kneeling down before Him, "besought Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean." (Luke v. 12.) Was the leper very ill? Could he cure himself? Did he know of his sad and helpless condition? Did he acknowledge it? Do all sinful people fully know how deplorable is their state?

(2.) By revealing God's character.There was once a large crowd of people on Mount Carmel. One prophet of Jehovah was there; and was opposed by five hundred prophets of Baal. What was the name of the Lord's prophet? A king also was present. His name? The worshippers of Baal regarded that idol as their god. They believed their god had delight in human misery. (1 Kings xviii. 28.)

(3.) By furnishing suitable words.One part of the Bible, and not a very small one, is intended chiefly to assist us in drawing near to God in praise and prayer. That portion of God's Word was designed to be often sung. It is now sometimes employed in that What is its name?

manner.

(4.) By recording eminent examples.One of God's servants was, because of his fidelity to God, cast into a den of lions. His name? What was the particular instance of fidelity for which he was thus treated. (Dan. vi. 12, 13.) How often had Daniel been used to pray? (Dan. vi. 10.)

(5.) By providing the model uttered by Christ. We are to form our own prayers after this example: "After this manner therefore pray." (Matt. vi. 9.) We are also to use the words themselves: "When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven," &c. (Luke xi. 2.)

EXERCISES.-Without the Bible should we know what we mostly need? Without the Bible should we have known the Lord's goodness? Are there many beautiful forms of prayer in the Bible? Which is our chief model? Ought we to use the prayer itself?

But He has caused the words to be added, "which art in heaven;" and so we are taught how infinitely greater, in everything that is excellent, God is than the wisest, and richest, and strongest, and best of earthly parents.

The goodness of God.-He employs one of the most endearing terms which human language contains. We can scarcely estimate the love of a father. You remember the distress experienced by a father, when his son's coat was shown to him, stained with blood, so that the aged man felt certain that his son had been slain by some wild beast. What was the name of that father? (Gen. xxxvii. 31-35.) Even a father who was wicked, and led other people into sin, was greatly distressed when his son was likely to die. (1 Kings xiv. 1, 2.) What king of Israel made two gods shaped like calves, and placed one in Bethel, and the other in Dan? A good man had two wicked sons; he had not firmness enough to restrain them, yet he was deeply pained at their sin and their peril. (1 Sam. ii. 23, 24.) A father can wish pleasant things for his children which he does not desire for himself. (2 Sam. xix. 33-40.)

The greatness of God.-He is more mighty than any earthly father. Parents are often unable to accomplish on behalf of their children that which they desire,-God can do all things. Sometimes they are so selfish, as to sacrifice the welfare of their children for their own gratification,-God is love. All our parents are liable to blunder, God knows all things. Parents must die, and, if children survive, they must do without father or mother,-God lives for ever. Blessed are they who have such a Father. (2 Cor. vi. 17, 18.)

EXERCISES.-How are we taught to address God? What two lessons do we thus learn concerning God? In what does God resemble a good father? In what is God far above the best of fathers? How ought we to feel towards God when told thus to address Him?

ILLUSTRATIVE FACTS.

Miss Elizabeth Nodes. ON the 3d of September, 1864, some children were at a birthday party. Their grandmamma had completed her eightyfifth year, and had invited them and some poor old people to have tea and plumcake at her home. They sang the Evening Hymn together, and then the good lady

told them stories which she knew to be true; but some of the events had happened almost eighty years before. The aged lady was the widow of that great and good man, Dr. Newton. She had much reason to mourn the loss of such an excellent husband, yet she was comforted by the blessed assurance that she should soon meet him in heaven. So, although she suffered from the infirmities of extreme old age, Mrs. Newton was not unhappy. When she was young her name was Elizabeth Nodes. Her father had been a captain in the army. She had thought little about her soul, but had been eagerly seeking pleasure in worldly amusements. She went to church regularly, and repeated her prayers in her own room; but her heart was not engaged, so the employment of her lips was not real prayer. But her brother, a young officer in the army, died unexpectedly. A strange clergyman, who really knew the way of salvation, was allowed to preach in the church which Miss Nodes attended. God employed the sermon and the bereavement to awaken the young lady to a sense her sinful

ness. So, in the church, and then in her own room, she began to cry to God for help. Miss Nodes scarcely knew what to ask for. She had never heard of "conversion," or "the new birth," or "the witness of the Spirit." But she read the New Testament; and, as she came to understand what she needed, she asked God for the blessings. That was real prayer. In a little time the Lord made her unspeakably happy by His pardoning mercy. From that time she really prayed to God, and was, for about seventy years, blessed by Him, until she was permitted to rejoin her much-loved husband in heaven. (No. II. July 12.)

