WHAT task on earth can man perform More noble or more brave, Than risk his days, and all he hath, Another's life to save ? Yet thanks to Him who rules above, Such men are to be found, 'Mong whom the sturdy Life-boat crews That watch our shores around.

However fierce the raging main, Or terrible the wind, The boat is launched and takes the sea, And no man lags behind. ; Though wives and sweethearts, bairns as well, Are graven in their hearts, These hardy, plucky mariners Fulfil their manly parts.

Out to the sinking ship they go, j And strive their very best To rescue the poor creatures there, Who need both help and rest.

No easy thing is this to do, Nay, often can't be done; But if the act be possible, The danger they will run.

So, when the storm has passed away, Pray think of these brave men, And see that they ne'er lack the means Of going out again.

For this they need good boats and gear, And surely wages too ; Therefore, your purses open wide To aid the Life-boat crew.

F. C. KINNEAR.