s of the Lord like having children of your own. Why,
afore I was married, I was for whipping every child that was contrairy
till it got good again; but after my Lucy Ellen was born, I found that
her contrairiness made me sorry for her instead of angry with her, and I
knowed as the poor little thing was feeling poorly or else she'd never
have been like that. So instead of punishing her, I just comforted her;
and the more contradictious she got, the more I knowed as she wanted
comfort. And I don't doubt but the Lord knows that the more we kick
against Him the more we need Him; and that He makes allowance
accordingly."

"You seem to have comfortable thoughts about things; I only hope as you
are not encouraging false hopes and crying peace where there is no
peace," remarked Mrs. Hankey severely.

But Mrs. Bateson was not affrighted. "Don't you know how ashamed you
feel when folks think better of you than you deserve? I remember years
ago, when Caleb came a-courting me, I was minded once to throw him over,
because he was full solemn to take a young maid's fancy. And when I was
debating within myself whether I'd throw him over or no, he says to me,
'Kezia, my lass,' he says, 'I'm not afeared as ye'll give me the slip,
for all your saucy ways; other folks may think you're a bit flirty, but
I know you better than they do, and I trust you with all my heart.' Do
you think I could have disappointed him after that, Mrs. Hankey? Not for
the whole world. But I was that ashamed as never was, for even having
thought of such a thing. And if we poor sinful souls feel like that, do
you think the Lord is the One to disappoint folks for thinking better of
Him than He deserves? Not He, Mrs. Hankey; I know Him better than that."

"I only wish I could see things in such a cheerful light as you do."

"It was only after my first baby was born that I began to understand the
Lord's ways a bit. It's wonderful how caring for other folks seems to
bring you nearer to Him--nearer even than class meetings and special
services, though I wouldn't for the world say a word against the means
of grace."

This doctrine was too high for Mrs. Hankey; she could not attain to it,
so she wisely took refuge in a side issue. "It was fortunate for you
your eldest being a girl; if the Lord had thought fit to give me a
daughter instead of three sons, things might have been better with me,"
she said, contentedly moving the burden of personal responsibility from
her