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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nest in the Honeysuckles, and other
+Stories, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Nest in the Honeysuckles, and other Stories
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: American Sunday School Union
+
+Release Date: July 2, 2005 [EBook #16185]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NEST IN THE HONEYSUCKLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Bethanne M. Simms, Diane Monico, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Frontispiece.
+
+
+[Illustration: Mrs. Dudley stood by her little boy, looking from the
+window.]
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+Nest in the Honeysuckles,
+
+AND OTHER STORIES.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+WRITTEN FOR THE AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION.
+
+
+Philadelphia:
+AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION,
+No. 316 CHESTNUT STREET.
+_NEW YORK:_ No. 147 NASSAU ST.
+_BOSTON:_ No. 9 CORNHILL...._CINCINNATI:_ 41 WEST FOURTH ST.
+_LOUISVILLE_: No. 103 FOURTH ST.
+
+_Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by the
+AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION,
+in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of
+Pennsylvania._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     _No books are published by the_ AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL
+     UNION _without the sanction of the Committee of Publication,
+     consisting of fourteen members, from the following denominations
+     of Christians, viz. Baptist, Methodist, Congregational,
+     Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Reformed Dutch. Not more
+     than three of the members can be of the same denomination, and no
+     book can be published to which any member of the Committee shall
+     object._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+                                                             PAGE
+
+THE NEST IN THE HONEYSUCKLES.                                   7
+
+"MAY I POP SOME CORN?"                                         33
+
+"WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER I SHOULD DO?"                          36
+
+THE BIRDS AND THE SNOW-STORM.                                  40
+
+THE FIRST STRAWBERRY.                                          43
+
+"I PRAYED ALL DAY FOR HELP."                                   44
+
+"EVER SO MANY BEAUTIFUL THINGS."                               47
+
+LILY AND HER DUCKLINGS.                                        51
+
+PRAYING FOR RAIN.                                              56
+
+THE GRAPE CLUSTERS.                                            62
+
+"IT ALMOST MAKES ME CRY."                                      65
+
+THE BOY WHO STEALS.                                            68
+
+LOOK AT THE BIRDS.                                             73
+
+THE LOST CHILD.                                                78
+
+THE UNPLEASANT NEIGHBOUR.                                      83
+
+THE BOY WHO KEPT HIS PURPOSE.                                  87
+
+MARY'S STORY.                                                  91
+
+THE SUNNY FACE AND THE SHADY FACE; OR, JUNE AND NOVEMBER.      93
+
+"IT ISN'T FAIR--I PEEPED."                                     96
+
+THE CHRYSALIS.                                                 99
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE COTTAGE.                                     102
+
+I WILL CONQUER MYSELF.                                        106
+
+SELFISH ELLA.                                                 110
+
+"OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN."                               114
+
+HATTIE AND HERBERT.                                           117
+
+THE TWO WILLS.                                                119
+
+"BLESS GOD FOR THIS DOLL."                                    122
+
+BESSIE HARTWELL.                                              126
+
+"MARY'S GREAT TREASURE."                                      131
+
+"SUSAN WILL BE HAPPIER IF I GO WITH HER."                     133
+
+THE NEWS-BOYS' BANK.                                          135
+
+IDA'S DRESS.                                                  144
+
+WHAT MADE WILLIE HAPPY.                                       148
+
+DO YOU INTEND TO BE A GENTLEMAN? (A QUESTION FOR BOYS.)       150
+
+GENEROUS NELLY; OR, THE WILLING MIND.                         153
+
+LOVEST THOU ME?                                               155
+
+MY LITTLE BAG.                                                158
+
+DO YOU LIKE YOUR SEAT?                                        160
+
+THE LITTLE BEGGAR.                                            164
+
+LITTLE CHARLEY.                                               170
+
+DARLING WILLIE.                                               173
+
+WIDOW CAHOON AND HER GRANDSON.                                178
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+NEST IN THE HONEYSUCKLES.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+"Do come here, mother," said Eddie, carefully tip-toeing from the
+window, and beckoning with his hand. "Here is something I want to show
+you. Come carefully, or I am afraid you will frighten it."
+
+Mrs. Dudley laid aside her book, and stepped cautiously forward, Eddie
+leading the way back to the window. "What is it?" she inquired.
+
+"It is a bird with straw in its mouth, and I do believe it is going to
+build a nest."
+
+Mrs. Dudley stood by her little boy a few minutes, looking from the
+window. Presently a robin alighted on the walnut tree, directly before
+them, with a bunch of dry grass in its mouth. It rested a few seconds,
+and then flew in among the branches of a honeysuckle which twined
+around the pillars, and crept over the top of the porch. A fine, warm
+place it was for a nest, sheltered from the north winds, and from the
+driving rains, and from the hot rays of the noon-day sun.
+
+Eddie and his mother watched the bird for some time. It would bring
+straws, and arrange them in its nest, as only a bird can; and then it
+would away again, and come back, perhaps, with its bill covered and
+filled with mud, which it used for mortar in fastening the materials
+in their places. Then it would get in the nest, and, moving its feet
+and wings, would make it just the right shape to hold the pretty eggs
+she would lay in it, and the little robins she would love so well, and
+feed so carefully.
+
+The robin was industrious, and worked hard to get the house finished
+in season. I think she must have been very tired when night came, and
+she flew away to her perch to rest till morning. I do not see how she
+could balance herself so nicely on one foot, as she slept with her
+head turned back, and half-hidden beneath her wing.
+
+Eddie often watched the robin during the day. He was careful not to
+frighten it. "I wonder how the robin could find so nice a place. I
+should not have thought it would have known about it,"--he said to his
+mother, as he saw the bird fly in, almost out of sight, among the
+clustering branches.
+
+Mrs. Dudley told Eddie God taught the birds where to build their
+nests, and that he took care of them, and provided food for them.
+
+Is it not wonderful that God, who has built the world in which we
+live, and all the bright worlds we can see in the sky, should attend
+to the wants of the robins and sparrows, and other birds which he has
+made? We should forget them, if we had much of importance to attend
+to, or we should be weary of providing for their wants; but our
+heavenly Father never forgets, and never grows weary. He hears the
+ravens when they cry, and not even a sparrow falls to the ground
+without his knowledge. "Are ye not much better than they?" our Saviour
+said to his disciples, when endeavouring to teach them to trust in the
+love and parental care of God, and not to be anxious in regard to
+their temporal welfare.
+
+If God so cares for the birds, whose lives are short, and who have no
+souls to live in another world, will he not much more care for those
+who are made in his image, and for whom the Saviour died?
+
+No good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly, who try
+to obey his commandments, and look to Christ for salvation from sin. I
+hope, my dear children, when you see the birds, you will remember
+God's love to them and to you.
+
+I have given you all I know of the history of one day of the robin's
+life, but Eddie will observe it while it lives in its house in the
+honeysuckle, and will tell me all he sees of its domestic
+arrangements. I hope to tell you with what kind of a carpet it covers
+the floor, and what it hangs on the walls, and how it brings up its
+little children, if it should be so happy as to have any to gladden
+its quiet home, and cheer it with their chattering tongues. I am sure
+it will have pretty flowers and green leaves for pictures to look at,
+painted by One whose skill no artist can rival; and it will need no
+Cologne for perfume for the breath of the honeysuckle is more
+delicious than any odour which the art of man could prepare.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+GOING TO HOUSEKEEPING.
+
+
+I promised to tell you more about the nest in the honeysuckles. Eddie
+has observed it with great attention, and has kept me well informed in
+regard to it. I have stepped out upon the porch with him, and,
+kneeling down, and looking over the side, I have had a peep myself at
+this wonderfully contrived home of the robins. It is partly supported
+by a cornice, which runs around the porch, and gives it a firmer
+foundation than the small branches of the honeysuckle could do.
+
+But I must not forget to tell you about the finishing of the nest.
+The second day, the robin was at work before six o'clock in the
+morning; so you see birds are early risers, and like to have their
+work done in good season. They know how pleasant it is to see the rosy
+dawn, and welcome it with their sweetest strains of music. I wonder
+how many of my little friends see the sun rise, these bright mornings!
+If they would awake with the birds, they must, as wisely as the birds,
+go to their places of rest before the shades of evening shroud the
+world in darkness. If they sit up late, they will lose the morning
+songs, which fill the woods with sounds of gladness, and which resound
+from every tree and shrub about the houses of those who love these
+pleasant visitors, and refuse to allow them to be frightened from
+their premises.
+
+The robin rose early, as I have told you, and resumed her labours for
+a short time. Through the day she came occasionally to see how the
+house was drying, but did not seem to be at all busy. She had
+accomplished so much by her previous industry, that there was no
+necessity for much exertion, and she felt quite at liberty to enjoy
+herself, taking short excursions in the country, and returning
+sometimes alone, and sometimes in company with her mate. He, once in a
+while, visited the nest; but was so well satisfied with the domestic
+arrangements of his wife, and had so much confidence in her ability
+and skill, that he manifested no disposition to interfere with any of
+her plans, but cheerfully acquiesced in them, and cheered and
+encouraged her by singing her one of his sweetest songs, telling her
+how dearly he loved her, how highly he esteemed her, and how truly
+happy he was that he had so pleasant and agreeable, and at the same
+time so housewifely, a companion. She appeared quite as well pleased
+to be appreciated as any wife or housekeeper of my acquaintance, and
+it made her labour a labour of love. We all like to be appreciated.
+
+I see the robin is a plain, common-sense bird in her notions, and
+wants nothing for mere display. Every thing which could add to the
+real comfort of her family she has provided, and has no desire for any
+thing further. Many house-keepers might learn a valuable lesson from
+her prudent, comfortable arrangements.
+
+When the dwelling was completed, and suitably dry for occupancy, the
+robin deposited there four bluish-green eggs. I assure you they are
+beautiful, and are great treasures to her. In about twelve days from
+the time Eddie first saw her carrying straws into the honeysuckles,
+she became very domestic, never leaving home but for a few minutes at
+a time. Her four eggs now occupy all her attention and her great
+business seems to be to keep them warm with the heat of her own body.
+She does not complain of being confined at home, but is entirely
+satisfied to attend to the duties which devolve upon her. She is not
+uneasy that she cannot sing like her husband, or, like him, attend to
+the interests of Robindom; but quietly and discreetly she labours in
+her appropriate sphere, and feels no wish to leave it for a less
+secluded and less happy life. Her _heart_ is satisfied with the
+happiness of her home, and she feels no uneasiness--no ungratified
+longings for something to occupy her, aside from the duties she so
+cheerfully performs.
+
+Madam Robin was entirely satisfied with the success of her labours,
+and she had reason to be. No bird could have done better. This
+consciousness of having done well did not make her proud; it only gave
+her such self-respect as every one feels who is conscious that an
+allotted task has been faithfully performed; and the praise of her
+husband was no injury to her, as she was not silly enough to think of
+herself more highly than she ought to think.
+
+As the house was for a summer residence, she selected fine
+straw-matting, instead of woollen carpets for it. She put it down with
+great care, perfectly smooth and even. The wall was covered with the
+same cool material, delicately woven. Wasn't it nice?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+PLEASANT NEIGHBOURS.
+
+
+The location selected by our friend, the robin, seems to be highly
+appreciated by many of the feathered race. Although the robin was the
+first settler, others have already decided that it affords great
+advantages in the way of shelter from the fierce winds, from the
+burning rays of a summer sun, and from the too-curious eyes of hawks
+and other birds of prey.
+
+An abundance of fresh, soft water can be obtained not far from
+Honeysuckleville, and this is always a recommendation in favour of any
+place, either for men or birds. Fruit also abounds. There will be
+bright red currants for the little folks; strawberries, too, more than
+they can eat, and raspberries in any quantity they may wish. I must
+not forget the cherries, of which birds are so fond, and which they
+can have at any time when they are ripe, for merely the trouble of
+picking.
+
+It is not surprising, with all these advantages in its favour, that
+Honeysuckleville should find more than one family happy to settle
+within its borders. For some time, two song-sparrows have made it
+frequent visits; and have finally decided, after a careful survey,
+that no more desirable spot can be found for a summer residence. They
+have accordingly commenced building, not more than two feet from the
+mansion of the robins. Their house is much smaller--a cottage--but
+quite large enough for them. It nestles so lovingly in the shadow of
+the vines, that I am sure domestic comfort must be found there.
+Discord and contention could not abide in so peaceful a retreat.
+
+The song-sparrows will be pleasant neighbours. They are exceedingly
+fond of vocal music, and their clear melodious voices fill the new
+settlement with harmony. In that terrible snow-storm which occurred in
+the middle of April, I often saw a sparrow alight on a bough of a tree
+near the house, and send up to heaven such a strain of full, gushing
+melody, as melted my heart with pity and admiration. It reminded me of
+a child of God in the midst of trials and afflictions, yet rejoicing
+in faith, and trusting continually in the care of a Father in heaven.
+Was the cold little sparrow singing itself away, as it was once
+believed the swan sung its own death-song? Or may the new neighbour of
+the robin be the very one whose voice rang out so clear and loud,
+above the howlings of the storm? I trust no rude blast nor chilling
+frost will mar the pleasure of our feathered friends, but that they
+may prosper in their plans, and never forget seeking a home in the
+vine which winds so gracefully around the porch of Mrs. Dudley's
+cottage.
+
+The song sparrow is not the only neighbour of the robin. A pair of
+cat-birds have a nest in a lilac near the honeysuckle, and one of them
+sings hour after hour on the walnut-tree opposite to the window and
+often comes near enough to the house to look through the open
+casement. These birds have lived for several summers in that same
+lilac, and annually make all the repairs necessary to render their
+dwelling habitable. They have raised several broods of birdlings, much
+to their own enjoyment, and of Mrs. Dudley's bird-loving family.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.
+
+
+Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green
+eggs demanded her attention. She has occasionally left, for a few
+minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little
+exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties
+which there require her almost constant presence. She loves the green
+fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop
+about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks;
+but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily
+in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
+
+Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling,
+and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company
+with her friends. She assisted at concerts, and was universally
+admired; but she had the good sense to give up these enjoyments
+without a murmur, when higher claims called for her undivided care.
+Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well; and the robin will
+doubtless be repaid for the unwearied patience with which she performs
+her unostentatious duties. Some people are inclined to think domestic
+labour dishonourable, and the cares of house-keeping a burden; but our
+feathered friend is wiser than they. She does with her might what she
+finds to do, and she does it heartily. Every act of duty, faithfully
+and cheerfully performed, is acceptable to God; and his children do
+his will when they endeavour to attend to their various occupations in
+such a way as he can approve. If all house-keepers felt that, in
+attending to the different departments of their work as they should be
+attended to, they were honouring Him who has made this care necessary
+for the comfort of families, it would be a blessing to themselves, and
+to who all who dwell under the same roof with them. We cannot consider
+any thing which we do to please our heavenly Father of small
+importance, and no favour can be degrading which he requires of us.
+
+We may all learn a lesson from the robin who lives in the
+honeysuckles, and we shall see how she was rewarded for her devotion
+to the employment which Providence assigned her. The wisest of men, in
+describing the character of an excellent woman, says: "The heart of
+her husband doth safely trust in her." "She will do him good, and not
+evil, all the days of her life." Our feathered friend's husband is
+absent much of his time (as most gentlemen are obliged to be) from his
+well-ordered home; but he always thinks of it with pleasure, and
+hastens to it whenever he can find time to do so. Sometimes he only
+stops a moment, but it is a precious moment to them both, for their
+hearts and interests are one. They are cheered, in their separation,
+by the pleasant memories of these brief interviews, and by bright
+anticipations of future enjoyment.
+
+I have observed, Mr. Robin thinks it of importance to look nice at
+home, as well as when he is abroad. I have seen him alight on the
+walnut-tree, and carefully arrange his toilet, before going into the
+presence of his wife. She must feel complimented by this delicate
+attention, indicating so high a regard for her, and such anxiety to
+preserve her esteem. I should not wonder if she was a little proud of
+her handsome husband. However this may be, I am sure it is her
+greatest happiness to deserve his respect and love, and honourably to
+perform all the duties which devolve upon her in her married life.
+
+Madam Robin was sitting one day in her vine-shaded home, looking out
+through the slender branches of the honeysuckle, which were gently
+swayed by a refreshing breeze, when she heard a slight tap. She
+listened eagerly. Another tap--presently another. How her heart
+fluttered! It proceeded from one of those highly-prized eggs, and she
+knew it was the timid knock of a birdling, who was in that little
+chamber, and was waiting to have the door opened. Of how small
+consequence all her self-denial and her seclusion from general society
+seemed, when that thrilling tap sounded on her ear! She continued to
+listen, and within those four tiny chambers she heard the same rapping
+repeated; and more than that, the sweet word, Mother, might seem
+faintly to greet her ear. How she longed for her mate to return, that
+he might enjoy, with her, this new happiness! When husband and wife
+love each other, as they should, all pleasure must be shared, or it
+will still be imperfect. She waited, almost impatiently for his
+coming; and when he alighted on the honeysuckle, she looked so full of
+grateful joy, that he knew that something more than usual must have
+occurred. He affectionately kissed her bill, and then, in a low
+tremulous voice, she told him the glad news. He was quite as much
+pleased as she, although he did not appear so excited. Had employment
+in the open air given a firmness to his nerves, which her sedentary
+occupations had not done for her? Yet beneath that calm exterior, his
+sparkling eye plainly revealed the full tide of emotion within.
+
+It was pleasant music to their ears to hear those four new voices in
+their secluded home; and though they knew it would increase their
+labour to provide food for those gaping mouths, what cared they for
+their own comfort, if they could nurture their precious charge, and
+rear them to be an honour and a blessing?
+
+When the doors of their chambers were quite open, out came the
+baby-birds, with a few downy feathers covering them!
+
+"How very little they are!" said Eddie, with one breath; and, "How big
+their mouths are!" with the next. To be sure, they do look very small,
+and their mouths are very large for such diminutive bodies, and they
+open them so wide that it almost seems as if one of them could jump
+down another's throat.
+
+The robin now often comes home, and brings food to his family. It is
+gratifying to see how attentive he is to his dear children and their
+mother; and I hope I may be able, some day, to tell you that they
+repay his attachment, by growing up fine, obedient birds. It will not
+be long before their education will be commenced, and I will tell you
+whether they are taught at home, or are sent away to school, and what
+progress they make in acquiring their accomplishments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+HOME LIFE AND HOME EDUCATION.
+
+
+The birdlings still live in the honeysuckles.
+
+"How they do grow!" Eddie exclaims, when he looks at them. "I
+shouldn't think they could ever have lived in those little eggs."
+
+They are now almost half as large as the old birds. They are well
+covered with feathers, and their mottled breasts are very pretty.
+
+"They don't have to dress as we do," said Eddie. "Their clothes grow."
+And he thinks it would be a great convenience if his clothes grew too,
+for then they would always be large enough for him, and his mother
+would not have so much sewing to do.
+
+Sometimes these little birds lie in the bottom of the nest, quietly
+sleeping, while their father and mother are both away, getting them
+food. At other times they feel wide awake. Then they stretch their
+wings, stand upon their feet, and peep over the side of the nest. From
+the parlour-window, the children can look up directly at their
+secluded home, and can see them amusing themselves and practising
+their lessons. The honeysuckle grows almost as fast as the birds, and
+the tender, overhanging branches make a roof which keeps off all the
+rain.
+
+The old birds are mindful of their children, but do not consider it
+necessary to be with them all the time. So other parents endeavour to
+implant good principles in the hearts of their children, and then
+leave them to their self-control; ever keeping a watchful eye on the
+influences which surround them, and using their proper authority, when
+it becomes necessary, to restrain from evil, and guide in the way of
+virtue. The child that has never learned to depend upon himself, or to
+control his own passions, and to do right because it is right, will
+hardly be able to sustain himself when the presence of his parents is
+withdrawn.
+
+The robins know very well that children grow weary of long lectures;
+so they give them here a little and there a little instruction, as
+occasion demands.
+
+They are decided in their family government, but not severe. Their
+children are taught to obey promptly and cheerfully, but they have no
+slavish fear of their parents. Their presence is not regarded as a
+restraint; for, at all suitable times, they have freely permitted
+their little ones to laugh and frolic to their hearts' content. They
+willingly listen to all the plans of the birdlings, and lend an
+attentive ear to the story of their joys and their sorrows. Their
+sympathy is never withheld; their griefs are never considered as of no
+consequence because they are brief and soon forgotten.
+
+The parent birds do not leave their young alone but a little while at
+a time. They often fly home to see them, and sometimes perch on the
+walnut-tree, and talk with them. Their musical chirpings are pleasant
+to hear. We don't understand the bird-language; but we judge, by the
+soft tones, that it is something kind and agreeable they are saying.
+Perhaps they are talking about their plans for the future, when they
+all know how to use their wings, and can fly about together.
+
+Very often, during the day, the robins bring worms to fill the gaping
+mouths. It is surprising how much they eat. No wonder they have grown
+plump and large, for they eat and sleep as much as they please. We
+expect soon to see them flying about from tree to tree, and hopping
+along the ground. We hope that great cat, which steps about so softly,
+will never find them. She is welcome to all the rats and mice she can
+put her paws on, but we never like to see her climb a tree, for we
+fear she will destroy some of our cheerful friends, who build near the
+house in full confidence that they shall not be disturbed.
+
+The young robins are not lonely in their rural home. The
+plainly-dressed sparrows and the brilliant yellow-birds look in upon
+them, and, now and then, their cousin, the oriole, comes, clad in the
+richest golden plumage, and sings them a song. If he had dipped his
+feathers in the gorgeous sunset he could not be more beautiful. The
+delicate little humming-birds sip nectar from the deep horns of the
+honeysuckle; and the red-winged starling, in his glossy black coat,
+and his dashing scarlet epaulette, occasionally comes from his home in
+the meadow, to make them a call. He does not like Honeysuckleville
+quite as well as his dwelling in the grass, just above the water. If
+he was not so confirmed in his habits, I think he would be strongly
+tempted to become a neighbour of the robins. A few weeks ago, when his
+favourite resort was five or six feet under water, he and his friends
+seemed to be in great uncertainty what course to pursue. They had
+several mass meetings on the quince-bushes, in full sight of
+Honeysuckleville, and a great many speeches were made. It sounded to
+me like incessant chattering, and as if all were talking at the same
+time. I could not understand a word they said, and I cannot tell you
+the result of their deliberations. Whatever it may have been, when the
+water subsided, they returned to their old haunts by the river-side.
+
+These I have mentioned are not the only visitors whose society our
+friends enjoy. The swallows gracefully skim through the air, and greet
+them with their merry voices. The wren often favours them with one of
+his sweetest melodies, and the blue-bird flies around the corner to
+sing a song on the walnut-tree. He has a curious little nest of his
+own, hidden away under the eaves. The cat-birds, of course, are always
+near, as they live in the lilacs. The oriole has suspended his nest,
+like a basket, from a limb of the great pear-tree; and when the robins
+know how to fly, they can return some of his visits.
+
+The old robins, now and then, play peep with the young birds. They fly
+almost up to the nest, and poise themselves for an instant on the
+wing, just long enough to say, "Bo-peep!" and then away! almost before
+they can be seen. Pretty soon they return again, generally bringing
+some nice morsel with them. They often first alight on a small branch
+of the vine, below the nest, and then hop up to it.
