“MOTHER, DO TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT.”

BIBLE
PICTURES
FOR
LITTLE PEOPLE

BY UNCLE HARRY

AUTHOR OF BUY AN ORANGE, SIR, DON'T SAY SO, MARY DON'T HEAR US, AWAY FROM HOME, &C

London
SUNDAY * SCHOOL * UNION,
36, OLD BAILEY, E.C

TO OUR YOUNG READERS

“MΟΤΗΕR, do tell me all about it.” That is what the little boy in the picture which forms our Frontispiece is saying. All about what? “ All about that sweet saying.” His mother had just read the words, “ Suffer the little children to come unto Me;” and she was very glad that he wanted to hear “all about it.” So she told him how it was these words came to be spoken.

“When Jesus was on earth,” said she, “He was once angry,—it was not sinful anger, for He never did sin, nor speak a deceitful word; but He displeased. It was not because the wicked people called Him a glutton and a wine-bibber. It was not when they said He had a devil; nor when they cast Him out of the city, and took up stones to kill Him. It was not when they spat on Him, and struck Him with their hands; nor when they mocked and scourged Him; nor when they nailed Him to the cross and derided Him in His sufferings.

“No; He bore all this meekly. But it was when He saw His disciples would hinder little children from coming to Him, that He was ‘displeased,' and then it was that He spoke the sweet saying, “Suffer little children to come unto Me.’”

In this book of pictures, which we have prepared on purpose for little people, we have tried to tell you of Jesus and His love, of many of the good things He said, and of the kind things He did. We have also told you of some of the things done and said by His Apostles, which were Christ-like. And we want you to feel what a Friend you have in Jesus.

There is everything in Him to win your heart. He is meek, and tender, and full of love. He can do you all the good you need, and save you from all the evil you fear. If you are poor, He can make you rich with the best riches; for He can give you His grace—His favour—and that is better even than life. If you do not know much, He can give you His Holy Spirit to teach you. If you are an orphan child, He can be better to you than father, mother, and all earthly friends. If you are afflicted, He can comfort and bless you.

One thing is certain: you need a Saviour, and if you wish to be saved you must come to Jesus. He died on the cross that He might save all who believe and trust in Him. He will save you from the love and power of sin, and from its guilt and punishment.

Oh, then, do not forget to praise Him for His sweet saying. Pray to Him and He will hear you; pray in faith and love, and He will bless you.

Uncle Harry.

GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYBODY

NEARLY two thousand years ago, some shepherds were in the open fields of Palestine, watching their flocks by night, when suddenly a bright light shone around them. How frightened they were! What could it be? But soon a voice said—“Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy”—good news not only for you, but for every one on the face of the earth—Christ is born in Bethlehem. He for whom you have been looking so long.

Listen! there are many heavenly voices singing. This is their song:—

“Glory to God in the highest, and ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.”

The shepherds were so glad, that as soon as the angels were gone back to heaven, they hurried off to Bethlehem to see Jesus for themselves. Where do you think they found Him? In a stable with Joseph, and Mary His mother. He had no soft bed such as you have, but was lying in a manger! There was no room for Him in the inn. No room for Jesus! Oh, how sad!

As the shepherds returned to their work, they, sang for joy.

AN OLD MAN MADE HAPPY

MARY, the mother of Jesus, was a godly woman. She was very careful to give her Child the name the angel had told her—JESUS. His parents went to offer thanks to God in the Temple at Jerusalem, to dedicate their Child to the Lord, taking two young pigeons as offerings, as they were required to do by the Jewish law.

An old man in the temple, named Simeon, was full of joy when he saw the young child Jesus, and he took Him up in his arms and thanked God that he had seen Him. He said he could now die happily; for all he had read about, and prayed about, and longed for, had come to pass, as God had promised. Listen to his words: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.” How do you feel about Jesus? Are you glad that He came into the world? Remember He came that you might be made happy for ever. He died to save you.

What a good thing it was that Simeon was in the house of God that day, for it was there that he met with Jesus. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer’s ear!

WISE MEN FROM THE EAST

ONE day some wise men, a long way off, saw a wonderful star. So they left their homes and went to Jerusalem to find out all about it. When they got there, they asked this strange question: “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” for they felt certain that Christ who had been talked about for so many years had at last come.

Herod, who was then king of the Jews, was soon told what these wise men who had come into the city were inquiring about; and he said to himself, This is bad news for me! There will soon be an end to all my greatness. So he asked the Jews if they knew where Christ was born; and they told him what the Scriptures said.

Herod was very unhappy. He sent for the wise men, and told them to go and. search for Jesus, and when they had found Him to tell him, that he might go and worship Him also! Wicked man! this was all pretence; he wanted to kill Jesus.

The wise men found Christ; for the star guided them to where He was, and they worshipped Him and made presents to Him. But that night, God told them not to go back to Herod; and they went to their own country another way. Herod was very angry, and sent and slew all the little ones around Bethlehem from two years old and under. But Jesus was not among them. He had been taken away by night into Egypt, out of Herod’s reach.

JESUS AT TWELVE YEARS OF AGE

MARY, the mother of Jesus, and her husband once lost Jesus. Where? In Jerusalem, when He was only twelve years old. He had travelled with Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Jerusalem, to keep the Feast of the Passover, and at the end of the feast Jesus Himself stayed behind, in the Temple courts. His mother did not miss Him for some time. Perhaps at first she thought He was somewhere in the crowd, among the other youths or friends, who no doubt liked His company. But He was not there!

For a whole day they travelled without Him; they then sought for Him; and asked if any one had seen Jesus. But no one knew where He was; He seemed to be lost.

He was found in the Temple listening to God’s word and asking questions, of the teachers of God’s laws, whom He met there. Though very young, His words were wise, holy, and good.

His mother asked why He had stayed behind. Jesus told her that He was about His heavenly Father’s work. But He showed Himself a loving obedient Son—really a good Son in all things, in working as well as in speaking. Do you always do as you are bid? Are you a loving, dutiful child to your parents?

A MAN SENT FROM GOD

JOHN the Baptist was a wonderful man. He was the son of a Jewish high priest named Zacharias. Before this little boy was bom, an angel from heaven told Zacharias that his child’s name was to be John. When he was bom, some neighbours and cousins wished him to be called by the same name as his father. But his parents said he must be called John; for God had told them so.

John was sent by God to do a great work for Him, when he became a man. How strangely he was dressed! he had a raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins. He lived upon locusts and wild honey and was as bold as a lion.

Nearly all who had preached before, said that Jesus was coming; but now John said, .“He is come; I have seen Him; I am sent to prepare the way before Him. Repent of your sins, and prepare to meet Him.” See how the people listen!

Every child is sent into the world for something. Like John, you can-not save anybody, but you can tell who can. A little child once said to a man, “I love Jesus; does you?” This question made the man think, and pray that he might do so; and God heard his prayer.

A TRUE MAN

SUCH was the man whom we have pictured sitting under a fig-tree. His name was Nathanael. One day a friend went up to him and said, “We have found Jesus of Nazareth.” Nathanael seemed to think it could not be Jesus; for, said he, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”

Philip, his friend, said, “Come and see.” Nathanael went to see.

As he came near to Him, Jesus said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.” Nathanael wondered how it was that Jesus knew him.

Jesus told him that before Philip called him, when he thought he was alone under the fig-tree, read-ing God’s word or praying, He saw him. Philip felt sure now that, wherever He came from, it must be Jesus.

Children, have you ever seen a man put the best fruit at the "top of the basket, and cover over and hide the worst part of the fruit? Why does he do that? Is it honest and sincere dealing? Now, nearly everybody tries to hide his or her own faults. Some are better at home than when they are out; and others behave very much better out than they do at home. Some behave better at school than they do at home. A great deal depends upon who is known to be looking, whether it is a parent, a teacher, or God only.

Nathanael had no guile, no deceit. He did not put the best on the out-side. He was a man of true piety, —he made no profession that he did not live up to. He did not say one thing and do another.

Jesus saw Nathanael when he was praying. Jesus said so.

Remember—Jesus beholds whatever you do: In Work or in play, then, always be true.

WHAT NICODEMUS WAS TAUGHT

ONE night a great man, named Nicodemus, came to Jesus; not to see a miracle, not to ask Him to cure any one, hut to hear from Jesus’ own lips about His wonderful works, concerning which there was so much talk just then. He felt certain that Jesus was a Teacher from God, because a common man could not do such works as He did. Nicodemus went to Jesus when it was dark, because he did not want the Jews to know it. The Lord did not call him a coward; hut received him kindly. Jesus is still the same; He will receive any one kindly now, either young or old, rich or poor, by night or day.

Jesus told him something new, something strange, Something he did not expect. He said, “Ye must be born again.” Jesus meant that his heart must he changed.

Jesus told him what Moses did ages ago in the wilderness when the people were bitten by fiery serpents, how he put a serpent of brass on a pole, and whosoever looked upon it was saved from dying; and He made Nicodemus understand that He had come to be lifted up upon the cross, that whosoever looked to Him might be saved from the consequences of the bite of the old serpent. Nicodemus soon found that God’s Spirit alone can change a man’s heart, cure him of sin, and make him a new creature.

JESUS AT THE WELL

ONE day Jesus. had been walking many miles, and was very tired and hungry and thirsty; so He sat on the side of a well to rest, while His disciples went into a city of Samaria to buy something to eat. It was a very old well, and once belonged to the patriarch Jacob. Most likely it was the middle of the day, when the sun shone brightly overhead. It would, therefore, he very pleasant to be near a well of water.

While Jesus sat there, a woman came along the path straight up to the well, to get some water to carry home. Jesus asked her to give Him some, but she told Him that her people were not friendly with the Jews. We do not know whether she gave Him any after-wards or not.

Jesus talked with her a long time, and He said, if she had asked He would have given her the water of life. At last, she felt that He must be the Saviour of whom the prophets had spoken; for He knew all about her. He must be Christ the Lord, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. And she believed on Him. Up to this time she had been thirsting for happiness, seeking it where it was not to be found. Now she found that Jesus is the only fountain of happiness and peace. Hundreds and thousands want to be happy.. Only Jesus can make them truly so.

JESUS CALLS THE FISHERMEN

ΤΗΕ apostle Peter was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee,—not a rich man nor a learned man,—yet Jesus chose him; and Jesus taught him, and gave him power to do all He wanted him to do.

One day, Jesus found Peter and his brother Andrew busy casting a net into the sea. When the Master comes it is better for men to be found at work than idle, or asleep. Jesus spoke to them: Come ye after Me—leave your work, and the fishing-net, and the boat, and the water, now, directly; follow Me; and I will make you to become fishers of men; will show you what to do; will prepare you, will teach you, will make you willing to serve Me; to bring men to Me. They had often looked for fish, and found them, and caught them; now they are to go on a new kind of fishing. Did these brothers say they could not come, or would not, or were too busy? No; they went at once; left everything—boats, nets, sails, and fish—to go with Jesus, and be with Him always.

