The little child had been fast asleep, but on the mother entering the room with a light in her hand to retire to rest, she woke up, and as the little one looked at her mother, the little face was lighted up with joy and loving recognition, quite content to watch with interest all her movements about the room. But on the mother extinguishing the light, the sudden darkness startled the child with surprise and fear. The mother drew quietly near, and gently placed her hand upon the child's, and in a moment its fears were gone; then, placing its little hand upon its mother's, confiding in her presence and love, in a few moments the child was fast asleep.

It is a sweet picture of faith in the presence of Christ with us. Though sometimes, even after exalted times of enjoyment, the darkness of unbelief, the sense of indwelling sin, through the tempter's efforts fill us with fear ; or if trying and mysterious dispensations seem to hide our Saviour's face from our view, we are dismayed. Yet as soon as we draw near to Him in simple faith, His presence calms our spirit ; we are lifted out of ourselves, our restlessness vanishes, and we realize the truth of His words of sweet promise-" Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee :because he trusteth in Thee" (Isa. 26 :3).

" I need Thy presence every passing hour :
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power ?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be ?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me ! "