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Sabbath-school Treasury.

The Young Teacher.

"Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days."-Ecc. xi. 1.

"I wish I knew how to read," said one little boy to another.

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Then, why don't you learn?" asked his companion.

"Because I have no one to teach me; and mother is too poor to send me to school," replied the boy.

The name of the little boy who could read was Albert Parker; and the name of the one who could not read, was Henry Morrison.

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“I think I could teach you," said Albert, kindly.

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Oh, I wish you would try, then, for I want to learn to read very much."

The earnestness with which Henry spoke made Albert resolve that he would at least try, although, as he was but a little boy, and had only just learned to read himself, he did not feel certain that he could teach Henry; but he determined, in his own mind, young as he was, that he would make a trial.

"Do you know your A B C?" asked Albert.

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Oh, yes. I can say them all through." "Will you come into our house now, and try to learn?"

Henry, of course, consented; and the two boys went into the house, and sat down. Albert's mother felt very glad to see her son trying to do good so early, for she was

a woman who tried to love the Lord with all her soul, and her neighbour as herself; and had taught her boy that it was right for him to try and do the same; and every Sabbath morning they were to be seen going up to the house of God. She looked on and listened with a heart full of pleasure to the young teacher and his pupil.

"You say you know all your A B C?" said Albert, as soon as he had taken his books from the shelf.

"Yes; I know every one of them." "Then you must learn a-b ab, i-b ib, o-b ob, next," continued Albert.

"Well, where are they?"

"Here they are," said Albert, turning over the leaves of his little book. "Now begin. What letter is that?"

"A."

"And the little one alongside of it?" "B."

"Well: A-b spells ab.

ter is that?"

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E."

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"That spells eb.

Now, what let

And this i-b ib, o-b ob, and u-b ub," continued Albert, quite pleased with his little scholar. "Now try and see if you can say the whole line?" "A-b-Oh, I forget what a-b spells!" said Henry.

"You must try not to forget," replied Albert. "A-b spells ab."

"O yes, now I can read it: A-b ab, e-b eb, i-b ib, o-b ob, u-b ub."

"Yes; that is all right. Why, how fast

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you learn! Now, go over it again," said Albert, in an encouraging tone.

Henry commenced the lesson, and went all through it, without missing one of the little words. Then Albert tried him in b-a ba, &c., and soon he could say all of these. For an hour the little boys were all intent, the one in teaching, the other in learning. At the end of this time, Henry could give the true sound of most of the words of two letters in the primer.

Albert's mother had been attentive to all that passed, as she sat sewing, and when the little boys laid aside their book, she said

"You may come here every day, Henry; and Albert will soon teach you to read."

Henry promised that he would come; and then the little boys went out and played until it was time for Henry to go home.

On the next day, after Albert had returned from school, Henry Morrison came again, and took another lesson. And so he continued coming every day. At the end of a week, he could spell out some of the easy lines that were in the first reading book-such as, "My son, go not in the way of bad men," very nicely.

When Albert's father saw that Henry Morrison was so eager to learn, he determined that he would send him to school. So, after he had been to see, and had talked with his mother, who promised to keep him always clean, and his clothes neatly mended, he sent him, at his own expence, to the same school to which his son went. The reason why Mr. Parker was willing to place Henry at the same school with his own child was, because he saw that Henry was a good boy; that he never said bad words, nor had any bad habits. He was not, therefore, afraid to let his son keep company with him.

You may guess that Henry Morrison learned very fast at school. And so he did. In a few months he caught up Albert, and soon went rapidly past him. But it is pleasing to be able to say, that Albert Parker had not a single unkind or envious feeling towards Henry on this account; but was, on the contrary, exceedingly pleased. "How is it, Albert," his father said to him one day," that Henry learns so much faster than you do?"

Albert thought, at first, that this question was meant for a rebuke; but when he looked up into his father's face, he saw that it was not.

"I dont know how it is, father," he answered: "but he can and does learn faster than I can, and I am glad of it."

"Glad of it, Albert! And why are you glad?"

"Why, you know, father, that Henry cannot go to school as long as I can, and so he ought to learn a great deal faster. I shall be learning on when he has to be put out to a trade, to get his own living."

