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A YOUNG AFRICAN HERO

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 20, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 8.

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A YOUNG AFRICAN HERO.

Some of you have hard words to bear at times because you love the Lord Jesus. But in some parts of the world people who say they believe in him are beaten cruelly, and even put to death.
In central Africa, a few years ago, some boys were burned to death by order of the king because they were Christians. Yet, in spite of this, a boy of about sixteen was brave enough to wish to become a Christian. He came to the missionary, and said in his own language:—
“My friend, I wish to be baptized.”
“Do you know what you are asking?” said the missionary in surprise.
“I know, my friend.”
“But if you say that you are a Christian, they will kill you.”
“I know, my friend.”
“But if they ask you if you are a Christian, will you tell a lie, and say, No?”
Bravely and firmly came the boy’s answer, “I shall confess, my friend.”
A little talk followed, in which he showed clearly that he understood what it was to be a Christian, so the missionary baptized him by the name of Samweli, which is the same as our Samuel.
The king found him so useful that he employed him to collect the taxes, which are paid in cowries—little shells which are used instead of money.
One day when he was away on this business, the king again got angry with the Christians, and ordered that all the leading ones should be killed. Samweli’s name was found upon the list. As he came back, he heard of the death that was awaiting him. That night, when it was dark, the missionary was awakened by a low knocking at his door. It was Samweli and his friends come to know what he should do. Should he run away, or should he go and hand over the money he had collected? After a silence the missionary said:—
“Tell me what you think.”
Looking up, Samweli replied, “My friend, I can not leave the things of the king.”
His friends earnestly begged him to fly, but the missionary said: “No, he is right. He has spoken well; he must deliver up the money.”
They all knelt down in prayer together, the missionary wondering sadly if he should ever see the young hero again.
“My friend, I will try to start early, and leave the cowries with the chief,” said the lad as he set off; “but I fear my carriers will not be ready till after daylight, and if I am seen, I shall be caught. Good-by.”
But God kept him. He went boldly to the chief’s hut, put down the cowries, and walked away. He went again a few nights after to tell the missionary, who said, “You ran when you got outside?”
“No, my friend, for I should have been noticed at once. I walked quite slowly until I got out of sight, and then I ran as fast as I could, and so I escaped.”
This is a true story, taken from Mr. Ashe’sbook, “Two Kings of Uganda.” It shows that the love of Christ can make a boy brave to do his duty even in the face of danger and death.
“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence.” —Canada Presbyterian.