D

A WORD FOR 1862.

EAR readers, we cannot let the opening of another year pass without a few words. It

is always a time for serious thought, more particularly if doubt and sorrow is hanging over us.

There is no nation in the world more happy or more blessed than England. No country in the world has a better sovereign, no country in the world has a people more loyal, and on the whole more contented. Those who have left us, and gone to live in distant lands-our brothers, sisters, or cousins-all look eagerly for news from " home," for they never cease to look upon dear Old England as their home.

But over this prosperous land the hand of death has come in a startling way. Whilst I write this the sad news is spreading far and wide, which will make all England and all Englishmen sorrowful, that Prince Albert, the husband of our beloved Queen, is dead. Perhaps you never saw him; perhaps you never saw the Queen herself; and yet you cannot but feel sorry.

Prince Albert has been living in the midst of us

B

for upwards of twenty-one years, during which time he has taken a lively interest in works of charity and public good. No one could have done the good he has with less show, and it is only now we have lost him that we discover how useful a man he was. Our Queen loses a faithful and devoted husband, his children an affectionate father, and the country a true friend.

Little did we think, when we chose Windsor Castle for our frontispiece, that the place itself would so soon be filled with mourning. After a very few days' illness, in spite of all that human skill could do, he was taken away. Why, we cannot understand; but He, in whose hand is life and death, has said, "What I do thou knowest not, but thou shalt know hereafter."

If love could have saved the prince, he would have been spared; if riches could have done it, they would; but no! death comes alike to rich and poor. Let the sorrows of others draw us a little out of ourselves. Think what a sad New Year'sday for Queen Victoria! God grant her comfort in all her trouble! God grant that she may always have a loving and sympathizing people!

There is, too, a cloud hanging over our future which should also draw us out of ourselves. Before New Year's-day, 1862, England may be at war-at war with men speaking our own language. Already we are sending off soldiers in case of need. Mothers are parting with sons, wives with husbands, never, perhaps, to meet again in this world. It must be a sorrowful time to them.

A happy New Year, we trust, it may be to all

our readers: if so, let us thank God; but do not let us be so wrapped up in our own selves as to be

unmindful of the cares and sorrows of others.

REDEEMING THE TIME.

CHAPTER I.THE NEW YEAR'S LESSON.

"You have said your lessons very nicely to day, dear children!" said Miss Lucy Raymond, one new year's morning (1860).

She was seated in one corner of a large schoolroom, and around her were four little girls between the ages of ten and thirteen. I dare say you are thinking, "What a very small class!" So it was; but new year's morning happened to be very wet, which kept a great many of the children from school.

On Miss Raymond's right hand sat a tall girl named Sarah Parsons, who generally looked as if she was half asleep. Next to her was a bright, active little creature named Dolly Taylor, who always had plenty to say, no matter whether it was right or wrong. I do not want you to imitate her when your teacher asks you a question.

Jessie Ross, who was on the other side of Dolly, was a very timid child. She always said her lessons perfectly, and never whispered or played during school hours. But Miss Raymond could not make out if she tried to remember what she learnt, as Jessie never answered at all if she could help it, and whenever she was obliged to speak, it was in as few words as possible. Poor little thing! If she

had known how much her kind teacher loved her, and how very earnestly she prayed for her, she would not have been frightened at her any more.

Little Rose Milner, was just ten years old; she was small for her age, with a bright, merry little face of her own, and large dark eyes. There were very few people in the world whom she loved, but those few she loved with all her heart. Rose Milner never did anything by halves. But I am sorry to say there were some people whom she hated in the same manner as she loved others; I mean she hated them with all her heart! If only she had had firm and pious parents to train her, she might have been very different now.

Having thus introduced you to the four little girls in Miss Raymond's class, I will proceed to tell you her new year's lesson, leaving you to find out more of their characters as we go on.

"Well, dear children," she began, "I have a new year's text for you. It is only three words, so you will all be able to remember it--but is this enough ?"

66

66

No ma'am," said Dolly, we must do it."

"Yes, quite right! My text is this- Redeeming the time.' You will find it in Ephesians v. 16.” She then made the children repeat it several times after her. When they knew it quite perfectly, she said, "Now, who can tell me what 'Redeeming the time' means?"

Getting back our time," said Dolly.

"Oh, no! I am sure you can't be thinking, you would never give me such a foolish answer that; how can we get back our time? Don't

or

as