and he cries out,' What shall I do to be saved?' The other man represents an evangelist, or minister. He answers the trembling sinner's inquiry by giving him a roll (or the Bible) in which is written, 'Flee from the wrath to come,' and he then shows him the way to flee. He is pointing out to him the narrow way and the strait gate that leads to eternal life,' and which, when he 'knocks, will be opened unto him! The place from which this alarmed sinner is escaping, is the city of destruction. 'It represents this present evil world which is doomed to the flames; or the condition of careless sinners immersed in worldly pursuits and pleasures, neglecting eternal things, and exposed to the unquenchable fire of hell, 'at the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.' Now, all of you, young friends, who have not repented of your sins, knocked at the door of mercy, and fled to the Savior for pardon, are constantly exposed to the awful doom that awaits all careless sinners. You are in the city of destruction which will one day be burned up. Like the wretched man, you are clothed in rags, and bending under a load of sin and guilt; and you would see that this is your sad condition, would you only search the Scriptures as he had done. Your minister, your pious parents, and your anxious teacher, have often warned you to 'Flee from the wrath to come,' and have pointed you to Christ who is the way; and now your friend who daily prays for the salvation of your souls, repeats the warning; 'Flee from the wrath to come'; 'Christ is the way.' He waits to be gracious. He stands at the door. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS. How many of the apostles were from three families? What evidence is there, that their parents (excepting one mother whose name is not mentioned) were pious? Which four of the apostles were brothers? Who were their honored parents? What peculiar mark of regard did Christ, soon after his resurrection, show to their father? Mention some of the evidences of their mother's piety. One eminent Christian of the New Testament, resided in obscurity with his parents until he entered on his public ministry. As his childhood and youth were spent in part or wholly under the supervision of his parents, their instruction and example, doubtless, had an important influence in forming his character. Who was that individual? Who were his parents? What evidence is there that they were pious? What other New Testament Christian enjoyed parental religious instruction in early life? Who in the Old Testament? What examples of early piety are recorded in the Scriptures? Can you mention any instances in the Bible, where children were sanctified from their birth? Had their sanctification, probably any connection with the piety of their parents? CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION. 'CATECHETICAL instruction', says Dr. Beecher in one of his occasional sermons, 'was adopted, universally, by the primitive Christians; was preached by the Waldenses as their safeguard against the seductions of the Papists; was resorted to by the churches of the Reformation, and continued by the churches of New England; and has uniformly been followed by the revival or decline of religion, as it has been persisted in or neglected. It is pre-eminently important that there be in the church, symbols of evangelical doctrine, associated with the earliest recollections of her children. The objection, that children cannot understand the doctrines of the Bible, is unfounded. They can understand them in their order, as early as they can understand anything. The being and character of God, the doctrines of accountability, depravity, and the necessity of a moral change, are comprehended by children early, and with great ease. But even if they do not, at the time, understand the words they commit to memory, will they never understand them, and derive benefit from them. * * * The doctrines of the Bible, though deposited as a dead letter, may become a fountain of life to the soul, when it shall open the eye of its understanding upon them. * * The sure consequence of leaving children to grow up without religious instruction, will be irreligion, and prejudice against the truth. Whenever therefore, our doctrinal catechisms are laid aside, a breach wide as the sea, is opened for the enemy to come in.' To aid in preventing this breach, or in repairing it if already made, we propose giving, from time to time, a question from the Assembly's Catechism, with a few references and an anecdote illustrative of the answer. Ques. 1. What is the chief end of man? Ans. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever. Ref. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Cor. 10: 31. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. Ps. 73: 25. ILLUSTRATION.—The following is the substance of an incident from Sabbath School Anecdotes. 'While a boy was engaged one evening, in committing some rules in his Arithmetic, a gentleman present, asked him several questions to try his knowledge. Some of them the little fellow could not answer. The gentleman seeing that he was greatly mortified, said, 'I think I have puzzled you!' The boy at length, recovering himself, said, with much shrewdness, 'Sir, you have puzzled me! But I think I can puzzle you.' 'Try,' said the man, 'I shall be very glad if you can; but I do not think you will be able put any question you like to me! Looking very seriously in the gentleman's face, he then said, 'Can you tell me, Sir, what is the chief end of man?' The gentleman seemed at a greater loss to find an answer to the question than the boy was to answer his. After a short silence he said, 'You have indeed puzzled me!' He then turned to the father of the boy, and asked him what he conceived to be the chief end of man! 'Nay,' replied the father, 'you must ask him, for he can tell more about these things than I can! The question was then referred back to the boy; and he answered it in the language of the Assembly's Catechism, 'Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever.' The gentleman acknowledged that this was the chief end of man; and said that the boy had taught him a lesson which he should not readily forget.' We hope the time will never come when any of our readers will be found as ignorant of the answer to this, or any other question in this admirable catechism, as was that gentleman. Many of our Sabbath Schools are beginning to revive the study of it, by taking a lesson in it once a month. Will not every child who has never learnt this catechism, at least commit to memory each question, and answer, with the references. as we give them from month to month in the Visiter? TEACHERS' CONVENTION. Worcester North and Essex South S. S. Societies have set an example worthy the notice and imitation of all the auxiliaries in the State. The former Society has already held two Conventions, both of which were very well attended by ministers, superintendents, teachers, and other friends of the cause, and it is believed the influence has been salutary. Essex South, has begun the new year, as all should begin it, by the adoption of measures which promise greater results than have attended their labors the year that is past. In accordance with the report of a commit tee chosen for the purpose, a Convention of the friends of S. schools in this auxiliary, has been holden. We hope next month to give our readers the results. Will not the managers of all the different Sabbath School Societies, or the ministers of the various Associations consult upon the expediency of calling similar Conventions within their respective limits? The contest which is waging against vice and error, and especially against the man of Sin, is becoming more and more fierce-and the friends of Sabbath schools are called upon to come forth fearlessly into the forefront of the battle. Every blow you strike makes the enemy quail. The sword of the Spirit which you wield, is mighty through God. Be strong in the Lord and we shall come off more than conquerors. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WINTHROP S. S. CHARLESTOWN. THE Annual Meeting of the Winthrop S. S. was holden on the second Monday evening of January. From the report then given, it appears that the school was organized for the first time about two years before, with only 30 scholars. The average attendance through the first year was 63. Including the 20 teachers and the infant department of 40 children, the schoo now numbers one hundred and eighty. INTERESTING ITEM. SINCE August last, 18 persons have united with the Church in East Medway; all of whom were under twenty, and we believe, all members of the Sabbath school. SABBATH SCHOOL VISITER. VOL. III. MARCH 1835. SABBATH SCHOOL HYMN. O Thou, around whose throne on high, Just starting in an endless race, Bound to immortal bliss or wo, Where, but upon Jehovah's shrine Should we our hearts' first offerings lay? Where, but within thy book divine Seek guidance on our untried way? Look Thou on us, in mercy, Lord; O send that influence from above, Fill each young bosom with thy love, NO. 3. A. B. H. STORY FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. I presume, that some little boys and girls, not more than four or five years old, read the Sabbath School Visiter. I' have seen several stories in it, which I thought would interest and instruct children of that age. Many of the pieces which we hope will do good to their older brothers and sisters, they can hardly be expected to understand, so I have taken up my pen at this time on purpose to say a |