When the meeting was ended, and they had returned to their homes, the boy asked his father if he should pray for him?

"You can't pray," was the reply.
"Yes, I can."

"But you cannot pray for me."

"Yes, father, I can; the Saviour has given me a heart to pray."

"Well, then," replied his father, "if you can pray for me, you may."

They knelt down together. Jesus had given the child a "heart to pray." The grace of Christ had revealed to him things which his father knew nothing of. The Christian child was wiser than the infidel parent. In simplicity and faith, the boy told the Lord

about his father, and besought Him to teach him the right way, and cause him to believe and be saved.

And that little one's prayer availed, as all the prayers of the righteous do, whether they come from childish lips, or are spoken by aged tongues. By it the strong man was convinced and converted, when no arguments of wisdom could have overcome him.

This fact may show how much power children possess, and how important a place in the world every Christian child has to fill. Whatever relates to our souls is very important. God has some soul-work for every child to do, who has been called to serve Him.- The Christian.

Bagslate, near Rochdale.

AIDS TO THE USE OF THE

FIRST CATECHISM. ILLUSTRATIVE FACTS. June 14.-SECTION V., QUESTION II.

A Dreadful Foretaste. A YOUNG man was dying. He had only reached his twenty-sixth year, but vice had done its terrible work; and he must die. He was also penniless, and dependent on strangers. There was a time when he

M. T.

had a happy home with his godly parents; but he had forsaken that quiet refuge, had trampled under foot the law of God, had led others into sin, and was now dying in wretchedness and despair. He had been guilty of drunkenness, fraud, gambling, and other sins. Many had reason to mourn that they had ever become acquainted with him. He had, however, been generally regarded as a merry fellow, and a jovial companion. It may be desirable to ponder a few of his latest expressions:-"I have

not known one hour of peace since I left the paths of virtue, and for two or three years I have been utterly wretched. O, that I had never been born! You can pray for me; but it is of no use. You are very kind; I thank you all: but you cannot save me. My soul is damned! the seal of reprobation is already upon me.'

June 21.-SECT. V., QUEST. III.

The Maidservant's Book.

A LADY had just returned from a party to her own house. She had spent several hours in playing at cards, and in other worthless amusements. Her conscience had testified that some of her doings were altogether sinful; but other persons engaged, with apparent delight, in those pursuits, so she reasoned that there could be no great harm therein. She entered a room where one of the maidservants was seated reading. Either the lady moved very softly, or the young woman was much interested in the volume, for the lady's entrance was not perceived. She had previously observed that the maid generally looked somewhat serious, and she became curious to know what sort of books she read. The lady, therefore, stepped towards the maid very gently, and looked over her shoulder. One word so arrested her attention, that she could not forget it: all night long she wept and prayed. That word was the means of leading her to Christ, so that she found mercy: it was, "ETERNITY!"

June 28.-SECT. V., QUEST. IV.

The Last Message.

THE message was from a young girl to her mother. It was a very delightful one, though sent under very solemn circumstances. The mother was in her quiet home in England: the girl was on board the ill-fated ship "London."

On New Year's-day, 1866, the vessel had sailed from the Nore; and, when a few days had elapsed, she was in the Bay of Biscay, and ready to founder. All hope was gone. Some of the people on board were getting into a boat; it was just possible that these might be saved, but only few could have even this slight chance. The dear girl was not of that number. She knew that in a very short time-most likely in a few minutes-she must go down beneath those wild waves. But there was the possibility of sending a message to the mother she so fondly loved, and who would be heartbroken at her loss. So she hurriedly wrote a few words on a slip of paper, and said to one who was leaping into the boat, "Give

this to my mother." That sorrowing woman received this cheering message:"Dear mother, you must not grieve for me: I am going to Jesus."

July 5.-SECT. V., QUEST. V.
John P. James.

THE REV. J. P. James was called to the heavenly rest when many were anticipating on his behalf a prolonged period of earthly service, marked by more than ordinary devotedness and success. Twelve months were not allowed to elapse between his ordination and his burial. Over-exertion, debility, the rupture of a blood-vessel, and rapid consumption quickly followed each other. When his end was drawing nigh, the question was asked, "Do you find Christ as precious to you as you ever expected to find Him?" Mr. James had often been exceedingly happy in Jesus. His highest joys had long been in fellowship with Christ. He had seemed to those around, to have more of the light and glory than most believers; but he was now anticipating the "fulness of joy," and was, doubtless, enabled to catch glimpses of the Heavenly Zion. He replied: "Yes, except in the depths of eternity." A few minutes before he entered into his rest, he sang, in sweet tones, the hymn concluding:

"Jesus, my Strength, my Life, my Rest,
On Thee will I depend,

Till summon'd to the marriage-feast,
When faith in sight shall end."

AIDS TO THE USE OF THE SECOND CATECHISM. June 14.-SECTION VIII., QUESTIONS I. AND II.

!God's Message Learned. The message graciously provided.— Christ's Apostles were enabled to perform many wonderful miracles in order to convince their hearers that they were messengers from God; such as healing the lame man at the beautiful gate, raising Dorcas to life, and giving strength to the cripple at Lystra, "who had never walked." (Acts iii., ix., xiv.) These Apostles claimed to declare, with Divine authority, the plan of salvation; and ascribed similar authority to the ancient prophets : "That ye may be

mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets,

and of the commandment of us the Apostles of the Lord and Saviour." (2 Peter iii. 2.) "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (1 John iv. 6.) "Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal. i. 8.)

The message diligently studied.-The Rev. John Wesley wrote as follows:"I have thought, I am a creature of a day, passing through life as an arrow through the air. I am a spirit come from God, and returning to God: just hovering over the great gulf; till, a few moments hence, I am no more seen; I drop into an unchangeable eternity! I want to know one thing,the way to heaven; how to land safe on that happy shore. God Himself has condescended to teach the way; for this very end He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a Book. O give me that Book! At any price give me the Book of God! I have it! here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be a man of one Book."

The message Divinely explained. When the Lord Jesus had uttered the parable of the tares sown by an enemy, the disciples did not fully comprehend its meaning. They asked for an explanation. To whom did they apply? Of course it was reasonable that they should ask Jesus. Even among men it is supposed that an author is generally best able to make plain the meaning of his own words. (Matt. xiii. 36.) Did Jesus promise "another Comforter" to explain the Scriptures? that other Comforter?

Who is

EXERCISES.-Has God sent a message to us? What is it chiefly concerning? In what Book may it be found? In what two ways may I become acquainted with the Bible? Who will explain to my heart what I read and hear? How am I to seek the help of God's Spirit?

June 21.-SECT. VIII., QUEST. III.

God's Message Revered. LEARN the reply, and the first of the appended verses. Let us then think how ready we ought to be to receive every lesson which God is pleased to teach us, and how unhesitatingly we

may confide in every Divine declaration. Unless we have such docility and faith, we are not likely to profit by God's Word, however many sermons we may hear, or however many chapters we may read. Many of the Jews, in the days of our Lord, were very proud because God's Book had been specially committed to the care of their nation. Did they all profit by those ancient oracles? Many worldlyminded persons often listened to the teaching of Christ; were they all saved ?

We must cherish a docile spirit.-Saul of Tarsus needed the convincing and converting grace of God. He was led astray by his prejudices and pride; but when he was convinced that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the Son of God, he said, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ?" (Acts ix. 6.) Very likely he expected that the Lord Jesus would Himself, and at once, give him the needful direction. He was ready to do anything commanded; but his docility was to be further tested. He was told to go into Damascus, and wait.. That was trying; but there was another test. He was to be taught the way of salvation, not by a voice from heaven, but by that of a Christian disciple, whom he would have spurned from him the day before. But Saul was docile; so he obtained mercy.

