their day's holiday in some country place a few miles distant, which he named. This was the right way to act, and, as I afterwards learned, he found he had missed no real enjoyment, by obeying the adage, “shun the pleasure which

bites to morrow."

On his being appointed a teacher in the School, I had more opportunities of seeing and conversing with him. On one occasion, he told me that he had been somewhat startled by an argument brought against some of the most important articles of our holy faith, which, though he did not believe, yet he was not able to confute, and that he had half a mind to go to some place he mentioned, where working men are invited to a "fair discussion" on such holy mysteries. He did not seem to think its promoters altogether to be trusted, so I suggested that he had better call on the vicar, and open his grief to him, which he immediately consented to do, and it was well for him that he did; his doubts I believe have been removed, and his mind settled in sincere attachment to the Church.

Perhaps, my young readers are ready to ask, what temptation did Henry resist in going to one place for advice and instruction rather than another? Simply that, of leaning to his own understanding, (Prov. iii. 5.) and a dangerous one it is, because it is not easily detected. Enticements to sin assume many shapes, and often seem very innocent and plausible; but he who will profit by the wisdom and experience of others, is not easily deceived-he is strong against temptation who has thoroughly learned that if he trusts his own heart he is a fool. (Prov. xxviii. 26.)

You, my dear young friends, are surrounded by many and

strong temptations, but you are placed under those whom God Himself has appointed to teach you. Let me entreat you then, if you would resist successfully the world, the flash and the devil, receive attentively and humbly the instructions they afford you, and you may find that though God resisteth the proud, yet He giveth grace unto the humble.

M. C. C.

happy lot of those who read the Scriptures in trustful reliance on the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, and the fearful doom of such as read only to doubt the truth of them; or who scorn the promises and threatenings of God which are found therein.

It has been written by some one, that "a little learning is a dangerous thing." Experience proves the justness of this assertion; for those who would gladly upset religion and

disobey superiors, are generally such as have a mere smattering of learning, who have read a few works on their own side of the question, but have never thought it worth their trouble to examine the other side,-who deny the truth of the Bible, not because they have read and proved it, but because they know that their own wicked ways are condemned in it.

Indeed, many among those who profess not to believe the Bible, have never read it, nor do they ever go where they may hear it read.

One cold, stormy Christmas eve, a few years ago, an ignorant fellow was boasting in a mixed company, that he was an infidel; and that none but fools would believe what was written in the Bible. He said among other things, "It was very unlikely that shepherds would be out in the fields tending their sheep at such a cold season of the year as that of Christmas, and, therefore, the account given of "angels appearing to them in the fields, and announcing the birth of Jesus Christ must consequently be untrue." A youth was present who had lately left the National School and gone to business, and he asked the man who gloried in his infidelity, "Where these things happened?"

"At a place called Bethlehem, I suppose," retorted the other sneeringly.

"And in what part of the world was it?" inquired the boy. 'Nay; there thou beats me," said the man, rudely, “if there ever was such a place, I suppose no body can tell nowa-days where it was."

"Yes, I can;" said the youth, boldly, " and so can every boy in the four upper classes of the National School. It is

still to be seen, in a part of Syria called Palestine. Let me recommend you," said the boy;-and he put on a stern air of reproof, as he stood erect before the man,-" try to understand Bible History before you take upon yourself to contradict it."

"Stop, stop, my fine fellow; not so fast. You must not have it all your own way: I want to know what these shepherds were doing out at night in such cold weather as this."

"If you had known any thing of geography, you would have been aware that the month of the year which we call December is one of the hottest and finest months in that part of the world. You surely must understand then, that in such a hot country-a little to the north of the burning deserts of Arabia,-during the night would be the most agreeable part of the twenty-four hours, and out in the fields would be much pleasanter that in the house. Besides when the sheep were out of the fold, it was necessary to guard them from the attacks of wolves and other ravenous animals."

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'Stop, stop;" said the crest-fallen disputant, "I'll give that up: thou beats me with hard words that I know nothing about." Finding that he could not contend with the young man in argument, he changed his plan, and tried the effect of ridicule; but in this, also, you will see that he met with no better success. "But all ye pious folks' go to Church only for interest; thou cannot get over that. About the Pharisee and the Publican, now, I can see clearly enough what set the Pharisee to the temple, but I never could make out what business the Publican had there: as thou's so well learn't in these matters, 't may-be thou can tell me if there

was any Fair or Feast held at that time, for I believe, he had only gone there to sell his drink!"

"For God's sake," said the boy solemnly, "never dare to question the truth of Scripture again! Is it possible you can be so ignorant, as not to know, that a publican in those days was not a seller of drink at all; but a person employed by the Romans to collect the Taxes?"

The ignorant fellow slunk out of the place, and tried to cover his defeat by a roar of vulgar laughter; but the youth who so faithfully defended his creed, received the commendations of all in the house.

Thus you see, dear children, this rude ignorant man was properly reproved by a school-boy, and I trust, that there are many among you who read this, could have answered him in the same manner; but it is a fearful thing to think that men are growing up so ignorant amongst us, and yet to glory in their shame!

But, a "little learning is dangerous" in another sense. Many simple, well-meaning men, just able to read the Scriptures fluently, without knowing anything about the manners and customs of the Eastern nations, or the history of the times in which the transactions narrated in the Scriptures occurred, set up themselves as expounders of the "Word," "Blind leaders of the blind"-themselves most needing instruction! Such like men become the easy prey of doubters and disputants, and bring discredit upon the Christian Church. Therefore, beware of all those who would endeavour to undermine your faith, or deride your practice.

(To be continued.)

PAX.