the happy children

          On a field trip to Rocheport yesterday, we stopped at an antique store ( "Friends Together Antiques.") which belongs to a good friend of ours.  Samplers, autograph books, diaries, chairs, dresses, and various trinkets (dating as far back as the 18th century) were quaintly displayed and filled the small building with that faded smell of musty age.

 

          We were only shopping for fun, but I ended up buying this little treasure:

 

          It is was published by the American Sunday-School Union for the purpose of illustrating strong morals for young children. (The kind of morals that are founded straight from Scripture and show you how best to live your life.)
          In this fragile book there are three stories: The "Penitent Robber", "The Happy Children", and an "Anecdote". I cannot describe the delightfulness of this book very fairly, so here are some excerpts. I'm sure you will find them quite whimsical and old fashioned:)
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          "Now, reader, pause awhile, and think
               What thou art now, and soon must be!
          For God hath sent this little book,
               And speaks with solemn voice to thee.

          Say, dost thou long for peace in life,
                And hope for heaven when life is past?
          O pause and listen! -- search thy heart;
                 For know this day may prove thy last!"
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"When this book is written, two boys and two girls, the happy children to whom we refer, are living in a little cottage, in the county of Lancaster ..... They have such kind parents, such a good governess at their well-conducted school, and are making such improvement by these means, that we call them the Happy Children; and we earnestly wish that the dear little ones who may read, or hear this account, may be like them that they may be happy also."
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"One day, two of children retired to the same room to pray; and it appeared, on inquiry afterwards, that one of them chose the darkest corner in it, thinking that it would be most proper, because it was most private: the other prayed near to a window, which she set open, because she had heard that Daniel did so. They have often been much struck with the history of that eminent saint, and frequently request their parents to read it at family worship."
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So, now you know why I am thoroughly enjoying this little bit of paper and binding!

What are some treasures you have found? Please tell! I would love to hear.