A LITTLE girl was sitting in the dining-room one morning. I won’t tell you her name because many of you know her, so we will call her Jessie. It was luncheon time and the maid came in to ring the bell. Jessie had just heard her father’s voice upstairs, and when Lucy took the bell. Jessie said, “O Lucy, don’t ring, Papa is praying!” “What nonsense Jessie, people don’t pray at this hour of the day,” said Lucy. “Lucy you don’t love the Lord,” replied Jessie.
I wonder if the boys and girls who read this, understand what Jessie meant, that if we really love a person, we are always ready to talk to him, for praying is talking to the Lord, you know. Loving children would feel dreadfully if their mother were with them, and they could only speak to her twice a day. Boys and girls like to tell their parents when pleasant things happen to them, or when they want anything; and when they get into any trouble, then the first thing is to run to Mamma. Perhaps some of you are like Lucy and think there are certain times in the day for prayer; in the morning when you rise, and at night when you go to bed. Well, we should certainly pray at those times, but if we really loved the Lord Jesus we should be looking to Him often. I am afraid if you do not want to think about Him, except at certain times, you won’t want to see Him when He comes. And He may come some day when you are at your play.
Does it make you feel afraid to hear that He is coming soon? Jesus only wants to make you happier. Why be afraid of Him? He wants to save and to bless you and has asked you to trust to Him for salvation. Sin makes us afraid, but “His blood cleanseth us from all sin.”
E. H.
ML 02/04/1900