EVENING THOUGHTS. 09 me back carefully hpon the sofa, and, ftrange as it may seem,I again fell into a quiet, dreamless sleep. When I aWoke, I found that it was already dark, and lights, carefully shaded, Stood upon the table. I remembered the face I had seen, and lay still, won- dering if I could meet him calmly now. I could not quiet the wild throbbing at my heart. At length heard a voice call my name, and the next moment I was lifted from the 80fa by a strong arm. I could not see clearly the face that was bending Over me, for in eyes were “ dim with tears.” But Iy heard the whispered Words—I have hidden them in the secret chambers of my heart -—-“ What Shall lrender unto God for all his benefits ’1 ” Nov. 3. Standing by Lucy’s couch, We were married, Kenneth and I. She begged that it might be so. It was a 38d bridal indeed; there were few miles, many tears. Lucy only smil- "lg. She only not weeping. She already done with tears. The next morning ours followed afresh. Lucy was in heaven. EVENING THOUGHTS. BY BATH I HAWTHORNE. T was a beautiful evening in early '_ summer. AsI sat near an open Window, my head resting on my hand,o Inking of the sorrows of my life, the clear, sweet notes of a robin fell 0'1 my ear. Sweet robin,I thought, 0W happy it is; it knows no sin. Would that I were a bird, too. But the thought was hardly formed, ere my heart reproached me. It might not be so strange for those who have never known a Saviour’s love, and never felt the influence of the blessed mforter on their hearts; those Who have no support under the trials 0f life, and no hope of a happy im- mortality, to wish that they were like .0 birds or beasts, who exist for a tune, and then erish wholly. But to one who has t hope which is an anchor to the soul, who can look on the troubles here as not worthy to be compared with the lory which is to be revealed, such a t ought is utterly repugnant. But though I may not wish to be like the robin in its brief existence, I may seek to be like it, al- ways sounding the praises of my Creator, in storm as well as in pros- perity. I may learn like it, to look to my Heavenly Father for a supply of my daily wants, without an anxious thought for the future. And then I thought, oh, that I had it in my hands, that I might fold it to my bosom, look into its bright eyes, and hear its sweet song close to my ears. But would it sing then? I fear not. I must leave it unfettered and unpinioned to soar at pleasure wherever it ,will under the broad, blue canopy of heaven, if I would listen to its song. Let me learn then, that I must sunder every sordid tie which binds me to earth, if I would have my spirit fitted to soar above the petty vexations of life, and delight in the sunshine of infinite Love. SELF-CONQU EST. BY XAURICK DILANCIY. “ RACT ICE makes perfect." I have not traced these words as something new, for all have heard them, but as a kind of apology for taking up the pen; for know thou, patient reader, that I never sit down to write for the public eye, without misgivings as to whether lean pre sent my thoughts in a form instructive, yet free from dullness. But “ waiting ” to become a fluent writer, will never accomplish the end sought; so com- forting myself with the reflection that practice will at last lead to improve- ment, I grasp the pen anew, and give you this as my simple apology- 1 am going to talk a little about gov- ernment; not judicial or arental, but government of self, and claim it as being one of the most important subjects which can be named.