she said, "Mother, I feel the truth of what you say; I feel that I have
been an ungrateful child; I have neglected my duty to you, to my father,
sister, brothers, and friends; and I now see, for the first time, how
greatly I have been offending God. From him I will first seek
forgiveness, through the atonement of Christ, and before him I will make
a solemn resolution to try, from this day, to subdue my sinful temper. I
say, I will promise to try; I dare not promise to do it: I fear I shall
fall back many times; and perhaps before this day closes I shall have
to repent of angry words and wicked feelings."

My young readers, if any of you are conscious of having the same fault
that Isabella determined to endeavor to correct, make with her now a
resolution to pray, and strive against it, and go to your heavenly
Father, and ask his assistance. Plead earnestly in the name of Christ
for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Mrs. Gardner heard with gratitude the determination of her child, and
left her with an affectionate wish that her birth-day might pass
happily. When Isabella returned to her chamber she found upon her table
a large Bible. It was a birth-day gift from her parents, and beneath
Isabella's name were written the words which stand on the title-page of
this book,--"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he
that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city." Prov. xvi, 32.

Isabella had two brothers, Edward and George: they were both younger
than herself. Mary, her only sister, was seventeen years old, and was a
lovely example of gentleness and piety. She was not so quick as
Isabella; but she had "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," which
is far more beautiful in the sight of God than the most brilliant
worldly accomplishments. Her faults were controlled by Christian