The thorn serves well to guard the rose. poorest kind, and in many instances Every thing looks black in the dark; their teaching was contrary to that of cry for light. the pastor. When the children went to church the preaching appeared strange and foreign, because they had not been prepared to receive it, and when they grew older they wandered away, never to return. But the old folks could never be made to understand what was the matter with the children. EVIL COMPANY. Faith's eye sees in the dark. Prosperity's right hand is industry, and her left hand is frugality. Advise with your pillow. Never prophesy till you know. Better walk by faith than talk of faith. Do not open an old wound. The following beautiful allegory is LIST OF BOOKS APPROVED BY THE SUN translated from the German. Torphronius, a wise teacher, would not suffer even his own grown-up sons and daughter to associate with those whose conduct was not pure and upright. 66 Dear father," said the gentle Eulalia to him one day, when he forbade her, in company with her brother, to visit the volatile Lucinda, "dear father, you must think us very childish if you imagine that we should be exposed to danger by it." The father took in silence a dead coal from the hearth, and reached it to his daughter. "It will not burn you, my child; take it." DAY-SCHOOL LIBRARY BUREAU. D. APPLETON & CO., PUBLISHERS, N. Y. Nut Crackers and Mouse King, Mrs. St. Simon, 138pp. Fairy Stories, George Keil, Alice, 137pp. Pleasure and Profit, Mrs. Man- The Little Woodman and Other Stories, Mrs. Sherwood, $1.00, 216pp. Flowers of the Forest and Other Stories, do do do. Indian Stories, A. L. O. E, 75 cts, 313pp. The Broken Walls, Author of "Wide, Wide World," $1.25, 313pp. How a Farthing made a Fortune, Mrs. C. E. Bowen, 50 cts, 153pp. The Eulalia did so, and behold! her deli-Old Looking-Glass, Maria Charlesworth, $1.00, cate white hand was soiled and blackened, and, as it chanced, her white dress also. 269pp. FORDS, HOWARD & HULBERT, pub- CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS, PUB- A Jolly Fellowship, Frank R. Stockton, $1.50, 298pp. Phaeton Rogers, Rossiter Johnson, do, 344pp. International Commentary on Mark, Philip Schaff, D. D., $1.00, 243pp. PHILIPS & HUNT, PUBLISHERS, N. Y. Byrne Ransom's Building, Hilas C. Pardoe, 90 cts, 208pp. It is the object of the Bureau to select Books for the Sunday-School which are of superior excellence in every respect. The above have been thoroughly examined, and are heartily recommended as books of such a character. REV. C. S. GERHART, A. M. REV. HARRY M. KIEFFER, A. M. MISS ALICE NEVIN. REV. R. L. GERHART. SUPERSTITIONS IN REGARD TO SHOES. Shoes are not without their share of superstition. The casual putting the left shoe on the right foot was thought to be a forerunner of evil. Butler in his "Hudibras" adverts to an accident which occurred to a Roman emperor through inattention to this important matter. Augustus having b'oversight Put on his left shoe 'fore his right, —that is, on the day on which the oversight occurred. The throwing of a shoe is attended, according to the imaginations of the throwers, by widely different results. The shoe cast over Edom seems to have been a sign of contumely and reproach, which can scarcely be the case with a shoe-the old shoe-cast after a happy pair who have just been going through the form of the solemnization of holy matrimony. The object in the latter case appears to be to insure "good luck" to the parties to the contract. The throwing is not confined to marriage, but occurs among uneducated people on any critical occasion. It is invariably designed to secure proзperity. It is said that there was once a ceremony in Ireland of electing a person to a certain office, by throwing an old shoe over his head; but an excited elector, ence throwing a little too low a boot furnished with iron spikes, the gentleman on which he wished to bestow the favor of his support was killed, and the custom soon fell into disrepute. her usual task. Very much confounded, she ran to her friend, and reproached her as deceitful. "I prayed," said she, "but I could not say a single word of my lesson." "Perhaps," rejoined the other, "you took no pains to learn it. You must study as well as pray." CHRIST IN THE STORM. When the disciples of Jesus were toiling in rowing, on the Lake of Galilee, they were less disturbed by the storm which threatened them than by the dimly perceived and wholly misconceived form of Jesus as He drew near to help them. And so it is with us all in our life-course. Those things which are for our truest welfare are the very things from which we are likeliest to shrink. Weeping may endure for a night; but in the morning-light that remembered weeping is a joy. "I shall be glad that I did work and weep,-Be glad, O God, my slumbering soul did wake; Be glad my stubborn heart did heave and break Beneath the plow,-when angels come to reap." CHARITY. S. S. Times. CHURCH NOSEGAYS.