"Methinks not, save by taking that into your safe keeping," said the Earl, touching the large Bible. "I would have it go withal, as well as you. Nought else, I thank you."
But before Mr. Robesart had quite reached the door, his young master's voice arrested his steps.
"Father, tell me ere you go, what doth God when He blesseth us?"
"What do you, my Lord, when you bless your childre?"
"I do desire all good to hap unto them: but I may not ensure it."
"And He alway ensureth it. I see none other difference. God's blessing is God's love. Every gift of God is a loving thought of God's heart toward His childre."
"But how, toward them that are not such?"
"'He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good,'" replied Mr. Robesart. "His common, earthly blessings He gives to all alike."
"And what call you such gifts as beauty, learning, and riches? Be they blessings, or no?"
"All things that God has made are good. They are blessings when they leave His hand. If we would have them abide blessings, we must give them back to Him. If we keep them to adorn ourselves withal, they become curses to us. God's first and greatest blessing is Himself. Let us keep Him in His right place—on the throne of the heart—and all else will fall into his right place, as by the wave of a magician's wand."