ward God, they went down undismayed into the midst of the fire, while their executioners in the very act of throwing them in were instantly consumed, and Shadrach and his brethren fell down unhurt in the midst of the flames. Not even a hair of their heads was singed-only the bands which bound them were burned, and they were seen walking in the tremendous furnace as if it had been a pleasure garden-perhaps it was the sweetest walk they had ever had, from the abundance of the consolations which they enjoyed from their heavenly Father and presence of their Redeemer, who was seen to be with them. Their situation was far more desirable than that of the persecuting monarch on his throne, who was almost frantic with alarm, when he beheld their miraculous preservation, especially by observing a fourth person in the furnace, whose form resembled the Son of God.

It shall ever be well with the righteous, but ill with the wicked.

NATURAL HISTORY.

THE LOCUST.

THE GRASSHOPPER and LOCUST, though vary1ng in shape, size, and colour, are perfectly alike each other in appetite, nature, and the changes they undergo. If they be considered separately, Locusts are not more mischievous than Grasshoppers, except that the former come for food in a swarm, and the latter feed singly.

The Locust is usually about three inches in length, and has two horns, or feelers, each about an inch long. Its head and horns are of a

brownish colour; It is blue about the mouth, and also inside the larger legs. The covering of its back is greenish; and the upper sides of the body are brown, with some black spots, and the under part of the body is purple. It has four

wings, the upper of which are brown, with small dark spots, the under are a lighter brown, mixed with green.

There are no animals in the creation that multiply so fast as the Locusts do in those countries where the sun is hot, and the ground dry. When they become exceedingly numerous, they fly like a dark cloud, nearly sufficient to hide the light of day. When they descend upon the ground, they quickly destroy the grass, strip the trees of their leaves, and the garden of its beauty; and soon make a fruitful country appear as completely barren. In hot climates, when the Locusts soon leave the fields, the damage is repaired by the force of vegetation, and in that case the inhabitants are not very great sufferers. But if

numbers of these insects die, their smell is

so offensive, as to render the air insupportable to the inhabitants.

A modern traveller says, "In our journey we witnessed what might give a tolerably correct idea of the plague of Locusts, such as was experienced by the Egyptians. About twelve miles before we reached the city of Ephesus, we encountered a flight of these devouring insects, extending itself over many miles of the country. The ground was literally covered with them, and they were so numerous in the air, that by partially shutting the eyes, they had the appearance of a fall of large flakes of snow but as we passed along, they were good enough to get out of our way, and would not wait to be trod upon. We had occasion to stop for the purpose of taking some refreshment, when the Locusts assembled on our loaf of bread, just like flies do upon a sugar basin; we threw two or three pieces of bread to a little distance from us, which in a very short time were completely devoured. These Locusts were of a light brown, or nankeen colour, and each one was about the size of the two top joints of the little finger, and they are the same species as on some occasions overspread the country and devour every particle of herbage."

Dr. Shaw states, that when he was in Barbary, in the year 1724, there were then such large swarms of Locusts as appeared like clouds darkening the sun. They disappeared in May, and retired into the plains to deposit their eggs. In June their young ones came marching forward, and cleared the trees, walls, and houses, eating every thing green in their way. The inhabitants endeavoured to destroy them by digging trenches and filling them with water, and lighting large

O, how should I cry out in pain,
Could I but have my school again,
How eager would I run to meet,
My teachers at the accustom'd seat.

How would I listen to their voice,
And on the Sabbath day rejoice;
Gladly arise, nor dare delay,

To improve each moment of the day.

J. K. P.

THE REPROOF.

SOME children there are when their sisters and brothers

Are chidden, for aught that's amiss,

Who say, as if they were much better than others, 'Mamma! I did not do like this."

'Tis pleasant when children can safely appeal,
To their conduct as proper and right;
But good little folks will their merits conceal,
And let their friends bring them to light.

Then, too, 'tis unkindness to those who're in fault,
And partakes of vile malice and pride,

And those who are anxious themselves to exalt,
Betray other bad passions beside.

Then, whenever your sisters or brothers commit
A fault, which is worthy of blame,

Oh! do not rejoice, but pray gather from it,
A caution, lest you do the same.

EVANDER.

Milne, Banfield, and Duckworth, 76, Fleet Street.

QUARRELSOME CHILDREN.

"There now," said Thomas to his sister "you have quite spoiled the rose I have been painting." "Well, Thomas, it was all your fault."-"No, it is not all my fault, Mira; it is your clumsiness, or I don't know whether you did not do it for the purpose; for you are always trying to tease me." "If you say that any more, Sir, I shall make you remember it; I did not wish to quarrel." "No, that's always your way; you first come and do mischief, and then you say that you do not wish to quarrel." And so saying, the naughty Thomas struck his sister