+
+What a chirping the birdlings keep up with their mother! They like to
+talk as well as Eddie Dudley and some other children, whom I have
+heard pleasantly called little chatter-boxes. Children have much to
+learn, and must ask many questions. The world is new and strange to
+them, and is a constant source of surprise and wonder. I do not
+suppose people ever learn faster than before they are six years old,
+or ever learn more in the same length of time. They are constantly
+observing, and in this way the stock of their ideas is continually
+increasing. I once heard a gentleman say he did not like to go
+through the world with his head in a bag. He wished to see what was
+taking place around him, and it was this seeing, and thinking upon
+what he saw, that, among other things, made him a distinguished man.
+
+The young birds are now seeing and thinking, as well as birds can.
+Their time for action has not come. Like dear children in their happy
+homes, they are preparing for the responsibilities of life; and, if
+they honour and obey their parents, as far as birds are expected to
+do, and as all children should, I doubt not they will faithfully
+perform the duties which will hereafter devolve upon them.
+
+From observations I have made, I conclude the robins neither send
+their children to school nor employ a governess for them. They have so
+made their arrangements that either one or the other has time to
+attend to their education. Sometimes the father, and at other times
+the mother, assumes the labour of teaching, and their dearly-loved
+pupils are quite as attentive to their instructions as any children I
+have ever seen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+GOING ABROAD.
+
+
+It was on a bright, warm, breezy morning in early June, that our
+friends at Honeysuckleville decided that the home education of their
+children had been attended with such success as to encourage the hope
+that they would "come out" creditably to themselves, and their
+parents. Arrangements were accordingly made, and I assure you there
+was much talking and no little excitement and bustle upon the
+occasion. It was proposed to spend some weeks in travelling, that the
+young people might enjoy themselves, and acquire much useful
+information, which could be obtained no other way.
+
+The weather was delightful. A few light, fleecy clouds were floating
+in the blue sky, continually changing from one form of beauty to
+another. The sun shone forth in his splendour, cheering the tender
+grass and the up-springing seeds, and drawing them nearer and nearer
+to his bosom. They stretched toward him their feeble blades and
+diminutive leaves, as if they would gladly be clasped in his arms; but
+their growing roots were striking deeper and deeper into mother earth,
+and binding them closer and closer to her.
+
+The gentle, cooling zephyrs were playing among the leaves, and
+winning sweet music from the tiny voices, which responded in glee to
+their salutations. Often they lifted the soft hair from the brows of
+the children, and frolicked amid their curls, and fanned their
+sun-burnt cheeks. It was a morning which all nature enjoyed. There
+could not have been a finer day to start upon a journey. As birds do
+not need a change of dress, there was no trunk to pack, and no
+travelling-bag to be laden with comforts. All the preparation
+necessary was the usual attention to the toilet, and the instruction
+and advice which the exigency required.
+
+The hearts of the young adventurers fluttered with excitement. There
+was a mingling of curiosity to visit the great world of which they had
+heard such glowing descriptions, and of fears to trust themselves to
+the power of their wings to bear them from their pleasant, happy home,
+and keep them out of harm's way. They had seen Pussy, as she walked
+about in her white and black robe, and though she seemed so gentle,
+they had been warned against her as one of their most deadly enemies.
+They knew she was often prowling about, with stealthy tread, to prey
+upon the unwary. They feared that, instead of flying to the
+walnut-tree, as was the plan, they should fall upon the grass, where
+she could pounce upon them and destroy them, notwithstanding the
+screams and agonizing entreaties of their parents. Puss is a full
+believer in the doctrine that "might makes right;" and she is as
+unmoved by the cries and appeals of her victims as if they had no
+hearts to suffer, and were made merely for her own use.
+
+Many words of encouragement were addressed to them by their parents.
+They told them how they themselves had suffered from similar fears;
+how difficult it was for them to trust implicitly in the wisdom of
+their own father and mother; and how they stood, tremulous and
+fearful, on the top of the nest, wishing they had sufficient
+resolution to obey, and yet fearing to venture; but how easy and
+pleasant they found it to spread their wings in the air, and be borne
+up by it, when they fully determined to make the attempt.
+
+Our little birdlings still hesitated, just as I have seen children
+hesitate and quiver with terror when for the first time they go into
+the water to learn to swim. They know their father tells them the
+truth, for he has never deceived them. He has bound a life-preserver
+beneath their arms, and has promised to remain near, to catch them, if
+they begin to sink; yet they are afraid, and draw back. They lack
+faith. When at last they timidly push from the shore, and find
+themselves buoyed up on the water, their delight is almost unbounded,
+and they are as unwilling to leave as they were reluctant to enter it.
+
+The old robins stood on one of the branches of the walnut-tree, and
+endeavoured to persuade their timid brood to come to them. They were
+not stern and severe, for they had not forgotten their own youth, and
+they sympathized deeply with these children; but the father found he
+must be decided, so he told them, (as it seemed,) authoritatively,
+that they must hesitate no longer. He would count one--two--three; and
+when he said three, they must spread their wings and do as well as
+they could. The mother smiled lovingly upon them, and they determined
+to obey, whatever effort it might cost. "One--two--three," counted the
+robin, in his full, musical tones. The birdlings fluttered their
+wings, and strained every nerve to alight by the side of their
+parents. With what joy they felt their feet clinging round the branch!
+How elated they were with their success! They chirped continually, and
+merry and brisk was the conversation. "What is this?" one asked, and
+"What is that?" said another, till it seemed as if the old birds would
+be weary of their questions; but they never lost their patience; they
+thought the little folks remarkably intelligent.
+
+When they were rested, away flew the birds to the elm, and called to
+their young. Grown courageous by success, they quickly followed, and,
+through the whole day, they were flying about from tree to tree,
+enjoying themselves highly.
+
+At sunset, I saw them on the locust-tree, near the cottage, inhaling
+its delicious perfume, with their faces toward the west, wondering,
+perhaps, what occasioned all that glorious beauty, as the sun escaped
+from their view.
+
+Presently they flew to a great cherry-tree, and, from the chirping and
+calling, we concluded they spent the night in its shelter. How strange
+it must have been to them, this first night of their perching! The sky
+was clear, the stars twinkled, and the half-moon shed her silvery
+light on the earth, and gleamed through the cherry-leaves, as it had
+done through the honeysuckles; but it was not home, that cherry-tree,
+and they sighed as they thought of their birthplace. They sat close to
+their mother's side, and felt that, after all, where she was, was the
+best place for them. They curled up one foot into the soft down, and
+turned back their heads till their bills were beneath their wings. The
+lids slowly closed over their eyes, and they slept quietly and
+sweetly, till wakened in the morning by the warbling of songsters who
+welcomed the rosy dawn.
+
+A new sense of responsibility filled their hearts. They were no longer
+mere children, their every want supplied by others; but they were
+youth, and must begin to provide for themselves, and depend upon their
+own energies. We frequently hear the young robins among the trees, but
+we seldom see them. We really miss them, and think of them as
+pleasant visitors who have been spending a few days with us.
+
+We hope that Honeysuckleville will not be forsaken; but that every
+year the birds will return, and rear their young beneath its fragrant
+shade, making hearts of the little Dudleys glad, and teaching them to
+love.
+
+    "All things, both great and small;
+    For the dear God who loveth us,
+    Hath made and loveth all."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+"MAY I POP SOME CORN?"
+
+
+"May I pop some corn?" asked Eddie.
+
+"Yes," answered his mother; and laying down her work, she went to the
+closet and got for him several small ears--some red and some
+white--the kernels of which where not half so large as those of common
+corn.
+
+Eddie took a white bowl and sat down on the carpet by his mother with
+the tiny ears in his apron. He worked away for some time, shelling
+first one ear and then another, till every little kernel was in the
+bowl, and nothing but cobs left. These he thought would help to build
+a "log-house," so he put them in his play-box, with those he had
+treasured before, and took his bowl to the kitchen.
+
+Kate, the cook, was a coloured woman, and she loved children. When he
+said to her, "Mother told me I might pop some corn," she cheerfully
+placed the iron pan on the stove, and when it was hot enough, told him
+he might put in the corn. Pretty soon it went Pop! pop! pop! till the
+pan was filled with snow-white kernels. Eddie always wondered how they
+could turn inside out and suddenly grow so large. He did not
+understand that it was because of the expansion or swelling of the air
+within the hard case, which then burst open to find more room.
+
+[Illustration: Eddie popping corn.]
+
+Eddie was very busy for some time in the kitchen attending to his
+corn. When it was all done, he separated that which was popped from
+that which was only parched, and put it in different dishes. He gave
+his dog Philo some of the brown kernels, and he seemed to like them as
+well as Eddie himself. Eddie enjoyed hearing him crack them with his
+sharp teeth, and would stroke his great head, and say kindly, "Poor
+Philo! you are a good Philo;" and the dog would wag his tail as much
+as to say, "Dear Eddie! you are a good Eddie."
+
+After giving Philo his share, and Kate hers, Eddie carried up a large
+dishful to his mother and the children. He did not wish to eat it all
+himself for he was a generous boy and always liked to have others
+partake of his pleasures, whatever they might be. He reserved some of
+the nicest of it in a tumbler, which he placed on his mother's
+work-table. Mrs. Dudley took a little, saying to him,
+
+"If you miss your corn, Eddie, you will know what has become of it."
+
+He looked up from his play quite soberly, and said slowly, "Mother, if
+_you_ wish to eat more you may, but _I_ am not going to."
+
+"Why not, my child?"
+
+"I am going to save it for father."
+
+Mrs. Dudley was pleased to see Eddie willing to deny himself to give
+to others, so she said to him, "That is right." When his father came
+home from his business, Eddie placed the tumbler beside his plate on
+the tea-table. After the blessing was asked, Mr. Dudley, looking at
+the children, inquired, "Where did this come from?" "I popped it,"
+answered Eddie. And his father thanked him with a kind and loving
+smile.
+
+Eddie was much happier than if he had eaten all the corn himself, for
+he had made others happy by his generosity. "It is more blessed to
+give than to receive," the Bible tells us; and Eddie had been learning
+this truth in the great pleasure he felt in dividing his popped corn
+with others. I hope you who read this story know how to sympathize
+with him. If you do not, will you try the experiment, and see if you
+are not far happier to share your corn, or your candy, or whatever
+else you may have, with your brothers and sisters, and those around
+you, than you are to devour it yourself? I have seen little chickens
+seize their favourite morsel and run away and hide where they could
+eat it all alone; but I should be sorry to think that any child would
+do so.
+
+
+
+
+"WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER I SHOULD DO?"
+
+
+"Which would you rather I should do?" asked Eddie of his mother, his
+large blue eyes filling with tears.
+
+"I should rather you would stay with me," was the answer.
+
+"Then I will, mother!" and the tears remained where they were, and did
+not chase each other down his plump cheeks. A trembling smile played
+around his mouth; for he had conquered himself, and had readily
+yielded to his mother's wishes. There had been a struggle, severe, but
+short, in his mind, and when he said, "Then I will, mother," he meant
+he could be happy to stay at home, and would not ask again for
+permission to go with the other children. Mrs. Dudley could not resist
+the impulse to clasp him to her heart, and tell him he was a good boy;
+and this made him still happier. He saw he had pleased her, and her
+approving smile was worth more to him than any enjoyment could be
+without it.
+
+Eddie, you know, is a little boy, five years old. He has brothers and
+sisters older than himself, and they have fine sport in sliding and
+skating. Their teacher takes them every day to enjoy it, and they come
+home in high spirits, swinging their skates by their sides, and
+talking loud and fast about it.
+
+Eddie has watched them many days from the nursery window, and has
+longed to be with them; but his careful mother has feared he would get
+hurt among so many skaters, or perhaps be lost in one of those
+"air-holes" which are often found in the most solid ice; so when Eddie
+asked her if he might go to the river, she hesitated, for she did not
+like to deny him. "Which would you _rather_ I would do?" then inquired
+the dear boy; and when his mother told him, he did not tease her, but
+resumed his place at the window.
+
+Mrs. Dudley resolved to go herself with her little son to the river,
+when the children went again. She did not tell him so, however; but
+the next day, when the merry skaters were in the midst of their
+enjoyment, she put on her hood, and her warm blanket-shawl, and thick
+gloves, and calling Eddie to her, wrapped him in his wadded coat and
+woollen tippet, and placing on his head his "liberty-cap,"--knit of
+red and black worsted, with a tassel dangling from the point--and
+pulling it well down over his ears, and covering his fat hands with
+warm mittens, they started out on the white snow. The snow was frozen
+sufficiently to bear them, and they had a pleasant walk above the
+hidden grass and stones.
+
+Eddie was in great glee. His mother enjoyed it almost as much as he
+did, for it was an exhilarating sight. Some of the boys were sliding,
+some skating, and others pushing sleds before them, on which a mother
+or sister were sitting. It reminded one of the pictures we often see
+of skating in Holland; and, to make the resemblance more perfect, a
+Dutchman was there with his pipe, defiling the pure, fresh air with
+its foul odour.
+
+Mrs. Dudley was invited to take a ride, and, leaving Eddie in the care
+of another, she was soon seated on one of the sleds, and speeding away
+before a rapid skater. She found it far more swift and agreeable than
+riding in the usual way. Eddie, too, had a ride, and his little heart
+was brimfull of happiness. He walked about on the ice quite carefully
+and fearlessly.
+
+The river, on which these children were, rises and falls with the
+tide. Eddie saw other boys sliding off towards an icy meadow bordering
+on it, and he thought he would go too. The ice formed an inclined
+plane; his feet slipped on its smooth surface, and down he went; he
+jumped up, but the blood from his nose, flowing over his face and
+coat, and staining the snow, frightened him, and he uttered a loud
+cry. The skaters were with him before his mother, though she was but a
+few steps away, for she could not move as quickly as they. It was
+pleasant to see their sympathy, and hear their kind inquiries. His
+mother soon comforted him; for he had not been cut by the ice as they
+feared. The blood from his nose testified to a pretty hard bump. He
+soon forgot the pain, and was as happy as ever. He will long remember
+his first sled ride on the river.
+
+Why do you think, dear children, I have told you this story about a
+child whom you have never seen? I wanted to ask you, or rather have
+you ask yourselves, if you are willing, as Eddie was, to do as your
+mother thinks best? Much as he wanted to go on the river, he felt
+satisfied to do as his mother wished. I hope, when you know what your
+mother prefers, you will make up your minds to give up your own plans,
+and be happy in doing so.
+
+I am not one of those who imagine children have no trials. I know
+their lives are not all bright and sunny. I have not forgotten being a
+child myself. Many a hard battle has to be fought with wrong feelings
+and wrong wishes; but never fear; resolve to conquer yourselves, and
+subdue every thing that is sinful. Every victory will make you
+stronger, and render it easier for you to do right. Will you try?
+
+    "If at first you don't succeed,
+        Try, try again."
+
+
+
+
+THE BIRDS AND THE SNOW-STORM.
+
+
+The weather is warm and sunny. The snow of winter has disappeared. The
+grass is green, and growing finely. The early spring-flowers have
+opened their blossoms, and we all think summer is so near, that the
+cold weather must be over. The birds have thought so, too; for they
+are flying from tree to tree, singing most beautiful melodies, and
+peeping about, here and there, making arrangements for summer, and
+selecting places where to build their pretty nests.
+
+But the wind blows chill again. The sky is clouded, and people begin
+to say, "I think we shall have another snow-storm." It is not long
+before the feathery flakes begin to descend. The earth is so warm that
+they scarce touch it before they are melted and absorbed. The snow
+continues to fall, the earth grows colder and colder, and soon it
+cannot melt the snow, but is itself chilled, and accepts it as a
+mantle. For three days the storm rages. The ground is as white as in
+mid-winter.
+
+What is to become of the birds? They can find neither food nor
+shelter. It is painful to see them flying distractedly through the
+storm, not knowing where to go; but too cold and too hungry to remain
+in the trees, and too fearful to seek comfort in the many warm houses,
+that would have opened their windows, if they would have entered under
+their protecting roof.
+
+Mrs. Dudley's children are all watching them from the windows, and
+throwing out hominy and bread-crumbs for them to eat. How cold the
+little sparrows look, as they pick up their food! Children's hearts
+are generally tender, and always so unless they have been hardened by
+the practice of cruelty, and Mrs. Dudley's were full of sympathy for
+the little sufferers. "Oh! mother!" said Eddie, the youngest, "if the
+birds knew how we loved them, they would come into the house;" but the
+birds did not know, and they stayed out in the snow, and many of them
+perished.
+
+The children were sadly grieved, when, after the storm, they found
+many of their feathered friends dead. How much they regretted they
+could not have saved their lives! If the birds had only known, as
+Eddie said, how much the children loved them, they would have flown
+into the house, and been warmed and fed.
+
+There are many dear children who do not know how much Jesus loves
+them; how much he wishes them to enter the "ark of safety," and escape
+the dangers there are in the world. There are many who have not even
+heard of him; and many of those who have, do not know he is their best
+friend.
+
+Do _you_ know how much he loves you, and have you sought his
+protection amid all the dangers that surround you? If you have not
+found refuge in that "high tower," of which David speaks in the
+Psalms, you are no safer than were the birds flying through the cold
+snow, and you surely will be lost if you do not fly to that kind
+Saviour, who has prepared a way of escape for you.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST STRAWBERRY.
+
+
+How bright and red it looked, half-concealed as it was by the green
+leaves! It was the first strawberry of the season. Mary gathered it
+with delight, and ran with it to her mother.
+
+"Here is something for you, mother," she said, holding up the rosy
+treasure.
+
+"Thank you, my dear!" said Mrs. Dudley, smiling upon her daughter. She
+ate it with a double relish. She was very fond of the fruit, and she
+was gratified by this expression of the thoughtful, unselfish love of
+her dear child.
+
+How much more Mary enjoyed that look of love, and that approving
+smile, than she would have enjoyed eating that luscious strawberry
+herself!
+
+Every day, Mary, Willie, and Eddie search for the fruit as it ripens,
+and almost every evening their father and mother find a saucer of
+berries, with sugar and cream, beside their plates at the tea-table.
+
+How pleasant it is to see children think so much of their parents! I
+hope they will continue obedient and attentive, for there is no more
+beautiful sight than an affectionate, united family.
+
+God will bless those who honour their parents.
+
+
+
+
+"I PRAYED ALL DAY FOR HELP."
+
+
+It was a beautiful evening early in June. The air was cool and
+pleasant. The trees and shrubs were covered with luxuriant foliage,
+and the roses were in their opening beauty. The frogs were croaking in
+the pond, and the birds singing on the trees. The sun had just sunk
+beneath the horizon. The clouds which lingered around his pathway
+received his parting rays, and were most gorgeously decorated with the
+richest of his colouring.
+
+Willie walked about the lawn, his face lighted up with a smile, and
+his dark gray eye bright with happiness. His heart was attuned to
+harmony with all nature around him, and he would frequently look up to
+his mother, who sat by the open window, enjoying the delightful
+evening. Presently Willie came, and stood by her side.
+
+"How happy I am this evening!" he said to her. She put her arm around
+him, and drew him towards her.
+
+"What makes you so happy?" she inquired.
+
+"Because I have been trying to control my temper, I suppose"--was his
+answer.
+
+"You have not been angry to-day, have you?"
+
+"No, mother."
+
+"Did you pray about it, Willie?"
+
+"Yes, mother. I prayed all day for help."
+
+"How did you pray?"
+
+"I said, Forgive my sins, and give me a new heart."
+
+"God heard your prayers, and he has helped you to control your temper.
+God always hears prayer, and helps those who ask his aid. I hope you
+will never forget to pray for what you need," said his mother. Willie
+smiled, and kissed her, and went out of doors again to enjoy the
+evening--
+
+    "So cool, so calm, so bright."
+
+Willie is generally a good boy, but he has a quick temper. When three
+or four years old, he would sometimes get very angry. I have even
+known him to throw things at children with whom he was playing, if
+they did any thing to offend him. He did so one day when his mother
+was from home. She was much grieved when she heard it, and talked
+seriously with him. It made a deep impression on his mind. He speaks
+of it now with great solemnity, and asks his mother if she remembers
+it. He feels that he committed a great sin. He knows it is wrong to
+let his temper govern his reason, and he is struggling to control
+himself. I think he will succeed.
+
+I knew his grandfather when I was a little girl, and I remember
+hearing him say that he was naturally quick-tempered; but, although I
+lived in the same house with him, and saw him under a great variety
+of circumstances, I never heard him speak a hasty word. I hope Willie
+will obtain as perfect control over himself, and, if he lives to
+manhood, that his friends will be able to say of him what I can say of
+his grandfather.
+
+Willie was, at one time, playing with some children, and found he was
+growing angry. He immediately left them, and sat down on the stairs
+alone. Pretty soon they followed him. He did not feel entirely
+good-natured, so he again left them, and went into the library. He
+shut the door and prayed to his Father in heaven for strength to
+conquer himself. He remained there alone till he felt he had obtained
+the victory.
+
+Willie is not the only little boy who has a quick temper, and I tell
+this story about him for the sake of the dear children who sometimes
+get angry. I hope, like Willie, they will learn to go to God for help,
+and then, like his, their countenances will be radiant with gladness;
+and they, too, can say, "How happy I am!"
+
+"An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in
+transgression."
+
+"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that
+ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
+
+"He that hath no rule over his own spirit, is like a city that is
+broken down, and without walls."
+
+
+
+
+"EVER SO MANY BEAUTIFUL THINGS."
+
+
+"There are ever so many beautiful things up in the sky, mother!" said
+little Eddie, as he sat in his mother's lap, leaning his head upon her
+encircling arm.
+
+The clouds had gathered about the horizon, and assumed many beautiful
+and fantastic shapes. Some of them were gorgeously coloured with the
+rays of the departing sun, and were shaded from the most delicate rose
+to the darkest, richest crimson. As the sun receded farther and
+farther behind the green hills, they grew darker and darker, and the
+imaginative boy had seen fancied ships with their sails spread;
+steam-vessels with clouds of smoke rolling from their chimneys;
+mountains piled upon mountains; trees, birds, and many other wondrous
+things which filled his infant mind with admiration.
+
+Soon the stars twinkled forth, and they awoke a new interest. At first
+they appeared one by one, as if timidly venturing to look down upon
+our beautiful planet, and when fully assured that the king of day had
+disappeared, they came forth faster and more numerously, till the
+whole heavens were bespangled with their glittering brightness. Then
+their companion, the moon, came slowly up, shining with a soft and
+mellow light, a new beauty in the "blue wilderness of interminable
+air."
+
+Eddie had long gazed silently before he uttered the exclamation,
+"There are ever so many beautiful things up in the sky!" and I suppose
+he had many thoughts which it would have been pleasant for his mother
+to know. He did not often sit up so late that he could see the stars.
