LITTLE BUILDERS
JOHN BROWN and Jemmy Atkins were great friends. At school, at play, everywhere, they were together, and when one learned anything new, it was not long before the other knew it also. Now they were watching the masons, who were building a fine house.
"Did you know that we are builders, John?" said Jemmy, as he watched the men putting brick after brick upon the wall.
"No, we are, not; we're only boys," said John.
"But we are; we are building a house which is to last forever and ever," said Jemmy, earnestly.
"Pooh! Now you are not in earnest," said John. "Nothing in the world lasts forever and ever. That old Morgan house is a hundred years old, and it won't last a hundred more."
"I can't help that," said Jemmy;
"mother told me that we were building houses that would live forever.
"How is that? " said John, soberly.
"Well, she said that we build our characters day by day, brick by brick, just as that man is doing. And if we build well, we shall be glad forever and ever; and if we build badly if we use shaky bricks, or rotten wood, or stubble we shall ever after be sorry."
"That is strange. We ought to be pretty careful, then," said John. "But your mother is such a good woman, she must know."
"I think it is nice to be builders, don't you?" said Jemmy.
"Yes, if we build right. But let's see; what kind of bricks had we better use?"
"Always tell the truth; that's one.
Be honest; that's another," said Jemmy.
"Good!" cried John. "Mind your mother; there is another."
"Yes, and father's and teachers, too," said Jemmy. "There's a big beam of temperance in my building. Mother says that's a good beam, and keeps the frame steady."
"Be courteous; there's a brick," said John. "And don't covet; there's another."
"And don't speak against anybody, and don't say any bad words," interrupted Jemmy." And we shall go on building as long as we live, mother says; and every single day we add something to our house."
The gentleman who owned the new building stood close beside the boys, hidden from their sight by a high wall. He listened to their talk intently, and then he stepped round beside them and said,
"Pretty good work, my boys; only build on the sure foundation."
They looked a little frightened, but he smiled so pleasantly upon them that they soon felt at ease, and listened while he said:
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Give your young hearts to God, my boys; he is the great Master Builder.
He will teach you to build so that he will say, 'Well done.'" Seek first the kingdom of God, and all things else will be added unto you." Then he added: "I wish everybody would build on your plan, dear boys. May God help you to keep his commandments."
Children's Friend.