First, whether he has the true chart, and takes good heed to it. It is known as the Holy Scriptures, and lays do wn the position of every light on the voyage; and he may be sure that any light that is not found on that chart is to be shunned. Secondly, whether he commits himself and the whole direction of the voyage to Him whose footsteps are on the sea, and who rides upon the wings of the wind. No one ever put his trust in him, and was confounded. Farewell, then, young voyager! Be sober, be vigilant ; keep your chart always spread out before you; and daily ask Him, to whose direction you have committed the voyage, what course he would have you this day to steer.-Y. P. Gazette. GOD'S CARE OF HIS CREATURES. I HAVE often been struck with a passage in the travels of the celebrated Mungo Park, describing his situation and feelings when alone in the very heart of Africa:- "Whichever way I turned, nothing appeared but danger and difficulty. I saw myself in the midst of a vast wilderness, in the depth of the rainy season, naked and alone, surrounded by savage animals, and men still more savage. I was 500 miles from the nearest European settlement. All these circumstances crowded at once on my recollection, and I confess that my spirits began to fail me. I considered my fate as certain; and that I had no alternative but to lie down and perish. The influence of religion, however, aided and supported me, I recollected that no human prudence or foresight could have arrested my present sufferings. indeed was a stranger in a strange land: yet I was still under the protecting eye of that Providence who has condescended to call himself the stranger's friend. At this moment, painful as my reflections were, the extraordinary beauty of a small moss in fructification irresistibly caught my eye. I mention this, to show from what trifling circumstances the mind will sometimes derive consolation; for though the whole plant was not larger than the top of I one of my fingers, I could not contemplate the delicate conformation of its roots, leaves, and capsula, without admiration. Can that Being, thought I, who planted, watered, and brought to perfection in this obscure part of the world a thing which appears of so small importance, look with unconcern upon the situation and sufferings of creatures formed after his own image? Surely not. Reflections like these would not allow me to despair. I started up, and, disregarding both hunger and fatigue, travelled forward, assured that relief was at hand; and I was not disappointed."- Todd. "SMALL SWEET COURTESIES OF LIFE." I WANT to tell you a secret. The way to make yourself pleasing to others, is to show that you care for them. The whole world is like the Miller at Mansfield, "who cared for nobody-no, not he-because nobody cared for him." And the whole world will serve you so, if you give them the same cause. Let every one, therefore, see that you do care for them, by showing them, what Sterne so happily calls," the small sweet courtesies of life;" those courtesies in which there is no parade, whose voice is too still to tease, and which manifest themselves by tender and affectionate looks, and little kind acts of attention-giving others the preference in every little enjoyment at the table, in the field, in walking, sitting, or standing. This is the spirit that gives to your time of life, and to your sex their sweetest charms. It constitutes the sum total of all the witchcraft of woman. Let the world see that your first care is for yourself, and you will spread the solitude of the Upas-tree around you, in the same way, by the emanation of a poison which kills all the juice of affection in its neighbourhood. Such a girl may be admired for her understanding and accomplishments, but she will never be beloved. The seeds of love can never grow but under the warm and genial influence of kind feelings and affectionate manners. Vivacity goes a great way in young persons. It calls attention to her who displays it; and, if it be found asso ciated with a generous sensibility, its execution is irresistible. On the contrary, if it be found in alliance with a cold, haughty, selfish heart, it produces no further effect except an adverse one. Attend to this, my daughter. It flows from a heart that feels for you all the anxiety a parent can feel, and not without the hope which constitutes the parent's highest happiness. May God protect and bless you.-Letter from William Wirt to his Daughter. GOOD ADVICE. YOUNG man, I am rich. I made my money by following the advice my father gave me, and which I now give to you. "Keep thine own affairs to thyself, and learn as much about other people's business as you can." POETRY. THINK IT NOT HARD. THINK it not hard, when the surges of life, Think it not hard, though affliction and sorrow Think it not hard, when assail'd by temptation, Think it not hard, though severe be the trial, Think it not hard, though thy Master should call thee, In the spring-tide of youth, to enter his rest, No greater blessing could ever befal thee; Be resign'd to His will, who knows what is best. W. I. KNEEL, LITTLE GIRL, KNEEL. Lines on seeing a very little Girl kneel by her Sister on entering a place of Worship. KNEEL, little girl, kneel,— Pray, little girl, pray ; Ah! it is indeed So lovely to see, Such a little one as thee, Fear thou not! he hears, Thou art wise to seek In Jesus a friend; He will never forsake thee, May the bud of grace A beautiful flower. |