--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Dean, Joseph H. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 25 number: 9 published: 1922-07 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Dean Joseph H., "The Faith of Little Mary", *Improvement Era* 25, no. 9 (July 1922): 765.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2509unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2509unse start_page: 765 end_page: 765 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1922-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2509unse publication_year: 1922 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1922, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # The Faith of Little Mary The Faith of Little Mary The father, a well-digger strong was he, And as loving and kind as a father could be, And Mary, his daughter, five years old, Was very much dearer than millions of gold. To Mary her father was big, grand and nice, So each had a treasure beyond any price. One day to the well little Mary was sent To take daddy's dinner; how gladly she went! But when she looked down not a thing could she see. The well, like a pocket, was dark as could be. The father saw Mary and heard her voice, too, But made not a sound, just to see what she'd do. She dropped on her knees, the dear little soul, And called down "O daddy, are you down this hole?" "Why, yes, Mary darling, I'm here at your feet: Just drop me my lunch, for I'm ready to eat. Just let it go easy, I'll catch it all right." She did so, and saw it go down out of sight. "Why Mary," said he, "There's enough here for two; Now this is the thing I should like you to do: You jump down here to me and we'll eat together, Down here in the cool, away from the weather." "0 daddy, I'm afraid, I can't see you at all; Be sure now you catch me and not let me fall." 'Twas just for a moment, sue wavered in doubt, Then, closing her dear little eyes, she jumped out In the darkness — yes, that was the test. She trusted in faith in her father's request. And both were so happy, he kissed her and smiled, Because of the sweet trusting faith of his child. Ah, sweet little Mary, you've put me to shame. How often my Father has called me, the same. But because it was "dark" I have turned back in doubt, Refusing the call, though His arms were stretched out. I wanted some "proof," must first "see" with my eyes, And so I have "doubted", and lost me the prize. To him that will knock, the door opened shall be. To him that will ask, it is given to see. And he that will seek, the Lord says he shall find. But he that's a doubter, must always stay blind. Until I have faith, and can bow 'neath His rod, I'll never inherit the kingdom of God. Shelley, Idaho Joseph H. Dean