y in her
rural bowers; for the brook, the birds, and the flowers, ever spoke to
her heart in tones of love.

But one day her teacher told her that wicked spirits were ever flying
about, trying to lead away little children into their company, and make
them as wicked as themselves. This much disquieted Agatha, for she had
never learned before that aught existed save innocence and joy. At
first, she feared to wander out alone, into the "great temple of
nature," as she was wont, lest she should meet some of those malicious
beings. She dared not look into the pure waters, fearing that, instead
of the beautiful angel which so often met her gaze, hideous forms might
rise and drag her away into their bad company.

But her heart was soon quieted again; for her teacher also told her,
that good beings come down from the Spirit-land, to watch over little
children, and drive the wicked ones away. So Agatha no longer feared to
visit her favorite haunts, for she besought the good spirits to be her
guardians. And when at night she retired to her little couch, she prayed
the kind angels to watch over and protect her from evil spirits. And her
prayer was answered, for none but good spirits ever visited the heart of
Agatha. She was always punctual at Sabbath school; and one day after
looking around in vain for one of her mates, she was very much troubled
to learn that she had been led a long way off, by a company of evil
spirits. She longed to tear the unfortunate victim from their grasp; but
her teacher told her, that the celestial beings alone could save her,
and she must pray to them.

So Agatha went home, and walked out among the flowers, thinking the
celestial spirits would delight to linger in so pure a spot, and
kneeling amid a cluster of roses, she prayed them to fly to the rescue
of her misled companion. And everywhere that Agatha thought pure enough
for the abode of the good spirits, would she go and pray that her friend
might be restored. At night she would look up to the stars, and entreat
the same good beings to come down from their pure, bright dwellings, and
lead back the straying one. Her prayers were soon answered, and when she
next went to Sabbath school, she was almost overjoyed to find her little
friend at her accustomed place. Little Mary (for she it was who had been
led away) seemed very happy to get back again. She kissed her
schoolmates, and said she would never leave them more. But she told them
a sad tale of S