"And you must forgive them too, dears, if you want God to forgive you," she concluded; "for Jesus says, 'If you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.'" "I can't, mamma: I don't love them," said Eddie, stoutly.
"Ask God to help you, then, my son." "But mamma, I can't ask him with my heart, 'cause I don't want to love them or forgive them." "Can my boy do without God's forgiveness?
without Jesus' love ?" she asked, drawing him to her side.

"You feel very unhappy when papa or mamma is offended with you, and can you bear your heavenly Father's frown ?" "Don't look so sorry, dear mamma: I love you ever so much," he said, putting his arms about her neck and kissing her again and again.
"I cannot be happy while my dear little son indulges such sinful feelings," she said, softly smoothing his hair, while a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Mamma, how can I help it ?" "Try to think kind thoughts of your cousins, do them all the kindness you can, and ask God to bless them, and to help you to love them.

I want my little Vi to do so too," she added, turning to her.
"Mamma, I will; I don't 'tend to say cross things 'bout 'em any more," Violet answered impulsively; "and I'll give 'em the nicest present I can get with all my pocket-money." "Mamma, must I give them presents ?" asked Eddie.
"No, son, I do not say must; you shall decide for yourself whether you ought, and whether you will." "Mamma, they made me hurt my dear father." "No, Eddie, no one can _make_ us do wrong; we choose for ourselves whether we will resist temptation or yield to it." "Mamma, what shall we give," asked the little girls.
"Talk it over between yourselves, daughters, decide how much you are willing to spend on them, and what your cousins would probably like best.

I want my children to think and choose for themselves, where it is proper that they should." "But mamma, you will 'vise us." "Yes, Vi, you may consult me, and shall have the benefit of my opinion." The little girls held several private consultations during the day, and in the evening came with a report to their mother.

Elsie was willing to appropriate five dollars to the purpose, Vi three, and the gifts were to be books, if mamma approved, and would help them select suitable ones.
"I think you have decided wisely," she said, "and as it is too warm for us to drive to the city, we will ask papa to order a variety sent out here, and he and I will help you in making a choice." Eddie was standing by.