“Is she one of those you were speaking about just now—a child of God?”
“Yes; she is,” said Christie, gravely. “She doesn’t say much about it; but I do believe it is that which makes the difference. No wonder that she is strong and brave and cheerful always, when she is quite sure that all things will work together for her good.”
Christie spoke the last words rather to herself than to Mrs Lee. The lady listened with much interest, however. She had long ago learned to value her little nurse for her faithfulness and her desire to do right; but this glimpse she was getting of her inner life was something new.
“It’s no wonder I love Effie,” continued Christie, whose heart was opened. “When my mother died, I was sickly, and different from the rest; and she gave me to Effie as her special care. I think I should have died if it hadn’t been for her. Oh, if I could only see her, just for one minute!”
Christie was in danger of forgetting all else for the moment. But she checked herself by a great effort, and said:
“I don’t mean that I am discontented here, or that I would go home if I could. I know it is best I should be here.”
“What do you mean by all things working together for good?” said Mrs Lee, by and by. “I suppose Christians have trials and sorrows as well as others?”
“Oh, yes! I don’t mean that. But a Christian may be sure that even his trials are sent for the best. That is what John Nesbitt said to Effie and me once. He said, if we had a friend of whose love we could be sure, a friend who was wise and powerful and who had promised to bring us safely through our troubles, we should have no cause to fret and despond, though we might not understand all that happened by the way. We might be sure that in the end all would be well.”
“If one could only have such a friend!” said Mrs Lee, with an audible sigh.
“Well, I suppose Jesus Christ is such a friend to those who love Him,” said Christie, softly. “He’s loving and powerful, and He has promised; and He cannot break His promise, we know. If we would but trust Him!”