his hold when once he has fastened on his prey, sucking his life's blood the while, whereas the rats fight by a succession of single bites, which wound but do not destroy. The snake prevails by his venom. Mrs. Lee relates the particulars of a combat in Africa in which the rat and snake repeatedly closed and bit at one another, separating after each assault, and gathering up strength for a fresh attack. At length the rat fell, foamed at the mouth, swelled to a great size, and died in a few minutes. we have seen Jacko perform his miserable imitation of humanity on the top of a barrel-organ, but who ever heard of a rat's turn for tragedy? Nevertheless a Belgian newspaper not long since published an account of a theatrical performance by a troop of rats, which gives us a higher idea of their intellectual nature than any thing else which is recorded of them. This novel company of players were dressed in the garb of men and women, walked on their hind legs, and mimicked with ludicrous exactness many of the ordinary stage effects. On one point only were they intractable. Like the young lady in the fable, who turned to a cat the moment a mouse appeared, they forgot their parts, their audience, and their manager, at the sight of the viands which were introduced in the course of the piece, and, dropping on all fours, fell to with all the native voracity of their race. The performance was concluded by their hanging in triumph their enemy the cat, and dancing round her body. (To be continued.) If he can be savage when self-protection requires, he also has his softer moments, in which he shows confidence in man almost as strong as that exhibited by the dog or cat. An old blind rat, on whose head the snows of many winters had gathered, was in the habit of sitting beside our own kitchen fire with all the comfortable look of his enemy, the cat, and such a favorite had he become with the servants that he was never allowed to be disturbed. He unhappily fell a victim to the sudden spring of a strange cat. A close observation of these animals entirely conquers the antipathy which is entertained towards them. Their sharp and handsome heads, WHAT BECOMES OF THE INDIANS? their bright eyes, their intelligent look, their sleek skins, are the very reverse of repulsive, The red men of America are generally a and there is positive attraction in the beautiful hardy race. They used to be a prolific, a manner in which they sit licking their paws and healthy and a long lived race. They spread washing their faces, an occupation in which they over the whole continent and probably numberpass a considerable portion of their time. The ed many millions. Now there are not more writer on rats in "Bentley's Miscellany" relates than a few hundred thousand of them left. an anecdote of a tame rat, which shows that he They have had no devastating wars, and have is capable of serving his master as well as of not been peculiarly afflicted with pestilence. passing a passive existence under his protection. The climate is the same that their fathers throve The animal belonged to the driver of a London under, and in many regions they have the same omnibus, who caught him as he was removing habits and pursuits. But everywhere they are some hay. He was spared because he had the wasting away. Even in Texas, where they are good luck to be piebald, became remarkably as favorably situated as they can be anywhere tame, and grew attached to the children. At on the continent, they are gradually disappearnight he exhibited a sense of the enjoyment of ing. A late Galveston paper says that in 1853 security and warmth by stretching himself out the Indians of Texas were estimated at 20,000, at full length on the rug before the fire, and on and in 1856, from official accounts, they numbercold nights, after the fire was extinguished, heed only about 12,000-a decline of forty per would creep into his master's bed. In the daytime, however, his owner utilized him. At the word of command, "Come along, Ikey," he would jump into the ample great-coat pocket, from which he was transferred to the boot of the omnibus. Here his business was to guard the driver's dinner, and, if any person attempted to make free with it, the rat would fly at them from out the straw. There was one dish alone of which he was an inefficient protector. He could never resist plum-pudding, and, though he kept off all other intruders, he ate his fill of it himself. These are by no means extraordinary instances of the amiable side of rat nature when kindly treated by man, and we could fill pages with similar relations. But it seems, in addition to his other merits, that he possesses dramatic genius. We have heard of military fleas, cent. in three years. At this rate of decline, if it continues, there will be scarcely an Indian left in Texas fifteen or twenty years from the present time. If there was any emigration of Indians from Texas to other parts of the country, there would be no difficulty in accounting for the decrease in population. But there is little or no such emigration, and the Indian population is diminishing in every part of the States and Territories. The civilized, the half-civilized and the savage are alike dwindling away, and a century hence there will be few if any left of the race that once owned and occupied the whole American continent. The cause of this is one of the mysteries of Providence, who seems to have ordered that the European races shall supersede the red men in the occupation of the land. THE VALUE OF KIND REPROOFS. "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool!"