CREATION.

"God said, let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth, in the open firmament of heaven.” -GENESIS i. 20.

MY SAVIOUR has directed me to the birds of the air for instruction: "Behold the fowls of the air!" From observing how they are sustained and provided for, I may be convinced of God's presence and care, extending to all his works. How worthy of our admiration is this part of the animal creation; what number and variety, what beauty of construction, and of plumage! how various the instinct, and the use of birds, from the eagle and the ostrich, down to the smallest of the species!

With the dawn of day the lark soars aloft, making woods and hills resound with its song, as it were a hymn of praise to the great Creator. Shall this be a reproach to me? It is true birds have neither knowledge nor speech, and are incapable of acts of reason and virtue; but may I not learn something that may serve as a hint in the discharge of my duties, by remarking the instinct which directs them, and which is given them by their Maker? That which they do of natural impulse, shall I not rather perform with a willing mind, and an understanding heart? However difficult it may be for these creatures to find their nourishment, especially on the approach of winter-however exposed to danger their little life, yet are they provided for they are the objects of their heavenly Father's care. Shall he not do much more for me?-May I not hope that he will bless me in the exercise of my fa

culties, when I rightly employ them for my well-being or advancement?

Job directed the unbeliever and the doubting to the fishes of the sea. In the depths of the ocean, and through all waters, what multitudes of animals exist, more perhaps than are to be found on dry land-no void left-all space filled with creatures capable of enjoying life, and serving to the good of all.

What a vast store-house is the sea; what wonders are contained in the great deep, from the enormous whale, and powerful hippopotamus, to the light nautilus, that spreads its sail, and directs its fragile bark through the rough waves! These are perceptible to the eye of man; but how much there is to admire, which man cannot perceive without the aid of a magnifying power! then a drop of water appears a sea, a grain of sand contains within it beings that have life, and shows

itself a little world. To all is God's care extended-in all is life and energy,-shall I alone be senseless and unprofitable?

Almighty Creator, I adore thy majesty, wisdom, and goodness, as it displays itself in all thy works! thou hast created the sea, and all that therein is! thou hast established its boundaries, which it may not pass! O Lord, preserve those who find their occupation in the deep waters. Let not avarice alone guide men across this dangerous element, but rather the desire of benefiting their fellow-creatures, by adding to knowledge and wisdom, and by making the worship of thee, the true God, to extend over the whole globe. While I offer in peace my morning sacrifice of prayer and praise, many are struggling against the violence of the waves, and crying to thee for help in the midst of tempest, or in the want of food.

O Lord, hear the cry of those that are

ready to perish, bring them out of danger, and give them thankfulness of heart for all thy goodness! My life is also like a restless sea, full of rocks and shoals,—help me to direct my course aright, that I make not shipwreck of my faith and hope. This is my trust, that thou, whose footsteps are in the waters, though we seek thee not, that thou wilt guide me in safety, and allay the storm that would overwhelm me. O Lord, cast my sin far from me, and let thy word be a well of life, from which I may draw sanctification and vigour. Teach me to see the wonders of thy word, as of thy works, that by the consideration of both, I may be drawn to thee. I desire to thank thee, O Lord, for my renewed life; day succeeds to day, as wave to wave, till they shall be swallowed up in eternity. Help me to work, Lord, while it is day, that I may stand in thy presence for ever.