"Just as a mother, with sweet, pious face, Yearns toward her children from her seat, Given one a kiss, another an embrace, Takes this upon her knee, that on her feet; And while from actions, looks, complaints, pretences, She learns their feelings and their various will, To this a look, to that a word dispenses, And whether stern or smiling, loves them still;— So Providence for us, high, infinite, Makes our necessities its watchful task, Hearkens to all our prayers, helps all our wants; And even if it denies what seems our right, Either denies because 'twould have us ask, Or seems but to deny, or in denying grants." CHAPTER XII. THE COVENANT OF WORKS; OR, THE FIRST WEDDING. QUESTION XII. _What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created?_ ANSWER. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. —————— WALTER DERMOTT was, as I have said, a boy of remarkable intelligence for one of his years. He had naturally a quick and somewhat passionate temper; but this had been so controlled by his parents, that at the present time he was a conscientious, amiable youth. He was exceedingly fond of his sisters and cousin, especially of Isabelle, who was, indeed, a pet of the whole family. Helen was more nearly like himself—active, enthusiastic, and energetic. Belle was quiet, and though affectionate, yet not demonstrative. She rarely lost her temper, and gained many friends by her readiness to oblige all who were in need of her services. She was very fond of hearing stories, especially those contained in the Bible; and Walter could at any time attach her to himself by the promise of story. Since the lessons in the Catechism had commenced, he had often been called upon to repeat the stories which had illustrated them. She had been particularly interested in the narrative of the creation, and was delighted to learn that there would be a continuation of this account. "Isabelle," called her father, when her mother had read the answer for her, "have you ever been to a wedding?" "No, sir." "O, yes, you have!" cried Helen. "Only you didn't know what it was. You remember when cousin James stood up with Sarah Churchill?" "And she cried so when they were bidding her good by?" "Yes, that was a wedding."