"Arise and work while morning's grey
And evening's gold pass o'er,
The briefness of thy bounded day,

The dimness of its lore.

For when earth's kingdoms fade with all
Their glory and their gain,

When wisdom fails, and temples fall,
That good work will remain-

Thy garland in the land of peace
Where rest is won and labours cease.

London, 1852.

HOME, SWEET HOME!

I HEAR a voice in the gloom of night,
In the evening hour, in the morning light,
In the silent calm, in the tempest's roar,
When the day is past, and the sunshine o'er;
In the valley's depth, on the lonely hill;
In the crowded street, I hear it still;
In the rippling stream, in the billow's foam,
Ever I hear it; "Home, sweet Home !"

Strange is the voice, for oft its song
Comes like the summer breeze along,
Breathing its sweetest, softest sound,
Casting a spell of love around;
And when the winter's chilly wind
Seeks but in vain, a rest to find,
In an unceasing bitter wail,
Telling its long and dismal tale
Even in that complaining cry,
Ever "Sweet Home!" is wafted by.
And in the hour when all is gone,
But a last hope to rest upon,
When the pure love of all below
Sets in a deep and lasting glow,
Pointing in faith where we shall be,
Gathered to all eternity,

My soul too long exiled, shall roam

No more; but whisper, "Home, sweet Home!"

POSTSCRIPT.

THE Committee for conducting the "YOUTHS' MAGAZINE❞ beg to inform their readers that their connection with this periodical ceases with the present number, after which the work will pass into other hands, with their best wishes for its success; the publishers having given the assurance, that in the new Series which is about to be commenced in an enlarged form, the evangelical and unsectarian character of the work will be sacredly and constantly maintained.

In taking a glance at the past, it appears to them deeply interesting to observe the place which this periodical has held in the efforts which have been made in modern times to provide a religious literature for the young. Prior to the establishment of Sunday schools, and indeed, until they were sustained by the zeal of gratuitous teachers, there were very few books specially adapted to promote the spiritual interests of the rising generation; but when they began to feel the need of religious books adapted to their scholars, a demand arose, which has ever since been increasing; so that, at the present time, such works form a large proportion of the volumes which issue from the teeming press. The catalogue of the Religious Tract Society alone, contains now upwards of eleven hundred separate books for the young of various ages, besides periodicals.

The commencement of the "Youths' Magazine" in 1805 formed an era in the history of evangelical literature. It was the first, and for some years, the only religious periodical for the young. It was welcomed by the friends of youth, and soon obtained a considerable circulation. It was highly prized by the scholars in Sunday and weekly schools, as well as in religious families; and many who are now advanced in life, remember with gratitude the early impressions which they derived from its pages. During the progress of the work, the hearts of the Committee have been gladdened by the knowledge of numerous instances in which the Lord has been pleased to make this work the means of imparting spiritual blessings to its readers. And it is pleasing to know, that the forty-seven volumes which have been issued are regarded in the libraries in which they have been preserved, as a lasting treasure, and that few books are held in higher estimation.

The Committee have also had the satisfaction of being enabled, out of the profits of the work, to contribute upwards of £4,000. to various religious Societies, including the Sunday School Union (under whose auspices the Magazine was first published,) the Religious Tract Society, the British and Foreign Bible Society, the British and Foreign School Society, various Societies for Education in Ireland, and Newfoundland, and in Asia, and the several Missionary Societies, Foreign and Home, for objects connected with the religious instruction of the young.

The Committee, and especially its two senior members, desire to review the past with grateful acknowledgments to the

Author of all good, for the blessing which he has vouchsafed to the publication, and to its numerous readers; and, while conscious of many imperfections which have marked this undertaking, and their connection with it, they would thankfully record a few considerations which cheer them in the retrospect. First, that they were led to engage in the work of providing suitable evangelical reading for the young, at a period when it could not be obtained elsewhere. Secondly, that they have always been enabled to carry on the work on the principle of Christian union; and that, while the members of the Committee have all along been connected with several Christian denominations, and have consequently held different opinions on minor points, they have cordially united in the spirit of love to their common Lord, to each other, and to the young. And, thirdly, that the example set by the publication of "The Youths' Magazine" has been extensively followed, so that the English youth of the present day, have a supply of instructive religious publications very far exceeding that which has been enjoyed former age of the world.

in any

The Committee cannot conclude without returning their thanks to their numerous correspondents for their valuable contributions, which have enriched the pages of the Magazine, and have profited many. And they would add a few parting words to their readers.

You, our beloved young friends, are blessed with many advantages which your ancestors did not possess. Remember that with these is connected increased responsibility. "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required."

Let then your improvement correspond

to your privileges. Our earnest desire for you is, that you may individually yield your youthful hearts to Christ, and that you may begin early to live to him. Without this personal devotedness to the Saviour, efforts that others may employ for your welfare will be all in vain. Let the enquiry, so tender and persuasive, dwell within your bosoms till it meets with a decided response:-"Wilt thou not, from this time, me; my Father, thou art the guide of my youth ?"

cry unto

Oh! that

'our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth, that our daughters may be as corner stones polished after the similitude of a palace." "Happy is the people that is in such a case; yea, happy is the people whose God is the Lord!"