+
+Eddie is not the only one who has been charmed with the glowing
+sunset, the gray twilight, or the starry firmament. David loved to
+look upon the works of God. In one of his psalms, he says, "When I
+consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars
+which thou hast ordained, what is man, that thou art mindful of him,
+and the son of man, that thou visitest him!" It was astonishing to
+David, that God, who was so infinitely superior to man, and who had
+given such proofs of his power and greatness in the creation of the
+heavens, should condescend to notice him, to provide for his minutest
+wants, and to protect him from danger. I suppose this psalm was
+written in the night, when the sweet singer of Israel had been looking
+at just such a sky as drew from Eddie his exclamation of admiration.
+
+I often think, as I look abroad, how wonderful it is that God has made
+every thing so beautiful. We need never be weary in studying his
+works. The more we learn of them, the more we realize his greatness
+and perfection. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the
+firmament showeth his handiwork."
+
+When you look at the clear blue sky, do you remember who has spread it
+out, and who has created the innumerable worlds which we see, when
+darkness covers our earth? "There are," indeed, "ever so many
+beautiful things up in the sky," and it was a Father's hand that
+placed them there. They are for us to enjoy, and many a lesson of love
+and confidence have they taught God's children. Dear little Eddie! I
+hope he will always love nature, and early learn to "look through
+nature up to nature's God."
+
+I shall never forget a drive with my father, when I was a child so
+small that I sat on a little footstool in the carriage, between him
+and my mother. We were returning from a visit to Aunt Harriet, at
+whose house we had been spending the day. It was a fine evening. The
+air was balmy and pleasant. I remember how the frogs sung in the low
+ground, and how we listened to their quaint music. We had not ridden
+far before the moon rose, and the stars, one by one, appeared. My
+father had a true love for nature, and for whatever was beautiful or
+grand. We drove on without speaking for a time, each enjoying the
+evening. My father broke the silence by repeating that beautiful hymn
+of Addison's, commencing with these lines--
+
+    "The spacious firmament on high,
+    With all the blue ethereal sky,
+    And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
+    Their great Original proclaim."
+
+I was awed by the reverence of his manner, and I felt myself in the
+presence of my Maker,--a mere speck amid his vast creations. An
+ineffaceable impression was made on my mind, young as I was. My father
+died many years ago, while I was still a child, but the lesson of that
+hour has not been forgotten.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LILY AND HER DUCKLINGS.
+
+
+The white duck, Lily, made a nest on the ground, in a small enclosure,
+from which some tame rabbits had been removed. She gathered the
+scattered straw into one corner, and made a much neater nest than the
+other ducks did, who laid their eggs under the wood-pile among the
+small chips.
+
+She laid several large, smooth, white eggs, and when she had as many
+as she could conveniently take care of, she began to sit on them to
+keep them warm, till the little ducks should be ready to peck their
+way out. She plucked the soft white down from her breast, to line the
+nest, and to make it of a more even temperature for the eggs; and,
+whenever she left to procure food, or to take a short swim on the
+pond, she carefully covered them.
+
+The duck cannot spread her wings as wide as the hen, so she has to be
+much more particular about her nest. She makes it deeper and warmer
+than Biddy. It is wonderful with what skill all animals rear their
+young. It shows the great goodness and kindness of God, that he should
+thus fit the creatures he has made for the duties they must perform.
+His care is continual, not only over us, but over them all. He hears
+the young ravens when they cry, and the ducks and the chickens are not
+forgotten by him. To the duck he has not given the brooding wings of
+the hen-mother; but he has given her a coat of down, from which she
+can make a warm bed for her cherished eggs.
+
+It was a very pretty sight to see Lily on her nest, almost covered by
+the straw, her head turned back, and her broad yellow bill partially
+hidden beneath her wing. The down lay scattered about like
+snow-flakes. She looked patient and hopeful, as she opened her eyes to
+see who had intruded on her solitude.
+
+When a sitting-duck goes in search of food, she acts so queerly that
+you would surely laugh to see her, if you are not accustomed to her
+odd ways. She bends her head back, and draws it close to her body, and
+waddles about in the greatest haste, quacking all the time.
+
+Lily waited four weeks before the ducklings appeared. Some of the
+brood were of a straw-colour, and some were marked with spots of
+black. They were all pretty. When I first saw them, they were partly
+hidden beneath their mother. Their glossy bills and bright eyes were
+visible, but they were afraid to venture from their shelter. They were
+provided with water and food in the old rabbit-house, because, if they
+followed their mother to the pond, the musk-rats would probably devour
+some of them.
+
+While the little ones remained with their mother, they were safe, but
+when they became discontented, and wandered from home, they were
+sometimes lost. The rats were their principal enemies, and those from
+which they had most to fear. They were constantly lurking about to
+catch the ducklings, and sometimes the defenseless little ones ran
+directly into their deep holes, from which there was no possibility of
+escape. Quite a number of Lily's family came to an untimely end in
+this way.
+
+When I saw them roving about in the high grass, seeking in vain to
+find their way to their mother's presence, and hearing their calls for
+help, and her answering cry of distress, I could but think of the dear
+children who forget their mother's counsel, and leave her protection
+before they are old enough to take care of themselves.
+
+The ducklings, I observed, did not know who were their friends; for,
+one day, when the prettiest of the brood had found a way out of the
+rabbit-house, I thought I would catch it, and give it back to its
+mother. It was much alarmed, and Lily was in equal trouble. It ran
+away from me, thinking, perhaps that I was a greater enemy than the
+rats, against which it had probably been warned. Just as I was going
+to put my hand on it, it hid itself in a rat-hole, from which there
+was no escape. I could not rescue it, neither could its mother. The
+next morning, when I went to look at the ducks, and give them their
+breakfast, there lay the poor duckling, close by the fatal hole. The
+rat had brought it out, and partly devoured it.
+
+Children often think they know what is best for them quite as well, if
+not better, than their parents, and when told not to do this or that,
+they are not satisfied to obey quietly, but ask, "Why not?" I think
+children may often be told why they are bidden to do this, or
+forbidden to do that; but they should obey their parents promptly,
+whether they know their reasons or not.
+
+Sometimes there are reasons which children cannot understand,
+sometimes there are reasons which it would not be wise to tell them,
+and sometimes it is not convenient to give the why and the wherefore.
+Children are commanded to obey their parents,--not the reasons their
+parents may give them. The young ducks could not understand why their
+mother did not wish them to go out of that enclosure. They could not
+comprehend the dangers which surrounded them. They saw the birds
+flying about in the air, and heard the hum of the bees as they were
+going abroad for honey, or returning loaded to the hive, and they
+could not understand why they might not wander about too. The red
+clover looked very beautiful, and the white clover was so fragrant,
+they longed to ramble in it. They thought their mother unnecessarily
+strict, because she wished to keep them with her, instead of
+permitting them to see all the pretty things of which they could now
+and then catch a glimpse, as they peeped through the cracks of the
+rabbit-house.
+
+Children sometimes feel unpleasantly because they are not permitted to
+play in the street. Ah! they are as ignorant of danger as the poor
+ducklings and they are too young to understand the peril to which they
+are exposed. Even if their mother should explain it to them, they
+could realize but little about it. It is by far the better way for
+children to feel that their mother knows best, and to be satisfied
+that her reasons are good and sufficient even if they do not know what
+they are.
+
+I once heard a distinguished clergyman say he had always observed that
+those persons who had learned to obey their parents promptly, most
+readily yielded to the claims of God, and became converted, while
+those who had always liked their own way had generally a long, severe
+struggle, before they were willing to give up their sins, and
+oftentimes could not make up their minds to do so, and, though deeply
+convicted, remained impenitent.
+
+It is a fearful thought that, if you form a habit of disobedience to
+your parents, it may cost you the salvation of your soul.
+
+
+
+
+PRAYING FOR RAIN.
+
+
+It was the first of July. There had been no rain for several weeks.
+Every one feared there would be a drought. The farmer looked anxiously
+upon his fields of corn, whose deep green leaves had not yet begun to
+turn yellow, and upon the potatoes, whose blossoms were still
+unwithered. They could not long remain thus beautiful and thriving, if
+the refreshing rain was withheld. The ground was so dry that, in
+hoeing the garden, no moisture could be observed.
+
+Mrs. Dudley talked with her children about the need of rain, and the
+propriety of praying to our heavenly Father to water the earth, that
+it might "bring forth and bud," and "give seed to the sower, and bread
+to the eater." She told them how Elijah prayed for rain, after there
+had been none in the land of Canaan for three years and six months,
+and how God heard his prayer, "and the heaven gave rain, and the earth
+brought forth her fruit."
+
+This great drought was a judgment upon the people of Israel for their
+sin in departing from God, and worshipping idols. There had been, in
+consequence of this want of rain, a "sore famine." We read in the
+book of Kings of one poor woman, who had only a handful of meal in a
+barrel, and a little oil in a cruse. When Elijah met her, and asked
+her for water, and a morsel of bread, she told him this was all she
+had, and that she was gathering two sticks, that she might bake it for
+herself and her son, that they might eat and die! She know not where
+to find any more food for herself or her child, and expected to "pine
+away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field," and to
+die with hunger.
+
+Elijah bid her not to fear, but go and do what she had said. He asked
+her to make him a little cake first, and bring it to him, and
+afterwards make one for herself and son. "For thus saith the Lord God
+of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse
+of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth."
+
+It would not have been strange, if this widow of Zarephath had been
+unwilling to divide her handful of meal with Elijah, or if she had
+doubted the promise which was made to her, but she did not. She baked
+the little cake for the stranger, and afterwards one for herself and
+her boy, and there was plenty of meal and of oil left for another
+repast. "She, and he, and her house, did eat of it many days." The
+barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, till the
+Lord sent rain upon the earth, and her wants could be supplied in the
+usual way. She did not lose the reward promised to those who give a
+cup of cold water to the friends of God.
+
+God does not willingly afflict the creatures he has made. He is a
+gracious God, merciful, and of great kindness, and has compassion even
+on the beasts of the field. When Jonah complained that he spared
+Nineveh, because its inhabitants humbled themselves before him, and
+turned from their evil way, after having sent him to prophesy to them
+that in forty days it should be overthrown, he said to Jonah, "Should
+I not spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than six-score
+thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and
+their left; and also much cattle?"
+
+In this long drought in the land of Canaan, the cattle must have
+suffered greatly, and many of them probably perished. Indeed, we read
+that Ahab, the king of Israel, and Obadiah, the governor of his house,
+searched the land for the fountains and brooks, to find grass to save,
+the horses and mules alive, that they might not be all lost.
+
+God is a Father, and, like a tender, loving father, he removes his
+chastisements so soon as they have produced the effect designed. He
+was "grieved for the misery of Israel." He told Elijah he would send
+rain. The prophet went to Ahab, who, when he saw him, asked, "Art thou
+he that troubleth Israel?" Elijah answered, it was Ahab, and his
+father's house, who troubled Israel, because they had forsaken the
+commandments of the Lord, and worshipped Baalim.
+
+Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel, and earnestly prayed for
+rain. God had promised that he would send it, and Elijah no doubt
+pleaded this promise, as he interceded with him. He directed his
+servant to go where he could look towards the sea. He went and looked,
+and said, "There is nothing." Elijah was not discouraged. He knew God
+would remember his promise, and he sent him seven times more. The
+seventh time the servant returned, and said, "Behold, there ariseth a
+little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." It grew rapidly
+larger and larger, till the sky was black with clouds and wind, and
+there was a great rain.
+
+James, in his Epistle, says, "The effectual fervent prayer of the
+righteous man availeth much," and he mentions this instance of
+prevailing prayer in Elijah, as an encouragement to all Christians to
+ask for needed blessings. "Elijah was a man subject to like passions
+as we are," he tells us, and if he prevailed with God, so may others.
+God is the "same yesterday, to-day, and forever." He does not change.
+He is always a hearer of prayer.
+
+Mrs. Dudley also told her children that God hears the cry of all who
+are in distress. She referred to one of the psalms of David, where he
+describes a storm at sea, and the great terror of the sailors. "Then
+they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivers them out of
+their distresses."
+
+God does not forget any creature he has made. He provides the springs
+and the streams to give drink to the beasts of the field, and to the
+birds which sing among the branches. He causes the grass to grow for
+the cattle, and herb for the service of man. He feeds the fowls, and
+clothes the flowers with beauty. He has taught us to ask for our daily
+bread, and as this must depend upon fruitful seasons it is proper we
+should ask for rain, whenever it is needed.
+
+The children were quite interested in what their mother had told them.
+They knew that she earnestly desired rain, and that she often asked
+God to send it, before vegetation perished for want of it. They
+watched the sky with great anxiety, and when it became cloudy, and
+continued so from day to day, they thought surely a storm was near.
+After several days, there was a slight shower, but not enough to
+refresh the plants. Mary was greatly disappointed "I thought," (she
+said to her mother,) "it was going to rain in answer to your prayer."
+
+"I thank God for that little rain," said Eddy, as he talked about it.
+Mrs. Dudley told him that was right, but they ought to pray for more,
+it was so much needed.
+
+The next Sunday Mrs. Dudley was not well, and could not attend
+church. When her children returned she asked Mary if they prayed for
+rain. "No, mother!" she answered; "but I did."
+
+The sky continued cloudy for some time, and then the rain gently fell
+for a day and a night, and all nature was refreshed and cheered.
+
+Soon afterwards I left Mrs. Dudley's family. When I had been absent
+about a fortnight, I received a letter from Mary. She told me about
+the bantams, and the flowers, and many other things in which I was
+interested. She wrote that it had "rained on Sunday, and all day
+Monday. I cannot help thinking," she continued, "how good God is to
+send us rain when we most need it, and what cause we have for
+thanksgiving."
+
+I hope Mrs. Dudley's children will never forget that God is the giver
+of every good gift, and that he likes to have people ask him for what
+they need. Children should think of God as their best friend, and
+should go to him in prayer, feeling as sure he can and does hear them,
+as they are that their mother does. In a season of drought they should
+ask him for rain, and when he sends it to make vegetation grow, they
+should thank him for that evidence of his loving-kindness.
+
+
+
+
+THE GRAPE-CLUSTERS.
+
+
+Very beautiful were the grape-clusters as they hung on the graceful
+vine, and very tempting to the hand that was near enough to pluck
+them.
+
+Two little boys came on an errand to the lady who lived in the house
+which the grape-vine shaded. It was reviving to come out of the city's
+heat and dust, and enter that pleasant parlour, screened from the
+fiercer rays of the summer's sun by its green curtain of leaves. The
+hot pavement and the glaring walls of the city seemed far distant, for
+the charm of the country was spread over that retired room. All city
+sights were shut out, and peace and quiet reigned within.
+
+The lady was sitting at her desk, writing, when the boys entered. She
+spoke to them kindly, for they were objects of her kind care, although
+they did not live with her. They handed her a note which required an
+answer. She gave them permission to play in the yard, while she should
+write it. They were very happy, for it was an unusual pleasure for
+them. They examined the flowers which grew in the narrow bed by the
+high, close fence, and then they began to look wistfully at the
+rich bunches of grapes, which were within their reach. The lady had
+not told them that they might gather any, and they felt that they
+ought not to do so. But the tempter was near, and they listened to his
+suggestions.
+
+[Illustration: The lady was sitting at her desk writing, when the boys
+entered.]
+
+Looking towards the house to see if they were observed, they
+cautiously went up to the vine, and each gathered a bunch of grapes.
+They ate them secretly, that they might avoid detection; but although
+they knew it not, there was an eye in the house that saw them, and
+there was another eye from which their act was not hid--the eye of the
+all-seeing God.
+
+When the note was written, the boys were recalled to the parlour, and
+pleasantly dismissed. I think they must have felt somewhat ashamed,
+that they had abused the confidence reposed in them, and had been
+guilty of stealing from their kind friend.
+
+After they left, the lady was informed what they had done. When she
+visited "the home," where they lived, she mentioned the fact to their
+teacher, although she did not allude to it to them.
+
+The teacher took occasion to talk with her scholars about being honest
+and trustworthy, and asked them what they should think of children
+who, when sent on errands and permitted to go into the yard to enjoy
+themselves, should stealthily take the fruit which grew there. They,
+of course, condemned such conduct. She gave them the instruction they
+needed, and endeavoured to impress its importance upon their minds.
+
+Soon after the close of the school, the two boys who had taken the
+grapes went to her and told her what they had done. She talked with
+them kindly. They seemed truly penitent. She asked them if they would
+like to go to the lady and acknowledge their fault. They said they
+should, and immediately they put on their straw hats, and their clean
+sacks, and went cheerfully to make all the reparation in their power
+for the fault they had committed. Confession is always pleasant to the
+truly penitent.
+
+Again they stood in that shaded parlour. They were affectionately
+welcomed as before. They confessed freely and fully, what they had
+done on their previous visit, and asked forgiveness, which was readily
+granted. Just as they were leaving, they turned and inquired, "Can you
+ever trust us again?" The lady assured them that she could, and they
+went away happy and strengthened in their good purposes.
+
+From that time there has been a marked change in the children. Their
+characters have much improved and they have been, in all respects,
+more conscientious and trustworthy. One of the boys has, I think,
+found a Christian home, and the other is waiting for one.
+
+
+
+
+"IT ALMOST MAKES ME CRY."
+
+
+"It almost makes me cry to think of the heathen," said Willie Dudley,
+as he was standing by his mother's work-table, with his elbow leaning
+upon it, and his head resting upon his hand. "I don't wonder
+missionaries go to them." His face was thoughtful and sad, and the
+tears stood in his eyes.
+
+He had just been looking at two hideous idols, which had been brought
+from Africa, and his mother had been telling him that the heathen
+thought they were gods, and prayed to them.
+
+Little Eddie wondered that any people could think these stone images
+were God. His large, blue eyes looked larger and rounder than ever,
+they were so filled with amazement at what he heard. He could only
+say, "Oh, mother! oh, mother!" in tones which indicated surprise,
+pity, and horror.
+
+Mrs. Dudley told her children that the heathen had not been taught, as
+we have, that God is a spirit, and that they had never learned the
+commandment, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any
+likeness of any thing that is in the heaven above, or that is in the
+earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt
+not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I, the Lord thy
+God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the
+children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
+and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my
+commandments."
+
+"I don't wonder that the missionaries go to them," was the sentiment
+on the mind of Willie, as he thought of the ignorance and degradation
+of the heathen. He loved, himself, to hear about God, and our blessed
+Saviour, and he knew that God required a pure and spiritual worship.
+He knew God was the Creator of the world, and that his power and glory
+could not well be represented or conceived by man. He had often heard
+of the heathen, and had read about their idols, but to see and handle
+a stone head which had been actually an object of religious worship,
+made it seem much more real to him than ever before, that there are
+many people who have never learned to worship the true God.
+
+Willie has always had a great reverence for his heavenly Father.
+Several years ago, he was reading a description of one of the idols of
+the Hindoos. The picture was disgustingly repulsive. He went to Mrs.
+Dudley with his book, saying, "Mother, I don't like to call g-o-d God
+here; I want to call it d-o-g, for I don't think it is right to call
+such a thing by that great name."
+
+Perhaps Willie will some day be a missionary, and preach the glad
+tidings of salvation to those who are now sitting in darkness, and in
+the shadow of death. But if he is not a missionary himself, I trust he
+will never forget to do what he can for those who, far from their
+homes and their friends, are fulfilling Christ's last command, to "go
+into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
+
+All Christians cannot be missionaries, but they can all do something
+to spread a knowledge of true religion throughout the world. They can
+contribute of their property to this noble purpose. Our heavenly
+Father accepts the smallest gift, offered in love. We, surely, who
+live in comfortable homes, and are surrounded by so much that is
+pleasant, should never forget those who, in foreign lands, are
+preaching the "unsearchable riches of Christ."
+
+If our Saviour were now upon the earth, I suppose dear children, you
+think it would be a great pleasure to minister to his wants, and
+provide him with food or clothing, or any thing he might need. It is
+delightful to know that what we do for those who love him, he accepts
+as done to himself. In his Holy Word he says, "Inasmuch as ye have
+done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it
+unto me."
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY WHO STEALS.
+
+
+Mrs. Dudley was sitting at her dining-table. The dessert was before
+her. There were fine, red water-melons, rich and juicy, with glossy
+black seeds peeping out from their hiding-places, and musk-melons,
+fragrant and luscious, which grew in her own garden. They had been
+gathered early in the morning, by George and Willie, and placed in the
+cellar, that they might be cool and refreshing. The boys had assisted
+in planting them in the spring, and with their little hoes they had
+worked about them during the summer, and subdued the weeds. They had
+watched their growth, and every day they examined the vines to find
+those that were ripe. They carefully gathered them, and sometimes
+there were so many that their wheelbarrow was quite full. Then they
+had the pleasure of carrying some to their neighbours. Mrs. Dudley did
+not consider good ripe fruit injurious, but much more healthy, in
+summer, than meat, puddings, and pastries, so that melons formed quite
+an important part of the family dinner. The children enjoyed them
+particularly, because they had raised them, in part, by their own
+industry.
+
+George asked to be excused from the table. Not long after he left,
+Mrs. Dudley heard a cry, as if some child was in trouble. She looked
+around. Mary, and Willie, and Eddie were there. The sounds of distress
+could not come from George, for he never cried in that way. Mr. and
+Mrs. Dudley immediately arose and went out upon the lawn. The children
+followed. They looked here and there, and soon saw a boy near the
+house. He had a small bundle in his hand, and a little tin pail. I
+should think he was ten or eleven years old. He was crying, and
+calling to a boy who stood at the gate. Mr. Dudley inquired of him,
+
+"What is the matter?"
+
+"John won't let me go home."
+
+"How does he prevent you? What does he do to you?" asked Mrs. Dudley.
+
+"He won't let me alone."
+
+"Does he try to make you fight?" she again inquired,--for she had
+frequently seen that large boys often love to tease and torment
+smaller ones, and she thought perhaps this little fellow was abused by
+a tyrannical companion. She thought of going to speak to the boy at
+the gate, but Mr. Dudley made further inquiries, and the child's
+answers were not very satisfactory.
+
+Mary Dudley now came near her mother, and, speaking in a low voice,
+said to her, "That is the boy who steals."
+
+While they were talking with him a larger boy came up, and said his
+teacher had sent him and the boy at the gate to take Jimmy back to
+school.
+
+"Why, what has he done?" asked one of the group which surrounded him.
+
+"He has been stealing the children's dinners. He stole yesterday, and
+he has been stealing to-day."
+
+This was a sad account to hear. Jimmy begged to be permitted to go
+home, but Mr. Dudley told him he had better return to the school. He
+then very reluctantly walked down to the gate with the largest boy,
+and I suppose was led back to his teacher.
+
+Mrs. Dudley had never heard of this child before, but Mr. Dudley said
+he had known him as a very bad boy. She asked Mary how she happened to
+know any thing about him. Mary told her that he attended
+Sunday-school, and that, a few Sundays before, one of the children
+could not find his cap. A thorough search was made for it, but it
+could not be found. The superintendent thought some one must have
+taken it. He suspected Jimmy, because his reputation was so bad, and
+followed him on his way home. Jimmy had it on his head, and his own
+cap was hidden under his sack!
+
+The superintendent of the school talked with Jimmy, who said he would
+never steal again; but, alas! he soon forgot his good resolution.
+Although he carried a dinner for himself in his tin pail, he took
+whatever he liked from the baskets of his companions.
