She had taught them that when any trouble arose between
them, they were to kneel in prayer and ask God to
help the one who had done wrong. Once she heard
Bessie say, “Louise, I have prayed for you three
times, and I believe I shall have to pray for you
again.” Louise was not a bad child; she
had as sweet and happy a disposition as Bessie; but,
as with all small children, little difficulties arose
between them.
Wishing to know what her two little girls would do
on such an occasion, she watched them. Bessie
quietly took her little sister’s hand, lead her
aside, and knelt with her in prayer. Then with
all earnestness she prayed, “O Lord, help Louise
to to be good, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.”
The prayer, though short, was effectual; for both
went back to their play with happy faces, and they
had no more trouble that day.
EARLY TRAINING.
As the daily teaching continued, Mrs. Worthington
taught her children many helpful lessons. She
told them of the great necessity of a Savior and of
his mission to humanity. She taught them how God
looked upon disobedience, and always illustrated her
talks with interesting Bible stories and their every-day
experiences. In this way she taught them not
only the evil effects of wrong-doing but also the sure
reward of right-doing.
One summer, while the family was spending their vacation
in Michigan at the pretty country home of an aunt,
something happened that helped the children to apprehend
their mother’s meaning. This incident, although
in some measure painful to Mrs. Worthington, impressed
the lesson upon their young minds almost better than
anything else could have.
The house was situated upon a hill that sloped gradually
down to the shore of a lake. In many ways this
lake was very attractive, especially to the two little
girls, who were then at the ages of two and four years.
Mrs. Worthington carefully warned the children of the
danger of playing near the lake shore; but, not realizing
the greatness of their temptation, she trusted them
too far. Time after time they made their way
down to the water’s edge. Something must
be done; but what?
One morning Mr. Worthington noticed his little daughters
standing in front of the house. Although he could
not hear their words, he clearly perceived that they
were talking about a trip to the forbidden lake.
They hesitated some time, but at last walked slowly
down the hillside to the lake. Again they hesitated.
Finally descending the steps of the boat-house, they
stepped into the sparkling water. How dainty the
ripples about their feet, and how clear the water!
