Part 31 (1/2)
”You see one opportunity, Matilda.”
”Yes, sir.” The answers were very meek.
”My dear child, is that the only one?”
”I cannot go out, Mr. Richmond.”
”No, I understand. But in the house. Have you no opportunities to be patient, for instance?”
”Yes, sir!” and a faint colour rose in Matilda's cheek.
”My child, patience is something that, when G.o.d's children show, they always honour Him.”
”How, Mr. Richmond?”
”It shows His grace and power in them; for they cannot be truly patient without His help. And then others see it and acknowledge that there is reality in religion, and that G.o.d's will is beautiful.”
”I never thought of that,” said Matilda.
”Have you no opportunity to forgive injuries, or unkindness?”
”Oh yes, Mr. Richmond!” The answer came from some deep place in Matilda's heart.
”Do you use that opportunity well?”
”I don't think I have, Mr. Richmond,” said Matilda, looking very sorrowful. ”I think, instead, I have been hating my----”
”Yes. Shall that be at an end now?”
”But how can it?” said Matilda. ”I get so vexed”--and she wiped away a tear. ”I get _so_ vexed, Mr. Richmond!”
”I am very sorry you have occasion. But you cannot forgive people _unless_ you have occasion.”
”How can I then?”
”By going to Jesus, just as the sick people went to Him in the old time, and getting cured, as they did. 'If thou canst believe; all things are possible to him that believeth.'”
Matilda steadied her trembling little lips, and stood listening.
”Haven't you opportunities to do kindnesses?” Mr. Richmond then said, softly. Matilda looked up and bowed her head a little. Perhaps lips were not ready.
”Do you use _them_ well?”
”I think not, Mr. Richmond--lately.”
”You know, you can do kindness indoors as well as out of doors, and to disagreeable people as well as to nice people. We are commanded to be followers of G.o.d, as dear children.”
The tears gathered again.
”See how much kindness you can do. No matter whether it is deserved or not. That is no part of the question. And have you not opportunity to learn something?”