MR. DERMOTT was the wife of a merchant residing in the suburbs of a large city. Her husband was frequently called from home for several months together; and she, in accordance with his wishes, had taken up the doctrines and duties of Christian faith, with the endeavor to render them both simple and attractive to her children. Thus far her efforts had been attended with unusual success, and the little ones looked forward with impatience for the evening when the lessons should be continued.
All being in their places, and the answer repeated with which this chapter commences, the lady inquired, "Did you notice, Walter, into how many parts the teachings of Scripture are divided in this answer?"
After a moment's hesitation, the boy replied, "Into two parts: what we are to believe, and what we are to do."
"Very well, my dear. In the first place, the Bible teaches us to believe; or it presupposes the existence of God, the Creator of all things. He made the world and all that is therein; the sun to rule the day, and the moon and stars to rule the night. The beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, even the little insects which swarm in the air, were all fashioned by his forming hand.
"But what is of more importance to us than all else, is the fact contained in Scripture, that God sent his only Son to provide a way of salvation for poor, guilty sinners.
"This is what we are to believe concerning God. The duties required of us are comprehensively and beautifully summed up in the ten commandments. These relate both to our duties toward God and our duties toward our follow-creatures.
"The Bible teaches little children to whom they are indebted for life and all that makes life pleasant, and it also teaches them to obey their parents, and how to treat each other."
"The Bible says, 'Little children, love one another,'" urged Helen, speaking quickly; "now, mother, will you tell us a story?"
Mrs. Dermott smilingly assented, and commenced. "Far, far away among the Rocky Mountains, many hundred miles beyond where the foot of the white man had ever trod, there once lived an Indian maiden, the daughter of a sachem. She married one of the young warriors of her tribe, and for many years followed him from one hunting field to another, her heart kept warm by her love for him and for her papooses. This is the Indian name for children, of which she had four.
"At length her husband grew sick, and, according to the custom of the poor, deluded tribe, Nola presented offerings to their idols in his behalf. But, notwithstanding her sacrifices and her prayers, the warrior grew rapidly worse, and soon died.