“Aunt Harding.”

CHAPTER VIII.

USE OF MONEY.

Emma found a great deal to think about in this letter, and it led to frequent talk with her mother about the heathen, for whom she began to feel much concern.  When she heard how Christian people were trying to help them, and had read some accounts which her mother lent to her, telling of the happy change that, through the blessing of God, had been brought about in many cases by the preaching of the gospel, she wished that Louisa and herself could join in doing something, though ever so little, for this good cause.  The love of Christ was in her heart:  when this is the case, it will be sure to show itself in love for the souls of others.

But Louisa, when spoken to on the subject, said that she had not anything to give.  “I am very sorry, though, that the poor Hindoos should worship idols,” she said; “and when I grow older, and have more money, I will do a great deal for them, depend upon it.”

“But why not help them a little now?” said Emma.

“Because I have no money,” replied Louisa; “no money I mean except what is in my little savings bank, and I should not like to part with that.  As for you, Emma, you never can save up a shilling; so that I am sure you have not anything to spare.”

“Ah,” said Emma, “that is true, to be sure; I never can save my money, and so I will tell you what I mean to do.  Mamma gives us threepence a week, to spend as we please, you know; but I will only take twopence for the time to come, and I shall ask her to give the other pennies to the Tract Society at the end of the year.  Four shillings and fourpence is not much, indeed, yet it will buy some nice little books for the Hindoo children in the schools; and if you will also give a penny a week, that will buy just as many more.”

It was of no use.  Louisa would not be persuaded to do anything for the heathen yet.  Emma gave her penny a week, and felt happy in giving it; while Louisa only talked of doing so by and by.  If Louisa had loved her Saviour and her Bible, she would have felt it a delight to assist in sending the glad tidings of the gospel to heathen lands; but when the heart has not been changed by the Holy Spirit, we feel but little concern for our own souls, and do not care for the salvation of others.

Emma was not led away by the example of her sister; but as she grew older she seemed to grow in grace, and in the knowledge and love of Christ.  This will always be the case with those who believe the promises of God, and seek for divine assistance to enable them to obey his word.  We can do nothing of ourselves, for we are poor, guilty, helpless sinners:  but God, who has given his only Son to die for our sins, has also promised to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask it.  Therefore, though we feel ourselves ever so weak and sinful, we need not despair of growing better, if we also feel our need of Christ, and go to him for help and pardon.