Athlos ; or, the Story of a Life. By M.
A. Cartels. 2 vole. (Remington and Co.) —If we have to say what is the moral of this story, it is this, that a word of praise in season will effect what many reproofs have been unable to do. Johnny Aston is the "bad boy" of the village, and is reproved in sight of the whole Sunday-school gathered together in church ; but the bitter of the reproof is sweetened by a little morsel of praise—a very little morsel, simply that the offender has at least not eaten apples in church—and thus proves a wholesome medicine. The boy's career is traced in detail, and this experience recurs from time to time, and always as a stimulating influence. The story is interesting, but it might be better told. It seems to want distinctness and concentration. But it is one which no one can read without recognising careful study and truth to nature, and also, we should think, without receiving some good.
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