How were they to fish for men? They were to speak to men, to persuade men by words, and to catch them for Christ. To tell them of Christ—to bring them to Christ, that their souls might be saved.

A LEPER CURED

AS Jesus went about doing good, multitudes followed Him. Yonder is a leper—a man afflicted with spots and sores, whom no man would try to cure. He is obliged to leave his house and family, and live alone, no one will come near him; and he must not go near others, lest they also catch the disease. He hears of Jesus—wants to get close to Him. At last he succeeds. “O sir!” he cries, “pray heal me; Thou canst if Thou wilt.” Jesus in kindness and mercy did not keep him at a distance. He was not afraid of the dreadful disease; but went near to the man and touched him whom nobody would approach, and said, “I not only can but will heal thee; be thou clean,” and the spots, the white marks, and the sores, all went away.

Was he really cured? Yes, but he was to go and be examined, and not to talk about it till the priest said, “Thou art clean.” How kind and thoughtful Jesus was!

Sin is the worst leprosy—it is all over us. No man can cure it.

“None but Jesus Can do helpless sinners good.”

GOD ONLY CAN FORGIVE SINS

WHEREVER the Lord Jesus went, crowds of people were sure to come. One day, as soon as He had gone into a house at Capernaum, multitudes flocked to it. Even the outside, round the door, was crowded, for all the people were anxious to hear His holy and heavenly words, as He taught them. Four men came outside that house—they were carrying a sick man on his bed. But they could not enter by the door, the crowd was too great. So they went up the stairs outside, to the top of the house, and they moved the covering from the inner room where Jesus was, and let down the sick man and his bed among the people.

This strange conduct stopped Jesus from teaching for a little while; and He, and all the people, looked at the poor palsied man as he lay on his bed before Him. Jesus spoke to the sick man, not to scold him, nor to scold the people who had brought him—for Jesus was pleased to see in the trouble they had taken to get at Him, a sign that they believed in His power to heal. Jesus then said, “Son, thy sins he forgiven thee”

Some of the people who were there found fault with Jesus’ words, and they said among themselves, Nobody but God can forgive sins. That was true; but Jesus was God.

MATTHEW THE TAX-GATHERER

JESUS when on earth, chose twelve men to be with Him, to be His disciples, or scholars, so that they might afterwards be apostles, or men forth to preach to sinners. At first He did not take the richest and most learned men that He could find, but the poor, the plain, and the humble. Some, you know, were fishermen. Matthew, or Levi, (for he had two names) was a publican, a receiver of taxes. The taxes were paid to the Romans; Matthew was a Jew, and, if he was like most of the publicans, was very fond of money, and tried to get all he could. There are some besides tax-gatherers who do this, as if the only thing that made them happy was money.

One day, as Jesus was passing by, Matthew sat at his. desk as usqal, busy with his books, receiving the taxes. Jesus stopped, looked at the busy man, and spoke only two words: Follow Me —come with Me, be My scholar, learn of Me, share My troubles. Matthew left all; shut his desk, closed his books, put away his money-bag, and followed Jesus.

He loved money before, but now he loves Christ more than all. Christ has the true riches. Be willing to serve Him as long as you live.

A HOUSE OF MERCY

IN Jerusalem there was a wonderful pool of water, called Bethesda, which means, “house of mercy or charity.” It was made of white marble, and there were beautiful covered walks around it. It had five entrances, all filled with sick and blind, lame, and helpless people.

These waited long—not for a doctor, but for the visit of an angel to move the water, and then one only was to be cured.

A poor man lay there who had lost the use of his limbs for thirty-eight years. Oh, how he tried to crawl to the water—but somebody was sure to be before him. But see, a kind-looking

Stranger pities him and asks—“Wilt thou be made whole?” “I have no man to put me into the pool,” said the poor man. The Stranger did not help him into the pool, but spake wonderful words : “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” He was well in a moment, and so full of joy was he that he did not stop to thank the Friend who had been so kind to him, or to ask who He was. He afterwards went into the temple, to thank God for His mercy to him. There he found Jesus, and then he told the Jews, “Jesus cured me.”

Bethesda was indeed to him a house of mercy.

DO GOOD ON THE SABBATH DAY

ONCE as Christ and His disciples were walking through some cornfields, they wanted something to eat, and as the law given by God allowed them to do so, the disciples plucked some ears of the corn that grew in the fields to eat. The Jews saw what they did, and as· it was the Sabbath day, they began to find fault with

Jesus; and tried to make out that He was a Sabbath-breaker. Jesus told them that He and God were one, and did the same good things, and that He did nothing against God or His word. While He was talking about His power over the Sabbath, there came a lame man into the midst of the people at the synagogue, and Jesus healed him at once,—and this He did to show that it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.

Some of the Jews were so strict in the observance of their Sabbath that they would not even do good on that day.

If a horse or sheep, a man or a child fall into a pit on the Sabbath, it is God’s will, and the Bible says so, that we should help them out, much more seek to save the soul on the Sabbath.

We are not to seek our pleasure on God’s holy day; but we are bound to do God’s will; and the Bible tells us what His will is.

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

IMAGINE you can see the loving Saviour in His progress from village to village and town to town.. How the news spreads that He is coming!—no triumphal arches are erected; no flying banners does He meet with; bands of music are not heard; nor are the various thoroughfares illuminated; but as soon as He draws near they bring out the lame, the sick, the deaf, the blind, into the way by which He is to pass.

A poor woman only touches the hem of His garment and is cured. Jesus is as ready and willing now; and He is as able, everywhere, in every house, in every school, to bless, to heal, to save.

As many as touched Him were made well. He has compassion for all.

Round Him thronged the blind, the lame,
Deaf and dumb, diseased, possessed;
None in vain for healing came,
All the Saviour freely blessed.

He also raised the dead to life. We all are afflicted with that sad disease sin—which, unless we are rid of it, will end in eternal death. Jesus is the Great Healer. He can take away our sins. Be sorry for sin—leave off sinning—and trust in Him.

GOD CARES FOR YOU

THE Lord Jesus not only told the Jewish people to pray to God, each one alone, and promised that God would hear and answer their prayer, hut He taught them to put their trust in God at all times, to look to God for help in all troubles, and to be quite sure that God would take care of them.

How plain Jesus made it! “Look at the birds,” said He; “notice them well; see how happy they seem; how they fly about, and sing.” Yes, learn a lesson from the birds; think about them: they never put seed into the ground to grow; no, God does not teach them’to do that. They do not cut down the ripe com, and put it into bundles; no, that is not their work. “Nor gather into bams;” no, they never build storehouses, and fill them with food. And yet do they starve and die? Does nobody look after them? Notice the words of Jesus : “Your heavenly Father feedeth them.” We are better—are worth more than they; God loves us more. So we should trust more to God.

God our Father feeds the birds. He will care for us. Our souls are worth more than all else in the world. Be sure that, whatever He does besides, He will never lose sight of you. He careth for you—yes, for you.

A LESSON FROM THE FLOWERS

THE Lord Jesus taught the people from other things besides birds.

Jesus pointed to the flowers in their beautiful colours, in the dress which God had given them. Notice the , these beautiful, delicate flowers, painted, by God’s hand; they are not cared for by the gardener, but are growing wild in the open country. It is not by any labour, or thought, or care of their own but by God’s care that they grow so beautiful, so glorious. Rich people sometimes wear costly dresses, but even Solomon—the wise, the rich king—was never dressed in anything nearly so splendid as the beautiful petals of the lily.

If God cares for the flowers of the field, which cannot know His kindness, will He not much more care for us? He will give all things needful for this life. Especially seek what Jesus bids us to seek first of all.

How dearly God must love us,
And this poor world of ours,
To spread blue skies above us
And deck the earth with flowers!

There’s not a weed so lowly,
Nor bird that cleaves the air,
But tells, in accents lowly,
His kindness and His care.

RAISING THE WIDOW’S SON

AT Capernaum, an officer of the Roman soldiers had a sick servant —very ill—feady to die. He sent to Jesus to heal him, and Jesus went towards the house. But the officer asked Jesus not to trouble to come to his house— but, in His great power, to speak the word at a distance, thinking that the disease would obey Jesus, as the soldiers obeyed their officer. Jesus was pleased with the man’s faith, and healed his servant.

The next day, Jesus and His disciples, and a crowd of people, went to the little city .of Nain. As they came to the city . gate, they met a funeral. A widow’s son was being carried on a board with poles, not shut in a coffin; and his weeping mother followed behind, and many people with her. It was her only son; she was going to bury him. Jesus knew all about this funeral in a moment. He knew who was being carried to the grave, covered with the cloth. He first spoke to the mother: “Weep not.” Then He touched the board on which the dead body lay, and the men who were carrying it stood still. Jesus then spoke to the dead body. That young man could not have heard a clap of thunder; but he heard Jesus’ voice.

“He that was dead sat up”— arose, uncovered his face, looked around at Jesus and the people, “and began to speak.” Perhaps he said, “Where am I? Where is mother?” — as if he had just been awaked from sleep. Oh! how full of wonder, joy, and gratitude  must the mother and son have been when they found themselves together in their home that evening!

We have a true Friend in Jesus. But let us remember that, much as He pities us, and is grieved for all our troubles, He is grieved most of all when we do wrong.

WHAT WENT YE OUT FOR TO SEE?

JOHN the Baptist was not with  the Lord Jesus when He went about doing good; for his work was cut short by Herod, who was angry with him because he told him of his sins. Herod shut him up in prison to stop his voice. Some people visited John in prison, and told him what wonderful works Jesus was doing. Perhaps some thought that if He really was Jesus He would get John out of prison.

John sent two of his friends to Jesus to ask Him whether He was the Lord from heaven. John wanted his disciples to know and love Jesus more.

Jesus cured many in their presence, and then said, Go, tell John what works I do—that the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the poor have the Gospel preached unto them, and he will then have no doubt who I am.

As soon as the messengers had turned their backs, Jesus asked His disciples, “What went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, more than a prophet.” And then He told them that of all men that had been bom there had not risen a greater than John the Baptist. Yet, every one that has been taught by Jesus is greater than he.

THE SINNER’S FRIEND

ONE day, having been asked to do so, Jesus paid a visit to the house of a Pharisee. The Pharisee had asked Him, perhaps, that he might have a little talk with Him, and not because he loved Him as a friend.

While Jesus was reclining on a couch at the meal, his feet away from the table, behind him, a woman, who had heard that He was there, entered in softly, and went near to His feet. She was crying much. Tears fell on His feet enough to wash them, and she wiped them with her long hair.

