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have spoken ill of any one, I always rejoice to hear any thing amiss of that person."

I heard no more, for the young people got up to go away. But I trust that I shall never forget the tendency of little Jane's reproof of her companion.

LESSON XXVII.

LYING.

THERE are many passages in scripture which speak with horror of the sin of lying. David says, Psalm cxix. 163-"I hate and abhor lying." In the Prov

erbs are also these words, "The Lord hates a proud look and a lying tonguè:" and in Revelation it is said, “All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." And now, my children', are not these dreadful expressions'? and I hardly think that you can read them without wishing to be able always, and at all times', to speak the truth'; and in order to help you so to do, I will tell you a story of a little parish boy, which came to my knowledge a short time since.

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This poor boy was born in a work-housè, and brought up by people who used him hardly', and taught him little respecting his duty to God'; but when he was nine years of age, he was apprenticed to a master who would have been kind to him' if he had not found that he had the constant practice of telling lies. The little boy's name was William`, and whenever his master found him out in an untruth', he always punished him severely. On one occasion William, having been severely flogged', ran out into the garden and told his trouble to a poor woman who was weeding, complaining that his back was in great pain' from his master's blows. "And pray," said

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the good woman', "what were these blows given you for'?" "For telling a liè, mistress',' said the boy. Well," said shè, "you deserved' them then ;" and she repeated to him all the texts which are written abové, and many more besides'; for she was a pious

woman.

"Indeed, indeed, mistress'," replied the boy', "I dō wish to leave off lying', but I can't'; when I have done any thing wrong I am so frightened that I can't help trying to hide it."

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66 Ah," said shè, now we are coming to the root of the matter'; whilst you continue in sin, child', you will continue to tell lies'; try to do nothing that you are ashamed of, and then you will leave off lying. Lying is never a solitary` sin; if people wilfully do what is wrong', they will be sure to tell lies to hide it. Try to please your master, and obey his commands at all times', and I doubt not that you will soon cease to tell lies."

This poor woman then took occasion to explain to the boy the means by which not only little children', but grown people', are enabled to do well-even by the power and assistance of the Holy Spirit; and I am happy to have it in my power to say that William took such good heed to her words', that he was enabled afterwards so to behave as never again to be tempted to tell a lie to his master.

From this example I hope you will learn, my little reader', that if you wish to overcome the dreadful sin of lying, you must take care so to conduct yourself that you may have no grievous sins to hide from your parents or your masters'; for although the best of men have daily and hourly reason to lament the depravity of their natures, and the sinfulness of their thoughts', yet we may trust that we shall be preserved from gross and shameful sins if we place our trust in

God'; for if the Lord is our God', we may plead this promise in our behalf,-"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."

LESSON XXVIII.

A LITTLE GIRL.

A LITTLE girl was passing by a garden in which were some very pretty flowers. She wished much to have some of them': she could have put her hand between the rails and have taken them', and perhaps nobody would have seen her. But she knew that this would be very wicked`;—it would be stealing. So, after thinking a little while', she resolved what she would do. She went to the mistress of the garden', and asked her very prettily to give her some of those nice flowers. The mistress told her that she had done right not to take them', and then showed her another garden', full of beautiful plants and flowers', and gathered for her a fine large nosegay.

Let this teach you a lesson. If this girl had taken the flowers without leave', she would have been very unhappy'; and if she had been asked how she came by them', she would most likely have told a lie to hide her first fault. And how uncomfortable she would have felt at night, when she lay down', and when she thought of the great God', and prayed to him who has said, "Thieves shall not inherit the kingdom of God." "Be sure your sin will find you out'," if you break God's commands.

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AN IRISH SWEEP.. LITTLE JANE.

LESSON XXIX.

AN IRISH SWEEP.

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SOME years ago, an effort was made to collect all the chimney sweepers in the city of Dublin', for the purpose of education. Among others came a little fellow', who was asked if he knew his letters. yes';" was the reply. "Do you spell'?" yes" was again the answer. "Do you read'?" Oh, yes." "And what book did you learn from'?" "Oh, I never had a book in my life, sir." who was your schoolmaster'?" "Oh, I never was at school." Here was a singular case`, a boy could read and spell without a book or a master. But what was the fact? Why another little sweep, a little older than himself', had taught him to read by showing him the letters over the shop-doors which they passed as they went through the city. His teacher, then, was a little sweep like himself", and his book, the signboards' on the houses. What may not be done by trying'!

LESSON XXX.

LITTLE JANE.

A LITTLE girl, who had ever been considered remarkable for her obedience to her parents', refused one morning to go to school. Her mother expressed much surprise, and said, "My dear', why do you not wish to go? It is high time', the bell has rung'; so put on your bonnet and get ready', or I fear that you will be late; and you know if you are', it will displease Miss W. very much'; for she, as well as other

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teachers', dislike to have their scholars late." Her reply was', "I cannot go yet." ter, Jane'? don't you feel well' ?" said the mother. "Yes, mamma'; but I have this morning neglected to go by myself; I have not thanked my heavenly Father for the kind care he has taken of me the past night'; nor have I asked him to keep me from sin during the day': I am sure I cannot think of going to school until I do." "Why, my child"" replied the mother', "as it is getting late', perhaps you had better defer it until you come home'; and when you are going along, you can raise your thoughts to God, and he will listen to you."

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No, mamma'," said little Jane', "this will not do'; for I once tried it', and nothing went right with me all the day." Her mother pressed her no longer, but bade her go and implore God's blessing to rest upon her. This dutiful child did so', and was happy and cheerful the remainder of the day.

LESSON XXXI.

THE GOOD SISTER.

MARIA was the daughter of a poor tax-gatherer in Switzerland': she was left an orphan when eleven years old', with a little infant brother to protect and maintain. The parents left nothing but a little cottage by the side of a wood', and some old furniture'; and, but for the industry of Maria', the children must have perished for want. From the age of seven years, she had been able to knit a pair of men's stockings in two days. These habits of employment were of great use to her in her poverty. She set herself to spinning, sewing, and knitting', alternately'; and

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