alter our nature-to walk as God wills-to forget ourselves—to bear in mind our position—and not to forget God, is more than flesh and blood could possibly accomplish-but God hath showed us a way. It seemed a thing totally beyond the power of Nehemiah, when he undertook to repair the ruins of Jerusalem, how many were his difficulties, how great the obstacles and the opposition against which he had to contend-but what cheered him on hear his words. Amid the scorner's laugh, he was undaunted, and said, "The Lord of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we, his servants, will arise and build." (Neh. ii. 20.) So, too, may we raise our drooping hands and weak knees, being confident in the promises of God; his presence shall be with us; his strength will enable us to overcome, and to be more than conquerors through him that loved us.

We have truly great cause for humility, and also for unbounded love and gratitude, when we think that, amid all our wanderings, God still watches over us : and that, although we so constantly forget him, he never forgets us. To that blessed One be glory in the Church, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

S. S.

THE CHRISTIAN'S MOTTO.

"Faint, yet pursuing."

O THOU who only canst impart
The power to tread the heavenly road,
With fainting step and bleeding heart,
I travel to thy blest abode.

Fain would I run, with nimble pace;
With cheerful heart, and willing feet;
Fain would I love the toilsome race,
And find e'en pain and labour sweet.

But, Lord! what legions of my foes,-
Of foes without, and foes within,—
My heavenly pilgrimage oppose,

With all the powers of hell and sin.

Here Pride, with high and haughty mien, Disdains to tread the humbling vale, And Self-conceit, my ear to win,

Repeats her false and flattering tale.

There, Indolence, with folded arms,
Shrinks from the mountain's steep ascent,
And Pleasure spreads her syren-charms,
To lure me to her magic tent.

Proud Discontent, with sullen pace
Reluctant treads the thorny road;
And wild presumption fain would trace
A smoother path, with roses strewed.

Lo! gloomy Doubt, with fearful clouds
Conceals the sun's meridian blaze,
The glorious prize in darkness shrouds,
And leaves the road a wildering maze.

And Unbelief, with tears and sighs,

With downcast look, and hopeless air, Far from the Saviour turns her eyes, And points to realms of black despair.

O Lord! my strength and courage fail ;
I lift my waiting eyes to Thee ;—
No human aid can aught avail,—

No human power can set them free.

Though plunged in deep and sore distress,
On Thee my trembling soul relies,
And forward still I strive to press,―
"Faint, yet pursuing" still the prize.

O Thou, the strength of every saint!
Thy promised grace is ever sure ;
Thy word is pledged to help the "faint,"
And make them to the end endure.

On Thy supporting arm I lean,

On Thee my every burden cast ;

Through Thee I still the prize shall win,— "Faint, yet pursuing," to the last!

MALVINA.

THE IRISH PEARL.

No. IX.

MANY days passed by, and multiplied into weeks, and still Florence and her husband were unwillingly detained amidst the smoke and dust and uncongenial crowds of London. They had been ready to depart, when Florence received a very gracious message from the Queen, intimating that she desired a parting interview with her, and until a day was appointed for this audience, they felt obliged to remain. At length, introduced once more by the Duchess of Ormond, Florence stood before her Majesty: but this time it was a private audience, and with the exception of Prince George, no other witness was present.

Florence's quick eyes had immediately discerned her beloved pearls in a small casket which lay open on a table beside the Queen, and as if in reply to the regretful shade which stole across her expressive face, her Majesty at once introduced the subject, and with dignified kindness acknowledged her appreciation of the sacrifice Lady Glenleary had made for the gratification of her wish Her Grace of Ormond,' added she, has put us entirely in possession of the extent of that sacrifice, but while accepting this devotedness to our wishes as an earnest of the future loyalty of your distinguished house, and of your personal attachment to ourself, far be it from me, dear lady,' added she, altering her style to

a more familiar form of speech, far be it from me to gratify a passing fancy by trampling on feelings so hallowed and so dear. When I admired those fair jewels, I had no idea that an intrinsic interest enhanced their matchless beauty in your eyes, and I also indulged a hope that in parting with them you might have been induced to remain within the sphere of their influence ; but Lady Ormond, your friend, has convinced me how much better you have decided, and that even at a distance you may carry out my views and gratify my wishes, even more satisfactorily than when immediately in my presence.'

Her Majesty paused and turned towards Prince George, who smiled an assent to thoughts he seemed to read, as he removed the casket from the table and placed it in the royal hand, while a smile of another character almost imperceptibly stole across the face of the Duchess, as she caught the look of alarm in Florence's eyes, who in listening to the last words of the Queen, was evidently impressed with the idea that she was about to be betrayed into some snare.

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But the next sentence relieved her apprehensions; addressing her again, her Majesty continued, giving me an outline of your history, do not think there was any betrayal of confidence, but your friend knew that I had one object warmly at heart, and she believed it would be devoutly seconded by you; while lately taking into consideration the state of religion in our colonies, I could not remain indifferent to the benighted condition of many of my subjects nearer home, or be unmindful of the ignorance and superstition which I believe to be the parents of so many of Ireland's misdeeds. I have earnestly wished to create a counter influence, to extend the blessings of religious instruc