ration]

THE FIRST STRAWBERRY.

How bright and red it looked, half-concealed as it was by the green
leaves! It was the first strawberry of the season. Mary gathered it
with delight, and ran with it to her mother.

"Here is something for you, mother," she said, holding up the rosy
treasure.

"Thank you, my dear!" said Mrs. Dudley, smiling upon her daughter. She
ate it with a double relish. She was very fond of the fruit, and she
was gratified by this expression of the thoughtful, unselfish love of
her dear child.

How much more Mary enjoyed that look of love, and that approving
smile, than she would have enjoyed eating that luscious strawberry
herself!

Every day, Mary, Willie, and Eddie search for the fruit as it ripens,
and almost every evening their father and mother find a saucer of
berries, with sugar and cream, beside their plates at the tea-table.

How pleasant it is to see children think so much of their parents! I
hope they will continue obedient and attentive, for there is no more
beautiful sight than an affectionate, united family.

God will bless those who honour their parents.

"I PRAYED ALL DAY FOR HELP."

It was a beautiful evening early in June. The air was cool and
pleasant. The trees and shrubs were covered with luxuriant foliage,
and the roses were in their opening beauty. The frogs were croaking in
the pond, and the birds singing on the trees. The sun had just sunk
beneath the horizon. The clouds which lingered around his pathway
received his parting rays, and were most gorgeously decorated with the
richest of his colouring.

Willie walked about the lawn, his face lighted up with a smile, and
his dark gray eye bright with happiness. His heart was attuned to
harmony with all nature around him, and he would frequently look up to
his mother, who sat by the open window, enjoying the delightful
evening. Presently Willie came, and stood by her side.

"How happy I am this evening!" he said to her. She put her arm around
him, and drew him towards her.

"What makes you so happy?" she inquired.

"Because I have been trying to control my temper, I suppose"--was his
answer.

"You have not been angry to-day, have you?"

"No, mother."

"Did you pray about it, Willie?"

"Yes, mother. I prayed all day for help."

"How did you pray?"

"I said, Forgive my sins, and give me a new heart."

"God heard your prayers, and he has helped you to control your temper.
God always hears