Page 70 - HSLChristmasAnthology

HSL Christmas Anthology Page 70
AND THE POOR CHILDREN. 4T
The Mother opened the wide doors of the
dining-room, and there stood the Christmas-
tree in a blaze of light, with ribbons and
wreaths, and the smiling angel-image. Some
of the children nestled close to the Mother's
side, and privately put little presents in her
hand, and said, " Please, mother, hang these
on the tree for Wolfgang." And the Mother
smiled and blessed them for their love.
When they sang the Christmas-hymn that
night, Wolfgang's clear voice sounded dis
tinct and strong ; but when they came to the
verse that told how Jesus forgave all injury,
and ever returned good for evil, his voice
quivered, and went silent.
When they were about to part for the
night, the Father said, " Now, my children,
I have something to propose to you. In a
few days, we must send some more baskets
to Hamburgh. Let us send them by Wolf
gang, that he may see we trust him entirely.
He must learn to meet temptation and resist
it." " Oh, yes, we will trust him ! we will
trust him !" shouted many voices.
The offender dropped on his knees ; but
the teacher said, " Not to me, my child ; not
to me. Kneel before your Father in Hea
ven, who maketh his sun to shine alike on
the evil and on the good." He kissed his