LESSON XL.

King Edward and his Bible.—­MRS. L.H.  SIGOURNEY.

1.  I will tell you a little story about a young and good king.  He was king of England more than two hundred and eighty years ago.  His name was Edward, and, because there had been five kings before him of the name of Edward, he was called Edward the Sixth.

2.  He was only nine years old when he began to reign.  He was early taught to be good, by pious teachers, and he loved to do what they told him would please God.  He had a great reverence for the Bible, which he knew contained the words of his Father in heaven.

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3.  Once, when he was quite a young child, he was playing with some children about his own age.  He wished much to reach something which was above his head.  To assist him, they laid a large, thick book in a chair, for him to step on.  Just as he was putting his foot upon it, he discovered it to be the Bible.

4.  Drawing back, he took it in his arms, kissed it, and returned it to its place.  Turning to his little playmates, he said, with a serious face,—­“Shall I dare to tread under my feet that which God has commanded me to keep in my heart?”

5.  This pious king never forgot his prayers.  Though the people with whom he lived were continually anxious to amuse him, and show him some new thing, they never could induce him to omit his daily devotions.

6.  One day he heard that one of his teachers was sick.  Immediately, he retired to pray for him.  Coming from his prayers, he said, with a cheerful countenance, “I think there is hope that he will recover.  I have this morning earnestly begged of God to spare him to us.”

7.  After his teacher became well, he was told of this; and he very much loved the young king for remembering him in his prayers.

8.  Edward the Sixth died when he was sixteen years old.  He was beloved by all, for his goodness and piety.  His mind was calm and serene in his sickness.

9.  If you are not tired of my story, I will tell you part of a prayer which he used often to say, when on his dying bed.

10.  “My Lord God, if thou wilt deliver me from this miserable life, take me among thy chosen.  Yet not my will, but thy will, be done.  Lord, I commit my spirit unto thee.  Thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee.  Yet, if thou shouldst send me life and health, grant that I may truly serve thee.”

11.  Children, you should do like King Edward, reverence your Bible, and love to pray to God.

LESSON XLI.

What does it Mean to be Tempted.—­M.H., IN THE ROSE-BUD.

1.  “Mother,” said little Frank, “I wish you would tell me what it means to be tempted.  I heard you say, the other day, that people are tempted to do many wicked things;—­pray tell me, mother, if such a little boy as I am is ever tempted?”