"And so you do not envy him, because he learns so much faster than you do?"

"Oh no, father; why should I? Besides, he is kind to all the boys, and never boasts of his ability, so that we cannot be jealous of him."

"I am very glad to hear you say that you are pleased your little friend learns faster than you can. It shows a right state of mind when we can see another get before us in our studies without a tendency to envy. Still, you must try your best, Albert."

And I learn as

"And so I do, father. fast as any boy in my class. But the schoolmaster says that Henry is the fastest boy in the whole school."

For three years, Mr. Parker continued to send Henry to a school; after which it became necessary for him to go out to a trade, as his poor mother could not support him any longer. When he left the school, he was far in advance of all the other scholars, and his desire to learn was still greater then it had ever been. He felt very grateful to Mr. Parker; and, before he went to his trade, came and thanked him for his great kindness to him.

"You are now far in advance, Henry, of most boys when they go to work," said Mr. Parker to him at this time; "and if you will only employ your spare hours in improving yourself, you may rise high in the world, and be very useful when you grow up to be a man. Some of the best and greatest men in the country, when boys, were poor like you, and had to work hard all day. Persevere, then, as they did, and you will rise as high. But above all, Henry, ever remember that you are in the presence of the good and holy God, that the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good,' (Prov. xv. 3.) his commandments be ever before you. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,' (iii. 6). And do not break the least one of them wilfully; for, if you do, unhappiness will surely follow. the precept of Solomon ever in your mind, 'My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path,' (i. 10. 15). And now, my boy," his kind benefactor added, fervently, "may our heavenly Father ever have you in his keeping."

Let

Keep

Throughout his whole life, Henry Morrison did not forget the impression of that hour; and he experienced the truth of Mr.

Parker's remarks.

CHOICE OF A WIFE.

As an apprentice, instead of wasting the leisure time in idleness, as too many boys do, his Bible and his other books were always resorted to, and some information gained at every spare moment. Still, he was careful never to neglect his work, nor to hurry through it, so as not to do it well. This his master, who was a kind man, saw; and he therefore took pleasure in seeing him at his studies, when his work was done.

Albert continued to be the friend of Henry. They met every Sabbath at the Sunday-school; and frequently in the week, the latter spent the evening in Mr Parker's family.

Thus he continued to improve his mind, until he arrived at the age of manhood, when, his mother having died several years before, he removed many hundred miles away from his native place.

It was about ten years afterwards that Albert Parker was travelling in the west of England, and chanced to stop a few days in the neighbourhood where Henry Morrison had settled.

He attended church on the Sabbath-day, as was his custom, whether at home or abroad; for the pious instructions that he had received in early life had been like good seed sown upon good ground. When the minister arose in the pulpit, there seemed to Albert something strangely familiar in his face and form; but when he spoke, his voice sounded like that of an old friend.

"Surely I have seen him before," he said, as he looked at him earnestly, and tried to remember when and where he had met with him. But he could not recall the time, the place, nor the circumstances.

He listened to the sermon with attention. It was full of true and beautiful thoughts, and the style and language were eloquent and imposing. His text was "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days," (Eccl. xi. 1).

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In closing, he said "I will give you a practical illustration of what I have been trying to impress upon your minds. Two little boys, about seven years of age, were playing together. One of them was a poor boy, and could not read. Young as he was, he felt an anxious desire to learn like other boys; but his mother was poor, and could not send him to school. I wish I could read,' he said to his companion. 'Then why don't you learn?' asked the other little boy; and he replied, Because I have no one to teach me, and mother is too poor to send me to school.' Then the boy who could read said, that he thought he could teach him; and, if the other were willing, he would try. Of course he was willing, and the two little boys sat down together, one as teacher and the other as scholar; and while the one endeavoured to impart the little that he had learned, the other tried as hard to improve the opportunity given to him. And in this way the poor boy learnt to read. The father of his little friend, on seeing him so anxious to learn, sent him to school for three years. poor boy, in the providence of the Lord, is now your minister. His kind teacher he has neither seen nor heard from for many years, but he yet hopes to meet him. The bread he cast, more than twenty years ago, upon the waters, he will yet find.