-The following curious custom exists on the Elbe: The peasantry who possess a bit of land, however small, never enter the church without having a nosegay in their hands. They thus intend, it is said, to show that they claim the consideration due to persons who possess some property in the parish. Among the country people in the neighborhood of Hamburg, there is no garden so small as not to possess a place for the flowers intended for this use, and the plot is distinguished by the name of "the church nosegay" TRINITY SUNDAY. LESSON X. The Transfiguration. MARK 9: 2-13. Commit to memory verses 5-8. 2. And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. 3. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. June 4, 1882. 8. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. 9. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. 10. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. 1. And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? 12. And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restorech all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at naught. 13. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him. 1. THE INCIDENTS OF THE TRANSFIGURATION. OUTLINE: 2. ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND LESSONS. GOLDEN TEXT: “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matt. 3: 17. INSTRUCTIONS. Verse 2. Six days after the discourse of last lesson. Leadeth them, as witnesses of what was to take place. Mountain, Hermon. Transfigured, made glorious in appearance. 4. Elias, Elijah the Prophet. Moses, the Law-giver. 5. Tabernacles, booths or tents. 6. Wist, knew. 7. A cloud, the shekinah, a symbol of God's presence. A voice, the Father's. 13. Is come. John the Baptist. Done unto him, beheaded him. Listed, liked, or pleased. Significance of the Transfiguration. (1). To strengthen Jesus for His sufferings. teach the disciples to believe more fully in the Divinity of Jesus. (2). To Notice the following particulars: First, THE THREE WITNESSES; Peter the "Rock;" James and John, "the sons of thunder." They formed an inner circle, who were admitted to a particular intimacy with Jesus. Secondly, THE TWO SAINTS; Moses, the Law-giver and founder of the Theocracy: Elijah, the representative Old Testament Prophet. Their presence was symbolical of the fact, that "the law and the prophets" point to and centre in Christ. Thirdly, THE ONE SAVIOUR, the beloved Son. "Hear ye Him." Ques. 23. What are these articles? CATECHISM. I Ans. Repeat the Creed. Verse 2. Where did the transfiguration occur? Who were with Jesus? Why did He take them with Him? For what purpose did Jesus go to the mount? (See Luke 9: 28). 3. What was His appearance? Whence did this glory come? 4. Who appeared on the scene? About what did they talk? (See Luke 9: 31). 5-6. What did Peter say? Did he prefer such glory to the sufferings foretold in last lesson? What feeling possessed the three witnesses? 7. Was it a black cloud? Of what was the LESSON X. Trinity Sunday. Person of the Trinity, as the voice was June 4, 1882. that of the Father. The cloud and voice were "signs from heaven," given to the believing disciples, but denied to the unbelieving Jews. The cloud was the shekinah, or divine presence, which fi led the temple at the dedication. So in and through the Spirit, God's presence is in and with the Church. The transfiguration was a mysterious event in the life of Jesus. He who generally appeared in the humble servant form, here was seen in His Divine glory and majesty, and the heavenly world comes to do honor to Him. The glorification of our Lord most likely took place by night, and whilst He was praying, (Luke 9: 28). Peter, James and John were allowed to see the glorious sight, that there might be the sufficient number of witnesses, when the time should come to make the event known. It is generally agreed amongst travelers to the holy land, that the mount of transfiguration was Mt. Hermon, and not Mt. Tabor, as was formerly supposed. The Saviour's human form became resplendent with a Divine glory, and communicated its whiteness even to His garments.