NormalizeHEADmain

341 files changed, 17 insertions, 34045 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7b82bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+*.txt text eol=lf
+*.htm text eol=lf
+*.html text eol=lf
+*.md text eol=lf
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..00cfdad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #62126 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62126)
diff --git a/old/62126-0.txt b/old/62126-0.txt
deleted file mode 100644
index 092e8fd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-0.txt
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,14726 +0,0 @@
-Project Gutenberg's Captivating Bible Stories, by Charlotte Mary Yonge
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Captivating Bible Stories
-       For Young People Written in Simple Language
-
-Author: Charlotte Mary Yonge
-
-Release Date: May 14, 2020 [EBook #62126]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTIVATING BIBLE STORIES ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Richard Hulse, Alan and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration: From Eden to Calvary]
-
-
-
-
-                              CAPTIVATING
-
-                             BIBLE STORIES
-
-                           FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
-
-                      WRITTEN IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE
-
-          BEGINNING AT THE CREATION OF THE WORLD IT TAKES THE
-            READER THROUGH THE BIBLE IN FIFTY-TWO LESSONS,
-               EACH LESSON COMPRISING THREE READINGS FOR
-               EACH SABBATH OF THE YEAR, WHILE A SERIES
-                  OF QUESTIONS WITH EACH READING HELP
-                    TO IMPRESS UPON THE YOUNG MIND
-                     THE TRUTHS OF THE HOLY BIBLE.
-
-                              DESIGNED TO
-
-           PROMOTE GREATER INTEREST in the SACRED SCRIPTURES
-
-             AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR TEACHINGS
-
-                               INCLUDING
-
-             ALL THE IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS DESCRIBED
-                     IN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
-
-                         By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE
-
-               The Noted Author and Missionaries' Friend
-
-          EMBELLISHED WITH MORE THAN =200= SUPERB ENGRAVINGS
-              BY JULIUS SCHNORR VON KAROLSFELD OF SCENES
-                        DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE
-
-
-
-
-       ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1913, BY
-
-                            GEO. W. BERTRON
-
- THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, AT WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A.
-
-The Illustrations in this work being from original drawings and
-protected by copyright, their reproduction in any form is unlawful, and
-notice is hereby given that persons guilty of infringing the copyright
-thereof will be prosecuted.
-
-
-
-
-PREFACE.
-
-
-THE great number of Bible story books that have been published show how
-many attempts have been made to supply the want which has long been
-felt of a work containing a carefully written story of the Scripture
-narrative for young people.
-
-In this great work which is written in simple language, the captivating
-story of the Bible is told in a style that will cause it to be read
-over and over again, and the thrilling truths and beautiful lessons it
-contains will never be forgotten.
-
-It takes the reader through the Bible in fifty-two lessons, each lesson
-comprising three readings for each Sabbath of the year, while a series
-of questions following each reading, help to impress upon the young
-mind the truths of the Holy Scripture.
-
-The work begins with the marvellous Story of the Creation, describing
-the beauties of the Garden of Eden, and the awful disaster of the
-flood; it relates the thrilling scenes in the life of Abraham and the
-other Patriarchs, and furnishes a great panorama of the wonderful
-events in the dawn of history.
-
-This is followed by the delightful story of Joseph, who was sold by
-his envious brethren and hurried away to Egypt, where he was adopted
-into the king's family, and finally made ruler over that country. The
-lessons of his life should be read by every boy and girl in the land.
-He was one of the noblest characters spoken of in the Bible.
-
-Next, we have a glimpse of Moses in his little life-boat, found and
-cared for by a Royal Princess. We see him growing to the fullness of
-manhood, becoming leader of his people, and finally breaking their
-chains and bringing them out of captivity. He stands at the burning
-bush; he opens a fountain in a rock; he goes up among the clouds of
-Sinai and receives the tables of the law. This part of the Bible story
-is full of instruction.
-
-[Illustration: As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness]
-
-Then grand old Joshua comes forth upon the scene, and the reader
-follows him through his stormy conflicts and brilliant triumphs. Here,
-too, is a graphic description of the magnificent achievements of
-Gideon, telling what wonders he wrought and what valor he displayed.
-Who has not been fascinated by the delightful story of Ruth? This
-humble but charming woman was an ancestor of our Lord Jesus and all are
-interested in the story of her life.
-
-Every young person follows eagerly the thrilling account of King Saul
-and King David. We see the strong, misguided yet mighty Saul, and also
-the ruddy shepherd boy whose swift sling slew a giant. Then comes
-Solomon in all his glory, and along in this part of the Old Testament
-Story we see that grand man of the desert, Elijah, and follow him
-through his startling experiences until, in a chariot of fire, he is
-borne away through the clouds to heaven. We also read of that young
-patriot Nehemiah, who left the splendors of a palace to rebuild the
-shattered walls of Jerusalem. He accomplished wonders, teaching the
-great lessons of devotion and energy.
-
-[Illustration: Even so must the son of man be lifted up]
-
-The Bible is a rich store-house of instruction and entertainment. How
-captivating is the story of Queen Esther. She presents a striking
-example of those great crises in which the scale has been turned by
-the power and influence of woman. Other narratives come in thick
-succession. The young are always interested in the story of Daniel. Why
-should they not be? His strong and beautiful character has a peculiar
-charm, and there are few names in history that shine so resplendently.
-Let his brilliant record be studied by all, whether old or young.
-
-How eagerly young people read the charming story of Bethlehem--the
-story of the angelic choir; of the wondering shepherds who heard the
-heavenly anthem of Peace and Good-Will; of the Holy Child laid in
-the humble manger; of the burning star that lighted the wise men of
-the East to the feet of the infant Prophet, Priest and King; and the
-thrilling incidents connected with His life. It would not be possible
-for human pen to depict more vividly those majestic events, at once
-awful and fascinating, which form the closing chapter of our Lord's
-life upon earth.
-
-We venture, in conclusion, to hope this volume will be the means, with
-God's blessing, of endearing to many young hearts "the sweet story of
-old," making them to love from childhood that book which in after years
-will truly be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path.
-
-
-
-
-ILLUSTRATIONS
-
-
-                                                            PAGE
-
-  ADAM AND EVE DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN               23
-
-  AFTER THE BANISHMENT FROM EDEN                              24
-
-  SACRIFICE OF CAIN AND ABEL                                  25
-
-  RETURN OF THE DOVE WITH THE OLIVE BRANCH                    27
-
-  NOAH AND HIS FAMILY LEAVING THE ARK                         30
-
-  NOAH'S SACRIFICE AFTER THE FLOOD                            30
-
-  ABRAM SEES THE PROMISED LAND                                32
-
-  MELCHIZEDEK BLESSING ABRAM                                  33
-
-  ABRAHAM ENTERTAINS THREE ANGELS                             35
-
-  LOT AND HIS FAMILY FLEEING FROM SODOM                       37
-
-  ABRAHAM OFFERING ISAAC AS A SACRIFICE                       39
-
-  ABRAHAM'S SERVANT MEETING REBEKAH AT THE WELL               40
-
-  REBEKAH SEES ISAAC COMING TO MEET HER                       40
-
-  ISAAC BLESSING JACOB                                        44
-
-  JACOB'S VISION OF ANGELS                                    46
-
-  JACOB MEETING RACHEL                                        48
-
-  LABAN HIRING JACOB                                          48
-
-  JACOB'S DEPARTURE FOR CANAAN                                49
-
-  JACOB AND THE ANGEL                                         50
-
-  THE MEETING OF JACOB AND ESAU                               50
-
-  JOSEPH SOLD BY HIS BRETHREN                                 52
-
-  POURING OUT A DRINK OFFERING                                56
-
-  JOSEPH INTERPRETING PHARAOH'S DREAM                         58
-
-  JOSEPH PROCLAIMED RULER OVER EGYPT                          60
-
-  JOSEPH MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN TO HIS BRETHREN                  61
-
-  JOSEPH MEETING HIS FATHER                                   62
-
-  LEATHER BOTTLES                                             63
-
-  PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER FINDING MOSES                            65
-
-  THE ISRAELITES MADE TO WORK HARD IN EGYPT                   67
-
-  AARON'S ROD CHANGED TO A SERPENT                            68
-
-  THE PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS                                       71
-
-  THE FEAST OF THE PASSOVER                                   74
-
-  DEATH OF THE FIRST-BORN OF EGYPT                            76
-
-  EGYPTIAN JUDGMENT SCENE                                     77
-
-  PHARAOH'S HOST DESTROYED IN THE RED SEA                     79
-
-  AARON AND HUR HOLDING UP THE HANDS OF MOSES                 82
-
-  KORAH AND HIS ASSOCIATES SWALLOWED UP                       83
-
-  AARON'S ROD THAT BUDDED                                     85
-
-  THE HOLY PLACE                                              86
-
-  MOSES BRINGING WATER FROM THE ROCK                          88
-
-  THE BRAZEN SERPENT                                          89
-
-  PRIEST--HIGH-PRIEST--LEVITE                                 91
-
-  BALAAM MET BY THE ANGEL OF THE LORD                         94
-
-  HIGH-PRIEST WITH SIN OFFERING                               98
-
-  THE TEN COMMANDMENTS                                       100
-
-  MOSES RECEIVING THE TABLES OF THE LAW                      101
-
-  MOSES DESTROYS THE TABLES OF THE LAW                       103
-
-  ANCIENT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS                                105
-
-  MOSES BRINGING THE NEW TABLES OF THE LAW                   107
-
-  THE SPIES RETURNING FROM CANAAN                            109
-
-  TABLE OF SHEW BREAD--ARK--GOLDEN CANDLESTICK               110
-
-  MOSES GIVING HIS CHARGE TO JOSHUA                          112
-
-  MOSES VIEWING THE PROMISED LAND                            113
-
-  THE DEATH OF MOSES                                         113
-
-  CARRYING THE ARK OVER JORDAN                               117
-
-  THE WALLS OF JERICHO                                       118
-
-  THE ANGEL APPEARING TO JOSHUA                              119
-
-  FALLING OF THE WALLS OF JERICHO                            120
-
-  JOSHUA CAPTURING THE CITY OF AI                            121
-
-  JOSHUA COMMANDING THE SUN TO STAND STILL                   121
-
-  DIVIDING THE LAND AMONG THE TRIBES                         122
-
-  SOUTH-EAST VIEW OF THE TABERNACLE                          123
-
-  SISERA SLAIN BY JAEL                                       125
-
-  GIDEON'S OFFERING BURNT BY FIRE FROM THE ROCK              127
-
-  GIDEON'S VICTORY OVER THE MIDIANITES                       128
-
-  JEPHTHAH MEETING HIS DAUGHTER                              129
-
-  SAMSON SLAYING A LION                                      129
-
-  YOUNG SAMUEL BROUGHT TO ELI                                130
-
-  HANNAH'S PRAYER                                            131
-
-  GOD TELLS SAMUEL OF DESTRUCTION OF ELI'S HOUSE             134
-
-  THE DEATH OF ELI                                           136
-
-  SAMUEL ANOINTING SAUL                                      138
-
-  ANCIENT SHOES                                              140
-
-  RUTH AND NAOMI                                             141
-
-  RUTH GLEANING IN THE FIELD OF BOAZ                         142
-
-  SAUL TEARING THE ROBE OF SAMUEL                            144
-
-  DAVID ANOINTED BY SAMUEL                                   145
-
-  DAVID SLAYING GOLIATH                                      148
-
-  SAUL CASTING HIS JAVELIN AT DAVID                          149
-
-  THE PARTING OF DAVID AND JONATHAN                          150
-
-  DAVID AND ABIGAIL                                          150
-
-  THE DEATH OF SAUL                                          153
-
-  DAVID ANOINTED KING OVER ISRAEL                            153
-
-  DAVID MOURNS THE DEATH OF HIS CHILD                        155
-
-  SHIMEI CASTING STONES AT DAVID                             156
-
-  THE DEATH OF ABSALOM                                       158
-
-  DAVID'S THREE MIGHTY MEN                                   160
-
-  SOLOMON ANOINTED KING                                      163
-
-  SOLOMON IN ALL HIS GLORY                                   164
-
-  THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON                                    166
-
-  THE BUILDING OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE                           167
-
-  THE QUEEN OF SHEBA VISITING SOLOMON                        170
-
-  IDOLATRY OF SOLOMON                                        171
-
-  REVOLT OF THE TRIBES                                       172
-
-  ELIJAH FED BY THE RAVENS                                   177
-
-  THE WIDOW'S SON RESTORED TO LIFE                           178
-
-  ELIJAH SLAYING THE PROPHETS OF BAAL                        181
-
-  THE DEATH OF KING AHAB                                     186
-
-  ELIJAH TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN                                187
-
-  THE SHUNAMITE'S SON RESTORED                               189
-
-  JEZEBEL EATEN BY DOGS                                      197
-
-  A CITY CAPTURED AND THE INHABITANTS LED AWAY CAPTIVE       200
-
-  RABSHAKEH BEFORE SENNACHERIB                               202
-
-  THE ANGEL SLAYING THE ASSYRIANS                            204
-
-  THE BOOK OF THE LAW FOUND                                  206
-
-  AN ASSYRIAN KING                                           207
-
-  JERUSALEM BESIEGED AND PEOPLE TAKEN CAPTIVE                209
-
-  ASHTORETH                                                  210
-
-  THE LORD COMMANDS JEREMIAH                                 212
-
-  TWO PAGES OF AN ANCIENT SCROLL OF SCRIPTURES               214
-
-  JEREMIAH MOURNING OVER JERUSALEM                           224
-
-  THE BREASTPLATE                                            227
-
-  EZEKIEL'S VISION                                           229
-
-  DANIEL INTERPRETING THE WRITING ON THE WALL                238
-
-  RETURN OF THE JEWS FROM CAPTIVITY                          241
-
-  BUILDING OF THE NEW TEMPLE                                 243
-
-  THE JEWISH CAPTIVES CONDUCTED BEFORE DARIUS                245
-
-  DANIEL IN THE LION'S DEN                                   246
-
-  BABYLONIAN BRICK                                           247
-
-  QUEEN ESTHER CROWNED                                       250
-
-  TRIUMPH OF MORDECAI                                        251
-
-  NEHEMIAH ARMETH THE LABORERS                               252
-
-  A SOLEMN FAST AND REPENTANCE OF THE PEOPLE                 254
-
-  THE ANGEL APPEARS UNTO ZACHARIAS                           256
-
-  THE ANGEL APPEARS UNTO MARY                                256
-
-  THE PROPHECY OF ELIZABETH AND OF MARY                      257
-
-  THE BIRTH OF JOHN                                          258
-
-  THE ANGEL ANNOUNCING THE BIRTH OF JESUS                    259
-
-  THE BIRTH OF JESUS                                         260
-
-  THE BIRTH OF JESUS PROCLAIMED BY THE SHEPHERDS             261
-
-  THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN                                  264
-
-  JOSEPH COMMANDED TO FLEE INTO EGYPT                        265
-
-  THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT                                      266
-
-  KILLING THE MALE CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS OLD              267
-
-  JESUS TEACHING IN THE TEMPLE                               268
-
-  JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACHING IN THE WILDERNESS               271
-
-  THE BAPTISM OF JESUS                                       272
-
-  THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS                                    273
-
-  BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD                                     276
-
-  JESUS CALLING HIS DISCIPLES                                277
-
-  THE MIRACLE IN CANA                                        278
-
-  JESUS TEACHES NICODEMUS                                    279
-
-  JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA                             280
-
-  JESUS HEALS THE SICK OF THE PALSY                          280
-
-  JESUS RAISES THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS                        283
-
-  JESUS GIVES SIGHT TO THE TWO BLIND MEN                     283
-
-  SERMON ON THE MOUNT                                        284
-
-  JESUS RAISES THE WIDOW'S SON                               285
-
-  JESUS SLEEPS DURING THE STORM                              285
-
-  SENDING FORTH THE TWELVE APOSTLES                          286
-
-  DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST                                  287
-
-  JESUS FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND                            288
-
-  JESUS SUPPORTS THE SINKING PETER                           289
-
-  THE WELL OR FOUNTAIN AT NAZARETH                           290
-
-  THE TRANSFIGURATION                                        292
-
-  THE GOOD SAMARITAN                                         293
-
-  JESUS AND THE SISTERS OF BETHANY                           293
-
-  THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON                             294
-
-  THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS THE BEGGAR                        295
-
-  THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN                              297
-
-  THE RAISING OF LAZARUS                                     297
-
-  MARY ANOINTS THE HEAD OF JESUS                             299
-
-  CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM                                  300
-
-  JESUS DRIVES OUT THE MONEY-CHANGERS                        302
-
-  JESUS WASHING HIS DISCIPLES' FEET                          304
-
-  THE LAST SUPPER                                            305
-
-  JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE                          306
-
-  JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS                                        309
-
-  CHRIST BEFORE CAIAPHAS                                     310
-
-  PETER DENYING JESUS                                        311
-
-  JESUS CROWNED WITH THORNS                                  313
-
-  CHRIST BEFORE PILATE                                       314
-
-  THE END OF JUDAS ISCARIOT                                  315
-
-  JESUS FALLS UNDER THE CROSS                                317
-
-  THE CRUCIFIXION                                            318
-
-  THE BURIAL OF JESUS                                        320
-
-  AS IT BEGAN TO DAWN                                        321
-
-  THE RESURRECTION                                           322
-
-  THE WOMEN AT THE TOMB OF JESUS                             322
-
-  MARY MAGDALENE AT THE SEPULCHRE                            323
-
-  JESUS APPEARS TO MARY MAGDALENE                            324
-
-  JESUS APPEARS TO TWO OF HIS DISCIPLES                      326
-
-  THEN SAID JESUS UNTO THEM, BE NOT AFRAID                   327
-
-  JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES AT THE SEA OF TIBERIAS      329
-
-  THE ASCENSION                                              331
-
-  TONGUES OF FIRE RESTING ON THE DISCIPLES                   334
-
-  THE CHILD CHRIST, MARY HIS MOTHER AND JOSEPH               345
-
-  THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT                                    361
-
-  FINDING THE LOST SHEEP                                     376
-
-  RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON                                 378
-
-  CHRIST BLESSING LITTLE CHILDREN                            381
-
-  THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS                               388
-
-  THE CRUCIFIXION                                            396
-
-  THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES                           399
-
-
-
-
-CONTENTS.
-
-
-  FIRST SUNDAY.
-
-  CREATION OF THE WORLD                                       17
-
-  SECOND SUNDAY.
-
-  HOW SIN BEGAN AND THE FLOOD CAME                            22
-
-  THIRD SUNDAY.
-
-  THE RAINBOW                                                 29
-
-  FOURTH SUNDAY.
-
-  ABRAHAM AND LOT                                             36
-
-  FIFTH SUNDAY.
-
-  JACOB'S JOURNEY AND DREAM                                   43
-
-  SIXTH SUNDAY.
-
-  JOSEPH IN EGYPT                                             51
-
-  SEVENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  JOSEPH'S BROTHERS                                           57
-
-  EIGHTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE CALL OF MOSES                                           64
-
-  NINTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE PLAGUES OF EGYPT                                        70
-
-  TENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE PASSOVER                                                75
-
-  ELEVENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE GAINSAYING OF KORAH                                     81
-
-  TWELFTH SUNDAY.
-
-  ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS                                    87
-
-  THIRTEENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  BALAAM AND BALAK                                            93
-
-  FOURTEENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE GIVING OF THE LAW                                       99
-
-  FIFTEENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE GIVING OF THE LAW                                      106
-
-  SIXTEENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE DEATH OF MOSES                                         111
-
-  SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  ISRAEL IN BATTLE                                           116
-
-  EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL                                       124
-
-  NINETEENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  SAMUEL                                                     130
-
-  TWENTIETH SUNDAY.
-
-  KING SAUL                                                  137
-
-  TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY.
-
-  THE REIGN OF SAUL                                          143
-
-  TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY.
-
-  KING DAVID REIGNING                                        152
-
-  TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY.
-
-  PREPARING FOR THE TEMPLE                                   159
-
-  TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.
-
-  SOLOMON IN ALL HIS GLORY                                   164
-
-  TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.
-
-  SOLOMON'S FALL                                             169
-
-  TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL                                      174
-
-  TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  ELIJAH AND AHAB                                            180
-
-  TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.
-
-  ELIJAH AND ELISHA                                          185
-
-  TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY.
-
-  ELISHA'S MIRACLES                                          191
-
-  THIRTIETH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE RUIN OF AHAB'S HOUSE                                   196
-
-  THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY.
-
-  HEZEKIAH AND JOSIAH                                        201
-
-  THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY.
-
-  JEHOIAKIM'S CRUELTY                                        208
-
-  THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY.
-
-  JEREMIAH'S PROPHECIES                                      211
-
-  THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE TAKING OF JERUSALEM                                    217
-
-  THIRTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE FALL OF JERUSALEM                                      222
-
-  THIRTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE JEWS AT BABYLON                                        228
-
-  THIRTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  DANIEL AT BABYLON                                          233
-
-  THIRTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE RETURN FROM BABYLON                                    240
-
-  THIRTY-NINTH SUNDAY.
-
-  TROUBLES OF THE JEWS                                       248
-
-  FORTIETH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE COMING OF THE LORD                                     255
-
-  FORTY-FIRST SUNDAY.
-
-  THE CHILDHOOD OF OUR LORD                                  263
-
-  FORTY-SECOND SUNDAY.
-
-  THE PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY                           270
-
-  FORTY-THIRD SUNDAY.
-
-  THE CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES                               275
-
-  FORTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE MINISTRY                                               282
-
-  FORTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.
-
-  WONDERS OF OUR LORD'S WORKING                              291
-
-  FORTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.
-
-  GOING UP TO JERUSALEM                                      298
-
-  FORTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE EVENING OF THE BETRAYAL                                303
-
-  FORTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION                                 308
-
-  FORTY-NINTH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE CRUCIFIXION                                            316
-
-  FIFTIETH SUNDAY.
-
-  THE RESURRECTION                                           321
-
-  FIFTY-FIRST SUNDAY.
-
-  THE ASCENSION                                              327
-
-  FIFTY-SECOND SUNDAY.
-
-  THE WAITING TIME                                           333
-
-  THE NEW TESTAMENT STORY IN VERSE                           337
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-First Sunday.
-
-_CREATION OF THE WORLD._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."--_Gen. 1:1._
-
-IN the Bible we are told God made the earth we live on. Sunday is the
-earth's birthday, for on the first day of the week the Creation began.
-
-The world was one mass--dark, empty, and shapeless--till God made the
-light by His Word, and saw the light was good. Without light we could
-not live: even the very trees and flowers would die. When we have been
-in the dark how glad we are to see light come back, even if it be only
-one grey line beginning in the sky! This shows how blessed is this
-gift. It was good, too, that we should have quiet dark night for rest
-and stillness.
