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The worthy couple were concerned for the poor drover, and evinced every willingness to assist him in his misfortune, had it been in their power. He, in his turn, felt at a loss to know how he should dispose of the animal, and paused to consider what course he ought to pursue. But the more he thought over the catastrophe, the more his perplexity increased.

To drive on the maimed beast was obviously impossible. To sell it there seemed equally so. At a distance from a market, it would not be easy to find a purchaser; and, by remaining in that place long enough to do so, he must likewise detain the whole herd of cattle, which would incur more expense than the animal was worth.

What was to be done? The drover drew his High|land plaid tighter round him. He shifted and replaced his bonnet from one side of his head to the other. "I never," he at length exclamed, "was more completely brought to my wit's end in my life;" and then turning to Ann he added, "Deed, mistress, I must just make you a present of it, for in truth I don't know what else I can do with it; so kill it, and take care of it, for it is a principal beast. I'll answer for it, a mart like that has never come within your door." And, without waiting for thanks, he whistled (on his dog and joined the herd, which was soon seen moving slowly on in its weary journey.

The poor cottagers were lost in wonder at this unexpected deliverance from famine, by so signal an interposition of Providence. And after they had in some measure recovered from the surprise such an incident was calculated to excite, the father assembled his little family around him to unite in prayer, and render thanks to the "Giver of all good" for this new proof of his condescending kindness towards them. Thus their prayer was now turned into praise. He then proceeded to follow the advice of the drover, and found his gift, as he had told them, to be "a principal beast." All was then rejoicing, preparation, and gladness, with the inmates of the cottage. They had meat sufficient to serve them for many months to come, and in their first joy they totally forgot that they had no bread. But He who ". manded the ravens to bring to the prophet bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening," did not forget it. God does not work by halves. About six o'clock in the morning, another

com

* The labourers in Scotland seldom eat butcher-meat during the summer months, but at the beginning of winter it is customary to kill a cow. Generally two families join in the purchase of it, or two or three sheep, for the winter's provender, which are carefully salted for that purpose This is called "the mart," an abbreviation for Martinmas, being the time of year when the purchase is made.

He then proceeded to relate how Lady Kilmarnock sent for him the previous morning, to inquire "if any thing had happened to Ann Young." To which he replied, that he was not aware that she had met with any calamity, and that, when he last heard of her and her family, they were all well. "Then," said her ladyship," she must be in want; for these few days she has been incessantly in my thoughts. I cannot get her out of my head; and I am sure she is in distress. So take a sack of meal to her a large one, too, and take it directly. You had better convey it yourself, that it may be safely delivered to her, and bring me word how she is; for I know she would almost starve before she applied for relief." "I fully intended," added the bailiff, "to have brought it yesterday, as Lady Kilmarnock desired; but being more than usually busy throughout that day, I could not find leisure to come, but determined that my first employment this morning would be to fetch it to you." Thus were these pious cottagers, by a wonderful interference of Providence, amply provided for. They had now a more abundant supply of food in their house than they had ever before possessed. The merciful and bounteous care of that God whose "compassions fail not," had been made manifest towards them in a remarkable manner.

Ann Young now found out the meaning of that text, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." She could not but recognise the hand of God in the chain of events that were rendered subservient in the accomplishment of His gracious purposes towards her. But we shall not attempt to describe, in this instance, her feelings of gratitude to the "Father of mercies;" nor endeavour to solve the questions that such a recital as the foregoing is calculated to suggest. Mysterious are the Lord's dealings towards his children, and "his ways past finding out."

In conclusion, we would merely add a few words of comfort and encouragement to those who may be languishing in poverty and wretchedness. The few last years have been to many years of unparalleled want and suffering. Hundreds, nay, thousands, in these realms have perished from famine; and God's judgments are still abroad on the earth. To the af flicted child of God, who may be now pining in starvation and misery, we would put this question, "Have you, like the subject of this narrative, ever prayed the prayer of faith? Have you, like her, perseveringly sought His aid with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning? It is more than a hundred years since the incidents here related occurred, but " God is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. And He who mercifully interposed in behalf of this lowly Christian, will be your Deliverer too. "All his saints are in thy hand." What, then,

