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duty? How have I filled up my various relations in the family, the church, and the world? I must soon lay them all down. Cannot they be improved, to bring in a larger revenue of glory to God and of good to man?

Penitence should characterize a birthday. The sins of a day, how many? The sins of a year, the sins of a lifetime, only God's eye can trace, only his infinite mind can reckon up. Now then let the heart humble itself before God, and with Ephraim let us penitently smite on the thigh, as the sins of youth or riper age come up to mind; with the publican smite upon the breast, crying, "God be merciful to me a sinner," and with the royal mourner cry, as we gaze adoringly on the cross and the fountain which flows therefrom, "wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." The 51st Psalm is a most suitable portion for a birthday meditation, for all who know themselves aright.

And so is the 103rd Psalm, for while the soul mourns and weeps on account of sin, gratitude well becomes it. We may sing, even all of us who trust the Saviour, "but I obtained mercy." "Bless the Lord, O my soul, who forgiveth all thy iniquities, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies," Ps. ciii. The mercies which a Christian has to record in the course of a year, are many and great indeed; and should make the birthday a day of rejoicing, a day of holy wonder and devout gratitude.

"New mercies, each returning day,
Hover around us while we pray,
New perils past, new sins forgiven,

New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven."

This joy in the God of salvation will be the soul's strength. Feeling his obligations to infinite mercy, he will stir himself up to more diligent effort, and will determine by Divine assistance to start afresh in the Christian race.

The sight of another mile stone on the road of life, with grace to read, as he swiftly passes it; the name of the city of light and love to which he is travelling, kindles fresh courage; inspires with new hopes, and enables the pilgrim more diligently to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. What can withstand or intimidate him who realizes the glorious sentiment, "for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain?"

"Let sinners saved give thanks and sing,

Of mercies past, of joys to come;

The Lord their Saviour is, and king,

The cross their hope, and heaven their home."

THE PARENT'S BIRTHDAY.

In every happy family, a parent's birthday calls affection into vigorous exercise, and affords an opportunity for some tender manifestations of the same.

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Eyes

sparkle with delight, affectionate words are uttered with trembling emotion, or lisping lip; little presents, or bouquets, are prepared, and tokens of love in various ways given and reciprocated with real delight. It may be, also, that a social entertainment is provided, or some healthful and harmless excursion planned and executed, much to the joy of all parties concerned. On such a day, cheerfulness prevails, and hilarity abounds. The young heart overflows with pleasure, and those more advanced in life yield themselves up to sympathise with the joy. Still the birthday of a parent is a serious affuir, and will be thus regarded by all whose minds are properly constituted. Viewed under its various aspects, it is capable of much practical improvement, which we should endeavour to realize.

We will suppose the parent whose birthday it is, to have retired to the closet for self-examination and confession of sin, to seek grace to act aright for the future, and to wrestle with God on behalf of all the dear ones. Into that sacred solitude we will not intrude, it is the very place for parents who deeply feel their responsibility and weakness; we would turn to the children with a few words of kind counsel.

On this day, when your thoughts are more especially fixed upon your parents, and when you naturally regard them with more than your usual affection, it will be well for you to consider the deep obligations you

are under to them, and the duties which devolve upon you with reference to them. Their solicitude on your behalf is great, and the richest reward they seek is to behold you holy and happy.

It may be that this day has brought some under the paternal roof who have been absent from it some time; and who, themselves, are beginning to know the cares connected with a family. Remember, that as time and distance cannot discharge you from your obligations, so they should not weaken your love. Do not in any way neglect your parents. Cherish the tenderest affection toward her on whose bosom you reclined in helpless infancy; and deep filial love and respect for him who laboured for you so arduously in your early years. Write to your parents frequently, call and see them as often as is proper; and if Providence has smiled upon you, and your parents at all need your help, render them practical proof of your affection. It is a burning shame for children to suffer their parents to want comforts in their declining days if they have the means of supplying them. But, whatever is said or done, let it be so performed as to fulfil that unrepealed and gracious command, " HONOUR THY FATHER AND MOTHER."

Children living under the domestic roof, whether elder or younger, all who can understand, listen to a few words of advice on your parent's birthday. Is it

your mother's natal day, and have you wished her many happy returns of the same; recollect that on you depends in a great measure whether it shall be so or no. If her sons are stubborn and rebellious, or her daughters are proud and dissipated; or if any are ill-tempered and quarrelsome, how can the mother be happy? Endeavour all of you to make home peaceful, full of good humour and kindness; and you will most likely have a happy mother. Or is it your father's birthday that you have been celebrating. Think, how can a praying father be happy, unless his children pray also? Prayerless, wicked children have often broken a mother's heart, and brought a father's grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. Respect your father's counsels, and shew that you prize his prayers, by seeking yourselves the blessings which he implores for you.

Perhaps a parent's eye may read this appeal, who is a stranger to communion with God. Alas! many parents labour from birthday to birthday for their children's temporal good, who never ask God for his blessing; who do not seek to train up their children in the right way. Yet, prayerless parent, (how awful is the association of these two words) yet you are spared another year. Let the goodness of God lead you to repentance, and when you have humbled yourself before God and embraced his great salvation, then will you say, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

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