And yet how many persons are seeking heaven, as a million ships would seek the other side of the ocean, with no means of steering! They have no purpose; and yet purpose is the rudder of a man's life-purpose is that which holds him to his course. It is true, not only in commerce and business, and art and education, but in religion as well, that a person must fix his thoughts and feelings on some purpose of life.—American.

A SABBATH-SCHOOL BREAKFAST. AT the time when the General Assembly meets in Edinburgh, there are frequently breakfast meetings of friends who are interested in particular subjects connected with the cause of Christ. On Friday, 30th May, the friends of Sabbath Schools breakfasted together in the Upper Room, Queen Street Hall, the Earl of Kintore in the chair.

After devotional exercises, prayer being led by the Rev. Mr. Munro of Rutherglen, brief remarks were made by the chairman, on the importance of presenting salvation in a bright and happy aspect to the young; by the Rev. Mr. Howie, of the Wynds Church, Glasgow, on the special value of Sabbath School instruction in times of awakening; by Mr. Reuterskiold, from Gottenburg, Sweden, on the rise and progress of Sabbath Schools in that country; by the Rev. Mr. Wilson of Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, on the duty of seeking the present conversion of the young; and by Mr. William Dickson.

The room was full to overflowing, above a hundred and fifty being present, including many warm-hearted and well-known friends of the young. The proceedings, which were of the most interesting and useful kind, seemed greatly enjoyed by all.

"BUT DID JESUS KNOW?"

SOME time since, two thoughtful little girls-Ada and Amy-were studying the life of Christ, and reading and talking about his sufferings and death. They were greatly delighted and astonished at the love of God in giving up his only and well beloved Son to suffer and die for sinners, and equally amazed at the love of the Son in being willing to leave his throne of glory, his Father, and the holy angels, and to endure the punishment due to our sins.

These children had not been to Sabbath schools, as many readers of this page have; nor had they been told before of the great love of Jesus. They loved to think about it; and one day Amy, after a little silence, asked the writer, "But did Jesus know before he left heaven what would happen to him here?" "Yes, dear," it was replied; "but why do you ask?" "Because I can hardly think he would have been willing to come, if he had known." Her sister observed, "It shows us more plainly how very much he loved us." Amy,-"But did he know that men would hate himthe very men he came to save? and did he know that they would beat him, and even spit in his face, and then run the nails through his hands and feet, and hammer them into the wood?"

Yes, reader. The Saviour knew all about it before he came! Reflect on this, and think what return you can make for such love.

A SOLDIER'S PRAYER.

E. A. G.

LORD ASTLEY, before he charged at the battle of Edgehill, made this short prayer: "Lord, thou knowest how busy I must be this day; if I forget thee, do not thou forget me."-Christian Remembrancer, 1859.

LITTLE WON'TS.

JESSIE was expecting two little girls to spend the afternoon with her. She put her baby-house in nice order, and swept the barn-floor where the swing was. "They are my company too," said Harry. "Yes," answered his mother, "if you behave well." "I shall behave," said Harry. Before they came, however, from some cause or other, Harry's spirit became ruffled, and he was not the pleasant little boy he could sometimes be.

The little girls arrived, and Jessie kissed them, she was so glad. After speaking to her mother, "Which?" cried Jessie to them, "which first, baby-house or barn?" "Baby-house," chose both little girls at once.' "Barn," shouted Harry. "We must go first where company wants to go," whispered his sister. "I won't," said Harry. They went, however, all out together, and mother hoped there would be no serious disagreements among the little ones. After a while she heard the trotting of little feet down stairs, out of doors, over the gravel walk, into the barn, and then the shout of glad voices was lost in the distance.

By-and-by Jessie came in, dragging Harry by the hand. "Mother," she said, " will you keep Harry with you? we cannot have any peace where he is." "Oh," said his mother, looking very sorry. "Well, mother, I can't help it," said Jessie; "I tried to love him, and coax him, and please him, and we all did; but it is no use, he does not fall in with us, and he spoils all our comfort." "What is the difficulty?" asked mother. "Why," answered Jessie, "he is so full of little won'ts. He won't swing, or let us swing. He won't play at school. Then we play horse to please him, but he won't let us be three horses, and he won't drive us on the gravel, but into the thorn-bushes, and it is so all the time. We are

pleased with him, but he will not be with anything we do."

Harry, I think, must have been heartily ashamed of this account of himself. These "little won'ts!" Oh, what disturbers of the peace are they! How they spoil family comfort!-Child's Paper.

"IF YOU PLEASE.”

WHEN the Duke of Wellington was sick, the last thing he took was a little tea. On his servant's handing it to him in a saucer, and asking if he would have it, the duke replied, Yes, if you please.' These were his last words. How much kindness and courtesy is expressed by them. He who had commanded the greatest armies in Europe, and was long accustomed to the tone of authority, did not despise or overlook the small courtesies of life. Ah, how many boys do! What a rude tone of command they often use to their little brothers and sisters, and sometimes to their mothers. They order so. This is ill-bred and unchristian, and shows a coarse nature and hard heart. In all your home talk remember, "If you please." Among your playmates don't forget, "If you please." To all who wait upon or serve you, believe that" If you please," will make you better served than all the cross or ordering words in the whole dictionary. Don't forget the three little words, "If you please."

HOW TO QUENCH OR TO KINDLE.

A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.-Prov. xv. 1.

"NOT YET."

"Not yet,” said a little boy, as he was busy with his trap and ball. "When I grow older I will think about

my soul."

The little boy grew to be a young man.