Bob had no love for school. He greatly preferred roving in the woods, and even working in the fields, rather than books and lessons. His father was generally away all day, and this gave him good opportunity of playing truant.
It came to the school teacher’s ears that Bob had been absent from school for a whole week without his parents’ knowledge, and he determined to capture the truant, if possible; but that was not so easy, as Bob was very swift on foot, and knew where to hide himself.
Early in the morning, four school-boys were set to watch Bob’s movements. He saw that he was watched, and made a rush toward the woods; but, poor fellow, barefooted as he nearly always was, he forgot how thick the thorns were, and how difficult it would be to flee from his pursuers there.
Before he had gone many paces, a great thorn stuck fast in his foot, making it bleed badly. He pulled it out as best he could, and made for the road, thinking he would find a hiding-place in some of the houses by the way-side. So on he ran, limping as he went, and soon got a good way along in front of the boys.
He got into a house, and thought he would he quite safe there, as they would never think of going inside to look for him. So he seated himself, and, lifting his foot on his knee, he began to search for thorns in his foot. But alas for Bob’s secret hiding-place. The bleeding wound in his foot had left its mark all along the road, so that the boys had no difficulty in tracing him. He was caught, and of course punished for his evil-doing.
This story of school-days reminds me of a text in God’s Book, which I wish every boy and girl to remember. It is this,
“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:2323But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23). You cannot hide it or yourself from God. Justice and judgment will find you out, if you remain unsaved.
The precious Blood of Christ trusted in, alone can cleanse your sins away, and make you fit to appear in peace before God.
ML 07/17/1938