“No mere man ever lived without having broken God’s commandments,” said Mr. Penrose. “Jesus Christ, who was both God and man, is the only person who ever lived in our world without breaking that law which was given upon Mount Sinai.”

“But must we always break God’s commandments, papa?” asked little Alfred.

“When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and love him, then he takes away our naughty feelings, and enables us to do his will. Do you remember that very cold day when I was taken ill, and your mamma had no one but you to send for the doctor? The snow lay deep upon the ground; but you did not mind that or the cold north wind either. You loved your father so well, that it was no hardship for you to run half a mile through the cold for him. But if you had not wanted me to get well, I know that you would have drawn up your little face, and said, ‘O, mamma! must I go?’ especially as you were very happy, playing with your blocks and your toy-sled, when she asked you if you thought you could take such a long, cold walk for dear papa.

“Just so it becomes easy for us to keep God’s commandments when we learn to love him. When we are made new creatures in Christ Jesus we feel as the loving child does toward his dear father and mother. You know that a child who loves his parents cannot bear to do anything to displease them. He is always inquiring what he shall do for the dear father whom he loves, and who is so very good to him. Just so the Christian feels. He asks God, for his dear Son’s sake, to teach him what his will is, and to enable him to do it; and God hears and answers his prayer. Thus Jesus said, ‘If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.’ John xiv, 23.”

Mr. Penrose then told Rupert where he must go for pardon, even to the Lord Jesus Christ, “who ever liveth to make intercession for us.” He did not usually talk to the children upon religious things for as long a time together as he had that evening: but Rupert was to leave them for school in a few days, and Mr. Penrose wanted to give him as much instruction as he could bear; hoping that he might think of his words at some future time, although he did not care much for them now.

Rupert left Norwood at the appointed time; and we will now turn to our little Alfred, who continued to have pleasant sled-rides, fine skatings, and nice talks with papa.