-
-The second great change enclosed the earth in an outer ball of air,
-which we call the sky or firmament. That is the deep blue into which
-we look up and up. The mist and fog rise up from the earth and make
-the clouds that take strange shapes, sometimes dark and full of rain
-to water the earth, sometimes shining white, or pink and golden with
-morning or evening light.
-
-The third great change was, that water filled the deep hollows of the
-earth, while the hills rose up dry above them, with rivers and streams
-running down their slopes into the deep seas below. God did not leave
-the land bare and stony: He clothed it with green fresh plants and
-herbs, with leaves and flowers, and trees to give us their fruit and
-wood, and filled even the sea with plants that can live under water.
-
-
-THE EARTH GLADDENED BY THE SUN.
-
-Next, God caused the rays of the sun to gladden the earth, and let it
-see the moon lighted up by the sun, as well as the stars far beyond
-our firmament. We count the months by the changes in the moon; and
-our earth's journey around the sun marks our years and seasons. We
-all rejoice in a bright sunny day, though the sun is too bright and
-glorious for us to bear to gaze at him; and how lovely the moon looks,
-either as a young crescent, or a beautiful full moon!
-
-The waters began to be full of live things, that swam, or crept, or
-flew: fishes, and birds, and insects. By that time this world was
-nearly as we see it, and a beautiful home for us to live in. Then
-God made the four-footed beasts--sheep and cows, horses, dogs, cats,
-elephants, lions--all that we use or admire; and, last of all, when
-He had made this earth a happy, healthy place, He planted the Garden
-of Eden, and put in it the first man and woman, the best of all that
-He had made; for though their bodies were of dust, like those of the
-beasts, yet their souls came from the Breath of God. They could think,
-speak, pray, and heed what is unseen as well as what is seen.
-
-There are many many lessons to be learnt from this wonderful story. Let
-us try to take home one of them. Let us ask our Father that the ground
-below, the light above, the sky and sea, the sun and moon, the trees
-and flowers, the birds and beasts, and His holy day of rest, may remind
-us that they came from Him, and that we may be very thankful to Him for
-having given us such good things.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who made the world? 2. Which Commandment tells you about God's
- making the world? 3. What is there in the sky that God made? 4. What
- is there on the earth? 5. What do you see around you that He made? 6.
- Can we make birds, or beasts, or flowers? 7. Or could we make them
- live? 8. Who makes them and us live? 9. Where does all our food come
- from? 10. Who gave us corn? 11. What must we ask God to do for us? 12.
- What must we thank Him for? 13. Do not you think it would be pleasant
- to whisper to yourself, when you see a pretty flower, or a beautiful
- sky, or when the sun shines bright and warm, "Thank God for being so
- good to me"?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
- into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living
- soul."--_Genesis 2:7._
-
-IN the Bible God tells us that He made the world, and everything in
-it: land and water, and grass, flowers and trees, insects, birds and
-beasts, and last of all He made the first man and woman. The man was
-made by God out of the dust of the ground, and then God breathed into
-his nostrils the breath of life, and gave him a living soul. And the
-woman was made by God out of the man's side. They were called Adam and
-Eve, and they were to be the first father and mother of everyone who
-was to be born into the world.
-
-The good God gave them a beautiful home. It was a garden, with a
-clear river of water flowing through it, and all kinds of delicious
-fruit-trees and beautiful flowers growing in it. Nothing could hurt
-or vex them there. They did not know what pain was, they were never
-tired, and all they had to do was to dress the garden and to keep it.
-They had no faults, and never did wrong; and God Himself came near to
-talk with them.
-
-That was the way they lived, always good and always happy, whilst they
-obeyed what God had told them. In the midst of the garden grew two
-trees: one was the Tree of Life, and the other was the Tree of the
-Knowledge of good and evil. God told them that if they ate the fruit
-of this Tree of Knowledge they would die. We do not know what those
-trees were like, but sometime or other I hope we shall see the Tree of
-Life, for it is growing in heaven, close by the river that flows by the
-Throne of God; and when we see it, and taste of its fruit, we shall
-live for ever, and be happier than Adam and Eve were. We shall never be
-as happy as they were while we are living in this world; but if we will
-try to obey God, and live holy lives, He will take us to heaven, and
-that will be still better than the Garden of Eden.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did God make? 2. Whom did he make? 3. What was the man made
- of? 4. What was the woman made of? 5. What did God breathe into them?
- 6. What did He give them? 7. Why were they better than the beasts? 8.
- What was the man's name? 9. What was the woman's name? 10. Of whom
- were they the father and mother? 11. Where did they live? 12. What had
- they to do there? 13. What grew there? 14. What were the two chief
- trees that grew there? 15. Which were they not to touch? 16. Where is
- the Tree of Life now? 17. When do we hope to see it? 18. What is a
- still happier place than the Garden of Eden?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud
- waves be stayed."--_Job 38:11._
-
-WHAT glorious and wonderful things God has made! Did you ever see the
-sea? There it is--a great vast space, all water, looking green near us,
-but blue further off--always heaving up and down. The waves rise, and
-then ripple along, and burst with a white edge of bubbles of foam.
-
-A great space that had been left dry gets covered up with water again,
-and where you were walking just now is quite deep water. What is this
-called? The tide. Well, what will the tide do in proper time? Will it
-come rolling in over the beach, and cover up the land? No; presently
-each will turn. Each wave will be a little less high than the last,
-till it will have gone back again and left the beach uncovered as
-before. Why does the tide do this? It is because God so wonderfully
-contrived this earth and sea, that the waters should rise and go back.
-He made the sand the bound of the sea, and said, "Hitherto shalt thou
-come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed." So,
-you know, we sing in the Psalm every Sunday--
-
-  "The sea is His, and He made it:
-  His hands prepared the dry land."
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What curious thing does the sea do every day? 2. What do you call
- the coming in and going back of the sea? 3. Why does the tide always
- stop in its proper place? 4. What did God make the bound of the sea?
- 5. What did he say to it? 6. What verse praises God for making the sea?
-
-
-
-
-Second Sunday.
-
-_HOW SIN BEGAN AND THE FLOOD CAME._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."--_Gen. 3:13._
-
-LAST Sunday you heard how God made the world, and put a man and woman
-to live in it. The man was named Adam; the woman was named Eve. God
-gave them a beautiful garden to live in, full of trees and flowers; and
-they had no pain, no trouble, nothing to vex them. Only one thing God
-told them: there was one tree whose fruit they must not eat. They might
-eat the fruit of all the other trees, but not of that one. As long as
-they obeyed, all was well and happy with them; but if they ate it they
-would die. But a bad spirit came and took the shape of the serpent,
-and talked to Eve. He told her a wicked lie--he told her that to eat
-the fruit would make her wise, and would not make her die. And Eve
-listened, and did eat. And she gave Adam, and he also ate; and so they
-took the bad spirit for their master instead of the good God. Then God
-was angry with them, and put them out of the garden, and let them be
-weak and sickly, and die at last.
-
-It was a sad thing for us. For if they had been good and obeyed God,
-and not the bad spirit, it would have been easy for us to be good, and
-we would not have the devil tempting us to do wrong: we would never
-have known pain or sorrow. But God pitied Adam and Eve; and he promised
-them that the Seed--that is, the Son--of the woman should bruise the
-serpent's head, and set them and their children free.
-
-[Illustration: ADAM AND EVE DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN.--Gen.
-3:23, 24.]
-
-Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, set us free when He
-died on the cross and rose again; and now we belong to Him, and not to
-the bad spirit. Only we must try and ask Him to help us not to do what
-is wrong, as Eve did, or we shall not keep free from the power of the
-enemy.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the first man? 2. Who was the first woman? 3. Where did God
- put them? 4. What was the one thing they might not do? 5. What was to
- happen if they ate of that fruit? 6. Who came and spoke to Eve? 7.
- What shape did the bad spirit take? 8. What did he tell Eve? 9. What
- did she do? 10. Whom did she make her master? 11. What was done to
- punish her? 12. What sad things did the bad spirit bring on her? 13.
- Who came to set us free from the bad spirit?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the
- earth."--_Gen. 6:17._
-
-THE Lesson this morning told the sad history of how Adam and Eve did
-the very thing that God forbade; so that He drove them out of the
-Garden of Eden, and sin and death came into the world.
-
-[Illustration: AFTER THE BANISHMENT FROM EDEN.--Gen. 3:19.]
-
-After that they had children. Some were good, but not so good as Adam
-and Eve had been at first; and some were bad. And as time went on the
-bad ones grew worse, and the good ones were tempted, and many of them
-grew wicked too. And so all the world was getting wicked, and God saw
-nothing but evil when He looked down on it. And He said that He would
-destroy these wicked people, and wash away the evil from the earth by a
-great flood. But there was one good man, whose name was Noah; and God
-said He would save him.
-
-He bade Noah build an Ark. It was to be a great ship, all made of wood,
-and it took a great many years to build; and all that time people
-laughed at Noah, for they would not believe that anything was going to
-happen. Noah made the Ark, and stored it with food. And God sent him a
-pair of all sorts of animals that were in the world, and he put them
-into pens in the Ark. Then Noah and his wife, and his three sons, Shem,
-Ham, and Japhet, and their wives, went into the Ark, and God shut them
-in.
-
-[Illustration: SACRIFICE OF CAIN AND ABEL.--Gen. 4;4, 5.]
-
-Then it began to rain. It rained for forty days and forty nights
-without stopping, and the rivers came out of their banks, and the sea
-came upon the land, and the ground was covered up. Even the tops of
-the highest hills were hidden, and everybody and every creature was
-drowned--all but Noah and those that were with him. There was the Ark
-all the time floating quite safe on the water. The storm could not
-upset it nor the sea get into it, for God took care of it and all that
-was in it.
-
-The reason Noah was saved was because, first, he tried to be good, and
-not do like the bad people round him; and next, because he believed
-what God said to him, and went on making the Ark, even when he saw no
-danger. If we wish God to save us, then we must take care that we do
-just what we are told--not what seems pleasant now, but what is really
-right.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Do you know why Adam and Eve were driven out of the happy garden?
- 2. How did people go on after that? 3. How had sin come into the
- world? 4. What did God say He must do to the world? 5. Why? 6. Who
- was to be saved? 7. What was Noah to make? 8. What was the Ark like?
- 9. What were put in it? 10. Why were two of all creatures put into
- the Ark? 11. What men and women were in it? 12. What were the names
- of Noah's sons? 13. What happened when Noah was in the Ark? 14. How
- long did it rain? 15. What was covered up? 16. What became of all the
- people? 17. Who were safe? 18. Where was the Ark? 19. Who took care of
- the Ark? 20. Why was Noah saved?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "So Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the
- earth."--_Genesis 7:2._
-
-IT must have been a sad sight for Noah and his wife and their sons,
-as the rain went on and on, and the water grew deeper and deeper, and
-everybody and everything was drowned. Then came a time when nothing was
-to be seen but water. Wherever they looked all was sky and water; but
-it had done raining, the sky was blue again, the sun shone by day, the
-stars by night, and they must have been very glad.
-
-And still the water got lower, till the Ark did not float about, but
-stopped, resting on a peak of a mountain, a very high mountain, and a
-few bare tops of other hills began to peep out. By-and-by, Noah opened
-the window of the Ark and let out a raven. He never saw the raven
-again, for a raven eats dead things, and there were so many dead
-bodies floating about that it got plenty of food, and never came back
-to the Ark that had saved it.
-
-[Illustration: RETURN OF THE DOVE WITH THE OLIVE BRANCH.--Gen. 8:11.]
-
-He waited a week, and then he let out a dove. Now doves like trees to
-sit and nestle in, and they eat grains and seeds; so the poor dove
-found no place to rest in, and flew back to the Ark; and Noah took her
-back, and kept her a week, then let her fly again. She flew away but
-still she came back to the Ark, and this time she brought in her beak a
-sprig of olive branch.
-
-It was the first green thing that Noah had seen for a year! Noah's
-children have loved the olive leaf everywhere, and called it the sign
-of peace and good news ever since.
-
-For now Noah knew that the waters had gone down, and that trees must
-be able to put forth leaves again. Once more, after another week, he
-let out the dove, and she did not come back, for she had found a tree
-where she could make her home, and seeds to eat; and then Noah knew the
-sad time of the flood--a whole year--was over, and the earth had been
-washed from all her stains.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the Flood? 2. What was the Ark? 3. Who was in it? 4. What
- had Noah with him in the Ark? 5. What became of everyone else? 6. Why?
- 7. Why was Noah saved? 8. How long did the Flood last? 9. What birds
- did Noah send out of the Ark? 10. Which came back? 11. Why did not the
- raven come back? 12. What did the dove bring? 13. What was Noah sure
- of then? 14. What had the earth been washed from?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Third Sunday.
-
-_THE RAINBOW._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "I do set my Bow in the Cloud."--_Genesis 9:13._
-
-THE sin that came into the world when Eve listened to the tempter had
-grown as men multiplied and made each other worse. The wicked people
-had been drowned in the Flood, and Noah, his sons and their wives, had
-alone been saved in the Ark. After a whole year of being shut up there,
-watching the earth, first drowned and then coming out of the water,
-they had just come out on the fresh green earth, with all the animals
-saved with them, when God spoke to them.
-
-Then God made a promise to Noah. It was that no flood of water shall
-ever drown all the world again, but spring, summer, autumn, and winter,
-day and night, will go on to the end of the world, when it shall be
-burnt up by fire, not drowned by water.
-
-That Noah, and all of his after him, might feel sure that God in
-His mercy will go on preserving us, and giving us days and nights,
-seed-time and harvest, He gave us something to look at as a sign of His
-promise. He so ordered the rays of light, that when they shine upon
-drops of water in the air they cause beautiful colors, making part of
-a circle, so as to form a bow. So when the sun shines on a cloud, as
-it rains, the fair bright rainbow is seen, as a pledge to us of God's
-merciful care and love to us.
-
-[Illustration: NOAH AND HIS FAMILY LEAVING THE ARK.--Gen. 8:18, 19.]
-
-[Illustration: NOAH'S SACRIFICE AFTER THE FLOOD.--Gen. 8:20.]
-
-There is a rainbow round about the Throne of God in Heaven; and the
-lovely rainbows that we see when the sun shines out, and the showers
-drift away, are to put us in mind that we are safe under His care, in
-right of His promise to Noah and his three sons, of whom the whole
-earth was peopled. We are the children of his son Japhet, and all that
-was then said to him belongs to us also. We should recollect it, and
-put our trust in Him, and be thankful when we see the beautiful soft
-arch that the Hands of the Almighty have bended, looking out of the
-midst of the dark watery clouds.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What beautiful sight do we sometimes see after a shower? 2. What is
- a rainbow like? 3. Who put the rainbow in the cloud? 4. Who was the
- man to whom God showed the rainbow? 5. What promise did God make Noah?
- 6. What had God just done to the wicked people? 7. Whom had he saved?
- 8. What did he say should always go on? 9. What did God put in the sky
- to show that he will not send another Flood? 10. What are we to think
- of when we see a rainbow? 11. Who takes care of us? 12. Where is there
- a rainbow in Heaven above?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."--_Genesis 12:3._
-
-WHEN Noah's grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to be more and
-more, and the world was being filled with people again, they still were
-not all good, and the longer time went on the worse they grew.
-
-At last God called to a very good man, whose name was Abram, and told
-him that if he would come away from his home to a land God would show
-him, then God would bless him and lead him, and by-and-by give the land
-to his children, and that their children after them should be more in
-number than the grains of sand on the sea-shore, or than the stars
-in the sky: and that in his seed--that was, in a Son of his--all the
-nations of the earth should be blessed.
-
-It was strange to hear all this about Abram's children, for he was
-growing old, and he and his wife Sarai had no children at all. But he
-believed in God. He knew that God is Almighty, and can do whatever
-He will; so he only did just as God told him, and went away from his
-home, where God told him. He was obliged to take all his cattle with
-him--quantities of cows, and goats, and sheep, and camels; and he had
-many servants to drive them.
-
-[Illustration: ABRAM SEES THE PROMISED LAND.--Gen. 12:3-7.]
-
-When they came to a piece of grass and a fresh spring of water, there
-they would stop. They had no houses--only tents, which were great
-curtains woven of goat's hair and fastened up with poles, so that they
-could be set up or taken down, and carried about. All his life Abram
-lived in a tent, instead of staying at home in a city, and being at his
-ease.
-
-By-and-by he came to a beautiful country. There were high hills rising
-up, and green valleys between, full of grass for the sheep and cattle;
-and the wide sea spread out far away towards the sunset, all blue and
-glorious. God told him to look at the land, for that was the place
-which his children should have for their own; but in the meantime Abram
-had not one bit of it, and was a stranger there; and he had no child
-either.
-
-[Illustration: MELCHIZEDEK BLESSING ABRAM.--Gen. 14:18, 19, 20.]
-
-But still he was quite sure that God spoke truth; and that somehow,
-though he did not know how, it would come about that his children
-should have the land, and that in One all the nations of the earth
-should be blessed. That was faith.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What good man do you hear of to-day? 2. What did God tell Abram
- to do? 3. What did God promise? 4. Who were to have the land? 5. Why
- was it strange to hear of his children? 6. But did he believe it
- would come true? 7. Why did he believe it? 8. How did he show that he
- believed? 9. Where did he go? 10. What had he with him? 11. What did
- he live in? 12. What is a tent like? 13. What sort of place did he
- come to?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between thee and me."--_Gen.
- 13:8._
-
-TWO men were travelling together. They were an uncle and nephew. The
-uncle's name was Abram, the nephew's was Lot. They had come from home,
-because God had told Abram to come away from his own home to the land
-that God would give his children. Abram believed, and did as God bade
-him; and Lot, the son of his dead brother, went with him. They did not
-go alone. Each of them had great flocks of cows, and sheep, and camels,
-and goats, and numbers of servants to take care of them. They would fix
-their tents, made of camels' hair, in any place where they saw a spring
-of water and good green grass for their cattle; and there they would
-stay till all the grass was eaten up, and then take up their tents and
-move to another place.
-
-
-PARTING OF ABRAM AND LOT.
-
-Just now they had got to a bare stony place, where the sun shone hotly,
-and there was not much green; but Abram had built up an altar with the
-great stones, and prayed there. Abram and Lot loved one another, and
-were at peace; but when their servants drove out their flocks to get
-food and water there were apt to be quarrels. If Abram's men found a
-green grassy valley, they would not let Lot's cattle into it; and if
-Lot's came to a well, they would not let Abram's flocks drink; and so
-on. They were always quarrelling and making complaints to their masters.
-
-At last Abram saw that they would make Lot quarrel with him. So he said
-it would be wiser to part; Lot should go one way and he another--any
-way there should be no strife. And he even told Lot to choose which
-way he would go. So Lot looked, and saw to the East a pleasant green
-valley, with fields of corn and meadows, and a fine river running into
-a clear lake, and five fine towns on the bank. He liked it better than
-the bare stony hills where Abram was; and he never thought whether the
-people were good or not, but he took the first choice, and went to live
-there. So Abram gave up. He had the right to choose first, but he would
-not use it. He let his nephew choose. For he hated quarrels, and knew
-they were wicked; and he knew how to stop them, because he would yield
-up the best. That is the way to make peace and please God.
-
-[Illustration: ABRAHAM ENTERTAINS THREE ANGELS.--Gen. 18:10.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who had called Abram? 2. Who went with him? 3. What was Lot to
- Abram? 4. Why did he go? 5. What had God promised? 6. What had they
- with them? 7. Who quarrelled? 8. About what did the servants quarrel?
- 9. Did Abram and Lot quarrel? 10. How did Abram prevent a quarrel?
- 11. Who was to choose first? 12. Who might have chosen first? 13. Why
- did not Abram choose first? 14. Ought you to be in haste to take the
- first choice? 15. What should you try to hinder? 16. And if you keep
- yourself back, and don't say "It's mine," and "I must," shall you not
- be likely to keep from quarrels?
-
-
-
-
-Fourth Sunday.
-
-_ABRAHAM AND LOT._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Escape for thy life; look not behind thee."--_Genesis 19:17._
-
-THERE was a beautiful valley, with steep hills shutting it in on all
-sides, and a clear swift river running through the midst and spreading
-into a lake. There were fine fields and rich grass, where sheep, cows,
-and goats could feed, and the shepherds shelter themselves under the
-palm trees; and on the bank of the river were five cities, with strong
-walls round them, and full of rich people, who bought and sold and made
-merry with the good things they possessed. There was one man living
-among them who was good, and was grieved by the wicked ways of the men
-round him, who only laughed at him if he tried to tell them of better
-things. One evening two strangers came into the city where he lived,
-and he was the only person who would take them in, and shelter them
-from the wicked people in the street.
-
-Those strangers told him the place was to be destroyed, with all that
-were in it, because it was so wicked! Though the fields looked so
-quiet, the walls so strong, and the sun had gone down as usual, all
-would be ruined in a few hours' time! Then the strangers took hold of
-him, and his wife and daughters, and led them almost by force away from
-their home in the dawn of morning, bidding them escape for their lives
-to the mountain, and not look back. They were frightened, and begged
-not to have to go so far as the wild mountain. Might they not go to the
-little city near at hand? And their wish was granted.
-
-[Illustration: LOT AND HIS FAMILY FLEEING FROM SODOM--Gen. 19:24-26.]
-
-Just as the sun had risen they entered the little city for which they
-had begged; and as soon as they were safe the four towns, that had
-seemed so strong and firm, were all burning with fire and brimstone;
-and all the sinners who had mocked at warning were soon lying dead
-under God's awful anger! Four alone had been led out of the city by
-the strangers, but even of these only three came into the city of
-refuge. The wife did not heed the warning not to linger nor look back,
-the deadly storm overtook her, and she remained rooted to the spot--a
-pillar of salt!
-
-The names of those cities were Sodom and Gomorrah, and the one good
-man who was saved by the mercy of God was named Lot. And now a strange
-gloomy lake called the Dead Sea covers that valley with its heavy
-waters, and the bare rocky hills, crusted with salt, show that the
-curse of God is on the place.
-
-Let us try to carry home one thought from this terrible history. This
-world will one day be burnt up like those cities, and its looking safe
-and prosperous now does not make it safe. But God sends messengers to
-lead us out of it. If we attend to them, and follow their advice, we
-shall through all our lives be getting out of danger, and going on to
-a safe home in heaven; but if we care only for pleasant things here,
-it is like looking back, and our souls will perish with what they
-love. That is why our Saviour bade us "Remember Lot's wife." We should
-remember her when we are tempted to think it hard to give up anything
-pleasant, because we are told that it is wrong, and may put us in
-danger of God's anger.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the name of the place I told you of to-day? 2. What was
- the name of the man? 3. What kind of place was Sodom? 4. Who was the
- only good man there? 5. Who came to Lot? 6. What did he do for the
- strangers? 7. What did the strangers tell Lot? 8. Why was Lot to come
- out of Sodom? 9. Why was Sodom to be destroyed? 10. Where did Lot go?