+
+Mrs. Dudley has seen this boy several times since she heard him crying
+on the lawn. She says it always makes her feel sad to meet him, for
+she cannot avoid thinking,--"that is the boy who steals." She has
+learned that he has no father or mother, but lives with his
+grandparents. I fear he "will bring down their gray hairs with sorrow
+to the grave." He has allowed himself to steal small things, and as he
+grows older he will probably take articles of more value. He may
+become a housebreaker or a murderer.
+
+It is dangerous to indulge in the least sin. It hardens the heart, and
+stifles the whisper of that still, small voice, which so often tells
+children, when they are tempted to do wrong, "That is not right; you
+should not do that."
+
+In some Catechism the question is asked, "What is my duty to my
+neighbour?" and a part of the answer is, "To keep my hands from
+picking and stealing." I suppose "picking" must mean, secretly taking
+little pieces of cake, or sugar, or any thing of the kind, of small
+value. I presume Jimmy was in the habit of "picking," at his
+grandmother's before he ventured to steal at school.
+
+I could tell you several very sad stories of people who have stolen
+when they were children, and who have grown more and more wicked, as
+they have advanced in years, till they became a curse to society and
+themselves. "The way of transgressors is hard." These people have no
+true enjoyment. There is always a fearful looking forward to the
+future.
+
+It is not pleasant to me to write about bad children, and I should not
+do it if it were not to warn the dear children I so much love against
+the formation of wrong and sinful habits.
+
+How much better it would be for Jimmy if he had learned to "touch not,
+taste not, handle not," that which does not belong to him!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LOOK AT THE BIRDS!
+
+
+October, with its golden and crimson hues, its "gentle wind," and its
+"fair sunny noon," has passed away. November has come. The sun shines
+brightly, and the sky is almost clear of clouds; but the chill wind
+blows roughly, and the leaves are rudely torn from the trees where
+they have gladdened us through the spring and the summer by their
+refreshing shade, their modest beauty, and their sweet music, as they
+sung to the gentle breeze which played amid the branches. They lie
+now, most of them, beneath the trees, wrinkled and faded, or scattered
+here and there, far from their fellows, wherever the cold blast has
+wafted them.
+
+The birds have been taught by their unfailing instinct that summer has
+departed, and winter is near. They no more warble their rich melodies,
+or flit in and out of the bowery recesses of the honeysuckles or peep
+with knowing look under the eaves, or into the arbour. Other purposes
+prompt to other acts, and they are taking their farewell of the
+pleasant summer haunts, where they have built their nests and reared
+their young.
+
+This morning, soon after sunrise, Willie was standing on the lawn,
+contemplating the beauties of nature, and thinking, I suppose, of the
+changes of the seasons, when all at once I heard him shout, "Look at
+the birds! Look at the birds!" We threw open the window, and there
+were thousands and thousands of them almost over our heads. Their
+wings made a noise like the rushing of a steam-engine as it cleaves
+the air in its speed. They were calling to each other with a short,
+quick sound. It seemed as if they were giving and receiving orders. We
+watched them till they disappeared over the tree-tops.
+
+"There are more! There are more!" shouted Mary. We again looked
+towards the rising sun, and up over the eastern hills came another
+immense flock, calling to each other as the first, and they too
+disappeared behind the western hills.
+
+"There is another flock!" and so indeed there was. Up from the meadows
+and over the hills they came, swaying up and down in their flight, and
+so near that we could see each bird distinctly. Almost simultaneously
+they alighted on Clover Hill to rest for a moment. I can never forget
+their motion so full of grace and beauty, waving and undulating like
+the gentle swell of the ocean. Soon, another company followed in the
+same direction, and when they were over Clover Hill, up flew the
+others, and away they went with them beyond our sight. Flock after
+flock appeared, each taking the same general direction, and some of
+them so large that they stretched from the hills which bounded our
+view on one side, as far as our eye could see on the other. They
+looked, as Willie said, like bees swarming, only they were much
+larger. Occasionally a few stragglers could be seen, hurrying on to
+join their party, which was in advance of them. Perhaps they had
+delayed to take a last farewell of their pleasant summer homes, or,
+may be, they were dilatory in their habits, and did not make their
+morning toilet in season. I hope they will be more prompt in future,
+for it is a bad habit to be late, and occasions, often, much vexation
+and inconvenience.
+
+I never before saw so many birds together, although I have frequently
+been startled by the peculiar sound made by large numbers flying in
+company, and have looked at them with wonder and admiration.
+
+The migration of birds is one of the most remarkable phenomena in
+natural history. "The stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times,
+and the turtle, and the crane, and the swallow, observe the time of
+their coming," and so do all birds of passage. Their Creator has
+endowed them with a wonderful instinct, which, in some way, unknown to
+us, teaches them to guard against the severity of the season by
+seeking a warmer climate, and when "winter is past," and "the flowers
+appear on the earth," and "the vines, with the tender grape, give a
+good smell," then "the time of the singing of birds is come," and
+their voice is heard in our land. Some of them return, not only to the
+same country, but to the same place, where they have previously built
+their nests, and, year after year, raise their broods in the same
+friendly tree.
+
+It is said that, to enable birds to fly with ease, and to continue
+long on the wing, they must fly against the wind. I observed, this
+morning, that there was a brisk wind from the west, while the birds
+were flying a little south of west. Perhaps they had been waiting
+several days for a favourable wind, and that may have been the reason
+of the great number of flocks we saw.
+
+"Behold the fowls of the air," said our Saviour, in his sermon on the
+mount; "for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns,
+yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than
+they?" At another time, when he was talking with his disciples about
+the persecutions they should endure for his sake, he said to them,
+"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not
+fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your
+head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore; ye are of more value
+than many sparrows."
+
+Not one of that immense number of birds, which we saw flying to a
+warmer country, can perish without God's knowledge. He sees every one
+of them. During the summer, he has fed them on the meadows near the
+sea-shore, and now that winter is approaching, he has taught them to
+seek other localities, where their appropriate food can be found.
+
+Whenever God's children are tempted to yield to despondency, and to
+fear that they shall suffer from want, let them remember that they are
+of more value than many sparrows, and that if they trust their
+heavenly Father, their bread shall be given them, and their water
+shall be sure. He who feeds the birds will feed them. May he
+
+    "Fill" our souls "with trust unshaken
+    In that Being who has taken
+    Care for every living thing,
+    In Summer, Winter, Fall and Spring."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LOST CHILD.
+
+
+It was a Sabbath morning in November, clear, bright and frosty. Mrs.
+Dudley's family were preparing for church. They heard Carlo bark
+violently, and knew a stranger must be near. Carlo is a faithful
+watch-dog, but his habit of barking at visitors is so disagreeable,
+that he is usually kept chained in the day-time. On Sunday, as no
+company is expected, he is permitted to go at large. When Mr. Dudley
+heard Carlo, he immediately threw open the window, and spoke to him.
+He saw a gentleman, who was evidently much alarmed. None of the family
+knew him. The stranger soon made known the occasion of his call, by
+inquiring,
+
+"Have you seen any thing of a stray child?"
+
+"No, we have not; whose child is lost?"
+
+"Mr. McPherson's."
+
+"How old is the child?"
+
+"About six years old. His mother sent him from home, yesterday, about
+two o'clock, and she has heard nothing from him since. He had a small
+tin pail with him to get some yeast."
+
+It is sad to hear that a child is lost, and all the family sympathized
+with the anxious parents. "How badly you would feel if I was lost!"
+said Eddie, and he looked sober and grieved, as he thought of the
+little boy about his own age, who had wandered from home, no one knew
+where. There was much fear that he had fallen into the river, as he
+had been seen on the dock.
+
+At ten o'clock the family started for church. They met people who were
+searching for the child, and who asked them, as the gentleman had done
+at the house, "Have you seen any thing of a stray child?"
+
+Notice was given in the churches that a boy was lost, and many a
+mother's heart beat quicker as she thought of her own dear little
+ones, and imagined one of them sleeping, perhaps, through that cold
+November night on the ground, or (fearful thought!) buried deep in the
+chill water.
+
+After church, you could hear one and another inquiring anxiously, "Has
+the child been found?" But no favourable answer was received. In the
+afternoon, however, many hearts were gladdened by learning that he was
+safe. He had gone to the village, and got his pennyworth of yeast, and
+then, instead of returning immediately, he stopped to play with some
+boys. He had gone with them to a part of the village with which he was
+not acquainted and when he wished to go home, he did not know what
+direction to take. He chose a road leading him from home, and wandered
+at least five miles. Just before dark an old gentleman and his
+grandson were walking on the road, and they observed this little boy
+crying.
+
+"What do you suppose he is crying about?" said the child to his
+grandfather.
+
+"I don't know. Perhaps he has been sent to the grocery, and does not
+like to go."
+
+They watched him and found he did not stop, but passed on with his tin
+pail, crying grievously. They waited for him to come up to them, and
+asked him,
+
+"What are you crying about?"
+
+"I want to go home!"
+
+"Where is your home?"
+
+The boy could not tell.
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"William Hudson." He did not say, as he should have done, William
+Hudson McPherson.
+
+The old gentleman kindly took him by the hand, and led him to his own
+home. William's tears were soon dried, and he became quite contented.
+It was too late to attempt to find his parents that night, as he could
+not tell where they lived, and the name of Hudson was not familiar to
+the good people who had given him shelter.
+
+When Sabbath morning came, William was questioned again and again,
+till at length some clue was obtained of his father's place of
+residence. The horse was harnessed, and William, with lame and
+blistered feet, was placed in the wagon. About noon he safely reached
+home, and was clasped once more to his mother's heart. The father had
+not returned from his search, and he afterwards said, it had seemed to
+him that he never could go home without his child, on account of the
+terrible and almost frantic distress of the mother. As he approached
+his house, borne down with grief, he saw a wagon at the door. His
+heart leaped with joy, for he thought the lost one was found. He
+opened the door hopefully, and there, indeed, was William gathered
+once more with his brothers and sisters around the great
+cooking-stove, tears of joy flowing down the grateful mother's cheeks.
+
+All this great grief which William's father and mother endured--all
+the anxiety felt throughout the town--and all the sufferings of the
+boy himself, were occasioned by William's stopping to play, when he
+ought to have gone directly home!
+
+Children often think they are quite as capable of judging for
+themselves, as their parents are for them. Sooner or later this
+opinion will lead them into trouble. William thought it was safe to
+stop and see the boys play marbles, but he found, to his sorrow, that
+it would have been far better to have resisted temptation and denied
+himself the short pleasure he enjoyed.
+
+Every human heart is grieved when a child like William strays from
+home. We do not wonder that his mother should be fearfully anxious in
+regard to his fate. But, oh! how much more bitter tears a loving
+mother sheds, when her dear ones stray from the path of virtue, and
+become disobedient and wicked! I hope none of the children who read
+about William will go astray from the right path, but will ever choose
+that which is pure and lovely and of good report, and which, through
+the grace of God in Christ Jesus, will safely lead them home to
+heaven.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE UNPLEASANT NEIGHBOUR.
+
+
+Eddie's father has a disagreeable neighbour. In one way or another he
+is a constant source of annoyance. Sometimes his pigs will creep
+through the fence, and root up the smooth green lawn. His part of the
+fence he will not keep in repair, and the hungry cows, in search of
+food, will break into the garden, and make sad havoc among the
+cabbages and other vegetables. His fine bay horse, whom he knows will
+jump over any ordinary fence, is permitted to run in a pasture, where
+he can eke out his scanty meal by a hearty lunch among Mr. Dudley's
+corn. All these aggressions, and many more, have been borne with the
+greatest patience.
+
+Mr. Dudley has often been advised to resort to the law as a means of
+defence, yet he has been reluctant to do so. The children have
+sometimes felt very indignant when they have been obliged to chase the
+pigs or the cows out of the yard or field, but their parents have
+endeavoured to teach them Christian forbearance.
+
+At one time Eddie had been thinking about Mr. Morrison,--for by that
+name I shall call the unpleasant neighbour,--and he said very
+seriously to his mother,
+
+"Mother, can Mr. Morrison go to heaven if he dies."
+
+She hesitated a moment how to answer him, for, she had taught him that
+it is wicked to lie and to swear, and that if a person loves God he
+will not be in the habit of committing such sins; so she told him,
+that unless Mr. Morrison repented he could not go to heaven.
+
+At another time Eddie and his mother were talking about God's love for
+the beings he has made. She told him that God loves every one.
+
+"Does he love Mr. Morrison?" he inquired.
+
+"Yes, God loves Mr. Morrison. He is grieved and offended by his
+wickedness, but he loves him. You know I love you, when you have done
+wrong, although I am sorry that you have been naughty. I do not cease
+to love you. The Bible tells us that while we were sinners, God so
+loved us as to send his Son to die for us. He loves all, and wishes
+all to repent and believe in Christ, and be happy. He has provided a
+way for all who believe to be saved, and it is only because people
+love sin more than they love holiness, that they are lost."
+
+Nothing can give us a higher idea of God's love, than the thought that
+he loves every one--even his enemies. "God is love." What a blessed,
+glorious thought! How it encourages us to trust him at all times!
+
+God does not willingly afflict, nor grieve, nor punish any one. All
+that he does, he does from the truest love.
+
+The knowledge that God loves us should lead us to love him. We are
+naturally disposed to love those who love us, and always do, unless
+there is something repulsive about them. There can be nothing
+repulsive about God, for he is love, and we who love him, love him
+because he first loved us.
+
+One night, after little Eddie had repeated the Lord's Prayer and his
+usual evening petitions, he raised his head, and said to his mother,
+
+"Shan't I pray for Mr. Morrison, now?"
+
+"Yes, dear, if you wish to," she answered.
+
+He bowed his head again, and uttered a simple prayer for the man who
+was the occasion of so much trouble and perplexity to his father's
+family. He prayed that God would forgive his sins for Jesus' sake, and
+make him a good man. It was very pleasant to hear Eddie pray thus, and
+to witness his kind and forgiving spirit.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Dudley have often regretted that the children should have
+their early memories saddened by such a neighbour, but perhaps their
+heavenly Father wishes to teach them a lesson of forbearance and love
+for those who injure them, which they could not so well learn in any
+other way.
+
+Our Saviour, when dying on the cross, taught us practically the duty
+of forgiveness. He prayed even for those who put him to death.
+"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Do you not
+suppose he was pleased to hear Eddie ask his Father in heaven to
+forgive Mr. Morrison and make him a good man?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY WHO KEPT HIS PURPOSE.
+
+
+"I would not be so mean," said George Ward to a boy who stood by,
+while he put the candy he had just bought in his pocket.
+
+[Illustration: "I wouldn't be so mean."]
+
+"You have no right to call me mean," replied Reuben Porter, "because I
+don't spend my money for candy."
+
+"You never spend it for any thing," continued George, tauntingly.
+
+It was true. Reuben did not spend his money. Do you suppose it was
+because he loved it more than other boys do?
+
+Reuben turned slowly away, meditating upon what had occurred.
+
+"I will not care for what George thinks," he at length said to
+himself; "I have four dollars now, and when I have sold my cabbages, I
+shall have another dollar. _I shall soon have enough_," and his heart
+bounded joyfully, his step recovered its elasticity and his pace
+quickened, as the pleasant thought removed the sting which the
+accusation of meanness had inflicted on his sensitive spirit.
+
+Enough did not mean the same with Reuben as it means with grown
+people. It had a limit. He hastened cheerfully home, or to the place
+he called home. He had no father or mother there, but kind and loving
+friends in their stead. His father had died two years before, leaving
+a wife and four children without property to sustain them. Reuben was
+the eldest, and as he was old enough to assist in the labours of a
+farm, it was thought best he should leave his mother. Mr. Johnson, a
+neighbour took him into his family, where he soon became a great
+favourite.
+
+There was one thing about the child, however, which good Mrs. Johnson
+regarded as a great fault. It was what she called "a spirit of
+hoarding." She said she never gave him an orange, or an apple, that he
+did not carry it to his room, instead of eating it. Perhaps his
+sisters at home, or dear little brother Benny, could tell what became
+of them.
+
+Mrs. Johnson had noticed, too, in his drawer, a box, which was quite
+heavy with money. She did not believe he had bought so much as a
+fish-hook, since he had been in their family. If he should go on in
+this way he will grow up to be a miser. Mr. Johnson smiled at his
+wife's earnestness, and remarked that with such an example of
+generosity as Reuben had constantly before him, he could not believe
+the child was in much danger from the fault she feared. "It must be
+remembered," he said, "that Reuben has his own way to make in life.
+He must early learn to save, or he will always be poor. There are his
+mother and sisters, too, who need his aid."
+
+In various ways Reuben added to his store. When the snow came, he made
+nice broad paths about the house, which so attracted the notice of a
+neighbour, that she asked if he might be allowed to make paths for
+her. He rose early that he might have time for this extra work, and
+was well paid for his efforts. The box grew heavier from week to week.
+_Reuben had almost enough._
+
+One day there was a barrel of flour left at Mrs. Porter's. She thought
+there must be a mistake about it; but the man said he was directed at
+the store to take it to that house. Mrs. Porter went immediately to
+learn about it, and what was her surprise on finding her son had been
+the purchaser. How could he pay for a whole barrel of flour? "The
+money," said the merchant; "he brought in a box. It was in small bits,
+which took me some time to count, but there was enough."
+
+The mother called, with a full heart, at Mrs. Johnson's, and related
+what had occurred. Reuben wondered why his mother should cry so. He
+thought she would be happy. He was sure he was happy. He had been
+thinking two years of that barrel of flour, and now he felt more like
+laughing than crying.
+
+Those tears, noble boy, are not tears of sorrow, but of the deepest,
+fullest joy. You are more than repaid for your self-denial. You have
+persevered in your determination. You have resisted every temptation
+to deviate from the course which you marked out as right. You have
+borne meekly the charge of meanness so galling to your generous
+spirit, and now you receive your reward. You are happy, and so is your
+mother, and so are your kind friends, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.
+
+That night, Mr. Johnson remarked to his wife, as they sat together
+before the cheerful fire, that he had some idea of keeping the little
+_miser_ and educating him. "A boy who could form such a purpose, and
+keep it, will, in all probability, make a useful man." After-years
+proved the correctness of this conclusion. Reuben is now a man of
+intelligence and wealth. He is one whom the world delights to honour;
+but among his pleasantest memories, I doubt not, is that of the barrel
+of flour he bought for his beloved mother.
+
+"Filial love will never go unrewarded."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+MARY'S STORY.
+
+
+Mary and Eddie had retired to their little beds. Their mother had said
+"good night," and had given them both a kiss. She was just leaving the
+room, when Eddie said to his sister,
+
+"Now you can tell me about Jesus."
+
+This simple remark revealed to Mrs. Dudley the subject of their
+conversation after she left them for the night. It gave her great
+pleasure, for she desires nothing so much as that her children may
+love the Saviour, and she knows the more they think about him, and the
+more they learn of his life, the more they will find him worthy of
+love. Mrs. Dudley offered up a silent prayer to her heavenly Father
+that the Holy Spirit would teach them and guide them into all truth.
+
+She did not remain with the children to hear them as they talked
+together, but a few days afterwards she asked Eddie what Mary told him
+about Jesus. He repeated the history of his birth, of the cruel
+persecution of Herod, of his blameless life, and his death upon the
+cross.
+
+Eddie is too young to realize much about the great love of Christ,
+and how much he has done for us that we may be happy, but he is not
+too young to love him.
+
+I hope he will never forget the sweet story Mary told him. Jesus loves
+little children. He is their best friend, always ready to forgive them
+when they are sorry for doing wrong, and to help them when they try to
+do what is right.
+
+Even now, as I am writing, I hear children singing
+
+    "There is a happy land
+    Far far away."
+
+The sound grows fainter and fainter--eyelids are drooping--sleep is
+near--the voices are hushed--the little ones are slumbering. May "holy
+angels guard their bed."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE SUNNY FACE, AND THE SHADY FACE;
+OR, JUNE AND NOVEMBER.
+
+
+"How happy I am to-night! I love you so much I want to be with you all
+the time," said Willie to his mother, as he followed her from the
+dining-room to the nursery, one stormy evening.
+
+What made Willie so happy? It was not because the day had been
+pleasant, and he had been permitted to enjoy himself out of doors, for
+a chilling snow had been falling, and Willie had been obliged to
+remain in the house. It was not because he was well, for many hours of
+the day he had been lying on the bed too ill to sit up all the time.
+It was not because he had received a handsome present, for none had
+been given him.
+
+There had been nothing unusual to make him so happy, excepting a
+thought hidden in the secret recesses of his heart. Shall I tell you
+what that thought was, that made his face so bright and sunny, that
+made his eyes sparkle, and wreathed his lips with smiles? I will tell
+you in his own words, and I hope you will treasure it in your heart.
+If you do, your face, too, will be cheerful and smiling, and your
+friends will love to look upon you.
+
+When Willie told his mother how happy he was, she put her arm around
+him, and drew him lovingly to her side. "What makes you so happy?" she
+inquired.
+
+"I suppose it is because I have been trying to be good," he answered.
+
+"That always makes people happy," his mother replied.
+
+Willie is generally a good boy, but he sometimes does wrong, and
+wrong-doing always makes him sad. It was a great pleasure to him that
+he had tried to be good, and had been enabled to overcome temptation.
+
+All children are sometimes tempted to do wrong, and it often requires
+a severe struggle to decide to do right. But every child who overcomes
+evil feels a conscious happiness and self-respect in so doing. I hope
+you will "try to be good." If you do, and look to Christ for strength,
+he will aid you, and through his grace you will be able to become
+conqueror over the sins that "so easily beset you."
+
+Henry Maxwell lives in the same town with Willie, and is of the same
+age. These boys often play together. I regret to be obliged to say
+that Henry is not so good a child as Willie. He does not so promptly
+obey his mother, and of course he cannot be so happy. Sometimes he
+pouts out his lips, when his mother wishes him to do something which
+he does not exactly like.
+
+I one day heard his mother talking to him about his teeth. She wished
+him to brush them again, as he had not done it thoroughly the first
+time. It was astonishing to see how that fair, round face was
+disfigured by that ugly pout, and it was sad to hear his dissatisfied
+"I don't want to." When his mother insisted on obedience, Henry
+reluctantly complied with her wishes, closing the door behind him with
+great violence.
+
+His face was not sunny and bright like Willie's, when he had tried to
+be good, but was dark and shady, like a clouded sky. It was not
+pleasant to look upon, and it made the heart of his mother heavy and
+sad to see it. I hope Henry will learn to be cheerful and prompt in
+his obedience to his mother, for, if he should not, the expression of
+his face will grow more and more disagreeable, till, when he is a man,
+it will look more like a chilly day in November, than a sweet,
+gladsome day in June.
+
+I do not wish you should tell me, but I should like to have you ask
+yourself, when you have read about these two boys, which of them you
+are most like. Is your face sunny, or shady?
+
+
+
+
+"IT ISN'T FAIR. I PEEPED."
+
+
+Willie and Eddie were playing Hide the Button. After they had played
+some time, and it was Willie's turn to find it, he came into the
+nursery with his face flushed, and evidently much excited. "It isn't
+fair," said he, and the tears gathered in his eyes, and his lips
+quivered with emotion, "I peeped. Eddie must hide it again;" and he
+went out of the room, for Eddie to put the button in another place.
