CATHY was “only a little child,” and an orphan. She left her home in charge of an aged aunt, to cross the ocean, to live with relatives in a busy city in Canada, 3000 miles away from the village where she was born. A long journey, indeed, for “a little child.” But Cathy had a heavenly Friend who took her across the seas, and she was the happiest passenger of that big ship. Indeed, she was the favorite of the whole company on board, passengers and sailors alike.
Her sweet voice melted all hearts, and brought tears to all eyes. She had been taught to sing in her early childhood, and I believe her young and tender heart had been won to the Saviour before she started on that long voyage across the Atlantic, Weather-beaten sailors gathered around her, to hear the sweet voice sing,
“Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.”
Aged women and strong men wept, as they listened to her song. And it is on record, that when the shore was reached, there was a chorus of voices asking that she should come to their homes to “stay.”
A preacher on that ship reminded the passengers of three texts in which the words “a little child” occured. They were: “Jesus called a little child to Him.” Matt. 18:2.
“Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18-17
“A little child shall lead them.” Isa. 11:6.
The first is as true today as then. The second is applicable now as then. The third tells the result of a child’s influence over others. It was a memorable voyage, and had wonderful results. For Cathy herself early became a child of the Kingdom, and, while only a little girl, she was the means of leading her own aunt and her three cousins in Canada to the Saviour whom she loved and served.
Sing unto the Lord new song. Isa. 42, 10
AWAKE! awake! in happy song,
Ye children great and small,
And join to sing the praises sweet
Of Him who died for all.
It is because the Shepherd good,
For sheep and lambs did die,
That those who trust His precious blood
Shall dwell with Him on high.
There is one true call that is ever clear,
There is one great Name that is ever dear;
There is one sure Friend Who is ever near
To those who trust in Jesus.
Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him. Psalm 22, 23
ML-02/15/1970