"Two; the Old Testament and the New Testament."
"Do you see why these two portions of the Bible are called Testaments?"
"No, mamma."
"It is because in them God has revealed to us his will. In them he tells who shall be heirs to his vast possessions."
"I should think every body would want to read them, then," exclaimed Walter in an animated tone.
"Yes, my son. If a book were now to be published, telling how any one who wished might inherit a crown, and be heir to an immense estate, how eagerly would the volume be perused! And how exactly would the directions be followed. But here is a book which God has given as a rule or guide to lead us to heaven, where a crown of glory, which cannot fade, is awaiting us, and where we may be co-heirs with Christ to an eternal and immortal inheritance. Alas, that so many should neglect it!"
"A little boy was once sent by his mother to a small shop to buy a bar of soap. The shopwoman took it from the shelf, and having received the money from the child, took a thick book from the floor, and was just about to tear out some of the leaves, when the boy exclaimed, 'Is not that the Bible?'
"'Yes; but what of that?'
"'O, do not tear the Bible! It is so precious.'
"'Pshaw! It is only fit for wrapping paper.'