The Christian, too, should testify his gratitude to God for his continued goodness, and "lift up his head, for his redemption draweth nigh." With what seriousness and devotion should we attend to the duties of religion, so that "whether we live, we may live to the Lord; or whether we die, we may die to the Lord; that whether we live, or die, we may be the Lord's!" Let not this day come upon us unawares, and find us in a state of carnal security; but may our loins be girded, our lamps burning, and ourselves like servants waiting for their Lord's return,--"looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ." "Wherefore, beloved, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." T. P. POETRY. NEW YEAR'S DAY. Time, the mundane sphere revolving, Brings another New Year's Day; Orb of light, 'mid lengthened shadows, Glance one soft and lingering ray, As we muse on Days receding fast away. Pledge of joys that may await us In our future pilgrimage, Or of heavenly consolation That may coming griefs assuage, To believers Promised in the sacred page. Many trials now are ended; Many painful conflicts o'er; Chequered scenes withdrawn for ever That can please nor vex us more; Memory only Can the faded past restore. Many dearest forms are sleeping In the lone forsaken grave; How we wept when them consigning To the hand outstretched to save, As they struggled Through death's dark and gelid wave! Many days of grace are ended, How improved has been the past? Time's rich grains are softly falling, Soon may drop for us the last. Changing seasons Warn us that we change as fast. O for happy preparation For the joys that never fade! For the everlasting mansion Death and sin can ne'er invade! In the likeness Of our Lord we would be made. As each new successive period Hastes that last mysterious one, Do we shudder, so much dreading Things invisible, unknown? Faith reposes On the Saviour's cross alone. Sweet to meet our friends in glory, Tears for ever wiped away By the guardian hand that leads us Up the steep and narrow way, Time's short circles Lost in one eternal day! SARISSA. THE SUMMONS. "And I heard a voice from heaven."--REV. xiv. 13.