e what the Master designed. But it
happens very often that the rosy morning ends in a night dark and
tempestuous, while the clouds that greet our early waking, are followed
by the bright shining of the sun. And there is no life which would not
be more bright and joyous, if it only opened the windows and let the
light God means it to have, shine in.

So there were sighs and regrets as there always are, when one who has
been true and kind, has left us forever.

Out on the frosty air floated the sound of bells. Merrily, joyously they
pealed forth to welcome the new life that had just dawned, while from
far and near the guns gave out their noisy greeting.

Sad hearts brightened, tearful faces smiled. With their old friend had
gone the old life; they would throw aside regret and be brave and
strong. Among an assembly of silent worshippers knelt two sisters side
by side. It was as if they had gathered round the bedside of a
departing one, trying to catch the last look and to hear the last sound,
the stillness only broken by sobs from wrung hearts. Tremblingly their
girlish voices united with the multitude, as with a covenant-keeping God
they renewed their covenant in the words:--

"Come, let us use the grace divine,
And all with one accord,
In a perpetual cov'nant join
Ourselves to Christ the Lord;

Give up ourselves through Jesus' power
His name to glorify,
And promise in this sacred hour
For God to live and die.

The cov'nant we this moment make,
Be ever kept in mind;
We will no more our God forsake,
Or cast his words behind.

We never will throw off his fear,
Who hears our solemn vow,
And if thou art well pleased to hear,
Come down and meet us now.

Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Let all our hearts receive;
Present with the celestial host,
The peaceful answer give.

To each the cov'nant blood apply,
Which takes our sins away;
And register our names on high,
And keep us to that day."

At the words, "We will no more our God forsake," the voice of the eldest
suddenly failed, and burying her face she sobbed aloud. The other seemed
to have gathered strength with every word, and now as she sang:--

"We never will