Dr. Wisner remarks that the destruction of the French armament, under the Duc D'Auville, should be remembered with grat.i.tude and admiration by every inhabitant of America. This fleet consisted of forty ships of war, and was destined for the destruction of New England. It sailed from Chebucto, in Nova Scotia, for that purpose. In the meantime the G.o.dly people, apprized of their danger, had appointed a season of fasting and prayer to be observed in all their churches.

While Mr. Prince was officiating in Old South Church, Boston, on the fast day, and praying most fervently that the dreaded calamity might be averted, a sudden gust of wind arose (the day till then had bean perfectly calm)--so violent as to cause a loud clattering of the windows. The pastor paused in his prayer, and, looking round upon the congregation with a countenance of hope, he again commenced, and, with great ardour, supplicated the Almighty to cause that wind to frustrate the object of their enemies.

A tempest ensued, in which the greater part of the French fleet was wrecked. The Duc D'Auville, the princ.i.p.al general, and his second in command, both committed suicide. Many died from disease, and thousands found a watery grave.

A late President remarks--"I am bound, as an inhabitant of New England, to declare, were there no other instance than the above to be found, the blessings communicated on the occasion now referred to would furnish ample proof, concerning answers to prayer, to every sober and intelligent man."

A HINT TO PARENTS.

In writing upon the education of the young, a thoughtful writer has made the following observations:--

"The little triumphs and successes of the young mind should never be lightly pa.s.sed over without a token of just and fitting praise from the lips of its parents. The love of approbation is one of the strongest incentives to improvement and industry which the Creator has implanted in the human mind. In the child, this feeling is very predominant; and, if disappointed of its justly-earned tribute, will be checked, and the child disheartened and mortified.

"Benjamin West relates that he owed his success in life to the fond kiss of delighted approval bestowed on him by his mother, on his bringing her a rude production of his pencil when quite a little boy. 'That kiss,'

said the great artist, 'made me a painter.'

"Praise, then, when merited, should never be withheld. It is the chief--indeed, generally the only--recompense to which children look; and it is a bitter and injudicious cruelty to deprive them of it. The approval and the censure of its parents and teachers should, in this sense, be the guiding stars of a child's existence. But care should be taken that neither should be bestowed carelessly or with partiality, so as to induce vanity, or, on the other hand, bitterness of feeling."

BIBLE ENIGMA.

An Apostle employed as a messenger.

The son of Zephaniah.

A disciple called "the chamberlain of the city."

A place whence gold was brought to the temple.

An idol of Damascus.

He who arrested a prophet that was put into a dungeon.

Who said, "The Lord is good, a Stronghold in the day of trouble," &c.?

A disciple who dwelt at Troas.

A sorcerer struck blind.

The name given to the sockets for fastening the stones in the ephod.

That without which it is impossible to please G.o.d.

The place where one was struck dead for touching the ark.

Aaron's wife.

The Syriac name for "Father."

The Epistle where the words are--"Ye are not your own," &c.

The place to which Samson gave a name, where he quenched his thirst after slaying the Philistines.

Total--one of the t.i.tles of Christ, used prophetically.

LOW expense is the highway to fortune.

THE SIXTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GATHERING OF EBENEZER SUNDAY SCHOOL, HASTINGS.

Year succeeds year and marks the flight of time, and, in its flight, leaves the impress of many changes, proving to every thoughtful mind that "here we have no continuing city." But, amid the changes of life, the Lord encourages His people to wait upon Him; and none need to do so more than they who are engaged in the work of spreading His truth, whether among old or young; and when the spirit of prayer is kept alive in their midst, they are not without testimony that "the Lord is with them." These thoughts were in the minds of some who witnessed the a.s.sembling of the scholars of this school on December 27th, and they marvelled how any G.o.d-fearing man or woman can feel indifferent to the welfare of the young, or look on unmoved as they a.s.semble together. To some of us these gatherings are as "the solemn a.s.sembly." We see an eager, expectant throng, seeking for that which shall please them--for the most part, seemingly unconscious, for the time at least, that they have immortal souls that must live in eternal happiness or eternal misery, and, therefore, without a knowledge of their state before G.o.d.

We see our own children, and yearn over them in prayer before G.o.d, and, like Ezra, we would "afflict ourselves before G.o.d" to seek a right way for ourselves and our little ones.

