180 CHILDREN'S BOOK FOR SABBA TIH HOURS. him an expert or even a tolerable per- with more or less danger. The poet was former. But no boy regrets the effort not far from the truth when he said: he has put forth to become a good skater. We should suspect some danger near, He says and he feels that it pays. So, When we possess delight " in this wicked world, it requires much practice and some suffering to form thor- You have appetites and desires which oughly good habits, to learn always to may minister much pleasure, but which, obey conscience and endeavor to do right, also, may lead you in the path of sorrow whatever be the temptation in the op- and misery and ruin. Alas, how many posite direction ; but the habits once have trod this path, and suffered far more formed, will yield more solid pleasure, than they ever enjoyed Your parents and for a far longer period, than ever can tell you about them, and they will be came from skating or any other innocent ready to warn you of your danger. The and healthful amusement. Remember Lord guard you, and cause you to walk this, young friends, and be sure to form in the narrow way which leads to ever- good habits, whatever opposition you lasting joy. may meet. They will pay, and you will We may also learn the goodness of God always be glad you formed them. in so forming us that we can find pleasure, We may also learn that some of our as well as profit, in bodily exercise. He sweetest pleasures are often attended might have so made us that every move- with danger. Skating, as you all know, ment would cause pain. It is wonderful is one of the choicest sports of children that, with so many parts to our bodies, so and youth, and yet there is always more many joints, tendons, muscles and nerves, or less danger connected with it. You we can stir from our place without crying may be injured by a fall; you may out from suffering, like a man who is sore strain yourself by over-exertion ; you all over with rheumatism ; and it is more may sprain an ankle or break a limb; wonderful still that we can bend and twist and, worse than all, you may break our limbs in so many ways, not only with- through the ice and be drowned. Al- out pain, but with real pleasure. The most always some anxious hearts follow more you think of this subject, the more children to the skating pond, and we you will be impressed with the kindness think that some fond mothers are, now and love of our Heavenly Father, who and then, tempted to wish that skates hath done all things well. We are all had never been invented. And yet, with fearfully and wonderfully made ; but with care and prudence, harm and danger may all the delicate mechanism of our bodies, be avoided. and the more delicate structure of our True it is, that, almost everywhere, you minds, we may, by care, prudence and will find that the pleasures you engage virtue, not only escape much pain, but in with such a hearty relish, are attended enjoy much pleasure and happiness.