sitions, privileges, and hopes, and blasphemed the author of the blessed gospel, would be renewed to repentance, the first step in their return to christianity.

Thus we obtain the true meaning of this difficult passage. It refers to the early apostates, and not to any class of modern backsliders. It teaches us that the most favored christians have fallen from grace-from their christian faith and goodness; and in this sense, completely overthrows the whole calvinistic doctrine of the final perseverance of saints. "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."

INTEMPERANCE.

THE first step toward arresting the progress of that scourge and reproach of our land, Intemperance, is to diffuse such information on the subject as shall cause the evil to be generally and justly understood; and shall awaken in all good men the serious purpose to withstand it. More anxiety could not but exist where there is so much reason for it, if the community were made acquainted with those appalling facts which every inquiry into the nature and extent of this moral pestilence, multiplies in our hands. It is not yet apprehended by all, that this destructive vice is daily nourished by the most innocent among us, under the forms of civility, and by a thousand practices which like these have no suspicious appearance, and are not in themselves criminal. We are glad to see the true doctrine now plainly set forth by the highest authorities, that the plague of

excessive drinking is nourished by the moderate indulgences of the many, even more than by the unrestrained indulgences of the comparatively few. Alas! we saythe few-but the time is hastening when the many will be the lost ones-and-the few-will be the other side. If ten thousand a year die now by Intemperance, what can we hope for the future, unless some stop is soon put to its ravages?

We most earnestly recommend to our readers, the Discourses on Intemperance by Rev. John G. Palfrey, of this city, as calculated to give every rational mind a conviction which shall lead to instant and earnest resolutions and efforts to aid by all possible means, the attempts now made to check this terrible evil. The author has there stated very plainly, but very eloquently too, the solemn truths on this subject. By calculations which are any thing but exaggerated, by facts which no man can gainsay, he has proved to us the dangers which now press upon us on all sides, in consequence of the excessive use of ardent spirits. But it is vain to alarm people who will not act as their well-grounded fears prompt them to act. One, and the surest kind of remedy lies in the self-denial, the trifling self-denial, which would take from those not yet corrupted, the means by which they may become so. Let all consent to do without their gin and brandy and spirit, who now only use them moderately, and if we cannot hope to save those who are drunkards already, we may rescue others from sharing their guilt and their doom.

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SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

BENEFITS DERIVED FROM SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

IT is gratifying to witness the interest felt at the present time in Sunday schools. And while we observe their gradual increase, the accessions of strength which they are constantly acquiring, and the happy influence which they are exercising, it is a matter of no small gratulation that the objections and prejudices against them are equally subsiding, and that they now begin to be more fully known, and to receive the valuable aid of those, who have been heretofore doubtful with regard to their utility.

Much as these institutions have accomplished, there are yet many improvements to be made in them. Among which are a more perfect knowledge of their object and design, the manner of imparting instruction-together with the benefits to be expected from them. These remarks will apply, we are inclined to believe, as well to those who are, as to those who are not engaged in them; and in witnessing the improvements already made, we are encouraged to hope, that a little more experience will enable us to accomplish all we desire.

We apprehend that the utility of these schools is but partially understood, and is too easily lost sight of by the teachers themselves. The constant and arduous exertions, that are required of the teachers, and the trials of their patience are well known. Constituted as we are, it is necessary at times, that we should be encouraged by

something more than the slow advancement which we may witness in the subjects of these labors. Happily for those who are devoted to this good cause, there are many other sources of encouragement. Their kind and disinterested labors awaken the purest pleasure in the benevo lent hearts whence they emanate, and thus reward their efforts even at the moment they are made. And their influence, extending as we trust to the parents of the children under their care, affects the community at large, and they are thus again rewarded. It would be interesting to trace the benefits derived from these institutions in all their various branches, and point out the encouragements which such a view affords. But to do this we should not only have to take a very extensive view of the subject, but to enter into an elaborate discussion, which is far from our design, which is only to speak of a few of their beneficial results on those most nearly concerned in them.

In exhibiting the usefulness of these institutions we must not confine ourselves simply to the committing of scripture to memory, and the religious instruction given the children, as is often done. Far more than this, experience has proved to be their fruits. When we see parents look to the Sunday school teacher as their true friend and adviser-when we see them unbosom to the teacher all their troubles and wants, their joys and griefs, relating to their children; when we see them meet the instructers with all the affection of long known friends, and feel a desire to profit by the advice which is given them; when we see children look to their teachers with an affection almost equal to that for their parents, and hail them with pleasure, and welcome them to their

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homes, while their cheerful bright countenances tell us they are truly happy with them-when we interest with which they listen to the instruction of their teacher at school, and when they have done wrong, witness the emotions of the heart by the tear of penitence, we then must acknowledge that the effects of Sunday schools are not to be measured by the bare amount of knowledge gained in them. From such considerations as these may be derived that encouragement, which does not always arise from the slow progress made in the business of instruction itself.

The exertions of those, who sacrifice pleasure and comfort to impart good to their fellow-men, always deserve our admiration. How much we respect the laborious missionary. We meet him perhaps passing a dark alley into some gloomy hovel, where few would imagine a human being could live, giving temporal and spiritual relief to its wretched inmates. He has gone to kindle hope in the sufferer's heart by the belief that there is one who feels for them, and will aid and assist them. They thought the world comfortless and dreary before this voice of sympathy was heard within their dwelling. We follow him to another sad abode,-perhaps a dying mother is there waiting to receive him with calmness and resignation. We find the children guided by him with parental affection in the path of duty. We follow him again and find him among confusion and disorder, disobedience and vice, which it is his holy endeavor to restrain and correct. We observe him in all these situations; in each, he is looked up to with gratitude, and his toils are crowned with a rich blessing. We think of the happiness he must enjoy in reflecting on a course so truly