the right hand, and then to the left; but all of no use the moment I reached one place, the sound was in another. Repeated disappointments brought me back to the beaten patn. I did not discover that evening where the corncrake was; but I found out, to a certainty, many places where it

was not.

Perhaps, reader, you may have been as much disappointed in your search after happiness, as I was in my search after the corncrake; and perhaps, too, like me, you have been glad to get back again to the spot whence you first set out. I was led by the corncrake a long dance through the mowing grass; and if you are pursuing earthly happiness, you will be led a long dance too. Hundreds of us have made up our minds to be happy we have felt sure that if we could do this, or get that, or obtain the other, we should have little else to wish for; but we may as well join in a chase after the corncrake, as after happiness in worldly things; for we are just as likely to catch the one as to get possession of the other.

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We have countless blessings to be grateful for; but the words spoken by the Redeemer to his disciples were not, "In the world ye shall be happy," but, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." It will be wise, then, to let the corncrake happiness of the world deceive us no longer, whether we

hear it afar off, or whether it appears within our reach. Let us give up the fruitless chase, and seek peace only in Christ, confidently looking forward to enjoy final and complete happiness in His presence, where there is "fulness of joy" and "pleasures for evermore."

SING FOR JOY.

As the trumpeter does more on the field of battle with his trumpet, by animating his comrades, than he could do with his sword; so I, being a poor singer, may do more by exhorting others to sing, than by singing myself: "O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day," Psa. xcvi. 1, 2.

Sing, pardoned sinner! for thy Saviour is called to his heavenly throne. He who died for thee is to be thy Judge. What, then, hast thou to fear? Thou once wast at enmity with God; but now thou art reconciled by thine adorable Redeemer. Thou once wast in bondage; but now thou art at liberty, and canst exult in the hope of everlasting life. Sing, sinner! for thy mourning is turned into joy, and thy fear of hell exchanged for the hope of heaven.

Sing, soldier of the cross! for the Captain of thy salvation has obtained the victory. The ene

mies were proud and high; but they are humbled and brought low. Thou wast a prisoner; but thy ransom is paid. Sing, soldier! for though thou wast a rebel fighting under the standard of sin, now thou art a true and faithful soldier of Jesus Christ, conquering under the banner of the cross.

Sing, sojourner of the desert! for the heat and burden of the day are well nigh past. Thirsty thou hast been; but now thou hast rivers of water in a dry place. The sun has sorely smitten thee; but now thou hast the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Sing, sojourner of the desert! for the promised land is in view, and thou shalt enter with joy into thine everlasting inheritance.

Sing, weary pilgrim! for thy crooked paths are made straight, and thy rough places plain. The burden of sin that oppressed thee is taken from thy back, and laid upon another who alone has power to bear it. A staff is given thee to support thy steps; a cordial to revive thy heart. The fire shall no more kindle upon thee, nor the waters overflow thee. Sing, pilgrim for the golden gates of the heavenly city are open, and thy Saviour waits to receive thee

Sing, Christian! for thou hast cause. Thy Leader and thy Lord is near to heal thy wounds, to dry thy sorrows, and to supply all thy wants out of the riches of his grace. Art thou weak? he will

strengthen thee; ignorant? he will instruct thee; cast down? he will raise thee up, and support thee. Sing, then, in time; for hou wilt soon sing a new song in eternity!

Sing, pardoned sinner! Sing, soldier of the cross! Sing, sojourner of the desert! Sing, weary pilgrim! and sing, Christian! for you have cause for singing. "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods," Psa. xcv. 1—3.