things far better than I do; but it seems to me that you would have gained
more from your reading, if you had tried to find something in the books,
which you could use to help you in your trouble, and not merely to find
out something new about what other people do and how they live."

"If you learned from these books that our Lord Jesus Christ first taught
the lesson that all men are equal in the sight of God, and that one soul
is of as much worth as another before Him, then it must have been told
there too, how our Savior brought us the glad tidings that we have a
Father in Heaven, who loves His children and who will bless them if they
put their trust in Him. Our Savior shows us the way to our Heavenly
Father, and will help us to overcome all the difficulties that stand in
our path. He speaks to us with a tenderness beyond that of any other
friend, and bids us lay our burdens upon Him and He will help us to bear
them."

"But mother," said Veronica, looking with a wonder that was almost awe
upon the peaceful countenance of the mother, "can you truly say that you
have found peace and happiness, while you have no news from him, and do
not know what dreadful tidings any minute may bring you?"

"Yes, Veronica, I can and I do say so," answered Gertrude, and her face
even without words would have borne witness to the truth of what she said.
"I know that what ever comes to us, comes from God, and is for our good.
But Veronica, we must put away all hatred and bitterness from our hearts;
these feelings are all evil, and we must ask to be forgiven for them.
Shall I go on with the prayer, where you left off, my child? Try to join
with me; it will help you, dear."

And Gertrude finished the Lord's prayer.