- 11. Who looked back? 12. What became of her? 13. What did God do to
- Sodom? 14. What sort of a place is it now? 15. What will be burnt up
- some day? 16. If we are not good, what will become of us? 17. But what
- have we to teach us to be good? 18. And how must we try to come out,
- like Lot?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing that thou hast not withheld
- thy son, thine only son from Me."--_Genesis 22:12._
-
-BY-AND-BY Abraham had a son--one only son, whose name was Isaac. All
-the promises God had made were to be for Isaac's children after him:
-and Abraham loved God, and hoped all the more.
-
-But then God called Abraham to do a strange and terrible thing. He was
-to go and take his dear son Isaac to the top of a hill, and there to
-offer him up to God as if he had been a calf or a lamb. Of course, in
-general, to do such a thing would be shockingly wicked; but Abraham
-knew that when God commanded a thing, it must be right to do as he was
-bidden, however dreadful it was to him.
-
-So they set out together. Abraham took the knife, and a vessel with
-fire in it and Isaac carried the wood with which the sacrifice was
-to be burnt. On the way Isaac said, "My father, behold the fire and
-the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" And Abraham
-answered, "My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt
-offering."
-
-[Illustration: ABRAHAM OFFERING ISAAC AS A SACRIFICE.--Gen. 22:11, 12.]
-
-Isaac soon knew he was to be the lamb, for his father put the wood
-in order, and bound his limbs, and took the knife. And Isaac did not
-complain or struggle. He was ready, like his father, to do the will of
-God. But just as Abraham had the knife ready to slay his son, an angel
-called to him out of Heaven: "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither
-do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God,
-seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from Me."
-
-[Illustration: ABRAHAM'S SERVANT MEETING REBEKAH AT THE WELL.--Gen.
-24:17.]
-
-[Illustration: REBEKAH SEES ISAAC COMING TO MEET HER.--Gen. 24:64, 65.]
-
-Then Abraham unbound his son, and was glad as if Isaac had really risen
-from the dead. And he saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns;
-so he took that, and offered it up instead of Isaac. Thus God really
-provided a lamb for a burnt offering.
-
-And He blessed Abraham more and more, and promised again that his
-children should have the land, and that in his Seed should all the
-nations of the earth be blessed. That Seed was our blessed LORD JESUS
-CHRIST, who, you know, was really given by His Heavenly Father to die,
-and then came back from the dead, that all people might be saved by Him.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the name of Abraham's son? 2. What had God promised
- Abraham? 3. What had Abraham done at God's command? 4. What was he now
- to do? 5. Whom did he obey? 6. Where was he to go? 7. Who went with
- him? 8. What did Isaac ask? 9. What did Abraham answer? 10. Who seemed
- likely to be the Lamb? 11. What was Abraham just going to do? 12. Who
- called him? 13. What did the angel tell him? 14. Why was God pleased
- with him? 15. What blessing did God give him? 16. Who was to be saved?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "I am a stranger and a sojourner with you."--_Genesis 23:4._
-
-ABRAHAM and his wife Sarah had lived together many years; but at last
-Sarah died, and Abraham wanted to bury her. You know in all the country
-he had not one morsel of ground of his own; he was a stranger there,
-but he knew it would all belong to his children by-and-by. But he
-wanted to make sure of the one bit where his wife should lie. So he
-went to the prince to whom Hebron belonged, and begged to buy a field
-with trees in it, and a rock where there was a deep cave that was
-called Machpelah.
-
-The prince said he would give it; but Abraham could not feel sure
-that it would be always safe till he had bought it. So he weighed out
-the price. It was not in little bits of money like ours, but lumps of
-silver all the same weight, and each with a mark stamped on it--four
-hundred of them. Then the cave was given to Abraham, and he had his
-good true wife Sarah buried there, rolled in linen with spices. He was
-buried there afterwards himself, and so was his son Isaac, and Isaac's
-son after him, in the cave of Machpelah.
-
-That cave has been kept sacred ever since. There is a building over it
-now, and no stranger is allowed to go into it; but deep down there is
-a golden grating, and far within lie these holy men and women of old.
-Their bodies are waiting to rise again at the Last Day, and then I hope
-we shall see them and know them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Abraham's wife? 2. Where did Sarah die? 3. What did Abraham
- want to do? 4. Had he any ground? 5. So what was he obliged to do?
- 6. Of whom did he buy the place? 7. What was it called? 8. What is a
- cave? 9. What did he pay? 10. What was Abraham's money? 11. Who were
- buried there afterwards? 12. How is the place marked now? 13. When
- will Sarah's body leave the grave in the cave of Machpelah? 14. What
- do you say you believe in? (In the eleventh Article of the Creed.) 15.
- What is Resurrection?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Fifth Sunday.
-
-_JACOB'S JOURNEY AND DREAM._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Bless me, even me also, O my father."--_Genesis 27:34._
-
-GOD had called Abraham from his home, and promised to give his children
-the land of Canaan, and that in his Seed all the nations of the earth
-should be blessed. This was renewing to Abraham the great promise of
-the Seed of the woman that had been made to Eve; and Abraham believed,
-and was glad. But though his children were to have the land, none of it
-was his; and he went up and down in it a stranger, living in his tent,
-without house or home, only trusting in faith to God's promise to his
-children. His son Isaac lived like him, with no home, but looking on in
-faith to what God promised.
-
-Isaac had two sons; and as Esau was the eldest, he had the first right
-to these promises. But Esau did not care enough about them; he did not
-seem to get anything by them, and he liked what he could get at once
-better than what was a long way off. He had no faith.
-
-One day he came home half dead with hunger, and saw his brother Jacob
-making soup over the fire. He said he would give all these rights for
-a meal of the soup; for if he died of hunger, what good would his
-birth-right do him? So for a mess of pottage he sold his right to the
-land of Canaan, and to be the forefather of our Saviour.
-
-A time was to come when he would be sorry for what he had done. His
-father was old and blind, and thought he was going to die; so he bade
-Esau, whom he loved the best, bring home some meat and make a solemn
-feast--which was the way then of giving a blessing. Esau went, and in
-time brought home the meat to his father; but when he came in, Isaac
-cried out, and trembled! His brother Jacob had come in his stead, and
-Isaac had taken him for Esau, and given to him the blessing that gave
-the right to the promised land, and to all God's promises!
-
-[Illustration: ISAAC BLESSING JACOB.--Gen. 27:28, 29.]
-
-Then Esau cried out with an exceeding bitter cry, and asked if his
-father had but one blessing! Isaac was grieved for him, and blest him
-with all his heart; but there was no changing back, no taking away what
-Jacob had won and Esau had lost.
-
-Esau did not know what he was doing when he took the pottage at once,
-rather than wait patiently for the glorious inheritance that was
-to come. This was the reason that he was allowed to be so cruelly
-disappointed. This is a warning to us. We have the inheritance of the
-kingdom of heaven promised to us; but we are tempted not to care about
-it when we want something here in this world, whether play, or dress,
-or anything that seems a great deal to us now.
-
-But if we trifle away our right to these great promises that God made
-us at our baptism, there will come a time of bitter grief, when it
-is too late. And when we are dead, it will be too late to change!
-Therefore, now while we are alive, we must have faith, and show it by
-taking care that the things we like here on earth do not make us lose
-the better things in heaven.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What were the names of Isaac's two sons? 2. What had God promised
- Isaac? 3. Which son had the first right to the promise? 4. But which
- cared about it most? 5. What did Esau want? 6. So what did he give up
- for the sake of the soup? 7. Could he get it back again? 8. What are
- you an heir of? 9. How could we lose the inheritance of the kingdom
- of heaven? 10. Shall we be able to change after we are dead? 11. Then
- what must we care about most? 12. Why could not Esau get his father's
- blessing? 13. What did he like better than waiting for what he could
- not see? 14. Can we see heaven? 15. But when we get there, will it not
- be better than anything we can see here?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of
- heaven."--_Genesis 28:17._
-
-YOU know that Isaac, Abraham's son, had two sons, whose names were Esau
-and Jacob. Now Jacob had grieved Esau by gaining God's great promise,
-for which Esau was so angry with him, that he had to go out away from
-his father's home, all alone. But Jacob knew he was not alone, for God
-was with him. He went on till night came. Then he was in a dismal stony
-place, with no house or shelter near--only big stones, and here and
-there a thistle.
-
-He said his prayers, and then he lay down, with a stone for his pillow
-and the sky over him. But in the night he saw a wonder. There was a
-ladder reaching from earth to heaven, and God's angels were going up
-and down, and the Lord Himself stood at the top of the ladder. And
-He told Jacob that He was going to give his children all the land he
-saw--North, South, East, and West; and that He would take care of him,
-and be with him wherever he went, and in time bring him safe home.
-
-[Illustration: JACOB'S VISION OF ANGELS.--Gen. 28:12, 13.]
-
-Jacob woke, and found it was a dream, but he knew it was true, and that
-God had really spoken to him; and though he was glad he was afraid, and
-he said, "How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house
-of God, and this is the gate of heaven." And that he might always know
-the place, he put one of the great stones upright, and he took some of
-the sweet olive oil he had brought to eat on his journey, and poured it
-on the stone, as the only thing he could do to show honor to God.
-
-Then he made a solemn holy vow, that if God would take care of him on
-his way, and give him food to eat and clothes to wear, he would make a
-gift to God all his life of the tenth part of all he had. Good people
-like to do like Jacob, and give God their tenth. And if we only had our
-eyes opened to see, like his, we should see God's angels coming up and
-down with blessings for us, for we go to the house of God and gate of
-heaven whenever we go to church. Let us recollect how awful Jacob felt
-it to be so near to God.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Jacob? 2. Who was Isaac? 3. Who was Esau? 4. Why was Jacob
- obliged to go away? 5. What was the promise? 6. What kind of place had
- he to sleep in? 7. What was his pillow? 8. But what did he see? 9. Who
- went up and down? 10. Who stood at the top? 11. What did God promise
- him? 12. What did Jacob say of the place? 13. How did he mark it? 14.
- What did he pour on the stone? 15. What vow did he make? 16. What are
- the houses of God? 17. Who comes up and down to us? 18. What do the
- angels bring us? 19. How much did Jacob promise to give God? 20. What
- does God do for us?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "As a prince hast thou prevailed."--_Genesis 32:28._
-
-IT was a long journey that Jacob had had to take, but God took care of
-him, and brought him safe to the home where his mother had come from.
-He lived there, and took care of his uncle's sheep and cattle, till he
-had earned a great many for his own; and he had married there, and had
-a great many sons. But after a time God commanded him to go home to
-the land of Canaan. He was afraid, because he thought his brother Esau
-might still be angry with him; but, in spite of his fear, he did as God
-bade him.
-
-[Illustration: JACOB MEETING RACHEL.--Gen. 29:10-12.]
-
-[Illustration: LABAN HIRING JACOB.--Gen. 29:18, 19.]
-
-When he came near the river Jordan, which flows on the East side of the
-land of Canaan, he prayed to God to guard him, and once more God let
-him see the angels who were going with him to protect him. He was glad,
-but he was still very careful. He chose out a present of cows, and
-goats, and camels, and sheep, for Esau, and sent it on to meet him; and
-then he sent on the other cattle he wanted to keep for himself; then
-his children; and last of all, in the safest place, his dear young son
-Joseph.
-
-[Illustration: JACOB'S DEPARTURE FOR CANAAN.--Gen. 31:17, 18.]
-
-Esau came to meet him, but not in anger. The two brothers met, and fell
-on one another's neck and kissed one another, and were friends. So God
-had kept His promise to take care of Jacob; and Jacob kept his promise,
-for he set up an altar at Bethel, where he had seen the angels before,
-and praised and blessed God.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Jacob? 2. Why had he left home? 3. With whom did he go to
- live? 4. What did he earn there? 5. Why did he go back? 6. Why was he
- afraid? 7. What comforted him? 8. Of whom do God's angels take care?
- 9. What did he give Esau? 10. How did he put his family in order? 11.
- Who went last? 12. How did Esau meet him? 13. What was the quarrel
- between them? 14. But was Esau angry? 15. How did Jacob show he was
- thankful?
-
-[Illustration: JACOB AND THE ANGEL.--Genesis 32:24.]
-
-[Illustration: THE MEETING OF JACOB AND ESAU.--Gen. 33:3, 4.]
-
-
-
-
-Sixth Sunday.
-
-_JOSEPH IN EGYPT._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "His brethren envied him."--_Genesis 37:11._
-
-I TOLD you how Jacob went away from home, and how God promised to take
-care of him. He did take care of him: He led him to his uncle, and with
-him Jacob lived many years, and then came back with flocks of sheep and
-goats, camels and cows. And he had twelve sons. The best one of them
-was named Joseph. Jacob loved him very much, and gave him a striped
-dress of many colors, such as the son who is to be the heir wears in
-those countries. But his brothers hated and envied him, and were all
-the time finding fault with him.
-
-One day, when Joseph was seventeen years old, ten of the brothers were
-out with their sheep, and Jacob desired Joseph to go and see what they
-were about. He would not tell his father how unkind they were to him,
-but he went; and as they saw him coming some of them were so wicked as
-to say that they would kill him, and never let him go home. Reuben, who
-was the eldest brother, tried to hinder them; but when he saw he could
-not stop them, he said the best way would be, not to kill him, but to
-let him down into a dry well just by.
-
-There they meant to let him starve to death; and they let him down
-without any pity for him. Reuben meant to come by-and-by and take
-Joseph out of the pit and save him; but there was another brother,
-named Judah, who did not want to have him killed, and who saw a great
-party of men, with camels and asses laden with goods, going on a
-journey. He knew they were merchants, going to sell and buy in Egypt,
-and he advised the other brothers to persuade them to buy Joseph; for
-in those days men and women used to be bought and sold, and were called
-slaves.
-
-[Illustration: JOSEPH SOLD BY HIS BRETHREN.--Gen. 37:28.]
-
-So Joseph was drawn up out of the pit; and when the merchants saw
-what a fine young man he was, they paid the price for him and carried
-him off, away from his father and all he had ever known or cared for
-before. The cruel brothers kept his colored dress; and they killed a
-kid and stained it in the blood, and then carried it to their father,
-telling him they had found it. Jacob thought some wild beast had met
-Joseph and killed and eaten him, and he mourned and wept. His sons
-pretended to comfort him; but not one of them would tell him that
-Joseph was not dead.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Whose son was Jacob? 2. How many sons had Jacob? 3. What did he set
- them to do? 4. Which did he love best? 5. What did he give Joseph?
- 6. Where did he send Joseph? 7. What did the brothers want to do? 8.
- Who wished to save him? 9. So what did Reuben persuade them to do?
- 10. What did Reuben mean to do? 11. But who came by? 12. What did the
- brothers do with Joseph? 13. Who persuaded them to sell him? 14. What
- are people called who are bought and sold? 15. What was done with his
- coat? 16. What did Jacob think?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "The Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand."--_Genesis 39:3._
-
-SO we see Joseph a slave. A slave is a servant who belongs to his
-master, as his cows and horses do; he gets no wages, and cannot go
-away, but is bought and sold like cattle.
-
-Think of poor Joseph. He was used to live as the son of a great rich
-prince, wearing a dress of many bright colors, with many servants, and
-no one to obey but his kind fond father; and living in a beautiful
-land, all hill and valley, where he used to feed his father's flocks.
-But now he was a slave in a strange land, with people speaking a
-language he did not know, and no one to care for him or say a good word
-to him, shut up in a house in a town, far away from his dear hills.
-
-Still he had one comfort, and the best of all--God was with him. He
-could still pray to God, and do his duty. And he did his work well,
-for God helped him, and everything he did was made to prosper in his
-hand. Then he was trusted. His master knew that he always took care of
-everything, as if it was his own, and left all to him, quite sure that
-it would be safe.
-
-But his wicked mistress made up a story that he had behaved ill, and he
-was put in prison for what he had not done. This sounds hard, but it
-was God's own way of bringing good to pass, and making Joseph come at
-last to honor. Very soon he was loved and trusted in his prison; and
-all he did the Lord made it to prosper.
-
-Think about this. Try when you have anything to do--a lesson or a bit
-of work--to ask God to make it prosper. Then if you try your best He
-will help, and it will be sure to turn out well.
-
-Then try to deserve to be trusted. That is a great thing. If you always
-recollect that God sees you, you will do the same when no one is with
-you as if all the world were watching; and that is the way to be true
-and just in all your dealings. If you are only good when you are looked
-at, you are not like Joseph, but are only doing service outwardly. You
-must try to live that your parents may
-
-        "Out of sight
-  Know all is right,
-  One law for darkness and for light."
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Whose son was Joseph? 2. How many sons had Joseph? 3. What had
- they done to him? 4. Why had Joseph's brothers sold him? 5. What is a
- slave? 6. How did Joseph behave as a slave? 7. Who comforted him? 8.
- How did he take care of his master's things? 9. Who made up a story
- against him? 10. What was done to him? 11. But who was with him still?
- 12. Did he always stay in prison? 13. And what did people think of
- him, wherever he was? 14. What is the way to be like Joseph? 15. If
- you are trusted to carry a message, how should you do it? 16. Who
- always sees you? 17. Then, even if no one is by, how should you behave?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Do not interpretations belong to God?"--_Gen. 40:8._
-
-THE young son of Jacob, Joseph, had, you know, been sold by his cruel
-brothers, and made a slave of; and then a wicked falsehood was told
-about him, and he was put into prison. But wherever Joseph was he tried
-to do his duty, and so God blessed him; and the keeper of the prison
-soon found out how different he was from the others, and let him help.
-I suppose he helped to carry them their food and wait upon them; and he
-often could say a few kind good words to them.
-
-One day two grand people came in as prisoners. One was the chief of
-all the bakers, who made bread for king Pharaoh; and the other was
-the chief of all his cup-bearers, who carried him his wine. Some
-wrong thing had happened, and they were both suspected of having had
-something to do with it, so they had been sent to prison.
-
-
-WANTED TO KNOW THE DREAMS' MEANING.
-
-One morning Joseph saw them both looking more sad than usual; and when
-he asked what was the matter, they said each had a dream, and they
-wanted to know what it meant; for the Egyptians used to think a great
-deal of dreams, and there were men among them who pretended to explain
-them. Most dreams have no meaning, but these had, and God put it into
-Joseph's heart to understand them.
-
-The cup-bearer had dreamt that he saw a vine, and that it had three
-bunches of grapes, and that he was squeezing the juice into the king's
-cup as he used to do. Joseph said this meant that in three days the
-cup-bearer should really hand Pharaoh the cup again; and Joseph begged
-that when he was free, he would tell the king about himself, and get
-him set free.
-
-Then the baker told his dream--that he had three baskets full of pastry
-and bread ready for Pharaoh, but that the birds came down and ate them
-up. Joseph was obliged to tell him that this meant that he would be
-hanged, and that the vulture and ravens would eat his flesh. So it
-happened. Pharaoh looked into the matter in three days' time; he caused
-the baker to be hung, and the cup-bearer to come back to his old place.
-But the cup-bearer was ungrateful, and forgot all about Joseph in his
-prison, trusting to him.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Joseph? 2. Where was he? 3. How came he to be in Egypt? 4.
- Where had he been put? 5. Had he done anything wrong? 6. Who trusted
- him? 7. What had he to do? 8. Who came into the prison? 9. What was
- the cup-bearer's dream? 10. What was the baker's dream? 11. What did
- Joseph say the cup-bearer's dream meant? 12. What did the baker's
- dream mean? 13. What happened? 14. What had Joseph asked of the
- cup-bearer? 15. Did he remember?
-
-[Illustration: POURING OUT A DRINK OFFERING.]
-
-
-
-
-Seventh Sunday.
-
-_JOSEPH'S BROTHERS._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "We are verily guilty concerning our brother."--_Genesis 42:21._
-
-JOSEPH did not always stay in prison, for God gave him wisdom to tell
-the king of Egypt that his dreams had meant that there were going to
-be first seven years of very fine harvests, and then seven years would
-come of no harvests at all. So the king took him out of prison, and
-made him a great lord; and he set to work to buy the corn that was over
-and above what people wanted to eat in the years of plenty, that he
-might store it up against the years when the corn would not grow.
-
-So when the bad harvest began, Joseph had plenty of corn, and he sold
-it for the king to all who wanted it. The famine was not only in Egypt,
-but in all the countries round; and by-and-by Joseph saw, among the
-people that came to buy, ten of his own brothers--the same who had sold
-him for a slave.
-
-He knew them, for they still looked like shepherds; but they did not
-know him, for he had grown from a youth to a man, and was dressed like
-an Egyptian lord; and he would not seem to know them, though he wanted
-much to know what had become of his old father and his little brother
-Benjamin. He made as if he thought they were enemies, come to see if
-Egypt could be conquered when it was so bare of food.
-
-Then they told him who they were; that they were all one man's sons,
-and that one brother they had lost; the other was left with his
-father, who could not bear to part with him. Joseph would not seem to
-believe this, and said he must keep one of them in prison, while he
-sent the rest back to fetch their youngest brother, or else he could
-not believe them.
-
-Then, when fear and trouble came on them, they began to think how ill
-they had used their lost brother Joseph; and they said to each other,
-"We are verily guilty concerning our brother." Joseph heard them, and
-could hardly bear it; but still he kept to his plan. He kept Simeon a
-prisoner, that he might be sure of the others coming back, and sent
-them home to fetch Benjamin. But he would not have any of the money
-they had brought for the corn, and made his steward put it all back
-into the mouth of their sacks.
-
-[Illustration: JOSEPH INTERPRETING PHARAOH'S DREAM.--Gen. 41:29, 30.]
-
-When they found this out as they went home, they were much afraid; and
-when they came home, their father was more afraid still. After the way
-they had used Joseph, he thought they had killed Simeon, and wanted to
-kill Benjamin. They spoke truth now, but he could not believe them; and
-he said he could not send Benjamin, for if mischief should befall the
-lad, "then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave."
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where was Joseph? 2. Why was he in prison? 3. What did God make him
- able to tell the king? 4. How many years was there to be much corn?
- 5. What was to be done with the corn? 6. Who managed the buying it?
- 7. When was the corn wanted? 8. Who came to buy corn? 9. Who did not
- come? 10. Why did not Joseph's brothers know him? 11. What did he make
- believe to think? 12. Whom did he tell them to fetch? 13. What did
- he give back to them? 14. What did their father say about Benjamin's
- going? 15. Why was he afraid to trust them with Benjamin? 16. What is
- the way to be believed?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "God Almighty give you mercy before the man."--_Genesis 43:14._
-
-JOSEPH'S brothers were soon obliged to go again and buy more corn in
-Egypt. Joseph had said they must bring the young brother they had
-told him of, or he should not believe their story; and when they said
-Benjamin must go, their father Jacob was greatly grieved, and showed
-how little he could trust them now, after the way they had behaved
-to Joseph. He would not have let Benjamin go at all if Judah had not
-promised to take the greatest care of him; and Judah could be trusted.
