no covering for his head; but his countenance was mild and cheerful, his bright blue eyes beaming with intelligence, and his flaxen hair streaming in the wind. During the intervals of his employment, he was reading a book which he held in his hand.

Knowing well the fluency of the Irish tongue, and the readiness of the peasantry to answer any questions put to them in a kind and courteous manner, I did not hesitate to put it to the proof on the present occasion. Having gained

his attention, I inquired,

"What book is that in your hand ?"

Sure," said he, making a bow, and pulling down a lock of hair on his forehead, "it is the New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

"How came you by it?"

"It was given me, your honour and your ladyship, by the gentleman of the mansion, who is a Protestant, and has caused us all to be taught the book, and has made a present of one to each of us."

"Can you read it ?"

"To be sure I can."

"And do you understand what you read ?”

"A little."

"Let us hear you ;" and I turned his attention to the third chapter of the Gospel of John, which he seemed readily to find, and said, "Now read."

He did so, with a clear, distinct, and unembarrassed voice: "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi."

"What does that mean?"

"It means Master."-" We know that thou art a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”

"What is a miracle?"

"It is a great wonder."- "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee."

"What does verily signify?

"It means, indeed!"—" Except a man be born-again ""What is that?"

"It means," he promptly replied, "a great change!"— Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

"And what is that kingdom?"

He paused, and with an expression of seriousness and devotion which I shall never forget, placing his hand on his bosom, he said,—

"It is something here!" and then raising his eyes, he added, "and something up yonder !"

He saw that we had sympathy with him, and a tear stood in his eye, which he brushed away, while he told us that the party who had preceded us, consisting of a Catholic priest and two ladies, had rudely interrogated him, and when they found what book he was reading, and who had given it to him, they scoffed, and said contemptuously, "He had better have given you a pair of shoes and stockings ;" and, taking his book out of his hand, had thrown it down to the margin of the lake, "And they have soiled my beautiful book," said he, showing it to us with the most poignant regret.

My companion, to soothe him for the affront he had received, said kindly, "You shall not be reproached any more for the want of suitable clothing;" and immediately offered him money sufficient to purchase what he needed, bidding him to do so as speedily as posible. He, with an air of true, though untaught politeness, thankfully received the boon, but modestly observed, he could not appropriate

it as desired, unless he had the consent of the person who employed him. Of course we commended his integrity, satisfied of its genuineness, and left him to continue the reading of the Book till the next party should arrive.

I cannot convey the impression made upon us by the whole demeanour of the boy. But his devout intelligence on the subjects of the discourse he had been reading from the New Testament, made us thankfully believe that in that secluded spot the great Teacher had met with this young disciple, and "revealed himself unto him as he does not unto the world."

ACTS.

Christian Boldness.

"Go, stand and speak unto the people all the words of this life." ACTS v. 20.

M

INISTERS are charged by the apostle to preach the word; to be instant in season, out of season, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all long-suffering and doctrine; doing the work of an evangelist, making full proof of their ministry. Whenever an inviting opportunity occurs of addressing a multitude on the things belonging to their peace, they are joyfully to embrace it; not shrinking back from timidity, or refusing on the false plea of a socailed prudence; but, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear, opening their mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel; "holding forth the word of life."

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, they are to strive earnestly to be qualified for all the exigencies of their office, and to be prepared for extraordinary as well as ordinary services. To this end they must not only furnish their minds with all kinds of knowledge suitable to their calling, but must likewise train them to the prompt and ready use of the materials thus accumulated. They must habitually cultivate the art of speaking extemporaneously, and of abandoning themselves to the resources they are conscious of possessing. Without this, the richest stores of knowledge and experience may not be available on most

important emergencies, and opportunities of usefulness may hence be lost that can never be recalled.

Wayside opportunities for scattering the seeds of truth, if wisely employed, are sometimes more productive of good results than are the more regular labours of stated times and places. The multitude, by whatever cause they may have been first attracted, are never displeased at having their attention adroitly turned to some fresh object of interest; and when once their curiosity is excited and their best feelings aroused, they are not slow to receive impressions of the most salutary nature, leading not unfrequently to permanent results. The faithful minister, therefore, will thankfully avail himself of any startling occurrence or sudden calamity, any solemn event or alarming providence, to subserve the great object for which he lives—the glory of Christ and the salvation of men. No false modesty nor fear of man will operate to deter him from the prompt discharge of this duty. In humble dependence on the Most High, he will go forward regardless of all earthly considerations. "Faith is proved to be very defective," says the late John Foster, "whenever creatures are more dreaded than the Sovereign Lord of all creatures is trusted."

One of these extraordinary occasions for the exercise of my ministry occurred many years since when I was residing at Bristol, the record of which, as I now peruse it, reawakens in some measure within me the emotions it then inspired.

The late Reverend Robert Hall and myself were once staying together at the village of Clevedon, about ten miles from the above city, then first becoming a favourite resort for visitors from the adjacent parts. We had been associated in the service of dedicating to God a new place of worship, which had been erected chiefly by the contributions of the