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OUR MISSIONARY PAGE.

Having looked at the picture again, here are three things which I wish you to remember whenever you think of the palm

tree.

1. Be upright: no crookedness; no deceit; no little meanness of character.

2. Be useful. Many a weary traveller has thanked God for the shelter of these broad, feathery leaves; and many who have been ready to perish have eaten with glad heart the dates which form the fruit of the palm tree.

3. If you wish to grow like the palm tree, you must keep near the fountains. Whenever the tired pilgrim sees a cluster of palm trees in the desert, he knows that there is water near, for the tree cannot grow and bear fruit without moisture. He may have to dig before he finds the spring, but the water is to be had for the digging. Keep near to the fountain, then; near to the Great Fountain of living waters, and you will know the meaning of these two verses in the ninty second psalm

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree : Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.'

OUR MISSIONARY PAGE.

WHAT ONE PAIR OF HANDS CAN DO FOR MISSIONS.

I WAS present lately at a farewell meeting with some missionaries who were going far from home and kindred, when a lady accosted me, asking how she could send out to the missionaries four mission boxes. I thought at once this is the kind gift of a number of christian women, who have been wishing to do something for Christ's cause. First thoughts are not always right, and in this case mine were wrong. The four boxes were the gift of one person. I have before me a list of the articles in each box, and I think it will interest you to know what some of them were. Unbleached Cotton, (85 yds. in each box); Gingham, Wincey, Drugget, Printed Flannel, Prints, Printed Remnants, Scissors Toy box: Knives: Paper:

Drawing books: Pencils: Pens: Slates: Combs: Needles: Thread: Thimbles, &c. Do you not think that the hard-working missionaries will, when the boxes are opened, thank God for putting it into the heart of this christian woman to show her love for the cause in which they are embarked?

But, then, you say, she is a rich lady and has it very well in her power to do all this. By no means! She is not a lady at all in the sense of wearing fine clothes and living in a splendid house. I know that she has to work hard for her money, and hence it is all the more to her praise that she has so big a heart and so open a hand. I know that she has denied herself many things in order to do all this, and that she gives it willingly as an offering to Him who has done so much for her. There is one other thing, too, that I may say; that so far is she from being proud of all this, that she has begged me not to mention her name, and though I could wish very much to do it, I must respect her wishes, and only say that the name, though not printed in 'The Dayspring,' is written in a book of remembrance, wherein are written the names of those who have given a cup of cold water to a disciple in Christ's name.

WHAT THE PENCE OF SOME CHILDREN HAVE DONE FOR MISSIONS.

'L

ITTLE children can do little or nothing to help the missionaries in their work.' So said to me the other day a man who thought himself much wiser than I thought him to be. He did not know that in May last when certain mission boxes were opened which had been placed in the hands of children, it was found that there was more than Three Hundred Pounds in them, and that for five or six years past, the same boxes on being opened have contained each year a similar şum.

'Little children can do nothing!' Do you call nearly Two Thousand Pounds sterling nothing? This year when I looked over the list of the children who had contributed, I found my eyes getting dim with tears, for I observed the names of some dear

OUR MISSIONARY PAGE.

children who have left us for the better land, and who are singing the praises of the Lamb that was slain, in that place where God wipes away all tears from the eyes, and where the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne feeds them by living fountains of water.

The pence of these children have been given for the purpose of supporting a mission vessel which has the same name as our little magazine, and which has done good service on behalf of the missionaries who are labouring in the New Hebrides.

The following sentences from a letter sent by Mrs Paton (the wife of the missionary on Anewa) to the little mission collectors, will be read with interest:

If I tell you how really grateful all the Missionaries are to the children who give their money so willingly to keep the 'Dayspring' in nice order, and how the little vessel actually helps to keep the Missionaries alive as well as those so dear to them, by bringing them food and medicine and all they require, I am sure you will not grudge having denied yourselves many little gratifications to help in so important a work.

'No ship in the wide world has been more highly prized or more eagerly longed for than the Dayspring;' and we feel very much like children bounding out of school to have unrestrained freedom with their companions, when it arrives, and we meet with our missionary friends; for then we can talk in our own language, saying whatever comes uppermost without fear of being misunderstood or of setting a bad example; we are in the habit of acting so carefully before the natives. These visits of the mission vessel are bright days in our lonely existence, which we think and talk about afterwards, as you do of holiday pleasures when you return to school.

'But if the "Dayspring" has been prized by the Missionaries when things went well with them, O how their hearts have gone out in gratitude to God when the little white-winged messenger of mercy' has been seen approaching at a time of sickness or danger! I know of at least two mothers in this mission who have gone to the shores of their lonely islands day after day with aching hearts, and eyes strained to catch sight of the least little speck of hope in the horizon, for their babies were lying so sick that they feared they might die ere the "Dayspring" came to take them to see a doctor.

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And last year when the vessel was too long in leaving Australia, Mr Macnair used to pace the shores of Erromanga to look for her in vain. He was reduced to the greatest weakness from the fever and ague of the climate, and the natives having been unusually sick also, the store of medicine was exhausted, and their only hope was in the return of the vessel with the medicine they so much needed. Sometimes, after returning from the beach, he would throw himself on a chair and say-"I think I will be in my grave before the 'Dayspring' comes. And he did die, one of the most godly and devoted Missionaries that ever came to tell the heathen about Jesus; not however before the vessel came with all his fresh supplies, but then it was too late to do him real good.

