Some years
ago a farmer lived near the main traveled road opposite a little running
brook. In one corner of the fence near by, his little eight-year-old daughter
had built a playhouse with broken plates and dishes, where she spent many
happy hours by the side of the brook. Her father was not a praying man, but
he dearly loved his little daughter. |
She was taken
sick and when, near the close of her life, she felt a strong desire to see
her playhouse again, she asked her father to take her there. He remonstrated
with her, saying, "My dear, you are too sick to go there." She
insisted, and he finally took her carefully in his arms, and carried her to
her playhouse and sat down with her. |
She gazed
a long time at the place she had so often visited, and then, turning to her
father, said. "Father, I wish you would pray." He answered,
"Why do you want me to pray, my dear?" She replied, "I want to
tell Jesus my father prays." |
He turned
his face away to hide the tears, then carried the little one back to her bed. |
It was not
long until her gentle spirit had gone to be with God, but her last words
were, "I want to tell Jesus my father prays." |
These
words kept ringing in his ears until he fell on his knees and became a
praying man. |
"A
little child shall lead them." |
|
From:
THRILLING STORIES For Young And Old By Julia A. Shelhamer, God's Bible School
and College, Cincinnati, Ohio. No Date |