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A SABBATH PASSED IN A DITCH.

hungers and thirsts after the bread of life and living waters, it will, under the most unfavourable circumstances, find out a way of holding communion with God. The heart may be comforted in the most solitary place, and a profitable sabbath may be spent in a ditch.

WAGES.

ONE word with you about wages; but first let me tell you, that I am not one of those who would have men work for nothing. No, no! An honest, industrious, skilful workman ought to receive good wages. Neither am I one of those who think workmen ought to demand what they like for their labour, regardless whether or not their masters can afford to give them more than they do. Masters must be considered as well as

men.

In short, I take it that a discontented and encroaching workman, and a hard oppressive master, are both alike, and that neither the one nor the other is a creditable character. Masters cannot do without workmen, nor workmen without masters; so the one ought to consider the welfare of the other.

You may say that workmen's wages are not high enough, either in town or country, and that a man with a family has many a pinch to make both ends meet; but, ad as it is to have low wages, it would be a great deal worse not to

receive wages after they have been fairly earned. How would you feel if, on a Saturday night, your master should say that he did not intend to pay you your wages? You would tell him that you had worked hard and honestly for your money, and were therefore entitled to it; and in telling him so, you would speak the truth. But let us see if you would, on all occasions, be equally anxious to receive your wages.

You either are, or ought to be, a servant of God, "The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity." What wages, then, do you consider yourself entitled to receive at his hands? If, as an humble follower of Christ, relying wholly on his atoning sacrifice, and giving all glory to God, you work while it is called to-day, doing the service of your Master with a willing mind, you will have no reason to complain of him hereafter. Grace here, and glory hereafter, are not to be despised. But, remember, "The wages of sin is death"-sure, certain, and eternal death. Remember, that even the great apostle Paul complained of the evil of his heart, and that the word of God tells us there is none righteous, no, not one! If, then, "the labourer is worthy of his hire," will you venture to demand your wages? If God, the Almighty Master of his servants, is ready to render to "every man according to his work," are

This

you equally ready to receive your wages? is a serious inquiry, and may, perhaps, lead you, not only to reflect on God's forbearance during your past life, but also to seek his grace in time to come, that you may be " a workman that needeth not to be ashamed."

"Time moves with rapid wings; but when shall fly The countless ages of eternity?"

Of how little importance are the wages of time, compared with those of eternity! If you know that you have done the works of iniquity, and feel afraid to reply to the inquiry, "Tell me, what shall thy wages be?" take up the language of the poor prodigal, "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants," Luke xv. 18, 19. If thus, with a contrite spirit, you are enabled, through mercy, to enter anew into the service of God, you will receive from him more than you can ask or think.

"For kingly crowns, though freely given,
Are dross, compared with that reward
Of peace on earth and joy in heaven,
Prepared for those who love the Lord."

SUITABLE MERCIES.

WHEN we regard the human frame attentively, we are not only struck with its symmetry and beauty, but also with the suitableness of its separate parts to the functions they have to perform. Had the hands occupied the place of the feet, and the feet the place of the hands, how imperfect would have been the workmanship performed by the one, and the movements made by the other! It is the same with the other members; they are nicely adapted to their several ends.

Although we observe these things, we are not so quick to perceive a suitableness in the blessings which our heavenly Father bestows upon us in the different seasons of life. If in youth we had the love of quietude that accompanies age, our strength and activity would be of little use; and if in age we possessed the ardour of youth, our infirmities would prevent it from being a benefit to us. There are a few lines, written by the Rev. H. Venn, on this subject, that can scarcely be read without interest.