"I shall read to you of Jesus and some of His own words," she said, "but
first we will ask Him to help us to understand, to love, and to obey His
teachings."

Then folding her hands and lifting her eyes to the clear blue sky above,
she led them in a prayer so simple and childlike, so filial and loving in
spirit and expression, that the dullest understood it, and felt that she
spoke to One who was very near and dear to her.

After that she read with the same distinct utterance the third chapter of
John's Gospel, and commented briefly upon it. "You all want to go to
heaven?" she said, closing the book.

"Yes, Miss Elsie." "Yes missus, we all does."

"But to be able to go there you must know the way, and now I want to make
sure you do know it. Can you tell me what you must do to be saved?"

There were various answers. "Be good," "Mine de rules an' do 'bout right."
"Pray to de Lord," etc., etc.

Elsie shook her head gravely. "All that you must do, and more besides.
What does Jesus say? 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.' We must believe _in_ Jesus--believe all that the Bible
tells us about Him, that He was very God and very man, that He came down
from heaven, was born a little babe and laid in a manger, that He grew up
to be a man, went about doing good, and at last suffered and died the
cruel death of the cross; and all to save poor lost sinners.