Andrew. Sapphire. Heavenly-Mindedness. "We have found the Messias." HE SAPPHIRE is the precious stone of the second foundation of the New Jerusalem, and sealed with the name of Andrew. The oriental sapphire is an exquisite gem, held in high reputation from its celestial azure and limpid transparency. In lustre and hardness it is surpassed only by the diamond. The ancients were wont to ascribe to it many miraculous virtues, such as being an antidote against the stings of scorpions and adders, and frequently wore it as an amulet. It is enumerated among the Stones of Fire, which Ezekiel the prophet said adorned the King of Tyre; and the same inspired writer describes the appearance of the heavenly throne, which he saw in his vision, as resembling a sapphire stone. Its charming cerulean, so universally admired, and reminding us of the blue empyrean that arches in limitless expanse in the firmament above us, renders it a fitting symbol of HEAVENLY-MINDEDNESS,—of the undisturbed tranquillity and sweet benign graces that reign in a saintly soul; just as a clear blue sky always betokens fair weather and cheerful sunshine. Blue, it may be observed, is a favorite color of Scripture, and in those days it was one of the most costly dyes in use, and much valued for elegant draperies and royal attire. Placed next in succession to the jasper in the eternal foundations, the sapphire is in beautiful contrast, the pellucid azure of the one being in fine relief with the semiopaqueness and more sober comeliness of the other. "We have found the Messias !" are the only words recorded of St. Andrew throughout the sacred narratives. This disciple, who lays not much claim to our attention by his sayings, was called by Christ to follow Him while laboring in his lowly avocation of a fisherman, in company with his brother, Simon Peter. The words are few, but they seem to imply two important points; first, that he had been seeking Him who now, thus unexpectedly, manifested himself; and, in the second place, that, so soon as found, he, with unquestioning faith, instantly believed on Him. "We have found the Messias !" exclaimed he, not I have found Him; for well he knew that the mighty redemption should extend to all those who would receive it; and, leaving his nets, he straightway hastened to acquaint others with the glad tidings. The phrase, by its concise force, seems to indicate the eager delight of his soul, when the light of inspiration, flashing upon him, revealed to his astonished gaze the long-expected Messiah, walking in serene majesty by the Sea of Galilee. No sooner did Jesus speak, than, rejoicing in his unsought election, Andrew imme-* diately, waiting but to bring his brother also to the Saviour, followed Him; and the celestial radiance which then dawned upon him, illumined his rugged path with increasing glory, until, released from the cross of martyrdom, the Morning Star glittered upon his brow. Said one, whose life had been a course of trusting faith and heavenly-mindedness, "Though I change my place, I shall not change my company; for I have walked with God on earth while living, and after death I shall walk with Him in heaven." "We have found the Messias !" Nay, rather have we been found of Him as was Andrew; for "all we as sheep have gone astray," and He came to seek and to save those that are lost. "O Jesus, Lamb once crucified To take our load of sins away, Thine be the hymn that rolls its tide Along the realms of upper day." Seek and find us, frail wanderers, Thou Shepherd Divine! and so, whether the meeting and greeting was in an hour of ease or of toil; in an hour of joy or of anguish; in the first, or sixth, or eleventh hour of life, we are safe, safe forevermore, and shall shine in unfading lustre in that grand CoronationDay, when every jewel shall sparkle with immortal light. A. B. G. Pilgrimage. "And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." C HEERFUL, O Lord! at Thy command, I take my pilgrim's staff in hand, And go to seek the better land, I oft shall think, when on my way "This path hath echoed with His moan, Hath bruised His blessèd feet." Fainting and sad along the road, The hands they fastened to the tree, The hands that brake the bread, |