Year: 1868

our sympathy; but we would many times,
notwithstanding his enfeebled condition,
look upon him with feelings Of the strong
est aversion-despise him as the author
Of Nell's misfortunes. But every time we
are tempted to do SO her gentle pleading
eyes seem to look beseechingly up, and,
in tones whose tenderdess reproaches US
for our unkindness, say: do not speak
harshly to him. He is weak old man.
God bless him. He has only me to help
him now. God bless US both" We can
not resist her entreaties and so, at last,
her anxieties and cares become ours, and
we seek to share them in every circum-
stance of her strange life. At times, it is
true, our resentment is rekindled, when
some mad act Of her grandfather precipi
tates her into greater difficulties. We
momentarily feel like separating them,
and, placing Nell in position of ease and
comfort, leave the old man to plod on his
way alone. But "neither of US could
part from the other" says the sweet voice
of the child, '.'if all the wealth of the
world were halved between u.s." Nor
could we for moment, when we see the
noble self-sacri6cing devotion of her young
heart, desire to part them. No-no--we
learn to love the great truths taught by
the example of the lovely child, and our
hearts becoming softened by higher, ho-
lier perceptions of our duty, one to anoth-
er. we pity the old man and in the great
est extravagances of his imbecility would
aid Nell in the promotion of his happi-
ness.


How beautifully. in her character, does
the author illustrate the true greatness Of
the soul. How faithfully does he portray
true charity. He does not show us one
from the more favored walks of life-one
who has means and influence with which
ttoranseliefate the bolfdisi5n OF slse@ sdHsr.e
| ing-not one who distributes gold with
ostentatious liberality-nor one who talks
much of the poor, and makes long pray
ers in their behalf, and asks Gods bless
| ing upon them !; no, not one with even a
home. But poor child-one who often
has not crust of bread to appease the
cravings of hunger. A child who for
all this exhibits traits of character which
all the gold of earth could not purchase.
One who, carrying out the principle of
love which God has implanted within her,
sacrifices her own comfort through many
trying scenes-nay, her life is premature
ly closed in trying to promote the good Of
another. Oh, ye, who live in wealth,
and every day set down to sumptuous
feasts while the miserable poor are dying
around you-look at this, ye, who would
dole out your charities to the unhappy
ones of earth, learn lesson from the sim
pie story of this child. Who shall say
how many there are like her, who, in their
quiet sphere, walk the earth to bless it?
Who shall say how many like her. in their
humble way, scatter flowers of truth along
their path to heaven :? Who shall say
how much of good is developed among the
poor around us every day, which we in
the pride and Indifference of our hearts
never heed2 Who shall say how many
there are along life's journey, whose rag
Iged garbs conceal the existence Of angels?
Oh, let no one spurn the weary, foot-sore
wanderers Of earth-they are Gods pill
grims-and he who would help them will
be rewarded bye and bye-he who would
turn them away may, hereafter, when
their journey is over,-long to know
them.


There are few, indeed, who read the
story of Little Nell, who do not feel like
aiding her; but this, in many cases, is


because master-hand paints the beauties


of her character. There may be many a
round US, in real life, whom we spurn


from our doors, as much deserving pity
as she. There is not one we imagine who
does not bless, with true earnestness, even


all who render assistance to the child and


her grandfather. There are one or two,
indeed, whose kindness to the wanderers
makes us long to tarry awhile and become
better acquainted. Who, for example
does not sigh, and perhaps let fall a teal
} when the poor travellers bid farewell tt
the good old schoolmaster Who would
not gladly try to persuade them to remair
a few days, to comfort him in his bereave
ment? Who does not wish to take ths
; good mans hand and thank him for his
, kindness so pure and disinterested-tt