"And do you know, my child, the reason why you cannot keep your
promises?"

"No, mother; I am sure I try to keep them; but before I think I get
angry."

"We are all weak and sinful creatures," said Mrs. Gardner; "and without
help from God we can do no good thing. Even the apostle Paul found that
when he would do good, evil was present with him: so that the best
persons require aid from above, to enable them to keep in the right
path. You must be convinced of your own weakness, Isabella, before you
will feel the need of this assistance; and I should think your failures
in your efforts to regulate your temper would be enough of it.

"This is the commencement of your new year. On this day you begin
another term of duty. Think of all your faults; think particularly of
that which now troubles you so much: then go to God, and humbly confess
to him your wickedness; seek the influence of the Holy Spirit; promise
from this day to try and govern your temper, and promise it in his
presence. Ask God to help you to keep this resolution; pray that you may
be gentle, kind, and forgiving; humble, and willing to be reproved; and
that the beginning of your new year may be the beginning of a new life
with you.

"I now leave you to think of these things, and commit you to Him who
can alone make you perfect in every good work, with the earnest prayer
that he may cleanse and purify your heart, and lead you into the path of
life."

Isabella turned to her mother, and large tears rolled down her cheeks as