(Original.) TO A FRIEND. "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink."--John vii. 37. ELFRIDA ST AUBYN. It is thy Saviour's soul-refreshing voice- While such a sympathising friend is near, Full well indeed did He who spake them, know Or bring the human heart its longed-for rest! Oh! wherefore do we linger? wherefore stay Yet proudly turning from the Rock at hand?— A refuge for the needy in distress, A shadow in the sultry wilderness, A beacon to mankind in mercy given To guide our wandering footsteps unto heaven;- That Rock shall stand, a "precious corner-stone." And now, dear friend! who these few lines dost read, And while on earth be happy in His love; I linger but to make thee one request, (Oh! that thou may'st in granting it, be blest!) Whene'er thy soul, opprest by fear or grief, Seeks from the cares of earth to find relief, Then wilt thou on these words of mercy think— "Let him who thirsts come unto me and drink!" A DYING PRAYER. MARY HOWITT. ALMIGHTY GOD! look down Upon thy feeble servant! strengthen him! Oh! how unworthy of thy grace, How poor, how needy, stain'd with sin! Thy Kingdom, and behold thy face! I bless thee for the life which thou hast crown'd For pleasures that were found, Like way-side flowers, in quiet solitude. I bless thee for the love that watch'd o'er me Through the weak years of infancy, For mourning give it joy, and praise for heaviness! COMMENTARY ON A LINE OF SALVATOR ROSA. "Nasci pœna, vita labor, necesse mori." BERNARD BARTON. OH! say not that the boon of birth Is punishment alone; God, who bestow'd it, knew its worth! The gift was all his own— Design'd to serve a noble end, Would but thy thoughts to Him ascend. Think not that life is nothing more Than labour. Hath it not, 'Mid paths by thorns besprinkled o'er, Whence gentle feelings, musings high, M |