-PROVERBS xv. 31; xvii. 10. To be willing to receive and profit by reproof is here spoken of as a mark of true wisdom. If we consider the matter, surely we shall see that we ought to be willing, even thankful, to hear what our faults are, and how we may correct them, and grateful to those who take this trouble on our account. Yet this is not often the case. Few people can bear to be reproved. Even although they may profit by it afterwards, they will be offended and ungracious at the time. Let us ask from the Lord that meek and humble spirit, which will make us take a reproof in good part, and feel grateful to the friend who administers it. Young persons especially should learn this lesson. They must often be going wrong, and falling into errors, and sad will it be for them if they have no one to give them "the reproof of life," or if they refuse to listen to it. Let us also learn to be willing to give reproof when it seems to be our duty. If we wish to be a true friend to any one, we must not shrink from reproving him for sin, and warning him of danger. But this requires to be very kindly, gently, and judiciously done, and in a spirit of evident humility and love. O change this stubborn heart of mine, Still manitest thy love divine, PHILADELPHIA MARKETS. FLOUR AND MEAL.-The Flour market is very dull. Holders are offering standard brands at $5 a $51. Sales to retailers and bakers, for fresh ground at $51 a $6 per bbl. and fancy brands, from $6 up to $81. Rye Flour is now selling at $4 50 per bbl., and Corn Meal is held at $4 per barrel, continue twenty weeks. The course of instruction embraces all the usual branches, comprising a thorough English Education, Drawing included. Terms: $57, including Board, Washing, Tuition, use of Books, Pens, Ink and Lights. The French, Latin and Greek Languages taught at $5 each, extra, by experienced and competent teachers, one a native of New Hampshire, and a graduate of a popular College in that State, whose qualifications have gained her a place amongst the highest rank of teachers. The house is large, and in every way calculated to secure health and comfort to thirty-five or forty pupils. For Circulars, address EDITH B. CHALFANT, Principal. Union-Ville, P. O., Chester County, Pa. 9th mo. 5th, 1857.—8 t. ONDON GROVE BOARDING SCHOOL FOR YOUNG MEN AND BOYS. It is intended to commence the next Session of this Institution on the 2d of 11th mo., 1857. Terms: $65 for twenty weeks. For reference and further particulars, inquire for circulars of BENJ. SWAYNE, Principal. London Grove, P. O., Chester County, Pa. LDRIDGE HILL BOARDING SCHOOL.-The Winter session (for the education of young men and boys) of this Institution, will open on the 9th of 11th mo., and continue 20 weeks. The branches of a liberal English education are thoroughly taught by the most approved methods of teaching founded on experience. Also the elements of the Latin and French languages. Terms, $70 per session. Those wishing to enter will please make early application. For full particulars address the Principal for a circular. ALLEN FLITCRAFT, Eldridge Hill, Salem County N. J. 8 mo. 29, 1857-8 w. WYNEDD BOARDING SCHOOL FOR YOUNG GWEN AND BOYS. The next winter session of this School will commence on 2d day the 9th of 11th · DANIEL FOULKE, Principal. RANKFORD SELECT SEMINARY.-This In GRAIN. The receipts of Wheat continue quite large, though the market is inactive. Good red is 8 mo. 22, 1857-8 w. held at $1 18 a $1 25, and $1 25 a $1 30 for good white. Sales of Kentucky at 1 40. Rye is held at 75 cts. Corn is dull, and light sales are making at 74 a 75c. Oats are in demand. New Delaware and Jersey are selling at from 35 a 38 cents per bushel. ANTED,-A well qualified Female Teacher, to Fstitution, baving been in successful operation for the last twenty years, will now receive six or eight female pupils as boarders in the family. Age under thirteen years preferred. Careful attention will be paid to health, morals, &c., and they will be required to attend Friends' Meeting W take charge of the School under the care of an First days, accompanied by one of their teachers, Alloway's Creek Preparative Meeting of Friends. THOMAS SHOURDS, or Hancock's Bridge, Salem County, N. J. 8th mo. 25th, 1857.