-
-The story is so beautiful, and so easy to understand in the Bible, that
-I hardly like to tell it in my own words. Only think of Joseph's heart
-being so full when he saw his own dear youngest brother, that he could
-not stay with him for his tears, and went away to weep in his chamber!
-And yet he still tried the brothers. He wanted to see if they still
-were envious of the one their father loved best; so he made his steward
-hide his cup in Benjamin's sack of corn, and then go after them, and
-pretend to think they had stolen it.
-
-The sons of Jacob were no thieves, and they said the steward might
-search their sacks. They took them down and looked, and there was the
-cup in Benjamin's sack!
-
-They were all shocked; and the steward said that Benjamin must go back
-and be punished.
-
-How pleased they would have been long ago if such a misfortune had
-happened to Joseph! But now their hearts were changed, and they were
-shocked and grieved.
-
-[Illustration: JOSEPH PROCLAIMED RULER OVER EGYPT.--Gen. 41:41, 43.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What had Joseph's brothers done to him? 2. What trouble did you
- hear last Sunday he was in? 3. But how did he behave? 4. And what had
- he come to be? 5. What had he stored up? 6. Who came to buy corn? 7.
- How many brothers came? 8. Which did not come? 9. Why did not Benjamin
- come? 10. Did the brothers know Joseph? 11. What did he tell them to
- do? 12. When he saw Benjamin, where did he go? 13. What did Joseph
- tell his steward to do? 14. What did Joseph want to see? 15. How did
- the brothers behave this time?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "God did send me before you to preserve life."--_Genesis 45:5._
-
-ALL the eleven sons of Jacob turned back in grief, and fear, and
-dismay, when Benjamin, the youngest brother, whom Judah had promised
-to bring safely back to their father, was found to have the silver cup
-of the lord of the land in his sack. How it came there they could not
-guess, but they knew that their father's heart would break if they came
-home and left Benjamin to be a slave.
-
-[Illustration: JOSEPH MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN TO HIS BRETHREN.--Gen. 45:2.]
-
-So they all came to the lord of the land; and Judah stood up before the
-strange, stern, princely man, and told him how much their old father
-loved this youngest son, and he would be sure to die if the lad did not
-come home safe. And then Judah begged to stay and be a slave in Egypt,
-instead of his brother Benjamin, for he said if mischief befell the lad
-his father would die, and that he could not bear to see.
-
-But when Judah so spake, the lord of the land sent all the lookers-on
-away, and wept aloud, and said that he was their own brother Joseph,
-whom they had sold so long ago. He would not let them be afraid; he
-embraced them all and wept for joy, and asked for his father. Then he
-told them not to grieve for what had gone before; for God had turned it
-all to good, and made him be the means of saving all their lives, by
-storing up the corn in Egypt.
-
-[Illustration: JOSEPH MEETING HIS FATHER.--Gen. 46:29, 30.]
-
-And now they were to go home, and tell Jacob, their father, that Joseph
-was still alive, and was a great and powerful man; and they were to
-fetch old Jacob, their father, and their wives and their children, and
-all they had, and come to live with Joseph in Egypt, where he would
-take care of them.
-
-That was the way Joseph forgot all the ill his brothers had done to
-him, and forgave them, and loved them with all his heart. When the
-brothers came home, their father Jacob could scarcely believe such good
-news; but at last he said, "Joseph my son is yet alive, I will go to
-see him before I die."
-
-And he came down to Egypt, and Joseph met him and fell on his neck and
-kissed him; and then there was joy indeed, joy as if Joseph had come
-back from the dead.
-
-So Jacob lived all the rest of his life in Egypt, and was happy with
-his son Joseph. God had given him another name, Israel, and his sons,
-and their sons after them, were always called the children of Israel.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Benjamin? 2. What was found in Benjamin's sack? 3. Who put
- it there? 4. What was going to be done to Benjamin? 5. Who spoke for
- him? 6. What did Judah ask? 7. Who did the lord of the land turn out
- to be? 8. How came Joseph to be in Egypt? 9. Why had his brothers not
- known him sooner? 10. How did he treat them? 11. Whom did he send for?
- 12. What did Jacob say? 13. Where did Jacob go to live? 14. Why was it
- very kind in Joseph to help his brothers? 15. Did he give back to them
- the harm they had done to him? 16. How could we do like Joseph?
-
-[Illustration: LEATHER BOTTLES.]
-
-
-
-
-Eighth Sunday.
-
-_THE CALL OF MOSES._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "I have surely seen the affliction of My people."--_Exodus 3:7._
-
-YOU heard how Joseph brought his father and brothers and their children
-to live in Egypt. Their children's children went on living there for
-many years, till they had come to be a great people, and were called
-the children of Israel; but then the King of Egypt grew cruel to them.
-He made them work very hard to make bricks and build towns for him; and
-what was still worse, he ordered that whenever a little boy was born to
-the children of Israel, he should be thrown into the river and drowned.
-
-One mother hid her little baby for three months, and when she could
-not hide him any longer, she put him into a little cradle of bulrushes
-covered over with pitch, to keep the water out, and let the cradle
-float on the river, leaving the little boy's sister to watch him.
-Presently a lady, no other than the daughter of the cruel king, came
-down to bathe in the river. She saw the little cradle, and had it
-brought to her. The little baby was crying, and the lady pitied him and
-took him home, to bring up for her own child. She wanted a nurse for
-him, and his sister fetched his own mother, and she became his nurse.
-
-His name was Moses, and we hear about him in the Lesson to-day. He was
-not living with the king's daughter now. The king had grown angry with
-him because he cared for his own people, and he had had to flee away
-and keep sheep in the wilderness.
-
-[Illustration: MOSES AND THE TABLES OF THE LAW.]
-
-And there he saw a great wonder. He saw a flame of fire in a bush,
-and yet the bush was not burnt. And God's voice spoke to him out of
-the fire that did not burn, and told him that the troubles of His
-people, the children of Israel, were to come to an end. God would save
-them from the cruel Egyptians; and Moses himself was to go and lead
-them out, and bring them to the good land that God had promised that
-Abraham's children should have for their own. Moses was to go and tell
-the King of Egypt that it was God's will that they should go. Moses was
-afraid at first, but God promised to help him.
-
-[Illustration: PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER FINDING MOSES.--Ex. 2:5, 6.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Moses? 2. Where was he put when he was a baby? 3. Why
- was he put on the river? 4. Who had said the little boys were to be
- drowned? 5. Whose babies were they that were to be drowned? 6. What
- other cruel things did the King of Egypt do to the children of Israel?
- 7. Who were called the children of Israel? 8. What became of Moses
- in his bulrush cradle? 9. Who brought him up? 10. Did he stay with
- the king's daughter? 11. Whom did he care for? 12. What wonder did
- Moses see? 13. Who spoke to him? 14. What was God going to do for His
- people? 15. What land would he give them?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord?"--_Exodus 5:2._
-
-MOSES and his brother Aaron went and told Pharaoh God's message, that
-the people of Israel were to go away and worship Him. But Pharaoh said,
-"Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know
-not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go." And he was more cruel to
-the children of Israel; he made them work harder and harder, and had
-them beaten if they did not do all the work that was set them.
-
-They had to make bricks of clay mixed with straw; and, to punish them,
-Pharaoh said that they should have no straw given to them for their
-work, but that they must find it for themselves; and yet he required
-of them just as many bricks as they had had to make before. Then they
-cried out and were angry, and fancied Moses had brought all this
-trouble on them, by asking for them to go. They were very miserable,
-and said they wished they had never listened to Moses, for he had only
-made them worse off instead of better.
-
-Aaron was a better speaker than Moses, and God had said he should help
-him, and that, when God told Moses anything, Aaron should speak it to
-the people. So the two brothers stood telling the Israelites to bear it
-a little longer, and then it would be all well and over, and they would
-get away from making the bricks in Egypt to the beautiful country.
-
-They could not remember it themselves, but some of their fathers'
-grandfathers had been little boys when they came, and could tell them
-that it was a country not all flat, with only one river in it, like
-Egypt, but full of steep hills and green valleys, with bright streams
-running along in them, and thick woods on some of the slopes, and
-others laid out in gardens and vineyards. There were so many cows in
-the pastures, and in the wild rocks and hollow trees so many bees'
-nests, that it was called a land flowing with milk and honey.
-
-[Illustration: THE ISRAELITES MADE TO WORK HARD IN EGYPT.--Ex. 1:13,
-14.]
-
-Should not the Israelites have liked to hear of such a place as this?
-But no, they were too dull to care. They thought more of whether
-they should get a leek or a melon to eat at supper, than of all the
-lovely land far away. Do you know, people are very like that when they
-care for _now_ more than _by-and-by_. If we want just what pleases
-us to-day, instead of caring for what will be good for us as we grow
-older, we are just like the Israelites, who would not attend to Moses
-or to God.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Pharaoh? 2. Who were the children of Israel? 3. Who had
- been sent to call them? 4. What did Pharaoh say to Moses? 5. How did
- he use the Israelites? 6. What would he not give them? 7. Who was
- Moses' brother? 8. What was Aaron to do for Moses? 9. Who spoke to
- Moses? 10. Who told the people what God said to Moses? 11. What kind
- of place did God promise? 12. What did Moses say it flowed with? 13.
- Why? 14. Did the Israelites care? 15. Why not? 16. When are we like
- them? 17. Which should we care for most, _now_ or _by-and-by_?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "I will redeem you with a stretched out arm."--_Exodus 6:6._
-
-THE Israelites were very unhappy, for Pharaoh was very cruel to them,
-and they thought it all Moses' fault. But Moses told them that they
-would be saved, and that God was going to show them His power, so
-that they might always remember what He had done for them, and how He
-punished Pharaoh, who would not obey Him.
-
-[Illustration: AARON'S ROD CHANGED TO A SERPENT.--Ex. 7:10.]
-
-Then God made His power to be known; so that Pharaoh and the children
-of Israel might both learn who is the great Lord of heaven and earth,
-who must be obeyed. First, Moses stretched out his rod, and all the
-water in the river turned into blood. For seven days it was all one
-red dreadful stream of blood; and when Moses held out his rod again it
-turned back into pure water. But Pharaoh hardened his heart again, and
-would not let the people go.
-
-Then God sent a multitude of frogs, that came into all the houses and
-bed-rooms, and on the tables and everywhere. Pharaoh could not bear
-to have these creatures everywhere, and said if the frogs would but
-go away he would let the children of Israel go. Moses prayed to God,
-and all the frogs died; but Pharaoh only hardened his heart again, and
-would not let the people go.
-
-Next, God sent lice, disgusting unclean creatures, most horrible to
-the Egyptians, who could not bear anything dirty; but Pharaoh did not
-care. Then came swarms of flies, buzzing, stinging, and tormenting; and
-Pharaoh said he would allow the Israelites to go, so the flies were
-taken away; but no sooner were they gone than he went back again to his
-obstinacy, and would not let the people go.
-
-He was trying to fight against God, and so came these terrible miseries
-on him. If people will not do better after being punished, worse and
-worse is sure to come on them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How did God punish Pharaoh? 2. What four plagues have I told you of
- to-day? 3. Why did these dreadful things happen? 4. Did Pharaoh care
- for them? 5. Why did he not mind them? 6. What happens to those who do
- not mind being punished?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Ninth Sunday.
-
-_THE PLAGUES OF EGYPT._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "There is none like Me in all the earth."--_Exodus 9:14._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-YOU remember that when God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, it
-was to tell him that he should lead the children of Israel away from
-the people in Egypt, who were so unkind to them.
-
-But Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, said that they should not go; he could
-not spare them, and he did not care for God's message to him. Then God
-punished Pharaoh that he might let them go. Ten times God punished him,
-and you hear about three of the punishments to-day.
-
-First, how the sheep and cows, that the Egyptians worshipped like gods,
-fell sick and died, but still Pharaoh did not care; then how the people
-all had sores and boils that made them very ill, but still Pharaoh
-did not care; and then how there was a terrible storm, thunder and
-lightning, and rain and hail--such big hailstones as killed the men and
-cattle that were out in the fields, and lightning that struck them, and
-wind that broke every tree in the field.
-
-No wonder that Pharaoh was frightened, and begged that the storm might
-cease, and said that then he would let the Israelites go. So Moses
-prayed to God, and the thunder left off, there was no more hail, and
-it was all still again. But when the thunder was over Pharaoh grew
-wicked again, and left off caring, and said the Israelites should not
-go. And thus God went on being angry with him, till at last he came to
-a terrible end.
-
-[Illustration: THE PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS.--Ex. 10:12.]
-
-I am afraid some children are a little like Pharaoh when they get
-sulky, and say "I won't," and if they are punished, still they
-won't--they think nobody shall force them, and they make themselves
-hard that they may not do what they are told. It is very sad, for this
-hardness is very wrong, and you see how angry God was with this king
-for being obstinate. Pray to God to help you not to harden your heart,
-but to teach you to obey. And do not forget and do the same thing
-again when the punishment is over, or it will have done you no good,
-and you will have to be punished worse next time.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did God desire Pharaoh to do? 2. Who spoke God's words to
- Pharaoh? 3. But what did Pharaoh say? 4. Who was Pharaoh? 5. Who was
- Moses? 6. What was done to Pharaoh? 7. Did he mind? 8. Tell me the
- three plagues we hear of to-day. 9. How many plagues were there in
- all? 10. What happened in the thunder-storm? 11. What did Pharaoh say
- when he was frightened? 12. So what left off? 13. But did he let the
- people go? 14. What fault in some children is the same as Pharaoh's?
- 15. What ought they do? 16. Who can help them to fight their obstinate
- temper? 17. But how must they get God's help?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the
- children of Israel go."--_Exodus 10:20._
-
-WORSE troubles are sure to come when people have not taken warning
-by what was sent them before. Pharaoh had not minded seven dreadful
-plagues, so now God sent another. He sent locusts. These were creatures
-like great grasshoppers. They came in swarms and clouds, and ate up
-every green leaf and blade of grass, and made all the earth brown and
-the trees dry sticks, so that there was nothing left for man or beast
-to eat. Then Pharaoh gave way a little, and said he would let the men
-go, but that their wives and children must stay; and he would not hear
-a word more, but had Moses and Aaron driven out from before him.
-
-Then God bade Moses to hold up his hand to Heaven. And darkness came
-on. It was dark all day--and with "darkness that might be felt;" not
-like night, but such black darkness that no fire or candle could give
-light, and no one dared to move about; but the Egyptians lay still in
-their places, full of horror and terror, for three whole days. But all
-the time it was light among the Israelites--the sun rose and set as
-usual; and thus God showed that they were His people.
-
-Then Pharaoh said that he would let them go--men, women and children,
-only he must keep all their cattle; and when Moses, speaking God's
-words, said that the cattle must go too, and not a hoof be left behind,
-Pharaoh made his heart hard again, and drove out Moses, saying the
-people should not go, and that Moses should never see his face again.
-
-And Moses said, "Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no
-more."
-
-So ended the last hope for Pharaoh. He was never to have another chance
-of bending his will and doing as God told him. Oh, let us take care not
-to be like him!
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How many plagues of Egypt were there? 2. Tell me which had
- happened? 3. What are the two plagues of this lesson? 4. What are
- locusts? 5. What harm do locusts do? 6. Who did Pharaoh say might go?
- 7. Whom would he not let go? 8. What plague came then? 9. What made
- the darkness so horrible? 10. How long did it last? 11. Who were not
- in the dark? 12. What did Pharaoh say then? 13. What did he want to
- keep back? 14. And how did he then change? 15. What did he say to
- Moses? 16. How did Moses answer?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "He smote all the first-born in Egypt."--_Psalm 78:51._
-
-AFTER the nine sad plagues that had come upon the Egyptians--the blood
-for water, the frogs, the lice, the flies, the cattle plague, the
-boils, the hail, the locusts, the darkness--there was to be still one
-plague more, the last and worst. That would make the Egyptians let the
-people of Israel go, so they must be ready.
-
-There should be a terrible night. God's holy angel would pass over the
-whole land of Egypt that night, and in each house of the Egyptians
-he would slay the eldest son of the family. No one would be spared:
-Pharaoh's eldest son, the young prince, and the very poorest person's
-son. They had killed the little Israelite babies, so God would punish
-them by killing their children. None of the Israelites should lose
-their children; only there was one thing for them to do.
-
-[Illustration: THE FEAST OF THE PASSOVER.--Ex. 12:11-14.]
-
-They were that night to sup on a lamb, and, with some of the blood of
-the lamb, they were to make a mark on the door-post. Where that mark
-was the angel would pass over and do no one any hurt; but the people
-would be blest and set free, because they believed God, and did as He
-bade them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How many plagues of Egypt were there? 2. Say them over. 3. What
- were they all for? 4. Who would not let them go? 5. What was the last
- plague? 6. Who were to die? 7. Why did the Egyptians deserve to lose
- their children? 8. Who would slay them? 9. Whom would the angel spare?
- 10. How were the Israelites to mark their houses? 11. With what blood?
- 12. What were they to do with the lamb?
-
-
-
-
-Tenth Sunday.
-
-_THE PASSOVER._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "There was not a house in which there was not one dead."--_Exodus
- 12:30._
-
-THIS is our own gladdest Sunday in all the year, and we read of the
-Israelites being glad too--glad upon the very Sunday that answered to
-this, thousands of years ago. On this Sunday, of all those thousands of
-years, there has been joy and gladness and thanking God. And why? It
-was because all the troubles in Egypt were over, and God brought the
-Israelites out safe.
-
-There was one thing they had to do first, though; Moses bade them do
-it, as God commanded him. Every family was to take a lamb, and it was
-to be killed and roasted whole in the evening, and some of its blood
-was to be marked upon the door-post of the house, and then all the
-family were to stand round the table, all ready dressed for a journey,
-and eat it as fast as they could, late at night.
-
-And while all the families, fathers and mothers and children, stood up
-eating the lamb in this strange way, there came a great shout and cry.
-God had sent His angel to punish the cruel Egyptians; and every house
-where there was no mark of blood on the door-post had some one dead in
-it, and that dead person was the eldest or first-born son.
-
-[Illustration: DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN OF EGYPT.--Ex. 12:29.]
-
-There was a great cry, for there was death everywhere, from the son of
-Pharaoh who sat on his throne down to the child of the poorest slave;
-and even the first-born cattle died too, because the Egyptians used to
-worship them; but wherever there was the blood on the door-post the
-angel passed over, and the eldest son was safe. Then cruel King Pharaoh
-was sorry and afraid at last, and said that the people who brought such
-trouble on him should go where they liked.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Why are we glad to-day? 2. Why were the Israelites glad to-day?
- 3. Where were the Israelites living? 4. What hard work had they to
- do? 5. Who said they should come out? 6. Who would not let them go?
- 7. What did God tell the Israelites to eat? 8. How were they to be
- dressed while they ate it? 9. What were they to do with the blood?
- 10. Who was going to pass over the land that night? 11. What did the
- angel do where he did not see any blood on the door-post? 12. Who were
- frightened then? 13. What did the Egyptians wish then?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover."--_Exodus 12:27._
-
-WHEN the King of Egypt said the Israelites might go they were all up
-and dressed, quite ready and only waiting, and off they set. No more
-making of bricks, no more slaving for the Egyptians, no more drowning
-of babies! They were free! and God was going to lead them to the
-beautiful country that long ago He had said He would give them.
-
-[Illustration: EGYPTIAN JUDGMENT SCENE.]
-
-And so, to put them in mind how they were saved from the Egyptians, God
-bade them on the same day in each year to kill a lamb and roast it, and
-put the blood on the door-post, and eat the lamb all standing round the
-table, dressed as if they were going for a journey, that they might
-never forget how God had made them free. This was called the Passover,
-because the angel passed over the houses where the blood was marked
-over the door. And God came in a pillar of cloud to show them the way
-they should go.
-
-Our blessed Lord was crucified when He had come to the Feast of the
-Passover many years after. You know He was like a lamb, He was so
-pure and gentle; and His Blood saves us, as that lamb's blood did the
-Israelites, and sets us free from the power of the devil. So we still
-keep the feast of being set free, on this happy Easter Sunday, when we
-recollect that Christ was slain for our sins, but that He rose again
-from the dead, and liveth for evermore.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did Pharaoh say that the Israelites might do? 2. What made him
- let them go at last? 3. Who were set free? 4. What were the Israelites
- to do every year? 5. What was this eating the lamb called? 6. Why was
- it called the Passover? 7. Why were the Israelites glad? 8. Who set us
- free? 9. What did our Lord do as on this day? 10. In what is He like a
- lamb? 11. So what did we say in the Easter Anthem to-day? 12. How did
- God lead them?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of
- the sea."--_Exodus 14:16._
-
-ALL the Egyptians were weeping over their dead first-born sons, and the
-Israelites were set free, and going gladly out and away from their hard
-masters.
-
-But Pharaoh's hard heart turned again, and he got all his chariots and
-horsemen together, and went after the children of Israel to drive them
-back to Egypt. And when he came in sight of them, there they were all
-upon the shore of the sea called the Red Sea. They could not go on,
-for the sea was straight before them; they could not go back, for the
-Egyptians were behind. They were sore afraid. But God spoke to Moses
-and told him not to fear. They had only to stand still and see how God
-would save them.
-
-And God Himself showed that He was with them, for the pillar of cloud
-went behind them, instead of before, and made it dark to the Egyptians,
-but gave light by night to the Israelites: so the Egyptians could not
-get near them all night.
-
-[Illustration: PHARAOH'S HOST DESTROYED IN THE RED SEA.--Ex. 14:30, 31.]
-
-Then God bade Moses stretch out his rod over the sea. And then there
-was a great wonder. The waves of the sea parted, and stood up on each
-side in a heap, and in between there was a wide open space, where the
-children of Israel might walk safely dry-shod, through the very midst
-of the sea. Through it they went, men, women, and children, through the
-depths of the sea, with the waves standing still on each side of them.
-
-Pharaoh saw that they were all gone over. He chose to follow after
-them. But when his host was in the midst, the sea returned in its
-strength again and came down on the Egyptians, and every one of them
-was drowned--"they sank like lead in the mighty waters"--and the
-Israelites were freed from their enemies, quite away from all their
-trouble and all their slavery; and they sang hymns of joy to God, who
-had been so good to them and now had set them free.
-
-And we read about them being set free because this is the great Easter
-Day when we give thanks to our Blessed Lord for having set us free.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What last plague had come on Egypt? 2. Who had set off to leave
- Egypt? 3. But what did Pharaoh do? 4. What was before the Israelites?
- 5. What was behind? 6. Where did the pillar of cloud go? 7. How were
- the Egyptians cut off from them? 8. What wonder did God work? 9. Where
- did the Israelites go over? 10. Who came after them? 11. What became
- of the Egyptians? 12. Who were free? 13. Who had made them free?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Eleventh Sunday.
