Just as she had done speaking, a beautiful insect flew by Miss _Lydia_. Look, Mamma, said she, that fly is just like the picture in my book; is it not? We will look, my dear, said her Mamma: and taking out of her pocket the _Rational Dame_, she found the little creature under the title of Dragon Fly; and little _Lydia_ read the description of it, and had afterwards a full opportunity of admiring it, as it rested upon a leaf.
I am sure, said _Lydia_, I am much obliged to Mrs. _Teachwell_ for writing so useful a book; it has taught me a great many things. And me likewise, said her Mamma; we will never walk out without it; for the best use we can make of our walks, is to acquaint ourselves with the works of God; which in the fields and lanes are continually before us. And I wish Mrs. _Teachwell_ would give us some little system of plants, with their nature and uses, fit for such young folk as you; for I again say, you cannot be too well acquainted with the works of God, who made you, and made the little insects, and the slender flower which your eye almost overlooks. God, my child, has spread before you two volumes, which are each his work, and demand and deserve your most attentive consideration, and most curious study; the _Book of Revelation_—I mean the _Bible_, wherein you learn the way to eternal life; and the _Book of Nature_, which is every where spread open before you, and which instructs you every where in the wisdom and goodness of God. Let no opportunity slip then of acquainting yourself with those wonders; and the more you learn of “What great things God has done for you;” may your heart feel more grateful to Him, and more ready to obey Him, and to do every thing He commands.
Miss _Lydia_ had several brothers as well as sisters, a good deal older than herself; among the rest was _Gilbert_, a boy, who from the goodness of his disposition, seemed formed to make his parents happy. Obliging to all, he was particularly indulgent and kind to little _Lydia_. One day, in the autumn, he joined a family party in the garden, and seeing some fine alpine strawberries in a little garden which the elder ones had given to _Lydia_, he asked her if he might gather some? No, pray brother, do not gather them now, said _Lydia_; for I keep them to treat you all with to-morrow upon my birth-day. Is to-morrow your birth-day, little girl? replied he; then, as to-day is a half-holiday, I will go a fishing, and try if I cannot get you a dish of fish for your dinner. I shall set off directly: and pray, Mamma, do not mind whether I return to dinner, for I do not care about that. Go then, said Mamma; and I will contribute some tarts and a cake, as my share of the entertainment.