,light for ,little ,ones4 ,,light ,,for ,,little ,,ones4 ,,by ,,mary ,f4 ,,waterbury4 ,,portland3 ,,hoyt1 ,,fogg ,,and ,,breed4 #ahgb4 ,entered according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahgb1 by ,,hoyt1 ,,fogg ,,breed1 in the ,clerk's ,office of the ,librarian of ,congress1 at ,washington4 ,,thurston1 ,,printer1 ,,portland4 ,,contents4 ,,page ,,chapter ,i4 ,frankie and his ,home #g ,,ii4 ,the ,adventure in the ,creek #aa ,,iii4 ,aleck--the ,new ,friend #bj ,,iv4 ,remember the ,sabbath ,day #bg ,v4 ,frankie trusts in ,christ #ce ,,vi4 ,the ,first ,day of ,school #dj ,,vii4 ,the ,coasting ,match--who beat8 #dg ,,viii4 ,aleck goes ,home #ee ,,ix4 ,the ,visit to ,aleck's ,grave4 ,the ,father's ,return #ei ,x4 ,conclusion #fc ,illustration ,,chapter ,i4 ,,frankie ,,and ,,his ,,home4 ,frankie's home was on the bank of a large creek1 the ,kayaderossevass4 ,its water turned the great wheels of many a mill and factory4 ,these mills were long1 high buildings1 filled with windows1 and having steep1 dusty1 narrow stairways4 ,the water was clear and blue when it flowed by ,frankie's home1 but after that it went foaming and dashing over the dam1 and seemed intent upon doing as much work1 and making as much noise as it could4 ,it made the wheels whirl around1 and they started the machinery in the mills1 and then for a buzz and whirr and roar all day long6 ,the house in which ,frankie lived was white1 with a piazza across the front covered with trumpet honey-suckles--those bright red flowers1 shaped like trumpets1 just the thing for fairies to blow1 they are so delicate and pretty4 ,around the house was a large yard full of trees and shrubs4 ,outside of the fence stood a row of poplars1 as tall and straight as soldiers on guard4 ,there were maples too1 and1 every autumn1 ,jack ,frost painted their leaves crimson and yellow4 ,do you know ,jack ,frost8 ,he is the merry fellow who pinches your fingers and toes1 and the end of your nose and the tips of your ears2 and who1 to atone for all that1 on winter nights draws those beautiful pictures on the window panes for you to look at in the morning4 ,he thinks1 perhaps1 that you will look at them instead of teasing 8mamma0 for breakfast4 ,some of the trees ,jack did not paint1 but left them green all winter4 ,these were the pines1 with their brown cones1 and the firs4 ,how do you like the outside of ,frankie's home8 ,the inside was just as pleasant1 that is1 if any house can be as pleasant as the sky1 and clouds1 and trees filled with singing birds4 ,the sun came in at the window1 where there bloomed scarlet geraniums and heliotropes1 and near which a golden canary sang his cheerful songs2 and ,mrs4 ,western1 ,frankie's mother1 was so cheerful and good that any place would be pleasant where she was4 ,frankie's father was in ,california4 ,it was a sad day when he bade his wife 8good-bye10 and lifted ,frankie in his arms for the last kiss2 but he must leave them1 to earn money1 so that they could keep their pleasant home1 for when his factory burned down one windy night1 he lost1 with it1 all his property4 ,after a few months had passed1 ,frankie did not miss his father1 but played as merrily as ever4 ,what a comfort he was to his mother6 ,so strong1 healthful1 and happy all the day long6 ,in only one way did he give his mother trouble4 ,he had a very strong will and quick temper1 and when he could not have his own way1 would sometimes speak hasty1 angry words4 ,but his patient mother taught him the wickedness of yielding to his temper1 and by gentle words led him to see how dark is the life of sin1 and how light and pleasant the 8way of holiness40 ,how ,frankie learned to 8walk in the light10 we shall see from the following chapters4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,the ,,adventure ,,in ,,the ,,creek4 8,hurra6 hurra60 shouted ,ben ,field1 ,joe ,west1 and ,willie ,prime1 throwing up their caps1 and giving an extra cheer as they stopped in front of ,mrs4 ,western's gate4 8,what are you hurraing for80 asked ,frankie1 who stood inside the gate1 whistling1 with both hands in his pockets4 8,coz you've got pants on10 said ,ben4 8,you won't have to stay in the yard now all the time1 just as if you're a girl40 8,don't know10 ,frankie said1 doubtfully1 putting his hand on the latch4 8,that's right1 ,frank10 said ,joe1 8come on2 we'll have a game of marbles4 ,i ain't too big to play with a little fellow1 are you1 ,will80 ,joe was eight and ,willie seven years old1 and though ,frankie was but six1 he felt quite as large in his new pants and jacket1 as either of them2 so he said1 with an odd little air of dignity1 8,i ain't a little fellow1 and ,i don't want to play marbles40 8,of course not10 said ,willie1 8or you'd wear dresses4 ,i did4 ,i can just remember40 8,he had a dress on yesterday1 and a sun-bonnet10 ,ben said1 with a provoking laugh4 8,he's growed a lot since then40 8,stop laughing at me1 ,ben ,field4 ,do you see my copper toes10 and one of the new boots was thrust threateningly through the fence4 8,never mind him1 ,frank10 said good-natured ,joe4 8,come on1 boys1 let's go to the creek and wade40 8,don't you want to go too80 asked ,willie1 seeing ,frankie's wistful look at the mention of the creek4 8,oh yes60 he exclaimed1 delightedly4 8,just wait a minute till ,i ask mamma20 and off he ran1 tumbling down two or three times1 and rushing into the house like a small hurricane4 ,not in the kitchen1 nor the sitting-room2 8,where is mamma80 he said to himself impatiently4 ,at last he opened the parlor door and found her there1 fast asleep on the sofa4 8,oh dear60 he thought1 discontentedly4 8,mamma never'll let me wake her up1 an' the boys won't wait1 an' ,i can't go40 ,with a sad face he went back to the gate4 8,i can't go4 ,mamma's asleep40 ,he put his hands in his pockets1 winked his eyes very fast1 and began to whistle4 ,all this to keep from crying1 and disgracing his new pants by acting like a girl4 8,i don't believe your mother'll care one bit4 ,just to walk to the creek10 said ,joe4 8,no1 of course she won't10 added ,will4 8,take off your boots and go barefoot like us boys40 ,the temptation to go barefooted was too strong for ,frankie1 so down he plumped on the grass1 and off came the copper-toed boots and clean white stockings4 ,in a few minutes all four boys were running along