One bright sunny morning, on the outskirts of a small country town, a little boy whom we will call Tommy, might have been seen playing close to his home.
His game was suddenly interrupted by the approach of a stranger, a tall, dark woman with keen piercing eyes, and a large shawl thrown over her shoulders. Slowly she came towards the little fellow, at the same time drawing from under her shawl some candy which which temptingly offered to him.
I suppose all boys and girls like candy, and this little boy was no exception. His play was soon forgotten as eagerly he reached tip for the prize, which was wilngly given. Fully occupied with eating his new treasure, he did not notice that his other little hand had been grasped by that of the woman, and that he was being drawn quickly away from his home and away into the county.
On and on they walked, this strange pair. The candy had now been eaten and Tommy was getting tired and frightenened and began to cry for his mother. Wherpon the woman carried him in her arms until they reached a large pile of stones, upon which they sat to rest.
Meanwhile Tommy had been missed. His anxious mother questioned everyone as to whether they had seen him. Willing helpers looked in every direction, until at last, directed by one who had seen the strange pair, the mother’s footsteps flew fast along the dusty road, until the pile of stones was reached upon which Tommy and the woman were sitting.
Did his mother let him stay there, do you think? No, not for one moment! Taking him in her arms, she hastened home, holding him closely to her all the way.
This true story is but a picture of what is happening every day all around us. Satan, like the gypsy, is going about tempting: whom he can. Like her with the candy, he uses all sorts of bait to suit his purpose, carefully drawing his dupes farther and farther into the paths of sin, until he has them completely in his power, and they find that they are lost forever.
Love in the heart of Tommy’s mother gave her no rest till she had found him and brought him safely home.
It was love that led the Lord Jesus to come from heaven and go to Calvary’s cross, and there shed His precious blood in order to save poor sinners from the power of Satan. Now He is able and willing to save all who come to Him confessing their sins.
Dear boys and girls, have you come to Him yet? If not, you are in great danger. Do not be deceived by Satan’s subtle offers, which at their best last only for a fleeting moment. One more step may land you in eternal woe. Jesus is waiting to receive you; come to Him now.
ML 02/09/1941