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tianity, at the time when they first became known to that remarkable individual. To the sufferings which he had undergone, it is most distressing to advert; he endured eleven severe imprisonments, one of which lasted for a period of ten years. There is a passage towards the close of his journal, dated in the year 1814, from which it appears, that a fine of a thousand rix-dollars was imposed upon him, and that all which he possessed on earth was sold for the liquidation of that debt: he might have escaped it, could he have prevailed on himself to petition the king, saying that he was unable to pay the amount; but such was his love of truth, that no consideration under heaven could induce him to declare a falsehood; and in consequence, he suffered himself to be reduced to the lowest degree of poverty: he allowed every thing which he possessed, down to the meanest utensil, to be sold, rather than declare that which he knew to be false.

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"A GOOD MAN IN BAD TIMES."

YEARS ago, in reading a biography, we found this testimony borne to the faithfulness of one who had entered into the joy of his Lord-he was a good man in bad times. It impressed us strongly. It led us to think of the few who are such, and to ask seriously whether any others are good men at all. We are in bad times now. Worldliness is dominant. Men are busy, animated, enthusiastic, but about what? Is it about the question "What shall we do to be saved?" The professors of religion are busy. We do not learn that their time is unoccupied, or that their minds are torpid, or their feelings unexcited. But what occupies and excites them? We cannot answer for all. Some there are who are good men in bad times, and they are the men in whom the Saviour takes delight-the men in whom the world might well rejoice. It is a time now to know one's self. When the public zeal runs high, we are borne along, and do not know how much of our warmth would endure a chilly atmosphere; but we can learn this now. And if men would now seek

to learn it—if they would in this day of waxing cold, ask, each one for himself, "how do I endure?" these bad times would be salutary times to many a soul that needs to know itself, and that must better know itself before it will ever truly know the Saviour. A good man in bad times-who covets the distinction? There is no rush to bewilder and excite. One can show that he acts with a deliberate purpose. He can understand himself, and others can understand him. And not only so, but there is opportunity now to render a peculiar service to the Redeemer's cause. Sometimes the question has been-who will go with a glad multitude to serve the Lord? It is otherwise now. The call is of a different character. Who will be an carnest and faithful disciple when multitudes are absorbed in worldliness? Who will be a light in the midst of darkness? Who will watch and pray, when many who once prayed, do not "always call upon God?" Who will be sure to be found in the "thin meeting." Who will speak of salvation, when "the whole talk" is of the world? Who will try to warn and arouse men, when the multitude who once took part in such efforts, do so no more? Such is the call to be answered now. Is it not a time in which to render a peculiar service, an honourable, a glorious service to our Master?

A WORD TO SABBATH-SCHOOL TEACHERS.

THE influence which Sabbath-schools are destined to exert in effecting a moral renovation of the world, must evidently be great. The object at which they aim, is the propagation of truth; and it is by the application of truth to the conscience and the heart, that the Spirit sanctifies and saves. "The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," is the mighty weapon by which alone vice and error can be successfully assailed. If the conversion of the world is ever to be effected, there must first be a general dissemination of divine truth.

The influence which the Bible exerts in forming the character of a community, renders it important that our Sabbath-schools should

embrace not only children and youth, but those of maturer age. In many of our churches, the Christian parent and the friends of Sabbathschools, appear to forget the influence their example might exert, in persuading children and youth rightly to appreciate this privilege. They forget that children are creatures of imitation; that they are ever watchful of the conduct of others, especially of their parents; and that their inquiring minds are deducing conclusions, respecting the importance they attach to any object, from the manner in which they treat it. But the child sees the parent anxious to avail himself of this means of improving in divine knowledge, will not the subject be invested with increasing importance in his own estimation? Precepts addressed to the understanding alone may fail to make an impression; but when united with example, they are clothed with a sanction that carries conviction along with them.

The Sabbath-school teacher has, in the respect, affection, and kindly feeling of his rising pupils, as well as in the luxury of his Master's approbation, and the consciousness of doing good, a rich reward, even now, for all his trouble and pains; but when the seed which he has been enabled to sow in the hearts of any of the children, shall, by the grace of God, ripen into the fruits of holiness and joy, many a heart shall warm at the recollection of his labours, and bless God on his account. How many, in the dangerous paths of vanity and business, may, at the remembrance of his instructions, gird up the loins of their minds, and press forward with renewed alacrity in their journey to heaven! How many a sick-bed and death-bed may be robbed of their terrors by his means, though unknown to himself! And tears of affection and gratitude may yet be shed at his grave, by the children's children of those who delighted to cherish and to bless his memory.

But the consummation of his reward extends beyond the narrow limits of time. Eternity alone shall make known the extent of his usefulness, and the value of his labours. And when monarchs, and kings, and the great men of the earth, who lived but for themselves, shall shrink back in terror and dismay before the judgment throne of the Almighty, he who has laboured for God in doing good to souls, will be enabled to lift up his head with triumph and joy, while he shall say, "Behold me and the children whom thou hast given me."