The scholars a.s.sembled in the chapel, as usual, at half-past two, when the proceedings were opened by a short address from our Pastor and President, Mr. T. Hull. Many friends encouraged us by their presence, though the severe weather considerably influenced their number.

As soon as a hymn had been sung, Mr. Hull read and expounded the first Psalm, showing the character of that man whom G.o.d had p.r.o.nounced blessed. He then earnestly besought the Lord's blessing, and followed it by a few words on the preciousness of truth.

The report was then read by the Secretary, Mr. Ellis, and again proved to be of a most interesting and encouraging character. The steady increase that marked the earlier years of this school has been continuous, the number on the register now being 250, showing an increase of sixteen during the year. The average attendance has been 153 in the morning, and 194 in the afternoon, as compared with 135 and 169 in 1886. The highest single attendance was 223. Two scholars have been lost by death, and one teacher by removal.

We give an extract from the report, as expressing the earnest feeling of those engaged in the work--"To record an increase in numbers is pleasing, as showing outward success; but the success we desire is, that our scholars may be brought to a knowledge of the Lord, that G.o.d's truth may be established in their hearts, and that many that meet with us now may bless the Lord for the instrumentality of Ebenezer Sunday School."

The financial statement showed a balance in hand of 5 16s. 7d. This would be to December 1st, the date to which the accounts are made up, and, therefore, leaves the expenses of this day, with the prizes, to be met by the balance in hand, which, of course, is quite inadequate. But the executive feel sure that the same kind thoughtfulness that has put them beyond anxiety in the past will not be wanting in the future. The expenses of the year have been 34 11s. 4d.; the income 32 10s., which, added to the balance brought forward from last year, makes 40 8s.

Several addresses were next given, and listened to with marked attention. The Superintendent, Mr. J. Tr.i.m.m.i.n.g, spoke of his own feeling in the work, and how earnestly he looked for the blessing of the Lord; the anxiety he felt for the young, and the vast importance of putting a right value on the Word of G.o.d.

Mr. R. Funnell, who is in his seventy-eighth year, was most enthusiastically received. He is a pattern of diligence and earnestness in everything connected with the welfare of this school and Church. He very nicely used the ill.u.s.tration of Elijah gathering the people on Mount Carmel, as showing his thoughts on Sunday School work. Though we may build altars, yet, if no living fire comes down from heaven, no saving work will be accomplished.

Mr. Poole enforced the importance of taking heed to both what we read and what we hear, and to treasure up the Word, that it might be of profit.

Mr. Ellis, the Secretary, followed with a few affectionate and earnest words, at the close of which, Mr. Hull proceeded to distribute the prizes--the most interesting event of the afternoon. Before distributing to the scholars, Mr. Hull called on three teachers, namely, Miss P.

Funnell, Miss M. Funnell, and Mr. Jesse Vine, to receive a present from their respective cla.s.ses--a proceeding most heartily received by the whole school. And now, cla.s.s after cla.s.s filed past the President to receive the book prize awarded to them; and though the list was long, and the recipients many, he had a kindly word for all. Mr. Hull does not spare himself on these occasions, and by his pithy remarks and enforcement of precepts, suggested by the proceedings, contributes in no small degree to the success of the gathering.

Tea was now announced, the arrangements for which--both for scholars and friends--were excellent, and most heartily did the a.s.sembly respond to the invitation.

At the close of the tea, the scholars again took their places in the chapel, and proceeded to carry out a plan wholly devised and arranged by the Superintendent. In introducing the subject, Mr. Tr.i.m.m.i.n.g spoke of the importance of the study of the Word of G.o.d--a study which he had reason to fear was sadly neglected; and with a view to show the Word of G.o.d as a harmonious whole, and to bring into prominence the Book of Proverbs, he had prepared a subject, or a series of subjects, which he called, "The Crown of Glory." He read Proverbs iv. 7-9, as the basis of his plan. In a crown there are precious stones, the precious stones in this crown being--first, the fear of the Lord; secondly, repentance; thirdly, seeking G.o.d; fourthly, shunning evil; fifthly, obedience to instruction; sixthly, waiting upon G.o.d; seventhly, acknowledging G.o.d's sovereignty; eighthly, truthfulness and honesty; ninthly, guards for the temper; tenthly, guards for the tongue; eleventhly, G.o.d's power over all hearts; twelfthly, true friendship.