"Because I know you won't let me."
"You may be sure I sha'n't, when you whine so. But if you had asked pleasantly, May I take the whip, Charlie? I would have let you. You must remember you never will gain anything from me by whining."
[CHAPTER II.]
JOHNNY'S RESOLUTIONS.
JOHNNY looked very sober a few moments; but then his face brightened up, and a pretty smile danced around his mouth. "I'm sure, now," he said, "I sha'n't fret any more."
"I'm afraid you will," answered his brother, "because you don't ask God to help you break off this bad habit. No one can cure himself of doing wrong by his own strength. When you say your prayers you must ask God to help you."
"I want to ask Him now," said Johnny.
"Well, shut your eyes, and you may."
"I want to be a good boy," began the child, clasping his little hands. "Will you please, God, to help me, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen."
"Now," said Charlie, "when you feel like fretting, just stop a minute and think. God will put cheerful thoughts in your mind, so you'll forget what you were complaining about."