he had
placed himself in circumstances where the temptations that surrounded
him were more than his nature unaided could resist. Marten would not
listen to those who would have taught him that our blessed Saviour
verily took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed
of Abraham, wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto
his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in
things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the
people, for in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able
to succour those that are tempted. Heb. ii. 16, 17, 18. But we shall
soon see from Marten's story a verification of the words of St. Paul
addressed to the children of God. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he
standeth, take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but
such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you
to be tempted above that ye are able; but will, with the temptation,
also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. x. 12,
13.

And now,--to return to Reuben, he had ate and ate so much, that I am
almost ashamed even to think of it; and silly Mary Roscoe, who should
have put a bridle on his little mouth, never once thought of doing so,
and how should she, for she had never had one on her own? till the poor
child felt so uncomfortable that he was half ready to cry--for, added to
the over quantity he had contrived to swallow, he was very weary, for he
was but a young one, and he had been out in the air all the morning and
undergoing more active exercise than even he was accustomed to go
through, for he had moved about at the direction of others, and not by
his own voluntary will. So feeling uneasy, he was just about to raise a
cry, which I believe would have recalled Marten to a sense of his duty,
when the whole troop of children rose from table to amuse themselves as
best they liked till six o'clock, when tea was to be served in a large
room for them, and the evening was to be finished in games of whatever
description they chose, Mr. and Mrs. Jameson having promised to be
present.

Marten just stopped to see Mary Roscoe lead off his brother, who
accompanied her very contentedly, and then I am obliged to own he
thought no more of the little fellow for such a length of time, that we
who take an interest in poor little Reuben must banish Marten from our
thoughts and follow the child, the poor little v