Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1853-12-16
9 antb's Department.
The Transparent Slate.


70 give others pleasure, cNtr "iihhS
70 sacrifice her own wishes andcom-
fort TO do another kindness, modest
and obedient, II isnot strange that her
heart was light and joyous. and that
she was beloved by all. Perhaps, my
little readers, you think he masthaye
Rad great many things to make her
happy, and very few things TO trouble
and annoy her; and therefore was she
so sweet-tempered and amiable No
mot so; on the contrary, she had few
er external sources Of enjoyment than
children usually have. Her father
could not afford to buy her many toys
and story-books. nor did he often take
her TO places Of amusement. She very
rarely had any money of her own to
spend, and never more than a penny
or two at time.
Those qualifications, however, which
were occasionally afforded her, | be
heve she enjoyed with far greater zest
than if they had been frequent. A
single visit to the Menagerie was a
thing for interest and wonder during
many weeks afterward Every play
thing in her playhouse was of pecu-
liar worth, because she has SO few,
and most precious was the care she
took of every article. When, at one
time, lady sent her pretty little
chair for her doll, made and painted
just like real, large chair, Mary tru-
ly was happier than any princes with
"a handred fine toys. As to her books,
they too were few in number, yet Ma
~ read them again and again, always
with fresh interest and pleasure. A
little volume of Kesop's Fables in
verse, and the "Child's Book on the
Soul" were treasures indeed in her
estimation, and her enjoyment of these
little books gave her taste for read
ing, which proved source of great
pleasure and improvement as she
grew older. With such a disposition
as this, finding recreation and enjoy
ment with very small means and in
little things, with heart full of love
and kindness towards every one, Mary
was grateful for her blessings and con-
tented with her lot. Not, by any
means, as you will presently see, was
she exempt from the trials and temp
tations of daily life. These come tc
all; to children as well as to older peo-
pie, to rich and poor; to high and to
low; though there are many kinds and
presented und n every variety Of cir
cumstances. Little Mary had hen
portion. The same temptations from
sinful heart and from an evil world
beset her, that now besetyo my little
friends. She would sometimes give the
hasty, thoughtless answer, or the sui
len look, and at other times she wanted
very much 20 do just as she pleased
instead Of doing as her mother or teach
er pleased. 1t was not always easy
for her, more than for others, to tel
the exact truth, even though it shoulC
prove her in fault. She occasionally
felt mortified that her father was no
as rich as some other girls father wer'
and troubled because she was deprived
of some advantages and pleasures
that they enjoyed. Yet the bette
feelings would quickly return to he
heart, and the peaceful expression o
contentment to her face; while, will
sincere repentings for her faults, sh
was ever striving. as hard as any it'll
girl l know, 20 overcome them all. an,
to do right continually. The still loN
voice within, which chidcs us, whe
we do wrong, and which approve
when we do right,-that little guardian
spirit that is always faithful to us, S
long as we heed its teachings-yo
know well what mean, dear children
the injunctions Of this friendly voice
little Mary understood. and usual
obeyed. Happy indeed for us all, /
heed this friend-to regard its counse
to cherish it with watchful care 70
our guidance and comfort through lii,
Let me tell you how, ON one occasion
when Mary was tempted to commit
great sin, she was saved from the dee
BY listening to the urgent voice of he
conscience. warning her Of her guilt an
danger.
Mr.. Edwards was treasurer of
certain religious society which hel
its meetings every year in ditferer
towns Of the state. A treasurer is
person who receives and takes care {
the money that people pay to asociety
AT one time, this society held its meet
ings in the place whore Mr.. +. LIVED
and some Of the gentlemen attending
were invited to his house. Mary, r.
turning from school one day, foun
company in the parlor, who were
remain 10 dinner. When her fathe
came in, she observed curious it'll
bundle in his hand. of which he SCENE
10 take very special care;-with goo
reason, she thought, when she foun
Il to contain money; the money whic
as treasurer, he had receiv cd tn
morning from different members of
society. Mary watched him wit
childish interest, as he united the pal
eel. and emptied the money into lit
basket. "Oh, father" she exclaime,
ga basketfull Of money! How man,
how many dollars there must bel
Please tell me, father, how much thel
Is here?" IL do not know, my daugl
ter" said he, 81 am going to count
after dinner; and then will tell YOU.
'"Is il yours. father" she asked eager
ly. "No. il is not mine, il belongs
the society; but | am to take care Of /
and see that it is used for good an
benevolent purposes. Mary wante
her father 10 tell her more about i
but he began to talk with gentloma
and in a few minutes the dinner. be
rang. and they all went into the dining
loom, except Mary. who was TO wal
there not being room for her ut the Il
Bile.
For some time she remained stant
Ing BY the little basket Of money, "a