This little work aims to be the very least of all;—not in size, but in the humility of its contents. It aims at the superlative degree of littleness; and in this point seeks to resemble the least watch ever made—the least picture ever painted—the tiniest flower that ever grew. It desires to be among books as the humming-bird among birds.

As soon as a child’s mind is capable of receiving systematic instruction, this humble work attempts to convey it.

From a very early period a pious mother will, by casual remarks, endeavor to lead her child to the knowledge of his Creator and Redeemer; and in due time she will impart systematic instruction. It may be at three years of age—it may not be till five—that the child is prepared to listen to these little lessons. But—sooner or later—he will give evidence of his immortality by willingly hearkening to discourse concerning the Invisible—the Eternal—the Infinite.

The simplicity of the language may seem unworthy of the sublimity of the subject treated of in these pages; and some may smile at the contrast;—but the little one will not smile—except with joy to hear of his Heavenly Father, and of his Incarnate Redeemer; for the merry inmates of the nursery are capable of tasting higher pleasures than toys and dainties can afford.