feeling, or generous spirit, beams over the homely face. And then we know but too well, with the fatal knowledge of daily experience, that yonder bright-eyed boy, by abusing the talent entrusted to him, may fall with the evil-doers. We know that yonder cherub-faced girl may sink to the lowest degradation of corruption, unless she learn betimes to cherish womanly modesty, and fear of sin. And, thanks be to God, we know also, that the cold heart may learn to feel, the sullen temper may clear, the passionate may become cool, the wavering firm, by humbly taking to heart the lessons of wisdom, and earnestly, ceaselessly, seeking a blessing from their Maker and Redeemer.
Some persons, in watching a party of children, have pleased themselves by drawing an imaginary horoscope for each of the group; adding a score or two of years to each young life, they parcel out honors, and wealth, and fame, and learning to some; care, and trouble, and disappointment to others; to these they give distinction, to those obscurity; appointing the different lots, perhaps, with as much judgment and impartiality as the world will show in bestowing them at a later day. But I should care little to know which of those lads will count the highest number of thousands, I should not ask which will boast the readiest tongue, the sharpest wit, which will acquire the most learning, or which will fill the highest place. There is another question to be answered; a question of deeper import to the individual himself, and to his fellow-creatures. True, it does not involve either wealth, or honors, or fame; but it is much more closely connected than either of these with individual happiness, and with the well-being of society. I would ask, rather, which of those boys now making trial of the powers with which their Maker has endowed