here to meet God. I have come here to-day to meet him in this house, and he has met with me. He is here now." The aged man then respectfully, yet earnestly, pressed upon the youth the importance of religion, and the danger of neglect. "Young master, you see my head, it is white. I was once young like you. I am now old and soon shall die. And you will die too. Are you prepared ?" The young man wept, and the old Christian proposed that they should kneel down and pray for the salvation of his soul. They knelt down, and God was there. During the ensuing week the young man was greatly distressed, and early the next Sabbath morning repaired to the old church to meet the old negro, who preached Jesus to him as the way, the truth, and the life. In a few days, the young man obtained a hope, and by his exertions, and the blessing of God's grace, an extensive revival of religion very soon commenced. A new church was soon organized, the old house was repaired, a minister settled, and many were converted to the faith as it is in Jesus. As one of the fruits of that revival, six individuals from that neighbourhood entered upon the work of the ministry, and the Lord greatly blessed their labours. One person, converted at this time, became afterwards the governor of a state, and died, after a life of usefulness, as the righteous die. These facts were communicated to the writer since, by a person who received them from some who were themselves the subjects of the revival.

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not before the instructions which I received from her beloved lips had made a deep impression upon my mind-an impression which I carried with me into a college (Hampden, Sidney), where there was not then one pious student. There I often reflected, when surrounded by young men who scoffed at religion, upon the instructions of my mother, and my conscience was frequently distressed. I had no Bible, and dreaded getting one, lest it should be found in my possession. At last I could stand it no longer, and therefore requested a particular friend, a youth whose parents lived near and who often went home, to ask his pious mother to send me some religious books. She sent me " Alleine's Alarm,” an old black book, which looked as if it might have been handled by successive generations for one hundred years. When I got it, I locked my room and lay on my bed reading it, when a student knocked at my door; and although I gave him no answer, dreading to be found reading such a book, he continued to knock and beat the door until I had to open it. He came in, and seeing the book lying on the bed, he seized it, and examining its title, he said, "Why, Hill, do you read such books?" I hesitated, but God enabled me to be decided, and tell him boldly, but with much emotion, "Yes, I do." The young man replied with deep agitation, "O Hill! you may obtain religion, but I never can. I came here a professor of religion; but through fear I dissembled it, and have been carried along with the wicked, until I fear there is no hope for me." He told me that there were two others who he believed were some

We knew not how to It was the first prayer

what serious. We agreed to take up the subject of religion in earnest, and seek it together. We invited the other two, and held a prayer-meeting in my room on the next Saturday afternoon. And O what a prayer-meeting! We tried to pray, but such prayers I never heard the like of. pray, but tried to do it. meeting that I ever heard of. We tried to sing, but it was in a suppressed manner, for we feared the other students. But they found it out, and gathered around the door, and made such a noise that some of the officers had to disperse them, And so serious was the disturbance, that the President, the late excellent Rev. Dr John B. Smith, had to investigate the matter at prayers that evening, in the prayers'

When he demanded the reason of the riot, a ringleader in wickedness got up and stated, that it was occasioned by three or four of the boys holding a prayer-meeting, and they were determined to have no such doings there. The good President heard the statement with deep emotion, and looking at the youths charged with the sin of praying, with tears in his eyes, he said, "Oh! is there such a state of things in this college? Then God has come near to us. My dear young friends, you shall be protected. You shall hold your next meeting in my parlour, and

BE DONE BY MOTHERS.

THE Rev. Dr Hill of Lexington, some time since, made the following statement at a public meeting of a tract society :

"I lost my sainted mother when I was a youth, but

our next meeting in his parlour, and half the college was there; and there began the glorious revival of religion, which pervaded the college and spread into the country around. Many of those students became ministers of the gospel. The youth who had

brought me "Alleine's Alarm " from his mother, was my friend the Rev. C. Still, preaching in this State. And he who interrupted me in reading the work, my venerable and worthy friend the Rev. Dr H is now president of a college in the West.

HOW TO DEAL WITH SLANDERS. It is related in the biography of Rev. Lemuel Haynes, the coloured preacher, that some of his students having been slandered for their religious activity and zeal, went to him with their complaints, expecting his sympathy and protection. After a pause, Mr Haynes observed, "I knew all this before." Why, then," said one, did you not inform us?" cause," said he, "it was not worth communicating; and I now tell you plainly, once for all, my young friends, it is best to let the devil carry his own mail, and bear his own expenses."

