late, and to which I was myself to-day an eye-witness, will, I trust, through the divine blessing, be deeply impressed on the minds of the readers of the Children's Friend ; and lead them to reflect seriously on the great uncertainty of life, and the urgent need to prepare for death and eternity.

On my return from Lancaster this morning, I was called to a short distance from the high road, to help two men, who were trying to raise a horse and cart, which had just been overthrown, and had fallen upon the driver.

O! had I had my Sunday-school children with me, surely the sight, which I saw, would have made an impression on their minds, never, never to be done away.

When we had raised the horse and cart, we found the poor boy, the driver, about fourteen years of age, stretched a lifeless corpse on the ground. One edge of the cart had fallen upon his temples. His bead was almost flattened ; and his brains literally crushed out. Had the thoughtless children of my Sunday-school seen this, surely they would no longer treat religion with contempt; no longer turn a deaf ear to their teacher's voice. Here was death in a most awful form, crying aloud, “prepare to meet thy God.” The poor lad' had doubtless died in an instant; probably his soul had passed into the world of spirits, to appear at the bar of a just and holy God, without time to raise one cry for mercy!

Listen, my dear children, to this voice of providence: it speaks loudly; let it not speak in vain. I assure you, that youth is no security against death. This poor boy was on the morning of this day, as likely to

live as you; but his thread of life is broken. Presume not then on length of days ; but now prepare for your latter end. He, this morning, bloomed and looked fair like the rose; but before evening the scythe of death has cut him down. This may be your lot: are you ready for the awful change ? Remember this part of your little hymn;

There is an hour when I must die,
Nor can I tell how soon 'twill come;
A thousand children young as I

Are call’d by death to meet their doom.
Bolton, July 6th, 1825.

J. S.

ANECDOTE OF A JAPANESE WOMAN.

A Japanese woman, suffering martyrdom, uttered a sentiment worthy of record. She was condemned with her husband and three children to be beheaded. When they were come to the place of punishment, she begged to suffer last, “that (said she) I may see all those I love, in safety before I die." Her husband and two sons being executed, her daughter whom she held in her arms still remained. The mother then raising her eyes bathed in tears to heaven, “God of mercy, (she cried,) I have but one more favour to ask, that thou wilt accept also this last sacrifice I can offer of myself, and this child, the only remains of my family, and of all the earthly gifts thou hast bestowed on me.” She then embraced her daughter ; and the mother and child were put to death at one blow.

HYMN TO BE SUNG BY THE SUNDAY

SCHOOL CHILDREN.
Bow down thine ear from heaven, O Lord,

And hear our infant songs;
Thou art the God that hearest prayer,

To thee all praise belongs.
'Tis thee we praise for all we've bad,

E'er since we drew our breath;
From thee we look for future stores,

E'en to the hour of death.
Blessed be thou, that we are taught .

From sinful paths to flee;
O make us grateful to our friends,

But most of all to thee.
Pardon our sins for Jesus' sake,

Give us to taste his love;
O make us lambs of his dear flock,

And faithful let us prove.
Protect, O Lord, our tender years,

And guide us ev'ry day;
Lead us from ev'ry hurtful snare,

And keep us in thy way.

THE RAINBOW.
When the glorious sun is beaming
On the shower from on high ;
And the brilliant bow is gleaming
All across the clouded sky;
Then how beautifully blending,
Are the varied colours seen
On the drops of rain descending:
Red and orange, vellow, green.
Purple, violet and blue,
Shine to prove that God is true.

By that bow the Lord is speaking
To the people of his love;
To the children who are seeking
Grace to dwell with him above.
It declares that God in measure
Will send down the needed rain;
Nor by floods in his displeasure
Now destroy the world again.
Little child, he speaks to you
Know that all God says is true.

When you see the rain-bow glowing,
Think of him who placed it there,
As the sign of his bestowing
Weather seasonable, and fair.
And may he whose mighty power
Bade the watery torrents cease;
Smile on you with every shower
In his covenant of peace;
And in mercy prove to you
All your Saviour says is true. IOTA.

LINES BY THE PRINCESS AMELIA. Unthinking, idle, wild and young, I laughed, and talked, and danced and sung; And proud of health, of freedom vain, Dream'd not of sorrow, care, or pain; Concluding in those hours of glee, That all the world was made for me.

But when the day of trial came;
When sickness shook this trembling frame;
When folly's gay pursuits were o'cr,
And I could dance and sing no more:
It then occurred, how sad 't would be,
Were this world only made for me.

DIVINE LOVE. Father divine ! where'er my eye

Through this bright world doth rove; Earth, ocean, air, and vaulted sky

All whisper of thy love.

From thee each joy of life doth flow,

From thee all blessings come;
Life, health and food, to thee I owe,

Dear friends and sheltering home.

These all are thine-vet stay not here,

Still richer gifts impart;
A soul that doth thine image bear,

A holy, thankful heart.

A Foster, Printer, Kirkby Lonsdalr.