"And what would you counsel in regard to him?"
"I do not know. I have never had to deal with such a case. If he were my boy I should just go to God with my ignorance, and expect to gain wisdom how to act. But let me say, just here, that my experience with boys and girls forbids free use of money. As soon as they reach a proper age, they should have, if possible, an allowance, and be obliged to keep account of every penny of it. I should say in relation to Bob, that he should be indulged very sparingly, and obliged to restore to a mill all he has taken, even if it takes years to do it. This long discipline will do him good. 'The way of transgressors is hard;' let him learn that so effectually that he can never forget it. One thing more. You have told him that you do not love him; go on in that path, and you will lose your boy. You must not only love him, you must let him know that you do by constant acts of kindness. God makes a distinction between the sinner and his sin; He loves the one and hates the other; we must do the same."
The unhappy parents began to feel their burden lightened.
"Then, you think there is hope for our poor boy?" they asked.
"I know there is just as long as you enclose him in your prayers. He will be as safe as an insect in a piece of amber."
"But the insect is dead."
"Yes, but how much better hath God made a human soul that cannot die?"
"I have not breathed so freely for a month," said Mrs. Thayer. "Will you give us some hints now about Esther? You see what she is, superficially; but she has good qualities, and far more character than Bob."
"How happens it that she wants to exclude you all from her pleasures?"