C. Then it was God that made all things! He preserves us every moment, and yet very often we do not think about him. Why is this, papa?
F. My dear; our hearts are by nature far from God, and do not love him. Sin is the cause of this; it turns our hearts aside from our heavenly Father, who created us. Thus some persons wish that it was not God who protects us and keeps us from harm, and gives us all that is for our good.
C. Ah! papa; then there are but few persons who love God and trust in him?
F. It is only his children who love him, and rejoice to praise Him, and bless His name, who trust sincerely and with all their hearts in Him. To be a true Christian, is to have the heart renewed and cleansed from its sins, by the precious blood of Christ, being made holy by the Spirit of God. We are, by nature, like that little insect. God has given it life and motion, nourishment, clothing, and all it wants; but it does not think about him, nor wish to thank him.
C. But when we are naughty we must be worse than the Lady-bird, for it does not offend God and sin against Him.
F. You are right, my dear boy; those who love sin are not so good as that little insect. Then how thankful should we be, that Christ Jesus our Lord died to redeem us from the curse and power of sin: and that he makes those who seek him children of God, uniting them to himself for ever.
C. I hope God will be my father, and love me. Surely he will take care of me, for he gave his Son to save me. How kind that was!
F. Then, my dear child, love this Saviour; try to glorify Him, and remember the words of St. Paul, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.” Remember this Lady-bird; how beautifully and wonderfully it is made by the power of our Lord. Above all things seek with confidence for his blessing, who, through Christ Jesus, is your heavenly father, and will not forget you.
