Think of it, ever bear it in mind, children, that every sin you commit leaves a sure mark upon yourselves. Your characters should bear a coating of pure truth. Let truthfulness ever be manifest. Beware of sin: "and be sure your sin will find you out;" for it makes finger-marks which, even should they not be seen by those around you on earth, will yet be seen, to your condemnation, at the bar of God. -Sunday-School Illustrations. THE DISCONTENTED ANIMALS. AN ORIGINAL FABLE. In a certain farm-yard, inhabited by sundry horse asses, cows, ducks, and hens, a dispute arose, on fine morning, as to which of them did the most worl and which suffered the most ill-usage from the farme One of the horses said, "that he did the most wor of the lot: when he awoke in the morning, he, i conjunction with one of his brother-horses, had t drag along the fields a heavy iron machine, whic he had heard his master call a plough he very ofte had to carry his master to market and back. H considered that he was very ill-used; and would be to say, that all the rest of the inhabitants of th farm-yard were a set of idle do-nothings." At th ominous sentence there arose a fearful hubbul The cows made "day hideous" with their bellow ings; in short, every individual animal made a much noise as it could to show its disapprobation the speech of the horse. Silence being at lengt obtained, a grey donkey" would beg to remark that the asses were quite as ill-used as the horse. They had very hard work, and plenty of it, and-" A duck (who professed herself as being very sorry for interrupting her friend the ass) "would just say that one or two of their number was always killed every morning to send to market; and she considered that hey (the ducks) were the worst off." (Cries of "No, o!" from the anti-ducks, and great applause from er own party.) A good fat hen "would just observe that, in addition to the grievance of the ducks, her friends (the hens) were always deprived of their eggs every morning by that stingy personage, the farmer's maid, and- At this point of the proceedings The horse (who was a very malicious character) administered a slight kick to the hind-quarters of the grey donkey, who, fearing to resent the insult, atisfied his revenge by stamping on an unsuspectng pig. The pig, not liking this behaviour, ran queaking away, and in his hasty movement upset e good fat hen; and then ensued a scene of horble confusion, which, however, was soon put a stop by the entrance of the farm-servants. " THE MORAL. First.-Do not praise yourself. Let other people it. Do not talk about what you do. Secondly.-Be content in the situation which rovidence has assigned you. The discontented ery often quarrel. Colchester. A SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHER. LITTLE THINGS. LITTLE drops of water, And the little moments, So our little errors Lead the soul away From the paths of virtue, Little deeds of kindness, Little seeds of mercy, Sown by youthful hands, Far in heathen lands. THE ANNIVERSARY OF A GRAND- DEAR children, would you like to hear about the anniversary of a grandfather's birthday? I think I hear some of you say, "Yes." Well, I will tell you about mine. I was sixty-five years old last birthday; and, having a numerous family, and thirteen grandchildren, the joyful period was anticipated with much pleasure by them, and each was determined to present me with a token of love. Every passing day increased their desire for the happy season to arrive. At last the day came, and I was invited to take tea with them at the residence of one of my daughters. All my children and grandchildren that could come were there, waiting my arrival; and many were the kisses they gave me when they saw me. While we were at tea, every eye sparkled, and seemed to say that "something else was coming;" and my little grandchildren had great difficulty to keep the secret till after the table was cleared. Then a most pleasing scene took place, which I think I shall never forget. I fancy I can see them now. There stood my children and grandchildren, with hearts and eyes full of love, each with a present wrapped up in paper, with an inscription, wishing me "many happy returns of the day." The youngest grandchild then came forward, and gave me her present and a kiss; then the next; and so each followed in turn, in like manner. One of my children who could not attend, sent her present. I cannot now describe my feelings while receiving such tokens of affection from my dutiful children. How true is the word of God,; dear children, which says, "With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again!" I loved my dear parents; and, when they were old and needy, I took care of them. God now rewards me a hundred-fold Honour your father and mother: then shall you b blest, and be made a blessing. GRANDFATHER M. A BATTLE-SONG. BY J. PAYNE, ESQ. PRAISE the Lord, with voices sweet! Christians here Allies become; Ignorance is the world's REDAN,— Labour till the works are won; * Composed for a school meeting in Milton-street, London. |