We must cherish a believing spirit.-Whilst the Israelites were in the wilderness, some of them were sent across Jordan as spies. How many were sent? Most of them doubted the word of God. They would have believed that He would bring them into the possession of Canaan, had not the men of the land been warlike. As it was, they did not believe Him. Of how many of the twelve is this true? These ten men caused the people. generally to doubt and disobey. What. were the names of the faithful two? Did Caleb and Joshua enter the promised land? Did any of the ten ? (Num. xiii., xiv.)

EXERCISES.-Do we need instruction concerning a few subjects or many? If we are self-confident, shall we be likely to learn? Ought we to believe whatever God affirms ? What will be the results if we prove unteachable and unbelieving?

June 28.-SECT. VIII., QUEST. III.
(Concluded.)

God's Message Obeyed.

We must obey God, though greatly perplexed. It may sometimes happen that we can see no reason why God should require us to act in certain ways which He directs; but it must be sufficient for us to know that the Lord has spoken. Soon after the Israelites had crossed the river Jordan they arrived near a city. They were directed to march round that city once a day, during six days; and on the seventh day they were to march round it seven times. What was the name of the city? The children of Israel desired possession of Jericho; but they could not get into the place, because of the high walls built about it. Was it likely that they would ever get in by marching round it? Seven priests, each with a ram's horn made into a trumpet, were to walk before the men of war. These priests were to blow with their trumpets. Did it seem likely that the walls would be overthrown in that manner? Would it have been right for the Israelites to refuse to go round Jericho ? What happened on the seventh day?" (Josh. vi. 1-20.)

66

We must obey God, though painfully tried.-A good man was once directed to offer up his only son as a burnt offering to God. What was the good man's name? What was the name of his son? The sacrifice was to take place on a mountain. In what land was the mountain situated ? Would not this prove a very painful trial to Abraham? He loved Isaac very much, and would have been very sorry to lose him by death in any form; but to think of taking away Isaac's life himself must have been heart-rending. Did Abraham obey God? On the day they were to start for the land of Moriah, did Abraham rise early or late? By rising betimes he manifested his ready obedience. What happened at the mount? (Gen. xxii.)

We must obey God, though severely persecuted. Soon after our Lord's ascension, two of his Apostles healed a lame man near one of the Temple gates. What were their names? Peter and John were put into prison. The Jewish rulers threatened them, and commanded

them never again to speak of Jesus. Would it have been right for the Apostles to have obeyed these men? What did they reply ? (Acts iv. 19.)

EXERCISES.-Do good men always know the reason of God's commands? Is it right to neglect God's injunctions if we cannot explain why they have been given? Does obedience often require self-denial? In what manner are good people sometimes persecuted in our days? Are God's laws to be always obeyed?

July 5.-SECTION VIII., QUESTION IV.

God's Message Remembered.

God's Word, if duly prized, will furnish instruction.-Paul and Silas, while engaged in preaching Christ's Gospel, came to Thessalonica. The Jews in that city were very bigoted. They bitterly opposed the Apostles; and, at length, succeeded in driving them away. Paul and Silas went to another city, where many of the Jews gave them a more suitable reception. What was the name of that city? The Bereans did not at once acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah. They knew that many of their chief teachers affirmed that He was an impostor. They took time, therefore, to consider this important question, "Is Jesus the Christ?" but they rightly employed the time. They did not loiter, as though the question was of no moment; they did not act as though they wished for an excuse for procrastination; they "searched" God's Word. (Acts xvii. 11.)

God's Word, if_duly prized, will impart strength.-David, for the most part, was a faithful servant of the Most High. He was enabled to do the Lord's will under difficult circumstances, and to resist temptation when it was plausibly urged, and enforced by powerful inducements. On two occasions he spared the life of Saul, although he knew that that wicked king was doing his utmost to bring about his death; and that it was probable, if Saul were removed, he would be raised to the throne of Israel. (1 Sam. xxiv., xxvi.) Indeed, in many cases David was wonderfully preserved from sin. This is, to a great extent, explained when we read what he affirmed concerning Divine truths: "More to be desired are they than gold," &c.; "Moreover by them is

Thy servant warned," &c. (Psalm xix. 10, 11.)

