After John was gone, the old people never missed a day but they prayed to God to keep their son, both in his soul and body, from all evil.  They were very poor, and were now too old to work much; but with what they got of John’s pay, they had enough just to live upon, and above all they had thankful hearts, which made them happy.  Yet they often wished for John’s return; sometimes too they were fearful lest he should be killed or wounded in the wars; but when they felt thus, they always tried to put their trust in God.

When John had been away ten years, he came back one day, safe and sound, as his father and mother were standing at the door of the cottage.  You may judge how they all felt, and how many questions his fond mother asked him, as to where he had been, and how he had got on.

The next day was Sunday, and both John and his parents were glad of it, for they wished to go to church to offer up their thanks to God, who had kept John safe through many dangers, had saved the lives of the old people, and had now brought them to each other again.

It was a fine bright morning in Spring, just such a one as it had been nearly twenty years before, when Tom Jones had tempted John Cooper to keep away from school, and to go into the wood to take birds’ nests.  John did not forget that day; and when it came into his mind, he could not help thinking of the changes that had taken place since.

He went to church, and you may be sure that he and the old man and woman gave thanks to God with all their hearts, for the mercy he had shewn to them.

[Illustration:  Charity]

CHARITY.

* * * * *

Mary Jones was a poor woman whose husband had gone to sea on a long voyage.  She lived in a house by the road side, and got her living by washing.  She had two little boys, who were her great comfort, and whom she used to call Ned and Tom.

For some time after her husband had left, she got on very well, and was able to send the boys to school:  but she caught a fever and was forced to keep her bed.  Her neighbour, Sarah Smith, was very kind to her, and used to come to the house every morning and evening to do what she could to help her.  But she was a poor woman, and could not afford to give Mary Jones anything that cost money; so poor Mary was forced to part with a great many things that she might get food.

Ned and Tom at this time took turns to go to school.  Tom used to go to school one day, while Ned waited on his mother; and the next day Ned went to school and Tom staid at home.  One morning when Ned was going to school, the thought of his poor mother pressed hard on his heart; and after he had gone a little way, he burst out crying.

He had not gone far along the narrow lane towards the school, when two young ladies met him and asked him why he was crying.  He told them that he was thinking of his poor sick mother.  The ladies then asked him his name and where he lived, and said they would go and call upon his mother.  He thanked them and dried up his tears, and went on to school with a much lighter heart.