the dusty road in their bare feet4 ,it seemed very new and funny for a while1 but after they had gone half a mile1 ,frankie began to wish for the cool shade and moist greensward of home4 ,the sun burned his head1 and the sand of the road his feet4 8,oh dear60 he said1 8ain't we most there80 8,tired a'ready60 laughed ,ben4 8,you're a great boy4 ,better go home and sit in mammy's lap40 ,in his sorrowful little heart1 poor1 tired ,frankie wished most heartily that he was on his mother's lap that very minute1 but he thought it wouldn't be manly to say so4 ,he was too tired even to resent what ,ben had said1 so he kept still and trudged on4 8,i know what we'll do10 said ,joe4 8,will and ,i'll make a chair and carry you4 ,and you1 ,ben ,field1 had better keep mighty still1 or ,i'll settle your case in a hurry40 ,for some reason1 just then ,ben thought best to start off in pursuit of a butterfly4 ,joe and ,willie made a chair of their crossed hands1 on which ,frankie seated himself1 and put an arm around each of the boys' necks4 ,this mode of traveling pleased him very much1 and it seemed but a little while before they reached the creek4 ,illustration3 8,,will ,,and ,i',,ll ,,make ,a ,,chair ,,and ,,carry ,,you40 ,page #ad4 8,ain't it jolly80 said ,joe1 as he led ,frankie into the clear1 cool water4 8,oh6 oh6 see the fishes6 the dear little fishes60 said ,frankie1 stooping to pick them up4 ,but the gay little shiners knew better than to allow themselves to be picked up1 even by such a nice little boy4 ,losing his balance in his attempts to seize one of them1 ,frankie had a sudden bath in the creek4 8,oh dear6 my new pants and jacket60 was the first thing the wet little fellow found breath to say after ,joe and ,willie had fished him out of the water and set him on the bank to dry4 8,that comes of bringin' babies along10 said ,ben1 running down the bank4 ,that was the drop too much1 and ,frankie commenced crying1 saying1 between his sobs1 8,i want to go home4 ,oh6 please let's go home40 ,so ,joe and ,will made a chair again for ,frankie and started for home1 leaving ,ben to enjoy his wading alone4 ,they set ,frankie down by the gate1 and1 picking up his boots and stockings1 he went into the house4 8,why1 ,frankie ,western60 exclaimed his mother1 as the wet1 muddy1 rueful little figure stood in the sitting-room door4 8,where have you been8 ,your new clothes are ruined40 ,and1 carrying the speechless little fellow into the kitchen1 she soon had him thoroughly washed1 and put on one of his old dresses in place of the new pants and jacket which were hung up for future attention4 ,it was a good deal of water for one day1 and the crash towel was rough1 and to go back into a dress and apron after wearing pants1 was something of a trial1 but the poor child was too tired1 and too glad to be at home to care much about it4 ,after he was dressed he sat contentedly in his chair till supper-time1 then ate his bread and milk and went to bed4 ,it was not long before he was dreaming of fishes and creeks1 and muddy pants1 nor very long before the morning sun drove away the dreams and opened his eyes4 ,jumping up1 he put on his stockings and boots1 but pants and jacket were nowhere to be seen1 nothing but the brown gingham dress and apron4 8,mamma1 mamma1 ,i want my pants4 ,please1 mamma10 he said1 running into the kitchen where his mother was getting breakfast4 8,they must be cleaned first4 ,put on your dress and come to breakfast40 ,her voice was so pleasant that ,frankie forgot his impatience1 and dressed himself quickly and quietly4 ,after breakfast he was about to run out as usual1 when his mother said1 8,no1 ,frankie4 ,mother wants you to stay in the house this morning4 ,she has something to say to you40 8,but ,i don't want to stay1 mamma10 and he walked slowly toward the door4 8,frankie must stay40 ,this was decisive1 and he sat down in his chair4 ,after his mother had finished her work1 she took him into the sitting-room1 and gave him a seat on a stool by her side4 8,now1 ,frankie10 she said1 8,i want you to tell me just what you did and where you went yesterday afternoon40 ,frankie gave a truthful account of his adventures at the creek4 ,then his mother said1 8,did you know you were disobeying your mother1 and1 more than that1 disobeying ,god80 8,o mamma1 ,i didn't think1 ,i wanted to go so much10 and ,frankie looked as though he wanted to cry4 8,i know you wanted to go1 but you must do what is right1 not what you want to do4 ,i will teach you a verse from the ,bible that you must remember whenever you are tempted to disobey your mother4 ,it is this3 #8,children obey your parents in the ,lord1 for this is right4' ,can you repeat it now80 ,after a few trials1 ,frankie could say it without a mistake1 and he seemed to understand it1 for1 when his mother told him that he could run out and play1 he put his arms around her neck and kissed her1 saying softly1 8,i'll remember1 mamma1 that ,god tells me to mind you40 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,aleck--,,the ,,new ,,friend4 ,frankie had never been to school1 but his mother had taught him to read1 and had given him some nice books4 ,these he used to read over and over again until he almost had them by heart4 ,then1 every ,sunday his teacher selected a good ,sunday ,school book for him to read during the week4 ,the book she gave him on the ,sabbath after his adventure in the creek1 was the story of a naughty boy who disobeyed his parents4 ,frankie read the story with great interest1 and did not leave it until it was finished2 then1 going to his mother1 he said1 earnestly1 8,mamma1 did ,miss ,campbell know ,i didn't mind you and went to the creek80 8,i don't know1 ,frankie10 replied his mother4 8,why do you ask80 8,because she gave me a book that tells about a little boy that didn't mind1 and ran away to a pond1 and got drowned2 and ,i thought she must have known it40 8,it may be that she did1 but that is of less consequence than the fact that ,god knows it4 ,think of it1 ,frankie1 the great and holy ,god6 ,he sees everything you do1 and hears everything you say1 and knows all your thoughts40 8,oh1 dear60 sighed ,frankie4 8,i wish he didn't4 ,i never can have any more fun when ,i think of that4 ,is he looking at us all the time1 every one of us80 8#8,every one of us1 and all the time1'0 answered