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.”

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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.

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God hath given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends.—­Taylor.

[Illustration]

JANE AND HER LESSONS.

It is a mark of a good scholar to be prompt and studious.  Such were the habits of little Jane Sumner.  She was the youngest of three sisters, and from her first being able to read, she was very fond of reading; and at school her teacher became much interested in little Jane on account of her interest in study, and the promptness she manifested in reciting her lessons.  Jane had a quiet little home and was allowed considerable time for study, although she had to devote some time in assisting her mother about house.

There was a very fine garden attached to Mrs. Sumner’s residence, where she took much pleasure in cultivating the flowers.  In the centre of the garden was built a summer house all covered over with grape vine.  The broad leaves of the vine made a refreshing shade to it, and thereby shielded the warm sun from persons under it.  This little summer house Jane frequently occupied for her study.  In the picture you see her with book in hand getting her lesson.  She arose very early in the morning, and by this means gained much time.

    Up in the morning early,
    By daylight’s earliest ray,
    With our books prepared to study
    The lessons of the day.