ness; inadequate views of the responsibility of the office of teacher; a low standard of Christianity, or perhaps a positive decay in personal piety: but whatever is the cause, the result is the same: the teacher is awanting one out of every two or three nights, to the great annoyance and sorrow of his fellow-teachers, whom his conduct disheartens; and to the great detriment of his own class, who, after being kept waiting on his arrival for a little while, are either taught by some stray teacher, or, amidst great confusion, turned over to or divided among other teachers, who are already overburdened. We would entreat the attention of our friends who are literally awanting in this respect, to consider the various evils to which their conduct gives rise, and not to allow themselves to be so easily prevailed on to abandon the field to the enemy. A little consideration will show plainly that absence, without previous intimation, allows neither superintendent nor the other teachers any time or opportunity of filling up the vacancy, and the whole burden of a class is thus thrown upon them at once, when they are utterly unprepared-the consequence of this being seen at once in the disgraceful state of confusion that schools are sometimes thrown into, when classes without teachers are divided among the others. But the evil does not end here. When quiet has been restored, many teachers find it very difficult, nay, almost impossible to teach children to any purpose, who have not, perhaps, been taught on the same plan as their own, and of whose state of knowledge or ignorance they know nothing; and they, in such circumstances, cannot but frequently conclude a weary Sabbath evening with little conviction of having done any good, and a strong opinion that they would have done much more had it not been for the unruly strangers who were deserted for a night by Mr. — who is characterized, in Christian sorrow, and sometimes also in just anger as a man not to be depended on. We may remark, that scenes of the description above referred to, are not uncommon in some of our missionary schools; and it may well grieve us to the heart when we think of so many of our Sabbath teachers being every now and then subjected to tasks far above their strength by the thoughtless, and generally unnecessary absence, of two or three of their professed fellow-labourers. Surely it is hard enough to convert the depraved heart, without those that say they are helpers throwing any additional obstacles in the way of truth. But let us now glance at the effect of these things on the teacher himself. No doubt, on his night of absence he finds that "stolen waters are sweet,"--and enjoys the company of his friend, the pleasure of listening to a Sabbath evening sermon, or gives way to any of the numerous temptations, that usually beset him, without a thought that he has enjoyed them at the expense of his duty; but he can hardly be without some qualms of conscience when he reflects on his conduct, or a little unpleasant feeling and shamefacedness when he presents himself before his brethren on a succeeding Sabbath. Into these matters, however, we do not enter, contenting ourselves with observing, that the natural effect of irregularity is to loosen the affection of the teacher to the children, if he ever had any; and if he had not, he is in danger of never getting it—he does not give it time to grow; and when conduct of this kind is persisted in, it not unfrequently makes the teacher turn colder and colder in his duties, until finding that he is becoming very much indisposed to active exertion, he gives up work altogether-a sorrowful spectacle to those whom he has left in the vineyard. Another way in which we may see the consequences of irregularity, is the evil effects on the children. They get into a great many bad habits from the various processes to which they are subjected, and it requires much after-attention fully to eradicate the evil sown in this way by a thoughtless teacher. Besides this, the children become irregular in their attendance; (no wonder, with such an example;) they have little affection for their teacher; they cannot believe he is in earnest, believing that he would pay them more attention if he was so; (and no doubt they are among the first to notice his short-comings;) and last, and worst of all, they are led, if not to despise, at least to slight the Gospel itself, owing to the conduct of one of its professed teachers. It may be, that in the eyes of some of the teachers above referred to, the evils thus shortly noticed appear no evils at all. These are they who come in when the school-hour is half over, and wonder to see their children scattered among the rest of the classes-who are indignant to find that their unnecessary absence and neglect, for a week or two, should be so much thought of, and blamed, and considered as a dereliction of duty. Let such consider well, and reflect upon the Master whose service they have entered, and the wages at which they were hired, and then say if they dare trifle with either. Would that we were able to say, “Brethren, we hope better things of you!" Count well the cost before yon enter the work; but when you have begun, do it thoroughly. Eternal life and death are (humanly speaking) in your hands. Treat them not as if you were in sport. "Wherefore, be diligent, that ye may be found of Him without spot and blameless.”—Scottish Sabbath School Teachers' Magazine. THOUGHTS FOR CHILDREN. OFT we watch the show'r-drops fall Till the flowers are fair and tall Oft by day, and oft by night, But there comes a mightier rain God his gifts will surely pour, R. T. CARLTON TEACHERS' MEETING. THE Annual Meeting of Teachers at Carlton was held, as usual, during the most convenient part of the harvest holidays. This year it was fixed for Tuesday the 15th of August. The number of Teachers amounted in all to 29, composed of 14 males and 15 females. Several clergymen were present on the occasion, two of whom gave addresses to the Teachers. At seven o'clock in the morning it was proposed there should be a prayer meeting to implore the Divine blessing on the day. It was held at the house of the schoolmaster of the village. Several of the Teachers engaged in prayer, after reading an appropriate portion of God's word; this interesting prelude of the day lasted about half an hour, during the time of breakfast at the hall. At eight o'clock all met for family prayers at the hall, and again the blessing of heaven was besought upon the occasion. The regular business of the day commenced at ten o'clock, and took place in the beautiful girls' school of the village. It commenced by singing and prayer. After а brief speech by the chairman, the worthy owner of the hall, in which he stated the objects of the meeting, viz., the glory of God-mutual edification and love—and the extension of the cause of Christian education-the Teachers were addressed on "Natural Theology." This lasted about an hour, when the chairman and clergymen withdrew, leaving the Teachers to discuss such matters and subjects connected with teaching as the occasion called forth this continued until the hour of dinner, at which all again repaired to the hall. This was half-past one. All again met at three; but the number of Teachers was increased by the addition of the Carlton Sundayschool Teachers. Singing and prayer again commenced the business; after which, the Teachers received another address. Prayer and singing ended the afternoon's proceedings. After this, the Teachers looked at many interesting works on education, brought to the school for that purpose, some of which had been CATECHIST — Ihr pool chile know this thư tuon a“ na able to do these things of tuusel, no to wak w tw commandments of God, and to serve him without his special grace. We have no strength to do these things at ourselves. and therefore it ▷ necessary to see the grace of Gol. I We would keer his commandments. The late her. Legt Richmond, was once conversing with & person respecting & mat. who had acted, inconsistent with his religious profession. After some ang and sever remarks, the gentiemar with whom, he was discussing the case, colcinded by saying I have no notior a suct. pretences. i w.. have nothing to do with. lan..` Nay, brother. Remember who 4 let us be bumbic renhed the other HAS SAI "Making & differenDE. With opportunity on the one hand, an. Satar, or the other and the grace of trou at neither where should you and I he?' Is her we have any particula: temptation or trial to undergo ther we must be special careful to seek strength, from God, and he will not desert us. During the persecutions 6. Paganista, & female marty: tell into the pangs o, elnicbati. the day before her execution, and * Not the Res 6. Smith, missionary to China. |