his mother4 8#8,his eyes are in every place1 beholding the evil and the good4' ,but that need not trouble you1 if you do right40 8,but ,i don't do right1 you know1 mamma1 always1 and ,i don't believe ,i can if ,i try ever so hard4 ,i get tired being good too4 ,i want to play and have fun40 8#8,tired being good1' my child4 ,it is the only way to be happy4 ,i know a little boy who is happy all day long1 and all he has to make him so1 is #8being good4' ,i am going to take something to his sick mother this evening1 and you may go with me40 8,is it the little lame boy1 mamma1 that lives down by the paper-mill8 ,oh1 won't that be nice6 and may ,i take him one of my books to read80 ,frankie asked eagerly4 ,his mother helped him choose a book1 and1 after tea1 they started4 ,their way led them along the bank of the creek4 ,the sun was just setting and all the sunset colors were reflected in the water4 ,the hush of the ,sabbath was on the busy1 noisy village1 and nothing could be heard but the faint hum of insects and the good-night song of the birds4 ,walking by his mother's side1 with his hand in hers1 all these pleasant sights and sounds around them1 and in his heart the thought of pleasing poor1 lame ,aleck1--all these made ,frankie quietly happy4 ,looking up into his mother's face1 he said1 8,god is looking at us now1 mamma1 and ,i ain't afraid4 ,i wish ,i could see him too40 8,if you love and obey ,god1 ,frankie1 you will see him1 for when you die1 ,he will take you to heaven1 to live with him forever40 ,this and much more his mother said1 and ,frankie listened and pondered her words in his childish heart4 ,at last they reached the widow's little brown house at the foot of a steep1 wood-covered hill4 ,it was a 8wee sma' place10 as widow ,espey said1 but 8didna they hae a' the bonny world outside80 ,the sick woman was lying on a clean white bed in one corner of the room4 ,her face was pale and thin1 but the light of a sweet content shone through her eyes4 ,the lame boy1 ,aleck1 was sitting by the bed1 his crutches lying on the floor beside him4 ,he had his mother's face1 and the same patient1 happy look4 8,we have been talkin'1 my bairn an' ,i1 o' the guid land on the ither side10 the widow said1 after her visitors were seated4 8,i dinna ken the time1 but it wi' nae' be lang before ,i sha' gang awa' to my ain countrie40 ,tears came into ,aleck's eyes and rolled down his thin1 white cheeks4 8,dinna greet1 laddie1 dinna greet10 and the mother stroked his hand that was clasped in hers4 8,the time wi' be as naething before the guid ,god wi' ca' ye too1 an' we sha' aye dwell thegither4 ,dinna doot his word1 my bairn40 ,the child bravely kept back his tears and said1 8,nae1 mither1 ,i ken it wi' a' be for the best2 but oh1 my ain mither1 take your laddie wi' ye10 and again the tears came to his eyes4 ,frankie's tender heart was touched4 ,going to ,aleck's side1 he said eagerly1 8,don't cry1 little boy4 ,you may have my mamma if your mamma dies40 ,instantly the dying mother's face brightened1 and she said1 in faint1 earnest tones1 8,o ,mrs4 ,western1 if ye wad be a mither to my mitherless bairn40 8,with ,god's help ,i will4 ,he shall be to me as my own child10 said ,mrs4 ,western1 going nearer the bedside4 8,noo ,i can gang to my hame wi' a gladsome heart4 ,the ,laird wi----40 ,the voice grew fainter1 fainter1 the breathing shorter4 ,the sobbing child clung about his mother's neck1 all the anguish of his soul in the cry1 8,o mither1 mither40 ,the mother's lips moved silently1 a glorified look overspread the pallid face1 then came the awful stillness4 ,the boy had lost a mother2 heaven had gained an angel4 ,all the sad rites were performed under ,mrs4 ,western's supervision1 and1 when everything was done1 even to the turfing of the last resting-place in the quiet cemetery1 the brown cottage was sold1 and ,aleck was taken to ,frankie's home4 ,he shared ,frankie's room1 and ,mrs4 ,western did all that she could to lighten his lonely little heart4 ,he mourned for his mother in a quiet1 patient way1 but seemed anxious to be cheerful1 and grateful for his pleasant home and kind friends4 ,thus1 in the great darkness1 the ,lord made his pathway light4 8,he carries the lambs in his arms40 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,remember ,,the ,,sabbath ,,day4 ,the sunny summer passed away2 autumn came and brightened the hills and valleys for a little time1 then was buried beneath its own dead leaves2 and now winter has brought its snow and cold winds to ,frankie's home4 ,frankie loves the winter4 ,the keen winds only make his eyes brighter and cheeks rosier4 ,then he has such a nice sled1 and there are such famous hills for coasting6 ,to be sure1 it mars his pleasure to think of ,aleck1 who is so lame and weak that he has to stay in the house all the time1 but he is a merry-hearted little fellow1 and dearly loves to go flying down the long hill on his swift-going sled4 8,i say it's too bad1 ,aleck6 ,can't you ever ride down hill80 ,frankie's bright face looked troubled4 ,he was buttoning his warm overcoat1 to go out for a morning ride4 ,aleck's patient face for a moment wore a sad1 weary look1 then1 looking up cheerfully1 he said1 8,oh1 ,i dinna mind1 ,frankie1--not much4 ,you ken ,i'm used to staying i' the house4 ,then this window is sae sunny1 and ,dickie sings most a' the time1 and the flowers are sae bonny40 8,well1 ,i get awful tired when ,i have to stay in4 ,it's just like having ,sunday every day40 ,frankie gave his fur cap an energetic pull over his eyes1 and was starting off with a merry whistle1 but his mother1 who had been a quiet listener to the conversation1 said1 8,wait a moment1 ,frankie1 ,i want to talk to you4 ,why is it that you do not like ,sunday8 ,don't you like to give one day to ,god for all the six working and playing days ,he gives you80 8,i want to go1 mamma4 ,oh1 dear1 the boys'll be gone10 was the impatient reply1 as he twisted the knob of the half-opened door4 8,can't ,i go1 mamma80 ,mrs4 ,western said nothing1 and1 unheeding her reproachful look1 he ran off1 drawing his sled after him4 ,it was a clear1 crisp1 sparkling winter morning4 ,coasting never was better1 and ,joe and ,will were as merry as ever1 but ,frankie did not enjoy it4 8,what's the matter1 ,frank80 asked ,joe1 seeing his sorrowful expression4 8,fingers