IN ILLUSTRATION OF THE COLLECTS

OR A YEAR WITH THE FIRST-CLASS BOYS OF FORLEY.

The First Sunday after Easter

COLLECT.

Almighty Father, who hast given Thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may alway serve Thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

FRED Elwood was at this time a tall, active boy, about fourteen years old. He was the eldest child of three, and an only son, greatly beloved of his father; and even his mother, who was a cold-hearted selfish person, was fond and proud of her boy. Most truly did he return the affection of both father and mother, for a kinder, better son there could not be.

Among the boys of the school, too, Fred was a great favourite, for he was always good-tempered. cheerful, and obliging. If the little ones were in trouble, it was to Fred that they would go for help or comfort; and if the elder ones wanted assistance in any undertaking, Fred was always willing to help them if he could.

Mr and Miss Walton also loved poor Fred, because, as my readers will have seen, he was so cheerfully and readily attentive to them. If a gate wanted opening in their walks, it was Fred that opened it. If a messenger was wanted, it was Fred that offered himself. If the snuffers were missing during evening school, it was Fred that first started up to find them, and it was generally his especial business to clear

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