That is your only hope; don't throw it away, and waste time; for sooner or later you will feel the need of Him, and He will come to you and hold you up when all other help fails.' Dan stood motionless, and let her read in his softened eyes the dumb desire that lived in his heart, though he had no words to tell it, and only permitted her to catch a glimpse of the divine spark which smoulders or burns clearly in every human soul.

He did not speak; and glad to be spared some answer which should belie his real feelings, Mrs Jo hastened to say, with her most motherly smile: 'I saw in your room the little Bible I gave you long ago; it was well worn outside, but fresh within, as if not much read.

Will you promise me to read a little once a week, dear, for my sake?
Sunday is a quiet day everywhere, and this book is never old nor out of place.

Begin with the stories you used to love when I told them to you boys.

David was your favourite, you remember?
Read him again; he'll suit you even better now, and you'll find his sins and repentance useful reading till you come to the life and work of a diviner example than he.