appeared easy, but did not grow like his brother, and in a few months it was perceived that his spine had been injured, for his right shoulder became larger than the other, and it was evident that poor Charles would be much deformed.

This ought to have doubled the care and tenderness of every one about him: but with these unfeeling people it had a contrary effect; for while Robert was caressed and made the plaything of the family, he was neglected: and had not He who "careth for every thing that he hath made" given him a naturally good constitution, the little innocent must have fallen an early victim to their cruelty: even his mother would lament over what she called his humpback, and agree with the people of the house that his death would be a blessing to her and to himself.

As the children grew older, it appeared that both had good capacities; nor did any marks of evil dispositions show themselves in either, except that Robert, who was remarkable for his beauty and liveliness, would sometimes triumph in the superiority he felt over his brother in their childish sports. The great partiality of those about him soon however made him conceited and selfish, and by degrees he took pleasure in making a jest and a drudge of Charles, who showed a disposition so gentle and affectionate that nothing less hard than the hearts of this family could have resisted it.

As soon as the boys were of an age to work, their mother took them to her master; and he gave them at first more than made up for the loss of the parish allowance, promising to increase their wages as they became more useful to him. Charles was still unable to keep pace with his brother, for his health suffered much from the bad air and confinement of the work-rooms; he was often obliged to stay at home, on account of illness, for which his mother seve reproached him; but he bore her unkindness p

h

ly, and was content to wear his old clothes while Robert had new ones, saying that as he could not get so much money he must be satisfied to spend less.

Fortunately for the boys, who had never enjoyed the means of instruction and education, their master subscribed largely to a school, which they were required to attend, on the Lord's day. Charles took great delight in it; no pleasure or amusement, and hardly illness itself, could prevent him from attending; but Robert was idle, and preferred a walk into the country, or even to ramble about the streets; and being encouraged by his foolish mother to do whatever gave him most pleasure, without regarding the consequences, he scarce learned to read, while his brother was getting forward in writing and ac

counts.

During the first years of their attendance upon this school, a lady who lived within the distance of a few streets came as regularly to teach as if she had been hired for the purpose. She was a woman of good understanding and a truly Christian disposition, and clearly saw the happy opportunity which these seminaries afford, of implanting the principles of rectitude and a sense of early piety in the hearts of the rising generation, before they are contaminated by a long association with a world, where, I grieve to own, though we call ourselves Christians, vice and profaneness present their hateful forms on every side. She diligently strove to make the children acquainted with the meaning of what they read, and to feel that the precepts which they repeated were addressed to themselves, and intended for the regulation of their daily conduct. Some were giddy and impatient, and profited little by what she said; but herepanners was so mild and gentle that they all and her, and a few were materially benefited by unablnstructions. Amongst these was Charles, who withighed himself to her from the first time that she

noticed him: he was so little used to affectionate treatment at home, that her kindness won his heart; he never felt so happy as when she was talking to him, and endeavoured carefully to treasure up every word that she said.

When he began to read the Gospels, she pointed out to him in the plainest and most impressive manner the purpose for which God sent his beloved Son into the world; that he came to live and die and rise again for us, to save us by turning every one of us from our iniquities, and to set us a perfect example of conduct, which it ought to be the great aim of his followers to imitate, in every thought, word, and action of their lives.

These instructions on the mind of Charles were like"good seed sown on good ground," they brought forth abundantly: while at work he continually called to mind his Sunday lessons, and soon began to apply them in his daily practice. When he was treated harshly, he remembered his meek and lowly Master, resolving when reviled not to revile again: when any pains or difficulties lay in the way of what he thought his duty, he recollected that he was a disciple of him who even "endured the cross, despising the shame," and that we must be prepared to suffer, if we hope to reign with our beloved Lord. Robert shared in these precious lessons, but, like the seed in the parable which fell among thorns, after hearing the word, the amusements of the evening or the business of the following day so entirely put it out of his mind, that it had little or no influence upon his heart and conduct.

Before the boys had reached their thirteenth year, this good and valuable instructor was, to the unspeakable loss and sorrow of Charles, taken me. this changeful world, where she had alwayved dered herself as a stranger and a pilgrim, jer ing to that blessed rest for which she truattach

labours for the benefit of her fellow-travellers would assist in preparing her. Charles inquired the time of her funeral, and gave up a day's work to follow his dear benefactress to her last earthly abode. When the solemn service was over, and all but himself departed, he shed many tears upon the spot where she was laid, and clasping his hands together; "O my first and dearest friend," he cried, "you do not know or see my grief. Why, why have you left me behind in a wide friendless world! Who will now be my guide and comforter!" He wept bitterly for some minutes, when happening to lay his hand upon his Testament, which was as usual in his pocket, he took it out, and fondly pressing it to his bosom; "This was your precious gift," said he, "and you said,yes, I well remember your words,- Let this be your guide and comforter through life, it will instruct you in difficulties, and cheer you in distresses.' Henceforth then it shall supply your place; I will apply to it as my friend and teacher, and trust that it will at length conduct me to that happy place where we shall meet again, and death will have no more power to part us.'

His heart felt lighter, but he wept more than before, and lingered near the grave till the approach of night reminded him of his home, towards which he walked slowly, resolving often to revisit the spot which contained all that was dearest to him upon earth.

A few weeks after this time, as the boys were one evening returning from work, they agreed to go through some fields near the town. Robert, as usual, out-ran his brother, and by the side of the path, nearly covered with long grass, spied a morocco pocket-book, which he picked up, and on opening found full of papers of various kinds which he was unable to decipher. As there were many people within sight, he resolved to avoid being questioned

about his prize, and running back to Charles begged him to go with him home immediately; he would answer no questions upon the road, but as soon as they got into their own little room produced the pocket-book, of the value of which his brother was a much better judge than himself: and valuable indeed they found it, for it contained a bank note for five hundred pounds, two more of a hundred each, and many other papers, amongst which were several letters directed to Mr. Hammond, one of the principal merchants and bankers in the City.

Both the boys of course concluded that the pocket-book belonged to him; and Charles advised his brother to wait till their mother came home, and then lose no time in restoring it to him. "I don't know whether I shall restore it at all," cried Robert; 86 as good luck has sent me a fortune, I think common sense should teach me to keep it."

"But what does common honesty say to that?" replied Charles, "could you feel easy while you we living upon another person's money?"

Yes, very easy and very happy," returned Robert. "I did not steal it, nor get it in any dishonest way, nor do I certainly know whose it is; so I think I cannot do better than keep it, and make the best of it for my own pleasure and advantage."

"Dear Robert!" cried Charles, "think what you are about; if you cannot find the owner of this money, it will then become honestly your own; but if you keep it without having used every possible means to do that, it will be the very same as if you had stolen it."

"But who will know any thing of the matter?" said Robert.

"God will know it," interrupted Charles with much solemnity. "His eye is upon us at this mo ment, and he marks every thing that we say and do! O my dear brother, resist the terrible temptation