-4 t. Union-Ville, Chester County, Pa., nine miles south west of West Chester, and sixteen north west from Wilmington; daily stages to and from the latter, and tri-weekly from the former place. The winter term will commence on the 2d of 11th mo. next, and also mid week meetings if desired by parents or guardians. Terms moderate. LETITIA MURPHY Principal. SARAH C. WALKER Assistant. No. 158 Frankford St. Frankford, Pa. REFERENCES. John Child, 510 Arch Street. Thomas T. Child, 452 N. 2d Street below Poplar. Julia Yerkes, 909 N. 4th Street above Poplar. Wm. C. Murphy, 43 S. 4th Street above Chestnut. Charles Murphy, 820 N. 12th Street below Parrish. Merrihew & Thompson, Prs.,Lodge St., North side Penna. Bank FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. VOL. XIV. PHILADELPHIA, NINTH MONTH 26, 1857. In the 12th month, 1788, being at her own Quarterly Meeting, held in Cork, my dear mother felt a pressure of mind to unite with Sarah Robert Grubb and Elizabeth Tuke, in a visit to the families belonging to that Monthly Meeting, but her affectionate attraction to home induced her to attempt returning without an avowal of the concern she was under. Her conflicts on this account, and some particulars of the arduous engagement, are stated in letters to her husband, and the following extracts seem calculated to prove both instructive and encouraging to some who may be able to trace their own feelings in the experience here described. "Cork, 12th mo. 15th, 1788. It has turned out as I believe thou expected it would, and I am once more in this place; after thou left me I determined to proceed for meeting thee under our own roof this night, and even set out for that purpose. On entering the carriage, I instantly felt darkness cover my mind; still I went on, but I never remember being quite so much distressed; rebellion-rebellion sounded through my heart, and I grew so ill, that I dared not proceed, so turned about, and had a comparatively lightsome journey hither, my body and mind feeling gradually relieved. We reached E. Hatton's to dinner, but the conflict I had sustained made me require a little rest, so that I did not get outwardly banded in this service till the evening, when a harmonious exercise and labor were afforded, as a comforting evidence of rectitude so far-perhaps a few sittings may relieve my poor mind; thou knowest how gladly I shall embrace the dawning of release.. "Thou wilt readily believe our dwellings are not in the heights, though I trust we are sometimes so helped to ascend the Lord's holy mountain as experimentally to know there is nothing there that can hurt or destroy; it seems a time No. 28. when rather the invitations than threatenings of the gospel are to be proclaimed, and I think there does seem an open door for communication, though it be sometimes sad, because of the things which have happened. I am far from being satisfied with myself, but I am truly so with my fellow-laborers, and with my return to this city, even though bonds and afflictions await us in it. Why should we not suffer when the seed suffers? Where else would be our unity with this seed, which lies in a state of captivity? There are now about twenty-nine families got through, and I trust it may be humbly and gratefully acknowledged, that hitherto the Lord hath helped. "I may honestly confess that I am still bound to this arduous work, and through divine mercy we are not only sustained, but have a little trust at seasons, that the labor is not in vain.' Some sittings have been graciously owned, but I know not any so much so, with the sensible gathering of that manna which falls from the heavenly treasury, as one this morning in the dwelling of that prince in Israel, Samuel 'Neale, whose outward man is visibly decaying while the inward man is renewed day by day. The spring seemed to open on our sitting down, and the waters gradually rose as from the ancles, till the refreshing consolation truly gladdened the Lord's heri tage, that in us which could own His planting, and by His renewed watering, glorify Him. It was truly encouraging and strengthening to hear this father in the church declare, that he had not flinched from whatever had been required of him, but had done it with all his might, and that, through divine mercy, he now found support in the midst of infirmities,' therefore,' he added 'be faithful, follow the Lord fully, and give up to every manifestation of His will.' "We received a note declining an intended visit, I confess such a repulse made me exceedingly low, having had a particular feeling towards this family, but I believe it safest to look from it; perhaps even this offer of ourselves may recur, and not be useless, though we see it not; we could do no more than seek an interview, and love still prevails towards them. "Yesterday was the Three Weeks' Meeting here, which we attended, visiting our brethren also; hope no harm was done; I am afraid of no one but myself, and I desire always to suspect that enemy self, lest, on any occasion, it should take the lead; but under heavy pressures here I have a degree of hope, that not going this warfare at my own cost, I may yet be helped to the end of it, which now draws nigh, having gone through about eighty-five families, and only a few remaining." The next religious service of which