Then when they were all settled and rested and Joseph had to go to his carpenter work, Jesus would do such little things as he could to help him, while Mary was doing her work. Joseph was a carpenter. What do you think he made? What tools did he use? Then I think Jesus must have learned to use them, too. Perhaps sometimes Mary was sick, and then I am sure he did all he could to help and comfort her and make her forget her pain. He would bring the jar of fresh water, bathe her head and give her a cool drink. If your mamma was sick, what could you do to be a blessing to her? I knew a little boy who was a real sunshine boy. When mamma was sick he would set the table for papa, and hand mamma a cup of tea, and give her a smile and a loving kiss. We can all do so much, and many other things. Think of some of them. You can pick up your toys and books and keep them tidy, without waiting for mamma to talk about it; you can always run to her with a loving kiss when you wake up and when you go to bed; you can be very gentle and kind to your little brothers and sisters; you can try every day in every way to make sunshine in your home—to make your home the most beautiful place in the world. Boys and girls who do that can make their homes next to heaven. [Illustration] Jesus did that even when he was very small. As he grew older he grew wiser and better. He helped Joseph more and more in his shop, and what he did not know, Joseph taught him. He did not spend all his time in the shop. He perhaps went to school, for he loved to study. I think Mary loved to teach a boy who was so ready to learn. He would stand beside her while she read to him. [Illustration] He liked to play like other boys, but he always did the things that other children should do, so they would know just what was right. That is why I tell you so much about him. Perhaps children would not know just the right way, if Jesus had not been a boy and lived with his mother and loved and obeyed and helped her. Around the Throne. Around the throne of God in heaven, Thousands of children stand, Children whose sins are all forgiven, A holy, happy band. What brought them to that world above, That heaven so bright and fair, Where all is peace and joy and love? How came those children there? On earth they sought the Savior’s grace, On earth they loved his name; So now they see his blessed face, And stand before the Lamb. —_Annie H. Shepherd._ * * * * * Transcriber’s Notes: Obvious punctuation errors repaired. Page 27, repeated word “him” removed from text. Original read (we praise him him for) End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boyhood of Jesus, by Anonymous