cold80 8,no10 said ,frankie1 8but ,i am going home10 and without a word of explanation he ran off4 ,rushing into the sitting-room1 his eyes filled with tears1 he put his arms around his mother's neck and said1 8,o mamma1 ,i am sorry40 8,so am ,i1 darling10 said his mother1 kissing the tearful face4 8,sit down here by me and we will talk a little about the ,sabbath1 and see why it is my little boy dislikes it so much40 8,i would like it1 mamma1 only it is so long4 ,i don't like to keep so still1 and ,i get so sleepy in church1 and ,i keep thinking about my sled and the fun ,i could have if it wasn't ,sunday40 ,he paused1 quite satisfied that he had made a good case for himself1 and his mother1 taking up her sewing1 told him1 in her low1 calm tones1 the following story4 8,a father sent his little boy on a long journey1 through a dark and dangerous way2 but before bidding him good-bye1 he gave him a letter which would tell him how to escape the dangers1 and how to find the way through the darkness4 ,this is what he said to the child1 who stood all eagerness and haste to be gone4 8#8,my child1 you are just starting on your journey4 ,you are full of life and hope1 and the way looks bright before you1 but even in this broad1 sunny path1 are many dangers2 and1 as you travel further1 the path narrows1 the flowers are fewer1 and the forest is darker2 still further on1 are rocks1 and underbrush1 and pitfalls1 and at the end of this rough way is a dark and rapid river which you must cross4 ,if you pass over this stream safely1 you will find yourself in a beautiful place4 ,in that land ,i will give you a home1 and you shall live with me forever4' 8#8,but how can ,i go all that dark way1 father8' and the boy's face was full of doubt and fear4 8,the father handed him a letter1 saying1 8#8,this letter will tell you just what to do4 ,whenever you are in trouble1 look at this4 ,nothing can happen to you about which this will not help you4 ,but you are not to travel all the time4 ,every seventh day you shall pause in your journey to rest and read this letter1 and think of all ,i have told you1 and of the pleasant home to which you are going4 ,it will give you so much strength1 and make your heart so light and happy that you can travel faster and further than if you had not stopped4' 8#8,but need ,i stop at first1 father1 when the way is easy and ,i am not tired8' asked the boy4 8#8,oh yes1 my child1 or you will forget it by and by2 then1 though the way be easy1 it has dangers which you cannot avoid unless you study the letter very carefully1 and store it in your mind1 so that you will know what to do if danger comes suddenly4 ,therefore1 my child1 remember to rest in your journey one day out of seven1 read this letter1 and think of your father and the home beyond the river4' 8,merrily the child started off1 chasing the butterflies and plucking the flowers as he ran along the sunny way1 so full of glee that he seldom thought of his father's letter until the day of rest came4 ,then he read it1 and tried to think of what his father had said to him2 but it was very hard to shut out the visions of the butterflies and birds and flowers4 ,he was restless and tired1 for he cared more to please himself than obey his father2 so he gradually gave up the day of rest1 and then commenced his troubles4 ,all his roses were full of sharp thorns1 the path was crowded with rough stones and pricking briers1 great snakes darted out from the trunk of every fallen tree1 and he grew so weary with constant running1 was so bruised with frequent stumbling1 and so torn and scratched with briers1 that you would hardly have known him4 ,if he had gone on in this way much longer ,i do not think he ever could have reached the pleasant home which his father was to have ready for him4 ,but in the midst of his troubles he remembered the letter1 and1 drawing it out of his pocket1 read the almost forgotten message1 #8,remember the ,sabbath day to keep it holy4'0 8,that's one of the commandments1 mamma10 ,frankie said4 8,but was that a true story about the little boy8 ,what was his name80 8,frankie ,western10 replied his mother4 8,god1 his heavenly ,father1 has given him a letter1 the ,holy ,bible1 which will tell him how to live every day so as to escape all the sins that lie in his path1 like the stones and thorns and briers which troubled the little boy4 ,his ,father has told him to leave his work and play on the ,sabbath1 and study this letter1 the ,bible2 but he does not like to do it1 and ,i fear that in future he will have as much trouble as did the child about whom ,i have told you4 ,he will say more naughty words1 and be more apt to disobey mamma1 and to feel cross toward ,benny ,field4 ,then as he grows older1 and the way becomes darker1 ,i fear he will lose the way and never reach his home in heaven40 8,i don't want to lose the way1 mamma4 ,i won't if ,i'm good1 will ,i1 mamma1 and stay in ,sundays1 and read the ,bible like ,aleck80 asked ,frankie1 anxiously4 8,no1 darling1 you will not lose your way if you love ,god and do just as he commands you2 and one of his commandments is1 #8,remember the ,sabbath day to keep it holy4'0 ,illustration ,,chapter ,v4 ,,frankie ,,trusts ,,in ,,christ4 ,although ,frankie was a merry1 thoughtless little fellow1 his mother's story about keeping the ,sabbath made such a deep impression upon his mind that the next ,sunday morning his first thought on waking was as to how he should spend the day4 ,there seemed to be a great many hours from dawn till dark1 and he sighed half aloud as he thought of the smooth crust of snow and the snow-man left unfinished the day before4 ,aleck was awake1 and1 hearing the sigh1 asked what was the matter4 8,oh1 ,i was just thinking1 ,aleck10 was the reply1 8how long it will be before ,monday4 ,don't it seem ever so long to you8 ,i wish you could go to church with mamma and me4 ,it's nice to hear them sing1 but ,i get sleepy when the minister talks4 ,didn't you ever go to church80 8,yes1 but ,i canna remember about it very well4 ,it was before ,i was lame4 ,but ,i am sure ,i wad like to gang to the kirk10 said ,aleck4 8,what made you lame80 ,frankie asked1 for the first time seeming to realize that his patient playmate had not always been a cripple4 8,i fell down the stairs i' the paper-mill where my mither was4 ,it hurt my back