* * * *

Wherefore did God create passions within us, pleasures round about us,
but that these, rightly tempered, are the very ingredients of
virtue.--_Milton_.

GATHER THE FLOWERS.

Two little girls went into the fields to gather flowers. Buttercups,
violets, and many other blossoms were in abundance. One of the girls was
pleased with every thing, and began to pick such flowers as came in her
way. In a short time she collected a great quantity of flowers, and
though some of them were not very handsome, yet they made a very
beautiful bunch. The other child was more dainty and determined to get
her none but those which were very beautiful. The buttercups were all of
one color and did not strike her fancy--the blue violets were too
common, and so the little pair wandered on through the fields till they
were about to return home. By this time the dainty child, seeing that
her sister had a fine collection of flowers while she had none, began
to think it best to pick such as she could get. But now the flowers were
scarce; not even a dandelion nor a flower was to be found. The little
girl at length begged of her sister a single dandelion, and thus they
returned home. The children told their story, and their mother addressed
them thus--"My dear children, let this event teach you a lesson. Jane
has acted the wisest part. Content with such flowers as came in her way,
and not aiming at what was beyond her reach, she has been successful in
her pursuit. But Laura wanted something more beautiful than could be
found, collected nothing from the field, and was finally obliged to beg
a simple flower from her sister. So it is, children, in passing through
life--gather what is good and pleasant along your path, and you will,
day by day, collect enough to make you contented and happy. But if you
scorn those blessings which are common, and reach after those which are
more rare and difficult to be obtained, you will meet with frequent
difficulties, and at last be dependant on others. So gather the flowers
as you go along the pathway of life."

* * * * *

Think not all is well within when all is well without; or that thy
being pleased is a sign that God is pleased: but suspect every thing
that is prosperous, unless it promotes piety, and charity, and
humility.--_Taylor_.

* * * * *

God hath given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon