staves which are carried in procession, on public occasions, by the children who are educated at the charity-schools founded by Mr. Colstone.

(ƒ) A CHILD'S LIFE SAVED BY HER FATHER.-As the Rev. Joseph Davis, an excellent Baptist minister in London, was walking along one of the crowded streets of that city, his attention was arrested by the circumstance that a carriage with several horses was just about to pass over a little girl, who was slowly crossing the road. He strongly felt the danger of the child, and forgetting his own, he ran, snatched her up in his arms, and hastened with her to the side path; when the thought struck him-how would the parents of this dear child have felt, had she been killed!-At this moment he looked in the face of the little girl, which had been concealed from his view, by her bonnet, and imagine, if you can, what his feelings were when he discovered that she was his daughter!

(9) THE BOLD PETITIONER.The Romans had a law, that no person should approach the emperor's tent in the night, upon the pain of death; but it once happened, that a soldier was found in that situation, with a petition in his hand, waiting for an opportunity of presenting it. He was apprehended, and going to be immediately executed; but the emperor having overheard the matter in his pavilion, cried aloud, saying, “If the petition be for himself let him die; if for another, spare his life." Upon inquiry, it was found that the generous soldier prayed for the lives of his two comrades who had been taken asleep on the watch. The emperor nobly forgave them all.

(h) THE TRAVELLER'S GIFT. -About the year 1797, Mr. M. was travelling from a town on the eastern border of Vermont, to another town on the western side of the same state. Passing over the mountainous part of the country, between the Connecticut and Onion rivers, he perceived the heavens to be gathering blackness; the sound of distant thunder was heard, and a heavy shower of rain was seen fast approaching. The traveller was then in a forest; no place of shelter appeared, and he hastened on until he arrived at

a small cottage on the extreme border of the woods. The rain just then began to rush down with great violence. He sprang from his horse, pulled off his saddle, and without ceremony went into the house. Surprised to see no family, but a female with an infant child, he began to apologize for his sudden appearance; and hoped she would not be alarmed, but permit him to tarry till the rain had abated. She replied, that she was glad he had happened to come in, for she was always much terrified by thunder. "But why, madam," asked he, "should you be afraid of thunder? It is the voice of God, and will do no harm to those who love him and commit themselves to his care."

After conversing with her for a while on this topic, he inquired if she had any neighbours who were religious. She told him she had neighbours about two miles off, but whether they were religious or not she did not know; only she had heard that some man was in the habit of coming there to preach once a fortnight. Her husband went once, but she had never been to their meetings. In regard to every thing of a religious kind, she appeared to be profoundly ignorant.

The rain had now passed over, and the face of nature smiled. The pious traveller, about to depart, expressed to the woman his thanks for her hospitality, and his earnest desire for the salvation of her soul. He earnestly besought her to read her Bible daily, and to give good heed to it, as to "a light shining in a dark place." She, with tears in her eyes, confessed that she had no Bible. They had never been able to buy one. "Could you read one, if you had it?" "Yes, sir, and would be glad to do so." "Poor woman," said he, "I do heartily pity you: farewell."

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He was preparing to pursue his journey. But he reflected This woman is in very great need of a Bible. Oh that I had one to give her! But I have not. As for money to buy one, I have none to spare; I have no more than will be absolutely necessary for my expenses home. I must go; but if I leave this woman without the means to procure the word of God, she may

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perish for lack of knowledge. What shall I do?" He recollected the Scriptures, "He that hath pity on the poor, lendeth to the Lord." "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days." His heart responded, I will trust the Lord." He took a dollar from his purse, went back, and desired the woman to take it, and as soon as possible procure for herself a Bible. She promised to do so, saying that she knew where one could be obtained.

