THE LOST PURSE. ONE bright morning in July, a Sabbath school in the city of P- assembled on board the steamboat for an excursion to Rocky Point, a delightful summer resort some fifteen miles down the bay. The day was admirably suited to the occasion, and it was easy to see in the animated faces of the children that a fine time was anticipated, and the hour required for the trip passed quickly and pleasantly away. When the party arrived at the Point, they formed a procession, and marched for a short time, but soon dispersed in different directions, after having been instructed to meet again at the sound of the diningbell. Each teacher looked after his or her scholars, and thus all were kept from any danger or mischief. An hour or two had passed, when I noticed two boys about ten years old talking together on some very interesting subject. Unconsciously they raised their voices, and I heard the elder one say 66 But, Frank, I don't think it is exactly dishonest; I found the money fair enough, and now why shouldn't I spend it?” "Because it is not yours, Edward. Somebody here has lost it, and I think you ought to try to find the owner.' "It would give each of us a ride in the fandango, besides some ice cream. "Yes, I know it, Edward; but we could not enjoy ourselves very much, thinking how disappointed somebody must feel at losing their money.' "Well, I suppose I ought to mention it to Mr. Gray, then," said Edward, "for you know our teacher said if any article was lost or found, we had better speak to the superintendent about it." "There he is now,' exclaimed Frank; and away they hastened to meet him. Although not connected with the school, yet I had become so interested in this question of right and wrong, that I was anxious to see how the matter terminated; and so I walked after the boys towards their superintendent. When I came up to them, I heard Mr. Gray saying, "She will be so glad, for it was money her mother gave her for herself and little brother. If you will come this way, I will show you the little girl." On walking a short distance, we came to a rustic seat, where a lady sat with her class around her. She was endeavouring to comfort a little girl who was Gray, "look up and see what this boy has found for crying. "Margie," said Mr. you. See, here is your money, purse and all." The child raised her head, and the blue eyes glistened as she said, "Oh, I am so glad, for it was all the money mother could give us, and Willie would have been so disappointed if he had not had his shilling;" and then, looking at Edward, she said, "I will give you half of mine, for you were very good to bring it to , instead of keeping it yourself." me, The colour rose into Edward's face as he contrasted her generosity with his previous selfishness; but he made an effort, and manfully replied, "No, I thank you. I ought to tell you how much I wanted to keep it, and how Frank urged me not to do so. He ought to have the praise." Mr. Gray, who had been listening, then said, "So you were tempted to keep the money?" "Yes, sir." "But now that you have overcome the temptation, assisted by Frank, do you not feel happier than if you had spent it ?" Oh yes, sir," replied Edward, "and I hope I shall never be I want you all to remember that an upright action "I hope not," said Mr. Gray;" and I always brings its own reward, and that no one can be happy who is not strictly honest in all the affairs of life." Then turning to Frank, he added, “And I dishonest." am happy indeed to know that you exerted so good an influence over Edward. Always endeavour, my boy, to do others good, and you will be a blessing to all who know you." Children, will not you all try to have your influence on the right side? How excellent is moral principle, how sinful is dishonesty; but remember, reader, "ye must be born again," or perish for ever. BEAUTIFUL THINGS. LINES BY A CHILD IN THE NATIONAL ORPHAN HOME, 1861. BEAUTIFUL ground on which we tread, Beautiful sun that shines so bright, Beautiful grass to deck the ground, Beautiful all that the Lord hath made. BAD BOYS MAKE BAD MEN. MANY years ago a little boy lived in ancient Rome who was very cruel to harmless animals. He delighted to torture and kill flies, and would pursue the little creatures hour after hour with a pin, to pierce them through, and see them flutter and die in agony. Do you think that a boy so cruel became a kind, loving man? Not he. As he grew older he exhibited the same cruel disposition towards men. At last he was made Emperor of Rome, and then he advanced in cruelty at a most fearful rate. This man was the bloody Nero, who killed his own wife, and ordered his mother to be assassinated. Nor was this all. He delighted so much in cruel things, that he finally ordered the city to be set on fire, just to see how it would look. And when it was burning, he seated himself upon a high tower, and sang and played upon his lyre. Was this strange? Is not a cruel boy likely to become a cruel man? Killing men in manhood is only a further development of killing flies in childhood. An aged sea captain, who had spent a long life upon the ocean, said to a lady, “On shipboard I can tell in a very short tine what any sailor was in his boyhood." It was because "the boy is father to the man." He added, "I find invariably that a bad sailor is made out of a bad boy." When he saw a reckless, profane, vicious " son of the deep," he at once concluded that he was little better when a lad. Now this is just what might be expected. It is just what is seen in other things. Poor wool or cotton makes poor cloth. Poor cloth makes a poor coat. Poor farms produce poor crops. Poor timber makes a poor house. And so wicked children make wicked men and women. PATTY AND HER GRANDMOTHER. HERE is Patty out for a walk with her aunt, who was paying a visit to Patty's grandmother. Aunty is just saying to Patty, "Now, Patty, keep a proper distance from the bees." Patty, however, soon had to run to her aunty, crying, Oh, I am stung! I am stung !" "How sad," said her aunt; "this is just what your grandmother says, you will not do as you are told. Have I not often heard your grandmother repeat to you, 66 "The first rule-better far than gold Is, always do as you are told." But by this time you will want to know a little about Patty's grandmother. Well, Patty's grandmother was as kind an old woman as ever put on a cloak, or wore a pair of pattens. She read the Bible |