Page:The Swiss Family Robinson, In Words of One Syllable.djvu/49

Rh a state of gloom. These ships were not seen till they came close to the shore, and then the crew were sent forth to find those whom they were told to seize. Some went back with them full of joy, but most were seen to weep and mourn their fate. So soon as they were brought in sight of the Great King, the Prince took those who had done well, and put a white robe on them; but those who went their own way when on the Home of Earth, He sent down to toil in deep dark mines till time shall be no more."

When my sons had heard my tale to the end they all knew what it meant; I then drew from them their views of what they ought to do to please and serve the Great King, and did my best to teach them the truths that would guide them safe to the Place of Rest, when the time should come for them to leave the Home of Earth. We then sang a hymn; and my wife drew from her bag the, which I gave to one of the boys, who read from it in a clear, loud voice. When this was brought to a close, we all knelt down on the grass to pray, and to ask God to bless the means we took to learn His will.

We did no work that day, but took a long stroll up the banks of the stream, and spoke of such things as we felt would cause our minds to dwell on the truths we had heard read out of the Word of God.