As one ascends the hill over Mellifont, and, pausing on its summit, gazes on the lovely scenery around him, particularly along the valley of the Boyne, which Young called one of the completest pictures he had ever seen, then glances at the quiet valley beneath him, and remembers what prominent parts those who once trod that favoured spot played in our country's chequered history, his soul is filled with solemn thoughts too big for utterance. There, came the firm and gentle, yet dauntless, Malachy side by side with Oriel's proud Chief, and hand in hand, they knelt and prayed and consecrated it to the living God for ever. Thereon, rose up the magnificent temple on which neither cost nor labour was spared, that it might be worthy of Him Who deigns to dwell in tabernacles made by man; and generation succeeded generation of monks, who calmly dwelt in that peaceful valley, which, by their skill and enterprise, they converted into a garden of delights and a terrestrial paradise. The bishop and the king found there a resting-place when life's weary struggle was over, and their end was sweetened by the cheering hopes of a glorious immortality. The poor man and the homeless found there a welcome and a shelter, their wants being liberally attended to; and the blessings of a free education and of spiritual consolations were diffused on every side from that centre of learning and piety. The knight and baron came, the belted man of war made his home there, enjoyed his ephemeral honours, but he, too, is gone, severing all connection with it both by name and title, leaving no trace behind. The king and the knight have been brushed aside; and the old chess-board, Mellifont, alone remains. Impressed with these reflections, we take a glance beyond the grave, and there, we behold these actors pass before the great, most just, and supreme Judge, to receive the requital of their deeds, and to each is meted out reward or punishment according to his deserts. We, too, the spectators, are hastening towards that same goal; our future is indubitably in our own hands, according as we do or do not now live up to our convictions, and the dictates of our consciences. And, now, we cannot help asking ourselves, what shall Mellifont's future be? At present it is a blank; but, shall the lamp of piety and learning be rekindled, and the light burst forth anew there as in the days of its splendour? We know not; but we do know that, although God's ways are inscrutable, His wisdom and power are infinite. To Him be all glory for ever and ever. Amen. APPENDIX I. LIST OF ABBOTS OF MELLIFONT. Saint Christian O'Connarchy, Founder and first Abbot, Bishop of Lismore and Legate of the Holy See, 1150. Blessed Malchus, brother of preceding. Charles O'Buacalla, 1177, made Bishop of Emly. Patrick, term of office not known. Maelisa, appointed Bishop of Clogher in 1194. Thomas, 1211.