Juvenile Biography,

DEAR MR. EDITOR,-In the providence of Almighty God we have lost several scholars recently by death, and to improve the solemn circumstances for the benefit of those who are living, a special service (having the character of a funeral one) was held on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 17th, in our Sabbath-school, at Reading. The Superintendent, (Mr. Lavington) gave an address; first speaking of the losses sustained in our numbers from this cause during the years 1865 to 1869. Between those dates eight scholars have passed away to the experience of eternal associations. Their ages varied from 4 to 12 years. Five have departed since May, of the present year. Respecting one of them, a little lad of sturdy appearance, a circumstance transpired a short time before his death which was rather affecting. He had somewhat misconducted himself during the time of worship in the chapel, and as it is not our custom to use a stick, but to keep the misbehaving one behind, we did so on this occasion, but he was so penitent on account of the wrongness of his conduct, that, looking up into his kind teacher's face, with tears watering his cheeks, he earnestly said, “I will not do it again!" He was evidently sincere; but little did he or we think that the opportunities of showing the firmness of his resolution were ended, for, though only 5 years old, affliction seized him, and he was unable to attend the school again. His stay on earth was shortly afterwards completed, and he was removed to a scholarship in heaven. Our scholars should cultivate good behaviour in their Sunday exercises and obedience to the teachers, for the time will come when these privileges will be no longer possessed.

MARY BROWN, another of these loved ones, whose countenance betokoned health and gave promise of length of days, was in May of this year overtaken by the fell

destroyer, death, and removed at the age of 7 to heaven's deathless clime.

AGNES DREWCATT also is one whom death has sent on before. She had but passed about 12 summers on this terrestrial globe, and her spirit in September last was summoned to leave the earthly house of the tabernacle for a nobler inheritance, and thus became another of the fruits gathered into the heavenly garner as the result of Sabbath-school tuition.

The last on our list is LUCY SADDLER, who departed this life October 1st, 1869. She exemplified the christian character in her affliction, and on the morning of her decease said, "Mother, I shall not live all the day!" Naturally, such a decided but calm expression respecting her end was powerfully felt by her sorrowing parent. The doctor as soon as possible was sent for, but he confirmed the girl's statement, and said, "She is correct; she will not live through the day." Shortly before she expired, while upon her mother's knees, she was heard to say, "Blessed Jesus! send two shining angels to fetch me home." this tender lamb had sung:

"Dear Saviour, when I languish,

And lay me down to die,

Oh, send a shining angel

To bear me to the sky."

Often

And now the heavenly escort with joyful haste obeyed the command of the Great Shepherd, and fetched from the flock this lambkin, to feed in the green pastures of the better land. She was quiet in her demeanour, regular in her attendance at the school, attentive in the class, and meek and kind in her disposition. Between 12 and 13

years of age her mortal race was run, and her place in our ranks rendered vacant. Her mother expressed herself in thankfulness to the superintendent and teachers for the kindness always shewn her child, and said, amid much emotion, "I shall much miss her, for she was such a good

girl at home." Suitable remarks were made after the reference to these cases, upon the "blessedness of dying in the Lord," in which it was shewn, that though death produced such painful emotions, on account of the separations it produces in the family and in the Sabbath-school, yet to the lovers of Jesus it was a blessed event, for it broke the tie of mortality, and the spirit entered into the possessions of that blessed heaven of which the Bible speaks, and which Christ promised to his faithful ones. Mr. Tidbury, (the Vice-superintendent), shewed that death was one of the things promised to the Christian for his good, in 1 Cor. iii. 21-23, so that all who follow Christ have in this great event a friend which looses the spirit from cumbrous clay to be with God. Mr. Garrett, (the Secretary), briefly spoke upon the second coming of Christ (Rev. i. 7), when all eyes should see him in the splendour of his kingly power and the dignity of his judicial authority; and then ended a service which was impressive and telling, and which will, we trust, be the means of sowing such seed as shall bear fruit to the honour of God, in the leading of some of his lambs to the arms of their loving and divine Saviour.. A TEACHER.

ELIZABETH, the beloved daughter of Thomas and Mary Lee, was born at Netherton, Dudley, July 12th, 1863, and departed this life at the same place, Sept. 12th, 1869. Ata very early period in life she manifested signs of unusual intelligence, therefore she was greatly beloved by all who knew her. At the age of three years she became a scholar in our Sunday-school, at Netherton; she was also a scholar in the National Day-school, and being very apt to learn she soon became quite a favourite in each of these institutions. She was taught many little hymns, which she would often repeat and sing with great delight. When at home with her mother she would often speak very feelingly about Jesus, and other scriptural subjects. In her last illness she opened her infant lips in prayer, saying, "Lord Jesus, help me

and ease my pain." Not long before her death she was

heard to say:—

"Jesus saw them ere they fled,

And sweetly smiled, and kindly said,

Suffer little children to come unto me."

She also sang very heartily :

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow, &c."

When looking in one direction of the room she was asked if she could see something, and she said, "I can see Jesus." These were her last words on earth; and shortly after this her happy spirit passed away to that God who gave it. J. BARNES.

teachers and scholars of this school celebrated their anniversary on Sunday, the 3rd of October, when three special services were conducted by the Rev. R. Harrison, in connection with each of which the scholars recited suitable dialogues, poems, &c., singing at intervals select hymns, under the leadership of their worthy Superintendent, Mr. Hawkins. During each service the chapel was densely crowded by an orderly congregation. On the following Monday evening a public soiree was held in the Schoolroom, when over 200 scholars and adults partook of the good things provided. After tea the senior scholars recited pieces of a very interesting character, including "The trial of Alcohol," in which 18 took part. The chapel was again crowdd tr xcess. The number of pieces in all recited during Sunday's services and Monday evening were 60. The collections were all in advance of last year, which,

together with the proceeds of the tea, amounted to £8. A report sheet was read on Monday evening, which showed the school to be in a progressive state. The present number of scholars on the books is 176; average attendance in the forenoon 66; average afternoon attendance 86; total of male teachers on the books 19; females, 13.

W. F., Sec.

LONDON FOURTH CIRCUIT, HAMILTON ROAD, LOWER NORWOOD.-The anniversary services in connection with our Sabbath school were celebrated on Sunday and Tuesday, October 10th and 12th. On Sunday the Rev. J. Evans preached three very appropriate sermons. The afternoon and evening services were interspersed with singing and recitations by the children. On Tuesday about 130 persons sat down to a good tea (trays given). At 7 o'clock a public meeting; addresses by the Revs. J. H. J. Beckhurst, J. Evans, Messrs. W. Goodhall and C. Lucas. Some good hymns and pieces were sung and recited at this service, ably accompanied by Miss Haigh at the harmonium. R. Bennett, Esq., presided, who not only gave us an encouraging speech, but a donation of £2 2s. The collections were far beyond our expectations. After the usual votes of thanks, the meeting closed, scores of people standing outside till the last, who were unable to gain admission. On Wednesday, 13th, we took our children for an out to a park, kindly lent by H. Gapling, Esq., where they thoroughly enjoyed themselves at their various games, after taking them to the front of the Hall (where we sang two of our anniversary hymns, which quite elated the members of the house, who highly complimenting us for the able manner in which the children must have been trained), we quietly retired to the school-room, where we gave them a repast of tea and cake. After paying all the expenses we shall have £7 clear, for the use and working of the school this year. W. G. GODDARD.