"Is not the likeness that of every soul that forgets and neglects the greatest of Benefactors—the best and kindest of Friends? Oh, Eddy what hath God done for us, can we number up a thousandth part of the benefits received from His love? Think of the heavy debt of sin, that sin which, unpardoned, is death! Did not the Lord of glory leave the throne of heaven to live in poverty and want, and then endure the scourge and the cross, that our heavy debt might be paid? Was not that the proof of most wonderful love? And think how, from our feeble infancy, God has watched over, cared for, and blessed us. For the sight of our eyes, the strength of our limbs, for the faculties of memory and reason, we have to thank our great Benefactor. For the home in which we dwell, the food which we eat, the friends whom we love—we must thank him. For all that we have in this world, and for all that we hope for in the next, we must bless and praise our Redeemer."
Eddy looked more thoughtful than usual, and, after a pause, his aunt went on: "And what return do many of us make for all this goodness and love? What is the conduct of many of those who bear the name of Christians? Do they care to please the Lord, or only to please themselves? When God invites them to His house of prayer, do they not neglect his invitation, and prefer any place of amusement? Would they not rather read any light book than the Bible, which is the word of God, and contains His gracious message? And to mention but one thing more, that precious portion of time, the Lord's Day, which God has reserved in His wisdom to be an especial blessing to the soul, the time which he commands us to hallow—do not many rob him of it lot their own purposes; their business, their trade, their amusement? If ingratitude be hateful towards man—oh, what must it be towards God!"
"Aunt, you are hard upon me," said Eddy.
"Since you take the picture for yourself, dear boy, I can only say—Is it not like?"