the smallest springs the mightiest rivers flow, to promote the fruitfulness or to bear the commerce of the globe. From the grain of mustard seed, the kingdom of heaven is represented as gradually rising and expanding, till it becomes a great tree, beneath the shade of which all nations of the earth repose. And so in the history of individuals, from the day of small things, not unfrequently has arisen a career, the brilliancy of which has surprised and dazzled the world. It is, for the most part, denied to men who move in a public and extended circle, to witness those early displays of genius, and that gradual development of talent, which afterwards become so eminent for their splendour and usefulness, and upon which the eye of a philosopher would love to dwell. This is usually the privilege of a few obscure individuals, who are determined on "mental improvement." Adam Clarke and John Hunt were men of this class. And the result is well-known. The new-fledged bird first tries its pinions in its own nest, or its own sequestered bower, and then soars above its native glen, attracting the attention and the admiration of man by the success it has achieved, and the boldness of its flight or by the sweetness of its note. And so we often find a peculiar interest connected with the early efforts of a mind bent on improvement, and the first stage of an exalted and illustrious career, which is effected by a determination that thus it shall be.

(To be concluded in our next.)

Sunday School Column.

PERSONAL PUNCTUALITY.-TO

TEACHERS.

PROVIDENCE has given us three modes, by some one of which, if not by all, every child may be powerfully wrought upon. Impress his sense, his conscience, his imagination. For instance, in the matter of punctual attendance; if the delinquent be an elder boy, then, in a kind manner, after stating that the rules of the school require that it should open at nine and at two o'clock-give him one or two simple arguments or reasons in favour of a

regular and prompt attendance; as that he will otherwise be behind the other boys, or will lose part of a connected lesson, or will displease the superintendent. In all cases, aim at securing your pupil's conscience, by setting forth, in a few words, that as it is his duty to be punctual, you need hardly say that you expect him, that God expects him, that the superintendent, teachers, and all the good children in the school expect him to be punctual; tell him that it is your wish he should always be in time; and in proportion as your scholar is young, you must impress also his imagination, which may be done easily, and in the simplest ways. For instance, in the school to which the writer belongs, the superintendent (a first-rate one) has given orders to keep the doors closed while the early prayer is offered. In consequence of this salutary regulation, by which neither a late teacher nor his scholar can irreverently march into the school during the devotions of those who come in time, it usually happens that, upon the opening of the door, when the "Amen" is said, a stream of "late ones" pours in. The writer has found it beneficial to take hold affectionately of a new scholar, and turn him round towards the door as this tide sweeps by, and ask him whether those are all "late boys." The reply is, "Yes;" and pointing with his finger at them whilst speaking, it has then been said to the new-comer, in a solemn tone, 'Never let me be grieved by seeing you come in with those boys." Any little incident of this kind would seize hold of the imagination, and in consequence, impress indelibly the memory of a young man in a strange school-room; he would never forget the pointing of the finger, the wish, nor yet the looks of shame of one or two of the good boys who were accidentally late. So much for the first impressions.

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Always expect every scholar in your class to be in time. Thus, should one arrive late, express surprise, and be surprised. He has no business whatever to come late. If it is just after the time, it is all the more inexcusable: for there cannot be any sufficient excuse for coming punctually

one minute or second after the time. I do not mean to suggest that you should lose your temper because your scholars come late; still less, that you should blame those who do come because the rest are not present when the school commences. But let every boy that happens to come late, fully count in his mind upon your asking him the reason of it. Let the class feel that you do really expect they will be punctual, and this not through a continual talking on the subject, but by little acts, showing you are quite in earnest. The writer confesses his wish to see the school where no scholar should be allowed to enter after time; and where any teacher who might be accidentally late, would stay away rather than enter, as preferable for his own dignity of character, and the best interests of the school. Parents would rightly conclude, that every teacher in such a school set some value on the instruction given there, and a high character in its favour will be the result. In large towns, this thought may perhaps be worth

attention.

It must be admitted, that there is a degree of difficulty in convincing some children's minds of the power of being punctual. I think that, in most cases, they may be led to perceive that there is a way of overcoming adverse circumstances (the teacher aiding), however untoward they may be. But I refer to what appears to be almost a law in the mental economy of children, that whenever anything is represented to their minds as important, they immediately jump to the conclusion that it must needs be difficult. It has been found almost impossible to remove this false idea from the minds of some. Of course, a rule rendering punctuality imperative would remove much of this mistaken impression, as we can more easily convince ourselves that a thing is attainable when we find it to be indispensably requisite. S. S. C.

