I hope that all you boys play baseball, and that many of you are on
baseball teams. If you are, I suppose you know what is meant by a
sacrifice hit.
It is called a "sacrifice hit" when the score is close and a player
comes to the bat, and, although he would like to make a run,
nevertheless, for the sake of the man on the base, he makes a "bunt," so
that, while the pitcher or shortstop runs up to get the ball and put him
out on first base, the man on the bases may make another base.
You see, then, that instead of making what is called a "grand-stand
play" he just gives up his own glory for the sake of his team.
Did you ever think that your parents are constantly making "sacrifice
hits" for you? Whenever your mother goes without a new dress in order
that you may have a better suit of clothes; whenever your father gives
up some pleasure to keep you in school, they are making a sacrifice hit
for you.
And after all, boys and girls, that is about the only way the world has
ever moved very far ahead. Socrates, an old Greek, made a sacrifice hit
when he was put to death in prison with poison, because he wanted to
make the young men of Athens wiser. Martin Luther made a sacrifice hit
when he went to Worms, although he feared the Pope would kill him. But
he was determined to get liberty for the people.
But the biggest sacrifice hit that was ever made was made by Christ when
He was crucified on Calvary, in order that the world might know that God
was a Father and loved His children.
And every boy and girl who would follow in the footsteps of Christ, and
would be strong and noble, must be prepared to make sacrifice hits,--to
forget themselves and do things for the sake of others. Jesus said, "I
came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." And a minister is one
who serves, one who makes sacrifice hits.