Rhoda's Education by Lucy Ellen Guernsey

THE biscuits were excellent, and Rhoda greatly enjoyed making and baking them, and afterward milking old Snowball and straining the milk.

"What beautiful rich milk she does give! " said she. "Aunt Hannah, what will you do when she dies? She is growing an old cow, you know."

"I don't borrow trouble about it, child."

"Nor about anything else, do you, Aunt Hannah?"

"Well, no, my dear, not often. I generally find I have enough as I go along. There is no need to look ahead for it."

"I never can see any use in it, anyway," remarked Rhoda. "Either the things one is worrying about don't come to pass, or they are so different from what one expects that all the contriving beforehand is thrown away. I said so to mother, and she told me it was very easy for any one to talk so who did not know what trouble was. But I am sure you know what it is."

"Yes, child, I have had my share: quite as much as I wanted, without borrowing any; and so, I dare say, will you, if you live long enough. Now, my dear, it is time for you to be going. And, Rhoda, I want you to promise me one thing: I am an old woman, and there is no telling what may happen before we meet again. I want you to promise me that, whatever happens, you will never give up your faith in God, and your trust in his goodness. Never think, however he may suffer you to be afflicted, that he can be anything but a tender Father to you. I think you love him, Rhoda, my child?"

Rhoda answered in a low voice, but without hesitation:

"Yes, Aunt Hannah, I am sure I do."

"Then, my dear, will you always remember these verses?

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him freely give us all things?'

"Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.'

"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.'

"I have bought you a new Bible for a parting present," continued Aunt Hannah, "and I have written these verses in the beginning. Remember, whatever happens, that your Lord and Saviour has promised to be with you, that you are not to be anxious, but to let your requests, great and small, be made known unto him, and that your Father's love can never fail to give you that which is best, seeing that he spared not his own Son for you."

"I won't forget, Aunt Hannah. Oh what a beautiful book! -The nicest I ever saw. Just see! It has maps and an index, and all."

"Yes, you will find it very convenient. Now, go along, child, and God bless you!"

Rhoda left her plate of good things at Mrs. Makay's, and then walked rapidly homeward, for it was growing late.

As she entered the parlour she nearly stumbled over somebody who was sitting in the rocking-chair, for the room was quite dark.

"Take care, and mind what you are about, Rhoda! " said her mother. "You do come in, in such a headlong way."

"It is so dark coming in from out of doors," apologized Rhoda. "May I get a light, mother? I have something to show you."