OF all the calamities to which the human race is liable, unless it be that of unceasing pain, there is perhaps none which we each of us dread so much in our own persons, or sympathize with so greatly when beheld in others, as loss of sight. Although we are only too apt to slight those every-day blessings which a bountiful Providence has bestowed on us, and instead of living under a perpetual sense of gratitude, are but too liable to accept them as a matter of course; yet it may be hoped that there are few human beings with hearts so hard as to witness blindness in others without at least a passing emotion of pity for the sad deprivation, and a deeper sense of their own more favoured lot.

Happily, however, the same all-wise but mysterious Power which permits the pain also provides the remedy; and, accordingly, we almost invariably perceive the blind to be contented and cheerful.

To some extent this may arise from that natural elasticity of spirit which induces men, for their own happiness' sake, to make .

the most of circumstances ; or, in the higher order of minds, it may spring from that absolute and cheerful submission to the will of God which, from the monarch on the throne to the humblest individual, is one of.

the foremost duties of mortal man.

But apart from such antidotes, which in varying degree are applicable to every phase of human pain and loss, the blind would appear to possess a special compensatory influence ; for being separated, as it were, from all visible intercourse with the world around them, their mental vision is directed inwards on themselves; and, being withdrawn to a great extent from the restless turmoils and strifes and ambitions of life, that calm, meditative, and tranquil spirit is engendered which is so frequently observed in this class of bereaved persons.

We have been led to these reflections, on a subject which might otherwise seem foreign to the purpose of this publication, from the reception by the NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION of a very interesting donation in the shape of 100/. collected in aid of its funds, by HERBERT MARSTON, a blind boy aged thirteen years, the son of an English clergyman.

In the quiet seclusion of his parsonage home, amidst affectionate and sympathizing friends, and surrounded by the best and kindliest influences, yet, as evidenced by this benevolent act, with early sympathies) reaching to that world abroad which it is not permitted him to see, may we not readily believe that the lot of our kind young friend is a far happier one than that of numberless of those who enjoy the wondrous gift of sight ? We append a song, entitled " The Lifeboat," composed by his father, the Rev. C.

D. MAKSTON, who has been good enough to place it at our disposal, at his son's request.

THE LIFE-BOAT.* " When You passest through the waters, I will be with thee." God speed the gallant Life-boat! God keep her gallant crew! They fear not storm nor breaker, The boat and her men so true.

She bears her like the sea-bird,.

At home in wind and wave; Their hearts are bold and steady, Their hands are strong to save.

Then hail to the gallant Life-boat, And hail to her gallant crew; They fear not storm nor breaker, The boat and her men so true.

Bless them, ye gladdened households, Whose dear ones owe them life; Bless them for joys once threatened, Yet snatched from Ocean's strife ; Bless them, all England's people, Whose birthright is the wave; Bless them, thou Source of Blessing, With mightier power to save! Then hail, &c.

When tempests loud are raging, And wild nights banish sleep, When those on shore are thinking Of those upon the deep; When prayer to God is rising For all who stem the wave, We'll pray for the angel Life-boat Whose mission is to save.

. Then hail, &c.

C. D. M.