THIRTIETH DAY. AMIDST the many dull and cheerless scenes of earth, what is that bright ray of hope which is shed across the pilgrim's path? It is the hope of an eternal life. It is felt that everything which surrounds us now is both impure and fleeting. To-day we gather flowers, tomorrow we fling them down; for they have all faded and withered, even while in our grasp. So that nothing is secure, save that bright hope which "entereth within the veil." Often do we ask when will the skies clear, and the storm-clouds depart? for here we are surrounded with a multitude of humiliating woes. What depressions of the body, weaknesses of the mind, and infirmities of the flesh! What storms of care, storms of conscience, and storms of mental perplexity! When will the tempest be over, that we may enter the haven of the Sabbatic rest? Long since should we have sunk upon our journey, or turned back in despair, but that our souls have been gladdened by hope, which "maketh not ashamed." Another thought greatly cheers the disciple's mind; it is the precious hope of the Master's return. It may be that He He has bidden His will come suddenly. He bade us expect followers expect this. a time of carelessness and of cold unconcern. We see this on every hand. Much wickedness, and very little faith. It is even now as in the days of Noah, when the flood came. Men are asking, "Where is the sign of His coming?" His coming will be glorious, notwithstanding. What a meeting will that be, when out of every country, from every clime, redeemed ones shall be gathered! How grand and imposing the meeting! How majestic His throne! How numerous the glorious company of martyrs, saints, and holy angels! This is the cheering prospect which hope holds up for the "Wherefore, believer's contemplation. Resting in hope. The soul already anticipates the delights it shall feel amidst the vast company of those who stand before the throne, arrayed in "white robes;" there to join in telling of conflicts past there to sing eternally the anthem of a Saviour's never-dying love. Every difficulty overcome, every pang and tear subdued every desire obtained, every enemy vanquished. No more weary steps to take, and no more burdens to carry. No more darkness, no more doubts, and no more dark nights of weeping. Blessed rest! Long waited for long promised-long-expected REST! THOU bring'st the hope of those calm skies, XXXI. Resting in Christ. "REST IN THE LORD, and wait patiently for Him."-PSALM Xxxvii. 7. "WAITING for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."-1 CORINTHIANS i. 7, 8. AND thou hast laid thee down, thrice-happy one, Whence love's warm genial glow shall ne'er depart- And thou hast laid thee down, immortal one, Nor toil, nor sin, nor sorrow break the peace THIRTY-FIRST DAY. READER, do you know experimentally the peace and joy of believing? It would be strange indeed for a believer not to have to tell of trials, whether few or many, sharp or long. Possibly they may have been the "floods of affliction," or the waves and billows" that have gone over your soul. Taking courage from the past, can you contemplate the future without dread ? And if called to pass through the valley of the shadow of death, can you say, "I will fear no evil?" Perhaps you will recall some of the Lord's gracious visitations with thankfulness, because they quickened in you the desire to depart and to be with Christ. The same exercises may help you now to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." This do, for He it is who with His own hand shall soon destroy the power of death. If thy life is "hid with |