some way40 8,won't you get well some time80 asked ,frankie1 earnestly4 8,i dinna ken1 but ,i'm thinkin' 'twill nae be lang till ,i gang to my mither40 8,o ,aleck10 and ,frankie put his arms about his neck1 8you mean you're going to die1 and you mustn't4 ,you'd have to be put way down in the ground40 8,only my body1 ,frankie4 ,my soul would be wi' ,god and my mither4 ,and oh6 it is sic a bonny place1 and ,sunday a' the time4 ,then ,i wi' be free frae pain40 8,can everybody go there1 ,aleck8 ,am ,i going too1 and mamma1 and my papa that's way off in ,california80 8,everybody who loves ,jesus4 ,if you love him he wi' take you right there when you die4 ,why dinna you love him1 ,frankie80 8,i do want to10 was the earnest answer1 8but ,i don't know how4 ,i don't believe ,i love him1 or ,i wouldn't be so naughty40 8,the minister at the kirk wi' tell you a' about it1 an' your ,bible an' your mither1 an' if you pray1 ,god wi' help you40 8,i will try1 ,aleck4 ,i'll ask mamma about it1 and ,i'll listen to everything ,mr4 ,price says1 and ,i'll pray too40 ,frankie was very much in earnest1 and1 after he was dressed1 he knelt by the bedside and prayed that ,god would help him to be good and to love ,jesus4 ,on the way to church he talked with his mother1 and she tried to lead him to the ,good ,shepherd4 ,mr4 ,price's sermon was written for the lambs of the flock1 and was full of encouragement to the little ones to 8come to ,jesus40 ,frankie listened with earnest attention to that 8sweet story of old1 when ,jesus was here among men20 his eyes filled with tears1 and his heart throbbed at the story of the cruel death on the cross2 and when1 in conclusion1 ,mr4 ,price spoke of the tender love that the ,saviour had for little children1 and entreated them to give their hearts to him and love him in return1 he whispered softly1 8,i will try to love ,jesus40 ,frankie was not the only one of the children whose heart had been touched1 as the next hour spent in the ,sabbath ,school testified4 ,the teachers sought to deepen the impression1 and the ,holy ,spirit so wrought upon their young hearts that many went home rejoicing in a ,saviour's love4 ,that ,sabbath was a happy day in ,frankie's home4 ,mrs4 ,western's heart was full of a mother's joy over her child1 and ,aleck shared in her happiness2 as for ,frankie1 although he could comprehend but little1 he knew that ,jesus loved him1 had died for him1 and that he wanted the love and service of just such little children4 ,he was but a child1 and would often err1 but the hand in which his was clasped was the same strong hand which upholds the best and wisest of us all4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,first ,,day ,,of ,,school4 ,in the spring1 ,frankie commenced going to school4 ,miss ,campbell1 his ,sabbath ,school teacher1 received a dozen little boys and girls at her own house4 ,they were all nearly of an age and old playmates1 so a merry little company they made--full of fun and mischief2 but never had school a gentler1 lovelier mistress than ,miss ,campbell1 or ,miss ,ruth1 as she wished the children to call her4 ,the first day of school was as delightful as ,april sunshine could make it1 and ,frankie's heart seemed full of sunshine2 at least it shone out of his bright eyes1 as he kissed his mother1 and bidding ,aleck good-bye1 he ran down the walk1 and disappeared behind the poplars4 ,his mother and ,aleck watched till the trees hid him from view1 then ,mrs4 ,western took her sewing1 and ,aleck his book4 ,he studied a little each day and always looked forward to the lesson hour with pleasure1 but this morning a sigh escaped him as he turned from the out-door sunshine to the in-door work4 ,full of pity for the patient child1 ,mrs4 ,western sat down beside him1 and smoothing his hair caressingly1 said1 8,it is hard1 my child4 ,i wish you could go too1 but your heavenly ,father knows best4 ,he does not willingly afflict you40 ,the tender words brought tears to his eyes1 and1 resting his head wearily on his hand1 he said1 8,i ken it is a' for the best1 ,i hae a guid hame4 ,you are like my ain mither4 ,the ,laird is guid1 but ,i am sae tired40 8,you will not feel so tired when you can be out in the air more10 replied ,mrs4 ,western1 cheerily4 8,keep up your courage4 ,you may be a strong1 hearty boy yet40 8,please tell me about heaven4 ,it seems to me it is a bonny country1 fu' o' singin' birds1 and wi' the #8green pastures and still waters2' but ,i read in the ,book that the streets were a' paved wi' gold40 ,the boy's eye brightened as he spoke of heaven4 8#8,eye hath not seen1 ear hath not heard1 neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive' the beauties1 the glories of heaven10 said ,mrs4 ,western2 8but this we know1 that our ,father is there1 and that we shall be free from pain1 and sorrow1 and sin4 ,it will not be long before we shall know for ourselves all the glories of that home40 ,thus they talked of heaven until ,aleck forgot all the suffering and weariness of earth4 ,frankie reached ,miss ,campbell's just in time to get his seat before school commenced4 ,miss ,campbell read a brief chapter in the ,bible1 and offered an earnest prayer to ,god1 that he would help them to do right and perform all their duties faithfully4 ,then the lessons were assigned1 and they all went to work in earnest4 8#8,new broom sweeps clean1'0 said ,mrs4 ,keller1 grimly1 as she looked in upon them in the afternoon4 8,wait a week or so and your hands'll be full4 ,mark my words1 ,ruth1 those young ones will torment the life out on ye40 ,miss ,ruth smiled1 and looked hopefully at her little charge1 as she said1 8,i don't expect to escape my share of trouble1 ,mrs4 ,keller1 but ,i do not think that much of it will come by these little ones40 ,the children heard the conversation1 and mentally resolved to be very good1 in order to disappoint ,mrs4 ,keller and to please ,miss ,ruth4 ,when school closed they all joined in singing one of their ,sunday school hymns--8,let us walk in the ,light40 ,frankie lingered a little after the others went out1 and going to ,miss ,ruth said1 8,won't you tell me1 please1 just what it means to walk in the light8 ,is it to be good80 8,to be good80 said ,miss ,ruth4 8,yes2 those who walk in the light of ,god's commandments are good4 ,but ,i will explain it4 ,if you were walking