A correspondent with the army in the Franco-Prussian War was one evening returning to his quarters, when he met a little boy not more than nine years old, fully equipped as a soldier—uniform, knapsack, and helmet, all complete. The boy stopped and asked him the way to the Town Commandant’s office.
“What on earth are you!” asked the correspondent, amused at his strange appearance.
The little soldier drew himself up to his fullest height, and saluting, answered, “I am a soldier in the 61St regiment and want orders.”
The correspondent lifted him on to his saddle and carried him straight to headquarters, where he was well cared for, and became the favorite of the army, as he had been the pet of his regiment.
This boy was not ashamed of his profession, and did not consider himself too young to serve. He showed his colors at once. Yet how many children there are who, if asked if they belong to Jesus, would hang down their heads, and be ashamed to answer, “Yes!” If you are His, don’t be ashamed to own Him, where ever you go. There are many ways, too, in which you may serve Him, for He has said that even a cup of cold water given in His name, shall have a reward.
ML 12/16/1900