JANUARY 1. Ye know not what shall be on the morrow."-James iv. 14. AND if we know not what a day may bring forth, far less are we able to know what the year now just entered on will bring to pass! Of this, however, we may be sure, that many, that great, and frequently distressing changes and events await millions of the sons and daughters of Adam! Many a social band of friends-many a social and happy domestic circle will be broken up before this year is completed. And those members who now meet, and see each other's faces with gladness, will, ere long, meet thus no more! Many, who now go to the house of God together as friends, will cease to walk side by side to worship their common Lord. Death, and various other providences, will scatter many of the former classes far and wide from each other; and the wickedness of bad men, and the weaknesses and prejudices of good men, may sever no few of the latter. Amidst the growing and wide-spreading bickerings, contentions, and party strifes of the times, how many a spirit, now buoyant with hope, and cheerful in the company of its professed christian friends, will be sorrow-smitten, and half broken-hearted at the changes which these contentions will bring over the minds of those they now imagine will be kindred spirits, even unto the end. And thus it is, that by reason of death, and of numberless other events, Friend after friend departs.' Holy and ever-blessed Lord God, may every consideration of these solemn truths raise my soul nearer to thee and to thy kingdom, for Jesus Christ our Redeemer's sake. Amen. B JANUARY 2. "Friend after friend departs, How truly do these lines fall in with the facts Where parting is unknown; Formed for the saints alone; And faith beholds the dying here |