48 THE HISTORY OF

and command us to take pity on the puor, and
to love our neighbours as well as ourselves;
which we cannot be said to do, when we lay
out all the money we can earn in decking our-
selves forth, or pampering ourselves with deli-
cate food.”

“You have a vast deal to say, Susan,” said
Charlotte: ‘ but I do not think, with all your
fine talking, that I shall give up my silk gown.”
+ Now, my dear Charlotte,” said I, “if you
will promise to think no more of this silk gown,
and will, for a few years, be content to wear
humble garments, and to give of what you save
to those who are in need, and to follow Him,
who, for our sakes, took upon him the fashion
of a servant, I think I can promise, that, at the
end of that time, you shall have a finer gown
than any lady’s in the kingdom; yes, a richer
gown than any queen ever wore on a birth-
night.”

Charlotte smiled, and asked me what I
meant.

“This gown,” said I, “that I promise you,
shall be as white as snow, and as bright as the
sun; it will never soil and never wear away ;
no moths shall ever corrupt it, nor shall any
thieves steal it from you.”

«Why, Susan,” said Charlotte, “ of what are
you talking? I do not understand you.”

“And with this beautiful gown,” added I,
‘* you shall wear a crown of precious stones, as
bright as the stars in the heavens. O! my dear
Charlotte, if you would but think less of this
world with all its vanities, if you will resist its