“PRECIOUS JEWEL” was his name and a precious jewel indeed he was to his father and mother, for he was their only son, and the two little sisters who had come to the home before him, had soon been taken to a better home above. Not that the parents knew this; no, when their baby girls died, they were heathen, and knew nothing of the Good Shepherd who gathers the lambs in His arms. The mother, Mrs. Zing, worshiped idols, and used to make many a weary journey to temples, and offer candles and incense, in hope that the goddess of mercy would give her a baby boy, but it was no use, as you may suppose.
At last, one day, as she returned home tired out, her tiny, cramped feet aching with the long walk, she heard her husband and a friend talking about a “new religion,” of which they had heard a Chinaman preaching in the town to which they had been carrying sweet potatoes for sale. That was the beginning of happy days for the family. First Mr. Zing became a Christian, and then his wife followed and gave her whole heart to the Saviour, who had loved her and died for her. Then the Lord gave them “Precious Jewel,” and what a treasure he was to them!
After a little while, Mr. Zing became an evangelist, preaching the gospel to the people around, and his wife helped by teaching her neighbors. You may be sure she did not forget to teach “Precious Jewel,” and as he listened to the story of Jesus it sank into his heart, and he early learned to love and trust Him for himself. While quite little he noticed how different his home was from the neighbors’ houses—no idols, no candles or incense stick’s used in worship—and he asked many questions as to the reason. When he was told, his heart felt more and more thankful to God that his father and mother knew better and could teach him so.
One day his mother took him to a children’s meeting, at which they sang the hymn, which I expect you know:
“When He cometh, when He cometh,
To make up His jewels;
All His jewels, precious jewels,
His loved and His own.
Like the stars of the morning,
His bright crown adorning;
They shall shine in their beauty,
Bright gems for His crown.”
Always after that this was his favorite hymn, and if he was ill or tired he liked to have his mother sing it to him.
As time went on he was sent to the mission school, and at fourteen he was well known among his companions as a follower of the “Jesus Religion.” By and by his parents hoped he would be able to preach the gospel, but God’s plan for him was very different.
The year 1900 came, when so many missionaries and Chinese Christians were called upon to lay down their lives for their Lord and Saviour. Mr. and Mrs. Zing, and “Precious Jewel” knew their danger, but they would not flee. Mr. Zing would not leave the Christians around who looked to him for help and teaching, and “Precious Jewel” would not leave his parents, so they all stayed on, trusting in God to either keep them safe or take them home to Himself, as He saw best.
July was drawing toward a close, when, one hot day, a party of Boxers (as those who murdered the Christians were called) surrounded the peaceful cottage home and burst in. In a few minutes both Mr. and Mrs. Zing were with their Saviour, but the boxers seized “Precious Jewel,” bound his hands and feet and dragged him outside the house, which was quickly set on fire. Then a rude cross was scratched on the ground, and the cruel men; as they surrounded their little prisoner, told him they would kill him unless he spat on it, and promised to persecute the Christians, denounce their Jesus and acknowledge the idols of the Chinese as the only gods to be worshiped.
They gave him a certain time to decide, and then they demanded his answer. Calmly, for his Saviour was close beside him upholding him, he replied, “You have slain my parents, and destroyed all I have in this world, and you would now cause me to forfeit my Heavenly Father’s smile, but I dare not dishonor Him. Do your worst, for that worst can only send me into the presence of my beloved father and mother, and the Saviour I love so well.” In a very little while “Precious Jewel” was with those he loved; no more pain and suffering for him, but joy and happiness that would last forever, with his blessed Lord.
You see what it cost this boy to confess Christ. Have you confessed Him? If He has saved you, do your parents and brothers and sisters know you belong to Him? Remember the Bible says, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Rom. 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9).) Don’t say, “My teacher and the others in the class know I am a Christian,” and think that will do without those at home knowing too.
ML 07/01/1917