IN the early years when settlers were opening up the western part of America there were many dangers. Often bands of Indians which roamed the country, would raid their settlements at times when they least expected them. They would sometimes carry off groups of little children who were playing together. Often the dear little ones would never be seen again, and we can well imagine what a deep sorrow this would be to the parents’ hearts.
One time a company of these Indians were captured, and among them were a number of the stolen children. They had been with the savages for many years and it seemed as if it would be impossible to identify them. A message was sent all through the region telling anyone who had lost their children to come and see if they could recognize their own among the group. There was a woman who lived a considerable distance away who had lost a little boy and girl some years previously. With mingled feelings of hope and fear she came to see if her dear ones were among them. With a throbbing heart she approached the children. They were strange to her. With a dull feeling of despair at her heart she was turning away, when she paused, choked back her tears, and in soft clear notes began a simple song she used to sing to her little ones of JESUS and heaven. Not a line had been sung before a boy and a girl sprang from the group, exclaiming, “Mamma! Mamma!” They had forgotten their dear mother’s face, and they had changed so much she did not recognize them, but that little song had never been forgotten.
May the Lord encourage the parents who read this little paper to sow the good seed of God’s Word in the hearts of their dear children. It may not take root for years, but God can cause it to spring up in His appointed time and way. Let us tell them the “Old, old story” over and over again, teaching them also to memorize verses from the Bible, as well as Gospel hymns and choruses that speak of God’s great love in sending His Son to die for sinners.
Messages of the Love of God 1/4/1948