be examined. When the insect is in motion we may observe them constantly shifting about, and applied to the surfaces of all obstacles, &c. Although they are hard, the nerves within them have great sensibility, and the resistance offered by the bodies they strike will afford the desired information, much in the same way that the stick of the blind man gives him notice when he is likely to leave the path.

E.-Oh! I've often tried that. It is very easy. I could find my way home for a mile or two that way.

T.-But you would find it difficult if you had to pass through many streets, and turn many corners; and you would encounter several accidents perhaps that a blind man would avoid, by understanding the signs he received through his stick.

E. Very likely, Sir. But you have said nothing yet about my fa vourite bees. How do they manage? I am sure their sense is acute enough, for I have often watched them through the glass window of our hive.

T.-Yes, and you have seen them striking their antennæ lightly together one with another, till the whole of the little population is made aware of the sudden intelligence that is thus communicated. By this means all those inhabitants of the hive are told instantly of your presence when you look in upon them, who may not have seen you; and if you do them an injury the alarm is instantly given in the same manner, and they quickly sally forth with one intent to defend their property and lives with their stings. If these feelers are cut off, the poor bee is unable to work or to guide its motions, so that you see how careful we should be to avoid any act of cruelty, upon these or any such sensitive creatures. We may, indeed, learn many lessons from our observation, upon all that is around us; and I hope that our conversations may lead us to feel a constant disposition to show pity and to exercise kindness towards all those tribes of animals below us, that are so dependent upon our inclinations.

THE LITTLE MISSIONARY.

There was in the parish of H-, where the renowned and excellent Bishop Heber once discharged, with zeal and simplicity of purpose, the duties of a pastor, an old man, who had been notoriously wicked in his youth, "and, through the combined influence of his irregular mode of life, drunken habits, and depraved associates, had settled down into an irreligious old age. He was a widower, had survived his children, shunned all society, and was rarely seen abroad. The sole inmate of his lonely cottage was a little grandchild, in whom were bound up all the sympathies of his rugged nature, and on whom he lavished his warmest caresses. It was considered an unaccountable departure from his usual line of conduct, when he permitted little Philip to attend the Sabbath-school. 'Why not?' was the old man's reply; 'd'ye think I wish Phil to be as bad as myself? I'm black enough, God knows!' The old man was taken ill and confined to his room. It was winter. He was unable to divert his mind: his complaint was a painful one, and there was every probability that his illness might be of long continu

ance.

A neighbour suggested that his little grandson should read to him. He listened, at first, languidly and carelessly; by-and-by, with some degree of interest, till at length his little grandchild became the means of fanning into a flame the faint spark of religious feeling which yet lingered in the old man's breast. He expressed a wish that Mr. Heber should visit him; and the good work which it pleased Providence youthful innocence should begin, matured piety was to carry on and complete. It was no ordinary spectacle. The old man lay upon his bed, in a corner of the room, near the latticed window. His features were naturally hard and coarse; and the marked lines of his countenance were distinctly developed by the strong light which fell upon them. Aged and enfeebled as he was, he seemed fully alive to what was passing around him; and I had leisure (said a witness of the scene) to mark the searching of his eye, as he gazed with the most intense anxiety on his spiritual comforter, and weighed every word that fell from his lips. The simplicity in which Heber clothed every idea-the facility with which he descended to the level of the old man's comprehension-the earnestness with which he strove not to be misunderstood and the manner in which, in spite of himself, his voice occasionally faltered, as he touched on some thrilling points of faith-struck me forcibly; while Philip stood on the other side of the bed, his hand locked in his grandfather's, his bright blue eye dimmed with tears, as he looked sadly and anxiously from one face to another, evidently aware that some misfortune awaited him, though ignorant of the extent.

"The old man died-died in a state of mind so calm, so subdued, so penitent and resigned, that I feel myself cheered in my labours,' said Heber, whenever I reflect upon it.'

