A LITTLE boy was returning from the Sunday school; such a poor little fellow, so poorly clad, yet his face was beaming with joy, and he was quietly singing as he hurried along.
Presently he turned into his little home. His mother was busy setting a scanty meal, and Johnnie sat down on the fender by the tiny-fire.
His little heart was full, for that afternoon he had heard of Jesus, how He had suffered for Johnnie, so that he might go to be with Him for ever. The sweet story had so touched the poor little boy, that he had gladly accepted Jesus as his Saviour, and had sung the little hymn at the end of the meeting from the very bottom of his heart;
"I will believe, I do believe,
That Jesus died for me,
And on His cross He shed His blood,
From sin to set me free."
As he sat, he, all at once, burst out, "I will believe, I do believe," and sang the verse. His mother turned and called out,
"Hush, Johnnie, you mustn't sing that, father will hear you and thrash you."
Johnnie stopped and sat still and quiet for a little while, but his heart was so full, that all at once out it came again quite loudly,
"I will believe, I do believe."
Just at that moment the door burst open, and the father shouted,
"What did I hear you say? If ever I hear that again, you will leave the house!"
Poor little Johnnie looked very much frightened, and cowered down, sitting very still and quite quiet for some time.
Presently the little voice was heard once more, for Johnnie was so happy; that he quite forgot the warning in his joy, and
"I will believe, I do believe," rang out.
The father thundered out, "Leave at once."
The singing stopped, and quietly Johnnie rose, spread his handkerchief on the floor, and gathered one or two treasures. These he tied together, took his cap, and crossing to his mother, threw his arms round her neck, and bade her good-bye. She held him tightly, then turning from her, he crossed over to his angry father, and throwing his arms round his neck cried, "Good-bye, father," and kissed him.
This was too much for the man; he was completely overcome, and falling down upon his knees cried aloud,
"Johnnie, pray for me."
This, our little friend gladly did, and was rejoiced to hear his father say,
"Jesus died for me."
Messages of God’s Love 6/1/1930