out night, for ever, and if we hope ere long to enter these happy spheres, and take our place in them, it must be surely well to habituate ourselves here to that which will be our constant occupation there. The innumerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect, whatever their varied employments before the throne or in the remotest region of the universe, are ever ready to take part in that celestial choir who sing with loud voices," Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.” How fitting for us, if we hope to be among them, after we leave this world, to prepare betimes to bear part in their songs!

That your thanksgiving may be rightly directed, and not spend itself in empty words, without befitting fruits in the heart, do not forget the Apostle's injunction-“Having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfect holiness in the fear of God." Thankfulness cannot show itself more appropriately than in holiness, nor can a believer give better proof of his honouring the promises than by his steadfastly press

ing on to nobler Christian attainments. Lip thanks are nothing without life thanks. To cease to do evil and learn to do well is the one evidence that we mean what our words express, in our praises. If you have yourself tasted the blessedness of peace and joy in believing, do your best to bring others to the fountain from which you have drunk. It is a winning proof of sincerity when you seek to lead others to value what you have found precious. In all your thanks do not forget the unspeakable gift, the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we have all we shall ever enjoy. His blood bought us; his intercession pleads for us; it is He who will be our righteousness in that day. Let your heart abound in thanksgiving for all God's mercies, but especially for that chiefest and most amazing-his dear Son.

THE HYMN OF THE DYING SAINT.

I SHALL not in the grave remain,

Since Thou death's bonds hast severed;
By hope, with Thee, to rise again,
From fear of death delivered.

I'll come to Thee, where'er Thou art,
Live with Thee; from Thee never part;
Therefore, to die is rapture.

And so to Jesus Christ I'll go,
My longing arms extending;
So, fall asleep in slumber deep-

Slumber that knows no ending-
Till Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
Opens the gates of bliss-leads on
To heaven, to life eternal.

German Chorale, sung at Prince
Albert's Funeral.

XXXI.

Farewell.

BEHOLD! how glorious is yon sky;
Lo! there the righteous never die,
But dwell in peace for ever:
Then who would wear this earthly clay,
When bid to cast life's chains away,
And win Thy gracious favour?
Holy, holy! O forgive us,
And receive us, heavenly Father,
When around Thy throne we gather.

Confiding in Thy sacred word,
Our Saviour is our hope, O Lord,
The guiding star before us;
Our Shepherd, leading us the way;
If from Thy paths our footsteps stray,
To Thee He will restore us;

Holy, holy! ever hear us,

And receive us, while we gather

Round Thy throne, Almighty Father.