BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 61

of his temper. God has given us a kingdom to command.
He wants us to be kings, not slaves. Concerning this king-
dom Louisa M. Alcott has written one of her sweetest, sim-
plest poems—a poem that ‘a child may easily learn and
understand, and yet so full of pleasant, useful teaching that
children, and boys, and men will all be the better for drink-
ing in its spirit and living out its prayers.

A little kingdom I possess,
Where thoughts and feelings dwell;
And very hard I find the task
Of governing it well;
For passion tempts, and troubles me,
A wayward will misleads;
And selfishness its shadow casts
On all my will and deeds.

How can J learn to rule myself
To be the child 1 should—
Honest and brave, nor ever tire

_ Of trying to be good?

How can I keep a sunny soui
To shine along life’s way?
How can I tune my little heart

To sweetly sing all day?

Dear Father, help me with the love
That casteth out all fear!

Teach me to lean on Thee and feel
That Thou art very near;

That no temptation is unseen,
No childish grief too small,

Since Thou, with patience infinite,
Doth soothe and comfort all.

I do not ask for any crown
But that which all may win;
Nor try to conquer any world
Except the one within;
Be Thou my guide until I find,
Led by a tender hand,
Thy happy kingdom in myseZf, +
And dare to take command,