"I know it, I know it,' said little Alice, her eye sparkling with delight; but why don't people do more as if they thought a blessing did rest on rich men who relieved the poor? and why are so many men spending their money on their own comforts, and leaving the poor to want? and why do so many neglect to see after their condition at all, for soul or body? don't they believe what God says?'

"It would seem so indeed, said I, for it is as plain as words can make it, that those who use riches aright, have a large blessing from God; and those who use them selfishly or sinfully are chastened by Him. Men act as if the Bible were a dead letter, and as if its promises were not true and real.

Henry at this moment appeared at the end of the lane, and his sister ran with joy to meet him, while I remained with his mother."

JOHN HENRY PARKER, OXFORD AND LONDON.

Tracts for the Christian Seasons.

ST. LUKE'S DAY.

"OH Henry, you do look so ill,' said little Alice, one morning, about three weeks after the time I spoke of before, as she ran after her brother, who was setting out on a bright clear October morning to the cottage of the poor youth. Do, please, take care of yourself, for what would mamma do, what should we do, what would they all do, if you were to die, dear Henry,' said the little girl, burying her face in her brother's hand, and covering it with kisses. Henry returned his little sister's affection again and again, and drew her on with him towards the cottage to which he was going. The morning was clear and frosty. The ground was covered with white dew-drops, and the gossamers spread their thin net-work over the blades of straggling grass. The trees had begun to take their light livery of yellow and red, and the early sun.

enriched the boughs with clear dazzling lustre. 'Oh, isn't it a happy morning?' cried Alice, as she danced by her brother's side, soon forgetting her trouble in the glory of the day.

"Most lovely!' said Henry; 'oh how many lovely walks I have had to that cottage in the last three weeks; when shall I forget them! Alice, you have never seen Robert, have you? come on with me and see him; he will be glad to see you, for poor boy his days are very lonely, and he has few companions or friends to be with him.'

"Except you, Henry,' said his sister, and I don't know what he could want more.'

"Henry smiled. 'You will not mind coming with me, Alice,' said he, 'Robert looks very bad, and the room is close and small.'

"How can you ask me!' said his sister, surprised at his doubt, 'I love to go among the cottages; you know I do Henry, especially with you.'

By this time they had reached the cottage garden. It, shone gaily in the bright October morning; the door stood open as Henry and his sister entered. Before them in the same sunshine sat the pale and thin figure of the sick boy, his head propped up by pillows, and he

himself lying back, as if he had very far from recovered from the effect of his accident. At Henry's entrance his face brightened up with joy, and he raised his head from the pillow. 'Oh,' said he, 'I have been so longing to see you come; I have counted every step in the lane, but I know you are a long way off; you are very kind to me, Sir; God will reward you.'

"Alice pressed her brother's hand, and the tears sprung into her eye. The cottage now

shewed signs of the greatest care and order; some flowers stood on the table before the sick boy, and every thing around shewed how carefully Henry had done his work. He was heir himself to a large property, and as he was yet young and under age, he had not much at his command; but his mother gave him as much as she felt right, that he might have the use of what she knew he would spend well. The ray of light and gladness which seemed to spread over Robert's pale face, thrilled Alice with delight. She watched Henry's kind attentive manner; the gentle way in which he eased the boy's pillow, and asked him of his pains. Alice sat down on a stool by her brother's feet, as he read to the patient. Henry asked if the physician had been to see Robert since yesterday.

Yes,' said Robert, 'he was here early this morning. I do not know whether he thought me better or no, for he said very little; he was very kind to me; but I think somehow he did not think well of me; for he seemed to shake his head, and looked very grave. I somehow think I shall not be long after dear mother.'

"There was a moment's pause.

"Alice looked up in her brother's face anxiously. She had not been used to scenes like this; and it touched her young heart.

"Would you mind, Sir,' said the poor lad, 'to ask him when you see him whether he thinks I shall recover, for I feel I have much to do yet before I am ready to go, and I would know how long that little time is, that I may fully repent of my sins, and prepare for the great change.'

Henry promised to ask the physician, and that he would tell Robert faithfully the report. 'My poor lad,' said he, 'you must look to a higher Physician than any earthly one; one who can heal more than the body.'

Yes, yes, I know,' said he, 'I know what you mean; mother used to talk to me so much of that. She has often told me of the good and great Physician, to whom I should go, and,