God's Word, if duly prized, will provide comfort.-What servant of God was specially honoured during the Babylonish captivity? Daniel was an inspired prophet. He was employed to write an important portion of God's Word. Yet we find that, even in his old age, he was carefully studying Divine truth as written by others, and obtaining comfort therefrom. Jeremiah's writings were thus blessed to him. (Dan. ix. 2.)

EXERCISES.-Are we in danger of allowing bad thoughts to lodge in our memories? From what Book may the best thoughts be obtained? If we never think of the lessons of God's Word, what will become of us? What blessings do good people gain by remembering those lessons?

ILLUSTRATIVE FACTS.

Naimbanna.

AN African prince, called Naimbanna, was brought to England in 1791, under the care of some godly people. They were very desirous that this African should become a thorough Christian. They were anxious that his own heart should be fully yielded to the Saviour, and that he should be so largely instructed in Scripture truth, as to be of service to his countrymen when he returned to Africa. Among the subjects of study placed before him, were the Evidences of Christianity. The good men in whose charge Naimbanna was, desired that he might fully believe the truth of our holy religion, and might also be able to convince others. The prince did, happily, yield himself to God, and paid diligent attention to all the instruction given. But it was soon apparent that the external evidences of Christianity were not needed in order to convince the African himself. He listened, learned, and was profited. But his mind had evidently been fully satisfied before this kind of proof, from miracles and prophecies, was produced. He was asked how this firm conviction, that the Bible was really God's Word, was first formed within his soul. He replied: "When I found, in Sierra-Leone, in England, everywhere, all good men minding the Bible, and calling it the Word of God, and all bad men disregarding or disliking it, I then was sure that the Bible must be the Word of God." (No. II. June 14.)

A Slave-Girl Listening. WHEN Christian Missionaries first went to South Africa, they found great difficulty

in obtaining leave to preach to the black people who were held in slavery there. The Dutch farmers were especially opposed to the introduction of the Gospel among their negroes. These farmers were very hospitable among each other; few of them, however,received a Missionary very kindly. If even they suffered him to preach to them and their families, the slaves were seldom permitted to hear. A slave-girl became impressed with her need of the Saviour. She had, providentially, heard enough to show her something concerning her sinfulness, and the goodness of God. But she knew very little; and, though Missionaries were occasionally allowed to stay a short time at her master's house, and would gladly have preached to the slaves, they were not permitted to do so. But the slave-girl wanted to be taught. She really wished to know God's will concerning her, and, especially, how she might be saved from her sins, and so be happy for ever. She knew it would be no use for her to ask to go into the parlour when the Missionary was there talking to the white people; but the slave-girl must hear somehow so she lay down flat in the passage, near to the parlour-door, and placed her ear close to the bottom of the door. She only heard a very little; but she heard something, and pondered that within her soul. Another Missionary arrived, and the slave-girl again laid herself down in the passage, and heard a few words additional. So she found her way to Jesus, and her soul was made happy. Forty years afterwards she was in better circumstances she then told the Rev. Barnabas Shaw how she had been led to the Cross; that Christ was still precious; and that she hoped soon to go home to heaven. There were meekness and faith in her listening. (No. II. June 21.)

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The Five-pound Note.

A LARGE fair, for the transaction of business, had been held in the city of Exeter. Among those who had been present was a godly tradesman, whose name was Mr. Samuel Potter. The good man had bought and sold as he thought best, and had then returned to his home at Culmstock. When he endeavoured to balance his accounts, he found a difficulty. He had in his possession four pounds more than he could account for. A note proved to be for five pounds which he had expected to be only for one. Had it proved such, his accounts would have been exactly correct; but the note was for five pounds, and Mr. Potter could not alter it, if even he had desired so to do. How could it be? He must have received the note from some