-
-_THE GAINSAYING OF KORAH._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "The Lord will show who are His and who is holy."--_Numbers 16:5._
-
-WHEN the Israelites came out of Egypt they had a long journey to go,
-through a dreary, lonely wilderness. Moses and his brother Aaron led
-them; and God took care of them, and fed them, and kept them safe.
-
-But there were some wicked men, named Dathan and Abiram, who were tired
-of the wilderness, and were angry at having Moses for their leader and
-master, though God had made him lead them, and had done so much for
-them. They said they were as good as Moses, and that he should not be
-their prince. They did not care for God having spoken by him.
-
-Their end was so very dreadful that I can hardly tell it to you. God
-would not let them rise up against His servant Moses; and when they
-would not listen nor repent He made the earth open under their feet,
-and they went down alive, and were swallowed up in the pit before the
-eyes of all the other Israelites; and so they died the most terrible
-death anyone ever died. It was because they set themselves up against
-Moses, whom God had placed over them, that He was so angry with them.
-
-Remember God has set people over us: there are our fathers and mothers,
-and our clergymen and teachers; and it is our duty to obey them, as He
-tells us in the Fifth Commandment. If we are proud and saucy it is very
-wrong of us. It is not likely that we should be so dreadfully punished
-in this life as Dathan and Abiram were; but their horrible death should
-make us remember that God is very angry with those that will not try to
-obey those that have the rule over them, and set themselves up to be
-bold and proud, and to say they do not care.
-
-[Illustration: AARON AND HUR HOLDING UP THE HANDS OF MOSES.--Ex. 17:11.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. What is the explanation of it in
- the Duty to our Neighbor? 3. Who was set over the Israelites by God?
- 4. Where had he brought them from? 5. Where was he leading them to? 6.
- How should they have behaved to him? 7. What bad men were there among
- them? 8. Whom did they not care for? 9. What did they say? 10. Why
- was it very wicked of Dathan and Abiram not to obey Moses? 11. What
- terrible end did they come to? 12. Why was God angry with Dathan and
- Abiram? 13. What makes Him angry? 14. Whom did you say He had set over
- you? 15. Then how must you behave to your parents and clergymen and
- teachers?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "And seek ye the priesthood also?"--_Numbers 16:10._
-
-WHEN God gave the Commandments upon Mount Sinai, He chose that Aaron,
-Moses' brother, and his sons should be His priests. A priest had to
-offer up the sacrifices to God, and to burn incense to Him. Incense is
-made of dried plants and gums that have a sweet smell when they are
-burnt.
-
-The priests had brazen urns with holes at the top, and chains to hold
-them by, and when the smoke of the incense went up it was just as
-our prayers rise up to God in heaven. There were other people called
-Levites, who had to take care of the holy things that were used in
-God's service, but only the priests might offer sacrifices or incense.
-
-[Illustration: KORAH AND HIS ASSOCIATES SWALLOWED UP.--Num. 16:31-33.]
-
-Now one of these Levites, named Korah, wanted to do more. He was angry,
-and said everybody was holy, and that Aaron took too much on himself.
-Now it was not Aaron who made himself priest, but God had made him so.
-Therefore it was wrong in Korah; but there were two hundred and fifty
-men whom he persuaded to come and get censers, and offer incense to the
-Lord as if they had been priests. But because they did it in pride and
-self-will God was angry with them, and His fire burst out and scorched
-them all to death! It was only the men themselves that died, not their
-wives or children; and Korah's family after him were better than he
-was, and used to sing God's praises in the Psalms.
-
-But they always recollected that no one who was not a priest might
-offer sacrifice or burn incense before God.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What had a priest to do? 2. What was a sacrifice? 3. What was
- incense? 4. What was it burnt in? 5. Who only might offer sacrifice
- and incense? 6. Who was the right priest? 7. How came Aaron to be
- priest? 8. Who wanted to offer incense? 9. What did Korah say? 10. How
- many came with him? 11. What did they try to do? 12. What happened to
- the two hundred and fifty? 13. Why were they punished? 14. What became
- of Korah's children? 15. Who are our priests? 16. How were they made
- priests? 17. What may they alone do?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth
- buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds."--_Numbers 17:8._
-
-THE high-priest, whom God chose, had to offer sacrifices to Him. That
-was, the priest slew a lamb, or a goat, or a bullock, by the altar, and
-gave it to God. It was to show that the Son of God would come and die
-to take away sin. Now He has come and died, we have left off killing
-creatures in sacrifice, and only make remembrance over again of His
-sacrifice in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
-
-The high-priest used to wear a beautiful dress. He had a mitre on
-his head, with a gold plate on it, and the words, "Holiness unto the
-Lord;" and he had a blue, red, and white robe, embroidered with gold,
-and round the hem little gold bells and pomegranates. He had a curious
-scarf called an ephod, and a beautiful breast-plate made of twelve
-precious stones, each with the name of one of the twelve tribes of
-Israel engraven on it.
-
-[Illustration: AARON'S ROD THAT BUDDED.--Num. 17:8, 9.]
-
-God said He would show who should be His priest. So He bade Moses
-desire the chief man in each tribe to bring a dry rod or staff, and lay
-them up all night in the Holy Place. The one whose rod began to grow as
-if it was still on the tree should be the high-priest. When the twelve
-men went to look in the morning, eleven rods were dry sticks still, but
-one had put out green leaves and pink buds, and white blushing flowers,
-like almond blossoms. It was Aaron's rod; and this was the way God let
-the children of Israel know that Aaron and his sons, and grandsons
-after him, were always to be priests.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was a priest? 2. What had he to do? 3. What was a sacrifice?
- 4. How was it offered? 5. What creatures were killed? 6. Where were
- they put? 7. What was this to make the children of Israel think of? 8.
- Why don't we kill sacrifices now? 9. Who has been sacrificed? 10. What
- did the high-priest wear on his head? 11. What color was his dress?
- 12. How was it edged? 13. What was on his breast? 14. What did God say
- He would show? 15. What were twelve men to bring? 16. Where were the
- rods put? 17. What was to show who should be priest? 18. What were the
- eleven rods like in the morning? 19. But how did one look? 20. Whose
- was it? 21. What, then, was Aaron to be?
-
-[Illustration: THE HOLY PLACE.]
-
-
-
-
-Twelfth Sunday.
-
-_ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God."--_Deut. 6:16._
-
-I TOLD you what sort of place a desert is, and how full it is of
-stones, and rocks, and sand, and with no water in it. Do you remember
-how thirsty Ishmael was in the desert, and how God heard the voice of
-the lad, and sent an angel to lead his mother to a well of water?
-
-When the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, they were in a
-terrible wilderness. Mount Sinai stood up in the midst, and all round
-were great rocks of red and black marble, all dry and parched with the
-hot sun shining on them.
-
-The Israelites grew very hot and sadly thirsty, but they did not pray
-as Ishmael had done. They grew angry, and said, "Is the Lord among us
-or no?" Do you not think they deserved that God should show whether He
-was among them by punishing them for grumbling? That was the way they
-tempted God. But He was so good and merciful that He pitied them; and
-He bade Moses to take his rod, and go to the bare, dry rock, and strike
-it. And when Moses struck the rock, God made a beautiful, fresh, clear
-spring of water come pouring out of it, so that all the people, and
-all their cows, and sheep, and goats, and camels, could drink and be
-refreshed.
-
-Was not that a great wonder? and was not God very kind to them, though
-they were not good? But you see God was near to help them all the
-time, and it was very sad that they grumbled instead of praying. Do
-not be like them. If a thing is hard to bear, don't murmur and grumble
-about it, but pray, and then you will get help. Either the vexing thing
-will go away, or you will leave off minding it.
-
-[Illustration: MOSES BRINGING WATER FROM THE ROCK.--Ex. 17:6.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where had the Israelites come from? 2. Who was leading them? 3.
- What kind of place did they get into? 4. What is a desert like? 5.
- What was the mountain in the midst of the desert? 6. What cannot
- be found in the desert? 7. Who was the lad that was thirsty there
- before? 8. What did Ishmael do when he was thirsty? 9. But what did
- the Israelites do? 10. What did they say? 11. What would have served
- them right? 12. But did God punish them? 13. What did he tell Moses to
- take? 14. What did Moses strike? 15. What came out of the rock? 16.
- What made the water come out of the rock? 17. Was it not very good of
- God to give them water? 18. What ought they to have done? 19. What
- should you do when a thing is hard? 20. Is it not very naughty to
- grumble?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
- Son of man be lifted up."--_John 3:14._
-
-ONE great fault of the Israelites was that they had no patience. The
-moment they saw anything troublesome or difficult, they began to cry
-out, and say they could not get on, and it was very hard on them. Now
-it is very wrong ever to say God is very hard upon us, for we may be
-sure He is doing what is best for us. There was one stony, hot, steep
-part of the journey still to come, and when the Israelites saw it they
-forgot how often God had helped them, and cried out, and lamented, and
-complained of Him and of Moses.
-
-[Illustration: THE BRAZEN SERPENT.--Num. 21:31.]
-
-So again they were punished, for the little shining snakes that live
-there came in numbers, darting at them and biting them, so that the
-bite burnt like fire, and they died. Then they cried out to God and
-were sorry, and He told Moses of a wonderful way to cure them. Moses
-was to melt up some brass and make a great serpent, like the little
-ones that bit them, and set it up on a pole. Then if anyone who was
-bitten would come at once and look up at the brazen serpent, his bite
-would get well, and he would not die of it.
-
-This was a miracle--a wonder. And it was to teach the Israelites
-something, and us too. For you know our Blessed Lord hung on the cross,
-as the serpent hung on the pole; and when our souls are in danger of
-dying of sin, we must think of Him, and look to Him in faith, and He
-will save us from being punished for our sin, and keep our souls from
-dying.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What sort of place had the Israelites to go over? 2. How did they
- like it? 3. What did they do? 4. Why ought they not to have cried out?
- 5. Who had been taking care of them? 6. So how did God punish them? 7.
- What happened when the serpents bit them? 8. What were they sorry for?
- 9. So what was Moses to make? 10. Where did he put the brazen serpent?
- 11. What were they to do if they were bit? 12. What cured them? 13.
- Who hung upon the cross? 14. What does He cure our souls of?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with
- manna, which thou knewest not."--_Deut. 8:3._
-
-THIS morning you heard how God gave the children of Israel water to
-drink in the wilderness. Now you shall hear what He gave them to eat.
-The ground was all hard stones. There was grass which the cows and
-sheep could eat, and there were a few trees with long sharp thorns, but
-no fruit on them, and no corn to make bread; and soon the people were
-very hungry, and began to cry out that they did not know what would
-become of them.
-
-But God was not going to forget them. When they rose up in the morning,
-the fresh dew lay on the grass, and all about in the dew were little
-white things that tasted like wafers made with honey. This was called
-manna, and God had sent it from heaven for them to eat.
-
-Every morning on week days there it was, and they had all to come out
-and pick it up. But they must get up early to gather it, for when the
-sun was hot it would melt away. And they could not keep it--it grew
-bad and was not fit to use the next day; but there was always just
-enough for everybody to have all they wanted. There was only one day
-in each week that more came down, and that was the day before the
-Sabbath-day, which they had instead of Sunday. Then each one could get
-twice as much as could be eaten in one day, and it did not spoil so
-fast. For on the Sabbath-day God would have them rest, and so no manna
-was to be found anywhere, so that they might learn to keep the Fourth
-Commandment--Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.
-
-[Illustration: PRIEST]
-
-[Illustration: HIGH-PRIEST]
-
-[Illustration: LEVITE]
-
-All the time they stayed in the wilderness, the sweet white manna lay
-on the grass in the morning for them to pick it up--twice as much on
-the sixth day of the week, and on the Sabbath-day none at all. Was not
-that very good of God?
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were the Israelites? 2. What had they to drink in the
- wilderness? 3. What else did they want? 4. Why could they not get
- bread? 5. What did God give them instead? 6. What was the manna like?
- 7. Where did it lie? 8. When was the manna on the grass? 9. Who were
- to eat it? 10. Who sent it? 11. What became of it in hot sunshine?
- 12. Would it keep? 13. What was the day when it could be kept? 14.
- How much came down the day before the Sabbath? 15. What might not be
- done on the Sabbath? 16. What is the Fourth Commandment? 17. So why
- did they get twice as much manna the day before? 18. When did no manna
- come? 19. What day have we instead of the Sabbath?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Thirteenth Sunday.
-
-_BALAAM AND BALAK._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed."--_Numbers
- 22:12._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THERE was a prophet called Balaam. A prophet means a man to whom God
-made His will known, and who was thus much wiser than other men. This
-prophet one day saw some rich great men come to his house. They brought
-him a message, that a king named Balak wanted him to come with them,
-and would give him great rewards for coming. Balaam said he must wait
-for one night, and God would make known to him what he was to do.
-And at night God told him he was not to go; for what Balak wanted of
-him was to curse the children of Israel, and God would not have them
-cursed. So Balaam said he must not go, and the messengers went away.
-
-But Balak sent more princes, still grander men, with larger presents,
-to fetch Balaam. He answered, "If Balak would give me his house full
-of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God,
-to do less or more." But he had not left off wishing. He begged the
-messengers to stay, and see if God would give him leave to go. And this
-time God did say he might go, but that he should not say anything about
-the Israelites but what God put in his mouth. Balaam knew that God was
-not pleased with him; but he wanted Balak's rewards, and he set off in
-the morning, riding on his ass.
-
-Presently the ass was frightened, and turned out of the road into
-the field. Balaam was angry at this, and beat the ass. But again the
-ass turned aside in a narrow walled path, and squeezed Balaam's foot
-against the wall. He beat her again. Presently, in a very narrow road,
-the poor ass fell quite down for fear; and Balaam was very angry, and
-beat her harder.
-
-[Illustration: BALAAM MET BY THE ANGEL OF THE LORD.--Num. 22:31.]
-
-Then God worked a wonder. He made the dumb ass to speak, and ask why
-he was so cruel to her. He answered that he only wished for a sword to
-kill her. The ass asked if she had ever been like this before. He said,
-No. And then, full before him, he saw God's holy angel with a sword in
-his hand. And he fell down on his face.
-
-The poor ass had seen the angel all the time; but Balaam could not see
-him till God made him able. And now he was afraid, and would have gone
-back; but the angel said he must go on now, though he would only be
-able to speak the words which God put in his mouth.
-
-Think if, sometimes when you have been told you must not do something,
-you fret and teaze to do it--is not that like Balaam? And perhaps you
-teaze till some one gives you leave to do as you wish. Then you get
-quite cross with eagerness, and are unkind to all that hinders you;
-and, after all, you do not find that any good comes of getting your own
-way.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What is a prophet? 2. Who sent for Balaam? 3. What did God tell
- Balaam? 4. But what did Balaam wish? 5. How did he get leave to go at
- last? 6. But who stood in his way? 7. Who saw the angel first? 8. What
- did Balaam do to the ass? 9. What wonder did God work? 10. What did
- the ass say? 11. Whom did Balaam see? 12. What did the angel tell him?
- 13. What had he been allowed to have? 14. Does good come of having our
- own way?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of
- Israel."--_Numbers 24:17._
-
-THERE was a king named Balak, whose land the Israelites were to pass
-through. They promised not to do any harm to him or his people, if
-they might go quietly through; but he was afraid and angry, and wanted
-to have them cursed, hoping to bring God's anger on them. That was a
-very wicked and foolish notion of King Balak's; and God would not let
-it bring harm upon His people. They had not deserved to have His anger
-called down on them, and so He would not be angry with them.
-
-And when Balak's friend Balaam tried to speak curses, God turned them
-all to blessings; and, instead of saying they should come to a terrible
-end, he could only say how happy and well off they should be, with
-God to take care of them, and be their King. He even went on to say
-that a Star should come out of Jacob, and a Sceptre should rise out of
-Israel--and that meant that our Saviour should be born among them. He
-is called a Star, because He came to give us light; and you know a star
-showed the way to the place where He was born. And a sceptre is the rod
-a king carries in his hand. So when He was called the Sceptre, it meant
-that He should be a King.
-
-Only think how angry Balak was, when Balaam could not curse, but only
-blessed. I wish he had been afraid, and seen it was not God's will that
-he should hurt the Israelites; but instead of that, he went on in his
-wickedness, and was miserably killed at last; for God took care of His
-people, and would let no one do them any harm.
-
-Now, recollect, bad words and bad wishes do harm to the person that
-speaks them, not to those they are meant for. If a bad boy came and
-abused a steady one for going to church, or saying his prayers, it
-would be very bad for himself; but if the good boy kept on quietly,
-nothing that the other could say would hurt him one bit. God would take
-care of him as surely as He took care of the Israelites.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did Balak want? 2. Why did he want the Israelites to be
- cursed? 3. Whom did he set to curse the Israelites? 4. But what did
- Balaam do instead? 5. Why could he not curse them? 6. Who would not
- let him curse them? 7. Who was to be born among them? 8. What did
- Balaam call our Saviour? 9. Why was He like a star? 10. Why was He
- like a sceptre? 11. Could Balak hurt the Israelites? 12. Why not?
- 13. Whom do bad words hurt? 14. Ought we to mind them? 15. If anyone
- teazes you when you try to be good, must you leave off?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The people did eat, and bowed down to their gods."--_Numbers 25:2._
-
-YOU heard how Balaam went to Balak; and how God made him bless the
-children of Israel when he wanted to curse them. But even this did not
-make Balaam good. He wanted Balak to give him a reward; and so he told
-him that though no harm could happen to the people of Israel while
-they were good and worshipped their God, yet if he could make them do
-something wicked, and turn away from their God, then God would be sure
-to punish them.
-
-
-THE ISRAELITES INVITED TO A GREAT FEAST.
-
-So these two wicked men sent a number of women to invite the Israelites
-to hold a great feast with them, in honor of their idol Baal Peor. Many
-were so foolish and wicked as to be led away; and they had a great
-feasting and revelling, and all kinds of bad pleasures that these
-heathen women said were to do praise to this horrible false god. Then,
-though Balak might have cursed for ever without hurting them, they had
-done themselves the harm. God sent a deadly sickness, and in one day
-twenty-four thousand people died.
-
-But Phinehas, Aaron's grandson, did as Moses commanded him. He first
-put to death the wickedest of the people who had joined themselves to
-Baal Peor; and then he prayed--and all the people prayed and wept too.
-So God forgave them, and the plague ceased.
-
-Afterwards Phinehas led the Israelite fighting men to punish the wicked
-Balak and his people; and Balaam was killed in fighting with them. All
-the wicked women who had tempted the Israelites away from God were put
-to death too. So Balaam's evil counsel ended in all sorts of misery.
-It is very sad to think of him, for he knew so well what was good,
-and yet did what was so very bad. But remember this, nobody could hurt
-God's people till they did wrong, and then they hurt themselves, and
-God punished them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did Balak want to do? 2. How had Balak tried to hurt the
- children of Israel? 3. Why could not Balaam curse them? 4. What did
- Balaam think would be the way to hurt them? 5. Whom did he send to
- them? 6. Whom did the women persuade them to worship? 7. What did God
- send to punish them? 8. How was the plague stopped? 9. How was Balaam
- punished? 10. Why was Balaam greatly to be blamed? 11. When could not
- Balaam hurt them? 12. When could he hurt them? 13. For who took care
- of them when they were good?
-
-[Illustration: HIGH PRIEST WITH SIN OFFERING.]
-
-
-
-
-Fourteenth Sunday.
-
-_THE GIVING OF THE LAW._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Thou heardest His words out of the midst of the fire."--_Deut. 4:36._
-
-WHEN the children of Israel had come out of Egypt, God had told Moses
-to lead them to the foot of Mount Sinai. This was a high steep rocky
-mountain in the wilderness. And God told Moses to set bounds round the
-mountain, so that nobody should come and touch it; and the people were
-to pray, and wait round it for the holy and awful thing that was to
-happen.
-
-Then there came on the hill-top a deep dark cloud, and the mountain
-was altogether on a smoke, and it shook and quaked, and there were
-lightnings and thunders and voices, and the sound of a trumpet loud
-and louder, so that all the people trembled. Then out of that cloud
-there came a voice speaking to them--a voice that they all could hear,
-and that made them afraid. For it was the voice of God. And God spoke
-out of the cloud, and gave the Ten Commandments. They were the very
-same Ten Commandments you say in the Catechism, and see written up in
-church.
-
-[Illustration: The Ten Commandments.]
-
-  Thou shalt have no more Gods but me.
-  Before no idol bend the knee.
-  Take not the name of God in vain,
-  Nor dare the sabbath day profane.
-  Give both thy parents honor due,
-  Take heed that thou no murder do.
-  Abstain from words and deeds unclean,
-  Nor steal, though thou art poor and mean.
-  Nor make a wilful lie, nor love it.
-  What is thy neighbor's dare not covet.
-
-God had come in this terrible and awful manner to speak to them, that
-all Israel might hear and fear, and take care not to break them.
-Afterwards God gave these Ten Commandments to Moses, written upon two
-tables--or pieces of stone--written by God Himself. That was the way
-the Ten Commandments were given--by God's own voice speaking to men,
-out of the cloud, amid thunders and lightnings, and the sound of the
-trumpet, dreadful to hear.
-
-[Illustration: MOSES RECEIVING THE TABLES OF THE LAW.--Ex. 31:18.]
-
-And God means us all to obey the Commandments, just as much as He meant
-the Israelites to obey them. They are His words, and must be kept; and
-if we ask Him in our prayers He will give us help and strength to obey
-them, so that we may fulfil the promise that was made at our baptism,
-that we should keep God's Holy Will and Commandments, and walk in the
-same unto our lives' end.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where had the children of Israel come from? 2. Who was leading
- them? 3. Where did God tell Moses to take them? 4. What wonderful
- sight did they see on Mount Sinai? 5. What did they hear? 6. Who spoke
- out of the cloud? 7. What did God speak? 8. How many Commandments? 9.
- Tell me the first of them. 10. On what did God write them? 11. To whom
- did He give them? 12. When do you say them? 13. When did you promise
- to keep them? 14. What is keeping the Commandments? 15. How can you be
- helped to do as they tell you? 16. How must you ask for God's help?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst
- of fire."--_Deuteronomy 5:4._
-
-WHEN the lightning and thunder and the loud voice of the trumpet
-came forth from the cloud on Mount Sinai, and God had spoken the Ten
-Commandments, He called to Moses to come up and speak with Him in the
-cloud. How wonderful it must have been! Moses was the only man that
-ever spoke so near to God.
-
-God gave him two blocks of stone written with the Ten Commandments,
-written with God's own Finger. Then God told him to make a chest to
-keep them in. It was to be made of wood, with gold all over it; and two
-figures of cherubims were to be one on each side. This chest was to
-be called the Ark of the Covenant. And it was to be put into a square
-room, inside a tent, that was to be made with curtains, and carried
-about with the Israelites. It was to be called the Tabernacle. And this
-was to be a very holy place.
-
-The children of Israel would say their prayers in front of the
-Tabernacle; but they were not to go into the place where the Ark was,
-because they were sinful, and God is holy. That place was to be called
-the Holy of Holies, and no one might go near it but the Priests whom
-God chose, and set apart to lead His worship.
