Some years ago, near to the town of Fontainebleau, in France, a Christian man built a place where God’s word might be preached and the young instructed in the gospel. Among the first who came to Sunday school there was a young shepherd boy whose name was Pierre Badelet.
Pierre was very ignorant when he first came, but because of the story of God’s love he became much interested. As he left one Sunday afternoon, he quietly said to the lady teacher, “I would like so much to have a New Testament, Madame: while I look after the sheep and goats, I should be so happy to read the Testament as I lie on the grass.”
They gladly gave him a New Testament, and when Pierre returned the following week, he could say, “Jesus is mine.” He had read the book, he believed God’s word, and was truly saved.
The next time Pierre came to the Sunday school, he asked for a hymn book, that he might sing God’s praise, and this too he received. The following week he brought a companion, Jean, and Jean also believed and was saved.
In the weeks that followed, the old paths and roads that wound through the forest of Fontainebleau rang with the songs of a circle of happy shepherd boys who had believed the gospel. Many a happy day they spent there together, reading the Book that had given them light. Soon they were telling this wondrous story to others, whose hearts were also made glad by the joyful tidings.
Dear reader, have you thus been made glad?
Oh, happy day that fixed my choice,
On Thee my Saviour and my God.
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day.
Happy day! Happy day! When Jesus washed my sins away.
ML-04/24/1966