LITTLE JANIE saved enough money in her money-box to buy her father, whom she loved very much, a birthday present.
But what should she buy?
This was a puzzle. She, however, did the best and wisest thing — she prayed about it, that the Lord Jesus, whom she trusted and knew as her Saviour, would guide her. So she decided that, as her father never read the Bible, she would buy him one! This she did, and prayed again that he might be persuaded to read it, and be made “wise unto salvation.”
“Now,” she said to herself, “what shall I put on the flyleaf?”
She thought on: “From Janie,” but that seemed too cold. Then again she thought: “From your little daughter,” might do; but had not her father told her that every day she was growing a big girl? Would “from one who loves you” do? Scarcely, for quite a lot of others loved him too! What was she to do?
A fresh thought struck her, and away she went to her father’s study, where there were piles of books, and examined them. All at once she came across the front page of quite a large volume, which had his name on it and underneath: “From the Author.”
Yes, that would do exactly.
The next morning, at the breakfast table, when her father received her present (with a smile), he was struck with the inscription written on its front inside the cover in his dear child’s handwriting, “From the Author.” He thought, Who is He? I don’t know Him. I will read and find out if the Book can tell me!
Under the guidance of the Spirit of truth, he did discover the Author of this sacred volume. Afterward he became an earnest gospel preacher, and often did he hold up the little Bible given to him and relate the story connected with it — the story of his conversion!
Dear boys and girls, the Bible is indeed the precious and priceless gift from God to all; which He had composed (2 Peter 1:19-2119We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:19‑21)), and which He has compiled (put together) (2 Tim. 3:15,1615And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:15‑16)), and in which He commends His own love to us (Rom. 5: 8).
Let us then accept it, read it, believe it, confess it, and tell to other that it is a love gift for them “from the Author.”
ML-02/01/1970