HOW we all look forward to the holidays, especially if we are fortunate enough to be going to the seaside! For a long time beforehand it is the subject of earnest conversation; what we shall do when we get there, and what we shall take with us, etc. "Shall we take our cricket set?" "Oh, yes, perhaps we shall be able to play on the sands," comes the answer. And of course the dolls must go!
Then mother has to think of the clothes—not only for the hot days, but for the few days of cool, rainy weather that may come, when something warm will be needed. And the sandwiches and buns for the journey—they must not be forgotten. The fun of the journey is in the fact that we are all going together; for a journey all alone is not half so interesting.
Speaking about taking a journey reminds me of a story a friend down in Dorsetshire told me not long ago. He was on his way home from his work when some one stopped him in the street and said, "Mr. W., you see that house?" "Yes, what about it?" "Well, there's a boy of sixteen in there dying—he has only a few days to live.”
That evening Mr. W. went in to inquire, and found that the information he had received was only too true; and permission being readily granted; he soon found himself sitting by the boy's bed.
“Frank, I hear you are going on a long journey, and I've come to see if you are ready for it. Have you any one to go with you? Father can't go; mother can't go; how will you get on all alone? Where are you going? “Frank had no answer to give to these questions, and looked very sad. Then followed a little talk about the Lord Jesus as the only One who could go with him, and as the One who had been into death for his sins, and was thus able to put them away forever from God's sight. Mr. W. then repeated to him the chorus:
“The best Friend to have is Jesus!
The best Friend to have is Jesus!
He will keep you lest you fall,
He will hear you when you call:
Oh, the best Friend to have is Jesus.”
Frank's eyes brightened as he listened, and he drank it in. He had heard of Jesus before, but he had not felt his need of Him. Now he did; and he turned to Jesus with all his heart—just in time.
When Mr. W. was next able to call at the house a few days later, Frank was not there. He had gone on his journey, but not alone. The journey was over, and he was safe home-with the Savior and Friend he had learned to trust and love.
During those last few days he was full of joy. He had opened the door of his heart to Jesus, and Jesus had come in and filled Frank's heart with happiness and peace. Constantly he was repeating the chorus, and singing it when he felt able, to its own pretty little tune.
When in good health he had been in the habit of attending a Sunday school at a little chapel near by, and he sent a special request to his teacher that the chorus might be sung at his grave. The teacher at once had it printed, and each child in the school was given a copy, and many attended the funeral, the boys of his class standing round the open grave; and all joined in singing:
“The best Friend to have is Jesus!
The best Friend to have is Jesus!
He will keep you lest you fall,
He will hear you when you call
Oh, the best Friend to have is Jesus.”
Dear boys and girls, before another few months pass some of you may be called to go on that long last journey. Have you made Jesus your Friend now?