uence of the loss of a law-suit, which deprived him
of a large estate.

"Had this man been known to you," said Mr. Denton, "at the time when he
was cheated of his estate; and had he told you that he had just lost a
large inheritance, which he had long peaceably enjoyed; that all his
property was expended in supporting the cause, and that he had now
neither country nor town-house, in short, nothing upon earth left; would
you then have laughed at this poor man?"

Joseph, with some confusion, replied he certainly should not be guilty
of so wicked an action as to laugh at the misfortunes of any man; but
should rather endeavour to comfort him.

"This man," said Mr. Denton, "is more to be pitied now than he was then,
since to the loss of his fortune is added that of his senses also; and
yet you have this day been throwing stones at this poor man, and
otherwise insulting him, who never gave you any cause." Joseph seemed
very sorry for what he had done, asked his papa's pardon, and promised
not only never to do the like again, but to prevent others, as much as
lay in his power, committing the same crime.

His father told him, that as to his forgiveness, he freely had it, but
that there was another besides him, whose forgiveness was more
necessary. Little Joseph thought that his father meant poor Samuel; but
Mr. Denton explained the matter to him. "Had Samuel retained his
senses," said he, "it would be certainly just that you should ask his
pardon; but as his disordered mind will not permit him to receive any
apologies, it would be idle to attempt to make any. It is not Samuel,
but God, whom you have offended. You have not shown compassion to poor
Samuel, but, by your unmerited insults, have added to his misfortunes.
Can you think that God will be pleased with such conduct?"

Joseph now plainly perceived whom he had offended, and therefore
promised that night to ask pardon of God in his prayers. He kept his
word, and not only forbore troubling Samuel for several weeks
afterwards, but endeavoured to dissuade all his companions from doing
the like.

The resolutions of young people, however, are not always to be depended
on. So it happened with little Joseph, who, forgetting the promises he
had made, one day happened to mix with the rabble of boys who were
following and hooting, and playing many naughty tricks with the
unfortunate Samuel.

The more he mixed among them, the more he forgot himself, and at last
became as bad