A YOUNG MARTYR | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 11, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 10.

A YOUNG MARTYR.

A POOR little African negro, only ten years of age, went to hear the preaching of one of the missionaries, and became, through his instrumentality, a convert to the Christian religion. His master (an inveterate enemy to missions), hearing of it, commanded him never to go again, and declared he would have him whipped if he did. The poor little boy, in consequence, was very miserable. He could scarcely refrain from going, yet he knew his death was inevitable if he did. In this critical situation he sought direction and assistance at the throne of grace, and, after having done this, he felt convinced that it was still his duty to attend, but to be careful that he should never interfere with his master’s business, and for the rest, to leave himself in the hands of God. He therefore went, and, on his return, was summoned to his master’s presence; and after much violent and abusive language, received five and twenty lashes, and then, in a sarcastic tone of blasphemous ridicule, his master exclaimed, “What can Jesus Christ do for you now?” “He enables me to bear it patiently,” said the poor child. “Give him five and twenty lashes more,” said the inhuman wretch. He was obeyed. “And what can Jesus Christ do for you now?” asked the unfeeling monster. “He helps me to look forward to a future reward,” replied the little sufferer. “Give him five and twenty lashes more,” vociferated the cruel tyrant in a transport of rage. They complied; and, while he listened with savage delight to the extorted groans of his dying victim, he again demanded, “What can Jesus Christ do for you now?” The youthful martyr, with the last effort of expiring nature, meekly answered, “He enables me to pray for you, massa,” and instantly breathed his last.