the all-wise disposer of events, who both gives and withholds, in subservience to the best interests of his people. The time is at hand when those who have wives, and husbands, and children, shall be as though they had them not; and then, although you may not literally be entitled to say, ❝ here am I, and the children thou hast given me." You may, nevertheless, bring up a long train to join in the triumph of that day, who may own you as their spiritual parents, as the honoured instruments of their new birth unto God. In such an animating prospect Paul gloried, although he had probably neither sons nor daughters, according to the flesh; and well he might, and well may every zealous promoter of the Gospel of Christ rejoice, for "whoever converts a sinner from the error of his ways, shall shine as the stars in the firmament for ever and ever."

Remember then, my dear reader, that although Providence has withheld from you the pleasures and the cares of a family, as a Christian you may have other pleasures, and should have other cares; your responsibility, although altered in its character, is not di

minished. Should you see the work of the Lord prosper in your hands, happy are you. It is evidently His pleasure, that the talents with which you are intrusted should be directed into a foreign channel. It will be well if you are enabled to co-operate with his wise designs. "He will give you a name better than that of sons and of daughters."

The same all-wise disposer has seen fit to "take away from others the desire of their eyes with a stroke;" to level all their pleasing anticipations with the dust! ere the tender bud had unfolded-or just as it had begun to disclose its varied tints—or when a fullblown flower, the pride of the parterre, and distinguished among the neighbouring plants for fragrance and beauty! To hearts thus lacerated and still bleeding, what healing balm can be applied? what cordial administered, sufficient to revive the drooping spirits? Will it suffice to tell the disconsolate mourners (as some officiously do) that all their grief is unavailing, as it cannot bring back the object of it? This were to mock their woes, and to affront their understandings. Nor is it less vain to form a thousand chimerical

suppositions of what calamities might have befallen the deceased, had their lives been prolonged, or what unfavourable characters they might have proved, since it is clear that none of these things were ever designed, any more than that they might have proved comforts to their parents and ornaments to society; -suppositions which would be quite as rational, and much more charitable. But to those who have no better consolations to offer, it may justly be said, "miserable comforters are ye all." Such antidotes for grief are often tried, but never succeed. A bleeding heart is not to be so healed; and he who alone can do it effectually, might say to those who attempt it, "Ye have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly." It is he alone who can administer true consolation to the afflicted, whether he denies children, or takes them away, or chastises us in or through them. His divine supports under painful dispensations "calm the surges of the mind," and afford consolation of the most effectual kind. The assurance "that all things shall work together for good," and that these light afflictions, which are but

for a moment, work out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," ever retain their value, however common and familiar they may be to the ear. They are calculated to produce a cheerful acquiescence in the divine will; not, indeed, if such passages are read carelessly and without reflection: it is only when we pause, and endeavour to receive their full meaning, that their efficacy is felt.

But although with what children might have been, a bereaved parent has nothing to do, yet abundant consolation may be derived in many cases from the contemplation of what they now are. Happy spirits!-removed from the parental embrace to repose on the bosom of Jesus, where they can never be assailed by sickness or sorrow, and where they cannot die any more.

The writer will here take the liberty to recommend a little volume, entitled, "The Mourner," by Dr. Grosvenor, admirably adapted to such occasions. May the bereaved and broken-hearted, and disappointed, experience the truth of that promise which says, Though He hath torn, He will also heal!"

66

CHAP. XIII.

THE ORPHAN.

"When my father and my mother forsake me, then PSALM, XXVII. 10.

the Lord will take me up.

YOUNG persons, living in ease and affluence in their father's house, do not always calculate for the future; but are disposed to think that "to-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant." It has, perhaps, never occurred to some, by what a precarious tenure they hold their present enjoyments; that they may be essentially curtailed, if not totally annihilated by the death of their parents; that on the fleeting breath in their nostrils, depend those appearances on which they so greatly value themselves; that by this alone their gay families may be preserved from a state of poverty or dependance. But even