fulness, in the face of obstacles which seem almost insurmountable; it contains solemn warnings against the danger of self-dependence and a neglect of daily watchfulness and prayer; it presents some good thoughts on the subject of early religious instruction and piety, and illustrates, throughout, "the advantages of Sabbath school instruction."

THE PALM TREE, AN EMBLEM OF YOUTH. By Linnæus. Sixty-eight pages, 32mo. This truly attractive little book is divided into

seven chapters. 1. The Palm Tree an emblem of Uprightness.-2. Of Usefulness.-3. Of Humility.-4. Of Early Training and Discipline.— 5. Of an impenitent Youth.-6. Of an afflicted Youth.-7. Of Victory. INFANT SERIES, in two parts; each part embracing twelve small picture books, done up in a package by itself. These will be out some time during the present month. The titles of these beautiful little books for our little ones, are as follows:

Part I. Who is God?-The Savior.-What is prayer?-Never tell a lie.-Brave George.-Bad Billy.-The new swing. The generous girl. -Cruel Jack.-About the thunder and lightning.-The beautiful Worlds. -Baby sister.

Part II. The Infant class.-The affectionate Sister.--Disobedience. -Poor Heathen Children.-The Rose.-Mary and her Bible.-Little Hymns for little Children.-The Vain Girl.-Father's Letter.-Mary's Thoughts of God.-The Cruel Father.-Ellen asking about Prayer.

Each of these little books, including the cover, contains seven well engraved and pretty pictures.

STORY OF RUTH, THE MOABITESS. Second edition, revised anew. Also, just published, new editions of quite a number of other books.

JUVENILE MUSIC.

Furnished for this work by LoWELL MASON, Professor in the Boston Academy of Music.

The Little Child's Evening Hymn.

#

1. O Lord, a little child appears, Be

fore thy blessed face, To tell thee all

its

#

wants and fears, And seek thy love and grace.

It was the afternoon of a cold winter day. The snow had been purely drifted over the plain that spread itself around the cottage of Mrs. Seldon. From the summit and sides of the hills that lifted themselves above the little valley, it seemed to have been whirled and wreathed in high and dangerous drifts about the house. Now the wind was hushed, and the sun broke from the clouds. Serene and quiet lay the untrodden snow, as if a storm had never swept across its dazzling surface. As I left the village, and urged my way towards the cottage, I saw the curtain lifted from the window and presently the door was opened, and the old nurse gave me a cordial welcome. "We feared you would not come;" and she added in a hushed tone, "to-morrow it would have been too late." I had no time to answer, for she quickly led the way to the little room where the widowed mother lay. The racking pain had left her, and her face was kindled with joy-not of earth-as the sun shone upon it. Near the bed was a table, upon which a white cloth had been spread. A basin of water stood upon it and a Bible lay near. Two children, bright and gentle, stood by the nurse, and gazed silently upon the sweet face of the mother. I went to the bedside and spoke to her in a low tone. "Yes, I have strength," she whispered. "I have done with earth-earthly ties. are sundered "-and the flush deepened on her cheek, as she cast her eye upon the children. "I have committed my orphans to God. I have loved them beyond life -but I have given them up. Now, sir, let the solemn

VOL. VII.

5

ceremony be performed."

in prayer.

She called the children to

her, and they bent their young heads, as we all kneeled Her right hand rested upon that of the oldest, and with the other she clasped the little round arm that lay across her breast. She closed her large dark eyes, and her lips moved-moved in earnest prayer. Then, clasped hand in hand, the little ones came and stood by the table. Beautiful and simple as the baptismal rite always is, it was peculiarly touching and beautiful in that room of death. A dying mother then gave her children to God. When the children returned to their mother, she pressed them to her bosom-kissed them-and asked God to bless them.

Mother," asked the oldest, "has the water made our hearts clean?"

"God cleanses the heart, my child. When your mother is dead, remember this-she gave you to God. You are no longer mine, but his."

"I am glad, mother, because God will be your father, too; and, mother, if you live with God, and he takes care of sister and me, then he can tell you when we are good, and that will make you happy."

A peaceful smile passed over the pale, languid features of the mother, as she pressed again her children, and exclaimed, "God bless you, my precious ones!"

Death, whatever may be our preparation, comes unexpectedly at last, and between the rising and setting of that day's sun, a life of devoted piety was quietly closed. There was a long silence around the bed of death, and beautiful to those that stood about was the face from which anxiety and sorrow had for ever departed, now reposing in everlasting rest. As her pale cheek flushed, and her eyes kindled with the last glow of life, her voice was earnest in prayer for her children, and her last words, heard distinctly by us all, wereInto thy hands I commit them."

66

A-r.

Tribute to a departed Superintendent.

Of the late Dea. Samuel H. Archer, who died at Salem, on the 27th of Dec. last, many of the readers of this publication have had some knowledge. He has

been a contributor to its pages, and has for a long time been regarded as one of the most devoted and exemplary of the superintendents of our Sabbath schools.

Dea. Archer was engaged as a teacher of a private school, for several years before he became a Christian. Possessing an unusual share of good sense, and a very rare tact for the instruction and discipline of youth, his success very soon attracted public attention. A very liberal patronage encouraged his labors. But it was after he became cordially interested in the education of souls in the school of Christ, that he was enabled to exert the happiest influence over his pupils. Their manners and morals, in school and out of school, at home and abroad, were an object of his constant and prayerful solicitude. All his plans and measures were admirably adapted to ensure the most cheerful as well as most punctual obedience.

From his weekly school, Dea. Archer brought into the Sabbath school of the Tabernacle Church, the practical wisdom which had earned for him a most desirable reputation with parents and pupils. He organized the school by arranging the classes in three departments, according to the age of the different members. It was a favorite object with him, to introduce to the advantages of this mode of studying the Bible, all the members of the congregation, who are able to attend public worship. He instituted weekly meetings of the teachers; established a system of monthly contribution for divers benevolent objects; and labored assiduously to sustain the Sabbath School Concert of Prayer. He never seemed to lose sight of any interest of the school, and his eyes were always quick to discern any improvements, which could be adopted. He acquainted himself personally with the members of the respective classes, noticing very particularly those in the infant department. Suggestions from the teachers and others he always listened to with the kindest attention. He seemed to have no desire of making himself conspicuous; and never persisted in an experiment which was found to disappoint his expectations, or which did not receive the cordial coöperation of his associates. In every situation and circumstance, it was obvious to all, that he sought by every judicious measure to secure the