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A Stately Vessel

They will hardly bend the lily proud, Though caught in her cup of gold; Yet am I a part of God's great plan, So my treasure I'll give as well as I can."

A child went merrily forth to play, But a thought, like a silver thread, Kept winding in and out all day Through the happy golden head; And it seemed to say, "Do all you can, For you are a part of God's great plan."

A She knew no more than the glancing star, Nor the cloud with its chalice full, How, why and for what all strange things are- She was only a child at school; But she thought, "It is a part of God's great plan That even I should do all that I can."

So she helped a younger child along, When the road was rough to the feet; And she sang from her heart a little song That we all thought was passing sweet; And her father, a weary, toil-worn man, Said, "I, too, will do the best that I can."

A Principle Put to the Test.

YOUNGSTER at school, more sedate than the rest, Had once his integrity put to the test; His comrades had plotted an orchard to rob, And asked him to go and assist in the job.

He was very much shocked, and answered, "O no!

What, rob our good neighbor! I pray you don't go; Besides, the man's poor-his orchard's his bread; Then think of his children, for they must be fed." "You speak very fine, and you look very grave- But apples we want, and apples we'll have.

If you will go with us, we'll give you a share; If not, you shall have neither apple nor pear."

He spoke, and James pondered-" I see they will go; Poor man! what a pity to injure him so!

Poor man! I would save him his fruit if I could; But staying behind will do him no good. "If this matter depended alone upon me, His apples might hang till they drop from the tree; But since they will take them, I think I'll go too; He will lose none by me, though I get a few."

His scruples thus silenced, James felt more at ease, And went with his comrades the apples to seize.

He blamed and protested, but joined in the plan; He shared in the plunder, but pitied the man.

Conscience slumbered awhile, but soon woke in his breast, And in language severe the delinquent addressed: "With such empty and selfish pretences away!

By your actions you're judged, be your speech what it may."