excessive drinking is nourished by the moderate indulgences of the many, even more than by the unrestrained indulgences of the comparatively few. Alas! we saythe few-but the time is hastening when the many will be the lost ones-and-the few-will be the other side. If ten thousand a year die now by Intemperance, what can we hope for the future, unless some stop is soon put to its ravages ?

We most earnestly recommend to our readers, the Discourses on Intemperance by Rev. John G. Palfrey, of this city, as calculated to give every rational mind a conviction which shall lead to instant and earnest resolutions and efforts to aid by all possible means, the attempts now made to check this terrible evil. The author has there stated very plainly, but very eloquently too, the solemn truths on this subject. By calculations which are any thing but exaggerated, by facts which no man can gainsay, he has proved to us the dangers which now press upon us on all sides, in consequence of the excessive use of ardent spirits. But it is vain to alarm people who will not act as their well-grounded fears prompt them to act. One, and the surest kind of remedy lies in the self-denial, the trifling self-denial, which would take from those not yet corrupted, the means by which they may become so. Let all consent to do without their gin and brandy and spirit, who now only use them moderately, and if we cannot hope to save those who are drunkards already, we may rescue others from sharing their guilt and their doom.

34

SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

BENEFITS DERIVED FROM SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

IT is gratifying to witness the interest felt at the present time in Sunday schools. And while we observe their gradual increase, the accessions of strength which they are constantly acquiring, and the happy influence which they are exercising, it is a matter of no small gratulation that the objections and prejudices against them are equally subsiding, and that they now begin to be more fully known, and to receive the valuable aid of those, who have been heretofore doubtful with regard to their utility.

Much as these institutions have accomplished, there are yet many improvements to be made in them. Among which are a more perfect knowledge of their object and design,—the manner of imparting instruction-together with the benefits to be expected from them. These remarks will apply, we are inclined to believe, as well to those who are, as to those who are not engaged in them; and in witnessing the improvements already made, we are encouraged to hope, that a little more experience will enable us to accomplish all we desire.

We apprehend that the utility of these schools is but partially understood, and is too easily lost sight of by the teachers themselves. The constant and arduous exertions, that are required of the teachers, and the trials of their patience are well known. Constituted as we are, it is necessary at times, that we should be encouraged by

something more than the slow advancement which we may witness in the subjects of these labors. Happily for those who are devoted to this good cause, there are many other sources of encouragement. Their kind and disinterested labors awaken the purest pleasure in the benevolent hearts whence they emanate, and thus reward their efforts even at the moment they are made. And their influence, extending as we trust to the parents of the children under their care, affects the community at large, and they are thus again rewarded. It would be interesting to trace the benefits derived from these institutions in all their various branches, and point out the encouragements which such a view affords. But to do this we should not only have to take a very extensive view of the subject, but to enter into an elaborate discussion, which is far from our design, which is only to speak of a few of their beneficial results on those most nearly concerned in them.

In exhibiting the usefulness of these institutions we must not confine ourselves simply to the committing of scripture to memory, and the religious instruction given the children, as is often done. Far more than this, experience has proved to be their fruits. When we see parents look to the Sunday school teacher as their true friend and adviser-when we see them unbosom to the teacher all their troubles and wants, their joys and griefs, relating to their children; when we see them meet the instructers with all the affection of long known friends, and feel a desire to profit by the advice which is given them; when we see children look to their teachers with an affection almost equal to that for their parents, and hail them with pleasure, and welcome them to their

homes, while their cheerful bright countenances tell us they are truly happy with them-when we see the interest with which they listen to the instruction of their teacher at school, and when they have done wrong, witness the emotions of the heart by the tear of penitence, we then must acknowledge that the effects of Sunday schools are not to be measured by the bare amount of knowledge gained in them. From such considerations as these may be derived that encouragement, which does not always arise from the slow progress made in the business of instruction itself.

The exertions of those, who sacrifice pleasure and comfort to impart good to their fellow-men, always deserve our admiration. How much we respect the laborious missionary. We meet him perhaps passing a dark alley into some gloomy hovel, where few would imagine a human being could live, giving temporal and spiritual relief to its wretched inmates. He has gone to kindle hope in the sufferer's heart by the belief that there is one who feels for them, and will aid and assist them. They thought the world comfortless and dreary before this voice of sympathy was heard within their dwelling. We follow him to another sad abode,—perhaps a dying mother is there waiting to receive him with calmness and resignation. We find the children guided by him with parental affection in the path of duty. We follow him again and find him among confusion and disorder, disobedience and vice, which it is his holy endeavor to restrain and correct. We observe him in all these situations; in each, he is looked up to with gratitude, and his toils are crowned with a rich blessing. We think of the happiness he must enjoy in reflecting on a course so truly

christian. We trace him to his retirement, and find him tasting that holy peace and joy, which the pleasures of the world can never bestow. We regard him with admiration and love, and almost envy his felicity. But not inferior to him is the Sunday school teacher. Have we not seen him too, when the duties of his office were suspended, devoted to similar labors of love;-following his pupils to their homes, often to the sad abodes of severe poverty, sickness, and mourning, and exemplifying his own instructions by the most winning virtues, while he became the instrument of divine consolation to others. Have we not known him cheerfully sacrifice his time and strength in the cause of human improvement, and by a most salutary influence, become the efficient helper of the poor, and ignorant and desolate? Have we not seen all this? Oh yes! and we have thought of the happiness he must derive not only from the consciousness of his endeavors to do good, but from the reward his exertions meet in his success. This however is but part of his happiness. We will dare to hope that these feeble efforts will meet a higher reward, the approbation not only of men but of God. We will look beyond this state of existence, when all these exertions will be fully known, and receive their due reward. The apparently discouraging parts of his duty will then be made manifest, and the improvement in his life which he may not have traced to any particular cause, may then appear to have been sought for and found, within the walls of a Sunday school.

Where is the teacher that has not experienced moments when he was forcibly impressed with the necessity of learning himself, before he could instruct those under his care? who has not found a careful investigation

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