This incident presents to the Sabbath-school teacher many subjects of meditation. How simple, yet how powerful and wonderful in its operations, is the Spirit of God! How feeble the instruments employed to kindle a flame of sacred love in the breast even of the grey-headed, hardened sinner! How important that we should regard even a little child-properly prepared by human means, though forgotten and forsaken, as it would seem, by all the world besides-as a being capable, in God's hand, of accomplishing great things in the kingdom of grace! What teacher knows but there may be, in his class, some child whom God shall choose for such a work, and whom he may now be preparing to give to some soul its earliest heavenward tendency? Duties are ours-instruments and results are with God!

W. S.

Ir a man's wits be wandering let him study mathematics; for, in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again.-Bacon.

No man can have religion without mixing some prospect or advantage with it; nor can we heartily serve and adore a Being of whose justice and kindness we have not a good opinion.-Epictetus.

Waking, sleeping, eating, drinking, chatt'ring, life went by;
While of dying little thinking, down I dropt, and here I lie.

Greek Epitaph.

THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL MAGAZINE.

OUR PERIODICAL LITERATURE. We have always entertained a strong conviction that there is a great want of really good periodical literature for the use of the Sunday-school teacher. In saying this we no more seek to disparage the efforts of our contemporaries engaged in this work, than to censure ourselves; but this we do say, of one and all, the supply is neither in quality or quantity equal to the legitimate demand. In calculating a legitimate demand, we must take it for granted that every teacher should obtain and study, monthly, some one good Magazine, the very best that can be found; but as the case now stands, there are many schools where no Magazine for the teachers is even seen; and many more where but a single copy of such a periodical is taken in by the school for circulation from teacher to teacher. Now this is a state of things which ought not to exist; and it cannot be maintained without serious prejudice to our best interests. The teacher fully alive to bis work, will feel that preparation is so necessary that he must make use of every available help, and gather in all the experience of others, that in every class of duty he may be well instructed. And here let us observe, that it is not the mere study of the Scripture lessons that bespeaks and ensures preparation; the various questions of practical importance of which the Magazine treats, have all their meaning, and would all exert a beneficial influence over the teacher in the very art and manner of rendering that instruction suitable to his class. In all trades, professions, and businesses, we find the principle admitted. From the politician to the artizan, all classes are provided with, and learn by the experience and teaching of their fellow-men in their own peculiar path; and surely the Sunday-school teacher, so often needing help and teaching, should seek the same kind of aid prepared by those who can

very materially promote his comfort in fulfilling his chosen work. The expense is urged, but often needlessly. We do not like the idea of teachers being weighed down with many pecuniary claims, but this is a case where we conceive a necessity lies upon them to provide for their own instruction. Six shillings a year may be a large sum to spare, yet the volume thus purchased becomes a book of valuable reference; but, if this be too much, two shillings a year, securing a work of a similar character, can scarcely be consi dered too much for any teacher to af ford. We believe it has never yet struck the majority of teachers, that they ought to have a Magazine for monthly perusal, and hence the small demand. If school. committees would take in a single copy of each approved work, and every teacher would subscribe for his own Magazine, the periodical literature must necessarily be improved in its character, invigorated in spirit, and elevated in style; it would be more practical, more earnest, more use ful. The progress of the work depends very much upon some such movement on the part of teachers for their own improve ment; and while they seek it mutually by meeting together, week by week, to study the Sabbath lessons, let them at the same time seek it by the individual and painstaking search after the wisdom and teaching the experience of the best guides can afford. Whatever may be the advance made by teachers themselves, we deeply feel that the press must lead the way; and while we present no plan of action, this much we may say, that with a coming year we shall strive to accomplish to a still greater extent our great and solemn purpose, to improve and elevate the Sunday. school teacher.

We have had many letters on this subject, which we now acknowledge with thanks: may we ask more? All sugges tions will be very gratefully received.

THE MONTH.

Sabbath Ebenings at Home.

BY THE REV. J. JORDAN, VICAR OF ENSTONE. (Continued from page 245.)