duct-so much so that his master raised him to a situation of some importance in the management of his estate. This owner, on one occasion, wishing to purchase twenty additional slaves, employed him to make the selection, giving him instructions to choose those who were strong and likely to make good workmen. The man went to the slave-market, and commenced his search. He had not long surveyed the multitudes offered for sale, before he fixed his eye intently upon an old and decrepid slave, and told his master that he must be one. The master seemed greatly surprised, aud remonstrated against it; the poor fellow begged that he might be indulged, when the dealer remarked, that if they were about to buy twenty, he would give them the old man into the bargain. The purchase was accordingly made, and the slaves were conducted to the plantation of their new master; but upon none did the selector bestow half the attention he did upon the poor old decrepid African. He took him to his own habitation, and laid him upon his own bed; he fed him at his own table, and gave him drink out of his own cup; when he was cold he carried him into the sunshine, and when he was hot he placed him under the shade of the cocoa-nut trees. Astonished at the attention this confidential slave bestowed upon a fellow-slave,

his master interrogated him on the subject. He said, "You could not take so intense an interest in the old man but for some special reason-he is a relation of yours, perhaps your father?" "No, massa," answered the poor fellow," he no my fader." "He is, then, an elder brother?" "No, massa, he be no my broder." an uncle, or some other relation?"

66

"Then he is

"No, massa,

he be no of my kindred at all, nor even my friend." "Then," asked the master, on what account does he excite your interest?" "He my enemy, massa," replied the slave; "he sold me to the slave-dealer; and my Bible tell me, when my enemy hunger feed him, and when he thirst give him drink."

THE BIBLE IN JAMAICA.

THE circulation of the Scriptures has been productive of incalculable benefits. It has not only inspired a regard for the word of God, never previously felt, but has greatly increased the demand for its possession, as well as the ability and desire to read it. At first but few of the negroes were able to read; but, once possessed of the Book of God, they could not rest satisfied till they had become acquainted with its sacred contents. In numerous instances the aged and infirm were taught to read by their children and grandchildren.

UNUSED to beg, untutor'd in the art

Which feigns distress, or plays the suppliant's part;
The orphans quit their once-loved happy home,
O'er the rude world's wide wilderness to roam.
Once they enjoy'd a tender mother's care,
Bow'd at her knee to lisp the infant prayer;
Once a kind father labour'd to improve
The early lessons of a mother's love;

But they are gone-pale death, at one sure blow,
In life's young prime, laid both the parents low;
Bereft of these, the hapless orphans find

Few friends remaining, and those few unkind.

See now that timid girl, with tearful eye,

And look averted from the passers by,

Struggling with feeling-forced relief to ask,
Yet inly shrinking from the hated task.

See, too, that blushing boy-unused before
The passing stranger's bounty to implore;
How close he grasps his sister-lags behind,
And slyly marks the motions of each mind.

Poor orphans!-hard your fate-to beg from those
Who care so little for your wants or woes.
Were there not One in heaven who governs all-
Knows all that passes-marks the sparrow fall;
Whose mighty power can touch the heart of pride,
And make e'en Avarice half its store divide,
Vain were your plaint, poor orphans, vain your grief,
No friendly hand would lend the wish'd relief.
But there's a God of love-a faithful friend,
Who can and will to those who seek him send
Deliverance from their griefs-their wants supply,
And wipe the tear-drop from the mourner's eye:
Trusting in him, on earth you shall be blest,
And heaven at last shall yield you endless rest.
P. DIXON HARDY.

TO A BELOVED CHILD,

AGED FIVE YEARS.

FAREWELL Sweet babe, thy spirit's gone

Far from the gloomy shades of night,

To put a brighter clothing on

In the unclouded realms of light.

Thy sufferings now are at an end;

Thy garments shine divinely bright; And holy guardians round thee 'tend, Array'd in robes of spotless white.

Oh, with what rapture didst thou fly
To join the blissful host above!

And now with never ending joy,
Thy tongue proclaims the Saviour's love.

Oh, happy babe, how blest art thou!
How sweet thy pleasures! how divine!
Immortal honours deck thy brow,
And radiant glories round the shine.

Adieu dear babe, till we appear

Before the eternal throne on high: Then we shall meet in glory there, Where all shall live and never die.

We'll sweetly tune the golden lyre,
And sing aloud in joyful strains,
When with the bright celestial choir
We meet thee on the heavenly plains.

Whilst all our hearts with love abound,
We will our cheerful voices raise,

And to the shining host around

Proclaim the great Redeemer's praise.

M. R.