ng into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out. And, having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.'
Happiness does not depend upon the amount of our earthly possessions.
'Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and
verily thou shalt be fed.' That promise alone should be enough to make
one contented and happy, even though possessed of but very little of
this world's goods. Indeed, why should we care to have much of that
which may at any moment fall from our grasp? Let us rather seek the true
riches which endure unto eternal life. Let us follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. May ours be 'the path of the
just which is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the
perfect day.'

"But I consented, not to the preaching of a sermon, but only to the
leading of the exercises in which all are privileged and desired to take
a part. Let us have the reading or quoting of texts bearing upon the
subject of godliness."

Then, from their open Bibles they read in turn, the older people
selecting for themselves, the younger searching out references given
them by their leader.

"Papa," asked Neddie, when there was a pause in the reading, "what is
godliness? Does it mean the same as being a Christian?"

"Yes, my son."

"And to be a Christian is to love Jesus and try to be like him and
serve him everywhere and all the time?"

"Yes; a real, true Christian is one who follows Christ, striving to be
like him in every way and to keep all his commands."

"I think I do want to, papa. Please tell me more about it."

"We must study the Bible to learn all about Christ Jesus--how he lived
in this world, what he did, and what he did not do, what sort of spirit
he showed--and strive to have the same spirit ourselves; for the Bible
tells us 'If any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his.'
Jesus said, 'I must be about my Father's business,' and if God is our
Father we too will be about his business."

"But how, papa? I don't understand it."

"Jesus came to save souls; and we must try to save them by leading them
to him; first by serving him ourselves, then by persuading others to do
the same--telling them of all his great goodness and mercy, his loving
kindness, and how he suffered and bled and died that sinners might be
saved--even those who hated and persecuted him. How strange it is that
we do not love him more and serve him better!"