far more extended than the appointed course, and,
surmounting every hill, left the race to be won by the well-governed
courser that obeyed the rein, and, in the track marked out for his
progress, reached the goal."

* * * * *

[Illustration]

ERAS OF LIFE.

BY MRS. A.F. LAW

(_See Plate._)

BAPTISM

"We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign
her with the sign of the cross--in token that hereafter she shall not be
ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully fight under
his banner against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ's
faithful soldier and servant, unto her life's end."--BAPTISMAL SERVICE OF
P.E.C.

In the house of prayer we enter, through its aisles our course we wend,
And before the sacred altar on our knees we humbly bend;
Craving, for a young immortal, God's beneficence and grace,
That, through Christ's unfailing succor, she may win the victor race.
Water from _baptismal fountain_ rests on a "young soldier," sworn
By the cross' holy signet to defend the "Virgin-born."
May she never faint or falter in the raging war of sin,
And, encased in Faith's tried armor, a triumphant conquest win!
To the Triune One our darling trustingly we now commend,
And for full and _free_ salvation, from our hearts pure thanks ascend.

* * * *

COMMUNION.

"Hail! sacred feast, which Jesus makes--
Rich banquet of his flesh and blood:
Thrice happy he who here partakes
That sacred stream, that heavenly food."

With a bearing meekly grateful, slow approach the _sacred feast_,
And, with penitential gladness, take, by faith, this Eucharist.
Hark! how sweetly, o'er it stealing, come the sounds of pardoning love!
Winning back to paths of virtue all who now in error rove.
Here is food for all who languish, and for those who, fainting, thirst--
Free, from Christ, the _Living Fountain_, crystal waters ceaseless burst!
Come, ye sad and weary-hearted, bending 'neath a weight of woe--
Here the _Comforter_ is waiting his rich blessings to bestow!
None need linger--_all_ are bidden to this "Supper of the Lamb:"
Come, and by this outward token, worship God, the great "I AM!"

* * * *

MARRIAGE

"One sacred oath hath tied
Our loves; one destiny our life shall guide;
Nor wild nor deep our