Lessons in Astronomy.-3, Mercury and Venus Letters from Sister Jane, No. 6.-Island of Sardinia 167 Address. In stating that it is the intention of the Proprietors to continue this little work annually, we think it may not be amiss to address a few words to our youthful readers, before their attention is drawn to our pages of instruction and amusement. You are now very young, but you are old enough to understand the words of kindness and love which you receive from your parents and friends. If a stranger were to come amongst you, and offer you fruits, or sweet-meats, or amusing toys, you would no doubt think him very kind, and you would very soon be led to love and admire him. Now, in this little work, we intend to present you annually, with things far more valuable than either toys or sweetmeats. You will here find those seeds of knowledge, which, as you grow older, will ensure you the love and respect of all those whose esteem you should be desirous of possessing. Now, in order to your becoming wise and good, two things are essentially necessary: good means of instruction, and a mind willing to learn and improve. The first requisite this little work is intended to supply. Here you will be taught the wonders of creation, and the mighty works of God: here you will learn some of the noble actions of great and good men, and also the faith and love to the Creator, from which these actions have sprung. In the amusing and interesting stories which you will here read, you will see how lovely and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity; and in addition to these, you will find much other matter calculated at once to afford instruction and amusement to your enquiring minds. You will thus be furnished with the means of knowledge; but for a mind willing to learn and improve, you must look up to the Father of all, and seek His aid by loving him and earnestly desiring him to enlighten your minds and fill your hearts with a knowledge of His will, not that you may appear superior to your fellows, and thus cherish pride, which is hateful to God, but that you may apply all you learn to good and useful purposes and thus become like those happy spirits who are before the throne of your heavenly Father and which the Bible tells us, are all ministering spirits, devoted to the good of their fellow creatures. Ever bear in mind, my dear children, that in order to become wise and good, you must associate with those who are so. Shun then, all evil and vicious companions, love your parents, brothers, and sisters, and be ready at all times to serve and oblige them, speak the truth at all times, and be kind and attentive to all, doing always as much good as lies in your power, so shall you be happy in making others happy, and finally rejoice with the angels in God's presence for ever. THE EDITOK. |