What is it that gives to life its sacred charm? What is it that enables us to go through the same busy scenes with ceaseless repetition, with new and ever-varying emotions? Although, from day to day, we return to the same walks of life; although, year after year, we toil incessantly at the same occupation, yet do we not become weary of it. There is a something that, as each day passes over our heads, enables us to hail its approach with feelings, not of languor or weariness, but of joy, that our vigor is renewed, and we are still enabled to follow our pursuits. There is a something within us that, as the light which greets the eye of the mariner who has long watched for it, gives to him new strength and revives his drooping spirits, also inspires us with new life, and imparts to us new vigor, when our minds are depressed with thoughts of the many sorrows and hardships of our lot, and enables us in life's darkest hour to wear a face of happiness, and calmly await the future. This something is Hope. It is that which lightens the burden of man, giving his countenance a joyful cast, even in times of sorrow. It is hope that enables him to triumph over and laugh to scorn his worst foe, despair. Is his brow shrouded in darkness, hope dispels the dark shade, and covers it, in its stead, with sunny smiles.

Were it not for this hope, life would indeed be a "dull reality;" sorrows would reign where joy now sits light, and the approach of the future be regarded as that of the jailer to the condemned felon. Well and truly has Addison written, that "that life is the happiest which is the fullest of hope."

TEARS.

THERE is in tears something, which, while it conveys a sad impression to the heart, is yet pleasing at times, and more gratifying than many so-called pleasures; for tears universally draw our sympathy towards the weeper, and not only that, but they speak of sympathy also. They show a tender heart, and one in which the gentlest passions have fullest sway; for one in whom the bad passions are found strong, rarely weeps, as with our tears seems to flow away also all that is bad, leaving us filled with better feelings than before dwelt within us. There is scarce any thing that opens so readily the fountain of tears, as that which calls us to separate from some loved friend who has enjoyed our sympathies for a long time, whether that separation be in spirit, or of the body. Above all, death touches us the most— then it is, when some loved one is called to de

part, that our grief grows more strong: and I would not have it otherwise. Although I would not see too much grief at death, yet I would not leave this world without a single tear glistening in the eyes of those I leave behind me; for it would bespeak a coldness of heart. I would have those who love me, though but little, evince that little, or else it would say, plainer than words, that I was not such an one as, by a kind disposition and gentle manners, drew the sympathies and love of my friends, and endeared them to me. It would seem to say, plainer than words, "thou wert not a being formed for love, and earth is as well without thee." O how would my heart be pained, did I know that such would be said of me when I die! When I am called to depart, I would be lamented-I would have the tears, in the still, silent hour of reflection, come unbidden to the eyes, as a lament for one, loved for his good qualities and kindness of heart.

GUARDIAN SPIRITS.

WHAT a beautiful, consoling doctrine is that of guardian spirits, hinted at by some heavenly minds! O, it is a glorious thought, that while we are busied with the cares and troubles of this

nether world, there are spirits on high, watching over us with solicitude, and directing our energies in right paths! that as some evil imagination comes into our minds, the dread thought is banished by a guardian spirit. And may not those guardian spirits be, in some measure, the spirits of our departed friends, who, seeing the danger through which they had passed, are anxious to preserve us from the same, and therefore hover around us, to guard us in all our actions? Happy is he who follows as they direct! Wretched is he who neglects their soft whisperings ! Man's life is a mixture of good and bad. The good, we may imagine, is the path through which they, bearing the will of the All-Supreme one, lead us gently on; the bad, that path in which we stray when we neglect their counsels. It is a doctrine especially soothing and beautiful to those wounded by the loss of near and dear relations. While they are still lingering here, they feel the gentle influence acting from above, and grief is in part assuaged. They direct the energies of the poor earthly mortal; and when, in silent contemplation, his imagination dwells on things heavenly, they commune with him, and an holy serenity and calmness reigns within his breast; and as he mingles with the contaminating things of earth, he remains by their guidance pure and uncontaminated.

PROPER USE OF TIME.

TIME, or the proper use of it, is a subject that most persons dislike very much to contemplate. Why, they can scarcely tell, but so it is. They are willing to dwell on scenes that have passed away, but seldom to bestow much thought on the future, or whether the past might not have been used to greater advantage, in a different manner. This, evidently, ought not so to be; for what does not depend on time, or the use we make of it? All our hopes, both here and in a brighter sphere, depend on it. The passage of time, then, ought to be carefully watched, and no moment suffered to pass without being employed to advantage, either in improving our own condition, or the condition of others. Indeed, if we strive continually to improve the condition of others, our own improvement will follow as a matter of course; for, happiness being the great object of our search, those will rarely miss finding it, who seek it in the improvement of their fellow beings; as a glow of delight and pleasure comes over the heart, at the thought of a good action, such as those, whose only thoughts conceive the best and most rapid means of acquiring riches, can never feel. The mind and the heart