making opportunities; allowing no open door to stand un-entered, and no lawful means to remain neglected, which may be useful in accomplishing the desired object. Let not, then, your devotional union, on this first day of the year, close with the day : but, my beloved brethren, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." "Be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

THE FEATHER IN A STORM.

BETWEEN two branches of a tree,
In rough and windy weather,

I saw suspended in the air,

A long broad pinion feather.

And as the wind this feather blew,
With violence to and fro,
While it was kept suspended still,
By means I did not know,-

I wonder❜d much, and nearer drew,
The secret to espy,

When lo! the finest spider's web,
Met my astonish'd eye.

From branch to branch, this little web,

Had spread itself along,
And held the feather in its grasp,
Although the wind was strong.

As I passed on my way, I thought,
How often have I been

Expos'd in this tempestuous world,
To error and to sin.

Weak in myself, and prone to fall,

I must have been a prey,

Had not my God upheld my soul,
In ev'ry evil day.

His hand unseen, was long unknown,
But now my soul surveys,

The means employ'd to keep me safe
With wonder and with praise.

Those means, oft feeble as the web,
Were by his matchless skill.
Made to display His mighty power,
And work his gracious will.

Then let me on His arm rely,
And ne'er distrust His grace,
Until secure from ev'ry ill,
In Heaven I see His face.

Kilburn, April, 1842.

J. H.

Review of Books.

DANGER AND DUTY; or, a few words on the present state of the times, and in behalf of truth, righteousness, and peace. By the Rev. Richard Marks. Vicar of Great Missenden, Bucks.-Nisbet and Co.

THOUGH this is only a tract in stiff covers, the subject is of such importance, and the matter so valuable, that we cannot thrust it into a corner. Mr. Marks is one of those faithful men who, "whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear," persist in shewing to the professing Church their peril, and reproving their transgression. Now, the sin of our day is this many of our Clergymen have yielded to the seductions of Popery, somewhat disguised indeed, but still undeniable Popery. This is known to others, who see and lament their fall; but who nevertheless speak smooth things where they should

blow the trumpet, not with an uncertain but with the most startling sound it can give forth, in the hope of arousing these enchanted sleepers to shake off the effects of the intoxicating cup. Among the laity, the matter is not viewed as it ought to be: or if, as in the preceding instance, it is rightly viewed, it is not rightly met, in the spirit of unchanging Protestantism. Parents do not guard their children, masters their servants, pastors their flocks, as they ought to do, against this formidable attack on our faith; and the consequence is a spreading of the evil that bids fair to defy all restraint. If we were in our right senses, a cordon sanitaire would forthwith be drawn ; a spiritual lazaretto established, and all communication stayed between those who have the plague and those who are, as yet, uninfected. To such danger, such duty, Mr. Marks directs the attention of the Church; and those who see not the imminence of the one or the urgency of the other, must consult his work for abundant proof of what they are alas! too reluctant to believe.

SONGS FROM THE PARSONAGE; or, Lyrical teaching. By a Clergyman.-Seeley and Burnside.

WE are not always much captivated by versified thoughts: but when the thoughts are excellent, and the verse original, we can enjoy them. The Clergyman who sends these songs into the world possesses an ample share of Cowper's most beautiful trait of natural feeling-that benevolent tenderness of heart which exhibits itself in words and deeds of mercy,