It seems very strange that Ella should be so selfish, for her father is not at all so, and I know it must grieve him to have a child of his so forgetful of the enjoyment of others.  This selfishness does not make her happy.  It occasions her much trouble, and it always will.

I know a little boy, six years old, who is very fond of fruit, and who is much delighted when his father brings him an apple; yet I have seen him, when he had but one, divide it between his brothers and sisters, and reserve no part of it for himself.  He seemed entirely happy in doing so.

One day he heard his mother say, “I have not even a penny in my purse.”  He went up-stairs to his money-box, and brought down a handful of pennies, and gave them to her.  His mother kissed his plump, brown cheek, and thanked him for his gift.

[Illustration:  His mother kissed his plump, brown cheek.]

Which should you prefer to be like—­selfish Ella, or this generous little boy?

The selfish person is always willing to receive favours, but to the generous “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

[Illustration]

“OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN.”

“Father is coming, father is coming!” shout a merry group of children, as Mr. Wilmot appears around a little knoll, on his return from his business.

“Let us run and meet him,”—­and away they scamper over the lawn to see which will get to him first.  They are laughing gaily, and their feet trip lightly, as hatless and bonnetless they hasten to him.  Mary’s brown curls are streaming in the wind, and it is a beautiful sight to look upon these children, so full of life and joy and love.

Mr. Wilmot greets them with a smile, and stoops to kiss each of them, as they put up their arms to give him a loving welcome to his home.  One of them takes his basket, and another his cane, and then the unoccupied hands are claimed by the tiny ones who love to walk by his side.

Why do these children hasten so eagerly to meet their father?  It is just because he is their father.  He has provided them with a home, and with food and clothing, and has given them many pleasant things to enjoy.  He loves them, and his love and approbation are very precious to them.  They obey his wishes, and strive to please him, and this is one source of the happiness which fills their hearts.

I think most of you, dear children, have kind parents, to whom you are warmly attached, and that you do not hear the name of father without emotions of pleasure.  Some of you have no earthly father, but you all have one in another and better world.

Most of you, in your infancy, have learned to repeat the Lord’s Prayer.  How beautiful and expressive are the words with which it commences, “Our Father who art in heaven.”  God, then, is your father, and you may go to him as his children.  You may tell him all your wants, all your sorrows, and all your joys.  You may pour out your heart to him with perfect freedom.  You need not fear to do this as you would to a stranger, for he is your Father, and knows all about you.  He knows every time you suffer, and he sees every thought of your heart.  God loves you more than any earthly friends can, and he has enabled them to bestow upon you all the comforts which surround you.