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.