Why are springs enthroned on high, Where the mountains kiss the sky? ’Tis that thence their streams may flow, Fertilizing all below. Why have clouds such lofty flight, Basking in the golden light? ’T is to send down genial showers On this lower world of ours. Why does God exalt the great? ’T is that they may prop the state; So that toil its sweets may yield, And the sower reap the field. Riches why doth He confer? That the rich may minister To the children of distress, To the poor and fatherless. Does He light a Newton’s mind? ’T is to shine on all mankind. Does He give to Virtue birth? ’T is the salt of this poor earth. _Josiah Conder._ BENIGNITY. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.--Psalm xxiii. 6. Thou Lord art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.--Psalm lxxxvi. 5. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.--Psalm cxlv. 9. This turn hath, made amends! Thou hast fulfilled Thy words, Creator bounteous and _benign_, Giver of all things fair! _Milton._ He comes not in the pride of martial pomp, High in triumphal chariot, while around The poor remains of vanquished kingdoms grace The trophied car; not such as Judah’s sons, By empire’s flattering dreams misled, conceived, Vindictive monarch over prostrate Rome. Beyond the confines of this nether world. At the right hand of the Almighty Sire, Enthroned he sits; no partial King, to all Who unfeigned homage offer, He, _benign_, The treasure of his boundless love vouchsafes. _Samuel Hayes._ Divinest creed! and worthy to be taught By Him, the Saviour, who thy tidings brought; Thou wert the first, descending from above, To teach the nations that their God was love; That ire eternal dwelt not on His face, But love and pity, and redeeming grace. And all the joy this world since then has known, Springs from this creed, and springs from this alone; Whatever triumphs have been gained by mind O’er Error, Hate, and Ignorance combined; Whatever progress man may yet have made, Owes all its worth to Thy _benignant_ aid. _C. Mackay._ O, Saviour, gracious and _benign_, Warm and illume this heart of mine, Disperse the fogs and mists of sin, And let no evil lurk therein: Let me Thy love and goodness see-- Thy merciful _benignity_. _Anon._ THE BIBLE. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.--Luke, xxiv. 27.