A BOOK FOR BIRTHDAYS.

I WISH YOU MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY.

THESE words have been long used on birthdays, by almost common consent. But, as with other hackneyed expressions, some may begin to get weary of the well-worn sentence. Still, whatever language may be employed to express the heart's affections and desires when commemorating the natal day, the sentiment contained in the oft-repeated phrase is retained. Nor will the words themselves very soon be wholly cast aside. Children, who feel more than they reason, will still pour out their heart's affection in them; and some of the elders will be somewhat disappointed if, on their birthdays, they do not hear the ancient salutation, round which so many fond associations cling.

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The import of these words may be thus expressed —MORE DAYS, MUCH HAPPINESS,—“Iwish that you may live long, and that your life may be filled with joy." The majority of birthday wishes refer only to earth, and to happiness to be enjoyed in time; but there are some who look much farther, and who, while they desire that their beloved ones may long continue with them, and enjoy much earthly felicity in life's various relations, desire for them still more earnestly, spiritual and eternal happiness.

Friends may wish each other a long and happy life, but God only can bestow these gifts; it will be wise, therefore, to pray as well as wish. If all general wishes had been accompanied by as many earnest prayers, there is reason to conclude that much more happiness would have been enjoyed. It is much easier to utter an empty wish than to breathe an earnest prayer; but a few moments' communion with God, on behalf of those whom we love, is far more likely to be of service to them than a thousand compliments, renewed year after year. Not that we would say aught against the courtesies of life, much less against the utterances of affection; by all means let the one be done

but let not the other be left undone. A deep conviction that "in God we live, and move, and have our being," and that real happiness can only come from Him the blessed God, will stir us up to pray earnestly, both for ourselves and others.

Let all remember, that while health and happiness, as regards body and soul, are the gifts of God; that He generally bestows both in connection with the use of means. There are certain rules which must be observed by those who would "live many days, and see good" (Ps. xxxiv. 12). In vain do friends wish the intemperate, the passionate, the discontented, and the envious, many days and much happiness. The course they take, the passions in which they indulge, are calculated to shorten their days, and while they last, to make them full of misery to themselves, and of trouble to those around them. Let all consider life and health as sacred trusts committed to them by God, to be tenderly guarded, in order that they may be devoted to His glory. Let all who would be truly and permanently happy obey the gracious counsel, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," so shall they realise the precious promise, “They