But where is the child? Look at
him where he stands; his innocent prattle hushed--his whole appearance
and attitude showing the utmost fear and distress. Listen--he
speaks--slowly and solemnly: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
thy God in vain." Who made thee a preacher of righteousness, a rebuker
of sin, thou little stray lamb of the Savior's fold? _The
Sabbath-school_,--lone instrument of good in these western wilds, has
taught thee, and thou teachest thy father. Nor is the reproof vain.
Heart-stricken and repentant he is henceforth a new man. "God moves in a
mysterious way, his wonders to perform." But we will on. The woods are
passed, and we emerge again into the highway. Who goes yonder with
painful effort in the road before us? It is a crippled boy. Stop--let us
speak to him. Can spirits converse in human tones? We will try. "Good
morning, my poor boy; are you going far on your crutches over this rough
road?"
"Only to the village, sir, about a mile from this."
"And pray what may be your errand that you make so much effort?"
"Oh, sir, one of the boys, last week, gave me a little book, which told
about God, and heaven, and hell, and I am frightened about my soul, and
I am going to ask the good minister who lives in the village what I
shall do that I may go to heaven."
"God speed and teach thee, and give us to see thee at last among the
ransomed ones.
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