by the persuasions and invitations of his fellow-teachers, to meet in class.  From this period he became a steady and devoted follower of the Lamb, and was at all times anxious to do what lay in his power to further the cause of the Redeemer.  From his first connection with Sabbath-schools, when about five years old, he had conceived a love for them; and as he grew up his love and attachment to them increased, and his delight now was to devote all his energies to their promotion.  As he more than once remarked to me, he conceived he was greatly indebted to Sunday-schools for the benefits he had received from them, and he determined, so far as in him lay, to discharge the debt of gratitude he owed.

His qualifications as a teacher were of no mean order.  To an earnest desire for the salvation of his young charge, he added a large store of Scriptural and general knowledge, all of which was brought to bear upon the edification of his class.  He was firm and resolute with his children, and at the same time kind and affectionate; so that I may safely assert that there were few, if any, more efficient teachers in the school than James.  And the secret of the matter was this;—­his heart was in the work; he delighted in it, and many of his happiest hours were those spent on the form with his class.  The responsibility which he justly conceived attached itself to the Sabbath-school teacher, was shown by his attention to any of his own class who were sick; and not a few interesting records has he given of Sunday-school children, who, dying in the Lord, have left a bright evidence behind them that they are gone to glory.

Who can count the number of those who, through the instrumentality of Sunday-schools, are now before the throne of God, joining with angels, and archangels, and the spirits of the just made perfect, in singing, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”  Truly, there is no individual who verifies the truth of the Psalmist’s declaration,—­“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him,”—­more frequently than does the pious Sunday-school teacher.  Methinks I see him enter the paradise of God, met and surrounded by those who sat in his class, who listened to his teaching, and who were directed by him to “the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.”  Joyful indeed will such meetings be.  O may such bliss be ours!

After serving five years as an apprentice, James removed to London.  There are many persons who imagine, that to settle in London is the very acme of happiness; how little do such persons know of the reality!  It is true, that in the religious sphere there are many advantages possessed by the resident of the metropolis.  He has the teaching and counsel of ministers eminent for their piety, usefulness, and talent; he is brought into connection with some of the holiest and best