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"Be

There is much wisdom in this remark, and it is capable of a variety of applications. When assaults are made upon any one, in points where he is sustained by a consciousness of right, in a vast majority of cases silence is the most effective defence. For, to formally refute slander, he must first extend the publication of it; that is, must sustain the expense of carrying the devil's mail, and convey to many the information which they would not otherwise have had, that he has been subjected to imputations of wrong. And, as a lie will travel from Maine to Georgia while truth is putting on its boots," there is little encouragement to run down a falsehood by an earnest refutation. And yet, with rare exceptions, it is not needful; a little faith and patience will serve one quite as well as laboured vindications. Habitual integrity is the best defence. Let a foul breath be breathed upon a diamond, and it will soon regain its wonted lustre.

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Mr Haynes once practised on this principle as follows:-An unprincipled man overtook him in the road, and said, "Mr Haynes, have you heard the scandalous reports that are abroad about you?" He calmly replied, "I have heard nothing." The man proceeded, in profane and abusive language, to give the details, and allege that they were true; and that they would ruin his character. Mr Haynes walked on in silence till he reached his own house, when he turned to the slanderer and said, “Well, Mr you see what disgrace my conduct has brought upon me, according to your own account. I want you to take warning from me, to forsake your evil course, and save your character from disgrace." They parted. But the next day, the man came with an humble acknowledgment, asking forgiveness. Thus did assaults give new lustre to his character.

CALUMNIES are as old as our race. Satan began them in Paradise. He is well named-accuser. He is the father of lies and of liars. There are different ways in which those who are calumniated seek to put down the false and injurious reports. Some render railing for railing. They are foolish enough to vie with their detractors in taunts and revilings. It is a miserable resort. If you are very much excited by evil reports, and descend to retaliation, you at once raise the suspicion that there is some truth in what your enemies say of you. Conscious innocence does not stoop to recrimination.

Some affect a supercilious indifference respecting the evil that is said of them. They assume an independence which is not wholy consistent with a modest appreciation of one's self. They who care not what is said respecting themselves, are not likely to live above merited reproach. The truly virtuous and

good are far from being indifferent to what may in juriously affect their reputation.

Some prosecute their defamers. They go into a civil court to establish their innocence. Perhaps this is sometimes necessary; but I think it a measure of doubtful expediency. It probably seldom occurs that a slander suit improves any person's character." The motives of prosecution are usually supposed to be revengeful. A truly worthy person will not be and a crowd of spectators, to prove his character. easily persuaded to go before judges, jurors, lawyers,

Some are at great pains to contradict all false rumours. Such often have their hands full of business. The more notice you take of slanderers, the more industriously will they defame you. They are a class of persons who have very little character, and are right glad of an opportunity to attract some notice, by attacking those whose names are associated with

respect.

Is there not a far better way than any of these? "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing." "For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." tually silence slanderers. Let your life contradict Nothing else will so effectheir falsehoods, and you will have no need to defend your character. There is something noble, dignified, lovely, in the silence of conscious innocence, when There is something Christ-like, when they who are the tongue of detraction is carping and slandering. reviled revile not again; and when they bless those against them falsely. There is a homely proverb, that who persecute them, and say all manner of evil "he who spitteth against the wind spitteth in his own face." It is so with him who spits venom against the character of the innocent and virtuous. All the assaults of his malice recoil on his own head. Be not disturbed by him. Let him have his own way, and your innocence and his infamy will both be made apparent. It may cost some trial of your patience, but that will be a profitable exercise. Your name may, for a brief season, be under the cloud; but it will shortly appear brighter than before. Possess your soul in patience. Move quietly and steadily onward aimed at you. "Who is he that will harm you, if ye in an upright way, and fear not the evil which is be followers of that which is good ?" No one. There may be those who will try to injure you. They may be the more inimical towards you for the very reason that they cannot provoke you to be revengeful. Be it so, if it must. "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass: and and thy judgment as the noonday." he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light,

Fragments.

BLESSED be God for his long-suffering goodness, and i his warning mercy. He might justly have spared his words, and come instantly to blows. But he speaks before he strikes: and he threatens that he may not destroy. May the kind alarm awaken our fear; and may our fear produce flight; and may we flee for refuge to the hope set before us, even Jesus, who delivers from the wrath to come.

GOD is at once infinitely easy to be apprehended by the lowest of his spiritual children, and infinitely difficult to be comprehended by the highest of his seraphim.-Tupper.

THE believer's life is his school time, and eternity his holiday.-Miss Plumptre.

STREAMS of small pleasures fill the lake of happiness. JoY.-True joy is a serious thing.-H. Bonar.

