The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1858-05-12
From the american Presbyterian.
Little Belle Richmond.

i mean to try and do rs ought to dav.
and not DO a wrong thing | mean to
be very good girl, said little Belle Rich
mond, as she sprsng out Of bed one win
ter morning. When she was all dressed
nicely, her hair combed and shoes tied.
she opened her door to run down stairs,
i mean to do right said she, as she
closed the door, and returned 10 the bed
side, and there knelt to offer her morn
ing prayer. She prayed that Jesus would
help her to keep her resolution, for she
kneS that she couldn't be good in her
own strength. Would that all it'll. girls
and boys would remember that.
Belle was only nine years old: her
mother was dead she had no brothers
and sisters ; no one to love her but her
dear kind father. Her father was a
young man, who loved his little daught-
er very dearly.
Belle ran down stairs, singing n pretty
hymn, and she ran in the parlor where her
father was.
What happy little girl = said her
father, kissing her tenderly.
Il mean to be- good all dav, papa I've
begun the day right SAID Belle, sweet.
ly.
'llow have you begun it, dear,'
Iprayed, papa
That is the right way, darling-,he
only way to do right But ring the lit
tie bell for the servants 10 come in to
prayers
Belle did as her father requested, and
moment after the two servants entered
and quietly seated themselves. Belle was
very quiet during the whole exercise
clasping her hands when she knelt in
prayer.
Her father gave her an approving smile
as he kissed her good bye,' when
she went 20 school. She began TO
think what good she might do that dav,
when she heard some one behind her
calling out, proud girl proud girl.
She turned around, and saw little
schoolmate coming near her.
Il didn't hear you before. Mary; did
you speak to mel' said she, pleasantly.
Yes, l did, answered Mary, passing
her.
DO wait, Mary; I'm going now.-
Please wait
DO you want the TO 2 asked Mary.
Yes, do; Of course | do
Didn't you tell Emm, Taylor tlia,
you couldn't go with me = asked Mary
quickly.
DO right said Bellies conscience.
Yes, did, Mary. But that WAS be.
cause you struck Emma. would like
to go with you il you are always good
| want to he good Mary
you are good, Belle. | wish was
as good ! answered Mary.
We are all sinners there is none rood
no, not one When Belle had said
this, she made her little friend promise &c
be good, too. Only ask Jesus for strength
to keep it, she said.
During the opening exercises and the
prayer, Belle resisted n temptation, and
she was glad she had done so. Her les
sons were all perfectly learned and reci
ted. and she gained an approving word
from her teacher.
In the afternoon, Belle heard her name
called, i'll whisper several times. She
turned around and saw little girl, with
her book before her face eating an ap
pie. This was breaking the rules so
Belle, not thinking, whispered, Please
don't it's against the rules
so is Whispering said the child.
Belle blushed and when the little
girl offered her half of the apple, she
was going TO extend her hand, when she
thought, Is it righ, No. Jesus help
me-
When they gave in their reports for the
day, Bellies was deficient but after
school had ended she told her teacher all
She was forgiven, and her teacher press
ed kiss on her lips, when she said
Good afternoon
Belle Richmond came with her little
happy face to her father, and told him
how she had spent the day. 1t was
almost her bed time, but she did not
feel tired.
My child said her father, you can
be good every day. But, Belle, YOU
have sinful thoughts, perhaps to-day
you have still sinful nature, and only
by prayer can you overcome it. Keep
nearer to Jesus and you are safe. Now
Belle, you have found it easy to do
right one day. when Jesus helps you, can
you not do right all your life time, az
your days, asking Jesus to help you
Try nay dear, and you will grow in
grace as you do ia years. Pray often
Belle, ard you will be indeed what YOU
now desire
ERSEsrINE HAMILTON.