That

As soon as the minister began to speak of that early scene, the countenance of Henry Morrison grew at once familiar to Albert Parker. Their meeting after service was, indeed, a joyful one. Tears moistened their eyes, as they grasped each other's hands, and uttered their heartfelt expressions of delight.

Years have passed since that pleasant interview; and both are now ministers, eminent for talent and usefulnes. -Mothers Magazine.

Our Young people.

Choice of a Wife.

(From Burnet's 'Private Thoughts.')

THOUGH it may not be necessary for me to resolve upon marrying, yet it may not be improper to resolve, in case I should, to follow these rules of duty; first, in the choice of a wife; and secondly, in the affection I ought to bear towards her.

As for the first, I shall always endeavour to make choice of such a woman for my spouse, who hath first made choice of Christ as a spouse for herself; that none may be made one flesh with me, who is not made one spirit with Christ my Saviour. For I look upon the image of Christ, as the best mark of beauty that I can behold in her, and the grace of God as the best portion I can receive with her. These are excellen

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cies which, though not visible to our carnal eyes, are nevertheless agreeable to a spiritual heart; and such as all wise and good men cannot choose but be enamoured with. For my own part, they seem to me such necessary qualifications, that my heart trembles at the thought of ever having a wife without them.

What!-shall I marry one that is already married to her sins? or have possession of her body only, when the devil has possession of her soul?

Shall such an one be united to me here, who shall be separated from me for ever hereafter, and condemned to scorch in everlasting burnings?--No; if ever it may be my lot to fall into that estate, I beg of God that he would direct me in the choice of such a wife only, to be in my bosom bere, as may afterwards be admitted to rest in Abraham's bosom to all eternity: such an one as will so live and pray, and converse with me upon earth, that we both may be entitled to sing, to rejoice, and to be blessed together for ever in Heaven

That this therefore may be my portion and felicity, I firmly resolve never to set upon such a design before I have first solicited the throne of grace, and begged of my heavenly Father to honour me with the partnership of one of his beloved children; and shall afterwards be as careful and as cautious as I can, never to fix my affections upon any woman for a wife, till I am thoroughly persuaded of the grounds I have to love her as a true Christian.

If I could be thus happy as to meet with a wife of these qualities and endowments, it would be impossible for me not to be hearty and sincere in my affections towards her; even though I had the greatest temptation to place them upon another. For how could I choose but love her, who has God for her Father, the church for her mother, and heaven for her portion; who loves God and is beloved by him? especially when I consider, that thus to love her will be not only my duty, but my happiness too. As to the duty, it is frequently inculcated in scripture, that husbands should love their wives, and that not with a common love, but as Christ loved his church-as their own body or as themselves; and they are so to love them, as not to be bitter against them; not to be passionate or angry with them upon every light matter, nor suffer their resentments to rise to that height upon any occasion whatsoever, as to abate the least spark of conjugal affection towards them, but to nourish and cherish them, even

as the Head of the church: in a word, to do all the kind offices they can for them in their civil capacities; and to help and forward them by all means possible, in the way that leads to heaven; that as they are united in the flesh, so they may likewise be united in the spirit, and raised and rewarded together at the general resurrection.

And, as love is the great duty, so is it likewise the chief happiness of a married state. I do not mean that love whereby she loves me, but that wherewith I love her. For, if I myself have not a cordial esteem and affection for her, what happiness will it be to me to be beloved by her? or rather, what a misery would it be, to be forced to live with one whom I know I cannot love?

As ever, therefore, I desire to be happy, I must perform my duty in this particular, and never aim at any other end in the choice of a wife, or expect any other happiness in the enjoyment of her, but what is founded in the principle of pure and inviolable love.

If I should court or marry a woman for riches, whenever they fail or take their flight, my love and my happiness must drop and vanish together with them.

If I choose her for beauty only, I shall love her no longer than while that continues; which is only till age or sickness blasts it, and then farewell at once both to duty and delight.

But if I love her virtues, and for the sake of God who has enjoined it as a duty, that our affections should not be alienated, or separated, by any thing but death, then though all the sandy foundations fail, yet will my happiness remain entire, even though I should not receive those mutual returns of love, which are due to me from her upon the same bottom.