No one spoke to the woman; but the Pharisee noticed all she did. He thought some hard thoughts against Jesus, and against this woman. Jesus knew his thoughts, and reproved him very gently hut faithfully.

Then Jesus began to talk about the woman, comparing what she had done with what the Pharisee had not done.

Jesus said, “Her sins”—for which she is very sorry—“which are many, are forgiven”—pardoned, blotted out, gone; “for she loved much”—having had much forgiven. She knew she had been a great sinner, and felt it, and proved her love by what she had now done.

CHRIST’S TRUE FRIENDS

TWELVE disciples in a house, and so many people gathered together that “they could not so much as eat bread!” What have the crowd assembled for? To listen to Jesus. Some of them His enemies; but the greater number attracted by the wonderful things He said and did. There seemed to be very few ready to help Him, but many to hinder Him.

Somebody pushes through the crowd. He has a message for Jesus—His relations want to get Him away, they want Him to leave off teaching and come home. They say He was mad to be going on in this way, and try to hinder His work. But Jesus would not stop till He had finished., “ My mother and relations! Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, My sister, and mother.” Christ’s friends are those who love and obey Him, who help on His work in the world, and who are ready even to suffer for His sake. For such, Jesus has all the love which is due to a mother, sister, or brother. Of them God says, “I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters.” Are you one of Jesus Christ’s friends? “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

THE SOWER

HERE is a man out in a field sowing seed. Some seed falls on the hard trodden road or path across the field. Birds come and pick it up and eat it. Or, if no birds are about, people walking across the footway tread it underfoot.

In some parts there are great stones with a very little earth upon them. The small seeds that fall here can push their roots down a little way, but when the sun shines hot upon them they wither and die.

In another part of the field there are weeds; they grow so thick and fast that they dry up the moisture or hide the sun, so that the grain cannot grow at all.

Ministers and teachers are like the sower. What do they sow? Seeds of wisdom—the seed of truth—God’s word.

Children are like the field where seed is sown. Of some it may be said a trifling thing takes off their attention, and soon what they heard is gone. Some pay no attention to the word that is spoken; some pay a little attention, but forget when play-time comes or school is over.

Those who keep thinking about it all the while, those who remember well, and do what they are told, are like good ground; they receive the seeds of wisdom into their hearts, and it grows and is seen in their lives.

God’s Word, if we receive it into our hearts, will bring forth good thoughts, right tempers, holy lives.

WHEAT AND TARES

IN this world, in the same school, the same street, the same house, we find good and bad mixed together. It will not always be so; for at last all the good will be separated from all the bad, and live together no more. Jesus spake of this in a parable or picture.

A man sowed good seed in his field; at night an enemy came and sowed bad seed in it.

Both seeds grew up together, and for a time you could scarcely tell one from the other. The man’s servants asked if they might pull up the bad plants that were growing.

“No,” said the master; “Lest ye pull up the wheat with them. But let them become full-grown and ripe, and then they can be separated—one part for the fire, and one for the bam or storehouse.

What does this picture mean? The field is the world in which are found bad and good growing together. God’s children are like the wheat—good seed planted, watched over, kept by God, in whose hearts Christ is King.

The tares mean bad people—children of the wicked one—who are like poisonous plants growing only to be destroyed. Which are you?

THE MUSTARD SEED

LOOK at the picture: there is Jesus in a boat talking to a number of people on the waterside. He has said many things to them, and He is just saying: God’s kingdom in the hearts of men may in some things be compared to a grain of mustard seed, to one small seed, which a man took, and sowed in a field—buried in the ground. In Canaan this very small seed, which was about the size of the little round thing just above the ship in our picture, grew up to be like a tree (see picture).

Seed of itself looks dead and cold and hard; and it is of no use unless it be put into the ground, but God can make it open and grow and increase.

So, one verse of the Bible, sown in the heart, may convert a child or a I man; and one person blessed in this I way may be a blessing to thousands more.

Your little words and actions are all like seed sown. Will they be of any use? What can a little child do?

A loving, obedient child once persuaded her father to take her to God’s house. Her father heard such words as made him think and resolve ever afterwards that he would keep God’s holy day.

THE LITTLE DAUGHTER RAISED TO LIFE

A JEWISH ruler named Jairus was in great trouble at home, and he sought Jesus.

When he found Him, he bowed himself down before Him, or fell at His feet, to beg some help. He told to Jesus his great trouble in these words —look at each word:—“My—little—daughter—lieth—at the point of—death.”

What can Jesus do to help him? What does he ask Jesus to do? “I pray Thee come—to my house; and lay Thy hands on her—touch her, lift her up, drive away her sickness; that she may be made well, be cured.”

Jesus said He would go, and as they walked together, a crowd went with them. This hindered Jesus a little; for a poor woman, who had been ill for twelve years, pushed into the crowd, wishing to be healed, and Jesus cured her.

As He walked on again towards Jairus’ house, a message came that the little girl was dead. But notice Jesus’ words: “Be not afraid; only believe.” At the house the mourners were crying. Jesus spoke to them and said she was only asleep. They laughed. But Jesus raised the girl to life.

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

ONCE Jesus and His disciples went in a boat across the Late of ¹ Galilee. The boat sailed along, as the hymn says, “so pleasantly, and all was calm and bright.” Jesus lay down tired and weary, and fell asleep.

But a storm came suddenly; the wind blew fiercely; the waves dashed over into the vessel; they could not use the sails. The men begin shouting, “Hold fast!”or, “Let go that rope!"” —yet Jesus still sleeps.

What can be done? They go to Jesus, and awake Him, saying, “Master —Master—we perish!” As if they meant, The ship will sink, and if we cannot swim for our lives, we shall be lost.

Then Jesus arose and stood up in the ship. He rebuked the wind—spoke to it in words of power; He commanded it; He also spoke to the raging waters—the wind and water seemed angry and fierce. Jesus said, “Peace, be still.” And they ceased—the wind, and waves were quiet directly; and there was a calm—the storm was over—the boat was safe.' This proved that Jesus was God.

Winds and waves, among the wildest things in nature, obey Him. Then He will care for us. He heard the disciples at once when they cried* He will hear us: we can take our troubles to Him.

THE FIRST MISSIONARIES

SEE those men: they are going off “two and two.” What for? We will tell you. When Jesus was on earth, He told those men to go about doing good. He called them apostles, which means men . They were to take a message, to tell good news, to all men; but first of all to their own people, the Jews. They were to say that Jesus, whom they expected, was come, and that whosoever believed on Him should be saved.

Jesus gave them power to do many wonderful things :—to heal the sick, to raise the dead, and to cast out devils. Our Lord told them tbat they would meet with many who would be like wolves, so fierce, and cruel, and angry —mad against all that was good.

Yet the apostles were to “Be wise as serpents”—not bite and sting as serpents, but be watchful and wary as they would be—and “harmless as doves”—meek, gentle, loving, and kind.

They were to show the spirit of Jesus wherever they went — love their enemies—bless them that cursed them,-do good to them that hated them, and pray for those who ill-used and hurt them: and they did, and so it happened that they won many hearts for Jesus.'

All who love Jesus should be "kind, and loving, and meek, and humble in their words and deeds.

THE BOY WITH THE LOAVES

EVERY day great numbers of men, women, and children followed Jesus from place to place, and stayed listening until they grew quite faint for want of something to eat.

One day, as Jesus looked upon the people, who were tired and weary, He asked Philip— just to see what Philip would say — “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”

Philip was willing to part with all he had to buy bread for them, and sorry that even that would be a scanty supply.

Andrew saw a little store of food in the hands of a boy—“five barley loaves and two small fishes.” But he did not think there was enough to satisfy all the people who were there.

However, Jesus said, “Make them sit down on the green grass”; and He so increased the loaves and fishes by His power, as to make enough to feed five thousand people, and leave some for His disciples afterwards.

How glad the lad with the loaves must have been that he gave up what he had for the good of others! Some children are very selfish, and want to keep everything themselves.

We ought to feel for the poor and needy, and be always ready to deny ourselves for their good. Imitate Jesus, who is ever ready to help; imitate the boy with the loaves, and cheerfully do your little part for the good of others.

CHRIST WALKING ON THE WATER

JESUS, after He had fed a multitude of people, sent His disciples away in a boat on the Lake of Galilee, while He sent the people away home. Perhaps, though it was nearly night, the people could not easily be persuaded to go home; but at last they went. And then Jesus went up on a mountain among the trees to pray.

After He had prayed, He visited His disciples. They were far away from land in the boat. • The night was dark, the wind against them, and they were trying to row the ship towards the land. It was between three and six o’clock when Jesus was seen walking upon the water, as if He were going past them.

All the disciples saw some one moving on the water, perhaps not very plainly, and they cried out with fear. Who could it be? Was it some spirit—some evil messenger—some one about to destroy the ship? Oh, it would have been well if Jesus had been with them. But it was Jesus Himself.

And He had a kind word for them.

“Be cheerful, happy, glad: it is —trust in Me; I will help you.” Jesus then entered the ship, not wet, as if He had been swimming in the water, but dry, for He had walked on- the water; and the wind ceased.

When Jesus is with us, we need not fear; and He is always with those who love and obey Him.

THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES

WHEN Jesus dwelt among men there were some who were always finding fault with Him, because He did not do as they did. They thought themselves so much better than other people, and, by their actions, if not by their words, said, “Stand by thyself, for I am holier than thou.” They set themselves up as patterns of religion for men to follow, and would not imitate the meek and lowly Jesus.

The Scribes and Pharisees followed their own way of worship instead of coming to God in His,way. God refuses such worship: He requires the heart — heart-service, true worship. Their worship consisted in outward forms. For instance, they were very careful to wash their hands often, and to keep their clothes clean, and wash their cups and platters white; and they thought this of more importance than I it is to be just, and kind, and true.

True religion does not consist in make-belief, or outside show. Sunday clothes do not make us religious; if we really love God, our clothes maybe very plain, but our conduct will show what we are. God hates pride, but He loves humility.

THE BLIND MADE TO SEE

THERE was work for Christ where-ever He went.

He went about, He was so kind,
To cure poor people who were blind;
And many who were sick and lame,
He pitied them and did the same.

At Bethsaida a blind man was brought to Him to be cured. He had been out of the town, but He had pity on this poor man, and He stopped to help him. : The Bible tells us that He spat upon His hand, and put His wet fingers on the eyes of the blind man, then asked him if he could see anything. He said, I can see men moving about; but they look like trees. Jesus told him to open his eyes and look up. He did his blindness was all gone, and he was quite cured. He could now see everything clearly.

How sad a thing it is not to be able to see our friends, and the beautiful things about us; but it is a much worse thing to be blind to all that is good for us. Jesus can cure even'that blindness.