He again took his leave, and set off. As there were then but few taverns on the road, he asked for a lodging at a private house, near which he found himself when night overtook him. He had yet a few pieces of change in his pocket; but as a journey of two more days was before him, he purposed to make his supper on a cold morsel which he had with him. However, when the family came round their table to take their evening repast, the master of the house very urgently invited the stranger to join with them-not only so, but to crave God's blessing on their meal. He now began to feel himself among friends, and, at liberty to speak freely on Divine things. The family appeared gratified in listening to his discourse till a late hour: it was a season of refreshing to their thirsty souls. In the morning, the traveller was urged to tarry till breakfast, but declined, the distance he had to travel requiring him to set off early. His host would take no compensation, and he departed, giving him many thanks. He travelled on till late in the morning, when, finding no public-house, he stopped again at a private one for refreshment. While waiting, he lost no time to recommend Christ and him crucified to the family. When ready to depart, he offered to pay the mistress of the house, who had waited upon him very kindly, for his repast, and the oats for his horse; but she would receive nothing. Thus he went on, asking for refreshment as often as he needed it, and recommending religion wherever he called; and always offering, as another traveller would do, to pay his expenses; but no one would accept his money, although it was not known that his stock was so

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low, for he told them not, and his appearance was respectable at home he was a man of wealth. What," thought he, "does this mean? I was never treated in this manner on a journey before." The dollar given to the destitute woman recurred to his mind; and conscience replied, "I have been well paid. It is, indeed, safe lending to the Lord." On the second day after he left the cottage in the wilderness he arrived safely at home; and still had money for the poor, having been at no cost whatever.

About a year and a half after this, a stranger called at the house of Mr. M. for some refreshment. In the course of conversation, he observed that he lived on the other side of the mountain, near Connecticut river. Mr. M. inquired whether the people in that vicinity paid much attention to religion. The traveller replied, "Not much; but in a town twenty or thirty miles beyond the river, with which I am acquainted, there has been a powerful revival, the commencement of which was very extraordinary. The first person that was awakened and brought to repentance, was a poor woman, who lived in a very retired place. She told her friends and neighbours that a stranger was driven into her house by a thunderstorm, and talked to her so seriously, that she began, while listening to his discourse, to feel concerned about her soul. The gentleman was much affected when he found that she had no Bible; and after he had left the house to go on his journey, he returned again, and, gave her a dollar to buy one, charging her to get it soon, and read it diligently. She did so; and it had been the means, as he believed, of bringing her from darkness into light; from a state of stupidity and sin, to delight in the truth and ways of God. The name of this pious man or the place of his residence, she knew not; but she believed it was the Lord that sent him. At this relation, and the great change which was obvious in the woman, her neighbours wondered much, and were induced to meditate on the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, displayed in this singular event of his providence. They were led to think of the importance of attend

ing more to the Bible themselves; and were finally awakened to a deep concern for the salvation of their souls. As many as thirty or forty persons are already converted, and rejoicing in God their Saviour." Mr. M., who had listened to this relation with a heart swelling more and more with wonder, gratitude, and joy, could refrain no longer; but, with hands and eyes upraised to heaven, exclaimed, "My God, thou hast paid me again!"

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THANKSGIVING PRESENTS. -The following anecdote was municated to the editor of this work by Captain S., a late agent of the American Bethel Society. The day before thanksgiving, in the State of New York, I was at F., and just about to return to O., where I resided, when I observed a country sleigh, with a load of chickens, dressed for the market. The thought struck me that there was this poor neighbour, and that poor neighbour in 0. who would receive a brace of these fowls from me with a great deal of pleasure, and that if by making such a present, I should add to their happiness on thanksgiving-day, I should thereby add not a little to my own. As the Countryman came up, asked him at what price he would sell them. He was anxious to get home, and offered to dispose of them cheap, and I took the whole eleven pair, though I scarcely knew what I could do with them. My wife was astonished at my load of chickens, when I returned home; but learning my design, she approved of it, and entered with a warm heart into my Flans. The next morning I engaged my two little boys to take upon themsives the business of being almoners of their father's bounty; for I have ever felt it important for the development of benevolence in children, that they should be encouraged to take as much part as possible in the benevolent projects of their parents. They bore a brace of chickens, along with pork, apples and pies, to this poor family, and the like gift to another poor family, until all but three pairs of fowls were disposed of. When they returned, their countenances glowed with satisfaction; and while relating the expressions of surprise and gratitude which they had heard that

