ed a draught for it when I was in New York last. I tell you what it is, Affie, Switzerland does not afford a more delightful spot for a building than we have over here. I wish our friend Morse, instead of paying out a hundred to enlarge his library, had taken it to build a piazza; it would improve the looks of his house very much. He had books enough before, he has more books than I should read and understand, if I should live to be as old as Methusaleh. I intend to get a few nice volumes, when we get into our new house."

Mrs. Radford was almost a silent listener, occasionally giving him a sorrowful smile; as her husband took his hat and hurriedly left the house, she murmured low, "I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." She called

her children together and prayed with them, earnestly beseeching God that they might be led to seek first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and also saved from becoming blinded by the God of this world. After her family devotions, which she never neglected, were concluded, she called upon Mrs. Morse, accompanied by her two younger children. As she entered the yard, the three young Morses ran to meet her. George, Alpheus, and Odora were their names. There were also the three Bertrams, Walter, Josephine, and David.

The children had just been listening to an oration delivered by Theodore Williams, a bold, fine looking lad, who had been perched upon a stool in the centre of the yard. Josephine, as she walked up the path beside Mrs. Radford, pointed to the flowers and said, "Theodore reads these as he

would a book, and he has repeated to us almost the entire oration that was delivered the fourth of last July. I don't believe that brother Walter could say a word of it, and I do not know that poor David knows that there was a fourth of July."

Mrs. Radford entered the room, leading little Odora by the hand. Josephine had woven a beautiful wreath and placed it upon Odora's head, which delighted her so that her dark eyes were brighter than ever. She clambered upon her papa's knee, made a great display of her flowers, and jabbered so fast, that he had scarce opportunity to greet the ladies as they entered. He related the particulars of his recent journey, remarking that if he lived and his health would permit of it, he should visit the Medical Society at M. the coming winter. 666 But to live is Christ, to die is gain.'

I have been convinced for several months that what my hands find to do, I must do with my might; for my days are numbered.”

The solemn and anxious looks of those present did not escape Odora's notice; she clasped her little hand each side her father's face, kissing him again and again, "You are sick, papa; smell this pretty rose, it will cure you."

The fond father patted her, and set her upon the floor. She ran away, and was soon skipping and playing with the other children. At this time a gentle tap was heard at the door, and an aged lady, a mother in Israel, entered; every one in this family was made glad whenever they were blessed with a visit from grandma Graham.

Mrs. Radford was much pleased that she was so fortunate as to meet

her dear friend; she had often been blessed, and her spiritual strength renewed in her society. Mrs. Morse was unusually sad, and whenever her dark hazel eyes, full of tenderness, rested upon her husband, a shade passed over her countenance, a half-suppressed sigh escaped her anxious bosom. The good old lady observed this, and spoke words of comfort such as these; "Those that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion. He has promised to hear his children in the day of their truble." She repeated a verse from her favorite hymn:

'How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word;
What more could he say than to you he hath said,
You who to his bosom for refuge hath fled."

The old lady, in lower and more subdued tones, continued:

"When through the deep waters I call you to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;