PORTFOLIO Lead them to Thee! What though my faith is dim, When earth looks bright and fair, Let no delusive snare Lure them astray: E'en for such little ones Christ came a child, O, for His sake, I pray, Lead them to Thee! Yes, though my faith be dim, That Thou this precious gift Wilt now receive: O, take their young hearts now! Lead them, my God, to Thee, I'd cry to Thee, Artless Simplicity. OF GLEANINGS. of comfort. The grateful little creature looked the benevolent lady full in the face, and, with artless simplicity, said, “Are you God's wife?" Did the most eloquent speaker ever employ words to better advantage? A LADY visited New-York city, and saw on the side-walk a ragged, cold, and hungry little girl gazing wistfully at some of the cakes in a shop-window. She stopped, and, taking the little one by the hand, led her into the store. Though she was aware that bread might be better for the cold child than cake, yet, desiring to gratify the shivering and forlorn one, she bought, and gave her the cake she wanted. She then took her to another place, where she procured her a shawl and other articles On being "instant in Prayer." DOES it at times seem as if there were no hope of our prayers being answered? Let not the well-known fable of the crow and the pitcher be too familiar not to furnish us with a useful lesson of encouragement. The crow, ready to die with thirst, flew to a pitcher, which it saw at a distance. But, when he came to it, he found the water so low, that, with all his stooping and straining, he was unable to taste a drop. Thereupon he tried to break the pitcher; then to overturn it: but his strength was not sufficient to do either. At last, seeing some small pebbles at hand, he dropped a good many of them, one by one, into the pitcher; and so raised the water to the brim, and quenched his thirst. So may it be with our prayers. Every pebble we cast in, to adapt the figure, may bring the water of life nearer to our thirsting lips. The Lord my desire us first to feel the cravings of desire and want, He may lead us to patient continuance in the use of means; but every effort brings the blessing nearer, until, in time, the thirsting soul is fully satisfied, and the needed measure of our prayers is full. The Cobbler's good Conscience. SOME few years ago I was brought into contact with a coloured working man. He was only a cobbler; he said himself he was not a decent shoemaker. But, if his work was not elegantly done, it was thoroughly done, and that was the point. He told me that when he became too old and crippled to work in the field and house, he took to cobbling. I said to him, "My friend, after this cobbling on earth has done, how about that other world? Have you any hope for that better world?" "Ah! master," said he, "I am nothing, as I told you, but a poor cobbler; but I feel, when I sit here, and work at my stool, that the Good Master is looking at me, and when I take a stitch, it is a stitch; and when I put on a heel-top, it is not paper, but good leather." It is not the work we do upon earth that makes the upshot of life, but it is the way in which we do that work—it is the motive, "Thou God seest me." EXERCISES ON SCRIPTURE LESSONS. OCTOBER 4.- MORNING LESSON. INIQUITY AND MERCY.-Psalm xxxvi. For repetition, verses 7-9. MISCHIEF. "HE DEVISETH I. V. 1-4. V. 1 is very difficult to understand: it may be read thus: "The voice of transgression concerning the wicked within my heart is this, there is no fear," &c.; i.e., "Secretly, to myself, the explanation of his flagrant sins, his deceitful words, is, that he fears not God." Compare Ps. x. 11; xiv. 1. Before his eyes,-as a beacon to warn him against the consequence of sinning. V. 2. He flattereth, &c.-" He sets such a false gloss in his own eyes upon his worst actions, that he never finds out the blackness of his iniquity, which, were it perceived by him, would be hateful even to himself. -Horsley. V. 3. Iniquity,-fair enough in expression, but breathing the foul spirit of guile and deceit, Ps. lv. 21; Prov. v. 3. Left off,-because sin has so corrupted and enslaved him, Rom. i. 21-23. V. 4. Deviseth,- contrives and plans wickedness. Upon his bed,-i.e., "in the undisturbed watches of the night." Sitteth, strongly determined to carry out what he has planned. Abhorreth not, has no dread of the evil he may do to others, or of the sufferings brought on himself by his sins. AND II. "THOU PRESERVEST MAN BEAST."