"Upon some of these inventions men have labored their whole lives, and have expended vast fortunes to bring them to that state of perfection which we here witness. But, after all, what are these models of human skill, to the wisdom and power of God in the work of creation! These are made from material already existing. God created the world from nothing. The inventors of these articles passed, in many cases, their whole lives in toiling to attain their prize. God spoke the world into being by the word of his power. "'He spake and it was done. He commanded, and it stood fast.' "Can you tell me, Walter, how many days God was in making the world?" "Six days." "For whom did God create all things?" "I suppose he made them at first for Adam and Eve." "Solomon says in the Proverbs,— "'The Lord hath made all things for himself.' "Can you tell me for what purpose?" Walter shook his head, and his father, taking a small Bible from the table, turned to the first verse of the nineteenth psalm, and gave it to him to read. "'The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork.'" "How important, then, that when we view the hills and vales, the moon and stars shining in their splendor, the trees and flowers, the birds and beasts, and every other work of creation, we should remember God, the Maker and Giver of all these blessings, and that our hearts should flow out toward him in gratitude and praise!" "We sing of God, the mighty source Of all things, the stupendous force On which all things depend; From whose right arm, beneath whose eyes, All period, power, and enterprise, Commence, and reign, and end." CHAPTER X. THE CREATION OF MAN; OR, THE WAX DOLL. QUESTION X. _How did God create man?_ ANSWER. God created man, male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over his creatures. —————— IT so happened that Helen's birthday, which was on the twelfth of February, occurred on Thursday following her aunt's visit. When she came down to breakfast in the morning, a high chair, which had in turn been used by all the children, was drawn up to the table, and in it was seated a beautiful wax doll. It had long, flaxen ringlets, and blue eyes, which could be made to open and shut, beautiful red cheeks, a white neck and arms, and taper fingers. It was dressed in a sky-blue merino, with a dainty silk apron, with tiny pockets, while its feet were covered with pink silk stockings and gaiter boots. This was papa's birthday present to his little daughter; and what a shout of joy rung through the house, as he took it from the high chair, and placed it in her arms! There was little breakfast eaten that morning by either of the children, for Helen's excitement communicated itself to the others, and the time was consumed in asking and answering questions.