“Yes, through God’s blessing, I trust I did,” replied Connor.
“Now I listened all through,” said Lacy, “but could make out very little of what he meant, except when he spoke about anger, and such other evil passions,” looking at Susan.
“And of provoking to anger,” said Susan, looking at him.
“But did you not understand what he said about loving one another?” asked Mary.
“Why, yes, I think so,” replied Lacy; “but what did he mean by our coming to Christ to be cleansed and clothed?”
“He meant,” answered Connor, “as the Bible shows, that nothing could wash away our sins but the blood that was shed on the cross for us—and that renouncing all dependence upon our own works, we must take for the garment of salvation, the righteousness of Christ, which alone can make us fit to appear before God.”
“I suppose,” said Susan, “there were some very wicked people there, and the clergyman meant it for them.”
“Aye,” said Connor, “and for the very best people there too;—there are none in the world fit to enter heaven without being so cleansed and so clothed.”
“That is odd!” exclaimed Lacy, “for supposing that you and I, and the two wives, are all sinners, sure the little boys cannot be sinners?”
“Oh, yes we are, indeed?” said little William, shaking his head sorrowfully, “Peter and I are bad boys: I told a lie twice; and Peter pulled an apple that father told him not to touch.”