When we get a little light from heaven, we want to have more and more. Like God’s servant David, we should pray—“Lord, open Thou mine eyes—the eyes of my mind, my heart—that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.

THE TRANSFIGURATION

THERE was no glory shining round the head of the Lord Jesus Christ when He was upon earth; there was nothing in His dress to show that He was the Son of God. How could it, then, be known? He was known by His mighty works, and by His words: for no man ever spoke like Him.

One day Jesus took three of the apostles apart from the others up a high mountain, to show them that there is something bright and cheering beyond the grave. No one else was near to see what was done, or to hear what was said. And there Jesus was changed in appearance.

And His face became bright, beautiful, and glorious—brighter than the most beautiful clouds we have ever seen—brighter than gold—like the glory of heaven. His clothes, which were not rich and grand like a king’s, became whiter than snow. What a wonderful sight for the three apostles!

Two men came and talked to Jesus —Moses and Elijah, who had not been seen for hundreds of years; yet now they appeared alive. A bright cloud came over them all, and a voice spoke : it was God’s own voice : “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him.”

The same words are good for us. Let us listen to Jesus. What children learn about the glory of Christ should lead them to listen to what He says.

THE LUNATIC BOY

WHEN Jesus came down from the mountain, He found a man in great trouble. His boy was a lunatic —out of his mind—knew not what he did. Sometimes he fell into the water—sometimes into the fire. The father had taken him to the nine disciples who had been staying at the foot of the mountain, but they could not cure him.

When Jesus came down how glad the father was! and so were the people. The father told the sad story to Jesus, who said, “Bring him to Me.” He was led along. How fast they held him! how strong he seemed! But Jesus was stronger than all besides; and He commanded the evil spirit to come out of him; and the poor lunatic boy, who had also been deaf and dumb, became calm and quiet; and he could hear and speak too. He was perfectly cured.

There is no evil too great for Jesus to overcome. Let us ask Him to “deliver us from evil.” He can save us from the power of sin, which is a worse malady than the lunatic was afflicted with.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

DOES every child know who is his neighbour? Is it the child who lives near? or is it some one of the same country only? Listen to the teaching of Jesus, and you will learn who it is.

The man was on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by thieves, who stripped off his clothes, wounded him, and left him alone, half dead. A Jewish priest came by, and looked at the poor, man, but did not help. It was a lonely, wild, unsafe road; robbers were often there; and the priest thought only of himself: so he passed by on the other side.

Then came by a Levite, one of the priest’s servants. What help did he give? He stopped, he looked at the poor man, and then he passed by on the other side.

At last a third man, of another nation, came by. He was a man of Samaria, the enemy of the Jew. When he saw the wounded, dying man, he pitied, though he did not know him, and acted like a brother to him. He stooped, touched him, spoke to him, and tied up his wounds, and took him on his own beast to an inn, and thus saved his life. This man it was who best fulfilled the command, “Love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Jesus says to us — “Love your enemies; do good to them that hate you.” , Do we?

THE HOME AT BETHANY

THERE was one house where the Lord Jesus was always welcome, when He lived upon this earth. It Was the home of Lazarus at Bethany, near Jerusalem.

One day, when Jesus went—it might have been the first time—how busy Martha was! She wanted Mary to help her. But why did not Mary help? She was'busy, too, listening to Jesus.

Martha loved Jesus as much as Mary did, and her first care was to entertain Him; and so far she was right. But she was more anxious than she need have been, and so Jesus spoke to her about it:—Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled—anxious, bustling about, putting things in order, things in the house, the seats, the table, the food —waiting upon Me; but there is one thing you have forgotten, and that is learning of Me; and this is of great importance and must not be neglected.

Jesus had noticed that Martha was fretful and harsh towards her sister for doing as she did; and that she was not showing the spirit which those who profess to love Him should do.

We should not only wait upon Jesus and use His name with reverence, but we must be like Him, learn of Him, for He was meek and lowly in heart.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

“ALL we like sheep have gone astray;” and if let alone, we should all wander further away, he lost and perish. But. God has sent One from heaven after the lost sheep, to seek them, to bring them into the fold. He sent His own dear Son, the ‘Lord Jesus Christ, and He calls Himself the Good Shepherd. He is not like a man who looks after the sheep merely because He is paid for it, and who does not much care whether they are kept safely or not; hut good in all respects, able to save, strong to deliver.

Yes, a good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep—risks his life—will protect his sheep, even if he dies in doing it. David was a good shepherd: he fought against and killed a lion and a bear, to save a poor weak lamb.

So our Lord Jesus will not let anyone hurt the sheep under His care.

But who are the sheep The children of God—those who love and serve Him, —who are cared for and watched over by the Good Shepherd.

Children are like a flock of lambs,— a lion, Satan, is watching them, seeking to devour them. But if they keep near to Jesus, they are safe.

SORROW TURNED INTO JOY

TROUBLE in the happy home at Bethany! Why? Lazarus was very ill. He got worse. The sisters sent word to Jesus; but Jesus waited two days where He was, some miles away over the river Jordan. The sisters watched over their sick brother, and hoped Jesus would come quickly, every day, every hour; but He came not; and at last the sad message had to be sent to Jesus—“Lazarus is dead.”

Yet, all the while, Jesus loved that family, and He was going to bring good out of what the sisters called evil. Picture to yourselves a lonely graveyard —a cave used as a burying-place, newly closed, sisters weeping at it, and the people all looking sad and weeping too; and Jesus wept. See Jesus, and the sisters, and a crowd of Jews, standing by the grave. The stone is moved away from the top of the grave. Listen! He prays, and then says to the dead man —speaking with a loud voice, that all might hear “ Lazarus, come forth!”—come out of the grave. And Lazarus hears, and comes forth. When the grave-clothes were taken off he was restored to his dear sisters. His sisters were full of joy; and many believed in Jesus. We must all expect sorrow at some time or other; but we should all carry our sorrows to Jesus in prayer.

LOST AND FOUND

WHAT thousands and thousands of children God has made! But alas! how few of them know and love Jesus! Many have wandered far, far away from Him.

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost,—like the shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep at home, and went over valley and mountain, at risk of his life, and searched till he found the one sheep which had strayed away.

When the lost sheep was found, the neighbours and their children went out to welcome him home, and all were joyful and glad.

When a lost sinner is found, and brought back, and saved, even the angels in heaven rejoice.

How kind of the Good Shepherd not to leave us to perish!

Never forget God’s great love. Though we have sinned and gone far astray from Him, He sent His own Son into this world. Jesus came all the way from heaven to find those who had wandered from Him, and in doing so His body was bruised and His hands and His feet were tom. He even suffered death that we might be saved.

I was a wandering sheep,
I would not be controlled;
But now I love my Shepherd’s voice,
I love, I love His fold.

THE PRODIGAL SON

A FATHER had two sons. One son went far away. He had riches, but they did not last; he wasted them, and soon became very poor, and was ready to starve. He had to work for bread; and was set to feed pigs: he would have eaten some of their food, Even the pigs seemed better off than he was. Well, what could he do? He sat and thought of what he had been, and what he now was,—of his father and his home, although far off, and made up his mind to return to his father.

He started to return home. As he approached the house where his father lived, while he was still at a distance, and could not see his father, his father saw this prodigal, wicked son returning, and was sorry to see him so poor, so ill; but he was ready to receive him kindly, tenderly, and to forgive him all.

What love there was in the father’s heart, and in his words! What joy there was again in that home!

When we have done wrong we need to repent, to turn away from our sins, and to turn to God.

Repentance, turning from sin, brings joy—joy among friends on earth, and joy in heaven.

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS

THERE were two men who lived in the same city. One was very rich, the other was very poor. It is no crime to be rich; neither does being poor make a man good.

The rich man was proud and unfeeling—the poor man was diseased and neglected, but knew God and served Him; the rich man did not.

The one in his palace, perhaps, thought, “Nobody so great as I;” and maybe the other, lying by the palace gate, suffering and often sad, thought —“There are many worse off than I.” The rich man lived for himself only: the poor man was without food or home, helpless and unpitied, except by the dogs that licked his sores.

Death came to both, and both were buried, but with a different kind of funeral. Jesus says, the rich man was banished from the heavenly mansion, while the poor man was welcomed into the presence of God and all the blessed ones in heaven.

The rich man was not banished because he was rich. But it was because his heart was not right in the sight of God. The poor man was taken from misery here to happiness and peace, not because he was poor, but because he loved God and served Him.

THE PHAEI8EE AND PUBLICAN

THOSE who need mercy and blessing from God must seek it earnestly, humbly — by prayer offered ‘in the 'Saviour’s name. Jesus had been speaking of a poor widow, who obtained justice from a judge because she continued to ask, and He taught the people that they ought not to get weary of prayer; for God is more ready to hear and more able to help than a mere man can be.

Jesus then spoke of a poor sinner who needed pardon, and how he gained it.

A Pharisee and a Publican, or tax-gatherer, went up to the Temple to pray. The publican, standing afar off—as if fearing to approach—bent his head down in sorrow and humility, in grief for his sin. He felt so very sorry for bis sins, that he smote his breast, and said, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.”

God looked down, and saw the poor man so earnest, so humble, so penitent; and He listened to his very short prayer; for it came from the heart. Perhaps it was only whispered; but

God heard it all, and answered it. How happy the publican must have felt! His sorrow was gone, his sins were pardoned; God had become his Friend.

How different the Pharisee! He thanked God that he was not as other men, nor even as this publican. He did not know his own heart.

WHO SHALL BE THE GREATEST?

MANY people who saw the Lord Jesus on earth did not know who He was, nor His great love. And others who heard of Him and His mighty works did not trouble themselves to go and see Him. It is the same now: many people do not care about Jesus.

But some carried their children to Jesus; some mothers took their infant children to Him, that He might touch them and,bless them. But the disciples did not wish Jesus to be troubled with children: they did not look pleased at the mothers; they wanted to send the little ones away.

Jesus said to them, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not”—do I not stop them, or those who bring them; “for of such”—of young children likd them, or lowly people—“is the kingdom of God”—they belong to* God. Jesus owns them, and will save them, and at last will take them to heaven.

Once Jesus called a gentle, meek, obedient child, and set him in the midst, to teach His disciples a lesson —a lesson of humility and simple trust in God. Our heavenly Father loves the humble, the lowly, and the trusting.

Remember, Jesus loves little children though they have sinful hearts and have gone astray from the right path: but I they must love and obey Him.

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

“PRIDE and love of self are two things which help to keep us! out of heaven.” A young man once went to Jesus, and asked, “What shall I do? ’—not to get rich—he was rich! already; not to be made good—for he thought he was that already: he had kept all God’s commandments. What did he want, then? To make quite j sure of heaven.

