The child did not answer at once, and Susan almost reproached herself for having asked the question, for she fancied she heard the sound of a stifled sob, and then the child said in broken tones:
“I like to come to the school, but I mustn’t come again. Mother says she won’t have me go there, and she’ll beat me if I do; but I want so to hear some more about Jesus, and I’m trying to speak to Him, as you told us.”
“That’s right, dear; and do you think if I were to teach you a little prayer to say to Him, you would say it every night and morning, and whenever else you are able through the day?”
“Oh, yes, teacher, that I would.”
“Well, then, dear, I want you to say after me: ‘O God, give me Thy Holy Spirit, and take away all my sins, for Jesus Christ’s sake.’”
The child repeated the words after Susan several times, until she thought she could remember them. Then Susan spoke to her as well as she could through the closed door about the loving Saviour, who died for little children, and who would wash away her sins, if she asked Him, in His precious blood, and give His Holy Spirit to teach and guide her in the right way, and at last, through His own great love, bring her to the happy land she had been singing about. Then taking a little card with a text on it out of her pocket, she slipped it under the door, and told Bessie to try and learn it by the next time she came, and promised if she knew it perfectly she should have another.
Bessie read the words on it, “I love them that love Me, and those that seek Me early shall find Me;” and then Susan said:
“Do you know who it is that says this, dear Bessie?”
“It doesn’t tell us, teacher; but I should think it must be Jesus, because you said He loves us.”
“And do you love Jesus, Bessie?”