Young.  B. I like the school too, though I have been only twice.  How old was you when you first went to the Sabbath school, brother?

Eld.  B. I was seven years old, and I am now fourteen; and I mean to continue till I am able to take a class myself.  I want to have the pleasure of being a teacher in our school, and I hope soon to do so, for the school is increasing very fast in numbers.  There are a good many small children coming into the school, and I think that I shall be wanted, for I observe that there are not male teachers enough.  Sometimes one teacher has to attend to two or more classes, and the time of a session in the school is not sufficient to do this with much advantage.  What did you learn in twice going to the school? tell me that, and then we shall know, at least, what you went to the Sabbath school for.

Young.  B. I will tell you.  After I had said a short lesson, my teacher gave me a little piece called “The Child’s First Hymn,” which she said she found in a paper published in England.  It was published for the children of the Sabbath schools of Old England.  She said it would do for us, the children of New England, and wished me to learn it.

Eld.  B. Well, brother, I am sure you have improved the few times that you have attended the school.  Have you learned the hymn? and how do you like it?  Let me hear you repeat it.  I should like to know what the children are taught in the Sabbath schools of Old England.  Will you please to repeat it to me?

Young.  B I will.  I did as well as I could.  I have learned the hymn, and am much pleased with it.  I think of it the last thing when I fall asleep at night, and awake in the morning with it on my mind.  But I will repeat it to you, and you will see that I have not been to the Sabbath school, though for so short a time, for nothing.

The Child’s First Hymn.

Listen, Father, to my prayer,
Guard me with thy tender care;
Teach a humble child to know,
The path of duty here below.

Set a watch upon my heart,
Lest an evil thought should start;
Make me gentle, kind and good,
Through the Savior’s cleansing blood.

All I have, and all I see,
Ever comes, great God, from thee;
Help me from my earliest days,
In thankful hymns to sing thy praise.

Bless my parents with thy grace,
On my kindred turn thy face;
Through the darkness of the night,
Give me rest till morning bright.

Teach me day by day thy will,
With pure love my spirit fill,
Till I’m fitted for that rest,
In the mansions of the blest.

Eld.  B. It is indeed a very pretty hymn, and I am glad you have learned it so well.  I hope you will never forget it.  Here comes my teacher; and as it will be ten minutes before the school commences, we shall have time for conversation.

Here the teacher drew near and spoke to the boys:—­