“But, Fanny, all Christians are not happy ones.”

Fanny.  “Yet those who are the most devoted and consistent, are the most happy.  Some have troubles and sorrows which they could scarcely bear if it were not for religion.  They are sanctified by means of these afflictions and so made happier; holiness and happiness are inseparable.  ‘’Tis religion that must give, sweetest pleasure while we live,’ you know the hymn says, and it is true.  Do you think Emily, that because you are as good as you think Leonora is, you are good enough?”

Emily.  “No, Fanny, it was a poor excuse; I see that I must not look at others, but at what God requires of me.”

Fanny.  “How common is the excuse, so many people profess to think they can do without religion, because so many who call themselves Christian are inconsistent.  Dear girls, I pray that if you are ever Christians, you may be consistent, sincere ones.  Who can estimate the good, or the evil, you may do by your example.  If you love the Savior more than all else beside, you will find his yoke easy and his burden light, and for his sake it will be pleasant to do what would naturally be unpleasant.  Remember this, Sophy, and I hope you will soon all know the blessedness of being Christians.  It is our highest duty and our highest happiness.  Do, dear girls, resolve, each of you, to seek the Lord now.”

Just then, their pastor came; he spoke kindly to each of the little group, before entering the house.

“It is nearly tea-time,” said Clara, “let us go and offer our assistance to Mrs. Mills; as we are the youngest here, perhaps she would like to have us carry around the plates and tea.  We will try to not forget what you have told us, Fanny.”

“Pray for me, Fanny,” said Sophia softly, as she passed her, and kissed her.

“And for me,” said Annie.

“And for us, too,” continued Clara, Emily and Alice, as they stepped back for a moment.

Tea was soon over, the missionary hymn, “From Greenland’s icy mountains,” was sung, and prayer offered by the pastor, and then the pleasant interview was ended.

A few days after, Fanny and Annie met each other in the street.  “Have you tried to do, Annie, what seemed your duty to do?” Fanny asked.

“I have,” she replied, as she looked up with a happy smile.

“You have done what you could,” said Fanny; “it is all that God requires of you, continue to do so.”  Annie’s heart thrilled with joy, at the first faint hope that she was indeed a Christian, and from that time her course, like that of the shining light, was onward and brighter.

C. L.

* * * * *

Original.

MOTHERS NEED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST.