content with his lot, although he should endure privations in every possible way: but why? Evidently, because the Lord was his strength, and the God of his salvation.

Mrs. P.-This sentence must certainly be numbered among the golden ones, and does great honour to the good man who expressed it.

Ex.-Yes, Madam, it does, and it would be well if his example were more generally imitated; and instead of wearying the inattentive human ear with their tale of woe, sufferers would seek relief from Him who is ever ready to bestow it.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent,
To heaven in supplication sent;

Their cheerful songs would oft'ner be,

Hear what the Lord has done for me."

Your opinion, Sir, is again requested. Mr. P.-This is a delightful sentence! It was written by Zephaniah, but it was spoken of God. " I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD." I have often heard remarks on this consolatory sentence. My father used to say, poverty under the operation of grace, was often the means by which God made his people rich; and that under the same influence the unkindness of human friends induced de'pendence on the Friend that loveth at all times, and sticketh closer than a brother.

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HAGGAI AND ZACHARIAH.

Ex.-Very just. Perhaps, Sir, you will name the succeeding prophet, and mention the subject of his writings.

Mr. P.-It is either Zachariah or Haggai; I recollect, it is the latter: he reproves the people for their negligence and delay in rebuilding the second temple, and tells them that their neglect was the cause of their being visited with unfruitful seasons, and other marks of the divine displeasure; he encourages them to set about this work, and on their doing so promises that God will be with them; and beautifully adds, The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of Hosts: and in this place will I give peace,

saith the LORD of Hosts.

This pre

diction was literally fulfilled when the promised Messiah declared in the temple, The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And the people who heard him, wondered at the gracious words which próceeded out of his mouth. Zachariah's prophecy is also to encourage the Jews to go on with rebuilding the temple.

Er.-Sir, I thank you; once more oblige me by mentioning the allusion of this scene.

Mr. P.-I am pretty certain you cannot have many more to propose, and supposing that this is taken from

Malachi, I do not apprehend any great difficulty in naming the subject. This representation exhibits an assembly of people conversing together; they appear attentive and harmonious; they open rolls of parchment and seem to direct each other's attention to different passages contained therein. This scene, Sir, I think, refers to that declaration which says, "Then they

that feared the LORD, spake often one to another, and the LORD hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.'

دو

Ex.-Do you also remember what is said concerning this people?