One day, when Alfred was at church, the minister preached from the words, “I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke xv, 10. It is a sweet text; and the minister preached a beautiful sermon upon it. Alfred’s mamma showed him the words in the Bible; and he remembered them, and told them to his papa, who was ill that day, and could not go to church. Mr. Penrose talked to Alfred about the words he had repeated to him, and the next day told him about a family which rejoiced over the lost ones who wandered from their home.

“I had two little cousins who lived in New-York,” said Alfred’s papa. “Harry was six years old, and little Ann five. They had two brothers, and one sister. They were never allowed to go into the street without some person with them. This they did not like; so they often tried to open the front door, but the latch was too high and too strong for them.

“One morning they went into the entry, before their papa and mamma had come down stairs. While they were playing there the milkman rang at the door. The servant went to get a pitcher for the milk, and left the front door open. When Harry saw this he said,

“‘Ann, let’s go down on the pavement, and take a little walk.’

“Ann said,

“‘O, yes, Harry, do let us go!’

“So they walked out of the door, and down the steps to the pavement. Then they felt very proud. They were pleased to think how nicely they had run away. They had no cloak or shawl, although the day was cool, for it was the fall of the year. Harry wore a little cap, and Ann a bonnet, which they caught from behind the door, as they went out.

“They walked on through the streets, looking at all the pretty things that they saw in the shop-windows. After they had gone on some time, little Ann said,

“‘Brother, I am hungry.’

“Harry said,

“‘I am hungry too. We will go home, and get our breakfast.’

“But this was not easily done. They turned back; but they did not take the right street to lead them home. Every step took them further off. So on they went, hand in hand, like the babes in the wood, until they both grew still more hungry and faint. They sat down upon some steps to rest, and then got up, and wandered on.

“After awhile they found that they were near a river, and they saw a boat lying by the wharf.

“Harry said,

“‘Ann, I think that boat will take us to grandpapa’s. We always sail on the river when we go to see him. Let us step into it; and when we get to Newark grandmamma will give us some breakfast.’

“The tears were running fast down poor little Ann’s purple cheeks; for she was not only hungry, but tired and sorry.

“She said,

“‘But won’t mamma be angry? O, I want to see mamma!’

“Then Harry was very naughty. He shook his little sister, and pulled her, to make her step upon the boat. She drew back, and Harry slipped, and fell between the wharf and the boat into the water. Ann was dreadfully frightened, and screamed. She thought her brother would be drowned.”