+
+Willie had been overcome by temptation. He had done a dishonourable
+act, but his conscience was quick to reprove him, and he had listened
+to its admonitions. There had been a short but severe struggle in his
+mind, and truth and honour had conquered. He was brave enough to
+confess his fault, and to do what he could to make amends for it.
+
+Mrs. Dudley was not at home, but a friend who had charge of the
+children told her the circumstance. It rejoiced her greatly that her
+dear boy should have had the manliness to acknowledge his error; and
+it encouraged her to hope that he would never be guilty of a similar
+fault again. Willie is a conscientious boy. He sometimes does wrong,
+as in this instance, but when he reflects, he is always sorry.
+
+Mrs. Dudley did not say any thing to Willie about the occurrence; but
+a few evenings afterwards as she was sitting at the tea-table alone,
+the others having all left, he came to her and stood by her side,
+leaning his elbow upon the table, and resting his head upon his hand.
+She knew by his manner and his serious look that he had something in
+particular to say to her. She put her arm around him and drew him
+close to her.
+
+"Mother," said he, "the other day, when you were gone, I peeped while
+Eddie hid the button;" and then went on and told her all about it.
+Mrs. Dudley talked with him a short time, and said he had done right
+in confessing his fault, and in refusing to profit by his wrong act.
+She knew he was much happier than he could have been if he had done
+otherwise. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso
+confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Willie found the
+happiness of an approving conscience; and I doubt not that Jesus
+looked down with love upon him, as he does upon all true penitents.
+"There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth."
+
+If Willie had not confessed his fault, and been sorry for it, his
+conscience would have been hardened and he would probably have
+"peeped" another time, when the children played the same game. But
+now, if he should be tempted in this way again, he would remember how
+much he suffered in consequence of having once yielded to a similar
+temptation, and would not allow himself to commit the wrong.
+
+It is very important that children should early learn to confess their
+faults, and not form the habit of endeavouring to hide them from
+others. If they have injured any individual, they should apologize to
+that individual. Sometimes it is only necessary to confess to God, but
+we should not be satisfied with doing it in a general manner. Each
+wrong act, so far as we remember it, should be mentioned.
+
+If we really love our heavenly Father, we shall wish to tell him all
+about ourselves. We shall have no desire to conceal any thing from
+him, and it will be a pleasure to us to think that he knows every
+thought and feeling of our hearts.
+
+Willie had no wish to conceal from his mother the wrong he had done;
+he preferred to tell her about it; and I have no doubt he had
+previously told his Father in heaven.
+
+"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
+sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
+
+
+
+
+THE CHRYSALIS.
+
+
+"O mother, look here! What is this?" exclaimed Eddie, as he was in the
+garden with his mother and Mary and Willie. He was standing by a tall
+pole, around which a Lima bean-vine had wound itself. He had been
+gathering the great dry pods in a basket to preserve them for winter,
+when his grandmother would come to Clover-Hill to see her dear
+grandchildren. His attention had been attracted by something peculiar,
+and he immediately called his mother to come and see it. Mary and
+Willie ran to look. Mrs. Dudley found it was a beautiful green
+chrysalis, suspended by its silken cords to the vine. The colour was
+soft and delicate, and it was ornamented with a black line, and with
+bright golden spots.
+
+"Isn't it pretty, mother?" "How did it get here?" and many more
+questions were rapidly asked, while the little folks carefully
+examined it.
+
+Mrs. Dudley told them what it was, and that if they preserved it, they
+would in a few days see a butterfly escape from it. Eddie looked up
+astonished. She also told them that it was once a worm, crawling
+about upon the earth; that it had climbed up, and suspended itself
+under the shelter of the leaves, to await its change into a new and
+more attractive form of being.
+
+Mrs. Dudley took the chrysalis from the vine and carried it to the
+house, and put it on the mantle in her room. Every day the children
+looked at it to ascertain if there was any change. Soon the colour
+began to fade, and the delicate pea-green became an ashen white. Then
+it opened slightly, where there had from the first seemed to be lines
+of division, and they could peep in at the imprisoned insect. The
+opening became wider and wider, and one day, when Eddie came into the
+room and went as usual to look at the chrysalis, the shell was empty!
+The butterfly had escaped. He uttered an exclamation of mingled
+surprise and disappointment. As he turned his head, he saw, on the
+little cotton muff of Mary's doll, the butterfly for which he had so
+patiently watched.
+
+"Here it is, mother!" he shouted in the most joyous tones, and his
+eyes sparkled with delight.
+
+Eddie and his mother observed it for some time. Its long, slender legs
+rested on the muff, and ever and anon it would open and close its
+brilliant wings, as if to try their power, or to dry the miniature
+feathers which adorned them. Its colour was a rich orange, shaded from
+the lighter tints to the deeper, and variegated with stripes of black.
+The children examined it with a microscope, which made it appear even
+more beautiful and wonderful than before.
+
+It remained on the muff several hours, and then flew to the window,
+and alighted on the curtain. At evening, it was found on the cushion
+of a spool-stand, and there it passed the night. The next day it
+disappeared, and the children saw it no more. It probably flew away
+through the open window, to enjoy its brief life under the smiling
+sun.
+
+The children talked much about the transformations which had taken
+place in the life of that caterpillar. Their mother told them that the
+butterfly was sometimes considered a type of immortality. In this
+world we are, like the worm, in an inferior state of existence. Our
+bodies are laid in the grave, but _we_ are not dead, any more than the
+unmoving chrysalis--which remained so long on the mantel just where it
+was placed--was dead. The spirit still lives, and, after it has freed
+itself from the imprisoning flesh, is more beautiful than before, and
+is susceptible of more perfect enjoyment in the pure atmosphere of
+heaven.
+
+
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE COTTAGE.
+
+
+Mrs. Dudley's children look forward to Christmas with many
+anticipations of pleasure, for several weeks before it comes. They are
+quite busy in preparing for it. Their mother is the repository of
+their secrets, and assists them by her advice in making their
+arrangements. Many important deliberations take place about mats,
+pin-cushions, and bookmarks.
+
+As the day approached, the children often expressed the wish that it
+was here. A few days was a long time for them to wait. But time did
+not hasten. The hours were just sixty minutes, and the minutes just
+sixty seconds. The clock ticked on as usual. It was unmoved by all the
+excitement, and never, for an instant, quickened its pace.
+
+When Saturday came, their mother proposed that the presents should be
+distributed that evening. She did not like to have the children wish
+the Sabbath past, and on Monday morning there would be but little time
+to make their arrangements before the hour for school. She knew they
+would be quiet and happy if they had some new books to read, and
+would be perfectly willing to lay aside other gifts till Monday.
+
+Mary wished to decorate the parlour with evergreens. Mrs. Dudley sent
+a man to get some for her. She and Willie arranged them in bunches and
+wreaths. Eddie helped all he could, and was as happy as any of them.
+In the afternoon their mother assisted them. She put the bunches made
+of the delicate, feathery hemlock, and the dark glossy laurel, over
+the windows, and suspended the wreaths where the bay-windows projected
+from the room. Small branches of cedar and spruce were tastefully
+arranged in vases, relieved by the rich, green leaves of the ivy, and
+the bright, lively twigs of box.
+
+The children wished for a Christmas tree, but the evergreens they had
+were all too small for that purpose Mrs. Dudley suggested that the
+hat-stand might be substituted. They were delighted, and immediately
+busied themselves in adorning it with garlands. It proved quite
+ornamental, and the pegs served a very useful purpose. Mary arranged
+on some strips of white paper the words, "A merry Christmas." The
+letters were made of the small leaves of the box, and were fastened on
+with gum-arabic. These were placed amid the wreaths on the transformed
+hat-stand.
+
+When all these arrangements were completed to their satisfaction,
+they left the room. Mrs. Dudley remained some time longer. When she
+left, the door was locked.
+
+Mr. Dudley returned from the city, where he had been spending the day,
+bringing some friends with him. Tea was speedily despatched, and then
+all the family were summoned. The parlour door was unlocked. There
+were various toys, baskets, and reticules suspended on the hat-stand.
+There was a nice little felt hat for one of Mary's dolls, and a
+looking-glass for the baby-house, and an embroidered cushion, which
+Willie's industrious fingers had made for Minnie Dudley, as the doll
+is called--a far better employment for him, I think, than throwing it
+about and treating it roughly, as I have sometimes heard of boys
+doing. There were humming-tops, which reminded me, by their music, of
+the great spinning-wheel that whirred away in my mother's kitchen when
+I was a child. There were graces, and battle-doors, and jack-straws
+for the amusement of the children when it was too cold or stormy to
+play out of doors.
+
+On a table was an array of slippers, which Mary and her mother had
+wrought for father and the boys. There was merry capering when they
+were transferred to the feet of their owners. I shall not tell you
+whether Mr. Dudley so far forgot his dignity as to partake of the
+excitement, but I am quite sure he was much gratified by the present
+Mary had made for him with her own hands, and that he kissed his
+thanks with great fondness.
+
+Most valuable of all to the little folks, and most gladly welcomed,
+were the books. How eagerly they looked them over.
+
+There was a present to Mrs. Dudley from her children, which I must not
+forget to tell you about. It was a plain gold pin, in which, neatly
+plaited, were six bunches of hair. One of them was dark, streaked with
+gray--the others were auburn, flaxen, and brown. She knew whence the
+treasures came to unite in that beautiful mosaic, and the tears were
+ready to start from her eyes as she received that precious token of
+family love.
+
+When I was a child, I heard little about Christmas. It came and went
+without my knowledge. But I enjoy the return of it very much now, and
+sympathize with children in the interest with which they regard it. I
+like to think they are treasuring up such cheerful memories to make
+their early home attractive to their age.
+
+The little Dudley's will always like to look back to this pleasant
+evening, and wherever they are, their hearts will warm more fondly on
+account of it to their father's cottage, nestled in the valley, and
+they will be in less danger of forgetting the lessons of love and
+kindness they have learned there.
+
+
+
+
+I WILL CONQUER MYSELF.
+
+
+In one of the oldest towns of New-England there lived, many years ago,
+a little girl, whom I shall call Helen Earle. Her father had been
+engaged in the East Indian trade, and had accumulated great wealth.
+Her mother was a sweet, gentle woman, who most tenderly loved her
+children, and endeavoured to correct their faults, and develop their
+excellencies. In Helen's home there was every comfort and every luxury
+that heart could desire, but she was not always happy. She had one
+fault, which often made herself and her friends very unhappy. It was
+the indulgence of a violent temper. She would allow herself to become
+exceedingly angry, and her usually beautiful face was then disfigured
+by passion. Her mother was greatly grieved and distressed by these
+outbreaks of ill temper, and did all in her power to restrain them.
+She talked with her daughter earnestly in regard to the sin of such a
+temper. Helen would weep bitter tears, and express much regret for the
+past, but she could not quite make up her mind to determine to
+overcome temptation. The task seemed too difficult, and she shrunk
+from the attempt.
+
+Mrs. Earle shed many tears in secret over this sad failing in her
+beloved child, and most fervently pleaded for help from Him who had
+given her the care of this immortal spirit to educate for eternity.
+She knew that God alone could change Helen's heart, and give her power
+to overcome sin, even though assaulted by the fiercest temptation.
+
+One day, when Helen was very angry at something which had occurred,
+her mother led her up stairs to her own room and left her alone. For a
+time she cried violently, then she grew calm and quiet, and her mother
+could hear her walking back and forth across the room, talking to
+herself. She listened. How her heart rejoiced when she heard her
+repeating, again and again, "I WILL CONQUER MYSELF! I WILL CONQUER
+MYSELF!"
+
+And Helen did conquer herself. She had come to the determination, not
+that she would try to conquer, but that she would conquer, and, by the
+gracious help which is always given to those who ask,--she nobly
+succeeded. From that hour she was able to overcome the temptation, and
+was not overcome by it. She grew up to womanhood remarkable for the
+evenness and gentleness of her temper. None, who had not known her in
+childhood, would have suspected that she was not always thus mild and
+lovely.
+
+Helen did for herself what no earthly friend could do for her. By the
+power of her will she controlled her impulses, and this triumph was
+of far more value to her than all the wealth of her father. It made
+her a blessing to her friends, strengthened all her good purposes, and
+enabled her to perform the duties of life without the friction which a
+bad temper always occasions. It gave her that true self-respect which
+elevates the character, and which none can feel who are not conscious
+of the power to rule their own spirits.
+
+No child is blamed for having a quick temper, but he is blamed if he
+allows himself to be overpowered by it. If he really determines, as
+Helen did, to conquer himself, he will succeed. The old proverb,
+"Where there is a will, there is a way," will never fail in such a
+case as this. "God helps those who help themselves," and he is ever
+ready to assist us in subduing what is wrong in our own spirits.
+
+The Bible contains many passages which condemn anger: "He that is soon
+angry, dealeth foolishly." "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry,
+for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." "Make no friendship with an
+angry man, and with a furious man thou shalt not go." "He that is slow
+to wrath is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of spirit
+exalteth folly." "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow
+to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
+
+All habits grow stronger by indulgence. If you allow yourself to
+become angry to-day, you will more easily become so to-morrow. If you
+control your temper to-day, it will be less difficult to control it
+to-morrow. Helen's victory was obtained by decision. To form the
+determination to conquer herself required more effort of will and more
+strength of character than any subsequent struggle with her besetting
+sin could possibly require.
+
+If you have any fault which you wish to correct, you must fully make
+up your mind to succeed. You must resolve that you will conquer. If
+you should occasionally be overcome, yield not to despair, but with
+renewed courage try again.
+
+    "On yourself and God relying,
+    Try, keep trying."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+SELFISH ELLA.
+
+
+Ella Russell is a little girl with soft, flaxen hair, bright eyes, and
+a complexion fair and clear. She is neat and orderly in her habits,
+and is very gentle and mild in her manners. Her musical laugh
+sometimes rings through the house like a sweet melody. It is so
+contagious that you would laugh yourself to hear it.
+
+Ella is obedient, and needs as little care as any child I ever knew.
+Her father is living, but she has no mother, and Ella lives with a
+Mrs. Lindsley, who has three daughters, two of them older and one
+younger than Ella. She is much attached to this lady, and feels
+perfectly at home in her house.
+
+Ella's mother was in feeble health several years before her death.
+Ella was her constant companion, and nothing gave her more pleasure
+than to wait upon her and do all in her power to relieve her
+sufferings and make her more comfortable. Mrs. Russell said her
+daughter was an excellent nurse, although she was not more than seven
+or eight years old. It shows how much even small children can do for
+the comfort of their invalid friends, if they really try. It is very
+gratifying to a mother to have a child so careful and thoughtful, and
+Ella and her mother loved each other more and more every day. Mrs.
+Russell's disease was consumption, and she could not be restored to
+health. Poor Ella, how lonely she felt when her mother died! She was
+young to know so much sorrow.
+
+Ella's home is not far from the city. Her father often goes there, and
+frequently sends her some delicacy which he knows she would relish--a
+box of early strawberries, or a basket of plums or peaches, or
+whatever fruit may be in season. Mr. Russell is exceedingly generous,
+and he expects his little daughter to divide the fruit with the family
+where she has found so excellent a home.
+
+Ella, good child as she is in most respects, has one sad fault. She is
+selfish. When she receives any rarity she would prefer to eat it
+herself, just as the chickens do when they have found a nice tit-bit.
+It is really a trial to her that she cannot eat a whole basket of
+peaches before they would spoil! Indeed, one day, after receiving such
+a present, she said to a person in the family, "I wish my father would
+not send so many. I like it better when I have only a small basket,
+and can keep it in my own room."
+
+At one time Mr. Russell sent a basket of peaches to Mrs. Lindsley.
+Ella was not at home. She had gone out to make a call on some of her
+friends. She heard this basket had been sent, and hastened back as
+soon as she could. "I hope they haven't eaten up all my peaches!" was
+her first exclamation. She was quite indignant to find the basket had
+been opened.
+
+Mrs. Lindsley gave her all she considered it safe for her to eat; but
+Ella was not happy. She felt as if they all ought to be hers, and she
+really cried about it. A day or two after Ella saw her father, and he
+told her the peaches were designed for the family. Ella was somewhat
+mortified, and afterward told Mrs. Lindsley what her father said about
+the basket of fruit.
+
+It seems very strange that Ella should be so selfish, for her father
+is not at all so, and I know it must grieve him to have a child of his
+so forgetful of the enjoyment of others. This selfishness does not
+make her happy. It occasions her much trouble, and it always will.
+
+I know a little boy, six years old, who is very fond of fruit, and who
+is much delighted when his father brings him an apple; yet I have seen
+him, when he had but one, divide it between his brothers and sisters,
+and reserve no part of it for himself. He seemed entirely happy in
+doing so.
+
+One day he heard his mother say, "I have not even a penny in my
+purse." He went up-stairs to his money-box, and brought down a handful
+of pennies, and gave them to her. His mother kissed his plump,
+brown cheek, and thanked him for his gift.
+
+[Illustration: His mother kissed his plump, brown cheek.]
+
+Which should you prefer to be like--selfish Ella, or this generous
+little boy?
+
+The selfish person is always willing to receive favours, but to the
+generous "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+"OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN."
+
+
+"Father is coming, father is coming!" shout a merry group of children,
+as Mr. Wilmot appears around a little knoll, on his return from his
+business.
+
+"Let us run and meet him,"--and away they scamper over the lawn to see
+which will get to him first. They are laughing gaily, and their feet
+trip lightly, as hatless and bonnetless they hasten to him. Mary's
+brown curls are streaming in the wind, and it is a beautiful sight to
+look upon these children, so full of life and joy and love.
+
+Mr. Wilmot greets them with a smile, and stoops to kiss each of them,
+as they put up their arms to give him a loving welcome to his home.
+One of them takes his basket, and another his cane, and then the
+unoccupied hands are claimed by the tiny ones who love to walk by his
+side.
+
+Why do these children hasten so eagerly to meet their father? It is
+just because he is their father. He has provided them with a home, and
+with food and clothing, and has given them many pleasant things to
+enjoy. He loves them, and his love and approbation are very precious
+to them. They obey his wishes, and strive to please him, and this is
+one source of the happiness which fills their hearts.
+
+I think most of you, dear children, have kind parents, to whom you are
+warmly attached, and that you do not hear the name of father without
+emotions of pleasure. Some of you have no earthly father, but you all
+have one in another and better world.
+
+Most of you, in your infancy, have learned to repeat the Lord's
+Prayer. How beautiful and expressive are the words with which it
+commences, "Our Father who art in heaven." God, then, is your father,
+and you may go to him as his children. You may tell him all your
+wants, all your sorrows, and all your joys. You may pour out your
+heart to him with perfect freedom. You need not fear to do this as you
+would to a stranger, for he is your Father, and knows all about you.
+He knows every time you suffer, and he sees every thought of your
+heart. God loves you more than any earthly friends can, and he has
+enabled them to bestow upon you all the comforts which surround you.
+
+When you kneel down to pray, will you not remember that it is to a
+father you are speaking, and will you not love him as truly and warmly
+as you do the dear father who takes you on his knee, and speaks so
+kindly and affectionately to you. Your father in heaven has given you
+this earthly parent, and you should surely love him for all he has
+done for you.
+
+Do not let the precious words, "Our Father who art in heaven," be
+unmeaning ones to you; but strive to realize the great goodness and
+condescension of God in permitting you to call him by so sweet a name,
+and give him the only thing you can in return,--your young and
+grateful hearts.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HATTIE AND HERBERT.
+
+
+"Was there ever so good a mother as you are?" said Hattie Atherton,
+throwing her arms around her mother's neck, and kissing her with great
+affection.
+
+"Oh yes!" answered little Herbert, in a solemn tone, "there is one a
+great deal better."
+
+"Why, Herbert! what do you mean?" exclaimed Hattie, who knew Herbert
+loved his mother as dearly as she did.
+
+"I mean God. He is better than mother."
+
+"But God is a Father. He is our Father in heaven," continued Hattie.
+
+Herbert was quite satisfied with Hattie's correction, and was then
+ready to agree with her, that his mother was the best mother in the
+world.
+
+Herbert was a very little boy, but he had been taught that God was
+more worthy of love than even his father or mother could be. He was
+too young to understand much about the being of God, and when he
+called him a mother a great deal better than his own mother, it was an
+expression of his love and reverence.
+
+Do you, dear children, when you realize something about the love
+which your mother feels for you, and which enables her cheerfully to
+do so much for your comfort, remember that God loves you even more
+than she does, and that He is far more deserving your strongest
+affections?
+
+"He that loveth father or mother more than me," the Saviour said, "is
+not worthy of me." God should occupy the first place in your heart,
+and next to Him you should love your parents.
+
+Happy is that child who is so willing to be governed by her mother's
+wishes that she is at all times ready to exclaim, "Was there ever so
+good a mother as my mother!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE TWO WILLS.
+
+
+When a man of wealth dies, there is always much interest felt in
+regard to the disposition he has made of his property by will.
+Sometimes large bequests are made to benevolent societies, and the
+donor is generally considered a very generous man. Many bless his
+memory, and his name is cherished with grateful respect. It is right
+that it should be so. God loves the cheerful giver.
+
+I have just read the last "will and testament" of a little boy nine
+years old, who lived in Ohio. Not very long ago he was taken ill with
+fever. The disease was violent, and he suffered much. At length it
+became evident that he must die.
+
+A few hours before his death, he looked up to his mother and said:
+
+"Do you remember my gold dollar?"
+
+"Yes, my son; but we had better not think of that now."
+
+"But mother," said George, "I want you to give it to the missionaries,
+and my shillings too, and all the pennies. Give it all to the
+missionaries."
+
+George died, and I trust has gone to heaven. His desire to do good was
+no doubt acceptable and pleasing to God. He could not receive here
+the reward God has promised to those who give to the poor, but in
+another world his heavenly Father can most richly recompense him. The
+sum contributed by the dying child was not large, but it was all he
+had.
+
+In the same town lived a little girl, whose father was a clergyman.
+One after another of his dear ones were taken from him. A precious
+babe of seventeen months, a sweet prattler of three years, and another
+of five, were called to leave this world and grow up with the angels
+in heaven. Then this child of eleven must go too--the fourth out of
+that family circle within one short month! She had been a follower of
+the Saviour for three years, and had thought much of the condition of
+the heathen, who have no knowledge of the way of salvation through
+Christ. She hoped, if she lived, to become a missionary herself, and
+teach them about the true God and his son Jesus Christ.
+
+She was ill nearly three weeks, but she was not unhappy. She did not
+fear to die. The Saviour, whom she loved, was near her, to walk with
+her through the valley of the shadow of death, and his rod and
+staff--they comforted her. She knew that her beloved parents would
+soon join her in the heavenly world, when they all together should
+enjoy the immediate presence of their Lord. She looked forward
+cheerfully and joyfully, to the glorious immortality upon which she
+was so soon to enter. When dying, she exclaimed, "It is all dark here,
+but I shall soon be where it is light. I shall be with my heavenly
+Father, and the blessed Saviour, and all the good people."
+
+One of this child's last requests was, that her dollar--the only money
+she possessed--should be sent to a missionary society to buy
+Testaments for heathen children.
