"You are young, you look strong and active, you must never give up hope," said the teacher; "God is willing and able to help all who come in faith to Him. Let us see if no way can be found by which you can earn your bread as an honest Christian should do." The lady herself did something, perhaps to some it may seem very little, to aid the poor homeless lad; she had many poor to think of, many claims on her purse. She gave but a stale roll, an old broom, and the means of procuring a single night's lodging, together with an invitation to come every day and learn at the Ragged School. This was but a small and humble beginning to Rob's new start in life. I am not going to trace his career through all its various stages. He was the crossing-sweeper, the errand-boy, the lad ready for any message or any work, cleaning boots, putting up shutters, carrying parcels to earn a few pence, or some broken victuals. Life was a struggle to Rob, as it is a struggle to many who, when they rise in the morning scarcely know where they will lie down at night. But Rob Barker was learning more and more to put his trust in that heavenly Father who never forsakes His children. He was learning to be honest, sober, and pious. Gradually the sky brightened over Rob; his character became known and trusted, and greater prosperity came. Having sought first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, other things were added besides, according to the promise of the Lord. Rob entered service, and rose in it; he remained for nearly twenty years under the same kind master, then with his honest earnings, set up in business, and prospered. Rob lived to be known and respected in the world as a good husband, father, and master. He lived to be useful in the station of comfort and honour to which God's mercy had raised him, and to look forward with humble hope and rejoicing to the rest of Paradise and changeless glories of heaven. Such was the career of one who had once been deemed good for nothing by a fellow sinner! NEW STORIES BY A. L. O. E. No. 4—HOW LIKE IT IS! NEW YORK: GENERAL PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL. UNION AND CHURCH BOOK SOCIETY. 762 BROADWAY. 1865. [Illustration: No. 4. HOW LIKE IT IS!] HOW LIKE IT IS! "I HOPE, aunt, that you did not mind my knocking up the house at twelve o'clock last night," said Eddy Burns, as he sat down one Monday morning to the breakfast which had been kept waiting for him nearly an hour. "I own, my dear boy," replied Mrs. Burns, a gentle looking woman with silvery hair smoothly braided beneath the whitest of caps, "I must own that I should much rather have had you going with me to church, and spending Sunday evening quietly here, than wandering off I know not where, and never returning till midnight."