M. Yes, papa; I know why it was. I did not ask the Saviour to give me a new heart; but I will do so now, indeed I will; I will not leave off praying to him to cure me of my evil ways till he has taught me to do His will.
Maurice’s father then kissed him, and said, “Whatever you ask from our heavenly Father, in the name of his son our Lord Jesus Christ, He has promised that he will bestow; then, my dear child, seek for his grace at once, pray for it to day, pray for it now.”
Perhaps some other time, I may tell you if Maurice did pray to God to deliver him from his idleness, and whether this hedge of thorns was taken out of his way. Meanwhile my readers may hope that it was removed; and let them see whether there is not a hedge of thorns in their own way. If there is, I hope they will not rest till they have found out how to pass it.
THE REAL FRIEND.
“Mamma,” said Henry, “may I go and play with William, this afternoon?”
Mamma. Why do you wish to go to play with William rather than with Thomas, who lives so much nearer?
Henry. I like very well to play with Thomas; but if you please I had rather go to see William.
M. I wonder at that, for Thomas has a great many more playthings than William; I know he has a very nice paint box, and you are very fond of painting pictures.