rained up his family
in ignorance of God, and only in _his memory_ has the blessed Sabbath
had a name since he went to his distant western home.

Not long ago a benevolent man passing through the town, gathered some of
the ragged and forsaken little ones into a Sabbath-school, and bestowed
on them the inestimable gift of a few small books. The little Lucy
heard from her young companions the wonderful story, and begged to go.
But she was sternly refused. He wanted nothing with the Sabbath-school.
She could not be pacified, however, and at length with prayers and tears
she was permitted to prevail. She went, and returned with her Testament
and little hymn-book, and with such joy and glee, that even her
grandfather came to think the Sabbath-school an excellent thing. Of that
blessed school he is now a member, and is weekly found studying the word
of God, as humbly and diligently as a little child. The infidel of sixty
years is a penitent follower of that Jesus to whom little Lucy sung her
midnight song, and who out of the mouths of babes often perfects his
praise.

But we cannot tarry here; let us journey on. Our way lies through these
woods. Do you hear the sound of an axe? Yonder is a woodman, and by his
side a little boy. We will approach. Never fear. Spirits cannot be
discerned by mortal eyes, and though we come very near, they will be
unconscious of our presence. How attractive is childhood. The little
fellow is as merry as a lark, and chatters away to his father, who, with
silent absorption pursues his work. Suddenly his axe slips, and a large
limb, which should have fallen in the other direction, descends with
violence upon his foot. Can spirits be deaf at pleasure? If so we will
quickly close our ears, for fearful is the torrent of oaths proceeding
from the mouth of the infuriated man. But where is the child? Look at
him where he stands; his innocent prattle hushed--his whole appearance
and attitude showing the utmost fear and distress. Listen--he
speaks--slowly and solemnly: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
thy God in vain." Who made thee a preacher of righteousness, a rebuker
of sin, thou little stray lamb of the Savior's fold? _The
Sabbath-school_,--lone instrument of good in these western wilds, has
taught thee, and thou teachest thy father. Nor is the reproof vain.
Heart-stricken and repentant he is henceforth a new man. "God moves in a
mysterious way, his wonders to perform." But we will on. The woo