that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Rom. vi. 23. The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

CONVERSATION XXI.

Mother. A benevolent man had received a poor little boy into his family, for the purpose of educating him with his own children; he was nursed and attended to with the greatest care; he was instructed by the father himself and by eminent masters; he had an abundant share of the best food, had comfortable clothes, and received many useful presents. When the boy was grown up, he became disobedient and wicked; despised his benefactor, and grieved him by his disgraceful conduct. Pray, was this a good child?

Child. No, he was an ungrateful and a bad boy.

Mother. Well then, my dear child! how many good things, how many benefits has your kind God bestowed upon you! He has given you life, a sound body, and a reasonable soul;

he has hitherto given you food and raiment, has caused you to be well instructed; and will, as you were told yesterday, lead you after your death to eternal joy and glory. Oh! what an abandoned and unhappy creature you would render yourself, if you were not to revere this gracious God; if you were not to love, to honour, and to obey him. What do you think? should such a kind and benevolent man leave the wicked and ungrateful child unpunished? Child. I cannot believe it.

Mother. Should God, then, who punishes every bad thought and action, not likewise punish an ungrateful and disobedient man? Child. Surely he will punish him.

Mother. Could you run away or escape

from God?

Child. No.

Mother. And why not?

Child. Because God is every where.

Mother. Well answered, my child. Does God also see every thing you do?

Mother. And hear what you speak?
Child. Yes.

Mother. And know likewise your thoughts?

Child. Yes; because God is omniscient nothing is hid before him.

Mother. If so, beware of ever thinking of what is evil, or of doing wrong, lest God should cease to love you. Commune often with yourself, and say: My kind Creator gives me every day so many good things; what I eat and drink comes from him. When a sound sleep refreshes me, when my Parents render me happy, when the society of other children amuses me; to whom am I indebted for all this, but to God? Him, therefore, I will love above all; him I will endeavour never to offend, by any sin or ill-behaviour. How should I do such a great evil and sin against the Lord God! Is it likely the good man we have spoken of before, should ever again feel disposed to do good to, and to support, the wicked and ungrateful child?

Child. That is hardly to be expected.

Mother. If then, you were turning towards evil and disobeying the commandments of God, could you ever entertain a hope that he would henceforth be your kind and loving father? Child. No.

Mother. If disease or any other misfortune were to befall you, could you expect his assistance to deliver you?

Child. No.

Mother. Do you see now, my dear child, how miserable and wretched a man is, who lives in perpetual fear of God's wrath and punishment?-who has no certain prospects of his assistance and future benefits?

Child. Yes, indeed, such a man is miserable beyond expression.

Mother. But hear now, what God has promised to those who love and fear him.

Romans, ii. 6-8. God will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.

Psalm xci. 14-16. Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

:

Malachi, iii. 17, 18. And they (the righteous) shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in

that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that feareth God and him that serveth him not.

CONVERSATION XXII.

Mother. Would you like to hear something of a very good and interesting child?

Child. Yes, it would give me great plea

sure.

Mother. But, I am afraid, it will be too long for you, and tire you.

Child. Oh no: your stories are never too long for me.

Mother. Well then, I shall give you the history of a very happy and blessed child.

There was a good and gentle little boy, who so fondly loved his Parents, that he was deeply concerned, whenever he had given them, even unintentionally, the slightest offence. He loved his father and mother dearly. When they happened to be ill, or to meet with some other