THERE was once a little colored boy living in Africa, who had been a slave, but was taken from his cruel masters by some kind men who loved God, and who taught the little boy about Him and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
One day his school teacher heard him praying in a low voice outside the school room.
This was the little boy’s prayer: —
“Lord Jesus, I thank Thee that the wicked men came and took me from my parents, and made me a slave, and that the English ship brought me here, where Massa Thompson has taught me to read, and to know Thee. But I have a great favor to ask of Thee. Let other bad men take away my father and mother, and let an English ship bring them here, that they too may learn about Thee, and that we may all go to heaven.”
The teacher was much surprised to hear this prayer, and thought about it a great deal. That evening, as he was walking by the seaside, he met the little boy. In a kind voice he said,
“What are you doing here, my boy?”
The little fellow replied, “I have been praying that the Lord Jesus will bring my parents to this place, and I am come to see whether He has granted my prayer, and brought them here.”
That evening his parents did not come. The boy went every day to visit the shore, and to watch all the ships that arrived.
One evening he came to Mr. Thompson leaping and dancing and clapping his hands, saying, “My prayer is heard; my prayer is heard! My father and mother are come!” Then he took Mr. Thompson by the hand to the seashore, and pointing to his parents, said joyfully,
“These are my parents! My prayer is heard!”
This poor little colored boy when he heard of Jesus and His love, longed to have his father and mother believe in Jesus too.
Dear young reader, how often you have heard and read about Jesus. Do you trust in that precious Saviour? Do you talk to Him like the little boy you have just read about? He loves children and wants them to know what a loving Saviour He is.
Blest Lord, what heavenly wonders
dwell In Thine atoning blood,
By it are sinners saved from hell,
And rebels brought to God.
ML 01/09/1927