-Two beings from the heavenly world appeared upon the scene: Moses, the great Law-giver, and Elijah, the great Propbet and Reformer, or Restorer of the true worship. Moses had disappeared from earth nearly 1500 years before the transfiguration occurred, and Elijah nearly 1000 years before. Their appearauce teaches several important lessons: 1). The immortality of man. Though we die, we shall yet live 2). The departed saints are not in an unconscious sleep of the soul, but are conscious, and are interested in the welfare of God's Church and people. We learn that these heavenly visiters "spake of Jesus' decease, which He should accomplish at Jerusalem." (Luke 9: 31). It is not strange that Peter thought it good to be on the mount of glory, and in such company. Why go down again into the strife and conflict of the world, and suffer? And many a Christian has since had the same feeling when in the enjoyment of sweet communion with God. "A day in God's courts is better than a thousand" days of human strivings and defeats. And yet the discipline of life is more needful for us, thau the constant raptures of worship would be. The "bright cloud" may have been an emblem of the presence of the Third "This is my beloved Son;" this is God's testimony concerning Jesus. The same testimony was borne at His baptism in the Jordan, and at the grave of Lazarus. And the command is: Hear ye Him. Not that we shall refuse to listen to the Prophets and Apostles, but that Jesus is "our chief Prophet and Teacher, who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption." (Catechism, Ans. 31). And as they looked around they saw wise and exalted men may be, we are to no man, save Jesus only. However look to Jesus only. He is " the Author and Finisher of our faith,"—" the way, and the truth and the life." As they came down. Next morning. Though we must come down from the holy mountains, on which we hold communion with God, feeling that it is good to be there, yet there is a mount of glory before us, on which we shall ever abide. (9-13). The time was not yet when this event should be made known. Only after the resurrection did they publish it-that is, after He continued in the state of glory-The disciples inquired about the coming of Elias, whom they had just seen. Was this the coming which was referred to in the prophecy? Jesus intimates that John the Bap ist was meant. VISIT THE CHILDREN. Nothing can please the little ones so much as a visit from their teacher. Avoid formality, but show a pleasant face and speak kind words, and the whole family will be glad to see you. In this way you will gain the hearts of old and young, and when that is accomplished you may become a blessing to them all. LESSON XI. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. The Afflicted Child. MARK 9: 14-32. Commit to memory verses 23-24. 14. And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15. And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16. And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17. And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18. And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him; and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth; and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21. And he asked his father. How long is it ago since this cam unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us. 23. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst be June 11, 1882. lieve, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him. Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26. And the spirit erid, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29. And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting 30. And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. 31. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. GOLDEN TEXT: “All things are possible to him that believeth.” Ver. 23. INSTRUCTIONS. Verse 14. He came, down from the Mount of Glory to" the vale of tears" Them, the nine disciples. 15. Amazed, perhaps at His appearance, which may still have been radiant with glory. (See Exodus 34: 30). 17. Dumb spirit, the evil spirit rendered the boy speechless. 18. The disciples could not; see ver. 29. 19. Faithless, unbelieving. Unto Me: so He says to every suffering, sinning one. 21. Of a child, since infancy. 22. If Thou canst, the language of doubt. 23. If thou canst believe, addressed to the father. 25. I charge, the command of one having authority. 31. He taught, continued to teach. 32. Afraid to ask, perhaps they shrank from knowing the reality of the coming sufferings. CATECHISM. Ques. 24. How are these articles divided? Ans. Into three parts: the first is of God the Father, and our creation; the second of God the Son, and our redemption; the third of God the Holy Ghost, and our sanctification. QUESTIONS. Verse 14. What did Jesus see when He came from the mount of glory? What were the scribes doing? 15. At what were the people amazed? To whom did they run? 17-18. What did the father say to Jesus? What ailed the boy? What caused this affliction? Had the father and the disciples sufficient faith? 19-20. What lament did Jesus utter? Was He distressed by human suffering? By human unbelief also? What last effort at control did the evil spirit make? What effect had it upon the boy? 21-24. How long had this possession |