at work, and it is no slight proof of it when such dis

obedience is manifested.

up in the fear of God?

Have you tried to bring him

When he was young and tractable, I took him to Sunday-school, and to Church, and always set him a good example; but he's followed wicked lads, and turned out as you see; he grew so stubborn and highminded, we could not manage him, and at last he left us quite.

How came he to be able to leave you? did he not depend on you for his support?

No; he's been able to earn his own bread ever since

he was twelve years old.

Have you any other children?

Yes, two, a boy and a girl.

Are you bringing them up in the same way?

I don't know what better to do; but I dare not let them see their brother much, for fear they should turn out the same.

I would not wish to add to your trouble, but perhaps you'll take it as a friendly warning, if I say, that they are very likely to be the same.

He started, and said,-Why, sir, do you know aught amiss of them?

No, I don't know them, but I know somewhat amiss

of you.

What, pray, sir?

That you have neglected your duty to your children! How, sir?

I think you have taught them neither the love of the Lord Jesus, nor the commandment of God.

You're wrong, sir, for I've taught them the Commandments and all the Catechism.

You mean to say, that you have made them learn them like parrots, to repeat word by word; but you have not taught them how to observe them, you have not taught them to love and honor and succor you and their mother; you have put them upon caring for themselves, after the principle of this selfish world, and if they have no better motive, they will each please themselves according to the different turn of their dispositions; and you and their mother will be quite out of the question with them, because they understand not that the will of the Lord is, that they should in word and in deed honor their father and mother. You teach them to serve themselves; their own pleasure and their own belly is their god, and they will seek after them

as after idols. I advise you seriously to think of this before it be too late.

He seemed to ponder my words, but not clearly to comprehend them; however, as I saw he was a reflecting man, I led away my young friends, and left him to weigh and inquire what was the purport of them.

There were two young girls walking our way, and they seemed engrossed in deep conversation; one of them opened a paper very carefully, showing the contents to the other, who exclaimed

Oh! in a tone of wonderful admiration.

It's not pink, it's rose-color. Isn't it a bonny ribbon? I saw Miss Lucy Grey's bonnet with such a colored ribbon, and I determined with my next money to buy such a one; the man in the shop told me this was off the same piece, and he said they call it rose color. I've sent my Sunday bonnet to be cleaned, it will cost me two shillings, but I don't mind, I shall earn what will pay for it. Mother said, I'd best buy a new petticoat, but you know that is not seen.

Oh! Nanny, the other said, I wish my mother would let me have my own earnings; I'd work so hard if she would, and then I'd buy a ribbon like it; but she buys everything for me, and she likes such old-fashion

ed things, drawing up her frock, see, I've this thick stuff petticoat, and black stockings, and a pair of strong shoes, and another such a pair for Sundays; she never buys me smart things.

Oh! it's best to have your money to yourself, and then you can do as you like.

We all listened to this conversation, and as they stopped to talk further on the subject, we passed on and hastened home, and were quite ready for refreshmnent; during which, the children related all the occurrences of the morning to their mother, accompanied with very discriminating observations, and my own mind was furnished with a key to some species of disobedience to parents, which had often surprised me before, and now especially engaged my attention.

CHAPTER VII.

THE next morning Louisa reminded me of the old man, by saying,

Remember Thomas's old father, uncle.

With pleasure; if your mamma will permit it, we will go this morning.

Will you consent, mamma?

Defer it till the evening, my dears, for I do not like you totally to neglect your usual avocations.

But perhaps it may rain in the evening,-Charles said.

I shall be sorry if you should be disappointed, but we will trust to the event.

I am sure it will rain,-George said, with a little tone of impatience, for the sky has clouded in.

If it should, my dear George, you will, I hope, know how to bear a disappointment of your own will, which would arise from two causes that are not only good, but, also, beyond your control.