The Frigate "Rainbow."

THE good ship "Rainbow" was cruising along the coasts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward's Island. The weather had been very fine; and, consequently, the officers had ventured somewhat nearer the shore than usual. The wind, however, suddenly changed. It was necessary to get away from the rocks as speedily as possible, especially as night was coming on, and the weather seemed likely to be rough. Suddenly a squall struck the vessel, and snapped the top-gallant-mast. The topmast was in danger; and, if it gave way, there was no knowing what might happen, as the storm was increasing, and a rocky coast to leeward. Somebody must climb the mast, and cut away the shattered spar and torn sail. The first lieutenant called for a volunteer. Only one offered. All

knew that the man who undertook the task would most likely lose his life. That man was William Ellis, who had long been ridiculed by his comrades for praying and reading the Bible. Up he went with an axe in his hand. Soon he was lost sight of in the gloom. At length a rushing sound was heard. Many shuddered, and thought it was poor Ellis. But it was the spar and sail. The ship was saved by the Bible-reader. The officer, some time afterwards, asked Ellis how he felt when aloft. "That I was in the hands of God, Sir. I prayed for His protection, and I never felt my heart more light, or my courage more firm." That topmast was a place of prayer. (No. II. July 19.)

Kaffir Thieves Praying.

THE farmers in Kaffraria have some very troublesome neighbours. Many of the natives do not know how to cultivate the land so as to obtain crops of wheat and barley, nor to plant gardens or orchards; nor do those natives wish to learn. They really have a strong disinclination to work. They do not find any pleasure in rearing and tending cattle, nor in any pursuit which requires care and effort. But they can enjoy beef and mutton as well as anybody, and relish well-made bread, and like the taste of fruit. So, many of these ignorant and wicked Kaffirs are greatly addicted to stealing from those who are more industrious than themselves. What may seem very remarkable is that, before going on their errands of depredation, they will ask the help of their gods. They will pray in words something like the following:-"0, my god, look upon me, and take care of me. When I have got what I want, let the sun make haste and go down, that no one may see me." But we need not be very much surprised. Never have the people of any land prayed aright, unless they were taught by God. We need a model for our prayers such as Christ has provided, and instruction respecting prayer such as is found in the Bible. (No. II. July 26.)

Old William, of Halifax.

THE aged man was not rich, and had not enjoyed the advantages of early education. Heat length became very feeble, and often suffered severely. But Old William was very happy, for he had long been striving to trust in Christ and love God; and he had a clear and brightening assurance that he was truly a child of God. He was about eighty-three years old, so that gold and silver could not have been long retained if he had possessed them; but

Old William had "the pearl of great price" which would be his for ever. He used to say, "It's a grand thing to be a child of God; it is more to be desired than thousands of gold and silver: it's all to me now.... The more I've asked of God, the more I've always had. The more I've sought, the more I've always found; and it must be so; for hasn't He said, 'Ask and ye shall have,'" &c. One Saturday he appeared to be dying. A friend said to him, "I think, William, you will not need the prayers of God's people to-morrow." He understood what was meant, and

BIBLE-LESSONS

replied: "Sure not, if I'm then with the Church of the Firstborn; and that cannot be long now." The aged disciple was, however, alive the next day. He was told that the text in the forenoon-service had been, "Our Father which art in heaven." The soul of the dying man filled with rapture at the thought that he was, in the fullest sense, a child of God. "Wherever He places me," he said, "it is just there I would be; and whatever He wills me to suffer, that I would bear." Soon he was taken to heaven, to suffer no more. (No. II. August 2.)

