M

Y DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS,-You know there are

some countries which abound with wild beasts

lions, and tigers, and wolves, and the like; and the people stand in great fear of them, for to be overtaken by them alone and unprotected, would be almost certain death. They often carry off lambs and sheep, and do not hesitate to spring upon cattle and horses, or even upon men and children, when they are hard pressed with hunger, and have the opportunity-devouring them, and leaving nothing but the bones behind. Now, if there were one notable lion that kept the whole country-side in terror, that was always doing some mischief, so that when his roar was heard, and his flashing eyes were seen, even at a distance, it made

man and beast tremble, the flocks hastening to their folds, and children running to their fathers and mothers lest they should be devoured-would it not be strange, if some day this terrible lion were seen playing with lambs, and kids, and calves, instead of devouring them as he used to do,-eating straw like the ox, and suffering himself to be led about by a little child? Would not people be astonished, and exclaim, "What a wonderful change is here!"

Now, if instead of a lion you suppose a man answering to this description, as cruel, as blood-thirsty, as much feared,-would it not be just as strange, if such a change were to come over him? Such a man there was in Africa, so dreaded both by white men as well as by those of the same colour with himself, that he might have been called "The African Lion ;" and we actually find the missionaries writing of him thus: "It is hoped the soldiers will succeed in ridding the country of such a monster." And yet you might have seen this very Africaner (for that was his name) sitting peacefully in the missionary's tent with those for whose blood he had thirsted, singing the praises of God. And such another there was, long before his day, in another country, who bitterly hated Christ and his people, getting them cast into prison and put to death, so that we read of him, "He was exceedingly mad against the Church "—another ravening lion, so that if he had come on such meetings as you sometimes attend, nothing would have satisfied him but getting even you children imprisoned or killed. And yet we hear of him too, as sitting at length at the feet of Jesus as a little child, one of his most humble, loving, devoted followers. Perhaps you say, "What a wonderful change!" It is indeed, and yet no more than the Bible speaks of as being necessary in your case and mine-a change of heart-a change of nature--becoming a “new

creature:""Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.' Dear children, has such a change ever taken place on you? Perhaps you would like to know how the change, in those of whom I have spoken, began to show itself what was one of the very first indications of it-one of the very first ways in which it appeared. You will seeing by turning to the last three words of—

Acts ix. 11: "Behold, he prayeth."

One of the first things that told of the change on Saul of Tarsus and on Africaner, was, that they prayed to God; not merely repeated words; not merely said prayers-for even wicked people can do that-but prayed..

....

Will praying save me? No; don't make that mistake: Jesus alone can. As I have said before, praying is only asking for salvation. Believe, and be saved. Repent, and be saved. Give yourselves to Christ, and be saved. But if we do not ask to be saved-if we do not pray for salvation-how can we expect to get it? I know there are some among you who once did not pray; I know there are too many among us to-day, old and young, who never pray; and isn't it a terrible thing? Drowning, and never to cry for help! going down to hell, and going in silence, without one cry, "Lord, save me!" It will be a terrible thought in eternity, not to have prayed! I might have had pardon, and peace, and salvation for the asking, but I would not pray! I might have had heaven and glory, but I would not pray! As I said before, it is "PRAY OF PERISH"-which will you choose?

....

You cannot begin too soon; you may begin too late. The day is coming when many who never prayed before will pray for the first time-the first time in real earnest. Oh, what a prayer-meeting there will be then of those

who never attended a prayer-meeting before! What a prayer in which they must all unite!" Then shall they cry to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us."

A SWEEP AND HIS SOOT-BAG.

IN February 1859, an interesting Sabbath-school meeting was held in the parish of St. Silas, Manchester, at which a strange-looking contributor appeared on the platform, with a letter of apology for his boldness. His appearance and his epistle produced a strong sensation throughout the meeting. You will not be surprised at this when you read his letter, and observe who was the bearer.

"SIR-I hope you will forgive my boldness for appearing on the platform this evening; this being a place that sweeps are not accustomed to attend. But as there is such need of cultivation in the Mission-field, a few willing hands have been trying to help the cause by collecting small portions together; and that you may know there is sympathy in the heart of a sweep, I beg you will accept this bag of soot, hoping it may help to cultivate the land. A SWEEP."

The bag was emptied, and the soot (silver soot) was worth 14s. 4d.

It was agreed to by all that any number of such sweeps, with such cleanly and profitable bags of soot, would be received at our meetings with the loudest welcome.- -Quarterly Token.

SATAN'S REASONING.

How many a worldly person hath Satan reasoned into the bottomless pit !

WE saw a great number of flying-fish. Now, you have seen plenty of fish, but did you ever see a fish with wings? These are little creatures; they rise out of the water, sometimes alone, but frequently in companies, and fly a considerable distance. When the late Henry Martyn, the Indian missionary, saw them, he remarked that he saw a resemblance to his own soul in these little creatures, who rose to a little height, and then in a minute or two, when their fins were dry, drop into the waves. And surely you and I may say the same.- -Voyage of the "John Williams."

PEACE.

"As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger."

"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, and be ye thankful."

"Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with

you.