A LITTLE Indian boy, living in an old hut, lying on a few leaves. and covered with a dirty blanket, in the last stages of consumption, was visited by a Christian who asked if there was anything he could do to relieve his wants. The poor boy replied, “Nothing, sir, I am very happy. Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, died for my sins; and I trust only in Him.”
When asked if he found comfort in his Bible, he replied, “That, sir, is my dear friend. Last year I went to visit my sister, two hundred miles up the lake. When I was half way back, I remembered I had left my Bible. I turned directly round; and myself and my canoe were nine days tossing on the lake before I reached the house. But I got my friend at last; and I never mean to part with it till I am dead; and then, sir, I want you to give it away, so that it may do good to others.”
I wonder how many of our little readers can say, with this dear little Indian boy, that the Bible “IS MY DEAR FRIEND”? We like to have a dear friend near us, and to hear that one speak to us, and if the Bible is “MY DEAR FRIEND” will I not read it often to hear it speaking to me? It is God’s message to me telling out all His thoughts concerning His beloved Son, and the greater our love for the blessed Lord, the greater will be our love for that Bible which the little Indian boy could call “MY DEAR FRIEND.”
The Bible tells us ALL may come,
And drink at mercy’s stream;
That Jesus soon will share His home
With all who trust in Him.
ML 10/14/1906