circles which gradually spread over the water's surface when a stone is thrown into it: the stone goes in, the water close3 over it, and it is seen no more. If conscious, that stone would suppose that, from the moment it sank, all trace of it disappeared; but the circles which rapidly succeed each other above the spot where it was lost to sight extend far beyond the actual surface where the waters parted for a moment as the stone went down.

So with our words and actions, however trivial they may appear to ourselves: the word is spoken, the action has ceased, but its influence for good or evil continues, outliving the brief moment which gave it birth. It is but a false humility which would lead us to say, "I can do neither harm nor good by my example, for I am not of sufficient importance to have any influence." All have influence of some kind, though perhaps in a quarter we do not suspect.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works." We are not to parade our "good works," but the "light" is to be ever burning with a steady ray, so that those who are looking on cannot but see it, and glorify our Father which is in heaven." Here is influence-the quiet influence of a consistent and Christian life.

In saying "I meant no harm," we make an excuse for some thoughtlessness on our own part; it shows we are aware of not having acted up to our knowledge of what is right, and feel it necessary to explain that we did not positively intend to do wrong; but this is voluntarily taking very low ground, for it is an avowal that we not only did not do to the utmost what we knew to be right, but that we were satisfied to fall so far short of it, that we must needs own to have done or said what is amiss, or unadvisable, at the same time making the excuse that "we meant no harm."

Poor excuse! Those who are so ready to urge it must indeed have a low standard of what is right, for every instance in which they make use of it is a lost opportunity of doing good; instead of having done something which might

be called "negatively wrong," we might have done what was "positively right," and in strict accordance with what we knew to be the command of God; instead of speaking "idle words," and saying we meant no harm by it, we might have set an example of watchfulness over the door of our lips; instead of speaking uncharitably of others, and calling it a little thoughtlessness by which we meant no harm, we might have made it an opportunity of showing our love to our fellow-creatures.

But now let us ask, who are those that make use of the expression, "I meant no harm?" It is those who are not decided for God. They are satisfied with the conviction that they have done no absolute wrong. But is it so? No. Christ says that they who are not with Him are against Him, and that " no man can serve two masters." We must either

decide for God or mammon. Is it necessary to ask which we shall choose, when our Heavenly Father says, "My son, give Me thine heart ?" Is it necessary to ask which we shall choose, when Christ hung for us in agony on the cross, and when He said, "Look unto Me, and be ye saved?" And what is it to be saved? It is to flee to the only Refuge-to wash our robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb, renouncing our own fancied righteousness, and humbly accepting the salvation so freely offered. Be not afraid, only believe. "He that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

I Love the Lord.

Ps. cxvi. 1.

o you so know the Lord Jesus as to love Him? You love your wife, your father, your mother, your brother, your sister, your home, or yourself-do you love the Lord Jesus? If you do not, you have not the faith of a Christian. For that is a loving confidence in, a resting upon the Lord Jesus for pardon of sin, for a righteousness wherein we may stand before a holy God, for a new heart that loves holiness, and hates and

strives against all sin. Can you say, in truth, Blessed, happy is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered? Blessed, happy is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile? If as yet you know not the Lord Jesus, have no real heart-felt love for Him, no confidence in what He hath done and suffered for sinners, be thankful if conscience makes you to know and feel your want, for surely it is God's Spirit quickening your dead heart; and cry earnestly, "Lord, give me Thy Holy Spirit! Give me to know and love the Lord Jesus! Amen."

Babboni.

JOHN XX. 16; COLOSSIANS iii. 1-4.

IKE Mary, desolate before the empty tomb,
My soul is darkly shrouded up in gloom;
Weeping, like her I wait, nor wait in vain,
For me, like her, there cometh joy again.

Hurried by love, while yet 'twas dark, she came to pay Respect to her dear Lord. His memory lay Enshrined within her heart; her thoughtful care AWould with sweet spices His loved form prepare.

Thus, looking to the earth, she failed to see arise
The Day-star beaming on her weeping eyes;
With fearfulness she let her courage fail,

But still she owned Him Lord in her sad wail.

Still her appropriating faith retained its hold:
"They have taken away my Lord." Now bold
She bids the gardener satisfy her heart;
Her love is strong; she cannot thence depart.

Nor friends' nor angels' sympathy could bring relief,
Or shut the floodgates of her bitter grief;
Refusing comfort, mourned she her lost Lord,

Nor deemed that opening day could joy afford.

It was the Master's voice that stayed more blinding tears, And as its accents fell on willing ears,

Calling "His sheep by name," she turned with haste, Owning her risen Lord, new joy to taste.

"Mary"-Rabboni! wondrous interchange of love!
Oh, that all hearts that happiness could prove
Which thrills the soul at Jesu's loving voice,
Speaking of pardon, bidding all rejoice!

Too oft we seek the Living One among the dead;
Too oft the bustle, and the cares, the dread,
The weariness of life, enchain our heart,

Till we forget to rise and take our part

With Jesus in His resurrection life; too low
Our thoughts. Our risen Lord would have us know
The secret of the life which, hid in Him,
Grows into glory which no change can dim.

Oh, joy to know the voice of Jesus, hushing fear!
Though still and gentle, oft it rises clear
Above the tumult of the heart's unrest,
Winning it back, e'en weeping, to be blest.

Oh, joy to yield the heart's allegiance to the Lord,
"Who loved and gave Himself for me!" The cord
Of love has drawn me to the cross-the grave,
Not there alone to weep. He died to save,

But He now lives to plead and to prepare a place
For ransomed souls who steadfast run their race.
So be my heart's affections set above;

So, living in the light of Jesu's love,

Let me each day grow like Him till the joyful hour
When, lying down in death, His word of power
Shall bid me wake amid the heavenly throng,

To see His face," and learn the angels' song.

M.

HY, Susan, you don't show no sort o' proper spirit -you don't! Do you think I'd submit to take the flowers out of my best bonnet, when I'd just trimmed it up so nice, and all at Mrs. Trulock's No, indeed! I'd see her at Jamaica first!" "But she's my mistress, Fanny, and I can't go against her wishes."

bidding?

"Ah, you're afraid to cross her, lest she should send you back to that surly old aunt of yours-there's reason in that, certainly."

"I don't like to hear my aunt spoken against, Fanny, and, indeed, it's wrong of me to listen to it, when she's brought me up and fed me from a baby."

"And given you plenty of hard words and hard usage, too, if I'm not mistaken. A fine life you led with her, and worked like any slave. But you were always as meek as a mouse, and never dared open your lips to complain. I'd have paid her off-I would."

"Perhaps I shall pay her off some day, Fanny."

"Oh, now I've some hopes of you! Then you're only waiting till you're a bit more independent, to show you've a will and a way of your own?"

"No, Fanny, I bear my aunt no ill-will. Some day, if I can do her a good turn, I shall be glad of the chance to show her I don't bear malice."

"Well, Susan, that beats all! If any one does me a kindness, I remember it, and am ready enough to give it back-but let 'em use bad words and spiteful ways to me, and my spirit's up directly; they get it paid back somehow, let 'em be who they will! And, Susan, let me tell you, if you had a little more spirit, you'd be better treated and better thought of."

"My mistress is very kind-I've got a good place, and I mean to keep it. As for the flowers, it was foolish of me to buy them. Mistress has been talking to me, and after what she said I should be ashamed to be seen wearing them."