apparently, no clue could be found to the meaning. Our teachers were too honourable to frustrate the intentions of the Editor by telling us; for he had desired that whatever was sent to him should be certified, by some proper person, that it was the "unassisted production" of the young person who sent it; so we were obliged to acquiesce; and many directly gave up all thoughts of trying. And although, during the week, a few of us still thought of trying, yet, by the next sabbath, every one had given it up, agreeing quietly to wait until the next month, and see who would be so happy as to gain the offered prizes.

February came, and with it the magazines; but we were surprised to find that no one had properly answered the enigma, although several had written. We still thought it useless for any of us to try, when others, who we conceived had been better taught, had not succeeded. However, I could not feel satisfied except I had one try. I was then young in years, and employed in a mechanical business, both early and late, during the week. But whether rising in the morning, or at my daily employment, or among my companions, or retiring to rest at night, the solution of the enigma was in my thoughts.

After several days of anxious thought about it had passed over, one day, while at my daily work,

(for that was my time for thinking) I thought I had found it out. So, for the remainder of that day, I was busy with my head, though still with my tongue, in trying to compose a short essay upon the meaning of this bothering enigma. When night came, I entreated my parents to let me sit up to write, alone. After they were gone to rest, I proceeded (for I could afford no other time than that which I was now taking from my usual rest) to write, as I then thought, this very important essay and not until after spoiling two or three sheets of paper, and sitting up until four o'clock the next morning, had I written what I thought would be suitable. Then I retired to rest; but I had not been long in bed, as I thought, before I was called up again. My first thoughts were about my essay; and off I ran to get it signed by the secretary of our sabbath-school, in order that I might send it in time; for that day was the last on which the answers to the enigma could be sent in. I sent it that day; and I cannot now describe the emotions of my mind as I put it in the postoffice. How I wondered whether I should succeed! How I wished that I might win one prize, even if it were the lowest ! It was my "First Attempt," and I was as uneasy in my mind after having sent my answer, as when I was troubling my head to find it out.

And now, although years have passed, and fled like a passing meteor, yet I well recollect returning home from my work, on the first Saturday evening in March, and finding the secretary, sitting by our fire-side, conversing with my mother. I quickly asked him whether the magazines were come, and if he knew who had won the prizes? He had, he said, one in his pocket, and I might look at it. I directly turned to the cover, at the usual place for answers to correspondents, when, to my great surprise and joy, I found that "My First Attempt" was considered worthy of the FIRST PRIZE! Yes; the first prize was awarded to me. I read it again and again, for I felt like one in a dream, and could scarcely think it true. The secretary then drew from his pocket a beautifully bound book, and held it up to my view. By the impulse of my excited feelings at the moment, I rather hastily, and almost rudely, seized it, gave a glance at its title, and then threw it upon the table, shouting, almost at the highest pitch of my voice, "Look there! look there! mother;" and for the next few minutes I was crying, laughing, and dancing about, like any one crazed; until at last, exhausted by these frantic antics, I sank on the floor, and it was some time before my mind recovered its usual tranquility.

And now, my dear young friends, having read this plain, unvarnished tale, you may wonder why I wrote it. I will tell you. I wrote it that you may be encouraged never to give up in despair what you are desirous to accomplish. If you wish to succeed in any undertaking requiring skill and patience, whether it be in discovering some truth, or in learning some art, recollect that you must make a "First Attempt." You must begin; for except you begin you cannot, you must be well aware, expect to succeed. And oh! there is one thing which you should begin to learn above all others—it is the one thing needful-needful for you now and for ever-it is the fear of God. You must learn that if you would be happy. If you have not yet begun to pray, begin now. May the tale of "My First Attempt" in writing, lead you to make your "First Attempt" in praying. Pray to God for the forgiveness of your sins, through his dear Son, who is the Saviour of the world, and whose blood cleanseth us from all sin. You will be more likely to succeed in this than I was in attempting to find out the puzzling enigma; for our heavenly Father has promised to hear us when we sincerely call upon him. And may He, of his infinite mercy, bless you in your "First Attempt" to seek and know Him, whom to know is life eternal. UTEUTE.

I ASKED a boy whether he or his parents were acquainted with the Scripture and ever read it; he did not, however, seem to understand me. I must here observe that the boy was fifteen years of age, that he was in many respects very intelligent, and had some knowledge of the Latin language; nevertheless, he knew not the Scripture even by name, and I have no doubt, from what I subsequently observed, that at least two-thirds of his countrymen are, on that important point, no wiser than himself. At the doors of village inns, at the hearths of the rustics, in the fields where they labonr, at the stone fountain by the way side, where they water their cattle, I have questioned the lower classes of the children of Portugal about the Scripture, the Bible, the Old and New Testament, and in no one instance have they known what I was alluding to, or could return me a rational answer, though on all other matters their replies were sensible enough. Borrow's Bible in Spain.

AN INDIAN'S CONSCIENCE.

AN Indian being among his white neighbours, asked for a little tobacco to smoke; one of them having some loose in his pocket, gave him a handful. The following day the Indian came back inquiring for the donor, saying he had