“Now listen while I read,” she said, and began:  “’And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.  And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them:  and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.  But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and they cried out:  (For they all saw him, and were troubled.) And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer:  it is I; be not afraid.  And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased:  and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.  For they considered not the miracle of the loaves:  for their heart was hardened.’”

“Oh, grandma, I don’t want my heart to be hardened like that—­so that I won’t believe in Jesus and love and trust him,” Elsie said earnestly.

“No, dear child; ask God very often not to let it ever be so hardened; but to give you strong and abiding faith; faith that will never for an instant doubt his power or love.  Remember he says, ’I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me.’”

“Early in the morning, grandma?” asked.  Ned.

“Yes, dear; and early in life—­while you are a little child.”

“How, grandma?  What’s the way to do it?”

“Perhaps you may sometimes want papa when you do riot know exactly where he is, and you go about the house and grounds looking for him; that is seeking him; and when you have found papa you say to him what you wish to say.  But Jesus, being God, is every where; he sees you and hears all you say, knows all your thoughts; so if you speak to him only in your heart he will know it—­know all you want and listen to your prayer; for he is so good, so kind, so condescending that he will not turn away from anyone who really prays—­asks with all his heart to be cleansed from his sins and made truly good—­such an one as will be pleasing in the sight of God.”

“Yes, grandma,” said Elsie, “that’s what papa and mamma, too, have told Neddie and me many times; and I do ask God earnestly very, very often to give me a new heart and make me his own dear child.  Grandma, papa often tells me he loves me very dearly, but that Jesus loves me still more.”

“Yes, dear child, the Bible tells us so and it is very sweet and comforting to think of.  Jesus loves to have us carry our troubles to him and he feels for us in them all.  He says, ’As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted.’”

“And mamma is such a dear comforter when we are in any trouble or suffering pain,” remarked Elsie.