+
+These children's offerings, small though they are, are yet precious
+gifts cast into the treasury of our Lord. Their influence will never
+cease. Many souls may be converted through the truth these "two mites"
+may be the means of teaching.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+"BLESS GOD FOR THIS DOLL."
+
+
+When Mary Wilson was about five years old, her aunt Ann came from a
+distant place to make her mother a visit. She was fond of children,
+and often talked and played with her little niece, and assisted her in
+making dresses for her doll. This gratified Mary, and made her love
+her more and more, as we always love those who are kind to us.
+
+Mary's doll was not pretty, but she liked it very much, and took good
+care of it. She always undressed it at night, before she went to bed,
+and put on a nice white night-gown her mother had made for it; and in
+the morning she would dress it again for the day. She named it Louisa,
+but her younger brother always called it Quesa, and, after a time, all
+the family spoke of it by that name.
+
+Mary often wished she could wash Quesa's face, as her own was washed;
+but she had tried it once, and found it would not answer, for the
+colour came off its cheeks, and it looked more than ever as if it
+needed a good rubbing with a sponge.
+
+Sometimes, when passing the shop-windows, and seeing the new dolls so
+temptingly displayed, Mary would ask if she might stop and look at
+them, and would, perhaps, say, "I should like that doll." Mrs. Wilson
+would gladly have purchased one of them for her, but she was obliged
+to be economical, and could not gratify all her wishes. Mary had early
+to learn many lessons of self-denial, and I must do her the justice to
+say she was always satisfied with her mother's decision.
+
+Mary would occasionally go to walk with her aunt Ann, who observed
+with what delight she looked at the porcelain dolls, so bright and
+fresh, and she thought she could not make her a more acceptable
+present than one of them.
+
+One day, when Mary was not with her, she bought a doll with rosy lips
+and cheeks, blue eyes, and short curling hair, and dressed it in
+clothes which could be taken off and put on easily, as all little
+girls like to have them. It was indeed very pretty, and its face could
+be washed without injury as often as Mary pleased to do it.
+
+Mary knew nothing about the present she was to receive, till all this
+was done; and then her aunt, going into the nursery, put it in her
+arms as she was sitting in her low chair playing with Quesa. Mary
+looked at the new doll, and then at her aunt, and then at the doll
+again, as if to say, "What does all this mean?" Aunt Ann answered the
+look by saying, "The doll is for you, Mary."
+
+It was just what she had long wanted, and her heart was full of
+happiness and gratitude. After holding it a moment, she laid it
+carefully in her chair, and kneeling down, put her little hands
+together and closing her eyes, said, "Bless God for this doll." Mary
+had been taught that God was the giver of every good gift, and she
+felt, that although aunt Ann gave her the doll, her heavenly Father
+had put it into her heart to do so, and she wanted to thank him for
+making her so happy.
+
+Perhaps you think that God is too great a being to care about your
+little wants, and that he does not put the thought into any body's
+heart to buy dolls for children, as Mary Wilson did. Nothing which
+concerns the happiness of the creatures he has made, is too small for
+his attention. Nothing escapes his notice. "The very hairs of your
+head are all numbered." So small a bird as a sparrow, the Bible tells
+us, cannot fall to the ground without his knowledge. If he cares for
+the birds, he certainly does for children, and wishes them all to be
+good and happy.
+
+God has given you all many gifts, for which you ought to thank him. If
+I should look into your play-rooms, how many things I should see which
+add to your enjoyment! In one there is a pasteboard house, with
+windows and doors, and partitions to divide it into rooms. It is
+furnished with tables and chairs, and the dolls can sit in them. In
+another, are blocks with which to build houses, castles, and railways,
+or any thing the fancy of the young architect may dictate; and here
+is Noah's ark, in miniature, containing himself and family, and many
+animals. Countless other toys are distributed among my young friends,
+which make their bright eyes sparkle, and wreathe their lips with
+smiles.
+
+Other treasures, more valuable than these, are not wanting. How many
+books I see! and as I open them, one after another, at the fly-leaf, I
+read your own names and the names of those friends and relatives who
+have given them to you.
+
+Have you ever thanked your heavenly Father, as Mary Wilson did, for
+these pleasant things which make you so happy, and for all the
+blessings he confers upon you?
+
+Your parents provide you with food and clothes, and many other
+comforts which you need; but it is God who enables them to do so, and
+who fills their hearts with such love for you as to make it a pleasure
+to watch over and care for you. You should be grateful to them for all
+their kindness, but you should never forget that to your Father in
+heaven you owe your gratitude for such loving friends.
+
+God himself has taught you to ask him, day by day, for your daily
+bread. That prayer shows who provides for your wants, and whom you
+should thank for the pleasant things you enjoy.
+
+There is one gift of exceeding great value which the Lord has bestowed
+upon us--greater than all others--but I will tell you about it another
+time.
+
+
+
+
+BESSIE HARTWELL.
+
+
+Children who are called obedient children are often not so prompt in
+their obedience as they should be. Instead of doing directly as they
+are bidden, they stop to ask "Why?" and seem to wish some other reason
+for compliance with a command than the word of a parent. It is often
+proper to tell children why they should do or should not do certain
+things; but children should be careful to remember that they must
+obey, whether they know the reason of the requirement or not.
+
+Bessie Hartwell is about eleven years old. She is generally a good
+child, but, like all others whom I have known, she has some faults.
+Although she always intends to obey, she does not always obey
+instantly. I will tell you a sad accident which befell her in
+consequence of this tardiness, and you will see it would have been
+much better for her if she had learned to be prompt.
+
+She was travelling with an aunt on a steamboat. She was very happy,
+for she was going to visit her grandfather and grandmother, and she
+knew she should enjoy herself on the fine farm, scampering about over
+the fields, raking the new-mown hay, and riding on the top of the
+load.
+
+Bessie always liked to go to the country. Her home was in the city,
+where she had only a small yard, not much larger than her
+grandmother's capacious kitchen, to play in, and that was surrounded
+by a high, close fence, so that she could see only the tiny patch of
+grass beneath and the beautiful blue sky above.
+
+Children in the country do not know how to prize their freedom. If
+they could be penned up in the city for a few months, as Bessie was
+for the greater part of the year, they would learn to appreciate it,
+and they would look upon every tree and every blade of grass as a
+friend. The chirping of the crickets, the singing of the frogs, and
+the warbling of the birds would be thrice welcome music to them. No
+wonder Bessie was so happy when she thought of the wide lawn studded
+with trees, the orchard rich in apples and pears, the hills down which
+she and her sisters could run, and up whose steep sides they must
+scramble when the horn sounds for dinner. The country is rich in its
+treasures of happiness, and they are bestowed freely and profusely
+upon every one "who in the love of nature holds communion with her
+visible forms."
+
+It was in the gray twilight of the morning that the steamboat arrived
+at the wharf. When they went home, Bessie was awakened, and was soon
+ready, with her travelling-bag on her arm, to leave the boat. Her aunt
+took her by the hand, to lead her across the gangway. They had but
+just stepped upon it, when she started forward to reach her uncle,
+who, with an infant in his arms, had just preceded her. Her aunt
+called to her to stop. She paid no attention, but passed rapidly on. A
+car, laden with baggage, was drawn across the gangway. It frightened
+her. She stepped quickly aside, and fell into the water.
+
+Oh! the agony of that moment! Her uncle and aunt could not aid her. He
+besought the people near him to take the infant from his arms, that he
+might leap into the water to attempt the rescue of the child; but they
+would not do it. They held him back, that he might not expose himself
+to the danger of immediate death; for he could not swim, and of course
+he could not render the assistance which was needed. He and her aunt
+were both obliged to stand and look on, in unutterable anguish, while
+strangers attempted to save her.
+
+Bessie fell in such a way that she did not sink under the water. Her
+clothes spread out, and buoyed her up like a life-preserver. A man let
+himself down as soon as possible; but the rope was not long enough for
+him to reach Bessie. He could only touch her with his foot. She took
+hold of it, and he slowly raised her till he grasped her bonnet. In
+this way they were both pulled up, and Bessie once more stood by the
+side of her aunt. How freely they all breathed once more, when the
+terrible suspense was ended, and she was safe!
+
+Bessie seemed scarcely aware of the danger she had been in. She had
+been perfectly calm, and did not lose her presence of mind; and it was
+owing to this, probably, that she was so easily rescued. She tried to
+save her travelling-bag, but, as she told her aunt, she could not hold
+it any longer than she did.
+
+It was wonderful that Bessie was not drowned. If she had not been
+supported by her clothes, she would have sunk beneath the water, and
+when she arose would very probably have come up under the boat, so
+that it would have been impossible to save her.
+
+If Bessie had been in the habit of obeying so soon as she was spoken
+to, she would not have met with this fearful accident, and her uncle
+and aunt would have been spared the mental suffering they endured. I
+should think she never again would forget to obey at the first word
+from those who have the care of her.
+
+I hope, dear children, you will profit as much by Bessie's accident as
+I trust she will; and that you will aim not only to be obedient, but
+promptly obedient. You may not suffer the same mishap that she did,
+even if you allow yourself to form the same habit; but it may lead you
+into as great danger, and even greater, for it may peril the purity
+and peace of your soul, and that is of far more consequence than the
+safety of your body.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+"MARY'S GREAT TREASURE"
+
+
+More than twenty years ago, there was a little blue-eyed, curly-haired
+child playing about one of the pleasant homes in the West. She was
+happy and kind, and every one loved her. She was only six years old,
+yet she had a great treasure in her possession--greater than many of
+the kings and queens of the earth can claim.
+
+What do you suppose this treasure was? Was it a valuable diamond? Was
+it an immense amount of silver and gold? Something better than
+diamonds or silver and gold, was in this little girl's
+keeping--something which will be safe when these have all perished.
+
+I will tell you what this treasure was, because I want you to be as
+rich as Mary, and, through the great goodness of God, you may all have
+just such a precious gift. It was a NEW HEART--a heart that loved her
+heavenly Father, that loved to pray to him and ask him to keep her
+from sin.
+
+Mary often talked with her companions about Jesus, and before she was
+ten years old several of them had been brought to love and obey him,
+and had, like Mary, a new heart. How happy they were together! How
+much the Saviour loved them!
+
+Mary is now dead, and has gone to heaven. Do you suppose she is sorry
+she so early went to Christ and asked him for a new heart?
+
+How pleasant it must have been to her to be able to say, as she looked
+back over her past life, that she could not remember the time when she
+did not love the Saviour; and she surely does not now regret, that
+when she was a little child--less than most of you who are reading
+about her--she went to Jesus and asked him for a heart to love him.
+
+Our heavenly Father will give you a new heart, if you really wish to
+have it and feel your great need of it. Jesus died that you might be
+saved from sin, and he loves _little_ children. Will you not go to
+him, as did Mary, and ask him for a new heart? If you are sorry for
+your sins, tell him so; and if you are not, ask him to help you to
+feel how wicked sin is, that you may have the "great treasure."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+"SUSAN WILL BE HAPPIER IF I GO WITH HER."
+
+
+Mary Wilson is a little girl only nine years old. She loves her mother
+very dearly, and she is always happy to be with her.
+
+Mrs. Wilson lives in the country, not far from a pretty village, to
+which she occasionally goes to make a few purchases or call on a
+friend. She sometimes takes Mary with her, who always enjoys such a
+walk. She trips along by her mother's side, sometimes taking her hand,
+and sometimes stooping down to gather a wild-flower which blossoms by
+the roadside; and then perhaps she runs on and watches the brook that
+trickles down the hill, on its way to the river. Her smiling face and
+sparkling eyes show she is happy.
+
+One day when she was all ready, with her white sack and blue
+sun-bonnet on, to accompany her mother along the bank of the river to
+the village, Susan Grafton called for her to go with her in another
+direction, on an errand for Mrs. Grafton. Mary was greatly tried. She
+wished very much to go with her mother, but Susan did not like to go
+alone. What to do she did not know. Tears were in her eyes, as she
+told her mother her trouble and asked her what she should do. Mrs.
+Wilson left the decision entirely to Mary. After a short struggle she
+smiled through her tears, and said, "I should rather go with you,
+mother, but Susan will be happier if I go with her. I think I had
+better go with her."
+
+Mrs. Wilson kissed the quivering lip of her daughter, and told her she
+had done right in thinking of Susan's happiness. Her heart ascended in
+prayer to God for his blessing on her dear child, that she might ever
+be unselfish and self-sacrificing.
+
+Would not most children be happier than they now are, if, like Mary,
+they tried to make others happy, and were willing to deny themselves
+for the sake of their companions?
+
+Although Mary was so much grieved to lose her walk with her mother,
+she was far happier that afternoon than she would have been without an
+approving conscience.
+
+Will you not pray, dear children, for a kind, unselfish heart?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE NEWS-BOYS' BANK.
+
+PART I.
+
+
+"How much money have you in the bank?" I heard a gentleman inquire of
+a boy. "A dollar and a half," he replied. I looked up, and saw before
+me a slender, bright-looking lad, about fourteen years old. The
+pantaloons he wore had evidently belonged to a full-grown man, and
+were rolled up at the bottom to make them short enough for the present
+wearer. His coat had been cut short in the skirts, and the sleeves
+hung loosely about his hands. His shirt was not particularly clean,
+neither was it very dirty. His face, however, had been nicely washed,
+so that there was nothing repulsive about the fellow. The gentleman
+talked with him a few moments. I was quite interested in the
+conversation and learned from it that he was one of the news-boys of
+New York.
+
+[Illustration: First interview with the news-boy.]
+
+Patrick--for by this name I shall call the boy--sleeps at the
+lodging-house for news-boys, and is there learning to read. I
+concluded that I would go there, and see for myself what had been done
+for the improvement and salvation of these energetic, active boys. I
+found the building to which I had been directed, but could not readily
+find the entrance which led to the room I was seeking. I inquired of
+some poorly-dressed children where it was. A boy about ten years old
+guided me. He asked if I wanted a boy. I was sorry to say "No," for he
+looked so bright and active that it seemed a pity not to give him some
+employment.
+
+I ascended one flight of stairs, and another, and still another and
+another, before I came to the right door. I knocked, and was admitted
+by a gentleman who has the oversight of these boys. The room which I
+entered was nicely painted and whitewashed. There were many seats with
+desks as in a a schoolroom, and there were books and slates on them.
+Maps and pictures hung on the walls, and there was a library for those
+who could read.
+
+The room was neat and tidy, and quite inviting in its appearance. At
+the farther end of it was an office for the caretaker, and a
+bathing-room, where water can be used without stint or measure. The
+boys enjoy the free use of the water, though probably many of them
+never bathed in their lives, before they came to the lodging-house. If
+"cleanliness is next to godliness," much has been already
+accomplished.
+
+The school or sitting-room opens into the dormitory. This is a large
+and well-ventilated apartment, and, being in the sixth story,
+overlooks most of the buildings in the vicinity. There were
+accommodations for fifty boys, and the room is large enough for
+eighty. Each boy has a separate bed. They are arranged in two tiers,
+as in a steamboat. The beds were all neatly made, and looked quite
+comfortable. Many of these boys have never slept in a bed except in
+this room. The remarks which they make to each other, when comparing
+their beds, with their clean sheets and pillow-cases, with the boxes,
+areas, and crannies where they have been accustomed to sleep, are very
+amusing.
+
+I am happy to know that there has been a constant improvement among
+the boys. They grow more orderly, and are more easily restrained, and
+some of them give promise of making useful men. They are not allowed
+to use profane language, to fight, nor to smoke in the rooms, and
+generally manifest much kindness of feeling toward each other.
+
+There was a table in the room, which interested me greatly. It was of
+black-walnut. In the top there were one hundred and ten different
+holes, large enough to admit a half-dollar. Each of them was numbered.
+This was the bank in which Patrick had deposited his money. There were
+one hundred and ten little divisions in the drawer, corresponding with
+one hundred and ten openings in the top. The boys each have a certain
+number for their own use, and if they choose, can safely secure their
+day's earnings for a time of need. The superintendent keeps the key
+of the drawer.
+
+Several weeks ago, the boys voted not to take their money from the
+bank till November, that they might then have the means of purchasing
+warm clothes for the winter. I had quite a curiosity to look into the
+bank, to see how much the boys had saved. In some of the divisions
+there were only a few pennies, while in others there were several
+dollars.
+
+I never looked upon any bank with so much pleasure, as I did upon this
+simple one of the news-boys. It was teaching them a lesson of economy
+and forethought, which I trust they will never forget. When they enjoy
+their comfortable coats and warm pantaloons in the cold weather of
+winter, they cannot avoid remembering, that it was by taking care of
+the pennies, that they were enabled so nicely to clothe themselves.
+The news-boys have never been taught the true value of money. They
+have not hesitated to gamble it away, or to spend it for segars and
+tobacco, and other unnecessary and hurtful things. They have been
+exceedingly improvident and have had no idea of laying up any thing
+for the future.
+
+One evening, as the boys were gathered in their sitting-room, one of
+them was leaning on the bank. He held up a quarter of a dollar between
+his thumb and finger, and, looking at his companions, said, "You know
+Simpson, the pawnbroker?" "Yes." "He is a friend in need, but _here_
+is a friend indeed!" and the bright silver dropped, jingling, into his
+bank.
+
+Those news-boys all of them possess more than ordinary intelligence
+and energy of character. "Every one of them," as a gentleman said, "is
+worth saving." They are sure to make _men_, and to exert an influence
+in the world.
+
+After my return from my visit to their rooms, I told some children
+about the necessities of these news-boys, and how much they need
+better clothing. A little girl, whom I know, has determined to make a
+shirt for one of them. I am sure it will be acceptable; for,
+frequently, when they first go to the lodging-house, they are so
+filthy that something must be given them to make them decent. Perhaps
+other children may like to do something to benefit those needy ones,
+who have no father nor mother to take care of them and provide for
+their wants.
+
+
+PART II.
+
+When the bank was opened, the first of November it was found to
+contain seventy-nine dollars and eleven cents! This sum of money had
+been saved in seven weeks, by twenty-four boys. They were quite
+astonished at their own success. They learned the lesson by personal
+experience, that if they took care of the pennies, the shillings would
+take care of themselves. Some of them had saved enough to buy a new
+suit of clothes, others enough for pantaloons, and others for a cap or
+shoes. They were advised not to spend their money hastily; but a few
+were too impatient to wait, and the same evening they received it they
+went out to make their purchases. Others laid by their money till
+morning.
+
+The news-boys found it was so much better for them to put their money
+in the bank, than to spend it in gaming, or for cigars, or in other
+useless ways, that they voted to close it again, not to be opened till
+December. During the month of November, nineteen boys saved
+sixty-three dollars and forty-seven cents. One of them had put in
+thirteen dollars. He did not spend it all for himself, but gave a part
+of it to his mother to pay her rent.
+
+The boys were delighted with their wealth. "No hard times here!" they
+cried. "Money isn't tight with us. There is plenty of it."
+
+One of the boys purchased an entire suit of clothes; and when he made
+his appearance among the others, in his nice blue jacket, with bright
+buttons, his pantaloons to match, and his blue navy-cap, he was
+greeted with cheers. One and another examined his wardrobe, and all
+enjoyed his success. "Who are you? Who'd think this was Charley ----? Is
+this a news-boy? Who'd believe this was a news-boy?" and various other
+exclamations escaped from them. "Charley has done well this time."
+Yes, Charley did well, and he will not soon forget the lesson he
+learned that month. He knows more of the true use of money than ever
+before.
+
+The first of December the boys voted to keep the bank closed till the
+third of January. They decided not to have it opened on the first,
+because there are so many temptations to spend money that they feared,
+if they had it in their pockets, they should part with it foolishly.
+
+One of the news-boys has been recently run over by a stage. I inquired
+about him, and learned that he is the very boy whom I met in a
+friend's office, and my interest in whom led me first to visit the
+lodging-house. This is the third time he has narrowly escaped death.
+The omnibus passed directly over his body. When he was taken up, his
+companions thought him dying. He was conveyed immediately to the
+hospital.
+
+The boys at the lodging-house were saddened by Patrick's troubles.
+They expected he would die. They recounted his excellencies of
+character. His cheerfulness and ready wit were not forgotten. Patrick
+is not a boy of many words, but when he speaks, it is to the purpose.
+The boys called at the hospital to see him. The door-keeper said he
+never knew a boy who had so many cousins!
+
+The next day Patrick was better. It was found that he was not so much
+injured as was at first supposed. There was great rejoicing in the
+evening at the lodging-house. A heavy load had been lifted from their
+hearts. Patrick would soon be among them again. They were cheerful and
+full of life and spirits. "Patrick must be half made of India-rubber!"
+they exclaimed, gleefully.
+
+This sympathy with each other is one of the most beautiful traits of
+their character, and shows a nature that may be nobly developed. They
+cannot but learn much that is good in the hours spent in their
+reading-room, as they listen to the instruction of those interested in
+their welfare. Many of them have already found good situations, and
+give promise of becoming useful men. They appreciate kindness and
+civility. "Mr. ---- spoke to me in the street, when he was walking
+with another gentleman and _he shook hands with me too_," said one of
+them triumphantly, as if he had risen in the scale of being, and was
+more worthy of respect, in consequence of the respect with which he
+had been treated. Few can estimate the power of sympathy.
+
+    "Speak gently, kindly, to the poor;
+      Let no harsh term be heard;
+    They have enough they must endure,
+      Without an unkind word."
+
+"I have never forgotten your words of kindness, when I was poor and
+almost discouraged," wrote one lady to another, and no more will any
+child of want forget the utterance of a warm, generous heart.
+
+I should have told you, that besides the money the boys put in the
+bank, they earn enough to pay for their lodging, six cents a night,
+and to purchase their food, and, sometimes, various articles of
+clothing. They are obliged to be very active, and to be up early in
+the morning. They may be found in all parts of the city, crying their
+papers with loud, piercing voices, and running at full speed from
+street to street, stopping only to sell papers to any who may buy.
+
+It would be well if they had some occupation which would expose them
+less to bad company and unsteady habits; but a news-boy can be honest,
+virtuous, and temperate, as well as any other boy,--if he will take
+the right way to be.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+IDA'S DRESS.
+
+
+At one time, when Mrs. Dudley was spending a few days in the city, she
+went with a friend to call upon a poor woman whom she heard was in
+great need. This woman had sent a daughter, about eight years old, to
+school for one day, and then found that she could not spare her; she
+felt obliged to keep her at home to take care of the baby.
+
+Mrs. Carter--for by this name I shall call her--occupied a house back
+from the street. The ladies ascended the steps leading to the first
+floor, and inquired if she lived there. "She is in the basement," was
+the answer. They descended into the area. It was neatly swept, and in
+perfect order. "It must be a genteel woman who lives here," remarked
+Mrs. Benton. They knocked. A voice bade them come in. They opened the
+door and entered. Mrs. Carter was sewing by a table. By her side stood
+Georgianna, her oldest child, plainly and neatly dressed. At the other
+end of the table was a little girl about four years old, whose name I
+forget, and in the rocking-chair before the stove was a dark-haired
+babe, quietly sleeping.
+
+The room was neat and tidy. There was a little fire in the stove, but
+not enough to thoroughly warm the room.