morning from the lips of poverty and want, parents and children having wept with delight together, I felt even then repaid for what I had done: but what was most remarkable, followed. About eleven o'clock, some one rapped at the front door with a nice fat turkey, as a present from one of the neighbours to Capt. S. and his family. In a little while a rap was heard at the back-door, and who should be there but Capt. A. with a fine round cut of pork, weighing perhaps twenty or thirty pounds, which he insisted on our taking. Then came two braces of fowls, one from one neighbour and the other from another neighbour, at the same time; and so the gifts kept pouring in until dinner, and even afterwards, till we received precisely as many chickens as we had given away, more apples, more pies, more pork, and a turkey besides. Who could but think of the text, "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down and running over." I could not but feel that God in this case had made a connexion between my giving and receiving; but the blessing bestowed was less a reward than the inward luxury of doing good. By the power of memory, the benevolent joy of that day has been tasted over and over again since, even hundreds of times.

(j) FINDING A BAG OF MONEY.

A venerable clergyman in the west of England, of the name of Thompson, had annually, for many years, made it his custom to distribute the overplus of his farm among the poor of his parish, after having supplied the wants of his own household.

One year, however, he was compelled to depart from this plan, as his benevolence had led him to engage to give thirty pounds towards the erection of a chapel, in a town whose inhabitants needed more church-room. He was compelled, instead of giving his corn to the poor, to sell as much of it as would raise the sum promised. He regretted the circumstance, but it was unavoidable.

Having thus procured the money, he left his home to be the bearer of his own

benefaction. On the road, he overtook a young lady, mounted on a single horse like himself, whom he accosted with

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frankness and kindness. They travelled together over a down, and found they were going to the same place. His remarks and manner won much on the respect of the young lady, who listened with attention to his serious and holy conversation. She learned his name, and his residence, and, when they were about to part, was invited by the old clergyman to call upon him at his friend's house in the town.

In the course of the evening, the young lady related with great pleasure, at her friend's, where she was on a visit, the very gratifying journey she had travelled, with a clergyman of the name of Thompson.

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Thompson!" exclaimed the lady of the house; "I wish it was Mr. Thompson for whom we have for many years been inquiring in vain. I have money, tied up in a bag by my late husband, due to a person of that name, who desired to leave it till called for: but I suppose he is dead, and his executor, whoever he is, knows nothing of it." It was proposed that the old clergyman should be asked if this were any relation of his. He was sent for, and it soon appeared that the Mr. Thompson, to whom the money was so long due, was his own brother, who had been dead several years, and to whose effects he was executor and residuary legatee.

The money was paid him; he fell on his knees, blessed God, who had thus interposed on behalf of his poor people, hastened to his friend to tell him the joyful news, and as he entered his friend's house, exclaimed, "Praise God! tell it in Gath, publish it in Askelon, that our God is a faithful God."

(k) BAXTER'S TESTIMONY. One help to my success, (says Baxter,) was the relief which my estate enabled me to afford to the poor. The situation which I held, was reckoned at nearly 2007. per annum; but there came only from eighty to ninety pounds to hand; besides which, some years I had sixty or eighty pounds a year from the booksellers for my books which I wrote. This little, dispersed among them, much reconciled them to the doctrine that I taught. I took the aptest of their children from the school, and sent divers of

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them to the universities, where, for eight pounds a year, or ten at most, by the help of my friends, I maintained them. In giving the little I had, I did not inquire if they were good or bad, when they asked relief; for the bad had souls and bodies that needed charity most. And this truth I will speak, for the encouragement of the charitable, that what little money I have by me now, I got it almost all, I scarcely know how, at that time when I gave most,-and since I have had less opportunity of giving, I have had less increase.

