to go up the river. The passengers on board were generally citizens of Glasgow, with their families, returning, after a short marine residence; or some of the poorer classes, who had taken advantage of the low fare, to enjoy a pleasuretrip down the river and back again. Every one was pleased with the short excursion : while the charming and ever-varying scenery, with the cool breeze of approaching evening, imparted a joyful feeling to the mind. Several vessels of various kinds were met on the Clyde ; but the greater number were small steamers, like the one we are describing, making their last trip for the day. When Dunbarton Castle was approached, much attention was paid by the company to that ancient fortress, and the deeds of Sir William Wallace, the famous Chieftain of Scotland, were recounted, with much enthusiasm, by some lovers of their country's glory. About this time, a large steamer bound for Belfast flew rapidly past. It was crowded with Irish peasants, returning to their native soil, after having been employed in reaping the harvest through Scotland. Every eye Was turned to this vessel, as it dashed forward on its course. At this moment a loud cry was heard from some one on its deck; a great tumult was Observed, and all the passengers were running to one side. The ship was stopped, and it was supposed that some one had fallen overboard. But the distance between the two vessels was every moment increasing, and the people on board the small steamer failed to discover the cause of the

trang nasser n somrmetty lanes, TE ME I a. One A9% SUITudec IT rees,

Z TIE LORO E in distans summits o mour Damon. De pia ar intermed Sau. bat, arrivet Enel. -a m urnarea de came near Damascus, ant sudoen't thery shined round abou nm a great lign: rinn. Deaven.' Sri 1. 3.)

These places are exhibited with the greatest

confidence by the Damascene Christians of all sects, and are held in great veneration; nor is it difficult to believe that the truth respecting them has been handed down by tradition from their early Christian brethren.- Addison's Journey to Damascus.

IDOLATRY. PERHAPS some of our young friends will think this paper somewhat out of place, and think that it cannot be applicable to them; but before they come to such a hasty conclusion, we would beg of them first to consider what idolatry is, and then to inquire whether they do not, more or less, come under the designation of idolaters.

First, then, let us inquire what idolatry is. And in doing this we would observe, that idolatry does not merely imply the act of bowing down before a graven image, an image of wood or of stone, but that it also implies the love or adoration of any object in preference to or more than the Almighty. No matter on what object love is placed, if our love to the creature surpasses that we feel to the Creator then it is a sinful love; it is idolatry; for

“Whatever passes as a cloud between

The mental eye of faith, and things unseen,
Causing that brighter world to disappear,
Or seem less lovely, and its hope less dear;
This is our god, our idol, though it bear
Affection's impress, or devotion's air.”

But we will heap the faggots high,

And trim the fire so bright,
And spend the day right cozily,

And laugh at all his spite.

DAMASCUS. From our residence to the northern gate of Damascus, is a delightful walk of about twenty minutes, through the gardens, and under the green foliage of the walnut-trees. After passing through the gateway, we enter the “street, called Straight,” a mile in length; so called because it leads direct from the gate to the castle or palace of the Pasha. The house of Judas, to which Ananias went in obedience to the command of God, is still pointed out by the Christians : it is an old vault, into which we descended by several steps.

On another occasion, we rode along the walls until we came to a part where they were broken at the top: this was shown to us as the spot where St. Paul was let down in a basket to escape the indignation of the Jews. (Acts ix.)

Hence, passing onwards through some pretty lanes, we came to an open green spot surrounded by trees, over the tops of which were seen the distant summits of mount Hermon. At this place we were informed Saul had arrived when, “ as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a great light from heaven.” (Acts ix. 3.)

These places are exhibited with the greatest

confidence by the Damascene Christians of all sects, and are held in great veneration; nor is it difficult to believe that the truth respecting them has been handed down by tradition from their early Christian brethren.- Addison's Journey to Damascus.

IDOLATRY. PERHAPS some of our young friends will think this paper somewhat out of place, and think that it cannot be applicable to them; but before they come to such a hasty conclusion, we would beg of them first to consider what idolatry is, and then to inquire whether they do not, more or less, come under the designation of idolaters.

First, then, let us inquire what idolatry is. And in doing this we would observe, that idolatry does not merely imply the act of bowing down before a graven image, an image of wood or of stone, but that it also implies the love or adoration of any object in preference to or more than the Almighty. No matter on what object love is placed, if our love to the creature surpasses that we feel to the Creator then it is a sinful love; it is idolatry ; for

“Whatever passes as a cloud between

The mental eye of faith, and things unseen,
Causing that brighter world to disappear,
Or seem less lovely, and its hope less dear;
This is our god, our idol, though it bear
Affection's impress, or devotion's air.”