nent, a spirit strengthened for a more decided protest gainst all error, and desires more intense to live as becometh the people of God, as members of Christ mystical in the Church Militant, in the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of Christ personal, the head of the Church triumphant !

THE LILY OF THE VALLEY.

"CONSIDER the lilies of the field how they grow," were our Lord's own words to his disciples; and he bade them do so in order that their weak faith might be strengthened, and that thus they might learn " to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," in the full assurance that all other things should be added unto them. May the Lord himself direct our minds and hearts, that in following this His own injunction, we may learn another lesson of His love and care, and have more deeply impressed upon us those solemn truths which belong to our present and eternal peace.

The lily of the valley is one of the loveliest of the many flowers that deck our woods and fields; let us seek it then in the deep retirement it loves so well, and listen to its gentle teaching. We may perhaps have some difficulty in our search; for carefully it shuns the frequented path and chooses some shady spot in an untrodden part of the wood. And how is it with the Christian? does his soul prosper amidst the excitement of the business or the pleasures of the world? Would our lily flourish as it does if we brought it to our gardens and planted it where there is no shade from the summer's sun? Even so the Christian whose talents or position in life make his society desired by those who are not of the Saviour's little flock: he may be tempted to neglect secret communion with His God, and though for a time, all may seem to go well, yet one by one his

graces will begin to wither, and e'er long we shall have nothing left but the green leaves of profession. "Love not the world," "for the world passeth away, and the lust thereof," and "the friendship of the world is enmity against God." And if it be so, that intercourse with the world is dangerous to the Christian in general: it is especially dangerous to the Christian female. And do we not see another proof of the wisdom and love of our heavenly Father "who knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we are but dust," that in the diligent discharge of the daily round of domestic duties we best fulfil his will, and find our truest happiness in His approval, and in promoting the welfare of those we love only, let us remember, that in thus running the race He has set before us, we must "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, looking unto Jesus." Then every duty, however seemingly unimportant, will be sanctified, and we shall be seeking "whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God." The bride is represented as calling herself "the lily of the vallies,” (Cant. ii. 1.) and is described as garden enclosed, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed," (iv. 12.) conveying thus beautifully the character of a Christian woman. And again, if we turn to the writings of the Apostles, how many are the solemn injunctions to the wife; and surely the spirit applies to all, to be in subjection" in all things," "in every thing," even as unto the Lord." How contrary then to the mind of God, is that desire of the natural heart to gain attention by the display of personal attractions, or mental accomplishments; that seeking to shine in society instead of devoting these talents in such measure as we may have received them, to that which is alike our duty and our privilege, the making of our own domestic hearth the

99.66

66

a

scene of real profit and enjoyment to each member of our family. Let us gather now our little favourite, and mark each tiny bell, how purely white, how meekly bending beneath the shadow of its broad green leaf, and what a delightful perfume it sheds around. Does it not beautifully exemplify the Apostle's exhortation, (1 Pet. iii. 3, 4.) "Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price." Does it not indeed speak of the beauty of humility? Having taught us that home is the chosen spot for the exercise of every talent, and all our holiest affections, it now points out one of the ways by which to follow out what we have learnt. It bids us seek "the ornament,"-implying that we have it not by nature,-" of a meek and quiet spirit.” How full of meaning, and yet how slow we are to understand. Do we really desire to possess this precious ornament? if we do, our Lord's own words teach us how we may obtain it, "Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matt. xi. 28, 29. Let us then in simple confidence in this word of truth, go to Jesus, and receive out of His fulness the grace we so much need, beseeching Him to cast down "imagination and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and to bring into captivity every thought into obedience unto Himself." Then shall we be more willing to give up our own opinion, our own way, and instead of contending about trifles, willingly submit in

all things lawful, to those whom the Lord hath placed over us, and by our consistent walk and conversation, "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." Shall we now lay our flower aside, satisfied with what we have already heard? Has it not yet a message to our souls, touching the foundation of all our hopes, the source of our richest consolations? Yes, it points us to the cross for those snowy petals tell us of the necessity of holiness. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." And if, on looking into our hearts, we find nothing of this purity, but in its stead sin ever striving to have dominion over us, and are led to ask, How can I then ever see God? to what can we look for encouragement, but to that sure word of promise which testifies, "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." On Calvary alone was the "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness ;" in that fountain let us daily wash, that our guilty souls may be made clean. We read of the great multitude "whom no man can number, which stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." And we are told how these robes were made white: 66 they have washed them in the blood of the Lamb ;" and if we listen to the new song St. John heard, they say, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." "Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood." And in the song of triumph when "the accuser of the brethren" is cast down, we are told they overcame him " by the blood of the Lamb." We come now to consider what spiritual application may be given to the perfume of the lily. Is it not even "the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost." The love of Christ constraineth us to live not unto ourselves, but "unto Him who died for us and