THE PRIMARY CLASS BOOK. LESSON I. EDWARD AND WILLIAM. 1. Two boys, about the same age, went daily to the same school; and as they lived near each other, they were usually companions thither. They were intimately acquainted, though different in their dispositions. 2. Edward was mild and forbearing, and always kept to the truth; William, on the contrary, was hasty and passionate; and what was much worse, did not always keep his word, and would sometimes be deceitful. 3. They were one day going to school as usual, each with a little basket under his arm, containing some victuals for a dinner, when they saw a fine large apple lying in the path at some distance before them. 4. As both saw it nearly at the same instant, both ran hastily to get it; but it happened that Edward got it first, which so provoked William that he pushed him down in a rage. 5. This very ill treatment Edward bore patiently; he spoke against it in a most gentle manner; and, taking a knife out of his pocket, cut the apple, and very generously offered him half of it. 6. But William, grown still more angry at his disappointment, took the piece and flung it at Edward, saying, "the whole apple was his, as he saw it first." 7. Edward then offered to part with the other half, but William was ashamed to take it. 8. He was struck with such unmerited kindness, but his pride would not permit him to discover any repentance for his abusive conduct. 9. They both went on to school without speaking a word, for William's sulkiness would not suffer him to be social. 10. The adventure of the apple had taken up so much time, that they came into school rather late; which being noticed by the master, he demanded the reason of it; and observing William to be somewhat fluttered, he was more anxious to inquire. 11. Edward gave his master an account of what they had found, but omitted saying a word of his companion's unkind behaviour, which ǎfterwards coming to the knowledge of his master, so won his affection, that he always paid Edward the greatest attention, and trusted him more than any other boy in the school. 12. William himself was sensibly affected with the noble disposition and generous behaviour of Edward, and which he took the earliest opportunity to acknowledge. 13. The next day William bought some sweetmeats at a confectioner's, with a view to give them to Edward, whom he was now sensible of having injured. An opportunity soon offered. 14. They met as usual to go to school, and Edward saluted his companion in a pleasant manner. 15. After walking a little way William took out his sweetmeats, and offered the whole of them to Edward; who refused, and would on no consideration take more than a part. 16. William urged him to receive the whole with much earnestness, and the other as firmly refused. 17. "It would be greedy in me," said Edward, "to take all." 18. "But I have injured you," replied William, "and I am desirous of making you some recompense." "You have injured me!" said Edward; "what do you mean? You have never injured me.' 19. Indeed I have," replied William; "I pushed you, and was in a passion with you, yesterday, about the apple, for which I have not been easy since." But Edward had already forgotten the apple, and could not think of receiving a recompense for an injury which he had forgiven, and which he now remembered no more. 20. He assured William, that every thing which passed between them yesterday was over, and wished it never to be renewed again. This was too much for William, who was a lad of fine feelings; he fell upon Edward's neck, and bathed it with tears, saying that he hoped he should never quarrel again. 21. Edward bore this strong proof of affection with much calmness. He was very sensible of William's repentance, and that was all he desired. He told him he regarded him as his best friend, and was happy to think he had such a companion. 22. This is an instance of forbearance and repentance in two young persons, that would render the youth of both sexes happy did they all possess such amiable qualities. If children could but see their faults in a proper light, they would more frequently repent and amend, than they do. 23. Such conduct as that of Edward, deserves the highest praise, and shows a nobleness of soul, that would do honour to maturer age. How calm and easy when insulted; and with what wonderful patience did he bear the passionate treatment of William! 24. It seems nothing could ruffle him; nothing could make him angry; such a temper is a jewel of great worth, and will always bring happiness to him who is fortunate enough to possess it. LESSON II. LOVE BETWEEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS. 1. You are the children of one father, provided for by his care; and the breast of one mother nourished you. Let the bonds of affection, therefore, unite thee with thy brothers and sisters, that peace and happiness may dwell in thy father's house. 2. And when you are separated in the world, remember the relation that binds you to love and unity; and prefer not a stranger before thy own blood. 3. If thy brother is in adversity, assist him; if thy sister is in trouble, forsake her not. So shall the fortunes of thy father contribute to the support of his whole race, and his care be continued tc you all, in your love to each other. LESSON III. A MORNING IN SPRING.. 1. Lo! the bright, the rosy morning, 2. Nature, now in all her beauty, |