-
-The first High Priest was to be Moses' brother Aaron; and he was to
-wear a beautiful dress when he ministered before God--a high cap with
-"Holiness to the Lord" on it, a long embroidered robe, edged with gold
-bells and pomegranates, and a blue scarf crossed over her breast; and
-in the middle a breast-plate, made of twelve precious stones, each
-carved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, so that he
-might have them on his heart as he prayed to God. All this and much
-more God told Moses while he was on the mount.
-
-[Illustration: MOSES DESTROYS THE TABLES OF THE LAW.--Ex. 32:19.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was given on Mount Sinai? 2. Who spoke the Commandments? 3.
- To whom did God give them? 4. What were they written on? 5. Who wrote
- them? 6. Where were they to be kept? 7. What was the chest like? 8.
- What was the chest called? 9. Where was Moses to put the chest? 10.
- What was the room called? 11. Who might go near the Holy of Holies?
- 12. Who was the first High Priest? 13. Who was Aaron? 14. What was
- Aaron to wear? 15. Why might not the people come near?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God."--_Deut. 7:9._
-
-WHEN Moses went up into the awful cloud upon Mount Sinai, he stayed
-there forty days.
-
-But all the Israelites below were impatient. They could not think what
-had become of Moses; and though they had so lately heard God's own
-Voice speaking to them, they would not wait as they had been told to
-do. They cried out that they wanted something instead of Moses, whom
-they had lost.
-
-So they took all their gold ear-rings and melted them, and made an
-image of a golden calf. And then these foolish wicked people began to
-feast and dance, and worship this golden idol.
-
-Moses was coming down Mount Sinai with the two Tables of the
-Commandments in his hands. And first he heard a shouting and singing;
-then he saw the people leaping and dancing, and the great golden idol
-standing in the midst. Then he was sure it was of no use to bring them
-the Commandments if they minded them no better. So he took the two
-tables of stone, and threw them out of his hand, and broke them to
-pieces.
-
-Then he went down, and severely punished the worst of the Israelites
-for having disobeyed the commandment. And he broke the golden calf to
-pieces, and ground it to powder.
-
-Then he went and prayed to God to forgive the people. God did forgive
-them, and let Moses bring two fresh tables of stone to be written with
-the Ten Commandments. But the first that they had lost were the tables
-God had given, and they could never have them back again!
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where was Moses gone? 2. What was God going to give him? 3. Who
- were left below? 4. What did the Israelites want? 5. What did they
- take off? 6. What did they make of their ear-rings? 7. What is the
- Second Commandment? 8. How did they break the Second Commandment? 9.
- What did Moses do to the Tables of the Law? 10. Why did he throw them
- down? 11. What did he do with the golden calf? 12. Where did he go
- then? 13. What did he do for the Israelites?
-
-[Illustration: ANCIENT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.]
-
-
-
-
-Fifteenth Sunday.
-
-_THE GIVING OF THE LAW._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "I prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, destroy not
- Thy people and Thine inheritance."--_Deut. 9:26._
-
-LAST Sunday you heard how sadly the people of Israel sinned by making
-the golden calf, while Moses was up in the mountain, and how he
-punished them.
-
-Then he said he would go and pray to God to forgive them, and try them
-again. So up he went over the rough rocks of Mount Sinai, and into the
-cloud again, where he had spoken with God before. And he prayed with
-all his might that God would not cast off His people, though they had
-been so wicked, but would give them again the Commandments on their
-tables of stone. And God listened to Moses, and promised to give them
-the Commandments again.
-
-Then Moses made a great request: he said to God, "I pray Thee, show me
-Thy glory." But God said, "Thou canst not see My Face, for there shall
-no man see Me and live." But Moses was to come up the mountain the next
-day, and bring with him two blocks of stone, and then God would let him
-see as much of His glory as he could bear.
-
-On the next day Moses went up the mountain again, and took with him the
-two tables of stone. And the Lord came down in the cloud; and Moses was
-in the cleft of the rock, where he could see a small part of the glory,
-and hear the Lord's Voice proclaim before him, "The Lord, The Lord
-God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness
-and truth." Then indeed Moses bowed his head and worshipped. No man
-ever came so close to God as Moses, with whom God spoke face to face,
-as a man speaketh to his friend.
-
-[Illustration: MOSES BRINGING THE NEW TABLES OF THE LAW.--Ex. 34:29-32.]
-
-Moses stayed forty days and forty nights up in the mountain. And God
-again wrote the Commandments upon the two tables of stone, and granted
-the Israelites to try again to keep them. When Moses came down from
-being in converse with God, the glory was still about his face. It was
-all shining like the sun, and was so bright that the Israelites could
-not fix their eyes on it; and he was obliged to put a veil over his
-face, because they could not bear to look at it. Was ever living man so
-favored, and brought into such glory?
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What wicked thing had the Israelites done? 2. Who prayed for their
- forgiveness? 3. Where did Moses go to pray for their forgiveness? 4.
- Who forgave them? 5. What did Moses venture to ask God to show him?
- 6. But what can no one do? 7. Where was Moses placed? 8. What passed
- by? 9. What voice did he hear? 10. How was Moses more honored than any
- man? 11. How long did he stay in the mountain? 12. What did God give
- him again? 13. How did his face look when he came down? 14. What did
- he do to hide his face? 15. How came his face to be so glorious?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him."--_Deut. 13:4._
-
-WHEN the Israelites came into the good land where they were going,
-they were to be very careful not to learn to worship idols. For idols
-were no gods at all--only wood and stone--and could not hear them
-pray, nor give them what they wanted. Besides, the people round them
-had very frightful ways of trying to please their false gods. They
-had one called Moloch, made of brass, and they used to offer poor
-little children up in sacrifice to him, and make a noise with drums
-and trumpets, that no one might hear their cries. There was another
-god called Baal, to whom they set up great images, and feasted in
-his honor; and a goddess, whom they called the queen of heaven, of
-Ashtoreth. Women used to offer cakes to her, and dance in honor of her,
-for they thought she sent the moon to shine on them.
-
-Now, the Israelites were not to worship any of these false gods. They
-were to remember how they heard the Only True God speaking to them out
-of the cloud upon the mountain, and telling them, "I am the Lord thy
-God: thou shalt have no other gods but Me." And God told them that if
-they would worship Him and serve Him, all should go well with them, and
-they should be happy and blessed. But if they went after these false
-idols, all would go ill with them, and there would be only sorrow and
-misery.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Say the First Commandment. 2. Say the Second. 3. What three idols
- did the people of the country worship? 4. What did they do in honor of
- Moloch? 5. What did they do in honor of Baal? 6. What did they call
- Ashtoreth? 7. What did they think she sent them? 8. Who made the
- moon? 9. What would happen if the children of Israel worshipped God?
- 10. What would happen if they worshipped idols?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known My
- ways."--_Psalm 95:10._
-
-AFTER the Commandments were given the Israelites went on their journey.
-The Ark, or chest, where the Commandments on their two tables of stone
-were kept, was carried before them; and God still showed that He was
-with them, for He made a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night go
-along with them, and rest on it.
-
-[Illustration: THE SPIES RETURNING FROM CANAAN.--Num. 13:24-26.]
-
-When they came near the land of Canaan, twelve men were sent on to see
-it. They came back, bringing such a great bunch of grapes that two
-had to carry it between them on a pole! But they said that the land
-was full of strong cities, and very strong men, and they should never
-be able to win it, but would all be killed. Only two men, Joshua and
-Caleb, recollected that there could be no fear, for God had promised to
-save them and bring them in. The others all cried, and said they would
-go back to Egypt, and threw stones at Moses and Aaron when they wanted
-to quiet them.
-
-Then God showed His glory, and would have cut them all off in a moment
-if Moses had not prayed for them. But He said none of those who had
-said they would not go into the good land should go. They were to stay
-forty years longer in the dismal wilderness, till all the grown-up men,
-except Joshua and Caleb, should be dead, and their children be grown
-up in their stead. Then their children, who had learned to trust God
-and do as He bade, should be the ones to go in and live in the promised
-land.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How did the Israelites know which way to go in the wilderness? 2.
- What was the ark? 3. What was in it? 4. How did God show them His
- Presence? 5. Whom did Moses send to look at the land? 6. What did
- these men bring back? 7. But what did they say of the country? 8.
- Who were afraid? 9. Why was it wrong to be afraid? 10. Who only were
- afraid? 11. What were the people ready to do? 12. How were they to be
- punished? 13. How long were they to stay in the wilderness? 14. Who
- would die? 15. Who would grow up to go in? 16. Who were the two good
- brave men? 17. What was promised to Joshua and Caleb?
-
-[Illustration: TABLE OF SHEW-BREAD]
-
-[Illustration: ARK]
-
-[Illustration: GOLDEN CANDLESTICK]
-
-
-
-
-Sixteenth Sunday.
-
-_THE DEATH OF MOSES._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "They angered Him also at the waters of strife."--_Psalm 106:32._
-
-AFTER all the forty years in the wilderness, the children of Israel
-were quite close to their home in the promised land. There was only the
-river Jordan between them and the hills and valleys there. But Moses
-was not to go with them. Once when the people were crying out for more
-water, and God told him to command the stream to come out of the rock,
-Moses was so hot with anger that he did not attend. He said, "Hear now,
-ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?" And he struck the
-rock with his rod, instead of speaking to it.
-
-The water came out as it had done before; but Moses had been so hasty
-that he had not thought how to obey God exactly, and so he was not to
-be allowed to lead the people in as a great warrior, lest he should
-fail again. God was not angry with him, but had forgiven him; only he
-had his punishment because he had done wrong.
-
-Joshua was to lead the people, instead of Moses. So before Moses was
-taken away, he called Joshua and all the chief men of each tribe, and
-put them in mind of all that God had done for them, and warned them
-very solemnly, that if they broke their promise and did not keep the
-Commandments, God would punish them--first a little, and then more and
-more, and would even cast them out of the good land at last. For, mind,
-God always keeps His promises; and as surely as He gives the good all
-that is best for them, so surely He will punish those who turn from Him.
-
-[Illustration: MOSES GIVING HIS CHARGE TO JOSHUA.--Num. 27:22, 23.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were the Israelites? 2. How long had their journey lasted?
- 3. Where were they going? 4. What lay between them and the land of
- Canaan? 5. Who had led them? 6. But what one thing had Moses done? 7.
- What was he not to do? 8. Who was to lead them in? 9. What did Moses
- tell the Israelites they must be careful to do? 10. What had they
- promised to keep? 11. What would happen if they broke the promise? 12.
- What would happen if they kept the promise? 13. What promises have we
- made?
-
-[Illustration: MOSES VIEWING THE PROMISED LAND.--Deut. 34:4.]
-
-[Illustration: THE DEATH OF MOSES.--Deut. 34:5, 6.]
-
-
-SECOND READING
-
- "So Moses the servant of the Lord died."--_Deuteronomy 34:5._
-
-IT was not God's will that Moses should lead the Israelites into the
-promised land, but he was to die on the east side of the river Jordan;
-and so he would have his rest above instead of in the land of promise.
-
-But first God told him he might see the land. So he went up into a
-very high hill: and there God made him able to see all the home of his
-people--the snowy hill of Hermon, and Mount Lebanon where the cedar
-trees grow, and the hills and valleys where Abraham had wandered and
-Isaac and Jacob had lived, and which he had hoped for all his life; and
-green fields, and corn-fields, and vineyards, on to the great blue sea
-stretching out to the westward.
-
-That was where his people were to live; but there was a better home
-for Moses. Nobody saw him any more after he went up into the mountain.
-There he died, and the Lord buried him, and no one knows of his
-grave--only the children of Israel wept and mourned for him.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where had the Israelites come? 2. Who had led them? 3. But where
- was Moses not to go? 4. But what did God allow him to see? 5. Where
- was he to go? 6. What did God show him there? 7. What kind of place
- was it? 8. Where had he brought the people from? 9. Who was to lead
- them in? 10. What was to happen to Moses? 11. Did any one ever see
- him again? 12. What does no one know? 13. Why do we think so much of
- Moses? 14. Where did he speak with God? 15. Was he not the greatest
- man of all in the Old Testament?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Be strong and of good courage."--_Joshua 1:6_
-
-AFTER Moses had gone out of sight on the mountain, God Himself told
-Joshua that Moses was dead, and that he must lead the children of
-Israel into the good land God had promised them. Moses had laid his
-hands on Joshua's head, and God's Holy Spirit had come to help him
-to see what was right, and to lead the people. He must be strong and
-brave, and do all that God commanded, and then he would be quite sure
-to be able to drive away all the strange people out of the land, and to
-make a home for the people in the land that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
-had loved so well.
-
-All the people promised they would do as Joshua bade them. So he was
-their captain instead of Moses.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the old leader of the children of Israel? 2. Where had
- Moses led them from? 3. Where were they going? 4. Where did Moses
- go? 5. What became of Moses on the mountain? 6. Whom did God make
- captain instead of Moses? 7. What did God tell Joshua? 8. What did God
- promise him? 9. What is the way to be helped by God? 10. What were the
- Israelites to be helped to do? 11. Who were to be driven away? 12.
- Why did the children of Israel wish to live in the land of Canaan?
- 13. What had God promised Abraham? 14. And does God always keep his
- promises?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Seventeenth Sunday.
-
-_ISRAEL IN BATTLE._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the Lord your God
- giveth you."--_Deut. 12:10._
-
-AFTER the children of Israel had been forty years living in the
-wilderness, God led them into the beautiful land He had promised them.
-But before they could come in they had to get across a river--a deep
-river, with rocks on each side, and a stony bottom to it, and the water
-running very fast indeed. The name of the river was Jordan. There was
-no bridges to go over, and no boat to row them across; and not only all
-the strong men, but all the women and little children, had to get over
-it!
-
-But nobody need be afraid when God is helping him. God told them what
-to do. The priests, who were like clergymen to them, were to take the
-ark--that is, the chest where the two tables of the Ten Commandments
-were kept--and were to walk down into the river, without being afraid.
-And they were brave men; they believed what God told them, and went
-down into the swift stream in no fear of being drowned. And behold,
-as soon as their feet touched the water it stopped flowing, and stood
-still. No more water came down, and all the hosts of the children of
-Israel went straight over the bottom of the river with dry feet.
-
-The priests stood up in the middle all the time the others were going
-over, and when everyone was safe on the other side they came after
-them; and by-and-by the river came rushing down again in its own place,
-for it was God who had commanded it to stop short, and make a dry place
-for His people to pass over. And so they came into the land of Canaan
-that He had promised them so long.
-
-[Illustration: CARRYING THE ARK OVER JORDAN.--Josh. 3:17.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How long did the children of Israel stay in the wilderness? 2.
- Where were they going? 3. What had they to eat? 4. What had they to
- drink? 5. What had God given them on Mount Sinai? 6. What were the
- Ten Commandments written on? 7. Where were the two stones put? 8. Who
- carried this ark? 9. What had the Israelites to go over? 10. What was
- the name of the river? 11. How do we cross rivers? 12. But had they a
- bridge or a boat? 13. Who was taking care of them? 14. What did God
- tell the priests to do? 15. Were the priests afraid to go into the
- river? 16. Why not? 17. What happened when the priest's feet touched
- the water?
-
-
-[Illustration: Jericho]
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down."--_Hebrews 11:30._
-
-AFTER the Israelites had come into the land of Canaan, there was a
-strong walled city before them, and its name was Jericho. They could
-not go any further till they had taken the city. But God was going to
-show that He fought for them. So He told them not to fight, but that
-every day, for a whole week, the priests should take the Ark of the
-Covenant on their shoulders and walk around the outside of the walls of
-the town.
-
-[Illustration]
-
-Seven priests were to go in front, blowing on trumpets made of rams'
-horns; but nobody else was to make any noise. So they did one day, and
-nothing happened. Joshua bade them do it the next day. Perhaps some of
-the Israelites wondered and were impatient, but they had to go on the
-next day still; and after that the Ark was carried round once every day
-for a whole week.
-
-[Illustration: THE ANGEL APPEARING TO JOSHUA.--Josh. 5:13, 14.]
-
-On the seventh day, Joshua told the priests that God would have them go
-round not once but seven times. And so they did; and then, at last, on
-the seventh day, Joshua said, "Shout." The whole of the people shouted,
-and the priests blew their trumpets, and then--oh, great wonders!--the
-walls of Jericho fell down flat, and the people went in and took the
-city. So the Lord fought for Israel.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were the Israelites now? 2. Who was their leader? 3. What
- city were they come to? 4. What did they want to do? 5. Were they to
- fight? 6. But what was to be carried round? 7. What was the Ark? 8.
- What was in it? 9. Who carried the Ark? 10. Who went in front of them?
- 11. How many days did they go on? 12. How many times did they carry
- the Ark round first? 13. How often on the seventh day? 14. What were
- the priests to do? 15. What were the people to do? 16. What happened
- then? 17. Who had conquered Jericho? 18. What was God giving the
- Israelites?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "As for me and my house, we will serve the lord."--_Joshua 24:15._
-
-THIS morning you heard how God gave the children of Israel victory over
-Jericho. After that He gave them more victories. None of the heathen
-people could stand before them. They took their towns, and drove the
-heathen out, and had the fields and gardens and houses for their own.
-Then Joshua was to divide the land among them, and fix what cities each
-tribe should have for its own.
-
-[Illustration: FALLING OF THE WALLS OF JERICHO.--Josh. 6:20.]
-
-All the chief men of each tribe came to him, and the Lord taught him
-how to fix the places for them to dwell in. The children of the good
-Joseph had the very best lot of all, as his father Jacob had wished.
-It was just in the middle of the country, and was full of beautiful
-corn land. Two tribes and a-half lived on the other side of the river
-Jordan, on the edge of the desert, but where there was fine grass for
-their cattle. The tribe of Judah had a very hilly, rocky part of the
-country; but they loved it, because it was where Abraham had lived and
-now lay buried.
-
-[Illustration: DIVIDING THE LAND AMONG THE TRIBES.--Josh. 13:6, 7.]
-
-[Illustration: JOSHUA CAPTURING THE CITY OF AI.--Josh. 8:18, 19.]
-
-[Illustration: JOSHUA COMMANDING THE SUN TO STAND STILL.--Josh. 10:12,
-13.]
-
-And up all the hills they planted vines, where fine large grapes grew;
-and in the valleys were plenty of corn-fields. All over the country,
-people had each man his own house, with his vine and his fig-tree to
-shelter it, and olive-trees in his garden, and a field to grow corn
-in, and hill-sides near, where he might keep his cows, goats, and
-sheep. The rocks and the hollow trees were full of wild bees' nests; so
-that indeed they found it, as Moses had told them, a land of corn and
-wine--a land that flowed with milk and honey; and they were very glad
-to be there, and to rest after their long wandering in the wilderness.
-
-After they had had a quiet rest, their first sorrow came. It was that
-their brave leader Joshua had grown old, and felt himself near his
-death. So he called all the chief men together, and told them over
-again how much God had done for them; and that if they would serve Him
-and keep His Commandments, all would go well with them. "As for me
-and my house," he said, "we will serve the Lord." And all the people
-promised too. They said they would serve the Lord, and would not go
-after other gods, but would keep His Commandments.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were the children of Israel now? 2. Who had promised the land
- to them? 3. Who was leading them? 4. Whom did they drive out? 5. Who
- had the country then? 6. How was it settled where they were to live?
- 7. Who had the best part? 8. What had Joseph done that was good? 9.
- Who went beyond the Jordan? 10. What part did Judah have? 11. What
- grows there? 12. What choice plants grew in the land? 13. What sort of
- place had they been told it would be? 14. Who was grown old? 15. What
- did Joshua tell the Israelites? 16. What was the way for them to be
- happy?
-
-[Illustration: SOUTH-EAST VIEW OF THE TABERNACLE.]
-
-
-
-
-Eighteenth Sunday.
-
-_THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "The journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor."--_Judges
- 4:9._
-
-WHEN the Israelites had come to live in the beautiful land that God had
-promised them, they ought to have loved and served Him, and thanked Him
-for all His goodness. But no! They liked worshipping false gods; and
-they made idols to pray to, cut out of wood and stone; and they learnt
-wicked ways.
-
-Then God was angry with them; and He punished them by sending cruel
-nations to conquer them, to burn their houses, to steal their children,
-and drive away their cattle. Then they would be sorry, and pray to God
-again; and He had pity, and sent some brave man to defend them.
-
-To-day we hear how sadly they were used by a fierce man named Sisera,
-who had nine hundred war chariots of iron to go into battle with. His
-people used to shoot at the Israelites at the wells when they came
-to draw water; and nobody dared to go along the high-roads, but only
-through the paths, for fear of being killed.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How ought the Israelites to have behaved? 2. What had God given
- them? 3. Whom should they have worshipped? 4. But what did they
- worship? 5. How did God punish them? 6. What was the name of the cruel
- man who ill-used them? 7. How many chariots had Sisera?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "The Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman."--_Judges 4:9._
-
-AT last God spake to a good brave woman named Deborah, and told her to
-send for a man named Barak, who should lead the Israelites to fight
-with Sisera. She sent for Barak, and told him what God had said. But
-Barak was afraid to go alone. He said he must have Deborah with him. He
-ought to have known that, if God sent him, he was sure to be safe and
-to succeed.
-
-[Illustration: SISERA SLAIN BY JAEL.--Judges 4:22.]
-
-Deborah told him that since he wished it she would go with him, but
-that the journey should not be to his honor, for the Lord would sell
-Sisera into the hand of a woman. And it turned out as Deborah said.
-Barak won a great battle, and drove the enemies away, so that they did
-not hurt the children of Israel again for forty years. But he did not
-meet with Sisera in the battle, nor get the honor of killing him.
-
-Sisera fled out of the battle, and was killed after all by a woman,
-whose name was Jael. Barak lost all the honor, because he would not do
-just as he was told, but was afraid without Deborah, just as if God
-could not help him better than Deborah could.
-
-This morning's lesson told how Deborah and Barak conquered the cruel
-Sisera. This evening's lesson is the song that Deborah made to thank
-God for having given her the victory, and saved His people.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the holy woman that God raised up? 2. For whom did Deborah
- call? 3. What was Barak to do? 4. Who did Barak say must come with
- him? 5. Why was this wrong of Barak? 6. What happened in the fight? 7.
- Did Barak kill Sisera? 8. Who did kill Sisera? 9. Why was not Barak
- allowed to kill Sisera? 10. Whom ought he to have trusted to? 11. Who
- will always help us if we are not afraid to do as we are told?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "They chose new gods; then was war in the gates."--_Judges 5:8._
-
-THE Israelites never kept long from sinning and setting up idols; and,
-by-and-by, God let a set of robbers, called Midianites, come in and
-burn their crops and houses, drive away their cattle, and steal their
-children for slaves.
