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Hicks, Rev. Thomas F., M. A., M. D.,

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Shedd, Rev. W. G. T., D. D., LL. D., .
Smith, Pres. A. A., M. A.,

Summers, Rev. Thos. O., D. D., LL. D.,
Torrey, Hiram,

Taylor, W. M., D. D., .

Taylor, Pres. A. A. E., D. D.,

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INTRODUCTION.

The compiler of this little volume desires a few words to be written by way of introduction. His purpose is neither to present an exhaustive discussion upon any one subject, nor a series of profound articles bearing upon a single point. And yet the project has a worthy aim, in offering to the busy reader, who may sit down to rest a moment by the wayside, a package of short sketches of an elevating nature, to cheer his heart, to awaken his courage and to kindle his aspiration toward a higher living. The words in any case are few. Yet they may prove golden nuggets, weighing more than many careless sentences.

The active world no longer surrenders time for large volumes and lengthy stories. Truth in a nutshell is what it craves-the condensed meat of thought. A modest book of choice sentiments that have been uttered by thoughtful master minds, may become more valuable in suggesting hints for meditation, and in stimulating earnest men and women to think out fresh, healthful thoughts for themselves, than whole volumes of prolix pages where nothing is left to be filled in from the reader's experience, or inner life. What we most need is to be set to thinking in right channels. For that mental bread is ever the sweetest and the most wholesome, that has been earned by the hard toil of our own busy brains, in the pure atmosphere of dutiful living.

There are not too many books in this age. But there are too many filled worthless, injurious books,

with trifling sentiments and shallow sentimentalities; holding up to admiration the false side of life; displaying the virtues in their weakliness and the vices in their strength; until poor human nature, ever inclining to the strong, leans unconsciously toward the evil and would fain forsake the good. The present life is made. too much the stage whereon all men are the players, until at the end of the acts when the curtain shall fall, the actors shall pass off forever from the scene.

It is wise for us all to learn amidst our daily duties, that the world beyond, with its infinite life, should find a constant interest in our hearts. There is so much to attract and bind us to this present existence; so little to win and lift us to the life above. Our poor, frail spirits, of the earth earthy, begrudge the rare moments that we yield to heavenly meditations.

It would be well, if day by day, some helpful book, like a little child, even with lisping syllables, should take us by the hand and lead us up to the open gates of that kingdom which none of us can enter, except we first become as little children.

May this simple and unpretending collection of choice sentiments, uttered by many whose goodness lends the chief fragrance to their greatness, find a mission of good, here and there, among those to whom it is sent. Bearing devout and holy thoughts, let it creep into the darkened chamber of the sick, into the home circle of the Sabbath afternoon, into the evening fireside of the working man, into the farmer's rainy-day, into the chimney corner of the aged, into the children's leisure hours, and into many loving hearts of old and young, whose lofty hopes link the radiant hereafter with the joyous present.

Go, little book, and sing a song of peace in many waiting breasts.

University of Wooster.

A. A. E. TAYLOR.

FIRESIDE READINGS.

OUR FELLOW-WORSHIPERS.

Deem not that thou and I
Are here the only worshipers to-day,
Beneath this glorious sky,

'Mid the soft airs that o'er the meadows play : These airs, whose breathing stirs

The fresh grass, are our fellow-worshipers.

See, as they pass, they swing

The censers of a thousand flowers that bend O'er the young herbs of spring,

And the sweet odors, like a prayer, ascend, While, passing thence, the breeze Wakes the grave anthem of the forest trees.

It is as when, of yore,

The Hebrew poet called the mountain steeps,
The forest, and the shore

Of ocean and the mighty mid-sea deeps,
And stormy wind, to raise

A universal symphony of praise.

For lo! the hills around,

Gay in their early green, give silent thanks,

And, with a joyous sound,

The streamlet's huddling waters kiss their banks;
And, from its sunny nooks,

To heaven, with grateful smiles, the valley looks.

The blossomed apple tree,
Among its flowery tufts on every spray,
Offers the wandering bee

A fragrant chapel for her matin lay,
And a soft bass is heard

From the quick pinions of the humming-bird.

Haply for who can tell-
Aerial beings, from the world unseen,
Haunting the sunny dell,

Or slowly floating o'er the flowery green,
May join our worship here

With harmonies too fine for mortal ear.

WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT.

THE CHIEF END OF MAN.

What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Extent of Obligation.-No better statement could be given of the obligation under which we rest, to glorify God, according to the spirit of inspiration, than we have in the First Epistle to the Corinthians 10: 31, where the very collision of parties in the church evokes a spark of heavenly light that will never cease to lighten the world, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

It is a mistake to suppose the days of the primitive church were filled only with peace. Human nature being then as now, many dissensions early broke out. Jews, now believing, had doubts as to eating with others than

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