the dry hand of an Egyptian Mummy, was found to have retained the principle of life. Having been placed in proper earth it began to sprout, and has at length displayed some green leaves. How wonderful that during such a long period of time, shut up from light, air, and moisture; and condemned, we might suppose, to be a lost and forgotten thing, it should not have perished, but been brought into especial notice, and given rise to many a reflection on the wisdom, power and providence of Him who only hath life in himself. It was the purpose of God that this bulb should thus grow; and, instead of being like its fellow used merely as an article of food, should serve to the end of promoting his glory, by attracting the observation of philosophers and Christians. His purpose

therefore hath stood, and no circumstances, however unfavorable, could have prevented its fulfilment. If God then hath thus preserved the grass of the field, and, in his own time and way, hath shewn that even a bulbous root receives life from him, the believer may surely see herein an illustration of that incorruptible seed which dwells through grace in the heart of God's people. The spiritual life which God the Spirit grants to the soul is an indestructible life, or it could have not been to his glory to have granted it. It was granted by God upon a covenant of promise and power, and after the counsel of him who worketh all things after his own will. It cannot therefore perish, but liveth and abideth for ever. Yes there are those who for years may seem as dead in spiritual things, who are shut up from all the means of grace, and buried in vanity, and grasped by the stiffness of earth, that yet, to the joy and wonder of

believers, and, to the riches and glory of God's grace, these after awhile give proofs that the root of the matter is in them, that they have been quickened by the Spirit, and that nothing is too hard for the Lord; they are brought from darkness into marvellous light, delivered from the bondage of corruption, and kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

DIE daily lest you die eternally.-Watson.

THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM IN SEARCH OF

THE CELESTIAL CITY.

INVITED by the voice of love

To quit the scene of earthly care,

He listens to the sweet and hallow'd notes

That call him to a purer sphere,

And bids to sublunary joys

Adieu! for faith's support implores;

Resigns affection's dearest ties,

And hastens off for brighter shores,

The Christian Pilgrim fully knows
He must with trials great contend,
He meets with foes at every pass,
And combats hard to gain his end.

Unlook'd for interruptions thwart,
And darkling fiends his steps oppose;
These in their envy countless are,
And vast and formidable those.

Yet still, illumed by truth's pure light,
He does not from his course depart;
Though distant far the shore he seeks
Hope gives him energy of heart.

Encouraged by his Saviour's smiles
He never loiters on his way;
On arm Omnipotent he leans,
And needs than this no other stay.

With cautious eye his road he scans,
(Though saving grace to him be given,)
His mind is ever on the watch

Lest he should miss the way to heaven.

The blessed Spirit prompts him on,

And points his thoughts to joys above,

Bids him in Christ put all his trust,

And aids him with his tend'rest love.

The holy city, beauteous, fair,

Now greets the happy Pilgrim's sight;

Her gates fly open at his knock,
And Angels hail him with delight.

How happy now, with Christ his God!
How well rewarded for his cares!
And mercy's hand bestows the crown,-
The bright and glorious crown he wears.
L. H.

REV. H. A. SIMCOE, (Penheale-Press,) Cornwall.

To the Editor of the Light from the West.' SPRING and her delightful appearances are now most wishfully expected; never, perhaps, more so than

E

at the present time. The long and dreary winter, with its rains and storms, its frosts and snows, is almost gone, nearly out of sight behind us. O how cheering it is to catch a glimpse of brighter skies !— to go forth and breathe the soft and reviving air of Spring, to view creation once again in the sunbeams with new-born beauty and glory. God, in his great goodness, has again permitted us to do this. We may now say, I think, "The winter is past; the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come; and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land."

But, my soul, let me ask,-Is it spring-time with thee? Are there any earnests within thee of that blessed season? Has the breath of heaven breathed his life-giving breath upon thee? Has "the Sun of righteousness arisen with healing in his wings" upon thee? And has the heavenly dew softly descended upon thee "as dew upon the grass ?" Then, where are the affections ascending continually to heaven ?— where the praises of a grateful and rejoicing heart?— where the joy and peace in believing?" Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God."

Look back and behold that Primrose,-dropping and almost crushed with the rain, and the sleet, and the storm! But still, it is an earnest of more kindly seasons, of approaching summer, and genial skies. And so are thy graces, small and weak as they are, earnests of better things, richer communications of spiritual gifts, and brighter views of the divine glory:

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