"You are very right," he said gravely, "to love such a mother--to give her all possible duty and affection; she deserves it. But, Ellen, in all these very things I have been mentioning Jesus Christ has shown that He deserves it far more. Do you think, if you had never behaved like a child to your mother--if you had never made her the least return of love or regard--that she would have continued to love you as she does?" "No, sir," said Ellen, "I do not think she would." "Have you ever made any fit return to God for His goodness to you?" "No, sir," said Ellen, in a low tone. "And yet there has been no change in _His_ kindness. Just look at it, and see what He has done and is doing for you. In the first place, it is not your mother, but He, who has given you every good and pleasant thing you have enjoyed in your whole life. You love your mother because she is so careful to provide for all your wants; but who gave her the materials to work with? She has only been, as it were, the hand by which He supplied you. And who gave you such a mother?--there are many mothers not like her;--who put into her heart the truth and love that have been blessing you ever since you were born? It is all--all God's doing, from first to last; but His child has forgotten Him in the very gifts of His mercy." Ellen was silent, but looked very grave. "Your mother never minded her own ease or pleasure when your good was concerned. Did Christ mind His? You know what He did to save sinners, don't you?" "Yes, sir, I know; mamma often told me." "'Though He was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich.' He took our burden of sin upon Himself, and suffered that terrible punishment--all to save you and such as you. And now He asks His children to leave off sinning and come back to Him who has bought them with His own blood. He did this because He _loved_ you; does He not deserve to be loved in return?" Ellen had nothing to say; she hung down her head further and further. "And patient and kind as your mother is, the Lord Jesus is kinder and more patient still. In all your life so far, Ellen, you have not loved or obeyed Him; and yet He loves you, and is ready to be your friend. Is He not even to-day taking away your dear mother for the very purpose that He may draw you gently to Himself and fold you in His arms, as He has promised to do with His lambs? He knows you can never be happy anywhere else." The gentleman paused again, for he saw that the little listener's mind was full. "Has not Christ shown that He loves you better even than your mother does? And were there ever sweeter words of kindness than these?-- "'Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' "'I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.' "'I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.'"