'I have told you a little about what the "Dayspring" does for the Missionaries, but just think what it has done for the heathen by bringing these Missionaries to them. I have not time to dwell on this, but I trust there will be ages and ages in eternity for the redeemed Ethiopians to shew forth their praise and gratitude to God for sending to tell them of Him who died for them. Remember, however, that it is the Missionary and not the mission vessel that is the means of bringing souls to the Saviour; for, important as the " Dayspring" is, and it is of vital importance-it cannot make known to a single individual the way of salvation through Christ. We must have Missionaries who will go and live among the blacks-learn their language-teach them to read, and show them what it is to live as Christians. Will not some of you who have done so well in giving your money to the mission, do infinitely better by giving yourselves some day?

I should like to close this letter with one little word of advice, and it is this:-Whatever you do, let it be done for Jesus, who values even a cup of cold water when given for His sake. You might possibly be disappointed in your mission vessel if you saw her, and if you came to be Missionaries you would find it up-hill work indeed to be sacrificing your whole lives merely for the sake of those who could not understand your motives, and knew not what it cost you to give up home and friends. But Jesus regards every sigh, and whatever is done for Him will meet with a sweet reward even in this life, for He has promised who can never disappoint.

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You may not all be able to come and teach the heathen, or even to give money to help them, but every one of you can pray for them and for Do this like dear children, and believe me

us.

to be

"Your loving friend,

'M. WHITECROSS PATON.'

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Feb. 4. GENESIS 3-The Fall of Man. Memory text--Romans 5. 12, 19. Psalm 90. 8. Feb. 11. LUKE 1. 57-80-John the Baptist born.

Memory text-Matthew 7. 21. Psalm 98. 2. Feb. 18. GENESIS 4. 1-16-Cain and Abel. Memory text-1 John 3. 11, 12. Psalm 34. 21. Feb. 25. LUKE 2. 1-21--Jesus is born. Memory text-Luke 2. 13, 14. Psalm 118. 26. BIBLE QUESTIONS on these Lessons, with answers in the words of Scripture, may be had of the Publishers.

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We have much pleasure in recommending this interesting little volume to all who are looking about them for a good book to add to the Sabbath School Library. The narratives are veritable descriptions of good work done among the poor and lowly. It is pleasant to think of the daughter of the late venerable Vicar of Shareshill, going out and in among the inmates of the Almshouse, and finding among them not a few who though poor in this world's goods, were yet rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom. Of all the sketches, the one which concludes the volume-Harry, the Happy,' is, as we think, the most striking. We have no doubt that 'Pleasant Fruits' will command an extensive circulation.

LITTLE LISETTE, THE ORPHAN OF ALSACE. By

the author of 'Louis Michaud' etc. London: Griffith & Farren, 1872. pp. 172. A very interesting story for the young; although slightly deficient in body. The little orphan girl, under the training of a Protestant Pastor and his wife, (the latter, rather spartan in her ideas of education for girls), turns out both wise and good, and useful; especially in nursing many of the victims of the late terrible war between France and Prussia. In binding and illustrations, the book is all that could be desired, and the moral tone is healthy through

out.

BIBLE QUESTIONS.

THRE

HREE Prizes are offered for the largest number of correct answers, to be awarded in December 1872.

The following are the conditions.

1. Competitors not to be above fifteen years of age. 2. The answers honestly to be the work of the young persons competing from month to month.

3. All answers to be addressed, not later than the 18th of the month, to the REV. JOHN KAY, Greenbank Cottage, Coatbridge.

6. Name two verses in the Old Testament which describe the character of a good man, the prayer which he offered, and all that we know of his history?

7. What two things did another good man, of whose history we know very little, ask from God?

8. Give one verse from the New Testament which expresses the most desirable frame of mind for a Christian regarding temporal things?

9. Another verse directs us how to reach this high attainment, where is it?

10. A lady, when asked if she desired worldly promotion, replied in words which shewed her preference for the which she had been accustomed. answer, which is recorded in Testament?

home to Give her the Old

We are happy to say that a great number of answers to the Bible Questions for January, have been received. Next month and each month afterwards, we shall give the initials, place of residence, and number of correct replies, so that each competitor may be able to keep his or her own 'marks.'

As No. 1 of The Daysping' was somewhat late in the month in being issued, the Editor will receive answers to the Questions in the January number up till 18th February, but not later.

All communications for the Editor of 'The Dayspring,' to be addressed to REV. JOHN KAY, Greenbank Cottage, Coatbridge.

All business communications to be addressed to Messrs J. & R. PARLANE, Publishers, Paisley.

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2 There's a rest for little children
Above the bright blue sky:
For those who love the Saviour,
And Abba Father, cry.

A rest from every trouble,
From sin and danger free,
Where every little pilgrim
Shall rest eternally.

3 There's a home for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory-
A home of peace and joy;
No home on earth is like it,
Nor can with it compare;
For every one is happy,

Nor can be happier there.

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precious name He bears.

4 There's a crown for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
And all who look to Jesus
Shall wear it by-and-by.
A crown of brightest glory,
Which He will then bestow
On those who found His favour,
And loved Him here below.

5 There's a robe for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
A harp of sweetest music,
A palm of victory.
All, all above is treasured,
And found in Christ alone;
O come, dear little children,
That all may be your own.

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