the loss of their son,—destroyed, as his brothers said, and his parents believed, by wild beasts!

But what became of the lad after all?

God was watching over him. He heard his cries, he directed his steps, he answered his prayers, he blessed his fidelity. The men " with camels" took him down to Egypt, and sold him to a very rich man, where he still loved God, and did what was right. After he had endured a great many temptations and a great many trials, he got to be the greatest man, except the king, in the whole country, and was the means of keeping his father and brothers-the same brothers who had sold him-from starvation! And not only

so,

but he forgave them their sin, and took them all to live with him, in peace and comfort, in the land of Egypt.

There is a lesson, my young friends, in this touching narrative, for you, which I hope you will not be slow to learn. See, in the case of the cruel brothers, how one sin leads to another, and what evil to yourselves and others may flow from that one sin. Beware, then, of the first step in the path of evil; and, if that step has been already taken, seek from the Saviour that pardon which he is ever ready to grant. See, also, in the case of Joseph-the brother who was sold-how God over-rules all events for the good of those who trust in Him; and may you be led, in like manner, to rely on his care, and obey his commands, that so you may enjoy his guidance and blessing on earth, and his eternal joy in the kingdom

of heaven.

S. B. S.

66

Little Ellie.

(Concluded from p. 31, January.)

Perhaps there is some way to serve God

now. Mamma, will you tell me how?"

"You can serve him, my child, by doing as he bids you. I think if you try, before this day is gone, you may find some way to serve God." "I am sure I will if I can, mamma.' "See, Ellie, your work is ready. new dusters that I want hemmed this morning; take one, and leave the other for your sister. I am going out now; when I return, I hope they will be done."

Here are two

Ellie went to the table, where the work was left ready fixed. One duster was of blue and white check, and the other brown, and rather hard. "I wonder which is the longest, thought little Ellie; I must have the short one, because I am younger than Mary. But then Mary has to practise music, and her fingers will be cold; besides, she has less time. Well, I will shut my eyes, and take the one that comes first ;that will be fair."

The short one happened to be chosen, and Ellie certainly felt very glad to find that by this method of casting lots, she had obtained the easiest task. She sat down to work; but, somehow, she did not feel quite comfortable. Mary's cold fingers kept coming into her head, and conscience would keep asking-Is this the way to serve God? Is this doing to Mary as you would have her do to you?

At last, Ellie rose from her seat, and laying down the short task, she said, "I will try to serve God, for

She then took the duster

he is very good to me." she had left for her sister, and began to work as fast as she could. But the work was hard, and she could not easily get her needle through; and more than once she was half inclined to change again. At last Mary came in, took up her work, and began to stitch away at a very rapid rate, and before poor Ellie had done one side, she called out, "See, Nell, dear, I have done mine; make haste and finish yours."

"I have not half done, sister," said Ellie, almost crying.

"Not half done! Oh, never mind, I will help you. There, let me begin the other side."

Mary was a famous quick worker, and the long task was soon finished. "I think," she said, as she folded it up, "Mamma must have made a mistake when she gave you this, she must have intended it for me, it seems longer, and is much harder than mine."

When their mamma come home, she was pleased to find the work neatly done. "Which is Ellie's?" she asked. "This one," said Mary.

"How came you to choose the hardest, Ellie ?”

66

I thought of my text, mamma, and I knew Mary would be cold."

"Did you choose it, Ellie dear?" said Mary, kissing her: "what a dear little sister you are; was it not kind, mamma?"

“And it was kind of you to help me, sister.”

"I am very glad indeed," said their mamma, "that both my dear children have remembered their texts; and that they have been enabled to serve God this morning." M. M. L.

Gentle Words.

A YOUNG rose in the summer-time

Is beautiful to me,

And glorious the many stars
That glimmer on the sea;

But gentle words and loving hearts,
And hands to clasp my own,
Are better than the brightest flowers,
Or stars that ever shone.

The sun may warm the grass to life,
The dew the drooping flower;
And eyes grow bright and watch the light
Of autumn's opening hour;
But words that breathe of tenderness,
And smiles we know are true,

Are warmer than the summer-time,
And brighter than the dew.

It is not much the world can give,
With all its subtle art,

And gold and gems are not the things

To satisfy the heart;

But oh! if those who cluster round
The altar and the hearth

Have gentle words, and loving smiles,

How beautiful is earth.

C. D. STEWART.