Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/19

Rh of the Bible, he pointed to the following testimony, in his master's autograph. Charlotte read it aloud: "It gives me great pleasure to record here the diligence and success of my esteemed pupil, Harry Aikin, and still more to testify to his strict practice of the golden rule of this book, Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you."

"There, there! I knew I guessed right. You know you couldn't do so if you didn't love everybody; could he, Lottie?"

"You were not very far from right, Susan," replied her sister; "for I am sure Harry could not do so much to make everybody happy if he did not love almost everybody."

"No, indeed, I do not; at least, I feel a great difference. Do you think, for instance, I love Morris Finley or Paulina Clark as well as I love you and Susan? No, not by a sea-full. But, then, it is very true, as mother used to tell me, if you want to love people, or almost love them, just do them a kindness, think how you can set about to make them happier, and the love, or something that will answer the purpose, will be pretty sure to come."

"It will," said Charlotte, with a faint smile; "otherwise how could we live up to the rule of this book; and certainly God never gave us a law that we could not obey if we would. O, Harry, I am so glad you got the Bible instead of any of the other books, for I know you will love it, and study it, and live after it."

"I will try, Lottie."

"But, then, Harry, it seems to me those that are well, and strong, and at ease, can never value