a book in his hand, and said, "O mother! here is a beautiful prayer. Let me read it to you."

It was the remembrance of this which induced her to make the request that the minister would pray by the side of her dying boy, and this was the secret of the calming influence which that prayer exerted. He continued thus tranquil a long time, but at length his distress returned, and the hour of death drew near.

About midnight, suffering and agonised, he begged of his mother to send for the good minister to pray again. He must have some

body to pray. The parents disliked to call him at that hour of the night, and knew not what to do. At last the mother went upstairs, and, taking the little sleeping Alice from the bed, brought her to her brother's bedside, and told her what he wanted. Immediately she knelt down, and slowly and solemnly repeated the prayer they so much loved. The first words soothed the sufferer, and with the last his spirit fled.

Truly, they labour not in vain who sow the precious seed in youthful hearts.