jumped up, but the blood from his nose, flowing over his face and
coat, and staining the snow, frightened him, and he uttered a loud
cry. The skaters were with him before his mother, though she was but a
few steps away, for she could not move as quickly as they. It was
pleasant to see their sympathy, and hear their kind inquiries. His
mother soon comforted him; for he had not been cut by the ice as they
feared. The blood from his nose testified to a pretty hard bump. He
soon forgot the pain, and was as happy as ever. He will long remember
his first sled ride on the river.

Why do you think, dear children, I have told you this story about a
child whom you have never seen? I wanted to ask you, or rather have
you ask yourselves, if you are willing, as Eddie was, to do as your
mother thinks best? Much as he wanted to go on the river, he felt
satisfied to do as his mother wished. I hope, when you know what your
mother prefers, you will make up your minds to give up your own plans,
and be happy in doing so.

I am not one of those who imagine children have no trials. I know
their lives are not all bright and sunny. I have not forgotten being a
child myself. Many a hard battle has to be fought with wrong feelings
and wrong wishes; but never fear; resolve to conquer yourselves, and
subdue every thing that is sinful. Every victory will make you
stronger, and render it easier for you to do right. Will you try?

"If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again."