Temperance.

THE SECRETS OF THE TRADE. A BOOK is now lying before me, entitled, "THE RETAIL COMPOUNDER, OR PUBLICAN'S FRIEND." This book

just lets us into the secrets of the trade; and we learn from it of what those liquors are compounded which some people drink.

The author dedicates his book, "To the retail dealers in spirits in the metropolis, and its vicinity;" and signs himself "Your respectful humble servant, JOHN HARDY.' Our author also tells his supporters that he had not had time to call upon them all, but that they could have the book of the publishers. "But," he says, 66 as the intent is to admit no person but those of the trade, the author hopes the, public may not take it amiss, his desiring that every one sending for the book may show their licence, which he hopes will be the means of keeping it to the trade only."

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Mr. Hardy never intended the book should get into my hands: but here it is. He observes, "The first thing the retailer needs to have any knowledge of, is the proper strength of his spirits, whether foreign or British." He then goes on to tell us, "that spirits of wine has the greatest strength of any spirit." "If," he says, one gallon of this spirit is mixed with one gallon of water, you will then have two gallons of spirits at hydrometer strength." You will always find," he says, "the trade, when speaking of the strength of their goods to each other, use the expression one in five, one in eight, &c.; or else, one to five, one to eight, &c.; which means, one in eight, that to every eight gallons of spirits at hydrometer strength, there is added one of water (or what the distillers and rectifiers call liquor, for water is a term never used in the trade).

So these distillers and rectifiers are too conscientious to put water to their spirits under that name: but when it in reality is added, it is christened liquor. We temperance men should not find much fault with the trade if they merely added water to their spirits: but that would reduce its strength to the palate of the consumer, and hence what follows.

Our friend, Mr. Hardy, now goes on to show the retailers of spirits how they are to compound various kinds of spirits for their customers. Here

the smallest springs the mightiest rivers flow, to promote the fruitfulness or to bear the commerce of the globe. From the grain of mustard seed, the kingdom of heaven is represented as gradually rising and expanding, till it becomes a great tree, beneath the shade of which all nations of the earth repose. And so in the history of individuals, from the day of small things, not unfrequently has arisen a career, the brilliancy of which has surprised and dazzled the world. It

is, for the most part, denied to men who move in a public and extended circle, to witness those early displays of genius, and that gradual development of talent, which afterwards become so eminent for their splendour and usefulness, and upon which the eye of a philosopher would love to dwell. This is usually the privilege of a few obscure individuals, who are determined on "mental improvement." Adam Clarke and John Hunt were men of this class. And the result is well-known.

The new-fledged bird first tries its pinions in its own nest, or its own sequestered bower, and then soars above its native glen, attracting the attention and the admiration of man by the success it has achieved, and the boldness of its flight or by the sweetness of its note. And So we often find a peculiar interest connected with the early efforts of a mind bent on improvement, and the first stage of an exalted and illustrious career, which is effected by a determination that thus it shall be.

(To be concluded in our next.)

Sunday School Column.

PERSONAL PUNCTUALITY.-TO

TEACHERS.

PROVIDENCE has given us three modes, by some one of which, if not by all, every child may be powerfully wrought upon. Impress his sense, his conscience, his imagination. For instance, in the matter of punctual attendance; if the delinquent be an elder boy, then, in a kind manner, after stating that the rules of the school require that it should open at nine and at two o'clock-give him one or two simple arguments or reasons in favour of a

