“I OUGHT to love Jesus,” sang a little girl, as she ran down the street. “Why ought you to love Jesus, dear?” I asked her, but she only looked at me, and ran away. Ah! dear boys and girls, she is like a great many children, and grown up people too, singing words but not giving a thought to the meaning. It is quite true we ought to love Jesus, because He loves us, He died for us.
One summer day, there was a great stir among some children; it was their school treat, and you know the bustle there is to get ready and start in time. Then the fun in the field, or park, the nice games, the tea! One girl went to the treat just as happy as the others, and as well as usual; she joined in the games, and no one thought of death at that moment. She had just taken hold of her sister’s hand, to join in a game, when she fell back; some thought she had fainted, but oh! how sad! she was dead. I do not know if she loved Jesus or not; if she was one of His blood-washed ones, she is singing in glory now.
“I ought to love Jesus;” yes, for we do not know how soon He may come back again; will you be ready to meet Him? Oh, think of Jesus’ love; He died for you, will you not trust Him? I did not tell you about the sad, sudden death of this poor girl to frighten you, but that you may ask yourself, If I had been that girl, where should I have been now? You know very well, if you have not come to the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, you will never be fit for His presence. Oh! come now, while you are young; it will be much more difficult if you wait until you are older. Jesus is waiting for you, He wants to save you, to bless you, to make you happy.
A. M. P.