Similitudes [compiled by B.S.].

152525252

evil.

why should we not believe the same of his

Bovee.

S the cedar tree perfumes the axe that cuts it
down, so the true Christian returns good for

2525252

WHEN we see the flower-seed wafted

WHI

From the nurturing mother-tree,

Tell we can, wherever planted,

What the harvesting will be.
Never from the blasting thistle
Was there gathered golden grain ;
Thus the seal the child receiveth
From its mother will remain.

S.J. Hall.

52525252525252525252525252525

ATURE without learning is like a blind man ; learning without nature is like the maimed; practice without both these is incomplete. As in agriculture, a good soil is first sought for, then a skilful husbandman, and then good seed; in like manner nature corresponds to the soil, the teacher to the husbandman, precepts and instruction to the seed. Plutarch.

THE leaf of the mulberry tree in time becomes

satin.

THE drizzling sleet

Chilleth the wan bleak cheek of the numbed
earth,

While snarling gusts nibble the juiceless leaves
From off the shuddering branch.

Marston.

SLANDER.-A stagnant fen

Grown rank with rushes and with reeds,

Where a white lily, now and then,

Blooms in the midst of noxious weeds.

25252

2525252

052525252525

As a good builder is continually trying with his

level whether his building is being erected upright and in the right direction, so the true Christian will constantly test with his spirit-level whether his life is in the direction of heaven or not.

THERE is, in all this cold and hollow world,

No fount of deep strong deathless love,

Save that within a mother's heart.

Mrs. Hemans.

So live, that when thy summons comes to join

The innumerable caravan that moves

To the pale realms of shade, when each shall take
His character in the silent halls of death,

Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night,

Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust. Approach thy grave,

Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

252525

Bryant.

1252525252525

152

ART is long and time is fleeting,

And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still like muffled drums are beating

Funeral marches to the grave.

Longfellow.

5757

CUSTOM has been aptly described as the chief

magistrate of life.

TRO

'ROUBLE is often the lever in God's hands to raise us up to heaven.

ET us take heed, for mercy is like the rainbow which God set in the clouds to remember mankind. We must never look for it after night, and it shines not in the other world.

Jeremy Taylor.

AST all your care on God, that anchor-hold.

CAST