It is usual to attempt the management of children either by corporal punishment, or by rewards addressed to the senses, and by words alone. There is one other means of government, the power and importance of which are seldom regarded-I refer to the human voice. A blow may

be inflicted on a child, accompanied with words so uttered, as to counteract entirely its intended effect; or the parent may use language in the correction of the child, not objectionable in itself, yet spoken in a tone which more than defeats its influence. Let any one endeavour to recall the image of a fond mother, long since at rest in Heaven. Her sweet smile and ever clear countenance are brought vividly to recollection; so is also her voice and blest is that parent who is endowed with a pleasing utterance. What is that which lulls the infant to repose? It is not an array of mere words? There is no charm to the untaught one, in letters, syllables, and sentences. It is the sound which strikes its little earthat soothes and composes it to sleep. A few notes, however unskilfully arranged, if uttered in a soft tone, are found to possess a magic influence. Think we that this influence is confined to the cradle? No; it is

diffused over every age, and ceases not while the child remains under the parental roof. Is the boy growing rude in manner, and boisterous in speech? I know of no instrument so sure to control these tendencies as the gentle tones of a mother. She who speaks to her son harshly does but give to his conduct the sanction of her own example. She pours oil on the already raging flame. In the pressure of duty, we are liable to utter ourselves hastily to children. Perhaps a threat is expressed in a loud and irritating tone; instead of allaying the passions of the child, it serves directly to increase them. Every fretful expression awakens in him the same spirit which produced it. So does a pleasant voice call up agreeable feelings. Whatever disposition, therefore, we could encourage in a child, the same we should manifest in the tone in which we address it.

OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE PENNSYLVANIAN INDIAN.

SEATING myself once upon a log, by the side of an Indian, who was resting himself there, being at that time actively employed in fencing-in his corn-field, I observed to him that he must be very fond of working, as I never saw him idling away his time, as is so common with the Indians. The answer he returned made a very great impression on my mind. I have remembered it ever since, and I shall try to relate it as nearly in his own words as possible.

But it one

"My friend," said he, "the fishes in the water and the birds in the air and on the earth have taught me to work;-by their examples, I have been convinced of the necessity of labour and industry. When I was a young man I loitered about a good deal, doing nothing, just like the other Indians, who say, that working is for the whites and negroes, the Indians have been ordained for other purposes,-to hunt the deer, and catch the beaver, otter, racoon, and such other animals. day so happened that, while hunting, I came to the banks of the Susquehanna, and having sat myself down near the water's edge to rest a little, and casting my eye on the water, I was forcibly struck when I observed with what industry the Mecehgalingus (sunfish,) heaped small stones together, to make secure places for their spawn; and all this labour they did with their mouth and body,—without hands.

"Astonished, as well as diverted, I lighted my pipe, sat awile smoking and looking on, when presently a little bird not far from me, raised a song, which enticed me to look that way; while I was trying to distinguish where the songster was, and catch it with my eyes, its mate, with as much grass as it could hold in its bill, passed close by me, and flew into the bush, where I perceived them together, busily employed in building their nest and singing as the work went on. I entirely forgot that I was hunting, in order to contemplate the objects I had before me. I saw the birds in the air, and the fishes in the water, working diligently and cheerfully, and all this without hands. I thought it was strange, and I was in wonder. I looked at myself, and I saw two long arms, provided with hands and fingers, and with joints that might be opened and

shut at pleasure. I could when I pleased take up anything with these hands, hold it fast, or let it loose, and carry it along with me. When I walked I observed, moreover, that I had a strong body, capable of bearing fatigue, and supported by two stout legs, with which I could climb to the top of the highest mountain, and descend at pleasure into the valleys.

"And is it possible, said I, that a being so wonderfully formed as I am, was created to live in idleness, while the birds which have no hands and nothing but their little bills to help them, work with cheerfulness, and without being told to do so? Has, then, the Creator of man, and all living creatures, given me all these limbs for no purpose? It cannot be; I will try to go to work. I did so, and went away from the village, to a spot of good land, where I built a cabin, enclosed ground, sowed corn, and raised cattle. Ever since that time I have enjoyed a good appetite, and sound sleep. While the others spend their night in dancing, and are suffering with hunger, I live in plenty: I keep horses, cows, hogs, and fowls. I am happy. See, my friend, the birds and the fishes brought me to reflection, and taught me to work!"

Thus man his sov'reign duty learns, in this
Material picture of reflection.

How much may Christians learn from this plain tale!

MILNE THE MISSIONARY.

"I attended a Sabbath-evening school which was taught in the neighbourhood. Here my knowledge of evangelical truth increased, and considerable impressions of its importance were made upon my mind.— Sometimes I used to walk home from the school alone, about a mile, over the brow of a hill, praying all the way. At this time I began the worship of God in my mother's family; and also held some meetings for prayer, with my sisters and other children, in a barn that belonged to the premises.

When removed from the immediate care of my mother, the providence of God placed me near to the spot where lived one of those persons, who, though poor in this world, are rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. I used, sometimes, to go to his house, at the hour of prayer, when he and his family bowed the knee, and worshipped God, at the foot of their domestic altar. After reading a chapter in the Bible, he was accustomed to make some remarks upon it, both for the instruction of his children, and as a preparation for the solemn exercise of prayer; these remarks interested me very much, and showed me a beauty in the Word of God, which I never saw before. From this time, more particularly, I began to discover an excellence in religion, which led me to choose it as the only object deserving the supreme attention of an immortal creature. As the family in which I lived were strangers to religion themselves, and derided all others who made it their concern, I was very unpleasantly situated. The only place I found for retirement where I could be quiet and unnoticed, was a sheepcote, in which the sheep were kept in winter. Here, surrounded with my fleecy companions, I often bowed the knee on a piece of turf which I carried with me for the purpose. Many hours have I spent there, in the winter evenings, with a pleasure to

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