A MISSIONARY, far away
Beyond the Southern Sea,
Was sitting in his home one day
With Bible on his knee;

When suddenly he heard a rap
Upon the chamber door,
And opening, there stood a boy

Of some ten years or more.

B

2

66 OH, LET ME RING THE BELL."

He was a bright and happy child,

With cheeks of ruddy hue,

And eyes that 'neath their lashes smiled,
And glitter'd like the dew.

He held his little form erect,
In boyish sturdiness,

But on his lip you could detect
Traces of gentleness.

"Dear sir," he said, in native tongue,
"I do so want to know
If something for the house of God
You'll kindly let me do."

"What can you do, my little boy ?"

The missionary said;

And as he spoke he laid his hand
Upon the youthful head.

Then bashfully, as if afraid
His secret wish to tell,
The boy in eager accents said—
Oh, let me ring the bell!

“Oh, please to let me ring the bell
For our dear house of prayer;
I'm sure I'll ring it loud and well,
And I'll be always there!"