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III. THE next thing was, the seasons when it is that the believer, whose strength is renewed, doth mount up.

1. Whenever he gets the new nature, and the disposition; whenever he is converted, he mounts up on wings as an eagle. It is said of Paul (Acts ix. 11) whenever he was converted, Behold, he prayeth :" think you Paul never prayed any before that time? Yea, many a prayer had he uttered, no doubt; for he profited in the Jewish religion above many of his equals in his own nation: he had learned to say his prayers as well as the best of them; but he never prayed spiritually and acceptably before; he had never mounted up to heaven in his prayer before: but now, "Behold he prays;" behold he mounts up, whenever he is converted.

2. He mounts up to heaven, all the days of his life, after his conversion; he is still making some progress heavenward; whatever backsets he may get by sin and Satan now and then, yet he gets up again, and still ascends nearer and nearer heaven: "Nevertheless. I am continually with thee."-(Psa. lxxiii. 23.) Whatever I do, I endeavour still to be up on the mount with God. David would have both day and night spent with God: "The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life."-(Psa. xlii. 8.) He went to bed, as it were, with God in his arms; for he remembered him upon his bed, and meditated upon him in the night-watches; and his soul was satisfied as with marrow and fatness: and when awakened out of his sleep he found him in his arms: "When I awake, I am still with thee."

3. He mounts up when he gets a fresh gale and new influences of the Spirit. The believer, at his lowest, is like a ship wind-bound, lying at anchor, but ready to set sail whenever the wind is fair; he can but make small progress with the oars of diligence when the wind and tide is against him. O Sirs! if there be any gale of the Spirit blowing among you this day, then mount, mount, mount; you may make more progress then in an hour, than you will do without it in many a year, yea, in a whole lifetime.

4. The believer uses to mount up with wings about a communion-time; nothing less will serve him than to come to Bethel, the house of God; he will go into the chambers of presence, and never rest till he be at the end of his flight. Where is that, say you? Doth he mount to a communion-table? nay, he must be farther doth he mount to the top of duties and ordinances? nay, he must be farther: doth he mount to heaven? nay, he must be farther yet. Strange! Where would he flee next? Indeed, he would flee into the heart of Christ: "Set me as a seal upon

thine heart; " yea, and which is more yet, he would not only have himself in Christ's heart, but he would have Christ in his heart-" Christ in him the hope of glory." And what would he do with him when he hath got him there? O then, saith he, "He shall lie all night between my breasts;" if I can, I will keep him all the night-time of this life, which is but a night, "till the day of eternity break, and the shadows fly away."

5. The believer mounts up on wings, as an eagle, at the day of death; then he soars aloft: "This night thou shalt be with me in Paradise." It is said of the adder, that when she is old she goes through some strait passage, and leaves her old skin in the passage, and thereby renews her vigour and life. This passage of death is strait, and uneasy to the body, which, like the adder's skin, is left in the way; and not without much pain and difficulty to it but the soul passeth through without any harm; and the next moment mounts up to her state of immortality and happiness: then the believer mounts up indeed to the general assembly and church of the first-born, to the innumerable company of angels, to God the judge of all, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant; yea, then he is mounted up a pillar in the temple of his God.

6. The believer will mount up at the day of judgment as with eagle's wings; then will he flee up to meet Christ in the air: "Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord."-(1 Thess. iv. 17.) You see then when the believer mounts up.

IV. The fourth thing is, to speak to the manner how the believer mounts up-" He mounts up with wings as an eagle." In whatever respects the eagle mounts up, the same way doth the believer.

1. The eagle mounts up freely and naturally; God gives it a mounting nature: "Doth the eagle mount up at thy command?" says the Lord to Job (chap. xxxix. 27); nay, it is by the instinct which the Lord hath given it, so that it is natural to it. Thus the believer mounts up naturally after God hath given him the new heart; it is natural to him to be mounting towards God. When the hypocrite mounts, he is forced up contrary to his natural tendency, as it were, like a stone cast up into the air; it is not natural to it to fly up, but rather to fall down; but the believer mounts up naturally and freely.

2. The eagle mounts up highly; she flies higher than other birds: she makes her nest on high, on some inaccessible rock; not like the ostrich, that' leaves her eggs in the sand, as some leave their souls here on earth: but these spiritual eagle-believers, these heavenly birds, they fly high, even to the Rock