Over the cloudlet dim, Then when the gloaming comes, Low in the heather blooms, Sweet will thy welcome and bed of love be! Bless'd is thy dwelling-place! O, to abide in the desert with thee! The habits and qualities of this "emblem of happiness" will not be noticed in vain, if we are able to derive therefrom lessons of contentment and cheerfulness. As we walk through the fresh meadows, and among the opening flowers of spring, let us listen to the melody that comes thrilling down from the skies, as to a voice that calls upon us to be glad and contented in heart, and to pour out our thanksgivings for unnumbered mercies, at the footstool of Divine Grace. As we look out on the darkened landscape, when heavy clouds are just beginning to roll away, let us observe the lark springing forward to meet the first gleam of sunshine, and learn from thence the duty of rising from the gloom of sorrow and adversity, to brighter hopes than earth can offer. If pleasure is to us seldom unmixed with pain, and if many trials and disappointments have clouded our days on earth, let us still seek and pray for a contented and cheerful mind, ready to make the best of every thing, and always remembering, that if the Almighty has shown us from our own experience that there is no perfect satisfaction, or complete happiness, in the enjoyments afforded by created things, it is that we may be led more earnestly to seek his favour in whose presence is "fulness of joy," and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm xvi. 2.) 66 Again, if we happen to be near an unhappy lark deprived of liberty, and condemned to inhabit a narrow cage, when he ought to be soaring in the summer skies, let us learn from the burden of his continued songs, that a cheerful heart will lighten the pressure of heavy calamities, and will be to the sufferer like a "continual feast." There is no closer test of the dispositions of the heart and mind than the behaviour of a man under adversity, captivity, or irksome restraint. If in such circumstances he retain true cheerfulness, as distinct from indifference or forced mirth, it is a token of some secret well-spring of happiness, which outward circumstances are unable to disturb or control. Surely in such a case that peace which the world cannot give" is influencing the heart of the individual, and enriching him with a treasure more precious than rubies. 66 The attainment of a cheerful habit of mind is worth the best efforts we can make to secure it, and, by God's help, it is within the reach of every one of us. To check the first risings of discontent, to subdue unnecessary anxieties and fears, to quench the flame of anger, and the bitterness of disappointment, and to keep an hourly watch against the disturbing effect of petty cares and annoyances,— all these are arduous duties; but they are duties still, and such as we may enter upon with the expectation of the Divine guidance and blessing. Peace and tranquillity, cheerfulness and contentment, are the proper characteristics of a Christian; but how seldom are they fully exhibited in his life and conversation. Let us, then, seek to honour our Maker by walking cheerfully in the way of His commandments, or by suffering patiently the various dispensations of His Providence: so shall our "light rise in obscurity," and our "darkness be as the noon-day." (Isaiah lviii. 10.) THE DOVE, AS AN EXAMPLE OF ATTACHMENT TO HOME. The dove let loose in Eastern skies, Ne'er stoops to earth her wing, nor flies But high she shoots, through air and light, Where nothing earthly bounds her flight, Nor shadow dims her way. So grant me, Lord, from every snare No sin to cloud, no lure to stay My soul, as home she springs; THE love of home is one of the strongest emotions of the human mind, and appears to have been implanted within us for the wisest and best ends. Home is, to most of us, the centre of our affections, and the place where our chief earthly treasure is to be found. Whether rich or poor, young or old, we all naturally feel a strong interest in everything relating to home; nor is that interest lost, when |