THE ALLIGATOR. Alligators are very bold and fierce, and very seldom tamed. Mr. Anderson, in his mission to Sumatra, mentions an instance of a boat with three horses and six goats being attacked by a swarm of them. They surrounded it on all sides, which so alarmed the horses, that the boat upset ; when the animals were seized and devoured in an instant. The Malays escaped by jumping into another boat. The same book affords a proof that this animal may be tamed. “Near the mouth of a river, where there is a fishing-house, an alligator may be seen of an immense size. His back, when a little out of the water, is like a large rock. He remains always there; and is fed upou the head and entrails of the large skate fish, which are caught there. I saw him (says Mr. Anderson,) when the Malays called him to his meals. He appeared full twenty feet long. Being in a small boat at the time, I wished to make all haste away ; but the Malays assured me, he was quite harmless : so much so, that his feeders pat his head with their hands; a dangerous step, to be sure ; but it shews the great tameness of the creature, by nature so fierce. He will not allow any of the other alligators to approach the place; and on this account the Malays almost worship him.” In this rare fact, my young friends, we have a proof of what is said by St James in his epistle : “Every kind of beast, and of things in the sea, may be tamed of man." HYMNS ON THE LORD'S PRAYER. HYMN V...,"Give us this day our daily bread.” Parent of all ! thy bounteous hand Sheds plenty o'er the smiling land; And all that move in earth, or air, Or ocean's depths, thy goodness share. The insect that awakes with spring, And flutters by, on shining wing; The lion's whelp, the raven's brood, Receive from thee their daily food. On thee depends each simple flower, For sunbeam warm and balmy shower ; And 'tis thy matchless hand that weaves Its bright and many colour'd leaves. Then whilst I breathe my daily prayer, Shall I distrust thy love and care ? If these are not o'erlook'd by thee, Shall man, their Lord-forgotten be? No, ev'ry joyous bird that sings, Sweet lessons of thy mercy brings; And every shining bud that blooms, A faithful monitor becomes. Then will I trust, and hope, and pray For food and raiment day by day; And whilst thy present gifts I share, Entrust the morrow to thy care. R. H. HYMN VI...-“ Forgive us our trespasses, as we a forgive them that trespass against us." Thy name, thy nature, Lord, are love, A mercy-seat—thy throne; Which with my lips I own. Yet ere I speak of sinful deed, And mourn the faults I name; Recount thy promises, and plead For pardon through the Lamb; Lest angry thought be there? 'Twould turn to sin my prayer. What in my conduct is amiss, Didst thou severely view; All hopes of mercy too. 'Tis on thy smile I live; Then, as I hope to be forgiven, So teach me to forgive. R. H. HYMN VII.-.-" And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Since many a shining snare For youth's frail steps is spread ; Th'unhallow'd ground to tread : Alas! unsought 'twill come : Thy shelt'ring wing my home; Earth's great and wise ones fall; How 'scape the captive thrall ? Can this unpractis'd hand and eye Detect his wiles, his might defy ? My weakness is con fest; But on thy love and truth,. The feebleness of youth : Nor let my trust be vain; When light and comfort wane ; . Then from the snare my footsteps free, And from all ill deliver me. R. Ř. GOD EVERY WHERE. And keeps us by his power ; And guard us every hour ; Each flower, and field, and tree; Of every good we see ; By day or darksome night; From his all-piercing sight. Whatever may be near us, We have no cause for fear; • My God, my guard, is here !! DANGER OF PASSION. Sarah Hurst was born at Water Eaton near Oxford, She sprung from poor, but very honest parents. She was the oldest of eight children. Sarah's mother was one who would go through any hardship, rather than have parish relief: and though her husband died when the oldest child was only fourteen, she would not apply to the parish : but taught her children, both boys and girls, to work. Thus they were brought up to work early and late, and they never lost the habit in after-life. But with all this, the souls of the children were never once cared for; and the children were |