that whatever good there may be about me at all is the result of that Light which is as free to you as to me.
gpt
I wonder, he said,
human
It is strange, indeed, returned the marine quietly.
gpt
P'r'aps the climate suits me better than you.
human
I know what you're thinkin', said Simkin, almost testily.
gpt
Why don't you say that _drink_ is the cause of it--straight out, like a man?
human
Because I knew you were saying that to yourself, lad, so there was no need for me to say it,
gpt
Well, whoever says it, it's a fact, continued Simkin, almost sternly,
human
Why don't you say `I told you so?'
gpt
Because I _never_ say that! It only riles people; besides, continued the marine, earnestly,
human
I was asking God at the moment to enable me to answer you wisely. You see, I think it only fair to reveal some of my private thoughts to _you_, since you are making a father-confessor of _me_. But as you admit that drink has done you damage, my dear fellow, there is no need for me to say anything more on that subject. What you want now is encouragement as to the future and advice as to the present. Shall I give you both just now, or shall I wait?
gpt
Well, then, as to encouragement, said Stevenson.
human
A point of vital importance with men who have gone in for drink as much as you have, is total-abstinence; and I regard it as an evidence of God's love to you that He has brought you here--
gpt
God's love that brought me _here_! exclaimed the soldier in surprise.
human
Well, that _is_ a view o' the case that don't seem quite plain.
gpt
Plain enough if you open your eyes wide enough. See here: If you was in camp now, with your present notions, and was to determine to give up drink, you'd have to face and fight two most tremendous devils. One devil is called Craving, the other is called Temptation, and all the Arabs in the Soudan rolled into one are not so terrible or so strong as these two when a man is left to fight them by himself. Now, is it not a sign of our Father's love that he has, by bringing you here, removed the devil Temptation entirely out of your way, for you can't get strong drink here for love or money. So, you see, you have only got Craving to fight, and that's encouraging, ain't it?
human
D'ye know, I believe you are not far wrong, said Simkin, gravely;
gpt
That's it, friend. You've got the truth by the tail now, so hold on; but, at the same time, don't be too hard on Craving. It's not _his_ fault that he's here. You have poured liquor down your throat to him daily, and cultivated his acquaintance, and helped him to increase his strength regularly, for many months--it may be for years. I don't want to be hard on you, lad, but it's of no use shiftin' the burden on to the wrong shoulders. It is not Craving but _you_ who are the sinner. Now, as to advice: do you really want it?
human
Well, replied Simkin, with a
gpt
human
My advice, then, is that you go down on your knees, plead _guilty_ straight off, and ask for grace to help you in your time of need.
gpt
What! go down on my knees here before all them Arabs? If I did, they'd not only laugh at me, but they'd soon rouse me up with their spears.
human
I'm not so sure about that, Simkin. Arabs are accustomed to go on their own knees a good deal in public. It is chiefly Christians who, strange to say, are ashamed to be caught in that position at odd times. But I speak not of ceremonies, but of realities. A man may go on his knees, without bending a joint, any time and everywhere. Now, listen: there is this difference between the courts of men and the court of heaven, that in the former, when a man pleads guilty, his sentence is only modified and softened, but in the latter, the man who pleads guilty receives a free pardon and ultimate deliverance from _all_ sin for the sake of Jesus Christ. Will you accept this deliverance, my friend?