with the very same hopes that made me write an easy account of it for
you when you were a little child. Because it is the best book that ever
was or ever will be in the world. And because it teaches you the best
lessons by which any human creature who tries to be truthful and
faithful to duty can possibly be guided. As your brothers have gone
away, one by one, I have written to each such words as I am now writing
to you and have entreated them all to guide themselves by this book,
putting aside the interpretations and inventions of men. Never abandon
the wholesome practice of saying your own private prayers, night and
morning. I have never abandoned it myself, and I know the comfort of
it."

Now that we are done reading this letter it does not sound like advice
at all, does it. It is all so wholesome and sturdy that we feel like
speaking right out loud, "Thank you, Mr. Dickens, thank you very much."

MEMORY VERSE, _Psalm_ 119: 9

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways? By taking heed
thereto according to thy word."

MEMORY HYMN [205]

_"Lamp of our feet."_




IF I WERE A BOY AGAIN