fruit comes last, but in reality it is the first in thought, in value, and use. The buds come first, but in value and end are last; for they only exist for the sake of the blossoms, and these for the sake of the fruit: thus what is first in the eye of man is last or least in the sight of God, and vice versâ; proving the truth of our Lord's words, "the first shall be last, and the last first." It is bliss to know that as the buds appear upon our rods, so shall our conceptions of goodness and truth increase; as the blossoms open, our wisdom shall expand; and as the fruits ripen, our joys shall be full. Then shall we know that we are among The Chosen of the Lord.
February Tenth.
THE TRIBUTE FISH.
"Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thon hast opened his mouth thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."—Matt. xvii. 27.
WHEN Jesus asked Peter, "Of whom do the kings of the earth take tribute? of their own children or strangers?" Peter replied, "Of strangers." "Then," said the Lord, "are the children free." But, rather than offend the ruling powers, Jesus commanded Peter to go to the sea, and cast a hook, and in the mouth of the first fish caught, he should find a piece of money, with which he was to pay the tribute. This is a most extraordinary miracle, wrought as well to shew the spiritual or religious instruction of the mind as to pay a trifling tribute. It is eternal and not temporal things that are supremely regarded by Him who has all power in heaven and earth—Who, in a