alone in the woods on a night so dark that you could not see one step before you1 would you not be in danger of falling8 ,and if1 in the path1 there were deep holes1 fallen trees1 and tangled underbrush1 would you dare to walk in such a place on a dark night80 8,no1 ma'am10 said ,frankie1 promptly4 8,i'd take our lantern1 and then ,i guess it wouldn't be so very easy40 8,not very easy1 perhaps10 ,miss ,ruth replied1 8but if in your lantern you had so bright a light that you could see your path plainly1 then you could walk around a fallen trunk1 separate the tangled briers1 and avoid the dangerous holes4 ,with such a journey before you1 would you not be very grateful to a kind friend who would offer you such a lantern1 saying1 #8,take this to be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path4 ,if you walk in this light1 and trust to me1 ,i will guide you safely through the wilderness into the pleasant land beyond1 where you will need no light1 and where you will forget all the rough way in which you have come1 or remember it only to sing praises to ,him who was your ,guide and ,friend4'0 8,oh1 ,miss ,ruth10 ,frankie said eagerly1 8,i know what you mean4 ,the light is the ,bible1 and the pleasant land is heaven4 ,mamma once told me something like what you have said40 8,then1 ,frankie10 said ,miss ,ruth1 8remember to #8walk in the light' of ,god's word40 ,bidding his teacher good-night1 ,frankie went home1 his heart full of what he had heard about the 8light of ,god10 and of resolutions to 8walk in that light40 ,when he went in he found ,aleck watching for him1 anxious to hear about the school4 ,so he told him the events of the day1 and the conversation he had with ,miss ,ruth1 adding1 in conclusion1 8and ,i'm going to try to walk in the light1 ,aleck4 ,let us read the ,bible the first thing in the morning1 before we have a chance to do anything wrong40 8,yes10 said ,aleck1 8and then we'll pray40 8,and #8watch1'0 added ,mrs4 ,western4 8,watch over your thoughts and feelings1 and all the little actions of the day4 ,trust in ,god1 watch and pray1 and ,he will give you the victory40 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,the ,,coasting ,,match--,,who ,,beat8 ,miss ,ruth found that ,mrs4 ,keller was mistaken2 that1 instead of being torments1 her pupils were little comforts1 and she loved them all very dearly4 ,the spring and summer days flew by1 vacation came1 and again in the autumn she gathered the children about her4 ,much to the annoyance of the little girls1 and somewhat to ,frankie's1 ,ben ,field had gained admission4 8,oh1 dear60 sighed ,kate ,plummer1 8that ,ben ,field is just going to spoil our fun4 ,i can't endure him40 8,i do wish ,miss ,ruth had said he couldn't come10 said ,lou ,white1 then1 tossing back her brown curls1 8there's one thing about it1 ,i shan't notice him40 8,nor ,i10 8nor ,i10 said they all1 excepting ,millie ,ray4 ,sweet ,millie ,ray6 8,poor ,ben10 she said1 8how lonely he'll be4 ,don't you think we ought to be good to him1 ,frank10 turning to ,frankie1 who was just entering the school-room4 8,don't you think we ought to be good to ,ben ,field80 8,of course1 ,millie10 said ,frankie4 8,why8 ,who isn't80 8,oh1 nobody1 only some of us are sorry he's coming to school10 ,millie answered4 8,ain't you sorry80 ,frankie hesitated a moment1 then said frankly1 8,no1 ,millie1 ,i'm not sorry when ,i think about it as ,i ought to4 ,ben needs to come as much as any of us4 ,i guess he'll be pleasant enough if we are good to him40 ,frankie's influence gave ,ben a better reception from the girls than he would otherwise have met with1 and1 for a time1 he was quite a pleasant playmate4 ,but after a few weeks1 when the novelty had worn off1 his old spirit of mischief manifested itself4 ,he delighted in teasing the younger boys and little girls4 ,one day1 after the snow came1 the boys had a race in coasting1 to see which of their sleds was the swiftest4 ,they started at the very top of a long hill4 ,there was ,willie ,prime on his ,reindeer1 ,joe ,west on his ,express1 ,ben ,field on his ,lightning1 ,david ,dwight on his ,victor1 and ,frankie on his ,light4 ,they are ready to start4 ,frankie counts1 8one--two--three--four0--and away go ,reindeer1 ,express1 ,lightning1 ,victor1 and ,light4 ,willie steers too much toward the right1 and ,reindeer plunges head-foremost into a drift2 ,joe looks around to see ,willie1 ,express runs off from the track1 and both are landed in a ditch on the left4 ,the race is now for ,lightning1 ,victor1 and ,light2 ,light being a little in advance1 ,lightning next1 then ,victor4 ,ben is very anxious to win the race4 ,by a push he may turn ,light from the track1 and thus gain upon ,frankie4 ,he steers his sled to the right1 and comes down upon ,light so suddenly that ,frankie is thrown off into the snow1 and ,victor and ,lightning reach the foot of the hill nearly at the same time4 8,you ought to be ashamed of yourself1 ,ben ,field4 ,that was a mean trick4 ,i'd play fair if ,i didn't beat40 ,all this ,frankie said1 as he brushed the snow from his clothes1 and his flashing eyes looked every word of it4 8,guess ,i ain't ashamed to beat10 ,ben said1 sullenly4 8,but it wasn't fair10 said the girls1 all in a breath4 8,you know ,frank was ahead till you steered your sled right into his40 8,you'd better keep still4 ,i don't want girls meddlin' with my business10 said ,ben1 rudely4 8,we are the judges10 answered ,lou ,white4 8,we aren't meddling40 ,by this time1 ,frankie had thought what he ought to do4 ,it was hard1 but ,jesus gave him strength to do it bravely4 8,never mind10 he said4 8,don't say any more about it4 ,forgive me1 ,ben1 for being angry with you40 ,ben did feel ashamed then1 and the boys and girls looked very much surprised4 8,i'd rather not beat than be so mean10 ,willie said4 8,i'd give it to him10 said ,joe1 as he carefully examined ,express to see if it was marred by its tumble into the ditch4 8,i beat anyhow10 ,ben said1 sullenly1 kicking in the snow4 8,i think ,frank ,western beat the best10 said little ,millie ,ray4 8,let's judge that ,frank beat1 girls40 ,so ,millie1 and ,kate1 and ,lou1 and all the girls said that ,frankie beat4 8,no10 said ,frankie1 8that isn't fair4 ,i didn't beat4 ,perhaps ,i might1 but ,i didn't40 8,just like girls10 muttered ,ben4 8,go for a fellow they like40 ,he walked off1 vexed with himself and his playmates1 while the others went into the school-room and told ,miss ,ruth all about it4 ,miss ,ruth opened the large ,bible1 and turning to ,proverbs1 read3 8,a soft answer turneth away wrath1 but grievous words stir up anger40 8,better is it to be of an humble spirit with the lowly1 than to divide the spoil with the proud40 8,he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty2 and he that ruleth his spirit1 than he that taketh a city40 ,then1 turning to the ,new ,testament1 she read3 8,love your enemies40 8,my little children1 let us not love in word1 neither in tongue2 but in deed and in truth40 ,miss ,ruth closed the ,bible1 saying nothing1 for she knew that the children understood what she had read1 and that ,god's word would reach their hearts better than anything she might say4 ,they took their seats quietly1 and when ,ben came in1 he was much surprised to meet none but pleasant looks4 ,when ,frankie was on his way home after school1 ,ben came running to overtake him1 all out of breath4 8,hallo6 ,frank ,western1 stop a minute10 he shouted4 ,frank waited for him4 ,it was an awkward thing for ,ben to do1 something he had probably never done before1 but he went through with it quite well4 8,i say1 ,frank1 that was a mean trick ,i served you4 ,you took it so cool ,i was ashamed of myself1 and ,i don't blame the boys and girls for being down on me40 ,he had not asked forgiveness1 but ,frankie did not wait for that4 8,never mind1 ,ben10 he said1 cordially4 8,we'll have another race to-morrow4 ,come home with me and see ,aleck4 ,poor fellow6 ,he gets lonesome40 ,so they walked on together4 8,what makes you so much better than the other boys80 asked ,ben1 abruptly4 8,o ,ben1 don't speak in that way10 said ,frankie1 looking troubled4 8,i'm not good1 but1 do you know1 it is ever so much easier to keep from getting angry if you think about ,jesus40 ,ben looked astonished1 but ,frankie told him in his own childlike way of the ,saviour1 and how he would help even little children to serve him4 ,it was in this way that ,aleck and ,frankie worked for ,jesus1 by obeying him1 and by telling others of him4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,aleck ,,goes ,,home4 ,winter snow gave place to the spring flowers1 and now ,aleck can go into the yard1 with our sturdy ,frankie for a support4 ,the boys are together nearly all the time4 ,aleck1 with his gentle ways1 to soften the more boyish nature of our robust little hero1 and ,frankie1 with his merry heart1 to brighten the life of his suffering friend4 ,it was ,aleck who helped him out of trouble2 who urged him to be gentle and forgiving1 even to ,ben ,field2 to obey his mother2 and to try in every way to please ,jesus4 ,it was ,aleck who studied the hard lesson first and then helped him1 and who sharpened all the slate-pencils2 who made the tops and kites and buzz-wheels1 and1 in short1 shared in all of ,frankie's play and work4 ,but as the summer heat came on1 the busy hands grew strangely idle4 ,mrs4 ,western noticed the change and tried at first by giving simple tonics1 then by employing a physician1 to restore his strength1 but it was in vain4 ,he would lie for hours on a couch before the open window1 dreamily watching the soft summer sky1 and listening to the singing of the birds4 ,he seldom roused from this dreamy state1 excepting to listen to the reading of the ,bible1 or to his favorite hymn1 8,my ,ain ,countree40 ,two of the verses he would say over and over to himself4 8,the earth is flecked wi' flowers1 mony tinted1 fresh an' gay1 ,the birdies warble blithely1 for my ,father made them sae2 ,but these sights an' these sounds wi' as naething be to me1 ,when ,i hear the angels singin' in my ,ain ,countree4 8,like a bairn to its mither1 a wee birdie to its nest1 ,i wad fain be gangin' noo unto my ,saviour's breast2 ,for he gathers in his bosom witless1 worthless lambs like me1 ,an' carries them himsel' to his ,ain ,countree40 ,the time was nearer than they thought when he should go to his 8,ain ,countree40 ,frankie would not believe that ,aleck would die4 ,when his mother told him that it must be1 he ran at once to ,aleck1 and1 throwing himself on the bed beside him1 cried1 8,o ,aleck1 you are not going to die4 ,you must get well4 ,why1 you are only two years older than ,i am4 ,you oughtn't to die yet40 8,dinna feel bad1 ,frankie10 ,aleck said1 8,i am sorry to leave you1 but ,i'm glad to be wi' mither1 an' ,o ,frankie1 think of it1 how soon ,i sha' see the ,saviour4 ,i wi' wait for you4 ,you wi' mind a' our talks about ,jesus when ,i'm gone1 ,frankie1 and try to do something for him every day4 ,there's ,ben1 an' ,joe1 an' ,willie1 an' a' the lads--tell them how guid it is to hae sic a friend as ,jesus40 8,yes1 ,i will1 ,aleck4 ,i'll try to do better1 but ,i won't have you to help me1 and it seems so easy for me to do wrong40 8,you wi' hae ,jesus4 ,o ,frankie1 trust in ,jesus40 ,thus did the little sufferer1 forgetful of self1 seek to comfort others4 ,very tenderly did the ,shepherd bear this wounded lamb away from the earthly fold to the shelter of the heavenly1--so quietly that they knew not when he died1 but thought he slept4 ,in his sleep he murmured faintly1 8,mither10 and again1 8,jesus loves me10 and a line of his favorite hymn1 8he wi' carry me himsel' to his ,ain ,countree40 ,then came a quiet slumber1 followed by that sleep whose waking is in heaven4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,the ,,visit ,,to ,,aleck',s ,,grave4 ,,the ,,father',s ,,return4 ,frankie missed his friend sadly4 ,he lost all interest in his school1 and did not care for kites1 or tops1 or marbles4 ,he grew pale1 and very unlike the once happy little fellow1 8,with eyes so full of brightness1 ,and lips so rosily red40 ,one ,sabbath morning in the early autumn he went with his mother to the cemetery4 ,there was as yet no stone at ,aleck's grave1 but ,frankie had planted a white rose-bush1 which was then in all its snowy bloom4 8,we must take up the rose-bush10 said ,mrs4 ,western4 8,it is an exotic1 and cannot endure our severe frosts and snow40 8,what is an exotic80 asked ,frankie4 8,a plant that does not grow naturally in our climate4 ,this rose belongs to a warmer climate1 and that is why we keep it in the house during the winter4 ,thus ,god