SABBATH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.

[The London S. S. Teacher's Magazine contains the Sabbath school experience of a teacher who had been actively engaged in the cause for nearly twenty years. The first two years of his labors he was destitute of personal piety, and consequently unable, with feeling and earnestness, to recommend to his scholars, the " great salvation." His Sabbath school experience, after his conversion, he thus describes :]

A new creation, in all its brightness and blessedness, broke upon me, and with adoring gratitude, I now consecrated myself to God and his service. I began afresh my Sabbath school labors, and they became emphatically" labors of love." Higher and purer motives influenced me. I" steeped" my lessons in prayer. I found, too, that religion clears the intellect, gives vigor to the understanding, and, by the power of divine love, enables the teacher to win the respect and affection of the scholars. When it was well with me, it began to be better with my class; and in a little while evident improvement was exhibited. God gave his blessing, and signs and wonders followed, in the order, diligence, and serious attention of my scholars, and in the conversion of some of them to God. These were happy days;-I love to linger upon them.

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O, long be my heart with such memories filled!”

Since then I have continued in the faith and service of Christ, walking in company with the young people confided to me, in the way to the "kingdom." Some of these immortal youths have fallen asleep in Jesus. to witness a good confession. I have watched by them while passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death, cheering their faith and hopes, and directing them to Him,

They were enabled

"Who had done too much, to leave them now."

We have shaken hands, and parted, in the hope of a happy re-union above. But a few of my young people have retro

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Sabbath School Experience.

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gressed. Their stay was short with us. Not deciding for God, the school lost its charm, and they became the prey of the tempter. One of this class accosted me about a month ago. I had forgotten him, but he recognized me as his teacher years gone by; and confessed he had not, and could not, forget the truths learned in the school. A goodly number of my scholars remain unto this day, living sober, and righteous, and godly lives; filling various offices of usefulness; and one whom I rejoice in, is preaching with ability and zeal, the gospel of the grace of God.

KEEPING A RECORD OF SCHOLARS.

On looking back, 1 find many have escaped me of whom I can give no account whatever; and if the Great Teacher should inquire of me concerning these, "Where is the flock that I gave thee?" I must stand before him abashed and speechless. May I entreat my fellow-teachers to keep a careful record of the character and progress of every scholar of their classes, and so be enabled to give at any time, an exact account of them-to follow them into the world, and maintain an interest in them by visit or correspondence-and never to lose sight of them, until they have been brought into the fold, and to a saving acquaintance with Christ. And, at the same time, I would affectionately urge upon all teachers who may be without a personal interest in Christ, to seek and obtain this inestimable blessing without delay. My want of this in the outset of my career caused me to lose much valuable time. Would to God that the thousands of teachers in this country were all savingly converted to him, and all doing the Master's work in his divinely-appointed way, and under the influence of his Holy Spirit. Then, indeed, would our schools be nurseries for the church, and become a praise in the earth.

REMINISCENCES OF SABBATH NOON AT THE PARSONAGE.

THE Sabbath,-what precious and delightful associations cluster upon the recollection of this quiet portion of our toilsome life.

Poets have sung of the sweet stillness of the morning of the hallowed day, and we have often enjoyed anew the peaceful scenes of its quiet evenings, in a sweet Sabbath hymn. The Lord of the Sabbath has made its hours all precious, and let pious poets sing its praises.

How cheering to wake at early dawn, before the shadows flee away, and know that the blessed day, so mercifully appointed by our Maker, has again returned; and how consoling, as we repose again on our pillows at night, to reflect, that week after week of toil and care, will end at such holy resting places.

Who but will respond to the language of Doddridge,

"Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love."

Memory delights to dwell upon the Sabbath Noon of my childhood, especially on those cold wintry days, when, after the morning service, a portion of the congregation would gather around a large log fire, in an old-fashioned fire-place in the pastor's kitchen, the doors of which were always open, and the room made comfortable for the reception of any who might wish to spend their intermission there.

Meeting-houses in the country had then no stoves, and there were no Sabbath schools to occupy the time of those who stayed at noon. The long settle, with its high back, screening those who sat upon it from the current of air from the numerous doors of the spacious kitchen, was drawn up at one end of the fire-place, and chairs were furnished to make up the circle.

After a passing remark upon the coldness of the weather, sickness and health, general and particular, among the people,

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one after another would repair to the dresser for a tract or other serious book, deposited there by their pastor.

In those days lived "Old Grandsir B." He used to walk nearly four miles to meeting, and that even in very cold. weather, so earnest was he to hear the preached word.

I well remember how the venerable old man looked, as he entered the meeting-house doors, and walked up the broadaisle, with his buskins tied over his shoes, and his blue and white handkerchief placed smoothly over his head and pinned under his chin. The handkerchief, serving the purpose both of a wig and ear cap, was always worn during service.

He used to take his place in one of the long body seats, as they were called, in front of the pulpit, and he seemed to drink in every word the pastor uttered, with a zest which few seem now to experience, because few take so much pains to enjoy the privilege.

Happy pilgrim! He has reached his journey's end, and we believe he is at rest. But his widow yet lives, with a character, in the estimation of her Christian friends, well nigh as pure as were the diamond white spots in that blue 'kerchief. I have looked upon that head-dress when I should have been thinking of other things, and wondered how it could so long be kept entirely unsullied.

When Mr. B. was able to be at meeting, he was a regular visiter at the parsonage on Sabbath noons. Being quite old, he used to be invited to take a seat with the family in the sitting-room, and warm himself with a cup of hot tea. The children were always pleased to see him, for he loved "the babies" as he called us. He taught us to call him "Grandsir B." As soon as he entered the room, before he sat down, he used to call one of us, to draw from his ample pocket the package of "saucer cakes" which his "woman" had made for "the babies," and such cakes as were made by "grandma'am B."" the babies" never tasted elsewhere. One of "grandma'am's" saucers must have been as large as a small pan, for the cake could not enter that great pocket without

being halved, and, though the children were numerous, there was a generous piece for each.

But "grandsir B." had not always borne the character here described. He had been a drunkard, and when under the influence of strong drink, one of the most savage sort. Reformed inebriates were not common in those days, but Mrs. B. had learned what some of this generation have at length found out, that even the drunkard may be won by kindness.

It is not uncommon for the inebriate to mourn over the strength of his appetite, and promise again and again that he will reform. This was the case with "grandsir B.," and on these occasions, although it seemed oftentimes like hoping against hope, his "good woman" would always encourage him. There were two articles besides ardent spirits, of which he was very fond. These were such cakes as have been named, and good warm coffee. Always when the old gentleman went to market, his wife stored his pocket with cakes; and he was sure, on his return, to find in readiness plenty of hot coffee.

Unceasing love and kindness, showing itself in every possible way, and persevering prayer at length prevailed. Although at the eleventh hour, he entirely reformed. And what a change was that! It will not cease, through eternity, to be matter of gratitude and praise; for he became not only a temperate man, but, as we believe, a Christian.

His wife, after his reformation, enjoyed his society for several years before death separated them. She has been now a long time looking forward with ardent hope and strong desire, for a re-union in a better world. Though no longer able to attend meeting, her Sabbaths are foretastes of heaven. Her Bible is a rich treasure-her Saviour, the chiefest among ten thousand. She can never again meet the people of God in his earthly sanctuary, but expects soon to go,

"Where the assembly ne'er breaks up,

The Sabbath ne'er shall end."

A. D.