Jesus told him very plainly what to do. Go and sell all thou hast—get rid of your riches—not by wasting them, but by using them for God’s glory—and follow Jesus Himself. Did he obey? No. He went away sorrowful. Why was he sorry? Because he was very rich, and was not ready to give up what his heart was set upon, what he so much loved, and deny himself for Christ’s sake.

Christ must be King in the heart. We must trust in Him. We must be ready to give up many things—some that we might enjoy—if duty to God requires it. Wishes and likes will often have to give place to duty if we would follow Jesus.

Shall we follow Jesus? It may be difficult sometimes; but He will help us. Those who follow Jesus shall at last be with Him in heaven.

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

THE Lord Jesus was called “the King of the Jews;” yet He seldom appeared like a king. He had no earthly pomp, no soldiers, no servants. But on one occasion He let people know that He claimed authority and power, and so He entered Jerusalem like a king, not with an army to fight the Romans, but as “the Prince of peace.”

He sent two of His disciples before Him to a village to borrow a young ass for Him to ride upon. They found the owners willing to lend it to Jesus. Then they put clothes upon the ass, and Jesus sat upon it. There was a great crowd of people—they were pleased to see Jesus and to do Him honour—they took palm branches, waved them, and spread them in the way—shouting for joy, all down the hill from the Mount of Olives into the city.

People of the city, hearing the noise, ran to see the procession. “Who is this?” they asked. They were told it was King Jesus, the Lord from heaven. The crowd sang, the disciples rejoiced; and the children shouted —“Hosanna!”—praise, honour, joyful thanks, be to Him that cometh so meekly, gently, kindly, to do good and to save.

Let us sing our loud hosannas, and crown Jesus Lord of all.

ZACCHAEUS

A GREAT crowd was passing along a road lined with palm-trees to the gates of a stately city, called Jericho. Jesus was there, and many were travelling with him to Jerusalem: many have come from the city to welcome Him. The people are all eager to see Jesus; there is a little man trying to do so. The people laugh at him; but they are not good-natured enough to let him pass. Hear them: “It is rich Zacchaeus, who has got his money out of our palm groves and balsam gardens! keep him back!” But he is determined he will see Jesus, and “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Soon the people laugh more for he has run before them, with short steps, panting, and like a school-boy has climbed up a sycamore tree. There he sits perched among the branches, not expecting to be noticed by Christ; but Jesus sees him, know his desire, and calls him down, How glad was the publican then! Never mind who laughs, who hates him. Jesus is his Guest. Happy home to which Christ brings salvation. Our great desire should be to “see Jesus” by faith. We must be in earnest, not driven back by difficulties.

Jesus knows our desires after Him.

THE PARABLE OF THE POUNDS

HERE is a “story with a meaning” told by Jesus. A nobleman took a long journey, and left a pound with each of his servants. “Occupy,” said he—trade, use wisely, make the little into more. It was not that the nobleman wanted more for himself, but he wished to see how wise, industrious, and faithful these servants were. They were left to do as they thought right until his return. They set to work, some idly putting the money by, or even wickedly wasting it; some making a good use of it. Now, what does this mean? Our Master is away from our sight. He went from earth more than eighteen hundred years ago; but He will return, to be a King. And we are waiting for Him. While we wait He has given us something to do—something to do it with. What has He given to us? Our minds—that we may learn; our tongues—that we may speak wisely; our busy hands; our loving hearts; Sundays to improve.

Yes, every one, however “young or small,” has the “pound.” What shall we do with it? Waste, hide, or improve? How can we improve the gift? By remembering that it is not ours, but Christ’s. By seeking His teaching and help, by remembering always that He will come again.

THE FRUITLESS TREE

ONE day, as Jesus was going with His disciples from Bethany to Jerusalem, He felt hungry, and He went up to a fig-tree that grew by the roadside, hoping to find some fruit that He might eat; but there was none— only leaves! Perhaps some one had taken the figs before. No: figs were usually getting ripe at this time, but the time for gathering them had not yet come. Christ had therefore a right to expect to find figs on this tree, especially as it was full of leaves, and presented a fine and promising appearance. He looked at it very sternly, and said it should never bear any fruit. And the next day there was a great change—the fig-tree was withered and dead.

What power Jesus had! No mere man could have done this.

Children, you are like little wayside trees. God has placed you on the earth but not for nothing. He expects from you the fruits of love and obedience.

You all wish to be thought well of— that is not a wrong thing. But there must be something more than outside show. God requires beauty of the heart.

THE WICKED HUSBANDMEN

ONE day, the Lord Jesus showed in a word-picture how the chief priests and great people of the Jews behaved towards Him. He spoke of a master of a vineyard, or garden of grapes, who let out His vineyard to gardeners, to keep it for him, and to gather the fruit for him. At the proper time, he sent his servant to receive the fruit, but the gardeners said, No; and worse than that, they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away without any.

Then the master sent another servant, and he was used just as cruelly. At ast he said, “I will send my own son; they will respect and honour him.” But when the son came, they said, “Let us kill him, and take the garden for ourselves.”

And they seized the son, bound him, and forced him out of the garden, the master’s property, and not only wounded him, but killed him. Then Jesus asked the Jews what the master would do to such people. They said he would destroy those wicked men, and let out the garden to others, who would let him have the fruits in their season. Jesus meant that they were like the gardeners. The Jews had ill-treated God’s servants, the prophets, and at last they would kill the Master’s Son—Jesus.

Oh! how' bitterly have the Jews suffered for their treatment of Jesus.

THE INTRUDER AT THE FEAST

A KING made a great feast. Many persons were invited long before. When the time came servants were sent to call them; but they would not come. Other servants were sent to tell them that everything was ready and waiting. But those who had been invited said they were too busy with other matters.

Then strangers were invited, and came. When the king went in to see the guests, he found one who did not respect the king, nor care for his orders, nor put on the raiment that was prepared for the guests to wear.

When the king asked him why he was there without the wedding garment, he was silent. He knew he was in the wrong, but would not confess it.

The man was sent away from the king’s presence. How foolish he was! Many, like him, seem to forget that if they despise God’s goodness they will have to suffer for it.

THE WIDOW’S MITE

IN the court of the Temple where the Jews went to worship God, large boxes were fixed, with openings in the top, into which people placed the offerings of money they made from time to time towards the support of the worship and sacrifices of the Temple.

One day Jesus sat where He could see the people put their gifts into the box, and there came up a poor widow, and put in two small brass coins—called mites. Their value was so small that they could scarcely be told by any other name.

But small as was her offering, it was all she had. And Jesus said that she had given more than all the others He had seen put money into the box. Why? Because she had given from self-denial, and because she really loved God and His services. But the others had not given what they could have afforded; what they did was for mere show.

The poor widow’s offering showed more the love of her heart to the service she thus helped to support, than all the large offerings of the rich. She did what she could.

It is not so much what we do, or the amount we give to the cause of God, as why we do it or give it.

CALAMITIES FORETOLD

ONE day, not long before the close of our Saviour’s work on earth, as His disciples were sitting with Him on a hillock outside Jerusalem, they asked Him to look at the splendid buildings of the Temple at Jerusalem, and notice its large, beautiful white flights of steps, its gates plated with gold and silver, and think of its splendid sanctuary, covered in front with gold.

Jesus looked with a sad heart, for He knew before many years had gone that the porches, towers, gates, pinnacles, all so grand, so beautiful, would be destroyed, and He told His disciples so. Said He, “ There shall not be left here”—upon the ground where the

Temple is built—“one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

This came to pass as Jesus had said it would. Forty years afterwards, the Roman soldiers came against Jerusalem. Those who believed Jesus’ words had fled for their lives. But those whohad rejected Jesus were left to perish.

Had the Jews any warning of what was to take place? Oh yes; but they continued in sin, and slighted the warnings which were given in God’s word!

We all know what will happen to those who will not obey God. Let us, then, make Christ our Friend.

WATCH! WATCH! WATCH!

PEOPLE who know that they are in danger should be watchful to guard against or to escape from it. If thieves are likely to break into a house, will the inmates go to sleep, and leave the doors and windows unfastened?

If the walls of a house begin to crack and crumble away, will people stay in it without fear? If gunpowder is stored up in a building, will those who live there be careless about the lights which may be carried about? If death is very near, should we think nothing about it?

In the time of Noah, many who had seen him employed in building the ark were destroyed unprepared. They did not believe the prophet’s words; they did not watch.

When Jesus had spoken of the destruction of the Jews and their beautiful Temple, He said, “Watch, therefore”—prepare, be ready, avoid the folly of those who perished in the deluge; “for”—and then He gave a reason for watching—“you cannot tell at what time the Master of the house”— Jesus—“shall appear”—to judge you.

Those people are very foolish who expect to escape danger by refusing to think about it. Be ready: watch and pray.

A PRECIOUS GIFT OF LOVE

A LITTLE supper party is held at Bethany, the little village which had so often been blessed by the presence of Jesus. Simon, who had been a leper, is the host who entertains the Saviour. Lazarus also is there, whom Jesus raised from the dead; Martha, too. who had delighted to wait on Him; and Mary, who always loved to hear Him speak.

Mary has with her a little box full of precious ointment. She opens it, and pours the contents on the head and then on the feet of the Saviour. The room is filled with the sweet smell.

It was an offering to Jesus—a precious gift of love to Him. And He was pleased with it. But there was one present who was displeased—who said, “It is a great waste—it might have been sold for three hundred pence (a little more than £9) and given to the poor.”

He did not care for the poor. It was all talk, mere pretence. He was covetous, and only thought of self.

But Jesus said, “Why find fault, and try to make the woman unhappy? She hath wasted nothing;—and she has given her precious gift out of love to Me, and just in time;” for in a few days more He would die and be buried.

If we love Jesus, we shall give our best to Him. Mary’s heart was Christ’s, so she gave Him all she had.

CHRIST OUR PASSOVER

CROWDS of Jews were entering Jerusalem to keep the Passover feast. Jesus, too, will keep the feast before He dies. So Peter and John are sent to make ready the feast for Jesus and the disciples. They were to follow a man carrying a pitcher, and wherever he went in they were to say to the goodman of the house,

“The Master saith, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?” They did so, and the man showed them an upper room furnished and prepared, where they made ready the feast. They bought the lamb, and cooked it and the other food for the feast.

It was called the Passover feast, to bring to mind the last night of the Israelites in Egypt, the night when the Lord passed over the houses on which the blood of a plain lamb was sprinkled. God looked at each door to see if His command had been obeyed, and when He saw the blood sprinkled on the doorpost, the destroying angel passed over that house. That blood—that feast— picture Christ Himself, the Lamb slain to redeem the world from the bondage of sin and Satan.

