Though I have endeavoured, my dear, to give you as brief an account as possible of the Jewish history, yet the subject is so interesting, that I perceive it has already occupied a much longer time than I at first intended. The history of our Saviour's ministry and the Acts of the Apostles we must therefore defer to a future opportunity: though I hardly know if these subjects require any elucidation; the facts in the New Testament being recorded in so clear a manner by the Evangelists themselves, that I think they must be intelligible even to your apprehension.
I hope you will perceive that I have mentioned but very slightly some of the most interesting and important events, purposely to induce you to seek a more detailed account of them in the sacred volume itself. This inestimable treasure will I am sure furnish the most agreeable topic of many of our future conversations. You, my dear, have never been taught to consider religion as a dry and difficult study, but rather as a means of adding to the cheerful enjoyment of the many blessings bestowed upon you by the almighty giver of all good, and I trust the gratitude and piety of your future life will prove you worthy of being called a disciple of the benevolent Jesus.
Anne. Indeed, mamma, I feel the truth of what you say, and I will endeavour to act as you wish me.—I am sure I shall have much more pleasure in reading those parts of the Bible you think proper for me, now I have some connected idea of the whole.
Mrs. Harley. I believe you will. But good bye, my love, for the present: when you go to bed you will find the prayers you asked for on my table; there are besides two hymns which I have selected from an admirable collection.
Anne. Thank you, mamma, I will learn to repeat them.
A Morning Prayer for a Child.
O Almighty God, the Father and Preserver of all mankind! I desire to offer thee my sincerest thanks that I am arisen this morning in health and safety. May I spend the day on which I am now entered in endeavouring to do thy will: let me carefully avoid all that I know to be displeasing in thy sight, and diligently apply myself to perform all the good in my power. May I keep a strict watch over my lips and temper, and try to live in peace with those around me. Grant thy protection and blessing to my relations and friends; if it should please thee to preserve us through this day, may the close of it find us more worthy of again addressing thee through Jesus Christ,
Our Father, &c.