The suggestion was not without its influence upon the mate's mind, and through the day they made the best of their circumstances, but when night drew near, the apprehension of danger increased. In a little while the mate was seen conversing with one and another of the crew upon the necessity of lightening the boat by the removal of some of the passengers, and seeking their aid in the work of death. and all instinctively shrunk from the fearful deed. But the necessity was urged until there was a heart found, steeled enough to the sensibilities of nature, to lead the way. A sudden splash was heard alongside, and the whole boat's company was instantly in an uproar. The work of death had indeed commenced. The cry was soon heard that this was foul play-"If we are to die, let us die fair let us cast lots," exclaimed one and another, while cold paleness and trembling fear settled on almost every countenance.

One and another were asked,

There was an old man, who might seem from his gray locks and care-worn features, to have had

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'Enough of life's woes, full enough of its cheer."

He found himself marked as a victim, and when

they approached to lay hands on him he fell upon his knees and begged them to take all he had, but to spare his life. Perhaps he was looking forward to a home in this new world among an affectionate circle of children, who had happily succeeded in securing a competency in some beautiful village of the West, and whose cup of earthly enjoyment would be full if their prosperity could be witnessed and shared by the old man, whose coming they anticipated with high hopes. "Spare me," said the old man," not for myself, but for my children. Here is all I have," drawing out a purse of sovereigns, "take this, but do not take my life."

It was all in vain. Some must die, and who so near the grave as this old man? In a moment his remonstrances were silenced in the overwhelming surge.

Near him sat the young man, whose interesting deportment had won so many hearts. Surely they will spare him, thought all the company. They will not send him down into the deep grave of the sea, in the bright morning of his days. One so young and so gentle must have very many and dear friends, whose tenderest affections are bound up in his life. Let him live to exemplify, as he ever has done, the devotion of filial love and

service the strength of principle, and the beauty and excellence of truth. Let him live to cheer and sustain his widowed mother, and to protect and guide his brothers and sisters. This was the voice But no such pleadings

of the sufferers around him.

are heard from his lips. He is lifted above the present extremity, and his thoughts and joys and sympathies are already transferred to the world of spirits.

He sees that he is among the doomed! He lifts his meek eyes to the heavens, and breathes forth the prayer of a departing spirit, "LORD JESUS,

RECEIVE ME TO THE MANSIONS OF ETERNAL REST.

Then turning to those who approached to cast him, he said with unruffled calmness, "I am now prepared, but I do not wish you to throw me overboard-I will go myself." And gathering up the garment, which was all he had saved from the wreck, he wrapped it close around him, and with a firm and dauntless spirit stepped from the gunwale of the boat into the sea, and sank gently down into the fathomless abyss. There was a moment's pause in this mysterious work of death-a silent tribute to the memory of a stranger that was loved, an involuntary homage to extraordinary faith and heavenly submission.

Happy, happy, indeed, was it for that young man that his peace was made with God, and that he could feel the sustaining persuasion that while his body was sinking into the caverns of the great deep, his soul would be passing through the portals of the heavenly city to mansions of perfect purity and unmingled joy.

THE END.