industrious, recommended her to one or two other places, where she had constant and regular work. The money which she had thus earned, was all that they had to live upon; and although she spent it as carefully as she could, it was not enough to buy them what they really needed. Still they strug. gled patiently on, making the best of what they had, and trusting that, in the end, they should overcome their difficulties.

Soit was no wonder that little Ruth wore a shabby frock, and had holes in her boots. The poor children, indeed, had seldom any clothing but that which was in some way given to them, for their mother could not spare many pence for the draper's shop. When people are in want of daily meals, they cannot concern themselves much about dress.

It was only lately that they had come to live in Windmill-court. The reason why they had taken rooms in that part was because the rents were cheaper there; and it was also nearer to the streets in which the families resided for whom Ruth's mother worked. If they had not made this change, it is not very likely that Bessy and Ruth would ever have met. We little know how much may depend on such a common thing as the removal from one house to another. But God knows; and he often arranges these trifling events so as to bring about the good which he has in store for us.

Bessy went part of the way with Ruth, when they came out of school, that she might be sure she did not make any mistake; and Ruth told her that she liked the school and the teacher very much indeed,

and that she should be glad to go every Sunday. "But you need not take the trouble to call for me again, thank you; because I know every turning quite well now."

Ruth carried home a cheerful little face with her that morning. She was in good spirits, for she felt happy in being so kindly treated by Bessy; and the nice airy school-room, and the gentle tones of Miss Chester, had been a pleasant contrast to their dull court, and to her father's fretful speeches. For Ruth's father was often fretful. His long illness made him feel weary and discontented; and then it was such a trouble to him that he could do nothing for the support of his wife and children; so that he was generally either very sad or very cross. had not learned to bear his trials as coming from God's hand, and as being sent, in love, for his good.

He

Ruth's dinner was a large apple-dumpling. There was only a little bit of meat, and that was for her father. But Ruth was better satisfied with her pudding than many sometimes are with all the nice things that are spread out on their table. She was very hungry, and could have eaten more if she had hadit; and yet she quietly slipped a piece of her own dumpling on to her little sister's plate, because Susie had finished her share, and was beginning to cry for some of the meat and potatoes that she saw. Do you not think Ruth was very good-natured?

Ruth did not say much at dinner time about Bessy and the school. Her father had the headache, and she was therefore obliged to be as quiet as she could. But afterwards, when he had gone into

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the other room to lie down, she told her mother and her little sisters what she had seen and heard. And, mother," she said eagerly, "I learned a text all myself this morning. I recollect every word of it, because it was short and easy:-" Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.' Ps. lv. 22. 'Sustain,' means to 'hold you up.' "Is it not a pretty verse, mother ?"

"Yes, Ruth," said her mother, with a sigh. Why did she sigh? She was reminded of days long gone by, when she was a little girl, like Ruth, and went to a Sunday school. But she had grown up careless about her Bible and about God's day; and now, though she had a heavy burden to carry, she had no sweet promises to cheer her under the load.

The words which her child had repeated, seemed to fall on her heart as the soft rain does upon the hard and thirsty ground. She thought to herself, "Oh, if I could only cast my burden on the Lord, what a relief it would be! I wonder if he would let me do so? But I am afraid it is too late now." What would you have said to her in reply? I know what Bessy's answer would have been.

THOUGHTS ON HAPPINESS.

H- Parsonage.

DEAR SIR,-Last night, being kept indoors on account of the weather, my younger brothers and sisters and I amused ourselves by writing on "Happiness." Papa came in while we were

reading our compositions, and wished me to send mine to the "Child's Companion;" and it is in compliance with his request that I now send you the inclosed, which you will kindly insert if you think proper.

I am, dear Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

H. S. A.

HAPPINESS.

It is often remarked that happiness is not to be found in this world; but this is a great mistake, for although perfect happiness cannot be attained till sin is banished, and perfect holiness reign, still, people may, and frequently do, enjoy much happiness here. God is love; he made all his people to be happy, and it is pleasing to him that we should strive, not only to be happy ourselves, but to make others so. There is happiness to be found in almost everything, by a contented mind, a mind at peace with God, and which is accustomed to look for the 66 'silver lining" in every cloud. There is happiness in viewing the beautiful works of God's creation. There is happiness to be found in the pursuit of knowledge, in feeling year by year our minds expanding, and our views enlarging. There is much happiness in giving pleasure to others, and in doing good to those around us; in watching for opportunities to give a kind look, to say a kind word, or to do a kind act. But the best and truest happiness is to be found in the love of God, and in communion with him, and in thinking of our Saviour and of all he has done for us; and

to Christ's disciples there is real happiness in obeying his commands. And if we find our chief happiness here in loving God, and in doing his will, we shall hereafter enjoy unalloyed happiness in his immediate presence in heaven.

HELEN.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS.

A GENTLEMAN walking through a street in London met a little girl weeping bitterly. On inquiring what her trouble was, she told him she had disobeyed her mother, who was angry with her, and that her father would punish her severely when he came home. The gentleman talked with the child, and tried to make her feel how wrong her conduct had been, and at length told her to go at once to her mother, confess her fault, and beg her forgiveness. On his return through the street about an hour afterwards, he saw the little girl at the same place, quite happy in her looks. She ran towards him, and said with delight, "Oh, sir, it's all made up; mother has forgiven me !"

How many joyous meetings like this there will be in heaven, between sinners who confessed to God their sins and found peace, and the Christian friends who turned them from the error of their way, and thus saved their souls from death!