July 5.-Leaves and Fruit. MARK Xi, 13: "He found nothing but leaves,"

1. About trees.-How beautiful a tree looks as it stands, at this time of the year, covered with its crowd of pretty green leaves. They glisten bright and fresh as the sun shines on them after the rain: the wind waves them to and fro: they are a shelter for the bird, a shade for man and beast, and they gladden the eye at all times. But we look to a tree for something more than leaves. Some give timber; others, fruits of various kinds: if one of these gives "nothing but leaves," we say it is of little or no use; it is not doing that for which it was intended.

2. The barren fig-tree.-As Jesus went, one day, with His disciples, along the pleasant road from Bethany to Jerusalem, He saw a fig-tree at a distance. It stood tall and fair to look upon, covered with its large glossy leaves. Jesus was hungry, and went towards the tree, that He might gather some of the fruit. It was the right time to expect this, for on the fig - tree the fruit comes before the leaves, and the time for gathering them had not come ; so they had not been plucked off, yet "He found nothing but leaves." Of what use was such a tree? Jesus said, "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever!" and presently the fig-tree withered away. The disciples were full of wonder at this. How was it His word had such power? Because He is Lord of all things on earth, and can do as He will with them.

3. What the fig-tree teaches.-Why did Jesus thus curse it? (1.) To show

how strong faith in God may be. He told His disciples that, if they had faith, they could secure the doing of things as unlikely as to cause the fig-tree to wither away. (2.) Especially to teach us something about ourselves. God expects that we should give fruit in return for all His care and goodness to

us.

But what is the fruit He looks for? Some wish to do well, and say they will; others care only to appear to be right; but, if this be all, it is only as the leaves of a tree without fruit. God will not be pleased with such. He looks for the fruit of a good life,-kind and loving tempers, obedience to His word, the heart given to Him. Even a child may yield such fruit to the glory of God.

REVISION. What is the use of leaves? What should a tree give besides ? What tree did Jesus curse? Why did He do this? What may we learn from the fig-tree? What persons are like the fig-tree that had "nothing but leaves?" What fruit does God expect from us?

July 12.-About Loving. MARK Xii. 30: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart."

1. What is love ?-It cannot be seen or heard. Yet every child has felt it. It is something in the heart, like joy, or sorrow, or anger. No child could live and be happy without love. He needs some to love him, and he needs some whom he can love. Whom has God given you to love at home? A life without love would be like a day without the sun, or a world without trees, or flowers, or anything beautiful. We may be happy without fine clothes, or a grand

house, or other things which riches can bring, but not without love; yet sometimes the love is given to what is not good. If those we love be bad, we shall become bad also. Men, and children too, often give their love to what is evil: they love sin and sinful persons, or that which cannot make them wiser or better. We ought then to know,

2. Whom we should love.-Hear God's command, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God." How wonderful that God desires the love of such as we are. How wonderful that any should refuse this love! But is this meant for children? Yes! for God says, "I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me." It was because "God so loved the world," that He sent the Lord Jesus Christ to die for us, and to save us. This is the greatest love one can show another, to give up his life for him, and this is what Jesus did for us. The life of the body, and every other good, come from Him.

3. How we should love God." With all the heart." Some are willing to use words of love, but that is not enough. It is to love really and sincerely: to love Him above all others. How is love shown to parents or friends? By trying in all things to please them by doing all they wish. And this is how we must show our love to God. Jesus once said, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words."

REVISION.-Where is love felt? Why do we need love? How should we feel without it? Whom should we love? How should we love God? Why? What will His love do for us? How may we know whether we love God?

July 19.-Death and Freedom. EXOD. xii. 33: "They said, We be all dead men."

1. "One plague more. -Our lesson tells of one of the most terrible punishments which sin has ever brought upon the world. God had shown His power and His anger to Pharaoh in many ways, and His mercy too; for He had given him much time to repent, and to obey. But Pharaoh had shown his people that he did not care for this great God. So the Lord said unto Moses, "Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh . . . ; afterwards he will let you go." But, as Pharaoh's sin

had become so great, this plague was to be more severe than any which had gone before.

2. The night of fear.-Moses one day told the Israelites that they were to get ready to go from Egypt, for God would that night pass through the land, and smite the firstborn in every house of the Egyptians, not sparing one. It was a night of fear even to the Israelites. How would they be spared? God commanded that the blood of a lamb should be sprinkled upon the doorposts of each house, and promised that none should die in the house that had the blood upon it.

