through his precious blood, you would have no way of escape from the far more deep and horrible pit that burns with eternal fire. Two men, returning from work in the fields, saw this little girl stooping over what they knew to be a dangerous place, and ran to the spot. They came up just as she had become almost insensible from terror, and while one drew John out of the water, the other took Bess in his arms; and so both were carried to their parents, who were long before they could see the colour return to John's cheeks, or convince Bess that her dear little brother was not dead; and you may judge how sorry and ashamed the children were to own their disobedience; but the Lord put His fear in their hearts, and would not let them add to their sin by telling a lie. John is grown up to be a man, and has children of his own; and Bess is a woman, and wrote this story herself for them, and for other dear children, who like to hear of God's wonderful doings, and tender mercies towards His creatures. And she assures them that, though they may be sitting in their quiet homes, and think themselves as safe as can possibly be, yet if they have not learned to know that their hearts are sinful, and that there is no hope for sinners but in the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, and if they have not begun to pray to Him for pardon, and for a new heart to love and serve Him faithfully, and if they do not daily try to do so, they are in far greater danger than John was in, when he fell into the broad deep river. HYMN. Wide is the gate, and broad the way That leads mankind to sin; And Satan's baits are painted gay, How may a simple child be wise, O learn of Him, the lowly Lamb, Walk in His steps, and sure I am, You cannot lose your way. For He was patient, meek and mild, For you He bade his life-blood flow, And He will bear you to the place THE BOW IN THE CLOUD. JOHN and Henry were returning together from their school, when a very heavy shower of rain came on, and they were glad to take shelter under some trees that grew a little way from the road side. Carefully preserving their books from being wetted, the little fellows stood close together, watching the large drops as they fell around; and listening to the noise which they made on the surface of a pretty stream, not far from their retreat. "I wish it would stop raining," said Henry, "I am quite tired of standing here." "It will soon be over," replied John," and then the grass will look so fresh, and the flowers smell so sweet, after the shower, that the rest of our walk will be delightful. God sends rain to make the earth fruitful; and I like to see it fall.” Presently, the sun shone out beautifully, and the rain ceased to patter upon the leaves. Our two little boys left their shelter, and returned towards the road. "Oh! look, brother," cried John, "what a lovely rainbow! It seems so large and bright, and quite near us. A man who was passing them on horseback heard the remark, and said, " Aye, 'tis very near; and if you will run to the place where the end of it rests, you will find a fine pot of money." "Which end, Sir?" said Henry; but the man was out of hearing, having spoken a falsehood for the sake of a silly jest. This is very wicked it is also cruel to deceive the young and ignorant; for, when they find themselves imposed on by bad people, they sometimes are afraid to believe what is told them by good ones. very Now Henry was a silly boy, and a little covetous I fear: he stood quite still, and stared first at one end of the rainbow, then at the other "Come," said his brother, in great perplexity. we shall be late home." "And if we take home a pot of money with will not that be a good excuse for staying I wish I knew which end of the out a little ? us, |