-
-Then the Israelites were sorry, and prayed to God to save them. And God
-had pity on them, and sent His angel to a man named Gideon, to tell him
-that he was to fight for the Israelites.
-
-A great many men came to Gideon; but the Israelites were to be shown
-that it was as easy for God to save them with few men as with many.
-So He bade Gideon send home all but three hundred men. And Gideon
-believed, and sent them home, and kept only the three hundred.
-
-Then at night he took these men, and gave them each a trumpet, and
-an earthen pitcher, with a lamp inside the pitcher, so that the light
-could not be seen. He took a hundred with him, and sent the other two
-hundreds another way, creeping quietly along till they came to the
-place where the Midianites had set up their tents, and were all lying
-asleep among the cattle they had stolen.
-
-[Illustration: GIDEON'S OFFERING BURNT BY FIRE FROM THE ROCK.--Judges
-6:21.]
-
-There they lay, and never heard Gideon and his men coming till they
-were close to the camp, the three parties on three sides. Then, all of
-a sudden, everyone of the Israelites broke his pitcher and let his lamp
-shine, and blew his trumpet, and shouted, "The sword of the Lord and of
-Gideon!"
-
-The Midianites were awakened out of their sleep to see the lamps on
-three sides of them in the dark, and hear the trumpets and the cries.
-They were very much frightened, and quite wild with fear. They all
-began to beat down one another, for they did not know friends from
-enemies. A great many were killed, and the rest fled away, leaving all
-that they had stolen behind them. And so God delivered the Israelites
-from the Midianites by the hand of Gideon, and gave them peace again as
-long as they would serve the Lord.
-
-[Illustration: GIDEON'S VICTORY OVER THE MIDIANITES.--Judges 7:19-21.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What made the Israelites meet with troubles? 2. Whom ought they to
- have worshipped? 3. But whom did they worship? 4. What happened then?
- 5. Who were the next people that ill-used them? 6. What did they do
- when they were punished? 7. Whom did God send to save them? 8. How
- many men was Gideon to have with him? 9. What did all the men carry?
- 10. Where did they go? 11. Into how many parties were they divided?
- 12. What did the Midianites hear? 13. What did they see? 14. What did
- they begin to do? 15. What became of those that were not killed? 16.
- Who had made Gideon able to beat them with so few men?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-[Illustration: JEPHTHAH MEETING HIS DAUGHTER.--Judges 11:35.]
-
-[Illustration: SAMSON SLAYING A LION.--Judges 14:6.]
-
-
-
-
-Nineteenth Sunday.
-
-_SAMUEL._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child."--_1 Sam. 2:18._
-
-[Illustration: YOUNG SAMUEL BROUGHT TO ELI.]
-
-THERE was a very good woman named Hannah, and she grieved because she
-had no children. Whenever she came with her husband to God's holy
-place, she used to kneel, and pray with all her heart to God that He
-would let her have a son; and she promised that if she had one, she
-would lend him to the Lord all the days of his life.
-
-At last God granted her prayer, and gave her a little son, and she
-named him Samuel. She was very glad when he was born, and she thanked
-God, and sang a hymn of praise for her dear little child. But she had
-promised to lend him to the Lord all his life; and she kept her promise.
-
-As soon as little Samuel was old enough to be without her, she took him
-to the holy place, that was instead of a church, and gave him to wait
-upon the Lord. He lived with the High Priest, whose name was Eli, and
-was taught by him.
-
-Eli was a very old man, and his sons used to behave very badly; but
-Samuel was always good and obedient to him, and used to wait upon him,
-and help him when he served God in the holy place. Samuel wore a little
-white linen dress like the priests; and when his mother came to see
-him, she used to bring him a little coat. She had five more children
-afterwards, three sons and two daughters.
-
-[Illustration: HANNAH'S PRAYER.--1 Sam. 1:11.]
-
-If you listen in the afternoon, you will hear how God spoke to Samuel
-whilst he was still a little boy; and I am sure you like to think of
-the little child in his white dress, ministering before God in His
-beautiful holy place. But only think. You can be like Samuel. Your
-father and mother lent you to God for all your life, when they took you
-to the font, and made you God's child; and though you live at home,
-you go to church, and can serve God there, if you kneel and stand and
-sit quietly at the proper times, mind the prayers, and repeat the
-Amens, and the verses you know, in their right places. And if you are
-obedient, and try to be good, God will love you as He loved Samuel.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the name of the woman we hear of to-day? 2. What did she
- wish for? 3. What did she do to obtain her wish? 4. What did God give
- her? 5. What was her son's name? 6. What did she promise? 7. Where did
- Hannah bring her little son? 8. Who took care of Samuel? 9. Who was
- Eli? 10. How did Samuel behave? 11. What did Samuel wear? 12. What had
- Samuel to do? 13. When were you lent to God? 14. Whose child are you?
- 15. How can you be like Samuel when you go to church? 16. How can you
- be like him at home? 17. Who will bless you if you try to be good? 18.
- What kind of children does God love?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth."--_1 Sam. 3:9._
-
-HANNAH brought her little son Samuel, to be brought up in the holy
-place by the High Priest Eli.
-
-Samuel was very good and holy, and God blessed him and loved him. One
-night, when everyone was gone to bed, but the lamp in the holy place
-was not yet gone out, Samuel heard a voice calling to him, "Samuel!" He
-sprang up at once, for he thought that Eli had called him, and he ran
-to Eli and said, "Here I am, for thou didst call me." But Eli answered,
-"I called not, my son; lie down again;" and Samuel went back to his bed.
-
-Then again came the voice calling to him, "Samuel!" and again he
-thought it was Eli's call. He was not lazy, or fretful at being roused
-out of his sleep, but he ran at once to Eli, and again said, "Here I
-am, for thou didst call me." But Eli sent him back to his bed again;
-and there again he heard the call, "Samuel!"
-
-Patiently he once more rose and came to the old man, but this time Eli
-knew that it must have been no other than God's own voice speaking to
-the child. So he bade Samuel go back, and next time he heard the voice,
-to say, "Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth."
-
-And so Samuel did. Again his name was called, and he made answer,
-"Speak; for Thy servant heareth."
-
-And God spoke to him in the still night, and told him to give Eli
-a fresh warning of the sad things that were coming on him and on
-his sons. Samuel was forced to tell Eli all in the morning, sad and
-mournful as it was. He was afraid and grieved to have such things to
-say, but he told the truth, and Eli was too good a man to be angry with
-him, and only said, "It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good."
-
-[Illustration]
-
-[Illustration: GOD TELLS SAMUEL OF DESTRUCTION OF ELI'S HOUSE.--1 Sam.
-3:11.]
-
-And, after that, God often made His will known to Samuel, and blessed
-him, and all Israel knew that Samuel was God's own prophet. Think of
-the great honor and blessing of having God so often speaking to him!
-But we have that blessing too. God is nearer to a little Christian
-child than He was to Samuel; for the Holy Spirit speaks in a Christian
-child's heart, and tells him to be good and dutiful, and to think of
-God, and say his prayers with all his heart. And that is better than
-even being a prophet like Samuel. Only we must take great care to
-attend to that voice; or it will leave off, and then we shall get worse
-and worse, like those bad sons of poor old Eli.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Samuel? 2. Where was he brought up? 3. What did his mother
- bring him every year? 4. Who was the High Priest? 5. What did Samuel
- hear? 6. Who did he think was calling? 7. What did he do? 8. What did
- Eli say? 9. How often did this happen? 10. Was Samuel cross at being
- called so often? 11. Who was honoring him? 12. What did Eli perceive
- at last? 13. What did he tell Samuel to answer? 14. What did he hear
- again? 15. How did he answer? 16. What did the voice tell him? 17.
- Whose voice speaks to us? 18. How does the Holy Spirit speak to us?
- 19. What must we take care to do?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The Ark of God is taken.--_Samuel 4:17._
-
-GOD helped the Israelites again and again, but they would not leave off
-their wickedness, and at last He punished them still more. There came
-up a nation to make war upon them, fiercer than any before, called the
-Philistines. Then the Israelites fancied that if they took the Ark of
-the Covenant out into the battle with them they would get the victory,
-as they had done when Joshua conquered the land.
-
-But God had never bidden them take the Ark. He had commanded that it
-should stay in its place at Shiloh. They did not heed this, but took
-it out into the camp, and all the people shouted for joy when it was
-brought, with the two priests, Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons, to
-take care of it. When the Philistines heard the shout, they said that
-the gods of Israel were come, and that they must fight all the more
-bravely. And they did.
-
-God would not help His people because of their self-will, so He let
-them be beaten by the Philistines, and Hophni and Phinehas were killed,
-and the holy Ark of God was taken by these heathens. And when poor old
-Eli, the High Priest, heard the sad news, he was so much shocked, that
-he fell down backwards and broke his neck and died.
-
-God still shewed His power, for when the Philistines put the Ark into
-the temple of one of their false gods the idol fell down and was
-broken; and wherever it was taken the people fell sick, till at last
-they sent it back to the Israelites: but it never came back to Shiloh.
-It was hidden in a lonely house in the woods; and the Philistines were
-strong and the Israelites were very weak and miserable, because they
-had been so very disobedient.
-
-[Illustration: THE DEATH OF ELI.--1 Sam. 4:17, 18.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What people came to fight with the Israelites? 2. Why did God let
- any one hurt the Israelites? 3. What did the Israelites think would
- help them to fight? 4. What was in the Ark of the Covenant? 5. Where
- was it kept? 6. Ought they to have taken it? 7. Why not? 8. Why did
- they take it? 9. Did it give them the victory? 10. Why not? 11. Who
- were killed? 12. Who was the father of Hophni and Phinehas? 13. What
- happened to Eli when he heard the Ark was taken? 14. Why did God
- allow it to be taken? 15. Did it come back again? 16. Why did not
- the Philistines keep it? 17. What happened to their idol? 18. What
- happened to themselves? 19. Where had it been before? 20. Did it ever
- come back to Shiloh? 21. Where was it kept?
-
-
-
-
-Twentieth Sunday.
-
-_KING SAUL._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Behold, the Lord hath set a king over you."--_1 Samuel 12:13._
-
-THERE was a young man named Saul, who was very tall and strong. His
-father kept a number of asses; for, in the land of Israel, people rode
-on asses instead of horses. One day all the asses were lost, and Saul
-and one of the servants went out to look for them. They went a long,
-long way, and never found the asses; and at night they came to a city,
-and there they found Samuel.
-
-Samuel was an old man now, and grey-headed; and he ruled over Israel,
-and everyone honored and loved him, because he was so good and just.
-Saul was very much surprised when the great and good Samuel met him,
-and led him into the house, and put him in the chief place, and gave
-him a choice of meat that had been set apart for him. Saul could
-not think how Samuel knew anything about him. And he was still more
-surprised the next morning, for then Samuel came out of the city with
-him, and sent the servant on before. Then Samuel took some oil, and
-poured it on Saul's head, which was what was called anointing, and told
-him that God had chosen him to be king over all the people of Israel.
-
-Was not this wonderful news for him? And you see, God had led him to
-Samuel to be made king, though he so little guessed what was going
-to happen when he set out to look for the asses. And God still makes
-everything happen, even the least thing; it is all for our good, even
-though we do not quite see why.
-
-[Illustration: SAMUEL ANOINTING SAUL.--1 Sam. 10:1.]
-
-So Saul was the first King of Israel; but he was only to be prosperous
-as long as he would take care to obey God.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the first King of Israel? 2. Did Saul expect to be a king?
- 3. What did he set out from home to do? 4. Where did he come? 5. Who
- was in the city? 6. What did you hear about Samuel last Sunday? 7.
- What age was Samuel now? 8. What did he give Saul? 9. What surprised
- Saul? 10. What did Samuel do to him the next day? 11. What is
- anointing? 12. What was he to be? 13. But what must he do if he would
- get on well?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few."--_1
- Sam. 14:6._
-
-SAUL was the first king of Israel. But just at first, when he was
-appointed king, the people were in great distress; for their enemies
-the Philistines had overrun the whole land, and held all the strong
-places, and were very hard to the Israelites. They would not even let
-a smith live among the Israelites, that they might not be able to have
-swords or spears made to use in fighting, and the Israelites had to go
-into the Philistines' country to get their axes and ploughshares made,
-and to sharpen the goads, or long sticks tipped with iron that they
-drove the oxen with.
-
-
-THE PEOPLE MUCH FRIGHTENED.
-
-Nobody had a sword or spear but Saul and his good son Jonathan; all
-the rest of the people had nothing better to fight with than axes
-and mattocks and goads, and they were very much frightened, and came
-trembling after their new king.
-
-But Jonathan trusted in God, and he and one young man set out creeping
-along a rugged steep path to see what the enemy were about, and
-by-and-by they came below the high rocky hill where the Philistines
-were encamped.
-
-One of the Philistines looked out and said, "Behold, the Hebrews come
-forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves;" and he called
-out to Jonathan, "Come up to us, and we will show you a thing."
-
-Now, Jonathan knew, as he said to his friend, that the Lord can save
-as easily by few men as by many, so he was not afraid; and he and the
-other young man climbed up on their hands and knees till they came out
-among all the Philistine soldiers. Then they began to fight at once,
-and the Philistines were so surprised at these two men beginning to
-fight with them, that they most likely thought all the others were
-behind, and they began to run away.
-
-The people in Saul's camp heard all the noise, and went out to look,
-and saw the Philistines running away, so they went after them, and
-killed many, and drove them out of the land, and got free of them once
-more.
-
-So God blessed and helped the good Jonathan, because he trusted in Him;
-and Saul became a great king.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the first king of Israel? 2. Who made Saul king? 3. Who was
- Saul's son? 4. Who were the enemies of the Israelites? 5. Why would
- not the Philistines let the Israelites have any smiths? 6. What is
- a smith? 7. What tools does a smith make? 8. How did the Israelites
- get their iron tools? 9. Who were the only ones that had swords and
- spears? 10. Why were the people afraid? 11. Who crept out to see
- the Philistines? 12. What did Jonathan know that God could do? 13.
- Where did he climb up? 14. What happened? 15. What became of the
- Philistines? 16. Who became king?
-
-[Illustration: ANCIENT SHOES.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Intreat me not to leave thee."--_Ruth 1:16._
-
-ONE fine summer day, a good man named Boaz went out into his
-corn-fields where his reapers were cutting down the wheat. "The Lord be
-with you," he said. "The Lord bless thee," they answered. Then he saw a
-young woman gleaning, whom he had never seen before.
-
-[Illustration: RUTH AND NAOMI.--Ruth 1:16.]
-
-He asked who she was. He heard that her name was Ruth, and she was a
-stranger and a widow. Then why had she come there? Because she could
-not bear to leave her husband's mother, Naomi, alone in her old age.
-She knew that if she kept with Naomi she must be poor and forlorn,
-and away from all her friends; but she loved her mother-in-law so
-much, that she said, "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from
-following after thee: * * * where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy
-people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will
-I die, and there will I be buried."
-
-When Boaz knew that Ruth was poor and a stranger, he told his reapers
-to drop some handfuls of corn in her way; and he told Ruth to keep
-among his young maidens, so that nobody might be rude to her, and that
-she might rest and eat among them when they rested in the heat of the
-day.
-
-[Illustration: RUTH GLEANING IN THE FIELD OF BOAZ.--Ruth 2:5.]
-
-Ruth carried home plenty of corn to her mother-in-law. And soon it was
-found out that Boaz was their nearest friend; and he married Ruth, and
-Naomi lived with them; and Ruth was no longer poor and a stranger, but
-was happy as a wife and mother in her beautiful home.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the name of the mother of whom we hear to-day? 2. Whose
- mother was she? 3. But who was good to her? 4. What did Ruth do for
- Naomi? 5. Where did she go to glean? 6. Who saw her? 7. What did Boaz
- bid his men do? 8. How did Boaz speak to his men? 9. How did they
- answer? 10. How was he kind to Ruth? 11. What did she find out? 12.
- Whom did Ruth marry? 13. What became of Naomi? 14. Why was Ruth so
- happy?
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-first Sunday.
-
-_THE REIGN OF SAUL._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also
- rejected thee from being king.--_1 Samuel 15:23._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-LAST Sunday you heard how God chose Saul to be king of Israel, and
-promised to help him if he would obey in all that God commanded him.
-
-Now, there were some cruel robbers that lived in the mountains, and
-used to fall upon peaceful people and kill them; and take their cows
-and sheep and camels and asses, and gold and silver, and all they had.
-So God sent a message by Samuel to Saul and his brave men, to destroy
-these cruel people; but God said that none of all their prey and
-riches, that had been gained by such wicked ways, was to be kept by His
-people; it was all to be made away with; they were to have none of it
-for themselves.
-
-They won the battle, and killed the robbers, as they were sure to do
-when God helped them; but then when they saw such fine cattle and
-choice things, they would not obey God, but went and took it all for
-themselves. They left only the poor and mean that they did not care
-for, and helped themselves to all they liked.
-
-And then, when Samuel came to meet them, Saul made as if he had done
-just what he was told, and said, "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord."
-But Samuel said, "What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine
-ears, and the lowing of oxen which I hear?"
-
-Saul wanted to make excuses; but it was not the first time he had been
-disobedient; and he was only frightened, he was not really sorry; so
-Samuel was obliged to tell him, "Because thou hast rejected the word of
-the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king."
-
-[Illustration: SAUL TEARING THE ROBE OF SAMUEL.--1 Sam. 15:27, 28.]
-
-Saul would not do as he was told, and so God punished him. Remember
-that. Your parents and teachers, or nurses, give you orders; and you
-have to mind them exactly--not only to do what you like, and miss out
-the rest. Saul did what he liked when he fought the robbers, but he
-would not obey when he took the spoil. Then God was angry with him. Do
-not you be like him; but obey when you do not like, as well as when you
-do like.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. What must we always do? 3. Who
- did we hear of to-day who did not do as he was told? 4. What was Saul
- told to do? 5. Who told him? 6. Who was Samuel? 7. Who was Saul? 8.
- What was Saul told not to do? 9. How far did he obey? 10. In what did
- he disobey? 11. Why was it wrong of Saul to keep the robbers' cattle
- and sheep? 12. What did he say when Samuel came? 13. Was this true?
- 14. What did Samuel hear that showed that this was false? 15. Whom had
- Saul disobeyed? 16. How was Saul to be punished? 17. Why was Saul not
- to keep the kingdom?
-
-[Illustration: DAVID ANOINTED BY SAMUEL.--1 Sam. 16:11, 12.]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed
- him."--_Psalm 89:20._
-
-THE hills that lie above Bethlehem have green slopes where the sheep
-feed. There, one day, a flock was feeding, and a boy with blue eyes and
-shining hair watched them, and perhaps sung as he watched. He was the
-youngest of eight brothers, and all the rest had gone down to a great
-feast; for Samuel, the great Prophet, was come to visit their father.
-
-[Illustration: Samuel goeth to BETHLEHEM]
-
-[Illustration: The Elders Alarmed]
-
-[Illustration: Are here all thy children?]
-
-[Illustration: HE KEEPETH THE SHEEP]
-
-But the youngest must stay out with the sheep. No one would want him.
-But see a messenger is coming up the hill. He calls--David is wanted.
-The Prophet has called for him. So the boy is obedient, and rises up,
-to run down the hill at his father's call. Perhaps he stopped to wash
-his face in the clear well of Bethlehem before he went up to the place
-of the feast, the same place where Boaz had brought his bride Ruth, for
-Jesse, David's father was Ruth's grandson.
-
-There stood the Prophet, with his long white hair flowing down; and
-as soon as young David came in, he stepped forward with a horn in his
-hand, and sweet-smelling oil of olives mixed with incense was flowing
-upon David's golden hair. He was the Anointed of the Lord. In time to
-come he would be king, but he must wait long and patiently first.
-
-Yes. Each of his seven brothers had passed before Samuel--tall goodly
-men--but God had spoken to Samuel, and forbidden him to choose them;
-for Samuel could only see their fine handsome faces and figures, but
-God looked at their hearts, and knew they were proud men, who would
-soon have been as fierce and headstrong as Saul himself. So he had sent
-Samuel to choose the youngest and least thought-of of all Jesse's sons,
-and anoint him to be king of Israel. Yes; and above all, to be the
-forefather of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was sent to Bethlehem? 2. Who used to live at Bethlehem? 3.
- What was Samuel to do? 4. Whose son was he to anoint? 5. What does
- anointing mean? 6. What was anointing to mark him for? 7. How many
- sons had Jesse? 8. How many came to the feast? 9. Which did not come?
- 10. Where was David? 11. Were his brothers anointed? 12. Why not? 13.
- Who saw their hearts? 14. Who was sent for? 15. What did Samuel do?
- 16. Why was Saul to be punished? 17. Why was David chosen? 18. Was he
- to begin to reign at once? 19. How was he to wait?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the
- armies of Israel."--_1 Samuel 17:45._
-
-THOUGH King Saul had beaten the Philistines, still they used to come
-back again and try to conquer the Israelites.
-
-Once they came with an army, and Saul had an army too. The Israelites
-were on one hill and the Philistines on another hill, and there was a
-valley between. Then out in front of the Philistines' camp came a giant
-named Goliath; for there really were giants then, and Goliath had three
-brothers as tall as himself.
-
-Goliath was nearly twice as tall as any man we ever saw, and he had a
-helmet on his head, and armour on his breast, and an enormous spear,
-and a shield, and a man carried a shield before him. He stood out, and
-called to know if any Israelite would fight with him. Then if Goliath
-conquered the Israelite, the Philistines should be the lords over the
-Israelites; but if an Israelite conquered Goliath, then the Israelites
-should be lords over the Philistines.
-
-But nobody felt bold or strong enough to go out to fight with this
-great man; and day after day he came and walked up and down, and
-laughed the Israelites to scorn for not daring to come out, they who
-called themselves the servants of God.
-
-[Illustration: DAVID SLAYING GOLIATH.--1 Sam. 17:50, 51.]
-
-At last a young shepherd boy came to the camp. He had three brothers
-among Saul's soldiers, and his father had sent him to take them some
-loaves of bread, and see how they were. The shepherd boy's name was
-David. When he came he saw the proud Goliath walking up and down
-boasting against the Israelites; he asked the soldiers about him, and
-was so eager that at last they brought him to the king; and Saul asked
-him how it was that he, who was only a youth, could dare to think of
-fighting with a man of war like Goliath.
-
-David answered that when he was keeping his flocks a lion and a bear
-had come and tried to take away a lamb. And God had made him strong to
-kill both the lion and the bear, and saved him from danger; and he
-trusted that in like manner God would help him if he fought with the
-giant.
-
-So Saul wanted to dress David in his own armour, but it was too large
-for him, and he would not use it. All he did was to choose five smooth
-stones out of the brook, and put them into his shepherd's bag. And he
-took his sling, a long strip of leather, the ends of which he used to
-hold in his hand to throw stones farther with, when he wanted to drive
-beasts away from his flock. And with only his sling and his stone he
-went out to meet the giant.
