are not happy ones."

Fanny. "Yet those who are the most devoted and consistent, are the most
happy. Some have troubles and sorrows which they could scarcely bear if
it were not for religion. They are sanctified by means of these
afflictions and so made happier; holiness and happiness are inseparable.
''Tis religion that must give, sweetest pleasure while we live,' you
know the hymn says, and it is true. Do you think Emily, that because you
are as good as you think Leonora is, you are good enough?"

Emily. "No, Fanny, it was a poor excuse; I see that I must not look at
others, but at what God requires of _me_."

Fanny. "How common is the excuse, so many people profess to think they
can do without religion, because so many who call themselves Christian
are inconsistent. Dear girls, I pray that if you are ever Christians,
you may be consistent, sincere ones. Who can estimate the good, or the
evil, you may do by your example. If you love the Savior more than all
else beside, you will find his yoke easy and his burden light, and for
his sake it will be pleasant to do what would naturally be unpleasant.
Remember this, Sophy, and I hope you will soon all know the blessedness
of being Christians. It is our highest duty and our highest happiness.
Do, dear girls, resolve, each of you, to seek the Lord now."

Just then, their pastor came; he spoke kindly to each of the little
group, before entering the house.

"It is nearly tea-time," said Clara, "let us go and offer our assistance
to Mrs. Mills; as we are the youngest here, perhaps she would like to
have us carry around the plates and tea. We will try to not forget what
you have told us, Fanny."

"Pray for me, Fanny," said Sophia softly, as she passed her, and kissed
her.

"And for me," said Annie.

"And for us, too," continued Clara, Emily and Alice, as they stepped
back for a moment.

Tea was soon over, the missionary hymn, "From Greenland's icy
mountains," was sung, and prayer offered by the pastor, and then the
pleasant interview was ended.

A few days after, Fanny and Annie met each other in the street. "Have
you tried to do, Annie, what seemed your duty to do?" Fanny asked.

"I have," she replied, as she looked up with a happy smile.

"You have done what you could," said Fanny; "it is all that God requires
of you, continue to do so." Annie's heart thrilled with joy, at the
first faint hope that she was indeed a Christian, and from that time
her course, like