plicity. This comes not only of natural good spirit, but of an independence of "what people will think," which elsewhere paralyzes many who are well-qualified for useful effort.

The method of introducing new church-members to the communion, seems much the same in various denominations, varying only with the temperament of the pastor. I have heard the interesting duty gone through in a matter-of-fact cool manner; again, as in the case described, in a way of practical affectionate interest; and again from a full heart, speaking a thousand welcomes, rejoicing over each soul as one that findeth great spoil, and longing to welcome ten thousand more. Whichever is the manner, the occasion is of profound, it may be of everlasting interest. The frank outflowing character of the people has a very winning effect, as it leads them to hail each new member, and claim brotherhood with him.-A lady mentioned that she came a lonely stranger to Philadelphia, and "heard around" in various churches till she felt sufficiently attracted by the ministrations of one gentleman, to return repeatedly. When she had been observed about three times in the same place, a lady accosted her" Hoped she liked our minister-would she like to go to prayer-meeting in the lecture-room, she

would be happy to guide her next evening-would she like to be introduced to the Rev. Mr. &c."-In short, she found herself taken up, and introduced as one of a goodly company, with whom she has taken sweet counsel now for years. How sociable and comforting this to the solitary, and the stranger, and how fit an office for a Mother in Israel!

A Bee.

EVERY Community in the United States is open to every denomination, and therefore it is not unfrequent that more churches are formed in a new city or district than its population can sustain. Thus they may erect several churches, have several small flocks, and by consequence several poorly paid pastors, when had they limited themselves to two, both might have been in a thriving state. The extravagances of some men have brought even genuine revivals, at least as known by that name, into disrepute. Still the growth of the church proceeds more in the revival form than it generally does in Great Britain. Any symptom of a time of refreshing is the means of calling for extra help; and in that case, ministers of various denominations come to each other's aid. The Episcopalians, alone in their exclusiveness, denying themselves such enlivening engagements. The variety of assistants, who are made useful, this to one soul and that to another, some

times occasions a little difficulty in "housing the converts," as an intelligent and practical observer calls it; and in this way more denominations are settled than the place requires. Many persons are not so liberal or so punctual in their payments as they ought to be. Many of the pastors, men of good parts and devoted piety, struggle through difficulties with heroic fortitude, which they can derive alone from their zeal in the cause of souls. No other motive could retain them in office, when other means of acquiring an abundant living are spread all around them. They are at times glad to add a little farm to their care of souls, or employ their spare hours in educational engagements. In remote parts money is not very plenty, and the people are accustomed to employ barter instead of our common method of buying and selling. With such people it is much easier to give gifts to their pastor, than to insure him a regular money income. From this circumstance has arisen the plan of having what has got the name of "A Bee," once a year, which if met with as much simple kindness by the receiver of the honey, as it is bestowed by the busy, happy working Bees who bring it, must be productive not of pain, but of pleasure on both sides.

As one not present in the hive on that great day,

I can only tell what has been related by those who have many a time buzzed there with great delight. The plan is in this style: A few of the active, warmhearted females form a committee and wait on the minister and his wife; or should he be a bachelor, no matter, or all the better. They are not to stop on the threshold for a ceremony. They invite themselves and all the congregation to wait on the parsonage on a named day, or any other that suits the parsonage better. They take all charge, trouble, responsibility, only hoping the family will allow them the privilege of the house. That being negotiated, and the day arrived-first comes the band of waiters, with all the appendages of a table covered and laden with good things. They are spread forth, and who shall count the dough-nuts, and the floating islands, and the piles of cheese, and loads of rich cakes and bread, and oceans of cream, and plates of frizzled beef, and smoking turkey, and fried oysters, and roast chicken, and pineapples of butter, and canoes of brandy peaches, and preserved plums, and ginger, and strawberries. The feast is after the fashion of Abigail, or old Barzillai's gifts to David the King. It is princely. They eat, and drink, and love one another, and are very happy. Drink! did I say? Yes, from urns of fragrant tea, and pots of rich