die said they could not understand the change that had taken
place, but Mrs. Worthington understood, and gave God all the praise.

CHAPTER XVI.

EXPLAINING THE DIVINE LIFE.

After Bessie's conversion Mrs. Worthington's talks to her were often on
the subject of the divine life within--how to care for it and nourish
it, so that it might not die nor become blighted. She sometimes compared
the young Christian's experience to that of a new-born babe. "You know,"
said she, "the little one must be carefully fed, and tenderly guarded
against everything harmful. Even a slight breeze blowing upon its little
body, if unprotected, might result in death. But as the child grows
older and stronger, it gradually becomes accustomed to the rude elements
about it and can, with comparative safety, be brought in contact with
them. The Christ life, new-born in the human heart, is just as sensitive
and needs the same tender care. Guard it carefully, Bessie. It must be
constantly nourished by prayer and the Word of God. Seek to become
established by the grace of sanctification; then you will be better
able to meet temptation and persecution. Christ is your shepherd, and he
wants to lead you, his lamb, into green pastures and beside still
waters.

"A person may profess to be a Christian, Bessie; but unless he has a
change of heart and affections, he is what the Bible terms a wolf in
sheep's clothing, and not one of the gentle lambs of the Savior's fold.
The profession does not amount to anything when the heart is full of
envy, hatred, jealousy, love of self, and a drawing toward the world. A
person with a profession only, may appear for a time to be quite
lamb-like; but sooner or later the old nature will manifest itself, for
it can not be hidden long."

"I think, Mama," said Bessie, "I understand you--but you spoke of the
experience of sanctification; please tell me what that means."

As briefly as possible, the mother explained that the second cleansing
of the heart takes away that evil nature which causes man to want to
disobey God.

Not long after this talk Bessie had an experience in school that helped
her to comprehend her mother's words. To be put back in her studies was
hard, but to have to give up her old teacher, to whom she was strongly
attached, was harder still. Her regret on the latter account, however,
was of short duration; for her new teacher was even more lovable than
the old one, and, best of all, she was a Ch