suspense; while the desponding were convinced that we were becalmed for an illimitable period, and that consequently every appearance of wind was but a mockery. We would endeavour to press upon both the folly of such extreme opinions, and the wisdom of always viewing matters by the aid of their reason and experience alone. If they do so, they will certainly avoid much disappointment and annoyance in their journey through life. D. R. No. VI.-JUNE 2, 1852. Trust no future, howe'er pleasant! Let us then be up and doing, With a heart for any fate : ON TIME. (Concluded from p. 79.) Life is real! life is earnest ! And the grave is not its goal. OUR fourth observation was, "That time is a precious talent, for the neglect and abuse of which mankind will be held accountable." Time is a precious gift, even in a temporal point of view, as on its continuation depends the enjoyment of every other blessing. Death bursts the seemingly indissoluble ties of affection, breaks up the most durable circle of friendship, and extorts, however reluctantly, from the passing soul, a last farewell to all the beauties of nature. Although there were no futurity, common prudence might urge to some preparation for such an awful disruption and valediction as this. Every individual has many temporal obligations upon him, many duties to perform, which must be executed in proper time, or they will probably never be done, leaving the individual to die in a state of moral bankruptcy, a downdraught on his friends and a pest to society There are men so void of every good principle as to be content to live thus, nay, to die thus, without making the least endeavour to redeem their obligations. This is lamentable from the worldly consequences, but these are as dust in the balance compared with the eternal results that must inevitably follow the neglect and abuse of the precious gift of time, if God's mercy through Christ prevent not. When time is viewed by the light of divine revelation, and in connection with eternity, we discern its overwhelming importance. It is by this light that we are led to perceive the immense value of our immortal souls-the enormous price that has been paid for their redemption from sin and misery, and consequently the guilt and madness of those who, despising the day of merciful visitation, and living in a continual round of giddy pleasure, cannot find time, as they express it, to think of eternal things. On such, the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. But however they deceive themselves to their own destruction, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Should this meet the eyes of any of the careless ones, we entreat them to be wise while it is called to-day; for as certainly as time has been bestowed upon us, so certainly will it have to be accounted for. The vessel in which we sail may be retarded by adverse winds or calms, but time speeds onward with unvarying march, and will very soon land us on the shores of the eternal world. Listen, then, to the warning voice, Redeem thy hours, the time is brief While in the glass the sand-grains shiver; When time and thou shalt part for ever. * Vide Note, p. 37. J. G.* "THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH." THE Occurrences of the past week must have reminded many of the nearness of death, and the necessity of seeking for a staff to support and guide us when it approaches. A traveller on a dark wintry night, without a light to direct his steps over an unknown way, feels himself encompassed by dangers and difficulties; so it is with the worldly man, who rises daily to pursue his avocations, and retires to rest like the beast of the field, without thinking of God, who made and sustains him. I ask my readers, can that man say with confidence, like the Psalmist, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me"? No; he is a stranger to the fear and love of God, and will look in vain for aid in the hour of death. Let us turn to that man who takes God for his father, Christ for his light, and the Holy Ghost for his comforter. Such an one can with assurance repeat the words of the Psalmist; for in the dark valley he fears no evil, leaning on the staff of the Gospel. He will be guarded by angels—as we trust the soul of our dear sister lately departed has been-into the presence of Him whom he has trusted. My dear readers, it will soon be our turn to render our accounts to God for the time he has lent us. Can we, then, go on without seeking a staff to support us? Let us not remain wilfully blind, but let us cease to do evil and learn to do well, that we may look forward to that day without fear. He has said, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee." We need, then, fear no evil if God is with us, but advance joyfully to that rest which is prepared for His people. May we, then, turn to Him and serve Him with all our hearts, that we may have the light of His countenance to guide us through the dark valley of the shadow of death." 66 H. G. * LINES ADDRESSED TO A MOTHER WEEP not, fond mother, for thy happy child: And now her spotless spirit soareth free. Oh, glorious freedom! free from sin and strife! Free from this world, and all its harrowing cares : Ah, who'd call back a child or friend to life, Yet can I well respect the sacred tears, Ah, think of life—that thorny tortuous way— * Vide Note, p. 56. |