what, could the whole range of your future being be seen by you as it is by Him, you would appoint for yourselves.

Yes, all just thought on this great theme depends on the point of vision in which we place ourselves. If we limit our views to the narrow confines which are between ourselves and our graves, and look upon life, so to speak, upon a level with it, and restrict our prospect to the near horizon that shuts down upon this little span of our earthly existence, it exhibits to us a scene of imperfection, irregularity, confusion and disorder. It suggests to the mind a problem, for which, I am free to confess, I have no solution. Human condition and human destiny then seem not only an inexplicable, but a melancholy and disheartening enigma. But if we view the things of time from a higher elevation than earth and time can afford; if we regard them, as we may suppose they are regarded by superior intelligences; if we view them, in any humble. measure, as we may suppose they are viewed by God, as a part of his universal kingdom, which comprehends all time, all space, all creatures, all events, and all eternity ;— then seeming difficulties vanish away; even the dark valley of death is cheered by rays of glory beaming from the eternal city, and the gloomiest passages of this earthly pilgrimage are seen to be but parts of one grand, beautiful, admirably adjusted and perfect whole.

And in conclusion, let all learn to take just views of life, and of the great object of life. Let all learn to regard the events of Providence not merely in their present character and effects, but in reference to those purposes which they were intended, by a wisdom higher than ours, to fulfil. Let us remember, that in the longest reach of life on earth we can take but an infant's step towards our VOL. XV. NO. 175.

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opening destinies.

If the hand of God then seem to be

veiled in darkness, if his dispensations be surrounded with mystery, let them teach us circumspection, watchfulness, dependence upon God, filial trust in him, and perfect resignation to his will. Nothing, I repeat it,— and let this remark at parting with the subject rest upon all our minds nothing is of much importance to us but our moral and religious characters. And if doubt still remain upon our spirits in regard to any of the dealings of God's providence, let us confidently refer ourselves to that better and brighter scene, where what baffles our inquiries now shall be fully explained, and where what we know not now shall be fully known.