there is any account, was a visit to some parts of Leinster Province, early in the year 1790, wherein her former companion Richard Shackleton was her kind attendant and helper, and her dear friend Elizabeth Pim united in a part of the work. During this engagement she visited the families comprising the Monthly Meetings of Moate, Edenderry, and Carlow, which she describes as a service closely trying,' yet, productive of solid peace, and near the winding up of this labor writes as follows: "Many are my fears and doubtings before. willingness is wrought in me to leave such endeared connexions, and many my tossings and conflicts, in seasons of separation; but may I, with increasing devotedness, trust in the arm of never failing help. Through unmerited mercy the Lord has not only given a degree of resignation to leave all, when the call has been clearly distinguished, but sustained under various laborious exercises, so that the promise is indeed fulfilled, as thy days, so shall thy strength be;' and there is cause to trust with the whole heart, for future direction and support." Towards the close of the year she had a long and suffering illness, and the death of her beloved friend and companion, S. R. Grubb, in the 12th month, was a heavy and unexpected affliction, which for a season sunk her very low. But in the spring of 1791, she believed it required of her again to leave her own habitation, and pay a religious visit to Friends of Ulster. After attending the National Meeting in Dublin she accordingly proceeded, with her companion Sarah Shackleton, and having sat a meeting with the few Friends belonging to Timahoe, went on to Castle Freeman, whence her first letter is dated. "5th month, 13th. We reached this place very agreeably, being favored in weather and roads; I felt in passing through part of Old-Castle (where Friends meeting house is, though I did not know it) a spring of love towards the 'sheep not of this fold,' but said nothing about it till we got here, when I found that some inclined to be visited by having a meeting held in one of their houses, but it seemed best to attend to the previous intimation, and I ventured to have one appointed for nine o'clock to-morrow morning, with notice that it will be open to such as are disposed to sit with us. Thou knowest me well enough to be aware that this prospect tries my little stock of faith, which is indeed low, but it can be graciously renewed, and I trust will, from seasen to season, as singleness of heart and eye is kept to." Ballybay-Monaghan, 5th mo. 15th, 1791. Respecting the meeting at Old-Castle, it may in commemoration of holy help be recorded that those who trust are not confounded, but experience strength proportioned to the day of trial; I do not remember many assemblies of this sort more owned with the covering of good, and the solidity of the people during the whole meeting exceeded what is to be often met with; at the close of the public sitting I felt a wish that Friends might keep their seats, and that season was also one of relief to my mind. We took a little refreshment in the meeting-house, and then pursued our journey, arriving at Cootehill, twenty-five miles, in the evening, tired and poorly, but humbly thankful for the assistance every way afforded. "As there are no Friends in circumstances to accommodate travellers, we lodged at an inn, and accommodate travellers, we lodged at an inn, and attended meeting at the usual hour this morning, to which many came who are not in profession with us, and I trust nothing was said to discourage the honest enquirers after truth. There was a little stop afterwards with the members of our own Society, perhaps not exceeding eleven or twelve, among them a widow and her daughter, who have joined Friends by convincement, and appear in a solid frame of mind; we spent a little time with these, and had a season of retirement with a young physician who was at our meeting, and to whom my mind was particularly drawn; he was invited to drink tea at this widow's, and in the prevalence of gospel love I freely communicated what I felt to arise towards him, which I believe was well received, and we parted under feelings which were precious, and caused humble thankfulness of soul. We came on through wind and rain, sixteen miles to our friend Thomas Greer's, where we were kindly received, and concluded to stay a day, my poor body requiring rest." Her getting to such a resting place seemed critical, for she was almost immediately taken alarmingly ill, having been for several days affected with a heavy cold, and symptoms of inflammation which required medical care. The judicious prescription of a physician, and kind attention of the family at Rhonehill, proved the means of seasonable relief, and on the 21st of 5th mo. she writes as follows: "I am, through continued loving kindness, considerably better, which I ought thankfully to acknowledge, as my situation for some days past, rendered so speedy an amendment very doubtful. "Lurgan, 5th month, 24th. Although my dear friends and the