as the worst of them. Samuel's patience, however, being at
length tired out by the rude behaviour of the wicked boys that pursued
him, he suddenly turned about, and picking up a large stone, threw it at
little Joseph with such violence, that it grazed his cheek, and almost
cut off part of his ear.

Poor Joseph, on feeling the smart occasioned by the blow, and finding
the blood trickling down his cheek at a great rate, ran home roaring
most terribly. Mr. Denton, however, showed him no pity, telling him it
was the just judgment of God for his wickedness.

Joseph attempted to justify himself by saying, that he was not the only
one who was guilty, and therefore ought not to be the only one that was
punished. His father replied, that, as he knew better than the other
boys, his crime was the greater. It is indeed but justice that a child,
who knows the commands of God and his parents, should be doubly
punished, whenever he so far forgets his duty as to run headlong into
wickedness.

Remember this, my young readers; and instead of adding to the
afflictions of others, do whatever you can to alleviate them, and God
will then undoubtedly have compassion on you, whenever your wants and
distresses shall require his assistance.

[Illustration]

BELLA AND MARIAN.

[Illustration]

The sun was just peeping above the eastern edge of the horizon, to
enliven with his golden rays one of the most beautiful mornings of the
spring, when Bella went down into the garden to taste with more
pleasure, as she rambled through those enchanting walks, the delicacies
of a rich cake, of which she intended to make her first meal.

Her heart swelled with delight, on surveying the beauties of the rising
sun, in listening to the enlivening notes of the lark, and on breathing
the pleasing fragrance which the surrounding shrubs afforded.

Bella was so charmed with this complication of delights, that her sweet
eyes were bedewed with a moisture, which rested on her eyelids without
dropping in tears. Her heart felt a gentle sensation, and her mind was
possessed with emotions of benevolence and tenderness.

The sound of steps in the walk, however, all on a sudden interrupted
these happy feelings, and a little girl came tripping towards the same
walk, eating a piece of coarse brown bread with the keenest appetite. As
she was also rambling about the garden for amusement, her eyes wandered
here and there unfixed; so that she came up close to Bell