Cecil and the Pomegranate.
Mr. Cecil was pacing to and fro in the Botanic Garden at Oxford, when he observed a fine specimen of the pomegranate almost cut through the stem. On asking the gardener the reason, he got an answer which explained the words to his own bleeding spirit. "Sir, this tree used to shoot so strong that it bore nothing but leaves. I was, therefore, obliged to cut it in this manner, and when it was almost cut through, then it began to bear plenty of fruit." Ye suffering members of Christ, be thankful, for every sorrow weakens a lust or strengthens a grace. Though it should cut to the heart, be thankful for every sin and idol thrown away. Be thankful for whatever makes your conscience more tender, your thoughts more spiritual, and your character more consistent. Be thankful that it was the pruning-knife, and not the weeding-hook, which you felt; for if you suffer in Christ, you suffer with him; and if with him you suffer, with him you shall also reign.—Emblems of Eden.