+
+The ladies inquired of Mrs. Carter in regard to her circumstances.
+They learned that her husband left her last spring, and had gone she
+knew not where. He was a carpenter by trade, and could earn two
+dollars a day. She had always done what she could with her needle, and
+had earned a few dollars a month by binding shoes or doing other
+sewing. They had lived very comfortably, renting good apartments for
+eight dollars a month, and knew nothing of want or suffering.
+
+Mrs. Carter was obliged to give up her pleasant rooms, to remove to
+the basement. She has laboured industriously, whenever she can procure
+work, to pay her rent, three dollars a month, and to provide food for
+her children. She has known what it is to be both cold and hungry. She
+has bought coal by the bushel, and has sometimes been without fire in
+the dead of winter. Her family have lived principally upon bread and
+water, and the little ones have cried for food when she had none to
+give them.
+
+Little Ida is too young to know her mother's sorrow. She is a babe of
+only a few weeks old, and she sleeps as sweetly in that great
+rocking-chair as any babe ever slept in a cradle. She is warmly
+wrapped in a blanket, and does not suffer, although she has scarce a
+change of dresses.
+
+When Mrs. Dudley returned to her happy home, she told her children
+about this family, and particularly about the poor babe, who so
+increased her mother's cares and labours, yet repaying it all by the
+wealth of maternal love her coming had developed. It was pleasing to
+see Georgianna lay her face so softly on the infant's, and so gently
+rock her when her slumbers were disturbed.
+
+Mrs. Dudley's children listened to her story with great interest, and
+wished to do something for the family. Mary repaired some garments
+which her mother gave her, and when this was done, she went to her
+drawer and took out a small piece of calico, which had been given to
+her to make her doll a dress. She asked her mother if there was enough
+to make Ida a dress. Mrs. Dudley examined it, and told her there was.
+So she cut it out for her daughter, and showed her how to make it.
+This work occupied her several days, for Mary goes to school, and has
+not much time for sewing. The dress looked very pretty when it was
+completed. She had embroidered the tiny sleeves with a neat scollop,
+and had taken great pains to make it strong and neatly.
+
+The next time Mrs. Dudley went to the city, she took several small
+parcels for Mrs. Carter, who was much pleased with them. None
+gratified her more than the dress for the baby.
+
+It will always be a pleasant recollection to Mary that she made the
+heart of this suffering woman happy by sending a dress to her infant.
+She learned the pleasure of giving, and of exerting herself to do good
+to others.
+
+If Mrs. Dudley had had the dress made by a seamstress, it would have
+been equally useful to Mrs. Carter; but Mary would have lost the
+reward which she now enjoys in the consciousness of relieving the
+sufferings of the destitute. I hope Mary will always be benevolent,
+and never grow "weary in well-doing."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+WHAT MADE WILLIE HAPPY.
+
+
+Willie was looking at the slippers which his mother had wrought for
+him, and admiring the freshness of the colours. They were a Christmas
+present to him, and had afforded him much pleasure.
+
+"You were very happy the evening they were given to you," said his
+mother.
+
+"But no happier than I was last evening," he replied.
+
+I will tell you what made him so happy on the evening to which he
+alluded. At Christmas, two little books had been added to his library,
+and another had been lent him by one of his companions. When he had
+read these books, he was very desirous to get still another. He began
+to inquire how he could earn money enough to buy it, for he thought he
+should like to purchase it himself. He could think of nothing which
+could be done in the house, by which he could replenish his purse; so
+his mother told him, if he would control his temper for a week, she
+would get the book for him. If he did get out of patience, and
+immediately checked himself, he was to receive it.
+
+Every evening Willie came to his mother, and told her how he had
+succeeded through the day. She observed him very carefully, and she
+knew that he really tried to conquer himself. She encouraged him in
+his efforts, and Willie was very happy--happy because he was
+succeeding in correcting what was wrong--and happy in the anticipation
+of the reward promised him.
+
+The last day of the week came, and passed away. Willie's father
+returned from the city. He brought with him a parcel done up in soft
+white paper, and tied with a small red and white twine. His mother
+opened it, and there was the book for which she had sent. She wrote
+Willie's name in it, with the day of the month, and then wrote "A
+Reward of Merit." She thought those few words would remind him of the
+way in which he earned the book, and would encourage him to persevere
+in overcoming any bad or sinful habit.
+
+All these things together made Willie quite as happy as on "Merry
+Christmas." It always makes people happy to endeavour to subdue what
+is wrong in themselves,--such efforts being their own reward. The
+consciousness of the approval of our heavenly Father must always
+occasion the truest pleasure.
+
+
+
+
+DO YOU INTEND TO BE A GENTLEMAN?
+
+(A QUESTION FOR BOYS.)
+
+
+As I sat at the table a few evenings since, a gentleman called. He was
+invited to take a seat with us. As he had already supped, he declined.
+This person is a man of talent and education, but as I turned to look
+at him, in the course of conversation, I observed a habit which so
+disgusted me, that it was with an effort I could finish my tea.
+
+This circumstance impressed on my mind the importance of forming
+correct habits in boyhood. "The child is father of the man,"
+Wordsworth says in one of his poems. The habits and character you form
+now will, in all probability, be the habits and character you will
+retain when you are a man. I suppose the individual to whom I have
+alluded was entirely unconscious of doing any thing disagreeable. If
+not, perhaps he did not consider it of much consequence. He may have
+grown up with the opinion that little things are of small importance.
+Now, that this is not always so, you may easily see if you drop a
+spark of fire in a pile of shavings: the whole will be immediately in
+flames, and will do as much injury as if it had been kindled by a
+large coal.
+
+Our happiness depends quite as much on little things as on great.
+Small trials are as difficult to bear as any. People often lose their
+patience when a dress is torn, or a pitcher broken, who would be quiet
+and calm if some serious misfortune had befallen them.
+
+I hope, boys, you intend to be gentlemen. I do not mean fops and
+dandies, but true gentlemen. You have perhaps seen the remark made,
+that "dress does not make the man, but after he is made, he looks
+better dressed up." Neither do gentlemanly habits and manners make the
+man, but they certainly improve him after he is made, and render him
+agreeable and prepossessing.
+
+A farmer, or a cabinet-maker, or a blacksmith, are no less gentlemen
+because they are engaged in these useful and honourable employments,
+than are judges, or merchants, or ministers. To be a gentleman is to
+be a man of gentle manners; and who would not desire to be
+distinguished for such a trait?
+
+If you intend to be gentlemen, you must begin now, by always
+conducting, under all circumstances, just as well as you know how.
+Some of you, I suppose, have better advantages of society, and more
+careful instruction at home, than others; but no boy of intelligence
+need fail to be a gentleman if he tries.
+
+A true gentleman is always courteous. He answers respectfully when
+spoken to--no matter by whom. Do you remember the anecdote of General
+Washington, who raised his hat and bowed politely to a coloured man he
+met, who had previously saluted him with the usual civility of the
+race? A friend with him expressed surprise. "Do you think," said he,
+"I would be less polite than a negro?" I hope, when you are tempted to
+be uncivil to those whom you consider beneath you, you will not forget
+the good example of the Father of his Country. I suppose the secret of
+Washington's politeness and greatness was, as his mother proudly said
+of him, that "George was always a good boy!"
+
+He was a gentleman--such a gentleman as I should be glad to believe
+every boy who reads this book will one day be. If you would be polite
+to all, you must cultivate kind feelings towards all. A gentleman is
+not a rough man. He may have great energy and power of character, as
+had Washington, but still he is a _gentle_-man.
+
+
+
+
+GENEROUS NELLY; OR, THE WILLING MIND.
+
+
+Nelly Wallace is about six years old. She has a pleasant, attractive
+face. Her long hair curls in ringlets over her neck. She is one of the
+neatest and most gentle children I ever saw, and gives her mother but
+little trouble. Indeed, she is so orderly, and active, that she is
+quite an assistance to her. She sings like a lark, and is patient as a
+lamb. She is very generous, too.
+
+Her father is obliged to live on a small salary.
+
+Nelly is a favourite with her father's friends, and often receives a
+present from them.
+
+One day, she heard her mother say to her father that they needed some
+particular article very much, but he told her he had not money enough
+to purchase it. She quietly left the room, and went up stairs.
+Presently she returned, and placed a five-dollar gold-piece, which had
+been given to her, in her mother's hand. "Please use my money,
+mother," she said; "I should rather you would use it for what you
+need, than keep it to buy something for myself."
+
+At another time, her father was obliged to take a journey on business.
+Nelly brought forth her purse, and offered its contents to him to
+defray his expenses. Dear child! she knew nothing about the cost of
+travelling, nor the value of money. She thought her three-cent pieces
+would be all he would need.
+
+[Illustration: Nelly brought forth her purse.]
+
+Paul, when exhorting the Corinthian church to liberality, says, "If
+there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man
+hath, and not according to that he hath not." Nelly had a willing
+mind, and her father was as much gratified by her thoughtful
+consideration as he would have been if she had been able to furnish
+him all that he needed. So our heavenly Father is pleased with his
+children when they do what they can to provide for the wants of the
+needy; and the smallest gift, offered in love, is not forgotten by
+him.
+
+You recollect that our Saviour, when he saw the rich men casting their
+gifts into the treasury and the poor woman casting in her two mites,
+said that she had cast in more than they all. They had given of their
+abundance; it had cost them no self-denial--but she, of her penury,
+had cast in all the living that she had. God looks not only on the
+outward act, but at the heart. He sees the motives which actuate us.
+He saw Nelly's heart, and he approved her generosity. He gave her an
+approving conscience, which made her very happy--far happier than she
+could have been if she had been selfish, and thought only of her own
+enjoyment.
+
+
+
+
+LOVEST THOU ME?
+
+
+Jesus, after his resurrection from the dead, appeared at various times
+to his disciples. Once, when Peter, John, and a few others were
+fishing in the Sea of Tiberias, he stood on the shore, and inquired of
+them, "Have ye any meat?" They answered, "No." Then he directed them
+to cast their net on the right side of the ship, and they should find
+fish. They did so, and caught one hundred and fifty-three. The
+disciples then knew it was Jesus who had spoken to them. After they
+had secured the fish by drawing the net to the shore, Jesus invited
+them to dine with him.
+
+The disciples had observed, so soon as they came to land, a fire of
+coals, and "fish laid thereon, and bread." This was the refreshment
+our Lord had prepared for them, and he, himself, gave them the simple
+repast.
+
+After they had dined, our Saviour said to Peter three times, "Simon,
+son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" The first and the second time Peter
+answered, "Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." Peter was
+grieved because Jesus said unto him the third time, "Lovest thou me?"
+and he replied, "Thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love
+thee."
+
+How did Peter know that he loved Jesus? It was not because he always
+did right, for a short time before he had denied his Lord, and had
+more than once said that he did not know him! Yet, notwithstanding
+this, when he was now asked, "Lovest thou me?" he could unhesitatingly
+answer, "Thou knowest that I love thee."
+
+If you should be asked, "Do you love your parents?" you would
+immediately answer, "Yes." You know you love them. How do you know it?
+It might not be so easy for you to answer this question as the other,
+but at the same time you are conscious that you do love them. You feel
+that they are your best friends. They provide for all your wants. They
+furnish you with food and clothes and the means of education. They
+take care of you when you are well and when you are ill. You feel
+grateful to them for what they do for you, and you enjoy being with
+them, and talking with them. You like to please them, and it makes you
+sad when you have grieved them. Children who love their parents very
+dearly sometimes do what they do not approve; but they are always
+sorry for it, as Peter was when he went out and wept bitterly.
+
+If you should be asked, "Do you love your heavenly Father?" could you
+as readily answer, "Yes?" Do you like to hear about him and his
+wonderful works? Is the story of Jesus' love for lost man one that
+interests you? Is it pleasant to you to think of living forever with
+the Lord when you leave this world?
+
+If you love your Father in heaven, you do not love to do what is
+wrong. If you are overcome by temptation, and sin against him, you are
+sorry, as you are when you sin against your earthly parents.
+
+Children, and grown people too, sometimes seem to think that religion
+is to be kept by itself, separate and distinct from our daily duties,
+and that it consists in praying, going to church, hearing sermons, and
+wearing a sober face. It is true the Christian often feels sober, but
+there is no one who may be so cheerful as he, for there is none that
+can be so truly happy. True piety extends to all the acts of our
+lives, and influences them all. It does not forbid our doing any thing
+that it is right for us to do. A Christian child enjoys play quite as
+well as any other child.
+
+If Jesus should say to you to-day, as he did to Peter, "Lovest thou
+me?" could you answer, "Yes, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee?" It
+is just as easy for you to know whether you love him as it is for you
+to know whether you love your father and mother. I trust there are
+many children who do love the Saviour, and who wish to live to be good
+and to do good.
+
+
+
+
+MY LITTLE BAG.
+
+
+On my table lies a little bag. It has no beauty to render it valuable.
+It is not made of silk or velvet. The material is plain muslin, and
+that by no means of the finest texture. It is not very neatly made.
+The stitches are irregular. Sometimes they are piled one above
+another, and again they are scattered far apart. The hemming shows
+that no skilful seamstress held the needle. And yet this bag has
+afforded me much pleasure. Every stitch was made by the hand of love,
+and with a desire to gratify me and add to my happiness. It was a work
+of toil, for the fingers were unused to such labour. Patient industry
+and persevering effort were required to accomplish it. Self-denial,
+too, was practised, for play was forsaken on its account.
+
+It was a gift to me from a dear child; a token of his purest and
+warmest affection; and that has made this coarse muslin more precious
+than the richest material could be, which had no such extraneous
+value.
+
+What a blessing is love! How it enriches us! Without it we must ever
+be poor. "God is love," and he has taught us to love one another.
+"Love is the fulfilling of the law." We must love our neighbour as
+ourselves.
+
+    "Little deeds of kindness,
+    Little words of love,
+    Make our earth an Eden,
+    Like the heaven above."
+
+No offering of true love is valueless, however small or imperfect it
+may be. My little bag is rich in pleasant associations, and I never
+look upon it but with a full heart.
+
+God does not accept what we do for him because of any peculiar
+excellence in our devotion, but because it is the result of our love
+to him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+DO YOU LIKE YOUR SEAT?
+
+
+On the day after one Fourth of July, I was obliged to go into the
+city. The cars were crowded with those who were returning, after
+spending our national anniversary in the country. How much they must
+have enjoyed that day of release from city labour, and dust, and close
+streets bounded by high brick houses! How beautiful to them the green
+fields, the shady trees, and the soft-flowing river! How they gazed on
+the hills luxuriating in verdure, and the valleys rich with their
+treasures of wealth and beauty!
+
+"God made the country," and all his works are perfect. I pity those
+who are pent up in a large prison-city with nothing but a dwarf-maple
+before their windows which at all resembles the country, and who have
+to look up, up, up, before they can get a glimpse of the blue sky, and
+the fleecy clouds which sail majestically along, ever varying from one
+form of beauty to another. Thank God, my young friends, that he has
+given you a country home, and never leave it, unless stern necessity
+compels you to make your abode in the hot, crowded, feverish city.
+
+The cars, on the morning of the fifth, were, as I have told you,
+crowded, and it was difficult to find unoccupied seats. A gentleman
+and his wife entered a car, near the door of which were two seats with
+only one person in each. The first was occupied by a boy about
+fifteen. The gentleman politely asked him if he would sit with another
+gentleman, that he and the lady who was with him might not be
+separated. The first impulse of the boy was a civil one, and he
+started to rise; but the second thought was ungentlemanly, ungenerous,
+and extremely selfish. "I like my seat very well," he muttered, and
+drew back to the window and looked out. Perhaps even then he began to
+feel ashamed of such rudeness.
+
+The gentleman behind him immediately arose, and offered his seat. It
+was accepted with a bow, and a "thank you, sir." The lady was
+immediately behind the boy, and, as she seated herself, she said to
+him, in a low, kind voice, "I fear you will never be a gentleman." He
+made no reply, nor did he move his face from the window, but his very
+ears blushed. He was evidently ashamed. During the whole ride he kept
+nearly the same position, not being willing to meet the eyes of his
+fellow-passengers, for he must have observed their disapprobation of
+his ill-manners; and before the cars were entirely within the depot,
+he went out upon the platform to escape from observation.
+
+I hope the boy will never be rude in this way again, for he evidently
+was made unhappy by it. There is only one reason why I fear he will
+not profit by the well-merited rebuke he received, and that is,
+because I saw one of his cheeks puffed out with a quid of tobacco! I
+confess I do not expect so much improvement from a boy who indulges in
+such a filthy habit, as from one who does not.
+
+A gentlemanly boy must always be happier than one who is rough and
+selfish. The boy in the car did not enjoy his ride, although, as he
+said, he liked his seat very well. His impoliteness made it unpleasant
+and the remembrance of it will never afford him gratification. I hope
+none of you, who read about him, will be guilty of a similar error.
+
+Always try to be accommodating to those about you. If you are asked to
+do a favour, do it as if it gave you pleasure. You will never have
+occasion to regret it. Be civil to those in your father's employment.
+Their love and respect is of value to you. There are very few sunk so
+low as not to appreciate true politeness. Above all others, be polite
+to your parents, and your brothers and sisters. Do not indulge in
+harsh words.
+
+Perhaps the boy of whose history I have given you a single incident
+never read Peter's instruction to the early Christians, in his epistle
+to them, and did not know that the apostle considered politeness of
+sufficient importance to be worthy of the attention of those to whom
+he wrote. "Be courteous," is his direction to them, and I cannot give
+you better advice on the same subject.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE BEGGAR.
+
+
+As I was walking up street, a few days since, I met two little girls
+who looked very much alike, and were nearly of the same age. They wore
+gingham sun-bonnets, which came far over their good-natured faces.
+Their calico dresses were neatly made. Their blue woollen stockings
+looked warm and comfortable, but their shoes were old and much worn.
+
+As I passed, the elder held out her hand in a way which I could not
+mistake, but I thought I would ask her what she wanted. She replied,
+"A penny to get mother some sugar for her tea." I talked with the
+children a few minutes about their mother, and inquired if she sent
+them out to beg. They said she was obliged to do it, for their father
+was dead, and she was not able to work.
+
+[Illustration: The elder held out her hand.]
+
+The children had such good, honest faces, and gave such evidence, in
+their general appearance, of more care than most of this class of
+children usually receive, that I thought I would go home with them,
+that I might better judge of the correctness of their story, and of
+the necessities of their mother. So I said to them--
+
+"Where does your mother live?"
+
+They named the street.
+
+"Will you take me there?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am. We must go this way;" and they turned off in the
+direction of their home.
+
+"What is your name?" I inquired of the elder child.
+
+"Mary Ann ----."
+
+"And what is your's?"
+
+"Ellen ----," answered the younger.
+
+"Have you any brothers and sisters?"
+
+"We have one sister and one brother. Her name is Joanna, and his is
+Michael. A man took Michael away the fifth of July--the day after the
+Fourth--and we haven't seen him since. Mother thinks we shall never
+see him again."
+
+They told me that their father was a stone-picker, and while he lived,
+they did very well, and went to school; but since he died, their
+mother had been ill, and had bled at the lungs, and was not strong
+enough to work.
+
+I was pleased to see the children take each other by the hand, and
+walk along quite lovingly by my side. They appeared kind and polite to
+each other, and seemed to think that in me they had found a friend.
+They talked very fast, and told me many things about themselves and
+their way of life.
+
+"We save our money to pay the rent."
+
+"How much does your mother pay?"
+
+"Three dollars."
+
+"Three dollars a month!" I said, thinking how much it was for a poor
+woman, who had herself and three children to feed and clothe.
+
+"I don't know whether it is a month, or a week, or how long; I only
+know it is three dollars.
+
+"Once we were turned out in the snow. Oh! how cold my feet were!" The
+remembrance of her sufferings seemed almost to make her shiver.
+
+"What did you do?"
+
+"A woman took us in her house."
+
+"It is a long walk for you," said Mary Ann, as we crossed one of the
+broad avenues, "and we live in the top of the house."
+
+When we reached the house where the children lived, Mary Ann and Ellen
+ran up before me so fast that I lost sight of them. The hall was so
+dark that I could not see the stairs, but I could hear their feet
+pattering quickly on, and I followed as best I could. The last flight
+of stairs I could see distinctly, for the sky-light was just over
+them. They were brown with age, but they were evidently often swept
+and washed. I entered a room in which I saw the children. The woman
+there they introduced as their mother. She did not receive me with
+much cordiality. I suppose she wondered why I had come there. Her room
+was small and scantily furnished. It was heated by a small furnace.
+The great gray cat was dozing in the corner.
+
+I seated myself on a clean wooden chair, and began to talk with the
+mother about her children. She told me of her only son, "as fine a boy
+as ever stood on two feet," and her anxiety in regard to him. I
+attempted to encourage her to hope that so soon as navigation closed,
+he would return to her, for he had been employed on a coal-boat; but
+she refused to be comforted. She wished to find a place for Joanna in
+the city.
+
+Mary Ann, who is nine years old, said she should like to go to the
+country. She thought she could wash dishes, set the table, and sweep,
+and I thought so too, for she seemed to me one of the smartest little
+girls I ever saw. She would have been quite willing to accompany me to
+the country, if her mother had consented, and I could have taken her.
+
+The children's mother came to this country when she was quite young,
+and lived for several years as a servant in different families. She
+showed me several papers which she carefully preserved in a basket.
+One was a certificate from a physician--another from the person who
+had employed her husband. As she opened her trunk I observed its
+contents were nicely folded and arranged, as if she had a love of
+order. She told me she was able to do nothing but sew and could not
+procure much of that.
+
+After the children came in, they combed their hair, and braided it,
+and washed their hands and faces.
+
+I inquired if the children could read. Ellen got her "Easy Lessons,"
+and came and stood by my side while she read in it. Mary Ann read very
+well in her geography, and Joanna in some "Reading Lessons" which she
+had used at school. I asked them if they could write.
+
+"I can," replied Mary Ann. "I can write my name, or I could your's if
+I knew it."
+
+I gave each of the children a piece of silver. They immediately handed
+it, with a bright smile, to their mother. I told them I would call
+again and see them some time, but I could not do it often. When I bade
+them good-by, they all followed me to the door, and looked so pleased
+and happy that I felt amply repaid for my long walk. I had gone but a
+few steps, when Mary Ann came bounding along, and asked, "When will
+you come to see us again?" I took her hand, and we walked together to
+the next street.
+
+There are many children as destitute as these little girls, and many,
+very many, who have not even a feeble mother to care for them. Many
+poor children are sent out to gather the coal from the streets, or
+bits of wood where new buildings are being erected, and their bread
+they beg from door to door.
+
+In some of our cities benevolent people have opened schools for these
+miserable children, where they are taught to sew and read, and to
+observe to some extent the decencies and proprieties of life. In some,
+a dinner is given to its pupils, and, where it is possible, a home for
+the homeless in the country.
+
+Children often save a part of their money for missionary or other
+benevolent purposes. I cannot conceive a more suitable object for
+their benefactions than other children who are poor and destitute. "It
+is more blessed to give than to receive," the Bible tells us.
+
+I hope you do not forget to thank God for the comforts and happiness
+of home, which you enjoy; and I hope, also, that you will not forget
+that we have the poor with us always, and must do them all the good in
+our power.
