It is all very well to learn at school to read and write and cast accounts; all this will not be of much use to us unless we have also learned to do our duty, however hard and unpleasant it may be, and to turn away from every pleasure that interferes with our work.

The third reason is, that in our Bibles we read that Christ tells us, that those who wish to be like Him, and to share in the blessings which those only will enjoy who are like Him, must deny themselves, and submit to many inconveniences, as He had to do.

Thus we see that there are very good reasons for practising self-denial; and we ought not to avoid it because it is unpleasant, any more than we would refuse to take medicine that is to cure us of some dangerous disease because it is bitter to the taste. If we wish to learn the habit that all grownup people tell us is so very useful, the sooner

we begin it will be the easier to learn it; and there is no better place for learning it than a school. If, when we are coming to school in the morning, we meet with some companions who ask us to play with them, although we have just enough of time left to get to school before the bell rings, here is an opportunity to learn self-denial. If we sometimes feel inclined to stay away from school altogether, and enjoy some amusement of which we are very fond, here is another opportunity for self-denial. If, when we are in school, we begin to think it a dreadful trouble to attend to our lessons, and to work hard at our sums, and take pains with our writing, and that it would be so much better to sit idle and work at our ease, without any care-here is a grand opportunity for self-denial. If, when we sit down to prepare our lessons at home, we begin to grumble at them as too long and too difficult, and to think of giving them up, and going

out instead to get some sport-here we have another opportunity for self-denial. If, when we have made arrangements with our companions for some amusement, our mother should ask us to do something for her in the house, or our father should send us away some message or far-distant errand, then, instead of being sulky or disappointed, let us say to ourselves, "Well, here is a capital opportunity of learning self-denial." No day will pass without giving us the means of practising this habit; and though we may find it difficult at first, perseverance will soon make it easier. Self-denial will enable

us to bear the little disappointments and difficulties which we meet with when young without much complaining; and we will thus be prepared to face the far greater trials which meet those who are grown up and fighting their way in the world, with more

courage.

H

HARRY, OR SELF-DENIAL.

THE clock had just struck nine, and Harry recollected that his mother had desired them not to sit up a minute after the clock struck. He reminded his elder brother of this order. "Never mind," said Frank, "here's a famous fire, and I shall stay and enjoy it." "Yes," said Harry, "here's a famous fire, and I should like to stay and enjoy it; but that would not be self-denial; would it, Frank?" "Nonsense," said Frank; "I shall not stir yet, I promise you." "Then, good night to you," said Harry.

Six o'clock was the time at which the brothers were expected to rise. When it struck six the next morning, Harry started up; but the air felt so frosty that he had a strong inclination to lie down again. "But no," thought he, "here's a fine opportunity for self-denial ;" and up he jumped without

further hesitation. 66

Frank, Frank," said he to his sleeping brother, "past six o'clock, and a fine starlight morning." "Let me alone," cried Frank, in a cross, drowsy voice. "Very well then, a pleasant nap to you," said Harry; and down he ran as gay as the lark. After finishing his Latin exercise, he had time to take a pleasant walk before breakfast; so that he came in fresh and rosy, with a good appetite, and what was better, in a good humour. But poor Frank, who had just tumbled out of bed when the bell rang for prayers, came down, looking pale, and cross, and cold, and discontented. Harry was just beginning to utter some joke about his forlorn appearance, when he recollected his resolution: "Frank does not like to be laughed at, especially when he is cross," he thought to himself, and suppressed his joke.

During breakfast his father promised, that if the weather continued fine, Harry should ride out with him before dinner on