Affie looked inquiringly to her father and said, "I do not see why the Sabbath has been changed to the first day of the week, for the Bible says that God made heaven and earth and sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."

Mr. De Van was always glad to have Bible questions asked him by his children, and was ready to answer to the best of his ability. "There was no direct command given to change this day. The redemption of man through Christ was considered by the Apostles to be a greater work than the creation of myriads of worlds. It was on the first day of the week that Christ arose from the grave, and can you tell me who was earliest at the Sepulchre?"

The girls both replied, "It was Mary."

Mrs. De Van asked, "Was it Mary, the mother of Jesus, or Mary Magdalene?"

Affie readily answered," It was Mary Magdalene."

Their supper being finished, they respectfully arose while Mr. D. returned his heartfelt thanks to the Author of every good and perfect gift. During this Willie, a sly little rogue, happened to espy an intruding grasshopper perching itself upon his plate. Willie did not close his eyes as did his parents, his bright black eyes saw everything that was about him. Notwithstanding the reproving looks of his sister, as quick as thought he took the poor insect prisoner, placing one of its legs between his pretty lips, looking mischievously at his sister, while the grasshopper performed various evolutions about the mouth and nose of its antagonist. Even Affie

could scarcely control her risibles, but he was sure to loose his hold before the solemn "Amen" was pronounced, and as soon as the closed eyes of his parents were opened he looked as demure as if nothing had happened.

At this moment a hurried rap was given at the door; it was opened, and Lieutenant Morse entered. Deep anxiety was depicted on his countenance, and without ceremony he requested Mrs. D. to accompany him to his house. The question being asked if Franky was worse, was answered in the affirmative. Mrs. D. was soon seated in the chaise; they drove rapidly down the descent to the highway, and in a moment were out of sight. Mr. Morse soon drove to his own door, where his friend alighted. Mrs. D. with a noiseless step entered the sick room, where several neighbors were already present. The little

sufferer lay in the arms of its pale and weeping mother, in strong convulsions. This kind-hearted lady advanced and took the child. Captain De Van was not a man that absented himself from scenes of suffering, but taking his hat and cane, walked leisurely down the road that lay upon the banks of the river, which formed a deep bend, where, many years before, the inhabitants of this village had selected the burying-place of their dead. The thoughtful eye of our friend gazed with intense interest upon the richly cultivated fields, while upon the other hand the lofty hills stood out in bold relief, and ever and anon the white rock could be seen peering through the green foliage, that fringed the banks of the beautiful river. The branches of the elm and the box were interwoven, and by its side like a sentinel

"The lombard poplar stood,
And silver willow gently bowed,
To drink the crystal flood."

Happy indeed is he who can look from "nature up to nature's God. Our friend halted as he came up to the city of the dead, and leaned pensively over the white fence; there he could see engraved upon the white and grey marble, the names of many whose memory was yet dear to him. He repeated almost audibly, "there was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid." He thought of the unbroken ranks of his dear family, then offered a silent prayer to that God in whose hand are the issues of life and death, beseeching him to defend from the arrows of death, which were flying thick around them. He saw not the dark cloud that was gathering, nor the bitter cup which he