human
Are the walls left?
gpt
The _walls_? said Ellis inquiringly;
human
Well, I had some such fears, but I see they're all right. What are you up to?
gpt
Ellis was telling a story, that's what we were laughing at when you came in, said Howard.
human
Go on, El--never mind father, he likes to hear stories.
gpt
No, said Ellis, blushing crimson;
human
I think I'll be excused.
gpt
Go ahead, said Mr. Minturn;
human
I'm very fond of stories.
gpt
I was only telling, sir, how Joe Barnes talked to his father when I was down there this morning.
human
Yes, and, father, you'd be perfectly astonished to hear him, chimed in Howard.
gpt
I never heard a fellow go on so in my life; he makes fun of every single thing his father says.
human
Do you think there is anything very surprising in that?
gpt
Surprising! I guess you'd think so. Why, when his father is talking to him real soberly, he mimics him, and laughs right in his face.
human
But I shouldn't suppose you would think there was anything strange about that.
gpt
Why, Mr. Minturn! said Ellis;
human
Well, no; I don't know that I should have any reason to be astonished.
gpt
I'm sure, father, he said, in a voice which trembled a little,
human
I didn't know I was so rude to you as all that.
gpt
No, said Mr. Minturn,
human
said Ellis Holbrook proudly,
gpt
You _do_? said Mr. Minturn;
human
Father, what _do_ you mean?
gpt
Why, I mean, said his father,
human
But, father--I don't think--do you think--I mean--well, sir, you know Ellis and the rest of us didn't mean to make fun of what God said. Don't you think that makes a difference?
gpt
I don't know, I'm sure. How do you know that Joe Barnes means to make fun of what his father says?
human
He acts like it,
gpt
Exactly; and so do you, every one of you, except Tip. I don't say, boys, that you are all going to be disrespectful to your elders after this; I only say I don't see why your earthly friends should expect more reverence from you than you give to God.
human
I do, sir.
gpt
What makes you think so, Tip?
human
Because I love Jesus, and I'm trying to do what He says.
gpt
God bless you, my boy; try to get all the rest to go through the same gate.
human
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in player, believing, ye shall receive.
gpt
God's answers to prayer.
human
Mr. Holbrook, he said, waiting after the rest had gone,
gpt
Yes, for two, if you like, said Mr. Holbrook, sitting down again;
human
I want to know why God don't answer folks' prayers right away?
gpt
If your questions are all as hard as that, Edward, I don't think there will be time for another to-day. But there may be several reasons: we will try to find them. Sometimes God doesn't answer our prayers at once, simply to try our faith, to see whether we are willing to take Him at His word, and keep on asking, until He is ready to give; or whether we will grow tired in a little while, and give it up. And sometimes we spend all our strength in praying, and don't work; then, often, we don't believe we shall get what we are praying for. Do you understand me?
human
No, sir,
gpt
Well, let me see if I can make it plainer. For whom are you praying, Edward, that you are troubled this morning, because you have not been heard?
human
It is _possible_ that God may be trying your patience, but not probable; I think we can find a better reason. Do you work while you pray? I mean, do you talk with Kitty,--tell her what you are praying for,--urge her to come to Christ,--try to show her how?
gpt
I did talk a little to her once, but it didn't seem to do her any good, and I haven't said a word since.
human
Did you ever read in the Bible what is said about such praying, about saying, 'Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled,' and not _doing_ anything?
gpt
Let me find it for you, and when you go home you may read it, and see if you, in praying for Kitty and never saying a word to her, are not a little like that man. Then there's another thing. Do you really believe that God will do what you ask Him? You say every day in your prayer, 'O God, make Kitty a Christian;' and yet, wouldn't you be very much astonished if Kitty should come to you to-day, and say, 'I want to be a Christian!' Are you looking out for any such thing?
human
No, he said gravely,
gpt
I ain't.
human
I think, if you begin to work and pray together, and then ask God to help you to believe, that He will surely do as He has promised; that you will soon find your prayers answered.
gpt
Edward, why don't you come to our Thursday evening prayer-meetings?
human
I never once thought of it, he said.
gpt
Why, Mr. Holbrook, boys don't go, do they?
human
No, said the minister sadly,