"And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and from one of his ribs made fair woman's lovely form. And Adam awoke from his sleep, and beheld that 'marvel most sublime.' We can imagine with what rapture of delight he pressed this new and cherished being to his breast, exclaiming,— "'O Eve, Sole partner and sole part of all these joys, Dearer thyself than all. Under a tuft of shade, that on a green Stood whispering soft, by a fresh fountain's side, They sat them down; and to their supper fruits they fell. Nectarine fruits, which the compliant boughs Yielded them, sidelong as they sat recline. On the soft, downy bank damasked with flowers, The savory pulp they chew, and in the rind, Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream.'" * * * "'About them frisking played. Sporting the lion ramped, and in his paw Dandled the kid: bears, tigers, ounces, pards, Gambolled before them; the unwieldy elephant, To make them mirth, used all his might, and wreathed His lithe proboscis.'" * * Milton's "Paradise Lost." "Thus, dear children, were formed the parents of our race, made in the image of their Creator, and endowed with knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. How different would have been our condition had they never fallen from that high estate!" CHAPTER XI. PROVIDENCE; OR, THE ILL-FATED BOAT. QUESTION XI. _What are God's works of providence?_ ANSWER. God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions. —————— THE morning of Thursday dawned clear and bright, and at the breakfast table the children eagerly reminded their father of his promise to improve the first fine day by teaching them to skate. At the distance of one quarter of a mile from their house, there was a large pond, which was now covered with firm, smooth ice. Mr. Dermott told them that he would endeavor to return from the city to take an early dinner with them, after which, provided their lessons had been well learned, he would accompany them to the pond. Every thing was propitious; the children studied diligently, and, of course, recited correctly. The weather continued fine, and their father arrived in ample season for dinner. A merry party that was, consisting of father, mother, and four happy children; and a delightful afternoon they passed, filling their lungs with the clear, bracing air, as they lightly skimmed over the pond, making the woods, which lined the banks, ring with their cheerful tones and merry laughter. "I don't believe any body in the world is as happy as I am," exclaimed the enthusiastic Helen, as she sat by the fire after tea, waiting for her parents to be ready for the catechising. "Come, my daughter, I should like to have you tell me why you are so happy," remarked Mr. Dermott, after Walter had repeated the answer for the evening.