I have an affection for this tree, and like to lean
against it, and sometimes I half fancy it likes to have me."
"I should think it ought to," said Ida, heartily, with tears in
her eyes, but a smile on her lips.
"Well, now, my child, to go on with my parable, what nature was
to this pear-tree, nature's God must be to you. We cannot find in
nature nor in the happiest human love that which can satisfy our
deep spiritual need; but we can find all in him who came from heaven
in our behalf. Jesus Christ is the patient, helpful Friend you
need. He brings more than joy--even the peace and rest that follow
full trust in One pledged to take care of us and make everything
turn out for the best. He says of those who come to him, 'I give
unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish.' If you will
take this life from him it will never be a burden to you, and it
will always be a blessing to others."
"I fear I don't quite understand you, Mr. Eltinge. What is this
'eternal life'--this new, added life which you say Christ offers,
and which I'm sure I'd be very glad to take if I knew how?"
"Let Jesus answer you himself, my child. He said plainly: 'This
is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.
Pages:
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479