sible wish once more to taste them. Having some kind Caledonian friends, whose faces I never yet saw, residing in an old Hall, and doubting not that they were provided with the dainties I so ardently longed for, I caused a letter to be addressed to them, making known my desire. No sooner was this done than I regretted the step taken by me, thinking it might be regarded as a strange request and too familiar a liberty; it was, however, too late to correct my supposed error.

About the time that I expected the letter to reach its destination at "Powder Hall," a loud single rap, at my own door, announced the arrival of a porter, bearing a white wicker hamper, which, on being opened, was found to contain a liberal supply of jams and jellies of varied kinds and of the primest quality. I feasted my eyes with the labelled pots of preserves ranged side by side. There they were: strawberry, raspberry, red currant, gooseberry, marmalade, and a pretty little box of jujubes. For my kind friends to send them at all was a favour of which I was very sensible; but to despatch them with such promptitude, and, to me, marvellous alacrity, was an attention that much affected me. A near relative of the old hall family, residing with them, as though she must, in some way or other, have a share in the sending of the friendly hamper, forwarded me a neat and tasteful flower-stand, worked in leather, or gutta-percha; and, soon after

the hamper's arrival, inquiry was made, at the request of the worthy head of the family himself, whether the preserves arrived without injury, evidently with the view of repairing an accident, had any occurred, to prevent disappointment on my part.

But think not, reader, that the kindness of my friends was limited to the sweetmeats; they sent me also a book suitable to my state of affliction, together with sweet letters, from time to time, of their own; and hymns, the reading of which often soothed me at eventide. The letters were not those commonplace communications too frequently written to sick people, wherein seriousness and solemnity are put on for the occasion, and texts of holy Scripture are ostentatiously paraded to the eye, rather than lovingly commended to the heart; but chastened, mature, and experienced epistles of Christian piety, setting forth faithfully solemn Scriptural truths, as well as promises of divine consolation, showing, with the desire to minister to the comfort of the perishing body, a yet greater anxiety for the welfare of the undying soul.

Here, then, was the link uniting earthly with heavenly things, and pressing on my consideration the goodness of God, even in the lesser events of life. I was just in the frame of mind to enable me to get good from book and letters. Again, I say, that the closer we connect our earthly objects with

our heavenly hopes, the greater will be our peace; and the clearer we discern the hand of our Heavenly Father in our daily concerns, the more shall we reverence him, love him, and live to his glory.

Oh, the unspeakable consolation of the presence of God in seasons of affliction! Well may we pray that "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," may "keep" our "hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." In such seasons, with an humble, broken, contrite, and grateful spirit, we call to mind our mercies, and our language is, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies:" Psa. ciii. 1-4.

The kindness of our friends may be regarded as a brook by the way, to comfort us in our pilgrim course; whose stream becomes the more refreshing when we believe that the fountain whence it flows is the love of our Heavenly Father, who gave his Son to die for sinners; and it is no trifling alleviation to know, in the midst of our afflictions, that they proceed from the same Almighty source of goodness and mercy, and are sent for our advantage. Whether, then, we enjoy or suffer, "the grace of our Lord

Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost," should be the subject of our daily thoughts, thus uniting our passing interests with our everlasting expectations.

Help me, O Lord, in all my infirmities; forgive all my transgressions, and abundantly increase my love and knowledge of Him, whom to know is eternal life.

My grovelling spirit in thy mercy raise;

Let holy objects to my heart be given,

That faith may mingled be with prayer and praise,
And all my earthly ends with hopes of heaven.

Lord, let me see thy hand through life and death,
Where'er abroad my wandering feet may rove,
And humbly serve thee till my latest breath,
And love thee with an everlasting love.

THE SUNNY SABBATH.

THERE are many sources of consolation and joy, but hardly is there among them all a more grateful cordial to a man's heart, or a steadier friend in helping him through his troubles, than a sunny Sabbath. In this observation I allude not so much to the state of the weather as to the state of the affections; not so much to the brightness of the day as to the buoyancy of the heart. Give a working-man plenty to do and good wages, and let him prosper every day of the week; but only let him misuse or think lightly of the Sabbath, and I promise him his heart's-ease shall be scarce. But, whatever may be his cares, a sunny Sabbath will gently soothe his disquietude, and bind up the bones that have been broken.

"A Sabbath well spent brings a week of content,
And gives peace both to-day and to-morrow;
But a Sabbath profaned, whate'er may be gain'd,
Is a certain forerunner of sorrow."

To all, a day of rest, and peace, and holy joy, is a great advantage, but especially to one who labours through the week. What a shady seat or a draught