ristie, in
some confusion. "We were both reading it; that is, Miss Gertrude read,
and I listened."

"`Evidences of the Truth of Revealed Religion'," he read, turning to the
title-page. "Which of you is troubled with doubts on that subject?"

"Neither of us, I hope," said Christie, quietly. She did not quite like
the tone in which he spoke.

"But what is the use of reading the book, if you are quite sure already
of what it professes to teach?"

"The book was Miss Gertrude's choice," said Christie, scarcely knowing
what to say.

"Oh, then it is Miss Gertrude whose faith is wavering?"

Christie shook her head.

"One day Miss Gertrude asked me something about which I was quite sure,
but I couldn't tell her why I was so sure; and she found this book, and
we thought we would read it."

"To make you more sure?" said Mr Sherwood, smiling.

"No, sir, not that. Nothing could make me more sure than I am that the
Bible and all it teaches is true. But it is well to be able to tell why
I am sure."

"And so you are sure of these things without knowing why you are sure?"

Christie sent a grave, questioning look into his face, and said:

"I think the true knowledge of these things is not learned in books,
unless it is in the Bible--and not in that, unless God teaches one."

After a pause, she added:

"It must be true, you know. What can one trust to, if not to the Word
of God? What else is there that does not fail us in the time of need,
in some way or other?"

"Not much, indeed," said Mr Sherwood, gravely.

"Nothing," repeated Christie, "except the word and promise of God. They
never fail--never change--never!"

"Do they never change? What were you telling that boy just now about
the blind man that was healed for the asking? But you could not tell
Claude that the same power could make him strong and well again, though
I am sure you wish it were so."

"But I am quite sure He could; and He would, if it were best."

"But why is it not best for him as well as it was for the blind man? He
wishes it, and all who love him wish it. And our poor little Claude is
not the only one. Think how much suffering there is in the world that
might be relieved."

Christie looked puzzled and anxious for a moment.

"But it is not that He has changed, or that He breaks His promise. I
cannot say just what I would, but I don't think it is quite the same.
You know when Christ came into the world it was not merely to do th