Asking the Lord to Help Him in His Lessons

‘’A little boy was at school, he was diligent, and determined to succeed, but found that parsing was rather hard.

“One day he went to his mamma for a little help in analyzing some sentences. She told him the proper manner of doing it, and he followed her directions; but he was much troubled that he could not understand the whys and wherefores himself.

“His mamma told him it was rather hard for him then, but that after he had studied a little longer, it would be quite easy.

‘’ Johnnie went into another room to study alone, but after a little came back, his face perfectly radiant with joy. He said: ’ mamma, I want to begin again. I asked Jesus to help me, and now I think I see just how it is. He always helps us when we ask him; and with unspeakable delight he with his mamma went over his lesson again.”

Griye us tMs day our Daily Bread.

“The American Messenger tells the story of Johnny Hall, a poor boy. His mother worked hard for their daily bread. ‘Please give me something to eat; I am very hungry,’ he said one evening. His mother let the work upon which she was sewing fall from her knee, and drew Johnny toward her. Her tears fell fast as she said: ‘Mamma is very poor, and cannot give you any supper to-night.’ Never mind, mamma; I shall soon be asleep, and then I sha’n’t feel hungry. But you will sit and sew, and be so hungry and cold. Poor mamma,’ he said, and kissed her many times to comfort her.

“‘Now, Johnny, you may say your prayers; ’ for dearly as his mother loved him, she could ill afford to lose a moment from her work. He repeated ‘Our Father ’ with her until they came to the petition, Give us this day our daily bread.’ The earnestness, almost agony, with which the mother uttered these words, impressed Johnny strongly. He said them over again: ‘Give us this day our daily hread,^ Then opening his blue eyes, he fixed them on his mother, and said; * We shall never be hungry any more. God is our Father and he will hear us.’ The prayer was finished and Johnny laid to rest. The mother sewed with renewed energy. Her heart was sustained by the simple faith of her child. Many were the gracious promises which came to her remembrance. Although tired and hungry, still it was with a light heart she sank to rest.

“Early in the morning a gentleman called on his way to business. He wished Johnny’s mother to come to his home to take charge of his two motherless hoys. She immediately accepted the offer. They were thus provided with all the comforts of a good home. Johnny is a man now, but he has never forgotten the time when he prayed so earnestly for his daily bread.

‘* God will hear prayer is his firm belief. In many ways has he had the faith of his childhood confirmed. He looks to God as his Father with the same trust now as then.