takes care of his children4 ,heaven is our home1 and when the winds blow too coldly and roughly for us here1 ,god transplants us4 ,he has taken ,aleck from all the cold and storms to the heavenly garden4 ,we should not mourn for him1 ,frankie4 ,does not our ,father know best8 ,then it will be only a little while before we shall be taken--only a few years before we shall all be transplanted into the garden of the ,lord4 ,you must try to be happy1 my child4 ,you must not forget ,aleck1 but remember that you have a work to do for ,jesus1 and a part of that work is to be cheerful and patient1 showing that a little boy who loves ,jesus need never be unhappy40 ,frankie listened quietly4 ,his mother's words made a deep impression1 and he tried after that to be cheerful1 but it was a long time before his face had its wonted brightness4 ,later in the autumn1 when the maples were in their gayest colors of crimson and gold1 a great joy came to ,frankie's home4 ,a letter was received1 saying that the father would be with them at ,christmas time4 ,oh1 the preparations that were made for his coming6 ,frankie worked with his mother1 and before winter fairly closed in everything about the house and yard was in perfect order4 ,then came the waiting1 the most difficult task of all4 ,but the even-footed hours will not hurry their pace1 so ,frankie tries to be patient1 and now the day is at hand4 ,the whole house is made fresh and fragrant with boughs of pine and fir4 ,only one more night6 ,the father will be at home in the morning4 ,frankie thought he would not sleep a wink for the thought of it1 but he did sleep soundly2 and when he awoke1 the sun was shining into the window2 and by the bedside stood his mother1 with tears in her eyes1 and beside her was the tall man with black hair1 and smiling1 dark eyes1 whom he had seen in his dreams1 and whose picture he had kissed and called 8papa0 even when a baby4 ,it was indeed a 8merry ,christmas10 and more than that1 a joyous1 happy one1 full of sweet home pleasures and pleasant memories1 sanctified by the thought of the dear ,christ1 ,god's best gift--his ,christmas gift to a sinful world4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,x4 ,,conclusion4 ,frankie was the hero of the school after his father's coming4 ,boys and girls gathered about him at noon1 and recess1 and after school1 to listen to his stories of his father's life in ,california--of the giant trees1 the mines1 the snow-covered mountains1 and all the wonders of the ,land of ,gold4 8,let's go some time1 boys10 said ,joe ,west1 one noon1 as they stood listening1 with wide-open eyes4 8,i'll go10 said ,willie ,prime1 8just as soon as ,i'm a man40 8,i'll go before that10 said ,ben4 8',tain't no use for me to stay here40 ,poor boy6 ,having a drunken father1 it was not strange he thought it of no use to remain at home4 8,are you ever going1 ,frank80 asked ,millie ,ray4 8,is it too far for girls to go80 8,oh no1 ,millie10 answered ,frank4 8',tisn't too far1 but girls would be afraid of the ,indians an' bears and everything4 ,but ,i'll tell you how we'll fix it4 ,we'll all go4 ,joe1 and ,will1 and ,ben1 and ,kate1 and ,lou1 and you1 and ,i4 ,then1 you know1 us boys'll keep the ,indians and bears away40 8,that'll be splendid10 said ,millie1 clapping her hands as delightedly as though ,frankie had been planning a school picnic on the bank of the creek4 ,the spirit of adventure had so taken possession of the children that they found it very hard to study4 ,every high snow-bank was the ,rocky ,mountain range1 and every gully or ravine the entrance into a mine4 ,miss ,ruth had1 finally1 to insist upon well-learned lessons1 under the penalty of being kept after school4 ,frankie was one of the first to suffer this penalty4 ,he had failed in his geography lesson1 having spent his time tracing the overland route to ,california4 ,ben ,field was the other culprit4 ,it was not new to him1 so he cared but little about it1 excepting that it pleased him to have such a good boy as ,frankie ,western kept too4 8,how do you like it1 ,frank80 he asked1 as soon as ,miss ,ruth had left the room4 ,frankie had begun to study with all his might1 so he looked up only a moment as he said1 8,i deserve it10 and after that ,ben could not make him speak4 ,through the force of ,frankie's example1 ,ben also studied faithfully1 and when1 an hour later1 ,miss ,ruth came in to hear the lesson1 both boys recited it perfectly4 ,it was hard for ,frankie to tell his father and mother why he was so late that night1 and1 for a moment1 he felt tempted to give some other reason than the true one2 but he thought of what the ,bible says of him 8who loveth or maketh a lie10 and decided to tell the whole truth4 ,it was the last time he failed to study his ,geography lesson1 but by no means the last time he did wrong4 ,he had the faults and temptations from which none are free1 and was but a 8babe in ,christ10 just learning to 8walk in the narrow way40 ,but he trusted in ,jesus1 and tried to imitate his example4 ,the ,saviour loves his 8little ones0 very tenderly1 and one of his last commands to his disciples1 8,feed my lambs40 ,in the spring a small marble slab was placed at ,aleck's grave1 and ,frankie set out the white rose bush again1 and some lilies of the valley4 ,the slab had for an inscription only ,aleck's name and two lines of his hymn3 8,for he gathers in his bosom witless1 worthless lambs like me1 ,an' carries them himsel' to his ,ain ,countree40 ,frankie still mourned for his lost playmate and friend2 but he was happy in his pleasant home1 in trying to please his parents1 and in endeavoring to obey his ,heavenly ,father4 ,miss ,ruth is still happy in teaching her little ones2 ,joe1 ,willie1 and ,millie have joined in the service of ,christ1 and ,miss ,ruth hopes that ,kate1 and ,lou1 and even ,ben1 are thinking of what they owe their ,saviour4 ,now we must leave them1 rejoicing in the thought that though the world lieth in darkness1 in ,jesus ,christ there is 8light for little ones40 ,,the ,,end4 ,illustration 99 99 99 99 99 ,,transcriber',s ,,note ,obvious typographical errors repaired4 ,punctuation1 spelling1 hyphenation and stylistic presentation standardized when a predominant preference was found in this book4 ,otherwise left as printed4 ,italicized text is denoted by underscores4