sunday, therefore, commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples at Jerusalem. The whole of this period of fifty days used to be a season of festivity, but it was afterwards limited to Ascension and Pentecost. As the persons taking part in the festivities usually dressed in white as a sign of purity, the name became White-Sunday, afterwards contracted to Whit-Sunday. It is now generally recognised as a holiday season; although not often, except by Roman Catholics, kept religiously. 2. Restoration Day, May 29th. This day is the recognised anniversary of the restoration of the English throne to Charles the Second. Some of the readers of these papers may know that King Charles the First was executed, and that for some years there was no king in England; the government being in the hands of a remarkable man named Oliver Cromwell. On Cromwell's death, however, no suitable person was found to take his place, and prince Charles, who was then on the continent, was encouraged to return. He did so, and made his triumphal entry into London on May 29th, 1660, his birthday. This day is not recognised in all parts; but in some localities the people put twigs of oak and oak leaves in their windows, and on horses' heads, and even in their own hats and coats. The oak leaf is used, doubtless, in memory of the fact, that this prince, when hiding in the country after his father's execution, is said to have concealed himself in an oak tree for a whole day, the army of Cromwell having actually passed under the tree. While we are rejoicing in the sunshine, and in the beauty and sweetness of the flowery month of May, let us not forget that it is God that makes and paints the flowers, and that He gives life and beauty to all around. A Preacher Eating his Horse. HERE was no church in Van Buren. A One house only was open to him-the tavern -and to that he went and put up. He interviewed mine host. What is the 6. chance for a Methodist preacher here?" The reply was that it was the same as for any other man, if he had money. "But if I have no money?" The chances were bad enough. "What do you charge for board?" said the circuit rider. The rates were given. "Look at my horse," said he, "what do you think he is worth?" The animal doubtless was a good middling, for our preachers are not novices about horses, and no men have better use for them. That preliminary settled, the preacher proceeded in a very straightforward style with the host. "Sir, turn my horse into your stable, and when you think I have eat up the value of him, let me know, and I will either change my quarters or provide other means of paying my bill." He went to work-laid siege to the place in the name of the Lord; and before the horse was eat up, the town capitulated. The people presented him his horse, all charges paid, and his own bill besides; fitted out "the parson," in a new suit of clothes; and from that day Christianity has had a firm footing in Van Buren. Two Churches, a Methodist and an old-school Presbyterian, with good brick houses to worship in, and good congregations, furnish the gospel and ordinances to that excellent people. The Rev. John J. Roberts, one of the oldest members of the Conference, is the man.-Bishop Mc Tyeire. Varieties. A SANCTIFIED AFFLICTION. in DURING the meetings Washington, in observance of the Week of Prayer, a gentleman, says the Congregationalist, just returned from a temperance tour in Pennsylvania, mentioned the case of a railroad conductor, whose young son was lately crushed on his father's train. When told that nothing more could be done for him, and reminded where to look for soul-help, the dying boy replied, "Yes you have taught me that." He then put his arms around his father's neck and whispered,—" Papa, I want you to promise me one thing before I die; will you begin again to pray and read the Bible with mamma and little Sammy?" 66 "Why, my dear," replied the mother, it means that the book will be published in twelve months." What the mother should have said, is,—“ I ar am sorry my dear, but I do not know." Serious harm is sometimes done by the dogmatic deliverances of people on subjects about which they know nothing. Such persons seem desirous of appearing to know everything. They should reflect that even the wisest of men are in some matters deficient. We plead for their credulous friends. promise kind, Ear-ly seek and ye shall find. I am vile and full of sin, Lord, I want to be thy child, When I go to work or play, Saviour, hold me lest I fall, Poetry. BUTTERCUPS AND DAISIES. BUTTERCUPS the golden, Springing by the wayside, Or dancing to the breeze; Unclosed, your dewy leaves, Invite the thirsty bee, Who in her homeward flight, Refreshed by your store, To greet the King of day |