ΟΝ

A NOBLE SENTIMENT.

N Monday, the 9th of September, in the afternoon, the frigate was near cast away with the violence of the waves, but at that time recovered; and giving forth signs of joy, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who sat in the stern with a book in his hand, cried out to the men of the "Hind," whenever they came within hearing, "Courage, my lads! we are as near to heaven by sea as by land!" reiterating the same speech, which was well worthy of a soldier resolute in Jesus Christ.

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What a text for a preacher ! As near to heaven by sea as by land"- -as near to heaven in the garret as in the palace, in the reeking city as in the fresh breezy village. And not only we as near to heaven, but heaven also as near to us! Ever about and around us--ever enfolding and embracing us—ever watching, quieting, sheltering us—if we will but so live as to deserve its protection; if we will but so live as to merit the companionship of Christ and His angels!

W. H. D. Adams.

AT

HOPE.

T summer eve, when Heaven's ethereal bow
Spans with bright arch the glittering hills below,
Why to yon mountain turns the musing eye,
Whose sunbright summit mingles with the sky?
Why do those cliffs of shadowy tint appear
More sweet than all the landscape smiling near?
'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view,
And robes the mountain in its azure hue.
Thus, with delight, we linger to survey
The promised joys of life's unmeasured way;
Thus, from afar, each dim-discover'd scene

More pleasing seems than all the past hath been,
And every form that fancy can repair

From dark oblivion, glows divinely there.

What potent spirit guides the raptured eye

To pierce the shades of dim futurity?

Can wisdom lend, with all her heavenly power,

The pledge of joy's anticipated hour?

Ah, no! she darkly sees the fate of man

Her dim horizon pointed to a span;

Or, if she hold an image to the view,

'Tis nature pictured too severely true.

With thee, sweet Hope, resides the heavenly light

That pours remotest rapture on the sight:
Thine is the charm of life's bewilder'd way,
That calls each slumbering passion into play.
Waked by thy touch, I see the sister band,
On tiptoe watching, start at thy command,
And fly where'er thy mandate bids them steer,
To pleasure's path or glory's bright career.

Thomas Campbell.