regular and prompt attendance; as that he will otherwise be behind the other boys, or will lose part of a connected lesson, or will displease the superintendent. In all cases, aim at securing your pupil's conscience, by setting forth, in a few words, that as it is his duty to be punctual, you need hardly say that you expect him, that God expects him, that the superintendent, teachers, and all the good children in the school expect him to be punctual; tell him that it is your wish he should always be in time; and in proportion as your scholar is young, you must impress also his imagination, which may be done easily, and in the simplest ways. For instance, in the school to which the writer belongs, the superintendent (a first-rate one) has given orders to keep the doors closed while the early prayer is offered. In consequence of this salutary regulation, by which neither a late teacher nor his scholar can irreverently march into the school during the devotions of those who come in time, it usually happens that, upon the opening of the door, when the "Amen" is said, a stream of "late ones" pours in. The writer has found it beneficial to take hold affectionately of a new scholar, and turn him round towards the door as this tide sweeps by, and ask him whether those are all "late boys." The reply is, "Yes; and pointing with his finger at them whilst speaking, it has then been said to the new-comer, in a solemn tone, "Never let me be grieved by seeing you come in with those boys.' Any little incident of this kind would seize hold of the imagination, and in consequence, impress indelibly the memory of a young man in a strange school-room; he would never forget the pointing of the finger, the wish, nor yet the looks of shame of one or two of the good boys who were accidentally late. So much for the first impressions.

Always expect every scholar in your class to be in time. Thus, should one arrive late, express surprise, and be surprised. He has no business whatever to come late. If it is just after the time, it is all the more inexcusable: for there cannot be any sufficient excuse for coming punctually

self to the care of God. He rode slowly along, attired in his black robe. Thus he pursued his way through the gloomy woods of Poland, which scarcely a sunbeam could pierce; but there was a light in his soul, for God's Holy Spirit irradiated it.

One evening, as he thus journeyed along, holding communion with God, on reaching an opening in the thick forest, a trampling noise was heard, and he was instantly surrounded by figures, some on horseback and some on foot. Knives and swords glittered in the moonlight, and the pious man saw that he was at the mercy of a band of robbers. He alighted from his horse, and offered his property to the gang.

He gave them a purse filled with silver coins, unclasped the gold chain from his neck, took the gold lace from his cap, drew a ring from his finger, and took from his pocket his book of prayer, which was clasped with silver. Not till he had yielded all he possessed, and seen his horse led away, did Mr. Kant intercede for his life.

"Have you given us all?" cried the robber chief, threateningly. "Have you no more money?"

In his alarm, the trembling doctor answered that he had given them every coin in his possession; and, on receiving this assurance, he was allowed to proceed on his journey.

He hastened onward, rejoicing at his escape, when suddenly his hand felt something hard in the hem of his robe. It was his gold, which, having been stitched within the lining of his dress, had thus escaped discovery. The good man, in his alarm, had forgotten this secret store. His heart, therefore, again beat with joy, for the money would bear him home to his friends and kindred, and he saw rest and shelter in prospect, instead of a long and painful wandering, with the necessity of begging his way. But his conscience was a tender one, and he stopped to listen to its voice. It cried, in disturbing tones, "Tell not a lie! Tell not a lie!" These words burned in his heart. Joy, kindred, and home were forgotten. Mr. Kant did not stop to reason. He retraced his steps, and entering into the midst of the robbers, said, meekly, "I have

told you what is not true; but it was unintentionally; fear and anxiety confused me; therefore, pardon me.' With these words, he held forth the gold; but, to his surprise, not one of the robbers would take it. A strange feeling was at work in their hearts. They could not laugh at the pious man. "Thou shalt not steal," said a voice within them. All were deeply moved. Then, as if seized by a sudden impulse, one went and brought him back his purse, another restored the book of prayer, while still another led his horse towards him, and helped him to remount it. They then unitedly entreated his blessing; and, solemnly giving it, the good man continued his way, lifting up his heart in gratitude to God, who brought him in safety to the end of his journey.— Abd. from the British Workman.

FAITH INCREASED BY OBEDIENCE. It is not impossible for a man who sees difficulties in Scripture which tend to interfere with his faith, yet practically to believe in and submit himself to Christ. He can believe and obey the Gospel to the extent of his present light and convictions. Nor is this only possible; it is such a man's unquestionable duty. He has no right to remain at a distance from the Saviour, as far as the Saviour is known to him, or to disobey the truth, as far as he knows it, merely because he does not know the whole. His duty is to act up to his present light at once; waiting for more light, but waiting not from without, but from within the church. But still further, it is not only possible, and also obligatory,-a bounden duty-to obey the Gospel even in the midst of darkness, but this is the surest means of reaching the light. Let those who find in Scripture things hard to be understood," persevere notwithstanding in living up to the light which they have received, and giving practical effect to the convictions which they have attained to, dim and imperfect though these convictions and that light may be; and in so doing they will not only fulfil what is their undoubted though difficult duty in such circumstances, but they will

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