258 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

prayers we say we do, weak, erring creatures, prone to
that which is evil and backward to that which is good ;
if we really thought ourselves so, we would gladly and
eagerly embrace every means of improvement which a
merciful God has put within our power.”

Then I asked grandfather if he thought it was very
wrong in anybody to stay away from church ?

“ Unless they have a good reason for doing so,
Marianne,” he replied.

“ And what would you think a good reason, grand-
father ?” I asked, for I really wished to know.

“ If we were bedridden, or lame, or blind, and had no
one to lead us, or if the roads were impassable, or the
church at too great a distance, or if we were so unwell
that we could not join in the services if we were there,—
all these would be good reasons for our absence. There
may be others which I have not mentioned. Some may
stay away from church occasionally from a praiseworthy |
motive; they may deny themselves that pleasure that
others may enjoy it. I cannot tell you all the circum-
stances in which people may be to blame or may not.
When they absent themselves from the church of God,
the decision of the matter must rest between their con-
science and their God. But this I will say, Marianne,
that if people stay away from church for a reason
which they would not think sufficient to prevent them
from attending to their worldly occupations, they act
sinfully.”

We were silent for a little time. I did not like to ask