I am many years older now. I have often partaken of the cup of joy; but oft-repeated, deep and bitter have been my draughts from the cup of sorrow. The presentiment has become reality.

Our mutual happiness, as we fondly, but foolishly supposed, was complete, when one bright morning our first-born was welcomed to our affections.

opening wonder!

My noble boy!

"Thy future lot below

We cannot now foresee, though fain would know;
We bid thee welcome.

And may thy life pass onward to its close,

As clear and bright as when on earth it rose."

Thou

And it did, but in a manner least anticipated.

What strange conflicting emotions struggled for the mastery, as the eye rested upon the living miniature; and we became conscious of the birth within us of a hitherto unknown, but deeply implanted principle-the holy one of parenthood! As the little downy cheek

sunk lightly upon my own, as the tiny dimpled fingers closed upon my own, as the bright little orbs twinkled inquiringly in my own, a well-spring of happiness bubbled up, deep and pure, in my soul, until it filled it to overflowing. My life was renewed and freshened. New sympathies were born, nobler sensibilities sprang into being with the entrance of this fresh rill from the Divine fountain of life. I thanked my God for the gleam of sunshine and voice of gladness He had given to cheer my heart beaten by the waves rolling in upon it from the world.

"O God, thou hast a fountain stirred
Whose waters never more could rest."

A little sister, and then a little brother, shared with him a place in a parent's heart. As each little leaf of life and beauty unfolded its glowing tints, and put forth its opening petals in the sunshine of life; as each newborn tendril stole timidly out; silently, yet firmly it clung around my heart, and entwined itself among the very fibres of my being.

And as I gazed upon these bright and beautiful threads of the web of life, woven daily more beautiful, new prayer was born within me, that these beautiful pieces might not be marred and ruined by sin.

This prayer was answered-O! how unexpectedly!

My life had been one protracted struggle with adversity, distress, and bitter disappoint

ments.

Life was to me a "shady side;" and by necessary contact had I seen so much of its wickedness and unbelief, that I could not trust the outward. Thick, dark clouds of sorrow rolled heavily over my path, causing present distress, and threatening to envelop my whole future existence in their gloomy folds.

With a strong heart I bore up manfully under the outward pressure; for, as yet, no stroke had fallen upon the sanctuary of home-no dark shadow had fallen upon my hearth. Without, it was struggle and toil; but within, all was peace. In the scenes of the

nursery, grief was forgotten, and my human. happiness was perfect. In its society I desired nothing to add to my joy. Each day strengthened the golden links that bound its inmates to my heart. Each day I felt the silent yet refreshing influence of the new souls added to my household. As they unfolded in gladsome infancy, as they sought and learned more, the tendrils of life clasped my affections more closely. Their winning ways-their artless movements their touching features-their gushes of joy-the sweet music of their voices -the dew-drops which sparkled upon each cheek, and the bright sunlight of the smiles which kissed each countenance, had a power which the world had not. They reached and moved the very life-roots of my being.

As the flower that may be unnoticed during the summer, becomes a precious exotic when the storms and winds of winter have blasted its sister flowers; so our babes, as the storms and sorrows of life sank with a winter's gloom upon my troubled spirits, and worldly hearts turned coldly away from my stricken soul, be

came doubly precious, with their confiding smiles and loving hearts. Upon them could I lavish the treasures of my affection. The world looked coldly upon me; but these little sunbeams gave to the dark clouds overspreading my path a silver lining. They penetrated the darkest clouds, and brightened and warmed my sorrowing heart.

The world was deceitful; they were artless. They did not profess what they did not feel. They did not manifest love for darkness, rather than light, positive disbelief, nor hatred against God and truth. Their lives were not sullied by transgression, and those crimes which inflict such intense suffering and sorrow upon humanity. Their confidence was as truthful as their affection was sincere. They were teachable. With what interest did they drink in knowledge, and receive the story of Grace! With what cheerfulness obey! With what reverence pray! With what eagerness inquire the way in which, thus revealing the deep desire, to grow up in favor with