doctor would have had me stay some time longer to nurse, yet, apprehending my mind might obtain a little relief by endeavoring to fill up the line of duty, which while unaccomplished is an oppression to the body, I ventured yesterday afternoon to go as far as Berna, whither our truly kind friend T. G. sent me and my dear S. S. in his carriage; many friends met us there, and we were favored after tea with the spreading of the holy wing, in a manner that I believe tended to the gathering and centering nearly all present in a state of humble waiting, wherein an enlargement of mind was experienced, to dip into feeling with, and administer to, several states in the company; it was a season worth suffering for, and we returned to our lodgings relieved in mind. "This morning while preparing to move on, we felt a little stop which it seemed best to attend dear family at Rhonehill, we separated in the feeling of sweet affectionate nearness; T. Greer coming several miles with us. "Rathfriland, 26th. Attended the usual meeting at Lurgan yesterday, and this morning that at Moyallen, both proving seasons of deeply exercising feeling, the doctrine which opened being of a very close nature, and trying to deliver, but assistance was graciously afforded to my humble admiration. "In getting so far through this Province, it seems to me that no superficial work will avail, nor any thing short of a willingness to get down into deep feeling with the seed in its imprisoned and oppressed state, and administering as enabled to its wants; in this exercise none can, I believe, have an adequate idea of what conflicts await the poor mind but those who are thus introduced into them. I know my capacity for right understanding is far inferior to many of my brethren and sisters in the work, but it seems as much as body and mind can at times bear, to feel in my small measure for the hurt of the daughter of my people, too many of whom feel not for themselves, and I fear come under the description of the whole who need not a physician; so that though there is abundant balm in Gilead, they remain unhealed; though there is a sovereign physician there, they are unrestored. Among such as these, if any thing be uttered, it must indeed be a plaintive song, a language of mourning and bitter lamentation, for many are falling before the enemy, and carried away captive as into a strange land. scepticism is his inward condition; his retribution, the punishment of his selfish, fleshly course. Though heaven's gates should fly open before him, he could not properly enter into its joy and glory, till the spiritual faculty of faith should be developed. So the tribes of the field walk about untouched, and in dull stupidity behold with the outward eye, those splendors of the creation, whose matchless order thrills the musing and devout human heart with rapture." For Friends' Intelligencer. THOMAS STORY. (Continued from page 427.) The fool's pretended pity and instructions, who could not see and pity his own miserable case, or knew what himself said, was hardest to bear: yet all these things did not move or provoke me; for the grace and presence of the Lord was with me, and my full strength and preservation. My heart was surrounded with a rampart of invisible patience, and my soul filled with divine love. This usage gave me a much clearer view of the low, mean, miserable, brutish state of many men, and of the greatest part of that mob, that I ever had before or could have imagined. But I was more civilly used by some counsellors who came to the circuit from London, among whom I had some business; especially Dormer, who was afterwards a Judge: they were kind, familiar, and without a scoff or a taunting grin. The business of the Assizes being over, some of my acquaintance, gentlemen, both of town and country, who wished me well in their own sense, thinking I had been deluded, as they usually called it, by the Quakers, consulted how to restore and reclaim me. And several ways were proposed, especially by a meeting and consultation of some of the clergy; who, they imagined, might solve those doubts I might be under, and but yet wavering; supposing those sentiments to be but lately embraced by me, and I yet not settled in them; though I do not think any of them knew what the true Quakers or their principles were. The clergy generally shunned me, and I quickly observed a particular enmity in them. against me; though I had no more aversion to them as men than to others. But some of these others (my well-wishers above said) supposing me melancholy, because reduced from my former airs and cheerfulness to silence and gravity, got together in a tavern, and my father with them, intending to have me among them, to drink & hearty glass; and try (in their way) whether they could raise my spirits into a more sociable. temper, and bring me off from such thoughts. While they were contriving this scheme, I was retired alone in my chamber, and favored with a sense of the good and soul nourishing presence of the Lord; but after some time, a concern |