RAIN was coming down in torrents, making the great city look very dreary. The poor horses were slipping and sliding about on the asphalt, and everyone seemed to be pushing each other very unceremoniously, in their hurry to get home as quickly as possible.
A man with a kind face and a big overcoat was hurrying over one of the slippery crossings; no sooner had he reached the pavement on the other side, then he felt a gentle tug at his coat sleeve, and looking down his eyes met a pair of large earnest grey ones.
“Hullo! my little girl,” he cried, “and what may you want?”
“If you please, sir, can you tell me the way to heaven?”
“The way to where?” asked the man, somewhat taken aback at the question.
“I want to know the way to heaven,” repeated the little one with eager questioning face. The good man hesitated a moment, and then laid his hand on the little shoulder.
“Why do you want to know?” he asked.
“Well, sir,” said the little woman, quite reassured by the kindly face, “it was like this—when father was dying he told me he was going to heaven, but I’ve forgotten the way. I only remember he said, ‘You must find the road to heaven, Lizzie, and meet mother and me there.’”
It was a strange question to be asked in the middle of the surging, hurrying crowd, but the little maid had found someone at last who could direct her to the straight and narrow way that leads to the celestial city. This man was a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus, and his own heart warmed as he pointed the little pilgrim to the Way, the Truth and the Life—Jesus.
Very eagerly the little one listened to the sweet story of redeeming love, and a few moments later as he watched her hurrying through the crowd, his heart went up in prayer to the Good Shepherd to keep this little lamb until that day when He should gather His blood-bought ones into the fold, from whence they should no more go out.
Some of you dear boys and girls have learned to know this kind and loving Shepherd, and have listened to His voice many times as it spoke to you from His Word. O! how nice it is when we have found the way! Jesus Himself is the Way, which leads to. life everlasting. It is to those who do not know Him that I want to write, to those who are wandering far away in the broad road, that leads to everlasting destruction.
There are only two roads in this life; one is smooth and broad and nice to look at. It is lit up with lights which charm and dazzle, as you walk. A throng of laughing, careless men and women, boys and girls, hurry over its pavements, each following on the other’s track, but where? Ah! they don’t know! They don’t care. The cunning ingenious one who planned this broad road, has taken care, too, that they shouldn’t see very far ahead, but the end is darkness and despair forever.
The other road is but a pathway, and few traverse its rugged windings, but all, along the way a trusty Guide goes before, turning back ever and anon with words of loving encouragement, stopping in His onward track, to lift the weary, trembling ones over the difficult places.
Which will you choose? The faithful guide is Jesus, who today offers you life eternal, and a full and free pardon for all your sins. Accept that pardon, and He will receive you to Himself. He loves you, and wants you. Choose Him today.
ML 02/18/1917