AITH! What is ther? The to count the leaves and vines that dance in and out in that sunshine faith, mo- by the window where you sit and sew. Then, hearing the tumbling of the waters where Willie used to splash and build his little dams day after day, so happy and so well, I tried hard to raise myself and see the big flat stone where I used to sit so long watching his play. I could not rise very far, it hurt too much; but I did see the top of the elm that grew so high, and sheltered my resting-place, How I did enjoy his fun! I often thought it was almost as good as if I played myself. He is a man comes to see me, 'Charlie, have you true faith in your heavenly Father?' I do not believe I understand all he tells me; but I do indeed long for the rest and peace which I feel that that alone can bring to one so full of weariness and pain. I am very tired of I lie here all day-so tired I have tried thinking that as now, far away, earning money for you, and I am lying here so helpless and so weak. I have been the burden, and must be while I live. I need faith to help me bear my sorrow, and be patient under this great trial that I have to bear. You have taught me clearest and truest all I know. Come, mother, and sit beside me, and tell me how I can find the comfort and the strength; and while I lie just as still as ever I can, for I am very tired, talk once more one of those dear old talks to your sick little boy, for I feel just as I used to, if I am almost fifteen; yes, just the same tired-out little boy as ever." The dear mother came to the bedside, and, smoothing the pillow, and giving the cooling drink, brought rest and peace with her quiet ways; but the dread fear of separation came stronger than ever as she saw increased weakness so marked in every feature, and she felt that the comfort of true trust in God must come to him soon, even to strengthen him on earth. "Charlie," she said, taking the wasted hand in her own, "I do not know that I can make it clear to you, but my most earnest wish is that it may be made so soon, very soon; you know we read we must become as little children. I think true faith is to trust in God as a very little child trusts in a tender, loving mother; only it is harder for us to do, because the little child sees its mother with the eye, hears her voice, and is sensible of her presence. Now faith is accounted unto us for righteousness, because it is the same perfect trust in One that we have not seen, One who disciplines those that have this faith in Him, and those that He would fit to dwell here enjoying what we have not seen, but what we shall see, in the fulness of joy hereafter; just as a faithful Christian parent disciplines the child he loves better than he loves himself, only with this great difference, that the best of parents often err: God never can. And to have faith in Him is to trust Him just as you did me when you were a little helpless child; only remember always the vast difference I have just told you of. I think this faith is too much of a far off thing with young Christians, it does not enter into every day life just as the parental trust does in the life of little chil |