“WHY do you love Jesus?” was a question put to little Annie.
“Because He died for me,” was her sweet reply. And truly the love of Jesus was very real to her. His name was precious to her; although only three years and four months old it was her delight to hear of Him. Many times she would ask to be taken up on her father’s or mother’s knee, and would then say, “Tell me about Jesus. I want to hear about Jesus.” And the joy of her soul was, that she was going to be with Him.
Little did we think she was so soon going to be with Him. But we know our loving God and Father doeth all things well; His word tells us that all things work together for good to them that love God. He never makes any mistakes.
Her little sister, Isabella, of the same age, became very ill. This was a great grief to little Annie, who would kneel down and, in her simple way, ask the Lord to make Isabella better, and the prayer was answered. But, alas! the disease laid hold upon little Annie, and it made such rapid strides that she was soon laid very low. She was asked if she would rather get better, or go to be with Jesus. Her sweet reply was, “Go to be with Jesus.”
Early one morning her father said to her, “You are my little precious one. Who did Jesus die for?” “For me,” said she.
It is now our comfort to know that the child is waiting with the Lord, while we are waiting for the Lord. Can you say with little Annie, “I love Him, because He died for me?” If so, you can sing—
“Up to my Father’s house I go,
To that sweet home of love:
Many the mansions that are found
Where Jesus dwells above!”
W. C.