Little King Davie

by Nellie Hellis
Available from Lamplighter Publishing and Amazon
*****
Eleven year old Davie Scott swept the London street crossings to help support his twice-widowed mother and twin siblings. Music has always thrilled his young soul, and he took every opportunity to listen outside churches and cathedrals to the beautiful singing inside. One day he was listening to the singing outside, and decided to wait until the musical preacher’s voice finished, so he could listen to the closing hymn. A man noticed him and invited him inside to be able to hear the preacher’s words. Davie had always thought that religion was for the rich people. Their wealth must help them to understand it. But this night, the preacher spoke very plainly, and Davie found his heart burning to know how he could be a king and priest to God.

After the sermon and closing hymn, Davie wanted to speak to the minister and ask about his words, but he was swept away by the crowd. He was walking down the sidewalk when he saw the preacher walking away, and crossed the street to speak to him. He was so focused on his mission that he failed to pay attention to the traffic and was run over by a carriage.

In the hospital, Davie was not recovering quickly, although his doctor gave him the most tender care. The doctor asked Davie one day if there was anything he would like, and Davie told him of his desire to speak to the preacher he heard that night, and ask him how to be a king and priest to God. His doctor found that the preacher was not from London, but a nurse who knew him told Mr. Kilmarnock of Davie’s request. He came at once, and spoke to Davie about the Lord on the critical night when Davie was expected to die. Davie understood that “it was for him, then, that Christ had died.

The story continues through Davie’s recovery, during which his clear singing and testimony cause him to be nicknamed “King Davie”. He returned home, which was more comfortable than before thanks to the help of the lady whose carriage had run over poor Davie. Through her influence, Davie was delighted to become a chorister, and was actually paid to sing! In the end, Davie’s trust in God became the means of his mother’s coming to know Christ, and Him crucified.

It's a sweet little story: great for children and refreshing for adults.