* Milton's "Paradise Lost."
"Thus, dear children, were formed the parents of our race, made in the image of their Creator, and endowed with knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. How different would have been our condition had they never fallen from that high estate!"
[CHAPTER XI.]
PROVIDENCE; OR, THE ILL-FATED BOAT.
QUESTION XI. What are God's works of providence?
ANSWER. God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.
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THE morning of Thursday dawned clear and bright, and at the breakfast table the children eagerly reminded their father of his promise to improve the first fine day by teaching them to skate. At the distance of one quarter of a mile from their house, there was a large pond, which was now covered with firm, smooth ice. Mr. Dermott told them that he would endeavor to return from the city to take an early dinner with them, after which, provided their lessons had been well learned, he would accompany them to the pond.
Every thing was propitious; the children studied diligently, and, of course, recited correctly. The weather continued fine, and their father arrived in ample season for dinner. A merry party that was, consisting of father, mother, and four happy children; and a delightful afternoon they passed, filling their lungs with the clear, bracing air, as they lightly skimmed over the pond, making the woods, which lined the banks, ring with their cheerful tones and merry laughter.
"I don't believe any body in the world is as happy as I am," exclaimed the enthusiastic Helen, as she sat by the fire after tea, waiting for her parents to be ready for the catechising.
"Come, my daughter, I should like to have you tell me why you are so happy," remarked Mr. Dermott, after Walter had repeated the answer for the evening.