Jesus died for us. If we do what God tells us, and trust in what Jesus has done, His anger will pass over us, and we shall, be saved.

THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN

IT was night, and the full moon with its silver streaks shone through the garden of olive trees at Olivet. Christ and His disciples were there. Only one was absent—he was busy in the city at evil work. See the disciples sitting down—even sleeping, while Jesus, a little further on—is praying alone. Oh, how earnest He is! He prays, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” But it is not possible, if man is to be saved from the wrath of God. He must die! Oh, what an agony it causes Him! —not that He is to die. He feels what an evil and bitter thing sin against God is.

It is a wonderful sight. “His sweat, as it were, great drops of blood!” How full of sorrow was Jesus! What caused it? No pains of body; not the cruelty of Jews or Romans; not dread of death. What then? It was the heavy load of sin He carried—not His own—the sins of others—our sins—the sins of the World, all heaped upon Him. He must bear all; die to save the lost. What love! What mercy to poor sinners!

He knew how wicked men had been,
He knew that God must punish sin,
So out of pity Jesus said
He’d bear the punishment instead!

JESUS BETRAYED AND TAKEN

THE last night of Jesus with His disciples was a sad night. As Jesus was in the garden suddenly the gleam of lights was seen among the trees; there was the sound of many voices of soldiers and people armed with swords and sticks. They held a warrant to seize or kill Jesus. Judas— the man who kept the money bag—who found fault with Mary—who ate out of the same dish with Christ—an apostle but a bad man at heart—a wolf in sheep’s clothing—was the leader. He was cautiously looking for Jesus, for he was to give the sign to his party when he found Him. “Whomsoever I shall kiss,” said he, “that same is He : hold Him fast.”

To the surprise of all, Jesus was waiting for them—not hiding among the trees. Judas went up to Jesus and kissed Him; this was a sign to the soldiers, and they took Him.

Oh, wicked Judas, to turn against Him who had been so kind to him!

The dreadful crime of Judas begun in little things. Judas pilfered money at first, and went on from one sin to another, until his greed was so great that he was ready to betray Christ for money.

JESUS BEFORE PILATE

PILATE was the Roman governor in Jerusalem and part of Judea at the time when Jesus Christ was upon earth. He had officers and soldiers under his command, and a palace or beautiful house to live in, and he ruled over the Jewish people.

But Pilate knew not God; he did not love God’s word, nor God’s people ; he liked his own way, and he put to death many of the Jews who opposed his will.

Jesus Christ, the King of kings, the Son of God, was taken to Pilate, and stood before him as a prisoner. The high priest and the learned Jews said that Jesus ought to die; and they hoped that Pilate would order Him to be put to death. But Pilate asked what crime Jesus had. done. The Jews said He had made Himself a king. Pilate spoke to Jesus about it, and asked Him what He had done. Jesus said He was a King, but not an earthly one.

When Pilate had done speaking to Jesus he went out again unto the Jews —into the open courtyard, for the Jews would not go inside, because it was the passover week. An d he said, “I find in Him no fault at all.” Yes; Jesus was different from us; He was without fault. He “did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.”

WHAT ARE THEY DOING WITH JESUS?

PILATE, we have told you, could find no fault in Jesus. The Jews began to be afraid that Pilate would set Him free, and they told him if he let Jesus live he was no friend to King Caesar. So to quiet them Pilate gave Jesus up to be crucified.

The Roman soldiers obtained some long sharp thorns, and made them like a crown; and put it on His head. They knew it would hurt Him.

They also “put on Him a purple robe”—perhaps an old one — and called Him a king, to make game of Him and to mock Him. Then they, led Him away down the steps, and along the streets of Jerusalem, and through the gate of the city, outside of which prisoners were always executed.

Crowds followed, most of them glad to see Jesus carrying His own Cross like a criminal: but the soldiers had some feeling, and compelled a young man in the crowd to cany it part of the way.

Some friends of Jesus, faithful to the last, mingled with the crowd. Jesus saw how full of grief they were, and spoke- words of comfort to them.

In the midst of His own grief Jesus never lost sight of the sorrow of others.

THE GREAT LOVE OF JESUS

THE Romans to please the Jews nailed Jesus to the cross of wood between two thieves, as if He had been the worst. But even there, so full of love, He showed mercy to one of them. He also thought of His mother, providing her a home. As for the bystanders, some were very glad, some very sad; some mocked and reproached Him as if He had been a deceiver all His days.

While the people waited around the cross, the sky became as dark as night for' three hours, and the soldiers and people were frightened, for the ground shook and trembled under their feet.

Jesus cried with a loud voice, “It is finished!” and He died. The veil of the temple—a thick curtain—without a hand touching it—was rent in two from top to bottom.

The Roman centurion was astonished, and said, “Surely this was the Son of God.” Think where Christ died, how He died,and    He died. His was a wonderful death, because He was not a Sinner; He had never sinned; He knew no sin; yet He bled, and suffered, and died.

Though Jesus had not sinned, yet there rested on Him a very heavy load of sin, such a load as no man nor angel could bear. He carried this heavy load, and so He took away the sin of the world.

All who love Jesus can say of Him: “He bare our sins and carried our sorrows.”    

"JESUS IS RISEN!"

DID not Nicodemus and Joseph wrap the body of Jesus in spices and in linen before it was buried? Yet the women go very early to the grave with more spices; they had given none before, and their love to Jesus was not satisfied with what others had done. As they went to the grave, they asked each other, “Who shall roll away the stone?” But they found it rolled away already. Yet the grave was not empty.

Jesus was not lying there, but a young man, or an angel, sat there on the side in a white, shining dress. They had never seen him before, and were frightened.

But he spoke to the women : “Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth,—the Saviour, your Friend, whom you knew and loved; who was nailed on the cross by wicked hands, and who died there.’ ’ The women knew this was true, for they had seen it afar off. “He is risen;” alive again, not carried away to another place, dead. “He is not here; come and look into the grave; the dead body is gone.”

The angel then asked them to tell Peter and the other disciples that they would see Jesus in Galilee. This was good news. Yet how astonished the women were!

The good news has reached Jesus is alive. Jesus lives for ever. Jesus can see us now, and He can save us.

THE WALK TO EMMAUS

THE Lord Jesus, as a young man, was a pattern to others in reading and thinking over the parts of the Bible then written, and He knew how exactly the Old Testament spoke beforehand of His life, and sufferings, and death.

But most of the Jews could not understand it, nor did His followers: When Jesus died and was buried, the hope of the disciples seemed to be all gone. They had wept at His grave, and how did not expect to see Him any more.

One day two men were on their way to a village called Emmaus, and were no doubt talking about what had happened, and very sad to think they should see His face no more, when a stranger joined them. He wanted to know what they were so sad about. They wondered He should ask; for everybody was talking about what had happened. But He told them they did not understand the Scriptures, and explained to them that the events which had come to pass , were exactly what God’s word foretold.

When they came near to Emmaus, Jesus kept on walking as if He did not intend to stop. But the men said, “Do not go on to-night: stay at our house;” and He went in and had a meal with them. What He did was so much like what they had seen Jesus do oh other occasions, that they began to see who He was, and He vanished out of their sight!

THE PARTING BLESSING

SEE the little group at Bethany, on the side of Olivet, two miles from Jerusalem. Jesus, their Friend and Companion, is about to leave them, and return to His bright home.

He has some things to say to them before He goes, and there are many things they want to know. But He does not satisfy all their curiosity. For some things they must wait and watch. It was best for them to do so.

The disciples were not able yet to do what Jesus had said they should, but He told them that they should have help given to them by-and-by.

You are not strong enough to help father or mother; but wait, learn how, and then you will be able to do it. You shall go into a higher class by-and-by : wait a little longer, that you may be fitted to go to it. “While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.”

What was the parting blessing?

They were wonderful words—“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”

Always with us! Yes, if we love and serve Him. We cannot see Him with our bodily eye, yet He is with us. Little child, do you love Jesus? He is always with you, whoever you are, wherever you be.

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING AT?

WHEN Jesus had ascended to heaven, the apostles remained at Jerusalem. One of them, the wicked Judas, had killed himself, but another, named Matthias, was chosen in his place. They were waiting as Jesus had told them to, when suddenly a loud voice was heard in the house, like a mighty rushing wind, which filled the large room where they were sitting. What could it be? Well might they look with wonder.

Upon the head of each of the apostles was a bright appearance like small flames with several points darting upwards. But at the same time each of them had something put within him —the Holy Spirit; andas God gave them power, so they were able to speak in all languages words of wisdom, power and love, because God was with them to help them.

People talked about this new gift, and a great number from different countries came together to see what was going on; to these the apostles spoke plainly in their own languages about Jesus Christ who had died, for all.

Thus God fitted His servants to go and preach the gospel everywhere.;. .

PETER PREACHING CHRIST

THE apostles having received the Holy Ghost were able to preach the gospel with great power — to Jews, Greeks, and men of all nations. Some jeered and scoffed at them, when they spoke in foreign languages, and said they had been drinking, whilst others were puzzled, asking, “What meaneth this?”

Peter, who once was ashamed to confess himself as a disciple of Jesus, now stood up and boldly preached Christ and defended His followers, charging the Jews with having killed the Holy One and Just.

Now, Peter so plainly proved to them that Jesus whom they had crucified was the long-expected Messiah, and that He was risen again, and ascended to heaven, that they were all full of fear and alarm, and cried, “Men and brethren, what shall we do? Is there any hope for us?”

Yes! says Peter, “Repent.” If you really are sorry for your great sin, and your wicked ways, grievously as you have offended, you shall be forgiven.

Christ died to save even the chief of sinners.

The story goes on to say that they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and were saved. They showed this by separating themselves from bad company, and giving up their evil ways, and even suffering for the sake of Jesus.

THE LAME MAN AT THE GATE BEAUTIFUL

ONE afternoon, Peter and John went together to the Temple, at the hour of prayer. A lame man lay at the Temple gate begging. He begged of Peter and John. They stood still, and said to the lame man, “Look onus.” He looked at them, and expected some money. Perhaps he held out his hand. Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.’* Peter also helped him up. In his joy and gladness, the man walked and leaped to try his strength—he could hardly believe it.

And so he leaped on until he was seen in the Temple praising God for His goodness to him.

The people kept their eyes fixed on Peter and John, to see if they were men or angels, but Peter asked why they kept looking? as if it was not

by their own power the man had been healed. No; they only spake the word, and Jesus healed the man. Was it the goodness of Peter and John No; but it was through the name of Jesus, whom the Jews had killed The Lord Jesus was his Healer. We can do nothing without Jesus.

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

MANY of the early Christians were poor, apd others sold houses and lands, and gave up the money to the apostles. A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira were too proud not to wish for the honour Of .being generous, but they were too selfish and covetous to do as others had done, and give up all. So they sold some land, gave part of the money, and said it was all.

