But you don't know him very
well yet, and so cannot have the life which flows from his fulness
of life. Suppose you come here mornings, and we'll read together
the story of Jesus, just as it is told in the New Testament, and
I don't believe it will be long before you will say to me that my
Friend is yours also. Now, come up to the house and I'll introduce
you to my sister. You think me a saint; but I'll show you what a
human appetite I have."
"I hear a brook near by," said Ida; "may I not go to it and bathe
my face?"
"Yes, do what you like best while here. Would you rather bathe in
the brook than at the house?"
"Yes, indeed. Everything seems sacred here, and I can imagine the
brook yonder to be a rill from the Jordan."
"Don't be superstitious and sentimental," said the old gentleman,
shaking his head gravely. "The life of a Christian means honest,
patient work, and Christ's blood alone can wash us till we are
whiter than snow."
Ida's face grew earnest and noble as she stepped to the symbolic
tree and placed her hand on one of its lower branches.
"Mr. Eltinge," she said gently and gravely, "as this broken, wounded
tree received all the help nature gave it, so I, more bruised and
broken, will try to receive all the help Christ will give me to
bear my burden and live a life pleasing to him.
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