The man who employed him did not fear God, nor pray in his family, nor give them any religious instruction. His young companions were wicked; they were profane, disregarded the sabbath, and often did mischief by way of amusement. Sometimes this little boy would join them in their bad practices, for he was fond of sport. But he could not forget his mother's instructions; and God would lead him to repentance by bringing these words to his mind, "My Father, thou art the guide of my youth." He felt the great danger he was in of being ruined by bad companions. The thought made a deep impression on his mind. With his hands clasped in prayer, and his eyes lifted up to heaven, he exclaimed, "My Father, thou art the guide of my youth;" and thus solemnly put himself under the guidance of his heavenly Father.

Soon after he went to the village, he was employed in carrying the mail through a thinly settled part of the country, over a journey of nearly 200 miles. Here he was exposed to still greater temptations. He was obliged to witness vice in its worst forms, such as drinking, swearing, gambling, quarrelling, in some of the public houses in which he stayed over night. Still he was preserved. In the midst of all these temptations at home and abroad, his heavenly Father guided him in safety, by filling his heart with love, and gratitude, and simple faith. Often, while riding along the lonesome road, his soul would be filled with the "peace of God which passeth all understanding." He carried in his pocket a little hymn-book, which was very precious to

him. Many of the hymns he committed to memory on horseback. Often in much gratitude he would exclaim, "My Father, thou art the guide of my youth;" for he felt that it was only the grace of God that had preserved him amid so many temptations. The Lord often let him feel how soon he would go astray if left to himself. With deep emotion, he would quote these beautiful lines:

"Oh, to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering soul to thee."

Thus was this poor youth preserved during three years that he was employed as a postboy. God enabled him to put himself under his guidance and direction.

My young readers, will you not do likewise? Take the precious words which God has given you. Turn not a deaf ear to such language as he addresses to you in this verse: "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth ?" Think of it. The everblessed God pleading with you to put yourself under his care and direction. Oh, how good and loving he is!

Many years have passed since the time of which I have been speaking. That boy is yet living, a monument of God's faithfulness and grace. Old age is creeping upon him, but he still loves the Saviour; and, like his Saviour, he loves little children. He often recalls to mind the sweet hours of his wandering boyhood, and blesses the "Guide of nis youth."

JESUS AND LITTLE CHILDREN.

THERE is a world where Jesus reigns, A world of peace above,

Where angels sing in sweetest strains Of his redeeming love.

And children, too, will join to bless
The precious Saviour's name,
Clothed in his perfect righteousness,
And saved from sin and shame.

Yet all, alas! may not be there,
For some will slight his grace:
Now though he calls, they do not car
To turn and seek his face.

He says to all, “Come unto me,
And I will give you rest;"
Oh! linger not, but haste to be
With his salvation blest.

The fairest roses quickly die,

The leaves must all decay;

And, little reader, you and I
As surely fade away.

Then let us early "watch and pray,"

And seek the things above:

And may the Spirit day by day

Reveal a Saviour's love.

MY LITTLE BROTHER. LITTLE brother, darling boy, You are very dear to me; I am happy-full of joy, When your smiling face I see. I'll be very kind to you,

Never strike or make you cry,
As some naughty children do,
Quite forgetting God is nigh.

Shake your rattle-here it is-
Listen to its merry noise;
And when you are tired of this,
I will bring you other toys.

HARRY HOPKINS;

OR, WISHING AND WORKING.

IF I wanted to show any one the difference be tween wishing and working, and the bad results of mere idle wishes, I could not choose a better exam ple than Harry Hopkins. I think I see him now, as he was when first I knew him, a ragged, idle, slipshod lad, always in disgrace, and always getting a bad name. For a long time, I could not understand him; but, as I knew him better, I found that No. 220. APRIL, 1863.

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