death. From this ignominious slavery Thou, my great Redeemer, hast ransomed me, and brought me into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. I was a stranger, and Thou didst take me in; naked, and Thou clothed me with the spotless robe of Thy own righteousness. I was hungry, and Thou didst feed me; thirsty, and Thou didst give me to drink of the fountain of life. What am I, O Lord, and what is my father's house, that Thou hast dealt so graciously with me, in entering into an everlasting covenant, signed and sealed, even sensibly sealed to my soul by the witness of the Spirit? Lord, why me rather than many that were companions of my early vanities and folly? Whence were the motives drawn but from Thy sovereign pleasure? How many are passed by that could have done Thee more service, and returned a warmer acknowledgment to Thy distinguishing bounty? Ye spirits of just men made perfect! ye ransomed nations triumphant above! instruct me in the art of celestial eloquence! tell me in what strains of harmony you express your gratitude for this glorious redemption, while in exalted raptures you sing to Him that loved you and washed you in His own blood, and made you kings and priests unto God.

A SONG OF PRAISE.

MRS. ROWE.

Prepare, my soul, thy noblest lays,
And speak thy great Deliverer's praise;
Awake, my voice, and gentle lute,
Nor let one grateful string be mute;

From His lofty seat He hears

Our sad complaints, and dries our tears;
He regards the pensive breast,
And gives the weary pilgrim rest.
On human miseries from His throne,
With soft compassion He looks down;
The weight of all our griefs He knows,
And seems to share our secret woes.

Lord, what is man, that he should prove
The object of such boundless love?
Whence can such wondrous bounty spring
To such a vain and worthless thing?
Why should he so largely share
Thy favour, and Thy tender care?
Why Thy sacred thoughts employ
In the heights of perfect joy?
Oh, let every grateful tongue
Speak Thy praise in lofty song;
And thou, my soul, join all thy powers,
In this blest work employ thy hours.

MRS. ROWE.

X. THANKSGIVING FOR AN OVERRULING

PROVIDENCE.

PSA. xcvii. 1, 2, 11.-The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne.-Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

WHAT I most desired Thou hast denied, and yet I praise Thee. Thou hast done it: that silences me. Thy will renders it indisputable,

and makes it my indispensable duty to with it. I praise Thee that thou interpose providence even in disappointing my enter and dost not give me up to the blind des my own heart, and to wander at rand counsels of my own. I rejoice more to with Thy will, and to be submissive to T posal, than to have my will in every poin formed. If all things went as I would, 1 not positively learn the care of God; bu Providence out of human probability tal terprises out of my hands, and well-re designs out of my heart, this conduct shows to me Thy condescending concern my lot and life.

How manifold are the mercies of Go how surprising the scene of adorable Provi Here wheels revolve within a wheel, and glorious spokes are full of flaming eyes s ing omniscience and wisdom.

Now when I have for so many years were, tried the dispensations of Provi what have I to say against it? Nothing. what at first appeared dark and intricate little was clear and intelligible; yea, som that scene which seemed most gloomy outer wheel, when the inner wheel re shone most glorious, even to astonishme that what in the beginning extorted despo thoughts from me, has in the end excited songs of praise. In that part of my life a past, and in the scenes of Providence a cleared up, I cheerfully confess and sing hath done all things well." Oh, how is m

delighted with the retrospective view of my life, and ravished with the sweet survey of the conduct of Providence! All mercies are benign and comforting; but how do some exceedingly surprise! When I behold the instrument or hand by which, the way, the manner how, and the time when they came, Thy time, Thy way, Thy method are the best, who clearly seest through dark scenes, and knowest my frame, and better what suits it than the deepest penetration of my heart ever can. Thy path, O thou Governor of men and of angels, is in the mighty waters, and Thy footsteps are not known; for who can know the ways of Him who is wonderful in working? Therefore I approve His conduct, admire His goodness, and where I cannot see His end, am silent and adore.

MEIKLE.

God of my life, how good, how wise,
Thy judgments on my soul have been ;
They were but blessings in disguise,
The painful remedies of sin;

How different now Thy ways appear,
Most merciful, when most severe !

Since first the maze of life I trod,
Hast Thou not hedged about my way;
My worldly vain designs withstood,
And robb'd my passions of their prey;
Withheld the fuel from the fire,
And cross'd my every fond desire?

How oft didst Thou my soul withhold,
And baffle my pursuit of fame,

E