Yes; but God knew it. As Ananias put down the money as though he were giving all to God, Peter‘told him that he was found out—that he was pleasing Satan. The words sounded like thunder to Ananias, and he fell down and died before all the people, and was buried directly.

Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened, and Peter asked her to tell him the truth about what the land was sold for; but she told a lie. And she fell dead at Peter’s feet, because she had lied to God; and ehe was buried with her husband.

A lie is a great sin. God hates liars. Liars are shut out of heaven.

Let us ask God’s help to keep us from this terrible sin. We cannot deceive Him.

We may be guilty of acting a lie, even though we may not utter a word.

THE MARTYR STEPHEN

PICTURE to yourselves a young man, -with a fearless countenance yet calm, beaming with joy, standing before seventy judges all angry-looking, stern, and white with rage. Saul too was there, a young ardent persecutor, his eyes flashing like fire.

Listen! Stephen boldly answers the Jews, and soon they are not able to bear what he says, for it is all so true. He is not afraid to speak of Jesus as the Just

One, whom they had murdered, but was alive again. “I can see Him now,” he says, as he looks up towards heaven, “standing at the right hand of God”

At this the Jews begin to shout and rave. They stop their ears; they do not want to hear about Jesus; and they hurry Stephen—for that is the name of the young man—from the council-room along the streets, out of the city, to be put to death.

The angry Jews take off their robes, laying them down at the feet of young Saul. They then throw heavy stones upon Stephen, bruising his poor body sadly, while he is all the time - asking God to help him, and to take him.to heaven.

How truly Christian , it was of Stephen, when the stones were falling upon him, to kneel down and pray to Jesus not to take vengeance upon his enemies, but to forgive them.

PREACHING IN A CARRIAGE

AT Stephen’s death, Jesus* disciples were scattered. Philip, one of them, went from Jerusalem to other places, taking the good news for sinners. He also went to a desert place, where nobody lived, and there he saw a chariot and a rich black man riding in it, reading aloud as he rode along.

Philip went near to him, and heard that he read good words from a roll of parchment which he held in his hand. Philip afeked if he understood what he was reading. He said he did not, but asked him to come into his chariot and explain it to him. Philip told him that it all referred to Jesus. The black man listened, understood, and saw and felt that this Jesus died for him; and he went on his way rejoicing.

Well might the black man rejoice. He had, as we often say, found Christ. Little children have reason to be glad, and sing for joy that Jesus is the children’s Friend, and that He said to those who would hinder them, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” Do we understand what we read, and that it all speaks of Jesus who died for us? Let us ask God for His Holy Spirit that we may learn wondrous things out of His law. Then how happy we shall be!

SAUL THE PERSECUTOR

WHEN Stephen, the servant of God, was stoned to death, Saul, the young man who kept the clothes of his murderers, was pleased, and perhaps thanked God that one more man who loved Jesus was dead!

Saul was very busy in going about from house to house to find people who loved Jesus; and as he found them he took them to prison. So many Christians left their homes and went to other cities lest they should also be taken.

But Jesus was watching Saul every moment; He noticed all he did and all. he said.

Saul was on his way to Damascus, when suddenly a light brighter than the sun shone round him, and he fell to the ground; not killed, but full of terror.

A voice spoke out of the light: it was the voice of Jesus Himself, whom Saul hated. It was He who stopped the persecutor, and told him that what he did to His people he was doing to Him. Saul then asked what he should do, and Jesus said, “Arise,”—from the ground : “go-into-'the city,” Damascus; “and some one shall tell thee what thou must, do.” It was soon said of Saul, “Behold he prayeth.”

PAUL’S ESCAPE BY A BASKET

MANY of the Jews who would not believe in Jesus were very disappointed when they found that Saul had become a Christian, and that he was now more anxious to help those who preached the Gospel than he had been before to destroy them. So angry were they, that they declared that he should not get out of the city alive, and they watched the gates of the city of Damascus night and day, that they might catch and kill him.

Unlike our present English towns, Eastern cities were surrounded by high walls, so that the way of entering or leaving them was by the gates.

Why did they want to kill him? Had he committed any crime? No; he had only tried to get them to believe in Jesus.

Did they catch him? No; those who loved Jesus took Saul, when it was dark, and let him down gently, quietly, with a rope from the top of the wall, or out of a window, in a basket, in which Saul sat or stood. The people watching the gate did not know he had got away; and he went away alone, except that God was with him. God is ever with His servants. “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

For a long time he was in retirement, improving that time, no doubt, in studying the truth, and in earnest prayer and meditation, so as to be prepared for future work.

GOD’S SOLDIER RESCUES PETER

KING HEROD tried to stop the preaching of the Gospel. He seized many of God’s people. He killed James, brother of John, with a sword, and put Peter into prison.

Herod had many soldiers; but there was a mightier King than he, and that had stronger soldiers, one of whom was equal to an army of men.

Herod had prisons, but this greater King had keys to them all, and knew how to make the doors and gates open of their own will, when they heard Him speak. Herod, being a bad king, hated Peter, who was a good apostle. To make sure that Peter could not get out of prison, Herod gave orders that he should be chained to two soldiers; not to one, as Paul was at Rome. Then he placed four companies of soldiers, four in each company, who in turn were to keep watch.

But the little church at Jerusalem knew a mightier King than Herod, and they asked Him for help, and He sent it. God’s soldier found a way into the cell of the prison and nudged Peter, and said, “Rise up quickly,” and his chains fell off his hands, and he went to his friends, who wondered to see him, and thanked God that He had heard their prayer.

PAUL’S YOUNG FRIEND TIMOTHY

MANY years ago, in a far-off land, might have been seen a very little boy named Timothy sitting beside his good mother, or grandmother, looking over with them a long roll of writing, and spelling out the words, then listening very attentively to the “Old, old story.” Ah! we know what that is—the Holy Scriptures—“The Bible.” By the time he was as old. as. you he knew such a great deal off by heart.

The good missionary Paul in his travels met with Timothy, and he was so upright, in all his ways, such a lover of God’s Word, that Paul asked him to become a missionary, and go with him to spread the “good news.” He consented, and was not only a blessing himself, but became a great blessing to others; and so very faithful was Timothy, that Paul said he could trust him to carry on God’s work, and it would be done as well as he could do it himself.

What made Timothy so good and useful? His knowledge of, and belief in, God’s Word. We should prize the Bible much, and take it for the rule of our life. From no other book can we learn, so much of ourselves and, what God requires of us.

STORY ABOUT LYDIA

PAUL and Silas had been trying to preach the Gospel in several places, where it was God’s will that they should not. At length, however, God made it plain to them where they should go : and they went to Philippi.

Here the people had not the Scriptures, and did not keep God’s holy day. Many would have gone to look at the fine buildings, the statues, and whatever adorned the streets and squares of the city. But it is said of these good men that, "On the Sabbath”—when the people of the city were as busy as they were on other days—they went out to a quiet place, “by the river side,” where the few who knew and loved the living and true God often met together to worship Him without being disturbed. There they found some praying women, and sat down and spake to them.

Among Paul’s hearers was a woman who was a seller of purple cloths; but she did not do business on the Lord’s day: she remembered the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Her name was Lydia. How earnestly she listened to the story of Jesus’ death for sinners! and how glad she looked when Paul said that Christ died for her, and for all who were listening to him!

As Lydia listened, her heart was opened; she felt she love Him who had done so much for her.

Remember, it was not Paul, but the Lord, that opened Lydia’s heart; and He says to you, “My son, my child, give Me thine heart.”

THE GREAT CHANGE

ONE afternoon, Paul and Silas were put to prison at Philippi. Why— what had they done? Paul had seen a young woman who had within her an evil spirit, and he had cast the spirit out. The woman’s masters were angry at what Paul did; and seized Paul and Silas and ordered them to be beaten first, and then sent to prison.

At midnight there was a strange sound heard in that prison. Paul and Silas were praying and singing. Perhaps the prisoners had never heard praying and singing there before. But soon there was another sound which awakened all in the prison. It was an earthquake. The ground itself trembled.

The jailer was afraid his prisoners had escaped, and was about to kill himself, when Paul cried out, “Do thyself no harm; for we are all here.”

Then he came in to Paul and Silas, and cried out, “What must I do to be saved?” Saved from what? Not from the earthquake and death, but from his sins. All at once he felt himself a lost man; but Paul told him how he could be a saved man : “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” He did so. What a change in one night! The jailer, who had cruelly put his prisoners’ feet in the stocks, and all his family, turned into Mends of Jesus and of his servants!

GOOD NEWS REJECTED

PAUL never seemed tired of working for Jesus. He thought nothing of travelling a long distance to carry the “good news” to sinful men. When he had reached Thessalonica he went into the Jews’ synagogue, and talked to the people out of the Scriptures, how sinners might be forgiven and made fit for heaven through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some listened to him and believed his message, but some envious and wicked men made a great disturbance; and the end of it was, that Paul and Silas left the place, and went to Berea by night, where they entered into the Jews’ place of worship, and spake the word of life.

At Berea the people acted very wisely; they .searched the Scriptures daily to see whether what the apostles said was true; and many believed in Jesus.

But the Jews of Thessalonica, when they found what good was being done at Berea, came there and stirred up the people against Paul and Silas, so that their friends sent Paul away, that he might not be hurt.

How wicked of the Jews! they would not themselves receive Jesus as their Saviour, and they would not let others believe in Him if they could help it.

PAUL AT ATHENS

PAUL made long jonmeys, and found plenty of work to do for His Master everywhere. At length he came to Athens, where many men lived who were wise and clever about earthly things, but quite dark about God and heaven, and the salvation of the soul. They had beautifully carved images and paintings, fine buildings and grand houses; they could write beautiful poetry, and say wise things about this world; yet with all they were very proud and very foolish.

The city was full of idols—large and small; some very grand, others of little worth. These things made Paul very sad. He first went among the Jews, then he spoke to any of the people who came round him in the market-place. Some laughed at him, and said he spoke of strange gods of whom they had never heard before. Yet, with all their wisdom, they knew not Jesus.

Others wanted to hear more from Paul, so they took him to the place where the learned men used to meet, to hear what new thing he could tell them; for they loved to hear of new, strange things. They thought the tidings of Jesus and of the resurrection curious and novel; but few listened to the preaching of Paul, by which they might have learned the way to eternal happiness.

PAUL AT CORINTH

AFTER Paul had told the Athenians about the one living and true God, he went to Corinth. And there, every Sabbath day, he told all who would listen to him, of Jesus and His love.

How earnest he was, too! Everything that was said against Jesus he answered from the Bible; and showed the people that Jesus was sent from God, and begged of them to give up their sinful ways and believe in Him.

