human
Look out now!
gpt
We're in a scrape!
human
No chance for fun today! And only Tip's eyes looked glad when Holbrook halted before their class, with
gpt
Good morning, boys. Then,
human
Good morning Edward; I am glad to see you here to-day; and the minister actually held out his hand to Tip. Mr. Holbrook never called him Tip; he had asked him one morning what his real name was, and since then had spoken it,
gpt
Edward,
human
You have been a good listener to-day, Edward, Did you understand the story I told, of the boy who started on a journey to the Holy Land?
gpt
Some of it I did: you meant that he started for heaven.
human
You understand it, I see. Don't you want to take that journey?
gpt
I mean to, sir.
human
was Mr. Holbrook's prayer just then. He had hoped for, longed for, prayed for these boys, especially for this one since the day before; yet he was astonished when he received the firm, prompt answer,
gpt
I mean to, sir,
human
Have you started, my boy?
gpt
Yes, sir, I've tried; I told God last night that I would, but I don't much know how.
human
You want a lamp, don't you?
gpt
A what, sir?
human
A lamp. You remember in the story the boy found dark places every little way; then he took out his lamp, so he couldn't lose the road. Don't you need it?
gpt
I want some help, but I don't know as a lamp would do me any good.
human
Ah yes; the one I mean will surely help you, if you give it a chance. Mr. Holbrook took from his pocket a small, red-covered book, and held it up.
gpt
Do you know what book this is?
human
It's a Bible, ain't it?
gpt
Yes. Have you ever read in the Bible?
human
Some, at school.
gpt
You know, then, that God told men just what to say, and they wrote it here, so you see that makes it God's words; that is what we call it sometimes,--the Word of God. Now, let me show you something. He turned the leaves rapidly, then pointed with his finger to a verse; and Tip read,
human
Thy word is a lamp to my feet.
gpt
Oh, he said, with a bright look,
human
That is it; and, my boy, I want you to take this for your lamp. There is no place on the whole road so dark but that it can light you through, if you try it. When you don't understand it, there is always Jesus to go to, you know. And, taking out his pencil, Mr. Holbrook wrote on the fly-leaf, in plain, round letters,
gpt
Edward Lewis.