A LITTLE boy in Westminster, eight years of age, was bitten by a mad dog, and died of hydrophobia. Fatherless, ragged, and poor, yet he loved the Saviour, and was happy. At the foot of the bed stood the doctor, who, in a whisper, said to the anxious mother, “I fear your son cannot live much longer.” Faintly as they were uttered, the poor child caught the words, and instantly said, “I am glad to hear it, sir.” “Why, my little man?” inquired the doctor. With a beautiful smile, the poor boy answered, “Because, sir, I am going home.” For some time he conversed with his teacher about the peaceful mansions Christ had gone to prepare for those who love Him. And having affectionately bid his friends good-bye, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus―went home.
IN a sweet spot in one of the Western States, lives little Annie Gale. Not long ago she was led to embrace Christ as her Saviour. The news of her conversion soon spread through the place. One day a friend called on her father, and said, “It’s all nonsense for your Annie to think she has been converted. She was just like a little angel always. I don’t believe in religion’s making her any better; she was good enough before. If Dan Hunter, now, could be turned round and made a Christian of, I’d believe in it.” Annie heard the conversation, and her heart beat with pity for poor Dan. She knew him to be one of the worst and vilest of characters. Impelled with love for his soul, she went to his wretched dwelling, and began to talk to him in tender tones about Jesus, and God’s love to the chief of sinners. After referring to her own conversion, she asked him if he was not a sinner, and if he did not need the same Saviour whom she had found. Poor old Dan’s heart was touched: he wept, he fell upon his face and cried, “Lord, ha’ mercy on the worst of sinners!” God heard that earnest, penitent cry, and Annie left the old man praising the mercy which could save a wretch like him. It was Dan’s business now to tell to all the story of God’s love. He would say, “It’s the same gospel, the very same gospel, that so blessed little Annie Gale. You wouldn’t think it could be, such a dreadful sinner as I’ve been; but the same good Lord who takes little children in His arms and blesses ‘em, saves the chief of sinners too. It’s true, Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.’”
Young believers, be encouraged by this narrative, and seek to win souls for Christ.