"It is the devil; who, the Bible says, goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
"I never saw him, so I guess he don't come to this town," the boy answered timidly.
"Yes, he has been in this room this afternoon. He was close by your elbow and whispered in your ear when you pinched Tommy and when you made such times at little Ellen, who complained that you had torn her book. And he was there again when you told me you had been a good boy. Didn't you hear the good spirit whispering, 'Oh, Joseph, don't tell a lie! God wont like it?' You have been very naughty indeed. It makes my heart ache when I remember that God, who never lies, who never in any way deceives us, has said, 'All liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.'"
Joseph's attention was arrested. He was a bright boy, not wanting in quickness and apprehension, and after a moment's reflection, he said,—
"My Sister Ellen used to tell lies; but now she never does; Aunt Collins wrote about it. When I'm as large as Ellen, I shall leave off."
"But, my poor boy," cried the lady, tears filling her eyes, "you may not live to be as old; you may die this very night. Will you promise me you will try to be a truthful boy?"
He nodded his head.
A few days after this, Joseph ran and jumped on his father's knee.
"Papa, I want six cents," he exclaimed earnestly.
"What for, my dear?"