The little bee, by instinct alone, is taught the necessity of faithful
labor. In the summer, it collects honey from every flower, that it may
have a supply of food for the approaching winter, when the flowers have
all faded. But children have reason, instead of instinct, to guide them;
and should be industrious in childhood and youth, in gathering the
sweets of knowledge and virtue for spiritual sustenance in the winter of
life.




THE MORNING WALK.


Children, in the early morning,
When the sun's first rosy ray,
Bright'ning on the distant hill-top,
Gilds the tall spire o'er the way,
Raise the heavy, sleepy eyelid,
Welcome cheerfully the light;
Nature's time for rest and slumber
Passes with the hours of night.

While the air is freshest, purest,
And the city seems at rest,
Rise, and while the eye beams clearest,
Roam with me, an out-door guest.
And abroad we'll gayly wander,