—V. 5-9. In the heavens,high; infinite; all-encompassing, as the heavens of the earth. Faithfulness, VOL. III. NEW SERIES.-October, 1868. truth, firmly keeping to Thy word, Ps. cviii. 4; Hymn 599. V. 6. Righteousness.-Justice. Great mountains, (Margin, "mountains of God,")-strong, immovable, and plainly seen. A great deep,-unsearchable : "A vast, unfathomable sea, 66 Where all our thoughts are drown'd." Preservest,-guardest against the wicked, and keepest in life. V. 7. Excellent, (Margin, precious," as costly a treasure as it is a needful possession, Ps. lxiii. 3. The shadow, &c.,- for protection and safety, Deut. xxxii. 11; Matt. xxiii. 37. V. 8. Satisfied, (Margin, "watered,"); saturated, as a thirsty field is, by the showers of heaven." Fatness,-a figure to denote "the glorious gifts of God." River,--alluding to that in Paradise, Gen. ii. 10. V. 9. Fountain,-from Whom life is ever flowing, ever fresh; as water flows freshly from its spring. Light. -The emblem of wisdom and salvation. "draw III. PRAYER AND CONFIDENCE.V. 10-12. Continue, (Margin, out at length,")-let the manifestation of it be as lasting as life itself. Know, so as to love, obey, acknowledge Thee. Upright, &c.-"Those who have but one end in view, and one aim to that end." V. 11. The foot of pride, the scorn and contempt of haughty men. Remove me,-from Thy light, love, and bounty, v. 8, 9. V. 12. There, in the pride of their heart and their sinful ways. Cast down,-by that God whom they did not fear. REFLECTIONS.-1. The true cause of a sinful life is not far to seek.--Men deceive themselves by saying their transgressions are explained by their circumstances, or the pressure of temptation; but the truth is, they do not "fear God:" if they did, this would 2 and thus He is the Source of life and happiness. Surely we ought to adore and love Him! 5. Prayer for the continuance of blessings now enjoyed is our duty, v. 10. 6. The destiny of man is in the hands of God.-Luke i. 51, 52; James iv. 7, 10. QUESTIONS.-What did David's heart tell him about the wicked? Of what folly is the sinner guilty? v. 2. What are his words? What does he set himself to do? What is said of God's mercy of His faithfulness? righteousness? judgments? lovingkindness? How are His people satisfied? What is He to them? v. 9. What should we pray for? What will be the fate of the proud? Illustration.-SELF-DECEPTION. See v. 2 and Reflection 2. Some years ago a man lived in flagrant sin, known to the whole neighbourhood; yet he was so foolish as to imagine it to be unknown: and, when on his death-bed, he was with difficulty persuaded to make his will, because he could not make that without speaking to his own condemnation, OCTOBER 4. AFTERNOON LESSON. SUMMARY. The instructions of this chapter fitly follow those of the last. We are taught here to honour and obey all that are in authority over us; to keep the commandments, and love one another, as Christ gave us commandment; and to live in watchfulness and sobriety, that we may secure everlasting life. I. OUR DUTY TO THOSE IN AUTHORITY.-V. 1-7. Every soul,-person. Subject.-"The word denotes that kind of submission which soldiers render to their officers." Higher powers .. power.-"Power,' in the singular number, is the supreme authority; 'powers,' are they who are invested with it.". Wesley. Ordained, (Margin, "ordered,") "set in their place' according to the arrangements of His wise, mysterious Providence." V. 2. Resisteth,"sets himself in array against," to " oppose the regular execution of the laws." Ordinance, "the will and appointments." Damnation, condemnation from God as well as man. V. 3. For rulers, &c.,-generally, though there are some exceptions. Afraid,-i.e., beforehand, so as not to do evil. Which is good, according to the laws under which thou livest. Have praise, -be approved and protected, 1 Peter ii. 13-15. V. 4. Minister,-servant appointed and sent by God. For good. God intends all government to be for the benefit and blessing of the governed. Be afraid,-of the punishment which the laws threaten. Sword, -the emblem of authority and war, and the instrument of punishment. A revenger, &c.,- -an officer to administer that which is justly deserved. V. 5. Not only,-through fear of punishment; but also "out of obedience to God." V. 6. For this cause,-because they are God's Ministers attending continually, &c.