"'The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork.'"
"How important, then, that when we view the hills and vales, the moon and stars shining in their splendor, the trees and flowers, the birds and beasts, and every other work of creation, we should remember God, the Maker and Giver of all these blessings, and that our hearts should flow out toward him in gratitude and praise!"
"We sing of God, the mighty source
Of all things, the stupendous force
On which all things depend;
From whose right arm, beneath whose eyes,
All period, power, and enterprise,
Commence, and reign, and end."
[CHAPTER X.]
THE CREATION OF MAN; OR, THE WAX DOLL.
QUESTION X. How did God create man?
ANSWER. God created man, male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over his creatures.
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IT so happened that Helen's birthday, which was on the twelfth of February, occurred on Thursday following her aunt's visit. When she came down to breakfast in the morning, a high chair, which had in turn been used by all the children, was drawn up to the table, and in it was seated a beautiful wax doll. It had long, flaxen ringlets, and blue eyes, which could be made to open and shut, beautiful red cheeks, a white neck and arms, and taper fingers. It was dressed in a sky-blue merino, with a dainty silk apron, with tiny pockets, while its feet were covered with pink silk stockings and gaiter boots. This was papa's birthday present to his little daughter; and what a shout of joy rung through the house, as he took it from the high chair, and placed it in her arms! There was little breakfast eaten that morning by either of the children, for Helen's excitement communicated itself to the others, and the time was consumed in asking and answering questions.
Helen understood now why it was her mother had so often, within a few days, requested her to play in another room. She was making the dresses for Dolly, and wished to give her little girl a pleasant surprise.
"O, what a good time we will have!" cried the happy miss, as they rose from the table. "You shall play with it half the time, Anna, and I'll take yours. Perhaps mamma will let us take your birthday present of cups and saucers, and play 'come and see.'"