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and glowing description of the horse in the book of Job. The lovely creature on which I feasted my eyes was called 'Missie.' She had just been banished to the cart because of her 'vices.' Her owner had been gambling, and had lost all. Glad of even a halfpenny, that he might try his luck once more, and having heard of mine, he offered me a ride on 'Missie' if I would give the copper to him. Fascinated with the beautiful animal, I consented. Greatly delighted, but very timid, I was helped upon her back, but he gave her such a smart cut with the whip, that in a moment I was thrown whirling in the air, so high that those who were looking on did not expect to pick me up alive, fearing my neck would be broken by the fall."

HANGING ON A PRECIPICE.

Though I was much hurt-but not nearly so much as was feared-I made my way home as soon as I could creep along, supporting myself by resting my hand against the low dyke or wall which bounded the field on the road-side. Some of the boys followed me, and, by their advice, we took what they called a near cut, and when we approached the 'braes,' that is, the cliffs, by the side of the river, one of the lads threw a stone from the top of the cliff. This startled and vexed a soldier, who, with his sweetheart, was reclining on the slope below. Of course he must be gallant, so he made charge after us. My companions were about as fleet as he was, but I, fatigued and crippled, was unable to follow them. As I could not run from the red-coated fury, I contrived to dodge; and, in my extremity, I crept behind a furze bush near to one of the rocky precipices. But, imagine my fear, just as he passed. me I began to slip down. Perceiving my danger, I called out for assistance; but on the soldier went, still in pursuit. Now, almost at the very brink, clinging to the slippery grass, I again called out as for life. Another moment, thought I, and I am gone to pay the penalty of Sabbath desecration.

HANGING ON A PRECIPICE.

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"But I was barefooted, and the old root of a bush was placed so that my toes entered into the bend; and thus I was enabled to support myself, holding desperately by the grass with my hands till the soldier returned. He, with no small risk and by considerable ingenuity, succeeded in bringing me once more to the pathway.

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To him I also told all that had come to pass to me that day, and he wept, even before his sweetheart, who by this time had joined us. Seeing this proof of tender-heartedness, I thought he might become an effective advocate, and asked him to accompany me home to intercede for me, as my father was certain to be sorely vexed because of my leaving home, and that in bad company. He complied with my request, and I had no occasion to speak. He told the day's adventures as I had related them to him.

"My parents were grieved because of what I had done; but glad I had been spared and brought home. So was I, and never did I forget that Sunday-never did I thank God more heartily for delivering me-saving me from the jaws of death, into which I had run through disobedience.

"Thrice saved in one day!' said I to myself. Surely for some good purpose. Though I saw in all this the hand of God only as a poor but repentant child could see it, yet I felt He had preserved me, and I loved Him more than ever."

CHAPTER VI.

THINGS WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD.

IN course of time these three thrilling incidents were followed by others equally useful, each in their own way. We select a few. Speaking from experience, he tells us that “a kind word from a good friend is often greatly blessed. My parents," he adds, "were frequently visited by their minister, and I soon became his pet. Due reverence was paid to the good man and his high calling. However hard-up we were, and pressed for time, all work was suspended during his stay, and this gave me the opportunity of drawing nearer and nearer to him, until he took me between his knees and held my hand while he talked or listened. He did not come to overawe us because of his position, nor to frighten us by hard questions, but to give us good advice in a cheerful manner. tried to direct the conversation so as to lead my father on to the narration of incidents connected with storms or battles in which he had taken an active part. And from the simple sketches thus given by the poor tar, this eloquent preacher would paint in glowing language some grand or terrible picture which often served as thrilling introductions to his sermons."

He also

This minister, we understand, was George Donaldson, one of our predecessors in our pastorate, and it must be cheering to his friends yet living to know how his kind words have been blessed where perhaps they little thought. How he won this young soul is thus told :-" After a few cheering words to all

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

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around, he would place his left hand softly upon my head and gently press up my chin with the half-bent forefinger of the right hand until my eyes would meet his smiling face, and then he would tell me how I might yet be a good man, and perhaps a minister, too. And, though he has long since gone to glory, the influence of his kindly encouragement continues to grow, still producing good fruit. I can see in him the blessed example of the Master, who not only said, 'Suffer the children. to come unto Me,' but who also put his hands on them and blessed them. Truly, this valuable minister drew me closer to 'The Children's Friend.' If well-meaning ladies and gentlemen only knew the valuable influence of kind attention towards poor depressed children, surely kind words and kind acts would be more numerous."

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The truth of this remark is also seen in another of the means of grace specially blessed in connection with one of the most useful institutions of our day.

See the lad in his new suit of Sunday clothes-the result of unrelenting perseverance and hard work.

This "Anxious
And we are

Inquirer" is on his way to the Sunday-school. glad to learn that this step was taken in accordance with an advice given by us at the close of a sermon preached to the young on the previous Sunday; the advice being that all present not attending the Sunday-school should do so as soon as possible.

As he entered the school, a strange chill-arising from an indescribable emotion-came over him, but fortunately the good Superintendent came forward to the bashful boy, and, with one of those very pleasing and winning smiles, for which he is so well-known in Dundee, kindly put the usual questions -placing the timid boy in a suitable class.

D

This good friend is our worthy townsman, David Robertson, of Union Grove, the able and energetic President of our Young Men's Christian Association, which is doing so much to meet the spiritual and intellectual wants of Dundee. Many are very thankful to Mr Robertson for his kindly care in each of their individual cases, but none are more grateful to him and thankful to God than Mr Hillocks is, not only for the timely kindness rendered, but also for the happy results which have continued to flow on since the Sunday on which he entered the Mid-Wynd Sunday-school. In his little book entitled, "The Sabbath-school from a practical point of view," which he dedicated to Mr Robertson, he says, he owes some of the sweetest and endearing associations, stirring gratitude in his heart and giving joy to his soul. "The family altar,” he truly says, "is pleasant and profitable—may it soon be erected in every home-but the Sunday-school is needed, especially for those who have not the blessed opportunity of bending and learning at that sacred altar; I mean the children of the outcast and the children of the careless. They may not read of the kind invitation of Jesus in the precious Word, but they may hear of it—as thousands have heard of it for the first time, from the lips of a devoted Sunday-school teacher. I thank God I heard it; and the joy it produced is yet fresh in my mind. The Sunday-school greatly assisted me to

• Behold the best, the greatest gift of everlasting love."

USEFUL TRACTS.

And associated with this was the reading of some useful tracts. The nursery books to which he had referred served their purpose for the time. He says, "Never did I love the Robin so fondly till I read how kindly he covered the poor babes with the forest leaves. And even yet, although I love

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