Year: 1868

hard work to procure the necessaries of life, were constantly complaining of the faults and failures of others, instead of seeking Divine help to rectify their own.

 "All this trouble and sorrow in the world is through Adam and Eve" the old gentleman would exclaim. "If I had been Adam, would not have al- lowed woman to lead me into such . scrape."

 A wealthy and pious lady lived near, who had frequently relieved the old man and his wife. One day when pass ing, she overheard them grumbling as usual, about Adam and Eve. She felt anxious to convince them of the impor- tance of being content with the station ill which Providence had placed them. and how wrong it was to be thus con- stantly murmuring at their lot in life.

 The next morning the lady's servant in livery came to the cottage with mes- sage from his mistress requesting the old couple to go up to the mansion. The look of discontent vanished for once, as the old folks were delighted with such a distinction from one so very rich.

 On arriving at the mansion, the lady received them most kindly, and thus addressed them:

 "I have set apart two rooms in my house, and so long as you attend to my wishes, you will be allowed to re- main here, and have everything need- fnl for your comfort. But if you dis obey any of my rules you will be im- mediately turned out and sent back to your own mud cottage.

 "Thank you! thank you kindly mad am," responded the old man.

 ''Never fear our doing anything against your wishes, ma'am," added the old woman.

 'Very we'll" said the lady, then you will find home here for life,"

 Everything necessary fer their com- fort was provided, and all things wont on well for some time. There was one thing that somewhat puzzled them.

 For several days there was placed on the dinner-table a covered dish, which they were desired not to touch.

 My lady desires me to say, that every dish is at your service except that one,' said tho servant.

 On such & day. having nearly finish ed their hearty repast, the curiosity of the old woman was greatly excited as to the contents of the forbidden dish, and she said to her husband;

 "Whatcver can it be p

 "Never mind," said the old man: we've had capital dinner without it.'

 "As the lady was doing us good, she might as we'll let us taste every dish," added the old woman.

 "Why, yes, she might as we'll have done handsomely" rejoined the hus- band.

 "There can be no harm in looking" continued the old woman ''the lady will never be any wiser for that"

 The old Ii an was silent, and silence serves to give consent. He was almost as curious as his wife about the strange dish. The temptation was strong, and the longer it was parled about the more irresistible it became.

 "She9l never know we have looked, D repeated the old woman, as she gently took hold the cover, and very cautious ly raised it on one side, then stopped down to peep under.

 "Oh! oh! ohw exclaimed the terri fled old woman, as she started back and upset the dish cover on the floor.

 Out jumped mouse!

 The uproar reused the lady of the house, who suspecting what was the matter, was quickly at the door.

 "What! is this the return you make for my kindness? You, who were so ready to blame Adam and Eve for eat ing the forbidden fruit, could not obey my trifling request? You have now forfeited the privileges conferred up- on you, and you must therefore leave ny house immediately, and return to your mud cottage. Never, in future, blame Adam and Eve for what you ev- idently would have done had you been in their places."