kept John safe through many dangers, had saved the lives of the old
people, and had now brought them to each other again.

It was a fine bright morning in Spring, just such a one as it had been
nearly twenty years before, when Tom Jones had tempted John Cooper to
keep away from school, and to go into the wood to take birds' nests.
John did not forget that day; and when it came into his mind, he could
not help thinking of the changes that had taken place since.

He went to church, and you may be sure that he and the old man and woman
gave thanks to God with all their hearts, for the mercy he had shewn to
them.

[Illustration: CHARITY]




CHARITY.

* * * * *

Mary Jones was a poor woman whose husband had gone to sea on a long
voyage. She lived in a house by the road side, and got her living by
washing. She had two little boys, who were her great comfort, and whom
she used to call Ned and Tom.

For some time after her husband had left, she got on very well, and was
able to send the boys to school: but she caught a fever and was forced
to keep her bed. Her neighbour, Sarah Smith, was very kind to her, and