(1) WHITFIELD AND THE CHURL.-While the Rev. G. Whitfield was preaching on one occasion at Plymouth, he lodged with Mr. Kinsman, a minister of the town. After breakfast, on Monday, he said to his friend, "Come, let us visit some of your poor people. It is not enough that we labour in the pulpit; we must endeavour to be useful out of it." On entering the dwellings of the afflicted poor, he administered to their temporal as well as spiritual wants. Mr. K., knowing the low state of his finances, was surprised at his liberality, and suggested that he thought he had been too bountiful. Mr. W., with some degree of smartness, replied, "It is not enough, young man, to pray, and put on a serious face; true religion, and undefiled, is this-to visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, and to supply their wants. My stock, it is true, is nearly exhausted; but God, whom I serve, and whose saints we have assisted, will, I doubt not, soon give me a supply." His hopes were not disappointed: a stranger called on him in the evening, who addressed him thus: "With great pleasure I have heard you preach; you are on a journey, as well as myself, and travelling is expensive. Do me the honour to accept this;" at the same time presenting him with five guineas. Returning to the family, Mr. Whitfield, smiling, held out the money in his hand, saying, "There, young man, God has speedily repaid what I bestowed. Let this in future teach you not to withhold what it is in the power of your hand to give. The gentleman to whom I was called is a perfect stranger to me; his only business was to give me the sum you

see." It is remarkable that this gentleman, though rich, was notorious for a penurious disposition; but Elijah was fed by ravens.

(m) A HUNDRED GUINEAS FOR A BIBLE.-A young girl entered the shop of Mr. B., a bookseller, desiring him to exchange a prayer-book, which she brought with her, for a Bible. He gave her a Bible, and bade her keep the prayer-book also. Some time afterwards, this girl was taken into the service of Rev. Mr. Cecil. On her first coming into the family, Mr. Cecil inquired if she had a Bible; to which she answered in the affirmative, and told him from whom she had received it. Mr. Cecil was pleased with the circumstances, and finding out Mr. B., recommended him to his friends. During Mr. Cecil's absence from town, however, Mr. B. became involved in serious pecuniary difficulties, and was compelled to give up his business, and return to a mechanical employment, which he had learned in his youth. The violent exertion attendant on his occupation occasioned a painful illness: he remained some time in a hospital, but at length left, and retired to an obscure lodging, without any adequate means of support for himself and family. To this place Mr. Cecil, on his arrival in town, with difficulty traced him. An early interview took place, and Mr. B., having stated his misfortunes, "Well, B.," said Mr. Cecil, "what can be done for you? Would a hundred guineas be of any service to you ?" "I should be truly thankful for such a sum," said B.; "it would be of great use to me, but I cannot expect it." "Well," returned Mr. Cecil, “I am not a rich man, and I have not a hundred guineas to give you; but," continued he, putting his hand in his pocket, "I have one; here it is at your service, and I will undertake to make it a hundred in a few days." Mr. Cecil represented the case to his friends, fulfilled his promise, and the Bible which B. had formerly given to a child, indirectly procured the means of once more opening his shop, and affording him subsistence.

(n) THE KING'S LAST LOAF.— Alfred the Great, who died in the year 900, was of a most amiable disposition, and, we would hope, of genuine piety.

During his retreat at Athelney, in Somersetshire, after his defeat by the Danes, a beggar came to his little castle, and requested alms. His queen informed Alfred that they had but one small loaf remaining, which was insufficient for themselves and their friends, who were gone in search of food, though with little hope of success. The king replied, "Give the poor Christian onehalf of the loaf. He that could feed five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes, can certainly make the half-loaf suffice for more than our necessity." The poor inan was accordingly relieved, and Alfred's people shortly afterwards returned with a store of fresh provisions!

(0) THE POOR PHYSICIAN.A year last November, (says a missionary agent,) I preached a missionary sermon in the town of, and took a subscription. A physician subscribed and paid five dollars. A gentleman standing by told me that the five dollars was all he had, or was worth; that he had lost his property, paid up his debts, and moved into town to commence practice, with no other resources than that fivedollar bill. He and his wife were obliged to board out, as he was not able to keep house.

I resolved at once that I would keep watch of that man, and see what the Lord would do with him.

About a year after this interview, I visited the place again, and put up with this physician. I found him keeping house in good style. In conversation with him, I brought up the duty of Christian benevolence, and spoke of God's faithfulness to fulfil his promises to the liberal.

He told me he knew a physician who, the last year, gave away the last five dollars he had in the world, resolving to trust the Lord for the future. During the next summer, while the cholera raged in the country, by a series of events, guided, as he believed, by the providence of God, most of the practice was thrown into the hands of this physician, and he had taken more than 2500 dollars.

I told him I knew him to be the man referred to, and that I had been keeping watch to see what the Lord would do with him.