Jutions of the classes, the exhibition of signals, and indeed the whole mechanism of the plan has a great tendency to destroy that tranquillity and spirituality of mind which are essential to the exercises of devotion. In addition to this, the little vexations and irritations which the conduct of the scholars so frequently produces, are very apt to disturb and discompose the most amiable temper; and thus disqualify the soul for that enjoyment, which requires the, most serene and unruffled atmosphere. The body too, often grows weary, and the animal spirits flag; under such circumstances you sometimes enter upon the means of grace, but ill prepared to improve them.

The service passes on, while, alas! neither the solemnity of prayer, nor the animating notes of holy praise! neither the fervour of the preacher, nor the seriousness of the sorrounding congregation, seems to interest or impress you, and then mourning the coldness and barrenness of your heart, you retire to mark upon the gloomy chronicle of misimprovement-another Sabbath lost. Many a teacher will subscribe to the truth of this representation by a deep and heavy sigh, and many a tongue be ready to exclaim, "my wasting piety yields sad proof, that without watchfulness, genuine godliness may receive lamentable injury even in a Sunday School. But tell me how I may guard against the danger, its existence I know without being told."

Begin the day as I have already directed, with earnest prayer, that you may carry a devotional spirit to your labours. Seriously remember your danger, and diligently watch against it. Keep in view the ultimate object of your exertions, and eleva

between a decay of piety and the duties of a Sunday School the danger arises only in those cases, where there is a want of caution; properly conducted, your employment would be found rather an auxiliary than a foe to the most spiritual mind.

2. Another temptation to which Sunday School teachers are exposed, is a spirit of pride.

To be a teacher of others; to be invested with authority; to be regarded as an oracle; to be listened to with deference; to say to one come and he cometh, to another go and he goeth, even among children, is a situation which has its temptations, and which some weak minds have found quite too powerful for their humility. You mistake, if you suppose the distinction and elevation of your office are too inconsiderable to induce pride. Pride is a vice that does not dwell exclusively in kings' houses, wear only soft raiment, and feed sumptuously every day upon lofty titles, fame or affluence; generated in the depravity of our nature, it accommodates itself to our circumstances, and adapts itself to our taste: it is found as often in the cottage as in the mansion; and where it has never tasted the rich viands of loftier elevations, feeds with avidity upon the lowest distinctions, which raise one man above another. Consciousness of superiority, whatever be the object of comparison, is the element of this most hateful disposi tion; and this may be supplied even from the office of a Sunday School teacher. The danger is greatly increased, where the talents of a young person have procured for him a prominent station, and assigned to him the discharge of extraordinary duties.

It would indeed be an unhappy abuse of the system,

if it should be perverted into a means of destroying that modest and retiring disposition which is the most be coming ornament of the young, and rendering them bold, forward and conceited; a danger, which it requires no penetration to discern, must ever attend a season, like that in which we live, of extraordinary activity. The mode of doing good in the present age, with all its incalculable advantages to the interests of mankind at large, needs the greatest watchfulness, both on the part of its principal agents and its subordinate instruments, lest it generate the disposition, against which this particular is directed. Vast multitudes are now brought from silence and obscurity, to sustain in public, a share of that distinguished honour, which the cause of Christ imparts to the meanest of its advocates. Let them therefore be watchful of their own spirit, for the loss of humility is a desolation in the christian character, not to be repaired by the most splendid talents, or the most active zeal; while at the same time it would be an evil which our congregations would have cause to deplore with tears of blood, if their junior members should ever be inflated by any cause with the spi rit of pride.

3. Nearly allied to this is the danger of acquiring a dogmatical, authoritative and overbearing manner. The last particular referred to spirit, this more directly relates to manner: for it is quite conceivable that through the force of habit a person may acquire the latter without being considerably infected by the former. Accustomed to speak with authority to the children, and to expect prompt obedience to your commands, you are in danger without great watchfulness

of carrying the tone and air of office into your general deportment. A habit of this kind may be formed by imperceptible degrees, displayed without consciousness, and not broken without difficulty. Wherever it exists it never fails to create disgust, but is never so disgusting as in young persons.

CHAP. VI.

The Discouragements of Sunday School Teachers.

EVERY cause which is worth supporting, will have to encounter difficulties: and these are generally proportionate to the value of the object to be accomplished. The career of benevolence is not a path of flowers, leading down a gentle declivity, where the philanthropist treads softly and swiftly without a difficulty to check his progress, or a discouragement to chill his ardour. Mercy has far more to obstruct her course than even justice, since the latter is attended by the strong arın of power, to resent the injuries which are offered to her dignity, and remove the obstacles which oppose her progress; whereas, mercy, accompanied only by that wisdom which is peaceable, must attempt to do by gentleness, what she cannot effect by force; toil through difficulties which.she cannot remove; under the most aggravated injuries, console herself with the thought that she did not deserve them; amidst present discouragement, cheer herself with the hope of future success, and after waiting long and patiently for the fruit of her labours, sometimes find her only reward in the purity of her intentions and the consciousness of having done all she could.

The faithful teacher will meet with many discouragements, which I will now enumerate, and endeavour to abate.