Rover was our pet dog. He was bought from a man who ill-used him, and brought to us in a poor state. But through kindness and care, he became a pretty dog, and my sister and I were very found of him. He was our playmate, and when We were older, he came with us to and from school.
One day my sister was attacked by a rude boy on her way to school. Rover sprang in between, and barked furiously, until father appeared, when the boy made quickly off.
Another day I was chased by a bull, and Rover flew at him, and so frightened him that I escaped. But the event which most of all made Rover the household pet was, he saved the Life of my younger brother, who one day, when he was quite a child, slipped and fell into the river which flows a short distance from our home, Rover heard his cry, and darting from the yard, barking loudly, was at the place in a moment, just in time to catch his clothes and hold him, until the servant came to see what was wrong, only in time to save little Bertie from drowning. Ever after that, Rover was much thought of.
His faithful service to his master, who redeemed him from his first bad owner, may surely teach a lesson to all who have been redeemed by the blood of Testis from a worse master, and set free from his power (I Pet. 1:19), to serve the living and true God (1 Thess. 1:99For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; (1 Thessalonians 1:9)).
My sister Ettie and I did not know the meaning of such words, when as children we played with our pet clog Rover, who so faithfully served us, but we know now what it is to be set free from sin and Satan’s power (Acts 26:1818To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18)), saved by grace, to love and serve the One who has done so great things for us. We often speak of these days of our childhood, and of the faithful dog who served and clung to the one who delivered him, and so cared for all that belonged to him.
If a dog could thus show his gratitude to those who set him free from a cruel service, how much more should those who have been saved from endless woe, to their great Redeemer, the Lord Jesus.
ML-07/07/1935