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buildings. And in case of fire, to use in a hose, so as to be taken upon the roofs of houses; and all that could not be done, unless the water was first raised to this height. Frank. What is the reason of that?

Mr. Elmer. Water will always press upwards to a level with the source from which it is drawn.

Frank. I do not quite understand you, sir.

Mr. Elmer. Suppose a line could be stretched from the surface, on top of the water in this reservoir, so as to be kept at the same height over the city; that would be a level with the surface of the water. Then, if a pipe long enough to reach that line, could be placed in one of the pipes, which lead the water through the streets; the water would rise in it to the line, which you know would be its level.

George. I have often wondered why the water would run up to the top of a hose, when I saw the firemen taking them on the roofs of houses. But engines are used too, at fires; why need they be?

Mr. Elmer. To throw the water with more

force, and the force with which it falls on the fire, assists in putting it out: and in a hose, the water will not rise above its level; but an engine will throw it much higher. understand, now, what I have told

the nature of water?

Frank. I think, sir, that I do.

Mr. Elmer. Then it may teach portant truth.

George. What is that, sir?

you

Do you

about

you an im

Mr. Elmer. That all your actions should flow from a high source; and then they will have a constant tendency to rise towards that

source.

Robert. Please to tell me that plainer, sir?

Mr. Elmer. Suppose that you should think that you are good enough, because you are honest, and do not tell lies, or do any bad actions, but yet, "God is not in all your thoughts:" then your conduct (which you think good enough,) is like the water led.in the way that Frank proposed, source, and will not rise higher. But if it is because you love God, that your actions are good, then they flow from a high source, for

from a low

"God is love;" and they will constantly lead you towards Him. Do you understand that? Robert. Yes, sir.

Mr. Elmer. Then, in the language of the Bible, I will say to you, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

Mr. Hilton told his little party, that it was time to walk towards home; and they returned to the terrace, to take another look at the dam, and the beautiful appearance of the banks of the river. The beams of the evening sun fell upon the trees and shrubs, and their forms were plainly pictured on the still water below. "Come, come,” said Mr. Hilton, “I do believe you could stay here, and willingly lose your suppers; but that will not do, we must go home." They lingered along, until they could no longer see the river, and then walked with a quicker step. George asked his father to go by the Franklin Institute, that Frank might see it.

Frank. What is it?

Mr. Hilton. George means a building belonging to a society, called "The Franklin Institute."

Frank. What is the society for?

Mr. Hilton. To encourage manufactures, and the mechanic and useful arts:-and lectures are given to the members, to help them in getting knowledge of such things. There is an exhibition every year, in October. Frank. What do you mean, uncle?

Mr. Hilton. A show of every thing that a tradesman or mechanic, may choose to make and send there; and a premium is given for new inventions, and for whatever is best made.

Frank. Who pays for the premiums?

Mr. Hilton. Every member of the society gives three dollars a year, and the premiums, I suppose, are paid out of that.

Frank. Do you belong to it, uncle?

Mr. Hilton. No; I cannot yet spare the three dollars a year; but when the boys are old enough to go to trades, and the girls to earn their own clothes, I think I shall be able to become a member. I intend to make something to send to the exhibition next year.

Robert. Why, father, do you earn no more

than what you pay to get us victuals and clothes, and put us to school?

Mr. Hilton. Yes, a little; but I think it is right to put by some of that, in case of sickness, or a slack time of work; for if I did not, perhaps I might have to ask charity:and then, you know, your grandfather needs something more than we use, to make him comfortable, and I should be a very ungrateful son, if I did not try to do that.

The boys stopped a few minutes, to look at the building of the Franklin Institute, and then were soon at home. The first question that Mr. Hilton asked, was, if Thomas had returned. His wife answered yes, and has gone to bed; but we will not talk about him until to-morrow. She did not wish to distress Mr. Hilton then, with an account of the conduct of Thomas; and she thought it would be best to let him make his own confession to Mr. Hilton, and receive the counsel which she was sure he would give him. Supper was ready, and they all sat down with good appetites to enjoy it. The old grandfather's chair was

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