But, oh! the happiness of that couple, whose inclinations to each other are mutual as their duties; whose affections as well as persons are united together with the same tie! This is the chief condition required to make the state of matrimony happy or desirable; and shall be the chief motive with me, to induce me to enter into it; for, though it be no happiness to be beloved by one I do not love, yet it is certainly a very great one to be beloved by one I do.

If this then be my lot, to have mutual expressions of love from the person I fix my affections upon, what joy and comfort will it raise in my heart, with what peace and amity shall we live together here, and what glory and felicity may we not promise ourselves hereafter?

Friendly Monitions to Parents.

Twelve Golden Maxims for Families. worm at the root of domestic love and

I. Health must be regarded.

This demands the first attention, and unceasing regard. The laws of health must be observed, and those wise and efficient means must be uniformly employed, by which, in connexion with the Divine blessing, the health of the various members of the family may be secured. It is deeply to be regretted that so many families disregard the laws of health; we cannot wonder that illness so often prevails,-that death so prematurely ensues.

to.

II. Education must be earnestly attended

The mind must be early cultivated: acquisitions, varied and important, must be continually gained. The faculties must be wisely and vigorously disciplined, not only from the consideration of the happiness which will be secured, and the true respectability which will be attained; but from the conviction that, at the present period, a good sound education will be essential to the members of our households in future life,—that they will be worth comparatively nothing without it.

III. Amiable tempers must be cherished. The kindly dispositions in our families are not only desirable, but indispensable; there is no domestic happiness without them. One must be bland, courteous, and amiable to another. The law of kindness must be the rule-governing, moulding, harmonising the family. There must be nothing hard, stern, or unyielding: but mutual concessions, mutual tenderness, mutual love.

IV. Industrious habits must be formed. Nothing is more essential. Unless active habits are cultivated, and cultivated from principle, no progress can be made in anything that is valuable; no respectability, intellectual, social, or moral, can be gained; no confidence on the part of others can be realised; no blessing from Heaven can be Vouchsafed. Indolent, apathetic families, habitually sluggish, and indisposed to labour, are ignorant, unhappy, immoral. This may be regarded as an indisputable

fact.

V. Mutual confidence must be reposed. There must be no shyness of each other. There must be no jealousy, no undue caution, no distrust. If these feelings be manifested in the family circle, there will be no comfort; there will be a canker

happiness; and this want of confidence will increase, until everything that is petulant and malicious will be discovered. VI. A continual desire for domestic tranquillity must be cherished.

What can be more desirable than peace in our dwellings?-that peace which is the result of love,—which springs from mutual respect and forbearance,-which is associated with principle,-which is the consequence of the fear of God,-which is identified with filial and unwavering trust in Him. A tranquil, happy home, is the very emblem of Heaven.

VII. The parental character must be highly respected.

There will be no domestic blessing, without this. There will be no true dignity in the family, without this. There will be no real prosperity at home, without this. Parents must occupy their appropriate place: they are the heads of families, and they must be regarded as such. There must be no neglect; no disrespect must be shown them. There must be no contempt of their authority, no indisposition to render obedience. Children must value and honour their parents, else instead of having a blessing through life, they will be sure to have a curse.

VIII. Domestic order must be maintained. Where there is disorder, there is no tranquillity, no excellence, no advancement, no happiness. Order in families is essential to their peace, elevation, and progress. In our households, everything should be done at the best time, as well as in the best manner. There should be rules to direct and govern, from which there should be no deviation, unless necessity compel. Disorderly habits, a constant want of arrangement, will entail nothing but loss and misery; and, as the children grow up, these habits will be rendered fixed and permanent, so that they will become men and women, fathers and mothers, without any love of rule or order.

IX. The love of home must be fostered.

There is no affection, when it is cherished from an early period, and from principle, which is stronger: and sure we are, that there is no feeling which is more valuable and important. It is connected with a thousand endearments; it preserves from a thousand temptations; it is identified with the cultivation of the noblest principles, and purest emotions; and it is insepa

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