“Test everything by the Word of God.
“Remember that the world passeth away.”
Flora was the first of us to speak.
“Thank you, indeed, Aunt Kezia for taking so much trouble for us. If we govern ourselves by your rules, we can hardly go far wrong.”
I tried to say something of the same sort, but I am afraid I bungled it.
“I cannot tell when we shall meet again, my lassies,” saith my Aunt Kezia. “Only it seems likely to be some time first. Of course, if things fall out ill, and Mrs Desborough counts it best to remove from London, or to send you elsewhere, you must be ruled by her, as you cannot refer to your father. Remember, Cary—your grandmother and uncle will stand to you in place of father and mother while you are with them. Your father sends you to them, and puts his authority into their hands. Don’t go to think you know better—girls so often do. A little humility and obedience won’t hurt you, and you need not be afraid there will ever be too much of them in this world.”
“But, Aunt!” said I, in some alarm, “suppose Grandmamma tells me to do something which I know you would not allow?”
“Follow your rule, Cary: set the Lord always before you. If it is anything which He would not allow, then you are justified in standing out. Not otherwise.”
“But how am I to know, Aunt?” It was a foolish question of mine, for I might have known what my Aunt Kezia would say.
“What do you think the Bible was made for, Cary?”