A WORD ABOUT JANUARY.

THE first day of January we call New-Year's-day. This is a very important day to almost everybody. Some remember it because the traders send in their long bills at this time. We are sorry for anybody who has nothing more pleasant to think about on New-Year's-day than a long bill to pay, No. 205. JANUARY, 1862,

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with an empty purse. It is well to remember, all through the year, there is a pay-time coming.

In some places the first of January is a real holiday, and persons spend it in going about to make visits, so that at least one day in the year they may shake hands with all their friends. This would be a good custom, if all old quarrels were to be made up, and all unkind looks between friends changed to smiles on New-Year's-day.

In some families the first of January is a day of giving presents, New-Year's gifts, from one to another. After much whispering and planning, and buying, and sewing, and making, something has been prepared as a surprise for everybody in the house, from papa and mamma down to baby in the nursery, and the servant in the kitchen.

I think I hear somebody say, "Children have no debts to pay; I don't see what they have to do with long bills."

There you are mistaken. Every child has debts to pay on New-Year's-day, debts which are too often forgotten; but then they are growing, growing, year by year, though you never think of them. The pay-day must come, sooner or later.

You have been fed and clothed and cared for. You have had parents and kind friends, brothers and sisters, and health, and joys without number. You owe somebody for these many blessings.

Yes, you owe your heavenly Father more than you can ever pay. You should at least thank him for all that he has done for you, and love him for his goodness to you; you should pray to him that