TIE IDIOT.

As I was walking one day, some years ago, through our little village, I saw a lovely group of fine healthy children, playing before a cortage. There was, however, one little boy of about five or six years of age, tied in his chair, so weak, as scarcely to be able to support the weight of his own head. I soon found that he was an Idiot; had been such from his birth, and it was greatly feared, would remain so to his dying day. It struck me, how very thankful all children should be, to whom God has given the right use of their limbs and faculties; and also how earnest and constant in prayer to God, that they may devote their health and strength to his service.

Now, my dear children, as nothing that we do can prosper, unless we implore the divine help; I would beg of God to pour down his richest blessing on this feeble attempt to lead your little minds to a sense of the great mercies you enjoy; and also to shew you in what way you may best prove your gratitude to the great and good God, who has caused you to be so very different from the poor little boy, of whom I have just told you.

In the first place, the poor Idiot could

not walk, or even support himself in a chair, unless tied in. What a mercy it is, that you can use your feet; run as fast, or as slow as you please; and go wherever you like. Be very careful, that you do not abuse this great blessing, as many bad children do, who fear not the Lord. Let your feet take you to the house of God, every Sunday; where you may learn, how God will bless children who pray to Him to give them a new heart for Jesus Christ's sake. When your parents send you errands, go cheerfully, and take care never to loiter, nor go but where you have been sent. I would advise you, if you wish to please God, and be lambs in the dear Saviour's flock, not to go to any wakes, or fairs, or merrymakings. You know not what sin and all kinds of wickedness go on at such places; and what temptations are laid for young people, which too often ruin them, before they are at all aware of their danger. And when you remember, that the all-seeing and heart-searching God knows every step you take ; and can cast every boy and girl that does not strive to love and fear him, into hell-fire; I think you will be better and happier at home, reading your Bible or some good book, or assisting your parents, who have watched over you ever since you were born.

Secondly, the poor Idiot could not speak, or even utter a word.-Oh ! how many children make God very angry by swearing, and taking his holy, name in vain ; by lying; and by being saucy and disobedient to their parents, teachers and superiors. Remember what your catechism says: “the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain." In Rev. xxi. 8 ver. you will find that God assures us,—“All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” Consider too how awfully Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead the very same day, because they both told a lie. “ Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but they who deal truly are his delight.” Oh! then, my dear children, often pray thus: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips. Remove far from me the way of lying; and grant me thy grace, that I may ever remember that for every idle word that I shall speak, I shall have to give account thereof in the dreadful day of judgment. O Lord, help me for Jesus Christ's sake, Amen.” Of fer up this short prayer from your hearts, and you will have grace given you to use aright the great mercy of being able to speak; and whenever you hear wicked people cursing and swearing, pray to God to change their hearts by his Holy Spirit; and if you can, tell them how they

offend'the great God by using such bad words.

Lastly,—The poor Idiot had no sense of right or wrong-no more sense, than a poor little lamb, which does nothing but play in the field all day long. How very different has God made you! He has given you the power to learn to read, write and work; and he has given you sense to know all that is said to you ; and to understand what you read. Thank God for this great mercy ; be diligent in reading your Bible, which is the word of God; and above all, whenever you sit down to search that blessed book, always first lift up your heart to God, for his Holy Spirit to help you to understand it.

Thus, my dear children, if you pray for God's grace, which can alone enable you to follow the advice, I have now tried to give you; you will best evincu your thankfulness for all the many mer. cies you enjoy, of which others, such as the poor Idiot, are deprived. Children, as well as men and women die, and often very suddenly. How important then, that you should seek to be the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus ; that he may take you to heaven, when God shall see fit to call you out of this wicked world. He says in Proverbs, “I love them that love me, and they who seck me early shall find me.” May the Lord

grant to every child who reads this paper, a new heart, for the sake of his dear Son; and may I meet you caeh in glory, there to sing the praises of our dear Redeemer, and enjoy his presence for ever and ever. This shall be the constant prayer of your sincere and affectionate well-wisher,

CHRISTIANA. My readers will I am sure highly value this pa. per, when I tell them, that it is written by a young lady, who has been confined to her bed and dark room for more than five years. Where grace reigns in the heart, not all the suffering of constant pain, or the wearisome gloom of a closed chamber can check the efforts to do good.

.D.

LITTLE JOHN IN INDIA. I have something more to tell you about that dear little boy in India, who was bit by a mad dog and died. You know there was an account of him in our January number. After he was buried, many pleasing proofs of his piety came to light, which had not been known before. His little sister said, that for a long time past, every Sunday on coming from church, he was in the habit of going into a secret part of the house, where no eye could see him, but that of his heavenly Father; and there he poured out his soul in earnest prayer. Welcarnt from bis father, that when he had any pocket-money, he divided it into two en