thought they were the last I should ever send forth to the world. But, by the blessing of God, health has been partially restored; and though it seemed hard at first to be brought back to this life, and, with the “ good land" almost as it seemed in view, to be sent round again "by the wilderness," for such is even the happiest life here, compared with the bliss of heaven,-yet now a less indolent and less ungracious spirit has been given, and I can bless God for, even painfully, keeping me yet awhile in my old place, and allowing me once more to try and work for Him on earth; for, however exquisite the delightful work of redeemed spirits in heaven, one can hardly imagine any to be of more vital importance than the bringing of lost souls to Christ here, and making them partakers of like glorious hope with oneself, which should be the constant endeavour of those who love the Lord. Truly ought I to say with David, "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being: " and though David, perhaps, thought not of eternity when he sung

those grateful words, yet it is the Christian's privilege to see clearer, and to know that his "being" never ceases; but that for him to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” and to exchange the often difficult and painful labour of life here, for the joyful and exhilarating work which his Heavenly Father will give him to do hereafter, where neither the weaknesses of the body, nor the infirmities of the soul, will interfere to mar the perfection of his spiritservice.

The selection in this little volume may, perhaps, be found to contain more pieces of deep and solemn feeling than that of the "Heavenly Thoughts for Morning Hours." The events of the last two years, it may be, have at times cast their saddening influences over the mind, while they awoke the more earnest desire of laying deep the foundation of that faith which can alone comfort us in the hour of grief and bereavement.

But in thinking of that vast flood of affliction

which has swept through our land, how vast do we feel is the difference between true Christians and the children of this world! How great the joy that can be given the former even in the midst of their trouble! how strong the consolations with which a God of comfort can visit them in their grief! There is no wrath in God's dealings with His people. "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction," shews that the affliction is no mark of anger, only a needed strengthener to the soul. "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing," speaks of the sorrow as well as of the rejoicing in the heart of an apostle; while "Jesus wept," proves how that gracious and sympathising Being feels for, and understands,

"The grief that must have way."

His "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world," is, however, His people's strengthening possession, and great inheritance; and that, and that alone, can master in their souls the force of the "tribulation which yet in the world they shall have." This union of joy and sorrow, this

power of sincerely saying, "Thank God!" while the tears stream from one's eyes, is perhaps not to be understood where it has not been felt. Trench, in some of his beautiful verses, describes it well; and though selected for one of the Evening Thoughts," yet a few of the lines may not be unacceptable here :—

"Yet was not that by this Excluded, at the coming of that joy

Fled not that grief, nor did that grief destroy
The newly-risen bliss.

"But side by side they flow,

Two fountains flowing from one smitten heart; And ofttimes scarcely to be known apart,That gladness and that woe;

"And both are sweet and calm;

Fair flowers upon the banks of either blow;
Both fertilise the soil, and where they flow,
Shed round them holy balm."

Yes! "both fertilise the soil," and not only do "fair flowers" bloom upon their banks, but, also, they "bring forth the peaceable fruits of righte

ousness to them that are exercised thereby;" to them who know that all things are working together for their good, and whose souls, animated by the love of Christ, desire earnestly to fulfil His word, and perform His will.

And, surely, if anything besides that love were needed to stimulate our zeal and loving-service, if still incitements were wanting to prayer and praise, we might find them in the blessed conviction that those we love and mourn are gone

“To brighter scenes that never, never die.”

And how many, during this fatal war, have had that strong consolation! How many have been blessed by knowing that for those most endeared to them by ties of nature, or of friendship, "sudden death has been sudden glory!" What a thought! almost taking our own souls up to those blissful regions. And how should those be thankful who possess the faith to value it! To have felt these consolations of the Spirit, to know that those we love are partakers of the joy of their Heavenly Father's kingdom, might indeed give warmth to