3. Death in every house. -The Israelites got all things ready for their journey, as God had commanded, and waited in fear and wonder. The Egyptians lay down to rest as on other nights, after the work and the pleasure of the day were over: Pharaoh in his palace, and each one in his home, with no thought of danger. "And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt... And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians . . . for there was not a house where there was not one dead." The prophet Isaiah once said, "Woe to him that striveth with his Maker."

4. Israel free. - Pharaoh called in haste for Moses, even in the night, and told him to go forth at once from Egypt, and to take all the Israelites with him. The Egyptians, too, urged them to go in great haste, for they were in terror at God's judgments upon them, and said, "We be all dead men." Then they rose up, and went forth from Egypt, men and women and children, their cattle, and their sheep, a very great multitude; all freed by the mighty power of God from their cruel masters. The Lord led them forth like sheep, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

REVISION.-What was the last plague? Why was it inflicted? When did it happen? How were the houses of the Israelites known? By what blood is our salvation wrought? How were the Israelites freed?

July 26.-The Face of the Lord. PSALM XXVii. 8: "Thy face, Lord, will I seek."

1. The face of the Lord.-This means His love and favour. David very much

wished to get this. He knew there was nothing in the world so good for him. When in trouble, God helped him. When wicked men came against him, God kept him from harm. When Satan would lead him to sin, and bring his soul into danger, God saved him. He knew that God could make him happy while he lived, and could save him for ever after death. But how was all this to be got? Would the Lord be willing to treat him so kindly? Yes; for He said to him, "Seek ye My face.' How "Great is the mercy of the Lord toward them that fear Him!" To seek a person's face is to seek his presence, to try to be near him, to have his favour. It was this love and favour which God told David to seek. Let us now hear,

2. David's answer.-"My heart said, Thy face, Lord, will I seek." This was indeed most wise. David said it, too, with his heart. It was not with words only, as many good things are said. David not only wished and intended to do this, but his mind was set on it. If he had refused to do it, he would have had no safety in life, nor any happiness after death.

3. An example to us.- -What have we to do with this? Does God invite us to seek Him? Yes, His word is still, "Those that seek Me early shall find Me." "Blessed are they that seek Him with the whole heart." Then, as we have the same invitation as David, let our answer be the same. This voice of the Lord will come to every heart, even to the youngest. Many care not to answer, or they answer with the lips only, and not with the heart. What shall your answer be?

REVISION.-What is meant by "the face of the Lord?" Why did David wish to seek it? How did God invite him to do this? What was David's answer? How do we know that God invites us? What answer should we give?

Aug. 2.-The Praise of Good Works.

MARK XIV. 8: "She hath done what she could."

1. Gratitude.-Jesus was once in the house of a man who had prepared a feast for Him and His disciples. Many were

gathered there to see Him, and to hear Him. As He sat in the midst of the company, there came a woman having a kind of marble box of ointment, very precious and costly. Its smell was sweet and most pleasant. It was such as was used by the great and rich of the land, or given to those who were highly thought of and honoured. This woman opened the box, and poured the precious ointment on the head of Jesus. Why did she do this? What was it a sign of? She had received much kindness and good from Him, and she wished to show her love, and to honour Him in the presence of others.

2. Envy. Some who were there were full of anger when they saw what she had done. They said it was a waste, and that the money it cost might have been given to the poor. And they spoke evil words against this good woman. Even now some speak evil of that which is good, and try to hinder it. But the Lord knew the hearts of these men, and that he who had spoken most bitterly against the woman, really cared not for the poor, but only that he might have the money for himself. Then He reproved those who did this wrong, and said, "Let her alone...she hath wrought a good work on Me."

3. The praise of good works.-Jesus said, "She hath done what she could." Here was praise from the Lord Jesus. Can it be said of us that we each do what we can for Him? He said too, that wherever people should hear of Him, and of what He had done for the world, there also they should hear of the loving action of this good woman; and should remember her for the honour she had done to Him. Jesus has shown great love to you by dying to save you, and by caring for you day by day. Are you doing what you can to show love and honour in return? It is not much that any one can do for Him. But if a child only does what he can, Jesus will know it, and will be pleased to receive it.

REVISION.-How did the woman show her gratitude to Jesus? What did some say of it? What did that show? What did Jesus say of it? How may we obtain praise from God?