+
+    "Have pity on them, for their life
+      Is full of grief and care;
+    You do not know one half the woes
+      The very poor must bear;
+    You do not see the silent tears
+      By many a mother shed,
+    As childhood offers up the prayer,
+      'Give us our daily bread.'"
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE CHARLEY.
+
+
+Charley was a sweet little babe. It was a pleasure to kiss his plump
+cheek, and pat his fat and dimpled arms. He was a dear babe, and we
+all loved him, and our blessed Saviour loved him even more than we
+did.
+
+Before Charley was two years old, he became ill. All that physicians
+could do was done for him, but he daily grew more and more feeble. The
+bright blue eyes lost their brilliancy, and became faded and dim. The
+plump and rosy cheek became hollow and pale. The fat and rounded limbs
+grew thin and weak, and we all felt that little Charley would soon be
+taken from us.
+
+The same sweet smile lingered about his mouth, although pain and
+suffering had saddened that baby-face. He no longer tottered about the
+floor, but was confined constantly to his bed. Not there even was he
+to remain more than a few short weeks. The angel of death came, and
+bore him to the Saviour's bosom. His friends looked at the beautiful
+casket, and felt that the spirit which had inhabited it, and made it
+precious, was no more there. They committed it tearfully to the grave,
+and, lonely and sorrowing, returned to their desolate home. The crib
+was vacant--the tiny shoe had no owner--the rattle lay neglected.
+There was no need of the noiseless step lest the sleeper should be
+awakened. Little Charley slept in death.
+
+How sad and broken those loving hearts! Those parents were Christian
+parents, and they sorrowed not as those without hope. Jesus, their
+Saviour, had wept, and they knew their tears were not forbidden. One
+of the cords which bound them to earth was snapped asunder. They had
+one child in heaven, there to be a pure and sinless spirit in the
+immediate presence of his Father--God. There was comfort in the
+thought that Charley's tiny bark had safely passed over the sea of
+life, and was securely anchored in the haven of eternal rest.
+
+Charley had a brother, Willie, two years older than himself. Little
+could he know of death--but he knew he had no baby-brother now, and
+his mother told him Charley was in heaven.
+
+"I hope, mother," said he, "the apostles will not get him."
+
+"Why, my child?"
+
+"Because they did not want little children to go to Jesus," was his
+artless reply.
+
+This little boy has recently removed, with his parents, to the city.
+He does not like it as he did the green grass and shaded fields of the
+country. He feels lonely without the companionship of the trees and
+the birds, and he wishes that "God would take him right up to heaven
+to play with Charley."
+
+How is it with you, my dear child? Are you ready to be taken "right up
+to heaven?" Do you love your Saviour? Do you obey your parents? Are
+you truthful and conscientious? Do you study your Bible to learn all
+you can about God, and what he would have you be and do? Do you pray
+to him daily for His blessing, and ask Him to keep you from sin? Do
+you seek His forgiveness for all you have done that is wrong?
+
+So live, that when the angel of death comes for you, he may carry you
+where Charley is, into the blessed home prepared for all who love God.
+_When_ He will come, you cannot know. Be always ready, and then He
+will not find you unprepared.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+DARLING WILLIE.
+
+
+Willie was an active little boy, just large enough to be dressed in
+frock and pantaloons. He was very affectionate, and everybody who knew
+him loved him.
+
+When he left the green fields in the country, to come with his parents
+to the city, he did not feel so happy as in his pleasant home by the
+river side, where the wild birds sung to him, and where he could watch
+the branches of the old elm swaying in the breeze.
+
+It was autumn when he came to town, and there were no flowers in the
+yard attached to his city home. The grass was brown and frost-bitten,
+and soon the white snow came and covered it. The stone walks were
+swept, and when it was not too cold, Willie could ride around the
+little square, seated on his velocipede. In his mother's parlour, he
+could make houses with his blocks, or stables for his tin horses, and
+often he went out to walk or drive with his mother, who always enjoyed
+taking him with her.
+
+The winter passed away, and every month the strong cords of love were
+binding him still more closely to the hearts of his friends. Spring
+came--the fresh grass sprung up, and the dandelions opened their
+blossoms in Willie's playground. How he loved to look at them! Those
+blades of grass, and the yellow flowers, filled his heart with
+gladness. His eyes sparkled, and he could scarcely stand still as he
+talked about them.
+
+Willie was, one day, sitting with his grandmother by the open window.
+The sun had just sunk below the horizon, and the clouds were
+gorgeously tinted with his parting rays. Some of them were of a rich
+golden hue, and others were dyed with rosy light. It was an
+exceedingly beautiful sunset, and Willie, who loved all nature, gazed
+for some time in silent admiration. Then, looking up to his
+grandmother's face, and pointing to the west,
+
+"See, grandmother," said he, "what a beautiful home Charley has!"
+
+[Illustration: Willie was one day sitting with his grandmother by the
+open window.]
+
+Charley was Willie's little brother, whom the angels had taken from
+earth, and carried to live with Jesus.
+
+He thought Charley must have felt lonely when he first went to heaven;
+but, as he would say, "now he has got acquainted, he is very happy."
+
+Sometimes Willie would ask his mother, "Would you be lonesome without
+me, mother?" It was always a pleasant thought to him that he might
+early die and go to Jesus.
+
+Willie liked to look at the blue sky. Perhaps it was because he
+thought it was Charley's home. He watched every evening for the moon,
+with her silvery light, and for the twinkling stars.
+
+At one time, a cousin of his called to see him. He brought a basket
+with him. Raising the cover, he said--
+
+"Willie, come, look in my basket."
+
+Willie came as requested.
+
+"Oh! I know what it is! It is a rabbit for me!"
+
+So it was. George opened the basket, and out jumped a white rabbit,
+with pink eyes. It was a beautiful animal. Willie capered with
+delight. He had a live plaything, and it pleased him more than the
+velocipede, or his blocks, or any of his toys.
+
+Willie said he loved his cousin George for bringing him the rabbit,
+and his cousin Walter for sending it to him. They were happy because
+they had made him so happy.
+
+Not long after this rabbit was added to Willie's amusements, very sad
+tidings came to the home of George and Walter. It was said that Willie
+was dead. It seemed scarcely possible--for it was only a few days
+since he had sent a message of love to them.
+
+Some member of the family immediately went to town, and called on
+Willie's father. It was indeed true that Willie was not there! He had
+gone to be with the angels. God had heard his prayer. Heaven was a
+better, safer, happier place for him than even his pleasant home, with
+his fond parents, and he was taken "right up there," as he wished, to
+be with Charley.
+
+Saturday evening Willie went to his bed in apparent health. Sabbath
+morning he complained of not feeling entirely well, and on Wednesday
+he laid aside his garment of mortality, and put on the beautiful robes
+made white in the blood of the Lamb, in the spirit-world. He was a
+lovely child when he dwelt with us here below; how very lovely he must
+be in the bright world to which he has gone!
+
+His mother often weeps when she thinks of him, and she misses him more
+than any one but a mother can. There is no one to play with his
+blocks, or his tin horses, or his pretty rabbit. Yet Willie is very
+happy, and his mother has no wish to recall him to earth, lonely and
+desolate as is their once cheerful home.
+
+Willie will shed no more tears. He will never feel sad or lonely. He
+will suffer neither pain, nor hunger, nor weariness. But we, who love
+him, may weep, as did Jesus when Lazarus lay in the grave; and we
+shall never forget the sweet child, so full of life and love, who was
+given us for a little while, and then taken home to glory.
+
+Dear children, who read about Willie, are you prepared to follow him
+and Charley, where they are gone to dwell with that Saviour who, when
+he was on earth, took little children in his arms, and blessed them,
+and said, "_of such is the kingdom of heaven_?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+WIDOW CAHOON AND HER GRANDSON.
+
+
+"I wish to make a call in ---- street," said a lady to me, as we
+together were visiting some of the poor of the city. "There is a Mrs.
+Smith living there, a poor old woman nearly eighty years old. She is
+infirm and partially blind. She has a little grandson, and she has no
+means with which to take care of him. We hope to persuade her to give
+him to us, and let us find a good home, by adoption, for him."
+
+It was a warm winter's morning. Snow had fallen the day before, but it
+was rapidly disappearing. The foot sank in the melting mass at every
+step. The crossings were muddy, and it required some skill to pick our
+way along dry-shod.
+
+We turned into the street, and sought for the number which had been
+given us. We found it on the door of a low, shed-like building, old
+and out of repair.
+
+"Does Mrs. Smith live here?" we inquired.
+
+"No, ma'am."
+
+"Is there an old lady, who is almost blind, and who has a little
+grandson, in the house?"--we further asked, thinking Mrs. Smith might
+not be known by name.
+
+"No, ma'am. There is no such person here."
+
+"Does she live in the neighbourhood?"
+
+"She may be in No. ----."
+
+We made inquiries at several doors, dodging in quickly to avoid the
+great drops which came pattering down on the pavement from the
+gutterless eaves, but we could learn nothing of the object of our
+search.
+
+At length we came to a grocery, and, stepping in by the mackerel
+barrels which stood at the door, we repeated our inquiry--
+
+"Can you tell us where Mrs. Smith lives? She is an old lady, almost
+blind, and has a little grandson."
+
+"Oh, yes! I know her well. She is a deserving, needy woman."
+
+The man followed us to the street to point out the house where she
+lived. As he was telling us, a woman passed by. He spoke to her,
+saying,
+
+"You know where Mrs. Smith lives--the old lady who is almost blind,
+and who has a little grandson?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you show these ladies the place?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+She walked on with us till she came to a large tenement building, and
+then directed us to a room in the upper story. We thanked her, and
+entered the narrow hall, and passed up the still narrower staircase.
+
+We knocked at the door, and were bidden to enter. The old lady was not
+there. We inquired for her again, and learned that she had just gone
+out. The woman said she would send for her. A boy, ten or twelve years
+old, went to find her. While he was gone, we talked with his
+mother,--a round-faced, good-natured, intelligent Irish woman. We
+asked her where Mrs. Smith lived, and she said she was most of the
+time with her. Poor woman! she had only a living-room and a bed-room
+for herself and four children, yet she was willing to share them with
+another as poor and more helpless than herself.
+
+She was a widow, too, and had no one to depend upon. Her husband died
+last spring. During the summer she had provided for her family by
+washing and cleaning, but this winter she finds it almost impossible
+to get work. One of the children is a babe, who was lying on a rough,
+unpainted board-cradle, rudely put together by some unaccustomed hand.
+This infant had been taken care of during the summer by his brother,
+not more than ten or twelve years old, while his mother was absent at
+work. There was a little girl, about eight years old, who attends the
+Industrial School. She was quite unwell, and had not been able to go
+out for several days. She sat in the great rocking-chair, looking sad
+and disconsolate, as most sick children do. She was comfortably
+clothed. Her dress she had received at the school, and had sewed on it
+herself doing all her little fingers could do to make it. Her hair was
+neatly combed. She was feverish and very thirsty. Sometimes she went
+to the pail herself for a cup of water, and sometimes her brother
+would get it for her. He seemed kind, gentle, and sympathizing--a good
+example for some more favoured boys.
+
+Pretty soon the door opened, and an aged woman, bent with years and
+breathing hard and painfully, entered the room. A boy, with a
+complexion fair and transparent, through which the blue veins showed
+themselves, immediately followed her. She greeted us kindly, and took
+a chair by my side, bending towards us that she might hear more
+easily, for she was almost deaf. She told us that since her daughter's
+death she had been entirely dependent on charity.
+
+After talking with her a short time, Mrs. B----, the lady accompanying
+me, gave her little grandson a penny to buy some candy. She did so,
+because she wished to talk with his grandmother about him, and thought
+he had, perhaps, better not be in the room. So soon as he left, she
+asked the old lady if she had made up her mind to part with the
+child. She had been spoken to a fortnight previously in regard to it
+by another lady, and seemed then unwilling that he should leave her.
+She said she had come to the conclusion that she must give him up, for
+she was too old and feeble to take care of him, and she was constantly
+anxious about him. She could not do for him all that he needed, and
+she knew it would be much better for him to be adopted in some kind
+family, where he could be brought up as a son. She spoke of him most
+tenderly and affectionately. He was her earthly all. She had taken
+care of him from his infancy. She came from Ireland for that very
+purpose. His father had died before he was old enough to remember him,
+and his mother had supported him by her own industry.
+
+The grandmother's name was not Smith, as we called her. It was, as she
+said, widow Cahoon. The daughter's name was Smith, and the
+sunny-haired boy was David. Last May, Mrs. Smith died of cholera,
+leaving her aged mother homeless, and her beautiful boy an orphan.
+
+When David returned with a great piece of molasses-candy, he did not
+keep it all himself. He divided it among the other children without
+being told to do so. This showed that he was a generous child, and
+loved to make others happy. When he had eaten his portion, his
+grandmother washed his face, neck, and hands, and put on his best
+clothes, which his mother had made for him before her death. He
+looked very tidy and comfortable in his brown overcoat and his new
+boots--a New-Year's present.
+
+The grandmother tied up a pair of shoes and a few socks in a little
+bundle. When she handed it to David, he burst into tears. He felt that
+he was really going from his dearest friend. She wept aloud for a few
+minutes, but when she saw how much it affected him, she wiped away her
+tears, and attempted to cheer him. He summoned his resolution and
+became once more calm.
+
+Mrs. B---- took him by the hand, and led him down stairs. As he left
+the room, I gave mine to his grandmother, who uplifted it in both
+her's, as if pleading, in silent agony, for strength to bear this new
+trial. I shall never forget the expression of that wrinkled, up-turned
+face. Dear old grandmother! Who will comfort her now? David will not
+forget her, but he cannot put his arms around her neck, nor cheer her
+with the sunlight of his bright face. She is alone--none of her
+kindred near. The lady who took charge of David will do what she can
+for her, but her heart must yearn for the dear boy that poverty and
+age compelled her to give to the fostering care of strangers.
+
+When David reached the street, the tears were tracing their way over
+his round, plump cheek, but soon a smile played around his mouth. Mrs.
+B---- took him into a toy-shop, and purchased for him a tin horse
+suspended in a wheel, which he could roll about the room. He selected
+this himself, and it was delightful to see with how much pleasure he
+looked at it, as he carried it in his hand.
+
+We concluded to make no more calls that day, but to take David
+directly to Mrs. B----'s. When his coat and cap were taken off, he
+began to roll the horse across the floor. Sometimes he would come and
+stand by my side, and examine it closely. I said to him--
+
+"Have you ever been in the country?"
+
+"Oh, yes. I was there a month, when we buried mother."
+
+"Where were you?"
+
+"We were with Elek, grandma's son."
+
+"Why doesn't your grandmother live with him?"
+
+"He isn't kind to her."
+
+"Was his wife kind?"
+
+"No; she said she wouldn't live with him if grandma did."
+
+"What did you see in the country?"
+
+"I saw the fields, and the trees, and horses, and cows."
+
+"Did Elek have a cow?"
+
+"Yes; and she went away every day, and at night she came home, and
+they milked her."
+
+"Did you see any birds?"
+
+"I saw birds no bigger than that," said he, putting his hand over his
+horse so as to hide more than half of it, "and they sang all the time.
+And there were some chickens, that laid eggs, and then Elek's wife
+sold the eggs to the baker to pay for bread."
+
+"And had you apples or peaches?"
+
+"I used to throw small stones at the apples, and knock them off. The
+peaches I could reach with my hand. I had just as many as I wanted."
+
+The little orphan's month in the country had been a sunny spot in his
+memory, clouded only by the unkindness of Elek towards the grandmother
+he loved so much.
+
+How strange it is that children can ever forget how much they owe
+their parents! When the widow Cahoon was young, she had watched over
+his infancy. She had carried him in her arms, unmindful of her own
+weariness, and had done all for him that his helplessness required.
+But now she is old; her eyes are dim; her hearing is impaired; her
+hands are tremulous, and she is unable to provide for herself. Yet
+Elek's heart is hard. He has forgotten all her love, and will not even
+give her a home. He cannot prosper.
+
+I well remember, when a child, what a fearful impression a passage
+from the "words of Agur" made on my mind: "The eye that mocketh at his
+father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley
+shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." "Honour thy
+father and mother, (which is the first commandment with promise,")
+Paul writes to the Ephesian children, "that it may be well with thee,
+and thou mayest live long on the earth."
+
+I should fear to hear Elek's future history. It must be dark and
+sorrowful. His poor old mother uttered a groan, when, as she was
+talking about David's mother, I asked if she had any other children.
+"He isn't kind to her," explained its meaning.
+
+    "Sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
+    To have a thankless child."
+
+I left David with Mrs. B----, who will find him a home in some family
+where they wish to adopt a little son. "He will make friends for
+himself,"--she said, confidently, and I felt so also, for his sweet,
+intelligent face is too attractive and winning not to find its way to
+some loving heart.
+
+When Mrs. B---- talked with him about his mother, he wept. She soon
+comforted him, and told him that God would provide for him. He seems
+to possess a sensitive nature, with, at the same time, the power of
+self-control.
+
+Who of you would like this orphan for an adopted brother? He is only
+five years old. I have written to a kind lady of my acquaintance, who
+has adopted two little girls, to inquire if she does not wish to add
+David to her household treasures. There are many such homeless
+children in New York, and it is an act of Christian charity to adopt
+and educate them, and one which is rich in blessings to every heart
+that is open to receive the fatherless and motherless.
+
+Mrs. B---- would like to have adopted David herself but she has so
+much to do for so many orphan children, that she concluded she had not
+the time to devote to him. She sent him to a place known as the Home
+of the Friendless. This is a large brick house, built on purpose to
+shelter those who have no home of their own. There are always many
+children there, who are kindly taken care of till homes can be
+obtained for them. Those who are large enough attend school.
+
+I was so much interested in David that I often called to see him. The
+first call was made one day just before dinner. I looked about for my
+little friend, and found him in the wash-room. He was standing by a
+great towel, and wiping his fair, plump face as nicely as he could. I
+kissed his clean, rosy cheek, and inquired if he remembered me. He
+smiled, and said, "Yes, ma'am." He appeared quite happy and contented.
+His teacher told me that he was a remarkably good boy.
+
+Several applications were made for David by those who heard his story,
+and found room in their hearts and houses for the fatherless and
+motherless boy. His grandmother, knowing that she was too aged and
+feeble to take care of him, gave him to the Home. It was a great trial
+to do so, but she loved him too well not to seek his best interests.
+She was willing to live alone, uncheered by the presence and affection
+of her darling grandchild, if she could only feel that he would be
+kindly treated and educated by Christian people.
+
+A lady in Illinois wrote that she had a dear little son in heaven, and
+wanted David to come to her to supply his place in the home circle,
+where he would find those whom he might call "father, mother, and
+grandmother." A clergyman in Connecticut proposed to adopt him, and
+was coming to New York the first of May to take him home, if it should
+be thought best.
+
+While David was at the Home for the Friendless, his grandmother
+occupied a room not far from Mrs. B----'s. It was on the lower floor,
+so that she was no longer exhausted by going up so many flights of
+stairs. Several ladies united, and each sent her a dinner one day in
+the week, and saw that she was provided with breakfast and tea. They
+furnished her with comfortable clothing, for which she manifested much
+gratitude.
+
+It was always pleasant to call upon "Widow Cahoon," and hear her talk
+about herself and her previous charge. She told us about his parents
+and grandparents. His father's father was a Methodist clergyman, and
+his grandmother, Smith, was a most devout woman. She loved to talk of
+their excellencies of character, and the good they had accomplished. I
+never heard her without being reminded of God's faithfulness in
+showing mercy unto thousands of them that love him and keep his
+commandments.
+
+One day, when I was at Mrs. B----'s, "Widow Cahoon" was ushered into
+her private room--a back parlour on the second story. She was much out
+of breath, and it required some time for her to recover herself
+sufficiently to talk. At length she spoke of her children, some of
+whom she hoped were living. Two sons and a daughter had come to
+America long before she did, and had gone to Pennsylvania. She had not
+heard from them for twelve years. She had often prayed that she might
+see them before she died, and she hoped still that she should. She had
+been the mother of eleven children, and here she was entirely
+alone,--no relative near her to care for her in her age and
+helplessness. She was very desirous Mrs. B---- should write to
+Pennsylvania to make inquiries about her children. It seemed almost a
+hopeless effort, but, to gratify her, Mrs. B---- wrote to the
+postmaster of the town where her sons were last heard from. In about a
+week an answer came from the postmaster saying that he was well
+acquainted with James, and had seen him a short time previously. He
+spoke highly of him, as an industrious and respectable man, and one
+who would be happy to provide for his mother. In regard to her other
+son, he said he did not know him personally. His reputation was good,
+and his circumstances were such that he could assist in the care of
+his mother. From James the "Widow Cahoon" afterwards learned that her
+daughter had married and moved farther west, but she had not been
+heard from for ten years. When Mrs. B---- read the letter to her, she
+was much overcome, and the tears chased each other down her furrowed
+cheeks. "Glory be to God!" she exclaimed. "He has lifted a load off my
+heart. I shall see my sons before I die. Bless the Lord that I ever
+saw the like of you! I have been trying seven years to get that letter
+written!"
+
+I had the pleasure of carrying to her a letter from James, and reading
+it to her myself. As I entered the room she was sitting by the little
+stove in a large rocking-chair, looking as comfortable as one could
+wish. She seemed very happy, and told me about the prospect of seeing
+her sons. "They will send for me, and I shall go to them," was a
+cheering and delightful thought. She said she was expecting every day
+a letter from James. When I told her I had brought it, her face
+lighted up, and she uttered expressions of thankfulness, evidently
+from a full and overflowing heart. She spoke of David, and of being
+once more with him, if "the boys should send for him." She wished to
+do what was best for the child, and was still willing he should be
+adopted, if it was thought desirable. She expressed the utmost
+confidence in Mrs. B----, and was willing to leave it all to her
+judgment. This was the last time I ever saw the "Widow Cahoon," and we
+shall probably never meet again. She had no earthly treasure to confer
+upon me, but she gave me her blessing, and, I doubt not, will remember
+me in her prayers so long as she remains upon earth; and when the
+spirit-world is our home, I shall expect her face, unwrinkled by
+sorrow or age, to beam upon me a heavenly welcome. It was but little I
+did for this poor widow, and yet that little has been rich in
+blessings to me, and may be to mine, for whom she fervently prayed.
+
+James, in his second letter, sent a check to his mother to pay her
+fare from New York to Pennsylvania with a request that David might
+accompany her. He will provide for them both in future.
+
+So soon as arrangements could be made, the now happy widow and her
+little grandson started, under the protection of a friend, for her new
+home in the country where, I suppose, they now are. What a pleasure it
+must be to James to have his mother once more with him, and to be
+able to do something for her who has done so much for him! Little
+David will again see the birds and the chickens, and be surrounded by
+kind and loving friends. The ladies of the Home will occasionally
+inquire about him, and if he needs their care they will provide for
+him, as his grandmother made them his legal protectors. If I ever hear
+more about David which I think will interest you, I shall write you
+again in regard to him.
+
+[Illustration: Finis]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nest in the Honeysuckles, and
+other Stories, by Various
+
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