t, though
a Jew, he was a Christian; and, living or dead, I know he is safe in the
keeping of our blessed Lord. Yes, Manasseh, God hears the slightest
whisper breathed from the heart of those who call upon him in truth. He
says, Jesus says, 'I know my sheep, and am known of mine.' Little son, I
like to think that our blessed Savior, who 'laid down his life for the
sheep,' is here--in this very room, close to us. Sometimes I close my
eyes and think I see him, looking upon us in mercy and love from his
tender eyes, and he almost seems so near that I may touch him. No, he
will never forsake us. Little ones, my constant prayer for you is that
you may learn to realize the depths of his love, and to render him your
hearts in return; that you may feel ever closer to him than to any
earthly parent, and prove yourselves loving, faithful children of whom
he may not be ashamed."

The woman's voice trembled with emotion as she concluded, and a glow of
happiness illuminated her thin features.

"Well, mother, I was ashamed to-day," said little Manasseh. "I got angry
and struck a boy."

"Manasseh! My child!"

"You cannot understand, mother; you are so good that you never get
angry or wicked. But the anger keeps rising up in me till it seems as if
my heart would burst; the blood rushes to my face, my eyes
flash--then--I strike, and think of nothing."

She stroked his hair gently. "Manasseh, my boy's temper is one enemy
which he has to conquer. But he must not try to conquer it in his own
strength. We have an Almighty Helper who has given us to know that he
will not suffer us to be tempted beyond that we are able, and has bidden
us cast all our care upon him. He will be only too willing to guide us
and uphold us by his power, if we will but let him keep us and lead us
far from all temptation."

"Then what would you do, mother, if you were in my place when the anger
comes up?"

She stooped and kissed him. "I would say, 'Jesus, help me,' and leave it
all to him."

Just then a step sounded at the door. Some one entered, and a cry of
"Father! Oh, father!" burst from the children. The mother sprang,
trembling, to her feet. It was the long-lost husband and father!

Then the lamp was lighted, and the traveler told his loved ones the
story of his long absence; how he had embarked at Jeddah on a foist
bound for the head of the Red Sea; how he had been shipwrecked; had
become ill of a fever as the result of exposure; and how he had at