Newton expresses in the following verse some good thoughts upon the right way to learn how to live, and that is, by seeking God's direction—
"Show me what I have to do;
Every hour my strength renew;
Let me live a life of faith;
Let me die Thy people's death."
Lilly Rush
(Aged 13 years).
Red House, Thornham,
near Eye, Suffolk.
[There have been several creditable Essays sent, but none that have reached the desired mark. We may mention those by Ernest Sawyer, Margaret Creasey, E. B. Knocker, Jane Bell, Maria Reeder, E. T. Mann, Edith Hirst, Ella Saunders, W. B. Beckwith (aged 11 years), A. Pease, Sarah Hicks, and Jesse Hammond. The age of the writer must always be given.]
[The writer of the above Essay receives a copy of The Little Gleaner (cloth).
The subject for March will be, "Self-Help," and a kind friend has promised a copy of "From the Loom to a Lawyer's Gown; or, Self-Help that was not all for Self," for the best Essay. We hope we shall have some good Essays on the subject. All competitors must give a guarantee that they are under fifteen years of age, and that the Essay is their own composition, or the papers will be passed over, as the Editor cannot undertake to write for this necessary information. Papers must be sent direct to the Editor, Mr. T. Hull, 117, High Street, Hastings, by the first of February.]
A CHILD'S PRAYER.
SUITABLE FOR THE NEW YEAR.
Oh, blessed Jesus, care for me,
And wash me in Thy blood;
Teach me to ever look to Thee,
And help me to be good.
Give me Thy Holy Spirit, Lord,
And teach me how to pray;
Oh, let me understand Thy Word,
And take my sins away.
Whene'er I'm tempted to do wrong,
Oh, let me think of Thee;
Help me to always guard my tongue,
When naughty I would be.
Teach me to tread the narrow way,
Which all Thy saints have trod;
And guard and guide me every day;
Be Thou my Lord and God.
Help me to trust in Thee alone,
And not have fear of men;
To seek Thy will before my own,
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Jane Bell
(Aged 14 years).
Sleaford.