BERTIE'S BOX.
A very little boy by the name of "Bertie," kept a box in which he
deposited his little treasures. After he died his mother took the key
and opened it. It was full of all sorts of things. There were
specimens of stones, and shells, and moss, and grass, and dried
flowers. There were, also, curious flies, found dead; but they were
not destroyed by him, as he would never sacrifice a short sunny
existence for self gratifica
ion. There were a number of books and
small ornamental toys which had been given him--a drawing slate with
pencils, colored chalks, a small box of colors, some little plates
which he had colored, in his own untaught style--a commenced copy of
the hymn, "I know that my Redeemer liveth" an unfinished letter to his
grandpapa, and some torn leaves which he had found with passages of
scripture upon them--a copy of the "lines on the death of an only
son." Also a number of sketches of missionary stations, chapels and
schools, which he had cut out and colored. His mother once asked him
why he cut them out, saying, that there might be some reading on the
back of the pieces worth saving. "Oh no, mamma," he replied, "I looked
carefully at the backs first." In the box was a purse containing three
shillings.
Such were the treasures which this little lamb had left when he died;
And as you will be pleased to know what was done with the box of
treasures, I will tell you. "The thought struck me," says his mother,
"that after he was gone, I should not know what to do with Bertie's
box of treasures; I therefore asked him what I should do with them."
He replied, "Oh, give half to God and half to the children, and be
sure to divide them fairly." The money in the box was devoted to the
purchase of the Bible--and a collecting box made in the form of a
Bible; for, said he, "when my friends come and give money to the
children, then hold Bertie's box for Bertie's share." This is a good
example for all children. Your little treasures may serve a good
purpose when you die.