"Have you remembered that God loves every sinner that has
believed in his dear Son? — and loves them so well, that He
will let nothing come near them to harm them? — and loves them
never better than when He sends bitter trouble on them? It is
wonderful! but it is true. Have you thought of this, Ellie?"
She shook her head.
"It is not in anger He does it; it is not that He has
forgotten you: it is not that He is careless of your trembling
little heart — never, never! If you are his child, all is done
in love, and shall work good for you; and if we often cannot
see how, it is because we are weak and foolish, and can see
but a very little way."
Ellen listened with her face hid on his shoulder.
"Do you love Christ, Ellen?"
She nodded, weeping afresh.
"Do you love him less since he has brought you into this great
sorrow?"
"No," sobbed Ellen, "_more!_"
He drew her closer to his breast, and was silent a little
while.
"I am very glad to hear you say that! — then all will be well.
And haven't you the best reason to think that all _is_ well with
your dear mother?"
Ellen almost shrieked. Her mother's name had not been spoken
before her in a great while, and she could hardly bear to hear
it now. Her whole frame quivered with hysterical sobs.
"Hush, Ellie!" said John, in a tone that, low as it was,
somehow found its way through all her agitation, and calmed
her like a spell; — "have you not good reason to believe that
all is well with her?"
"Oh, yes! — oh, yes!"
"She loved and trusted Him, too; and now she is with Him — she
has reached that bright home where there is no more sin, nor
sorrow, nor death.
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