"And I was never so happy before," said the mother. "We never knew how many things we could do, when we lived in the great house," said the children, "and we love each other a great deal better here. You call us your little bees." "Yes," replied the father, "and you make just such honey as the heart likes to feed on." Economy as well as industry was strictly observed; nothing was wasted. Nothing unnecessary was purchased. The eldest daughter became assistant teacher in a distinguished female seminary, and the second took her place as instructress to the family. The dwelling which had always been kept neat, they were soon able to beautify. Its construction was improved, and the vines and flowering trees were replanted around it. The merchant was happier under his woodbine covered porch in a summer's evening, than he had been in his showy drawing-room. We are now thriving and prosperous," said he, "shall we return to the city?" "O, no," was the unanimous reply. "Let us remain," said the wife, "where we have found health and contentment." "Father," said the youngest, "all we children hope you are not going to be rich again; for then," she added, "we little ones were shut up in the nursery, and did not see much of you or mother. Now we all live together, and sister who loves us, teaches us, and we learn to be industrious and useful. We were none of us so happy when we were rich and did not work. So father, please not be a rich man any more."-Mrs. Sigourney. METHOD OF OBTAINING THE SPONGE. From Spratt and Forbes' Lycia. THE sponge of commerce is found attached to rocks in various depths between three fathoms and thirty. When alive it is of a dull bluish black above, and of a dirty white beneath. There are several qualities, possibly indi THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH. All hail! God's boundless love to man, Full seas of love in torrents ran When God with God came Man with man. All hail! ye Angels sing aloud, High swell the honours of your God, The Prince of Heaven to earth hath bowed, All hail! Messiah, Christ the Lord, All hail! ye born in Salem, hail! All hail! Messiah! reign for ever. A. WOLFENDEN. |