While at Corinth, Paul gathered together many persons who loved Jesus, and formed them into a church there. The Jews, however, were angry with him, and took him before the Roman governor, and spoke against Paul’s teaching. But the governor found that they could not say that Paul was wicked; so he drove them away.

Paul was encouraged to go on in his work in a wonderful manner. As he lay asleep, tired with his day’s work, God spoke to him in a dream, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace.” Have courage, be bold in spite of all who oppose: tell to all men the good news of salvation by Jesus. “I am with thee;” and no man; neither Jew nor Greek, neither judge nor ruler, shall set on thee to hurt thee. How safe are all those who trust in God, and do His will!

WONDERS DONE BY PAUL

THINK of Paul in the city of  Ephesus, a wicked city, where an image named Diana was worshipped in a beautiful temple, which was one of the wonders of the world.

We can fancy we see the good man, standing in the schoolroom of a philosopher, and sad at heart that the people should he so foolish, while they were professing to be wiser than others. What is he doing? Preaching the Gospel to all who will come and hear him; telling them that Jesus only is to be worshipped; that it is sinful to set up anything or anybody in the place of God. That their idols know nothing and can do nothing for them; but that through Jesus Christ they can have all that they need supplied.

To show the people that what Paul said was true, God gave him power to work “special miracles.” See in our picture the people are bringing their handkerchiefs or aprons to touch his body, that they may carry them to the sick. Wonderful to say, that as soon as the sick touched them their disease went or the evil spirit left them.

Seven wicked brothers tried to do the same, to cast out an evil spirit. But the evil spirit leaped on two of them and overcame them, so that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. Spirits are subject to God only.

PAUL’S SUCCESS IN EPHESUS

AFTER seeing the wonderful things done by Paul, and having heard his wonderful message from God to them, the people of Ephesus soon confessed that Christ whom Paul preached is worthy of all honour. Many believed in the true God at once. Not a few of them, who had been conjurors, cheats, and deceivers, came and confessed, and showed the arts that they had employed to deceive others, and brought their bad books and burned them before all the people. (The books were worth nearly £1,800). These men made a great sacrifice for Christ, for they had been getting their living in this way.

They did not sell their books, lest others should be hurt by reading them. Theirs was true repentance. True repentance is not only to confess and be sorry for sin, but to give it up.

Some workmen, who made little silver images of Diana and of the temple and sold them, got angry with Paul; for they feared, if Paul kept on preaching, that they would lose their work. So they made an uproar, and collected a great crowd of people, and said Paul must be stopped. They wanted to kill him, but he escaped from their hands.

Still there were some people left in the city who loved Jesus.

BIDDING GOOD-BYE

IN our picture we have a little company of men standing together upon the sea-shore. For one of them a ship is waiting; he must soon be gone and he is saying good-bye, for he feels sure that he shall never again see on earth the friends to whom he is talking

so earnestly. He has been their teacher, their minister, in a city thirty miles away, and they have come all that distance to see him just once more. They must have loved him very much. And they had reason to love him. From him they had learned to give up the worship of idols, to know and love God, to seek Jesus. And this made them so sorry to part,—for they sorrowed “most of all that they should see his face no more.”

Paul reminded them of the great truths he had taught them, about Jesus Christ, about the Holy Ghost, and the way to be saved; and he begged them never to forget, and to live holy lives. We ought to love those who have taught us and tried to help us in the way to heaven.

There is one Friend who will never leave us, if we trust in Him.

“Oh, how He loves!”

PAUL BEFORE FELIX

FELIX is in no danger. He is sitting beside his wife on a splendid cushioned seat, in a gorgeous room of a palace, and there is nobody present, but a plain looking man. Then what makes Felix tremble? Felix was a bad man, heedless of God, and living in sin. What Paul said made him feel his sin, and filled him with fear.

But what good was his trembling if it was trembling only? It ought to have led to repentance and faith. But, like many others, Felix foolishly put off thinking about religion.

PAUL’S SHIPWRECK

PAUL had to sail across the sea, a prisoner to Rome. The first part of the voyage was safe enough, and if his advice had been followed there would not have been the trouble the crew had afterwards. Paul said there was danger at the present seasoD, the captain said there was not— so they started.

Soon, however, they discovered their mistake — the storm became very furious — the ship was driven before the wind, and whatever the sailors did, they could not manage the vessel.

They threw overboard much of the cargo, and even its tackling, sails, spars, and gear; still the storm and danger continued. Cloudy weather for a fortnight added to their trouble.

Driven about day after day, and not able to find out where they were, they began to be afraid of striking upon some rock, or sand-bank, and going to pieces. Anchors were thrown out, and at last the sailors thought of abandoning the ship and leaving soldiers and prisoners to perish. Paul said the sailors must not go, or all would be lost.

The centurion therefore cut away the boat.

At last, a gleam of light showed land, and a place into which, perhaps, they might run the ship. “Up anchors, and let her drive in.” Poor fellows! the ship did drive, but she struck on a rock and in a few minutes went to pieces. Now surely all will be lost, but no—some swam to shore, and the rest, some on boards and broken pieces of the ship, drifted ashore.

On sea or on land, we are all safe under God’s keeping.

PAUL AND THE POISONOUS VIPER

THE inhabitants of the island to which Paul, with the sailors and soldiers and prisoners escaped when their ship was lost, were very kind. They lit a fire and did all they conld to shield them from the cold and the rain.

"What a comfort the fire must have been! Paul was then a prisoner, but he helped to gather the wood to keep up the fire. While he was putting some sticks on, a live viper leaped from the flames on to his hand, and hung there.

How everybody drew away from Paul! The people there fancied that he must be a murderer, who would now die by the bite of the viper, though he had escaped from the sea.

And he shook off the poisonous viper, which had fastened on him, into the fire, and felt no harm. But when the people, who looked for a long time expecting to see him swell up from the effects of the poison, and fall down dead, found that he was as well as ever, they said he was a god. But they were altogether wrong.

Paul was safe; he was not a god, but a servant' of Christ whom God cared for and preserved. In that island he healed many sick people, and preached about Christ, and no one tried to hinder him.

After three months, Paul and his companions sailed for Rome in the ship Castor and Pollux.

PAUL’S LAST WORDS

PAUL the apostle, the servant of Christ Jesus, not only spent much of his life in going about from place to place, preaching and teaching sinners of all ages and of all countries; but he also wrote part of the Scriptures which we have. God the Holy Spirit taught him what to write.

While he was a prisoner at Rome, although he could not go away from that city, yet he was able to write; and we can now read, in our own language, in our own Testaments, what Paul wrote.

He wrote two letters from prison to his young friend Timothy, who was a minister; and his letters were about Jesus Christ, and what he had done, and told all the disciples of Jesus should live to serve and to please God.

And he said much to encourage Timothy and others to do all they could to spread abroad the fame of Jesus, whom he himself had delighted to serve.

Paul also wrote about his own death, not being sure whether he would die on his own bed, gently, or be put to death by his enemies. But however it might be, he felt that he had done good service in the cause of Christ, and was ready for another world, to live with Jesus for ever, who has promised “a crown of life ” to all who are “faithful unto death.”

WHAT YOU DO, DO CHEERFULLY

WHERE we to ask some girls and boys what they did yesterday, we should have many answers. Some would say that they learned lessons, or played, or visited some friends. We hope that whatever you did, you did it heartily, with a good will, as the men in our picture seem to be doing their work.

Some young people do everything in a half-hearted, lazy way, as much as to say, “We would not do it at all if we could help it.” If everybody had been like them, we never should have had steam-engines or telegraphs, and other useful things, which add so much to our comfort in these days.

All that we do should be done heartily, as to the Lord. Our religion should be seen in all we do or say. We should be earnest and careful in everything, remembering that we are

God’s servants, and that His eye is always upon us. If we know and love Him, we shall do everything in such a way as to please Him, and what we know He requires of us will be done cheerfully. Our Lord and Saviour did everything heartily. It was His delight to do His Father’s will.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

IF you love Jesus you will be glad to know how, in any way, you can return the love which He has shown to you. The apostle John says, “Ye should love one another”—love and be loved.

If a man love not his brother, he cannot love God. To be full of love is to be something like God. The love of Jesus was so great that He laid down His life not only for His friends, but for sinners who had not begun to love Him. We are to imitate Jesus as far as we can. But our love is not to be in words only, but in deeds also.

Our love to others should prompt us to do what we can to meet their wants. Jesus showed His love in the way it was most needed. We should be ready to deny ourselves for the good of those for whom Christ died,—to clothe the naked, to feed the hungry, to visit the sick.

Remember how the poor widow showed her love to God: she put into the collection “all she had.” What have you given up for the good of others? Millions of people in all lands are ignorant of God’s Word. You can help to send the Gospel to them.

HOLD YOUR TONGUE

THE Apostle James gives many cautions about the tongue— about our tongue. He notices what a little thing it is, what a small part of the body, yet what great mischief it may do. It may hurt us, and may hurt others.

The tongue, when a man or a child is in a passion, is like a spark of fire,

how soon—in a moment—it may bum and blaze, and put people into a passion, and make them angry, and fight, and sometimes kill each other! Our tongue needs to have a bridle put on it, to stop it and to turn it the right way, just as horses are turned. A horse without a bridle in a crowded street may do a great deal of mischief. Some people can manage horses much better than they do their own tongues.

It is bad enough for a horse to kick or bite, but it is a worse thing to swear, to tell lies, or speak evil.

The helm, or rudder, is small, but with it the pilot can turn the vessel whichever way he pleases: so that little member the tongue, often governs the whole body.

It is wrong to call each other bad names. Bad words not only harm others, but ourselves.

When tempted to speak bad words, or rudely or unkindly, seek God’s aid to help you to hold your tongue, lest you sin with it.

HEAVEN OUR HOME

ONE of the beautiful songs of a Christian is this: “Heaven is our home.” Yes, it is the place of rest and happiness for all who truly love the Lord Jesus. It is His house, His dwelling-place, and those who love Him will be with Him there, and like Him, for ever.

All who are saved, washed, and forgiven, made clean from all sin, shall there be owned and received as God’s own dear children. God will say of them all, “They are Mine.”

One thing more. The Lord of heaven shall be their God. All in heaven will worship before God’s throne; every one will sing His praise and rejoice in God and with God. There will be no idleness there; for there will be plenty to do; but the service will be higher and the employment nobler than any we can render.

Almost the last word the apostle John heard at Patmos was—“Come.” Come away from sin, to Jesus, to salvation. May we all be prepared, whenever death shall come, to enter the joy of our Lord —to meet Him who, when on earth, uttered that sweet saying—“Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

WILLIAM RIDER AND SON, PRINTERS, LONDON