-devoting all their talents and time to the service of the State for the good of its subjects. V.7. Dues,-what they have a right to receive. Tribute,—the tax paid by a conquered province to the Imperial power, such as Judæa then was of the Roman Empire. Custom,the revenue collected from merchandize either imported or exported. Fear,obedience. Honour,-reverence. Compare Matt. xxii. 21; xvii. 25–27; Prov. xxiv. 21; 1 Peter ii. 17. II. OUR DUTY TO OUR EQUALS. -V. 8-10. V. 8. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another." Fulfilled, &c.-Matt. xxii. 37-40. This,-commandment which says, &c. Any other, relating to our duty towards our neighbour. Briefly comprehended,-all contained in. This love is the essence and source of all social duties; so that, if a man love his neighbour as himself, he will never hurt or i harm him, but do him all possible good. V. 10. Worketh, &c.,-never produces as its fruit. Ill,-evil, mischievous conduct. Therefore, this is the explanation of the latter part of v. 8 and v. 9. III. OUR DUTY TO OURSELVES.V. 11-14. V. 11, 12. See Illustration. V. 12. Armour of light.-Ephes. vi. 11-18. V. 13. Honestly, (Margin, "decently,")—"as men that walk in the public and open view of others in the day time," Ephes. iv. 3; Phil. i. 27; 1 Peter ii. 12. Rioting, &c.,-luxurious banquets and entertainments. Chambering, &c.,-lewd conversation and immodest conduct. Put ye on,seek to have His spirit, imitate His example, become like Him. V. 14. Make not provision,-"take no thought" to please your fleshly lusts, carnal appetites, corrupt propensities. REFLECTIONS.-1. God is "King of kings, and Lord of lords," 1 Tim. vi. 15. -Our first and chief submission should be made to Him; and submission to all earthly authorities should be made in His name, and as in His sight; "for conscience' sake," knowing that God requires it, Prov. viii. 15, 16; v. 4, 5. 2. Loyalty to government should be shown by a hearty support of it, v. 6, 7. 3. Each relation of life has its peculiar duty; but love is the one principle which prompts to the discharge of every duty in every station of life. 4. Christians should ever be looking for, and hasting unto, the day of Christ." -How near it may be who of us can tell! 5. Men have a right to expect in our lives the fruit of our faith in Christ.And not only should this be shown by outward sobriety and cleanliness, but also by inward gentleness and contentment: there should be no "strife or envying," Gal. v. 22, 23. QUESTIONS.-What does the word "subject" mean? What are the "higher powers?" How does God "ordain" them? How are we to be "afraid?" v. 3. How are the good praised? Why is one man set over another? v. 4. What is to be rendered to government? what else? What are we to owe to our neighbour? anything else? Why is love "the fulfilling of the law?" How are we to walk? why ? v. 11, 12. How are we to "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ? Illustration.-CHRISTIAN WATCHFULNESS. See v. 11, 12. "Knowing the season, which is full of grace, but hasting away. That it is high time to awake out of sleep. How beautifully is the metaphor carried on! This life, a night; the resurrection, the day; the Gospel shining on the heart, the dawn of this day; we are to awake out of sleep; to rise up, and throw away our night-clothes, fit only for darkness, and put on new and, being soldiers, we are to arm, and prepare for fight, who are encompassed with so many enemies... The day dawns, when we receive faith, and then sleep gives place. Then it is time to rise, to arm, to walk, to work, lest sleep steal upon us again. Final salvation, glory, is nearer to us now than when we first believed. It is continually advancing, flying forward upon the swiftest wings of time. And that which remains between the present hour and eternity is comparatively but a moment."-Wesley. OCTOBER 11.-MORNING LESSON. SUMMARY.-St. Luke points out the precise time when John began to preach, and shows that his appearance in the wilderness was in strict fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy. He records what John taught the various classes of people who came to hear him; how he answered those who thought he was the Christ; and then glances at the baptism of Jesus, and the imprisonment of John. I. TIME AND MANNER OF JOHN'S APPEARANCE. V. 1-6. V. 1. See Illustration. Fifteenth year.