These are the power of beauty's charms,

Without whose vital aid

Unfinished all her beauty seems,

And all her roses dead.

But how divinely shines the form..
Where all these charms appear!

Then go, behold my Anna's face,

And read them perfect there."

AKENSIDE.

THE LOVERS.

"It was an eve of Autumn's holiest mood;
The corn-fields, bathed in Cynthia's silver light,
Stood ready for the reaper's gathering hand;

And all the winds slept soundly-Nature seemed,
In silent contemplation, to adore

Its Maker. Now and then the aged leaf
Fell from its fellows, rustling to the ground;

And, as it fell, bade man think on his end.

On vale and lake, on wood and mountain high,
With pensive wing outspread, sat heavenly Thought,
Conversing with itself. Vesper looked forth,
From out her western hermitage, and smiled;
And up the east unclouded, rode the Moon
With all her stars, gazing on earth intense,
As if she saw some wonder walking there.

Such was the night, so lovely, still, serene,
When, by a hermit thorn that on the hill
Had seen a hundred flowery ages pass,
A damsel kneeled to offer up her prayer-
Her prayer nightly offered, nightly heard.
This ancient thorn had been the meeting place
Of love, before his country's voice had called
The ardent youth to fields of honour far
Beyond the wave: and hither now repair'd,
Nightly, the maid, by God's all-seeing eye
Seen only, while she sought this boon alone:
'Her lover's safety and his quick return.'
In holy, humble attitude she kneeled,
And to her bosom, fair as moonbeam, pressed
One hand, the other lifted up to heaven.
Her eye, upturned, bright as the star of morn,
As violet meek, excessive ardour streamed,
Wafting away her earnest heart to God.
Her voice, scarce uttered, soft as Zephyr sighs
On morning lily's cheek though soft and low,
Yet heard in heaven, heard at the Mercy-seat.
A tear-drop wandered on her lovely face;
It was a tear of faith and holy fear,

Pure as the drops that hang at dawning-time,
On yonder willows by the stream of life..

On her the moon looked steadfastly; the stars,

That circle nightly round the Eternal Throne

Glanced down, well-pleased; and Everlasting Love
Gave gracious audience to her prayer sincere.

O, had her lover seen her thus alone,

Thus holy, wrestling thus, and all for him!
Nor did he not: for oft-times Providence,
With unexpected joy the fervent prayer
Of faith surprised. Returned from long delay,
With glory crowned of righteous actions won,
The sacred thorn, to memory dear, first sought
The youth, and found it at the happy hour,
Just when the damsel kneeled herself to pray.
Wrapped in devotion, pleading with her God,
She saw him not, heard not his foot approach.
All holy images seemed too impure

To embalm her he saw. A seraph kneeled,

Beseeching for his ward, before the Throne,

Seemed fittest, pleased him best. Sweet was the thought!

But sweeter still the kind remembrance came,

That she was flesh and blood, formed for himself

The plighted partner of his future life.

And as they met, embraced, and sat, embowered,

In woody chambers of the starry night,
Spirits of love about them ministered,

And God, approving, blessed the holy joy!"

POLLOK.

CHAPTER IV.

DOMESTIC RULE TO BE EXERCISED BY THE HUSBAND.

As in the human body, the head must rule and direct, so in the domestic institution, the head must be the source of control and authority. The word of God distinctly recognises this, and avers that the "head of the woman is the man"-and as such the exercise of rule devolves upon him. Other Scriptures enforce this in language most explicit and unmistakable, and insists that this authority is most extensive, that the wife is to be subject to the husband "in everything," of course not including matters of religion, where the conscience is only amenable to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the word of his truth. No body could answer its purpose, except by a governing head, just so, the domestic kingdom could not be carried on and out without legitimate rule and

authority, so that either the man must have this authority or the woman, the husband or the wife. As the woman was created for the man, "and is of the man," so is she to be subject to him. But it is not subjection to whim, to caprice, much less to tyranny that is exacted of her.

It

may be her misfortune and sorrow to have to bear these, but in such matters she is wronged and oppressed. The authority of the husband is to be that of love, of esteem, and honour. His sceptre is to be wielded by the hand of kindness and gentleness. His laws must not only be based on the fitness of things, but must reflect the equity and goodness of the revealed will of God. And obedience here will never be felt irksome or distressing. If there is true-hearted oneness, due and reasonable submission will be cheerfully rendered. Love will make working hands, cheerful feet, and an acquiescing spirit. It is only to the ignorant, or proud, or heartless that this yoke will be galling. In the union formed by affection, like the yoke of the Saviour, it will be easy and the burden light.

If there be a violation of the Divine law here, why not in other departments of the family establishment. And what will then become of the obedience of children, or subjection of servants, or in one word, what is to pre