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The Child-Teacher

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 1, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 17.

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The Child-Teacher.

BACKWARD and forward in her little rocking-chair went Alice Lee, now clasping her beautiful waxen doll to her bosom, and singing low, sweet lullabies; then smoothing its flaxen curls, patting its rosy cheeks, and whispering softly "I love you pretty dolly;" and anon casting wistful glances towards her mother, who sat in a bay window, busily writing. After what seemed to be a very long time to the little daughter, Mrs. Lee pushed aside the papers, and looking up, said pleasantly:—
"I am through for to-day, Alice, you may now make all the noise you choose."
Scarcely were the words uttered ere the little one had flown to her, and nestled her head on her loving heart, saying earnestly:—
"I'm so glad! I wanted to love you so much, mamma."
"Did you, darling?" And she clasped her tenderly. "I am very glad my Alice loves me so; but I fancy you were not very lonely while I wrote; you and dolly seemed to be having a happy time together."
"Yes, we had, mamma; but I got tired after awhile of loving her."
"And why?"
"Oh," because she never loves me back!"
"And that is why you love me?"
"That is one why, mamma; but not the first or the best."
"And what is the first and best?"
Why, mamma, don't you guess?" and the blue eyes grew very bright and earnest.
"It's because you loved me when I was too little to love you back; that's why I love you so."
"We love Him because He first loved us," whispered the mother; and fervently she thanked God for the little child-teacher.