-He was two years joint Emperor with Augustus; and this was the thirteenth year of his being sole Emperor. Tetrarch,-properly denotes one who rules over the fourth part of a country, or province, but it was also used as a general title. V. 2. Annas, had been high priest, and probably now bore the title; but Caiaphas, his son-in-law, actually filled the office. The word of God,cerning Christ and the preparation -con necessary to receive Him, Matt. iii. 2. Of Zacharias.-Chap. i. 59-63. V. 3. Repentance, was the duty he taught; and, when observed, baptism was administered as an outward sign of that inward and gracious washing which should accompany remission or forgiveness of sins, Matt. iii. 6, 11; John iii. 5. V. 4. As it is written,-Isai. xl. 3-5. Esaias,-the Greek form of the name Isaiah. The voice, &c.-In allusion to the ancient custom in the East of sending heralds to announce the approach of kings and great men. V. 5. Every valley, &c.-A poetical way of foretelling the removal of every obstacle to the advancement of Christ's religion. All flesh.-People of every tribe and tongue. II. LESSONS TO THE MULTITUDE.V. 7-18. (1.) To the Pharisees.-V. 7-9. Multitude,-properly the Pharisees and Sadducees, Matt. iii. 7. Vipers,-men of cunning wickedness and "envenomed malice." Wrath to come,-the fearful "penalty of sin in a future life." V. 8. Fruits worthy.-Margin, "meet for." Show by your conduct that you forsake your false principles and practices, and are truly penitent for your sins. Begin not, &c.-Do not deceive yourselves with the notion that your descent from Abraham will be any protection to you against the punishment of your evil doings. Of these stones,-pointing, perhaps, to the pebbles of Jordan; perhaps to some among the multitude whom the Pharisees despised. Unto the root,in token of its doom to destruction. (2.) To the common people.-V. 10, 11. The people,-those not otherwise described. What.. then?-They seem to have listened attentively to his rebuke of the Pharisees. V. 11. He that hath, &c.-Cultivate a charitable spirit, and show it by charitable acts. (3.) To the publicans.-V. 12, 13. Publicans.-Tax-gatherers for the Rofixed man government. Appointed, by the Imperial laws. (4.) To the soldiers.-V. 14. See Margin. Do violence, &c.,-in the execution of your duty, or in the attempt to obtain money by threats. Falsely,-for the sake of the reward promised to the informer. Wages, "allowance of meat, money, and perquisites. (5.) To all his hearers together.—V. 15-18. Expectation.-Margin, 66 suspense." Mused,-"reasoned," because of the wonderful effects of his ministry. Latchet," the thong by which the sandal was attached to the foot." With fire, the Pentecostal emblem of the Holy Ghost. Fan, — an agricultural instrument for separating wheat from the chaff. Purge,-cleanse, or purify by winnowing. Exhortation,-instruction and entreaty. III. HEROD'S WORST CRIME.-V. 19, 20. See v. 1. and Matt. xiv. 1—12; Mark vi. 17-20. Added yet this,-a worse crime than any of those for which John had reproved him. IV. "MY BELOVED SON." - V. 21, 22. Being, having been, Matt. iii. 16. Like a dove, the emblem of purity and peace. From heaven,-the Voice of the Eternal Father Himself. REFLECTIONS. -1. How the Gospel history commends itself to us by the simplicity of its style; and by the way in which the facts it records agree with the predictions of prophecy.-St. Luke writes freely about the "fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, and about Annas and Caiaphas, in the full confidence that every one would understand his allusions; and he quotes triumphantly the prophecy of Isaiah. 2. Conduct is the proof of repentance, v. 8, 9. 3. A godly ancestry will avail us nothing if we ourselves are impenitent sinners.-Ezek. xviii. 20. 4. Every occupation of life has its peculiar besetments.-John's advice to the several classes of his hearers implies this. 5. Christ alone can separate the wheat from the chaff-We should pray Him to drive the chaff of sin from our souls. QUESTIONS.-What rulers flourished when John came? What was a "tetrarch ?" Who was high priest? What came to John? Where did he preach? What did he preach? Who foretold his coming? What did he say to the Pharisees to the people? the publicans? the soldiers to all of them? What great crime did Herod commit? What did the Voice from heaven call Jesus? Whose Voice was it? Illustration.-TETRARCHS AND PROVINCES. See v. 1. Herod the Great left his kingdom to his three sons. To Archelaus, who reigned in Judæa, Matt. ii. 22, but was banished for his crimes, after nine years' reign, when Judæa became a Roman province: Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor that had |