PETER was a small boy just seven years old. He went to school with many other little folks and always tried to do his best. Like many other children, Peter was very fond of gum and one day this fondness brought him into trouble.
One morning he started to school with a piece of gum in his mouth. He intended to put it away at the end of his playtime, but, for some reason, he forgot all about it and passed into the school room with the others. Soon his teacher noticed that he had something in his mouth. This was against the rules, so she asked suddenly, “Peter, have you anything in your mouth?”
The little boy was surprised and very much frightened. Without a minute’s thought he answered, “No, ma’am.” Peter had often heard the teacher say that God hated lies and said in the Bible,
“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 12:22.
These words had gone down deep into his heart, and as soon as he told this lie to his teacher, he thought of what he had done. His face flushed red with shame and his little heart was filled with sorrow. His teacher noticed this and wondered why he should look so ashamed if he had done no wrong. She watched him for a moment and noticed that he wished very much to say something, so she asked, “What is it?” Then this small boy did a very brave thing. He stood up tall and straight beside his desk and said clearly, “Miss —, I have something in my mouth. It is gum, and I am sorry that I told you the story.”
How his teacher rejoiced to know that he was such a brave, truthful boy. How glad the Lord must have been to see the little boy trying so hard to obey and keep His words. He says, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.
Learn this verse and perhaps, if you should be tempted and do what is not right, it will help you to own your fault, as Peter did.
ML 09/28/1902