Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/132

96 “But there is no church, no clergyman, and no organ,” said Franz.

“The leafy shade of this great tree is far more beautiful than any church,” I said; “there will we worship our Creator. Come, boys, down with you; turn our dining hall into a breakfast room.”

The children, one by one, slipped down the ladder.

“My dear Elizabeth,” said I, “this morning we will devote to the service of the Lord, and by means of a parable I will endeavour to give the children some serious thoughts; but, without books, or the possibility of any of the usual Sunday occupations, we cannot keep them quiet the whole day; afterwards, therefore, I shall allow them to pursue any innocent recreation they choose, and in the cool of the evening we will take a walk.”

My wife entirely agreed with my proposal, and having breakfasted, the family assembled round me, as we sat in the pleasant shade on the fresh soft grass.

After singing some hymns and offering heartfelt prayers to the Almighty Giver of all good, I told the children I would relate to them a parable instead of preaching a sermon.

“Oh, that will be delightful! I like the parables in the Bible better than anything,” said Franz. “When can we hear you read out of the Bible again, father?”

“Ah, my little boy, your words reproach me,” returned I. “While eagerly striving to procure from the ship what would feed our bodies and provide for their comfort, I blush to think that I have neglected the Bread of Life, the word of God. I shall search for a Bible on my next return to the wreck: although our own books were nearly all destroyed, I am pretty sure to find one.”

At these words, my wife arose and, fetching her magic bag, she drew from it a copy of the Holy Scriptures, which I thankfully received from her hand; and after reading aloud from its sacred pages, I spoke as follows:

“A Great King, ruling in power and splendour over a vast