the wood firm and hard, so as to fit it for timber. Under its spreading branches the birds find protection, and a secure dwelling-place, while from its stem are detracted turpentine and tar; and when it is felled, so far from having ended its course, it may then form the mast of some mighty vessel, that shall visit distant lands, carrying enlightenment and glad tidings to the dark places of the earth.

"The lily, it is true, is not destined for so great a work; yet it does not live a useless life, and its strength, as well as that of the fir-tree, is as its day. It cannot, like the fir-tree, afford a protection to the birds, nor can it go forth to distant lands, nor answer so many important purposes; yet, by its beauty it fills our hearts with gladness, it speaks to us of the bright summer days soon coming upon us, and recalls to memory many pleasant seasons in by-gone years; thus awakening both gratitude and hope, while, above all, faith is ever renewed, as we

seem to hear again repeated: Consider the lilies of the field how they grow, they toil not neither do they spin-yet your heavenly Father careth for them. Are ye not much better than they?' We know not what we need ourselves of sunshine or nipping frost, prosperity or adversity, nor can we either judge for others. Our heavenly Father careth for us, also He knows the work we have to do, and what will best fit us for it; and the longer you live, my child, so that you can look back upon the past from a more advanced point, the more strongly will you prove for yourself that The way of the Lord is perfect."'

Through all the various shifting scene
Of life's mistaken ill or good!

Thy hand, O God! conducts unseen
The beautiful vicissitude.

Thou givest with paternal care,
Howe'er unjustly we complain,
To each his necessary share

Of joy and sorrow, health and pain."