The Quilt’s Message

A poor boy lay ill in a hospital. Over him was a quilt made of bits of calico and white squares, on which were written texts of Scripture. It was the gift of a woman whose son was in the army. The boy was seen to kiss over and over a bit of calico, a crimson leaf with a dark background. They thought his mind wandered. After a little he asked: “Where did the quilt come from?” “It was sent by a good woman with a note pinned to it.” At his request they brought the note. His hand trembled and his cheek grew white as he saw the writing. “Read it slowly, please,” he said, “it is from my mother; that bit of calico was part of her dress.” When they finished he pointed to the text: “I have sinned... and am no more worthy.” They read the parable to him. A few days afterward he said: “I was a great way off; but God met me, had compassion on me, and His love fills me with peace.”