-
-[Illustration: SAUL CASTING HIS JAVELIN AT DAVID.--1 Sam. 19:9, 10.]
-
-Goliath was fierce and angry when he saw such a boy, and he thought it
-was only laughing at him to send no better warrior to fight with him.
-But David said, "Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear and
-with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts,
- * * * whom thou hast defied."
-
-[Illustration: THE PARTING OF DAVID AND JONATHAN.--1 Sam. 20:42.]
-
-[Illustration: DAVID AND ABIGAIL.--1 Sam. 25:32, 33.]
-
-Then David took one of his stones and slung it out of his sling. It
-struck the very middle of the giant's forehead, and went deep in, and
-down fell Goliath. All his great strength was of no use to him, and
-David ran and stood upon him, and drew out his great sword from his
-side, and cut off his head.
-
-All the other Philistines fled away, and David gave thanks to God for
-his great victory.
-
-By-and-by David came to be king instead of Saul; and he loved God, and
-trusted in Him so faithfully that God Himself called him a man after
-His own heart.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who were the enemies of the Israelites? 2. Who was the giant? 3.
- What is a giant? 4. What did Goliath wear? 5. What did he call the
- Israelites to do? 6. Who was the only one that would come out to
- fight? 7. What was David? 8. Why was not David afraid? 9. What had
- David killed before? 10. What did David take with him? 11. What was a
- sling? 12. What did David say? 13. Who helped David? 14. How did David
- attack Goliath? 15. What happened to Goliath? 16. What did David do to
- him then? 17. What became of the other Philistines? 18. What did David
- come to be? 19. What did God call David? 20. Why did God love David?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-second Sunday.
-
-_KING DAVID REIGNING._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "How are the mighty fallen!"--_2 Samuel 1:19._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THE last thing that has to be told about Saul is very sad. You know he
-would not do as God bade him, but chose to go his own way. Then God
-forsook him, and left him to grow worse and worse. Then his enemies,
-the Philistines, came up against him, and his army came together on the
-hills to meet them.
-
-But God was not with Saul, so his men could not fight, and he was
-beaten back step by step up into his own hills, close to his home; and
-there, when he found he could go no further, and that the Philistines
-would soon be upon him, he did the saddest thing of all--he threw
-himself on his own sword, that they might not take him alive.
-
-He did not quite kill himself; and when a young robber came by, trying
-to get garments and weapons from the dead bodies, the unhappy king
-begged for a death-blow as he lay. The robber gave him the last stroke,
-and then took the crown from his helmet, and his bracelets, and brought
-them to David, to show that he was dead.
-
-The robber thought he should have a reward, but David put him to death
-for having dared to strike the king: and David grieved and mourned for
-Saul, who had been a great and noble king once. But he had come to this
-miserable end because he would have his own way and will.
-
-[Illustration: THE DEATH OF SAUL.--1 Sam. 31:4.]
-
-[Illustration: DAVID ANOINTED KING OVER ISRAEL.--2 Sam. 2:4.]
-
-Then, when Saul was killed, David was anointed to be king; and he was a
-very good man, and served God with all his heart. So God blessed him,
-and made him great and powerful.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Saul? 2. What was Saul's fault? 3. Who came out to fight
- against Saul? 4. Where was he driven? 5. Who came after him? 6. What
- dreadful thing did he do? 7. Who killed him entirely? 8. What did the
- robber take? 9. To whom did he carry Saul's crown? 10. What did David
- do to him? 11. Why? 12. Who was to be king now? 13. Why did Saul come
- to such an end? 14. Whose way should he have followed? 15. Can anyone
- go on well who is self-willed? 16. Who was king after Saul?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."--_2 Samuel 12:23._
-
-KING David had a little son, a baby, whom he loved very much; and this
-child fell sick. While it was sick King David grieved for it, and
-prayed that it might be made well. But it was not God's will to make
-the little boy well, and he died. And then David was patient, and knew
-it was God's will; and he said, "I shall go to him, but he shall not
-return to me."
-
-For David meant that one day he should die, and then his soul would
-go to be with his little son's soul in the happy place of rest; and
-by-and-by their bodies will rise again out of their graves, and be
-joined to their souls again, and live for ever and ever.
-
-King David used to sing the Psalms to praise God; indeed, he first made
-most of them; and in one he says, "My flesh also shall rest in hope."
-That was, the hope that he should rise again from the dead, and always
-live in God's holy home in heaven. Heaven is the happy place where we
-all hope to meet and live by-and-by, and that is the comfort that good
-Christians have when death takes away friends whom they love.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was David's sorrow? 2. What did he do when his little boy was
- ill? 3. Did the little boy get better? 4. What became of him? 5. How
- did David bear his death? 6. What did he say? 7. Where did he hope to
- go to his little son? 8. When would his soul go to his child's soul?
- 9. When will their bodies rise? 10. What does David say of his flesh?
- 11. What is his flesh? 12. What hope does he rest in? 13. When will
- our flesh rest? 14. What do we hope to do? 15. Where in the Belief do
- you say we hope to rise from the dead? 16. What people will be happy
- then? 17. What are David's songs called?
-
-[Illustration: DAVID MOURNS THE DEATH OF HIS CHILD.--2 Sam. 12:18.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!"--_2 Samuel 19:4._
-
-GOOD King David had more sons besides the little one who died. One was
-named Absalom. He was a very fine, handsome young man, and had most
-beautiful hair; but he was fierce and proud, and wanted to be king.
-
-And when David was old, this wicked Absalom gathered men together,
-and drove his father away, that he might be king instead. Good King
-David had to go away, weeping and barefoot, down the steep rocky pass,
-for fear of his wicked son; and cruel men called him names, and threw
-stones at him as he went, while Absalom was made to reign in his
-father's palace, and did all he pleased there. But God will not let
-wicked men prosper; and all David's faithful old soldiers came together
-to help him. They had a great battle with Absalom and his men; and
-Absalom was beaten, and fled away on a mule.
-
-[Illustration: SHIMEI CASTING STONES AT DAVID.--2 Sam. 16:5, 6.]
-
-But when he came into a wood, his thick hair was caught in an oak tree,
-and he could not get it loose; and his mule went away, and left him
-still with his hair caught in the tree.
-
-Now, though Absalom had been so wicked, his father loved him still, and
-had begged all his men to take care not to hurt the young man Absalom.
-So when one of the men saw Absalom caught by the hair in a tree he
-would not hurt him, and only went and told Absalom's cousin, Joab, who
-was the captain of David's army.
-
-[Illustration: ABSALOM]
-
-Joab had no pity; he thought Absalom richly deserved to die, and he was
-afraid the king would pardon him; so he went at once, with three darts
-in his hand, and killed Absalom as he hung in the tree.
-
-King David was grieved to the heart. No words can say how sad he was to
-think that his son had died in his sin, and never asked his pardon. He
-wept, and cried aloud, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would
-God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" It was not like
-his grief for the innocent little baby he had lost before; for Absalom
-had been a bad man, and for that there is no comfort.
-
-And when all the people came joyfully to bring King David home to his
-palace, to be king again, still his heart mourned for his son Absalom.
-
-[Illustration: THE DEATH OF ABSALOM.--2 Sam. 18:9.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. Do you hear of any one to-day who
- broke the Fifth Commandment? 3. How did Absalom break it? 4. Who was
- Absalom's father? 5. How had David to go away? 6. What did cruel men
- do? 7. Who came to help David? 8. What did he charge them? 9. Who won
- the battle? 10. What happened to Absalom? 11. Who saw him there? 12.
- Whom did the man tell? 13. Why did Joab kill Absalom? 14. Did Absalom
- deserve it? 15. How did his father behave? 16. What did he cry out?
- 17. Why was he more sorry than for his baby son? 18. What is sadder
- than even dying? 19. How should you behave to your parents?
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-third Sunday.
-
-_PREPARING FOR THE TEMPLE._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price."--_2 Samuel 24:24._
-
-WHEN David was king his people did wrong again; and there came a plague
-upon them, so that a great number of them died all through the land of
-Israel.
-
-David and his priests, and all the good men, fasted and prayed, and
-entreated that God would turn His anger away. And while they were
-praying, David saw the Destroying Angel standing with his drawn sword
-over Jerusalem; but the plague had not begun there. Then David prayed
-the more; and God made known to him that he must offer up a sacrifice
-on the threshing-floor of Ornan, just by Jerusalem, and then the plague
-should be stopped.
-
-A threshing-floor was a flat rocky place on the top of a hill, where
-the sheaves of corn were laid out, and oxen drew boards, with the under
-side covered with spikes, to knock the grain out of the ears. Oman's
-threshing-floor was upon Mount Moriah, where Isaac had been so nearly
-sacrificed. He was threshing wheat on it when David came and desired to
-buy it for the sacrifice.
-
-Ornan was a good man, and said he would give the whole place to the
-king. But David said, "I will not offer unto my God of that which doth
-cost me nothing." So he bought the place of Ornan, the oxen, and the
-threshing tools; and the sacrifice was made to show that death must
-be for sin. Then God pardoned Israel, and the plague was stopped. We
-should remember that our offerings to God are only worthy if they cost
-us something. He does not want the things themselves, but He does value
-the love that gives them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What is a threshing-floor? 2. Whose threshing-floor have we heard
- of? 3. Where was it? 4. What had happened on Mount Moriah? 5. Whose
- son was Isaac? 6. Was he sacrificed? 7. Why not? 8. What town was
- near? 9. Who bought the threshing-floor? 10. Why? 11. What is a
- plague? 12. Why was the plague sent? 13. What did David see? 14. What
- was he bidden to do? 15. What did Ornan want to do? 16. What did David
- say? 17. So what ought we to give to God?
-
-[Illustration: THE KING SAID I DWELL IN A HOUSE OF CEDAR _BUT THE ARK
-OF GOD DWELLETH WITHIN CURTAINS_.]
-
-[Illustration: THE BRINGING UP OF THE ARK]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "His seed also will I make to endure for ever."--_Psalm 89:29_
-
-YOU know the two Tables of the Commandments were kept in the Ark of the
-Covenant; and when the Israelites were going about in the wilderness,
-they had a beautiful tent to keep it in. But now they had come into
-the Land of Promise, and had no more journeys to make, David wished to
-build a house, or temple, where the Ark might be kept, and to make it
-beautiful for the glory of God.
-
-But the Lord had sent a prophet to tell David that he must not himself
-build a house for God, because he had been a man of war, and had
-fought, and shed much blood; but that his son Solomon should be a man
-of rest, and should build the Temple for the Lord.
-
-David did not repine. He thanked God for giving him the hope that his
-son should do this great work; and all the rest of his life he was
-busy getting together gold and silver, brass and iron, and beautiful
-cedar wood, all for the Temple of his God. It was to be built on Mount
-Moriah, on the threshing-floor he had bought of Ornan, just by the city
-of Jerusalem, which David had conquered from the Jebusites, and made
-the capital of his kingdom.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was kept in the Ark of the Covenant? 2. Where was the Ark
- kept at first? 3. What did David want to build? 4. Why was David
- not allowed to build a temple? 5. Did he fret and grieve at being
- forbidden? 6. Who was to build the Temple? 7. What did David get
- ready? 8. Where was the Temple to be? 9. When had he bought it of
- Ornan?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "All things come to Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee."--_1
- Chronicles 29:14._
-
-DAVID had grown to be a very old man, near to his death; but, before he
-died, he called all the princes of his people together at Jerusalem,
-and asked them all to bring offerings to help to build a beautiful
-house, to be a Temple to the Lord their God. So all the people brought
-what precious things they could, to add to what the king had prepared;
-and a great quantity was ready--all willingly offered.
-
-[Illustration: DAVID'S THREE MIGHTY MEN.--2 Sam. 23:16, 17.]
-
-Then good King David stood up and made his offering. "All things come
-of Thee," he said, "and of Thine own have we given Thee." And he
-thanked and blessed the Lord God, who had been with him all his life;
-and he blessed his people Israel, and showed them his son Solomon, who
-was to reign after him; and he gave Solomon a charge to build the
-Temple of the Lord, and bade them all serve the Lord with all their
-might. And the crown was set on Solomon's head, and he was king; and
-David died at a good old age. He was the shepherd boy who came to be a
-king, and who first sung so many of the beautiful Psalms that are still
-our best words for praising God.
-
-[Illustration: SOLOMON ANOINTED KING.--1 Kings 1:39.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was David? 2. Who was his son? 3. What was Solomon to do? 4.
- What had David got ready for Solomon? 5. What did he ask his princes
- to bring? 7. What for? 8. When did David meet all his people? 9. Who
- was to be king? 10. Why was David glad? 11. What did he say to God?
- 12. Whose are all things? 13. What charge did David give? 14. What had
- David been before he was king? 15. What did David write? 16. What are
- the Psalms?
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-fourth Sunday.
-
-_SOLOMON IN ALL HIS GLORY._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and
- the victory, and the majesty."--_1 Chron. 29:11._
-
-[Illustration: Solomon.]
-
-THE last thing King David did was to have his son, young Solomon,
-anointed to reign, and then to show him to the people, and charge them
-to help him build the Temple for the Lord God. For he said Solomon was
-still very young, and the work was very great; so he begged the people
-of the tribes to bring their offerings; and so they did.
-
-They brought gold, silver, brass, iron, and beautiful stones, or the
-wood of oaks and cedars, according to what they had or could give; and
-when David saw it he was very happy and glad, and offered it up to God,
-and prayed that God would give unto his son Solomon a perfect heart,
-that he might serve God and keep His laws.
-
-Then there was a great feast all round Mount Sion, all the people
-eating, and drinking, and rejoicing, and praising God, who had
-delivered them from all their enemies.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did David ask of his people? 2. What did they bring him? 3.
- What were all these things for? 4. Who was to build the Temple? 5.
- Why was not David himself allowed to build it? 6. Yet what did he get
- together for it? 7. Why was he happy? 8. What did he ask God? 9. What
- great rejoicing was there? 10. Why was everything happy now with the
- nation?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Give me now wisdom and knowledge."--_2 Chron. 1:10._
-
-WHEN King David died, Solomon was still almost a boy. But God spake to
-him in a dream by night, and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." Then
-Solomon said he was but young, and knew not how to rule over this great
-people that God had given him; and therefore he prayed, above all, that
-God would give him a wise and understanding heart.
-
-And God was pleased with Solomon's choice, and said that because he had
-cared for wisdom most, and had not asked for riches, or long life, or
-to put down his enemies, that therefore, besides wisdom, God would give
-him all the rest--riches, and honor, and length of life--and he should
-be wiser, and greater, and richer, than any king ever was before him,
-or should be after him.
-
-All this was because he had cared so much to have a wise and
-understanding heart to know good and evil. That was first with him, and
-so God gave him all the rest. So it will be with all those who seek
-first of all to be good. God does not make us wise all at once like
-Solomon, but if we care about it, He will help us to get wise by little
-and little if we really try, and then He will bless all we do.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Solomon? 2. Whose son was he? 3. What was he king of? 4.
- How old was he when he began to be king? 5. What did God say to him
- at night? 6. What did Solomon wish for most? 7. What did God give him
- besides? 8. Why did God give him all these things when he did not
- ask for them? 9. What should we care about most? 10. What will God do
- for us if we care most about goodness? 11. How will He help us to get
- wise? 12. But what must we do ourselves?
-
-[Illustration: THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON.--1 Kings 3:26, 27.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.--_1 Kings 3:28._
-
-HERE is a story to show how wise and clever King Solomon was. One day
-when he was sitting on his throne two women came to him: one with a
-live baby, the other with a dead one, both boys, and just of the same
-age. They said they had been living alone together in the same house,
-each with her little baby, till one night one of the women rolled over
-her child in her sleep and smothered it, so that she found it was dead.
-
-But each woman said it was not her baby but the other's that was dead,
-and that the mother of the dead one had put the little corpse down by
-the other sleeping woman, and taken her living child out of her bosom
-to herself. How was it to be known which was right?--for nobody out
-of the house knew the two little ones apart, and each of the women
-declared that she was the mother of the live child, not of the dead. So
-they came to the king to judge between them.
-
-[Illustration: THE BUILDING OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE.--1 Kings 6:11-14.]
-
-And what plan could Solomon take to find out the truth? He sent for the
-executioner, with a sword, and said that as the women could not agree,
-both the children should be cut in two, and each woman should have the
-two halves. One woman was content to have it so, but the other only
-cried out in grief and dread, "O my lord, give her the living child,
-and in no wise slay it."
-
-Then Solomon saw in a moment which was full of mother's love, and which
-was full of hatred and jealousy; so he said, "Give _her_ the living
-child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof." And so
-the true loving mother had her child safe and well, and the other was
-disappointed in her spite.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Solomon? 2. Who came before him? 8. What had happened to
- one baby? 4. What did both the women say? 5. What had Solomon to
- decide? 6. What did he command? 7. Did he really mean to kill the
- child? 8. But what did he want to find out? 9. What did one woman say?
- 10. What did the other woman say? 11. Which was the real mother? 12.
- What did Solomon command? 13. Would not the loving mother rather give
- the child away than have it killed?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-fifth Sunday.
-
-_SOLOMON'S FALL._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "All the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had
- put in his heart."--_1 Kings 10:24._
-
-KING Solomon was the greatest king in wisdom and riches who ever lived.
-He had an ivory throne with golden lions standing on the steps, and
-a beautiful house lined with sweet cedar-wood. He sent ships which
-brought home gold and silver, and apes and peacocks; and it was said
-that gold was as common as silver generally is, and silver as common as
-stones!
-
-All people honored him, and the Queen of Sheba came from her far-off
-country to see him, because of the fame of his greatness. And when she
-saw him she was quite overcome, and said that all she heard was not
-half so grand and glorious as what she saw. Very happy, she said, were
-the people who stood round him and heard the words of his wisdom.
-
-We have the words of his wisdom in the Book of Proverbs in the Bible,
-for his wisdom came from God. And though we shall never see his purple
-robes or his gold and silver, do you know what our blessed Saviour
-said?--"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil
-not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in
-all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
-
-[Illustration: THE QUEEN OF SHEBA VISITING SOLOMON.--1 Kings 10:6-10.]
-
-The least little flower, if you look well into it, is more beautiful
-than anything King Solomon ever wore, for God made it; and he could
-only put things together that were made already.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Why was Solomon so rich? 2. Whose son was he? 3. What had he built?
- 4. When he had built the House of God what did he build? 5. What sort
- of throne had he? 6. What were the steps? 7. Who came to see him? 8.
- What did she say of him? 9. Where have we got his wisdom? 10. What do
- we call it? 11. What did our blessed Saviour say about him? 12. What
- have we got which are more beautiful than Solomon's robes? 13. Why are
- flowers more beautiful than Solomon's robes?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their
- iniquity with stripes."--_Psalm 89:32._
-
-IT is very sad to say that as Solomon grew old he left off being good.
-He married a great many wives, and brought them from the heathen
-nations round; and he did not teach them to worship the true God, but
-let them worship each in her own way.
-
-[Illustration: IDOLATRY OF SOLOMON.--1 Kings 11:4.]
-
-So, out in his gardens, one lady had her idol to the moon, and another
-had hers to the dreadful idol Milcom, and so on; and though Solomon
-knew so much better, even he was persuaded to come and pay honor to
-these idols, just to please these women--he, the son of David, whom God
-had blessed so much.
-
-And what the king did the people were sure to do. So God spake to
-Solomon, and told him that since he had fallen away from the right
-way, he must be punished, and that ten out of the twelve tribes would
-be taken away and not belong to his kingdom.
-
-[Illustration: REVOLT OF THE TRIBES.--1 Kings 12:16, 17.]
-
-It was not to happen in his own time, but in his son's time, but it
-must have been very sad to him to know that his beautiful kingdom and
-great power were to be so lessened, and that his son Rehoboam was a
-very foolish young man, who would spoil everything. But he was not to
-lose all, only part, for the sake of the holy King David, to whom God
-had promised that his throne should last for ever.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What wrong did Solomon do? 2. Where did his wives come from? 3.
- What did they want to worship? 4. Did Solomon let them? 5. What did he
- do himself? 6. Why was this wrong? 7. What is the First Commandment?
- 8. What did God tell Solomon? 9. How was he to be punished? 10. How
- many tribes were to be lost? 11. How many were to be kept? 12. Why
- were any to be left? 13. What had God promised David? 14. In whose
- time was the trouble to come? 15. What was the name of Solomon's son?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand."--_1 Kings 11:35._
-
-THERE was a strong brave man of the tribe of Ephraim, named Jeroboam,
-and God sent his prophet to speak to him. Jeroboam had a new mantle
-on, and the prophet took it and tore it into twelve pieces, and gave
-Jeroboam ten of them.
-
-Then the prophet said this was to show how God was going to tear away
-ten tribes from Rehoboam, the grandson of David, and give them to
-Jeroboam, because Solomon was bringing idols in to be worshipped. And
-he told Jeroboam that all should go well with him, and he would be a
-great king, and his sons after him, if he would go on serving the Lord,
-and the Lord only, and would keep from idols.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was to be taken from Solomon's son? 2. What was the name of
- Solomon's son? 3. Who was to have the tribes? 4. Who told Jeroboam so?
- 5. What sign did the prophet give? 6. What was torn? 7. Of how many
- tribes would Rehoboam be king? 8. Of how many would Jeroboam be king?
- 9. Why were any taken from Rehoboam? 10. Why were any left? 11. What
- does the Second Commandment say? 12. How long would Jeroboam go on
- well?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-sixth Sunday.
-
-_THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "This thing became a sin."--_1 Kings 12:30._
-
-SOLOMON'S son was named Rehoboam. He was foolish and hasty; and when
-his father's wise old men gave him good advice he would not listen to
-them, but only cared for his young friends, who were as foolish as
-himself. So when the Israelites came to him to ask him not to be hard
-upon them, and make them bring him so much corn and so many sheep, the
-old men told him to answer them kindly and gently, but the young men
-said he had better be fierce and sharp. So he followed the young men's
-advice, and made a very unkind answer.
-
-This made them all so angry that they said they would not have him for
-their king any longer; but they took Jeroboam, a brave strong man of
-the tribe of Ephraim, and made him their king. Only two tribes still
-held steady to Rehoboam. These were the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
-God left him these, because of the promise that King David's sons
-should go on sitting on his throne. But ten of the tribes had made
-Jeroboam their king; so that now there were two kingdoms--a large one
-called Israel, and a small one called Judah.
-
-This was because Solomon had let his heart turn away from God, and had
-not taken pains to keep his people holy, but had cared more for riches,
-and power, and glory. But Jeroboam did not take pains to serve God. He
-set up two calves, made of gold, for the Israelites to worship, instead
-of going to the Temple.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Solomon? 2. Who was his son? 3. Whom did Rehoboam like
- best? 4. What did his people ask? 5. What did the old men advise? 6.
- What did the young men advise? 7. Whose advice did he take? 8. What
- answer did he give? 9. What did the Israelites do? 10. Whom did they
- make their king? 11. How many kingdoms were there? 13. How many tribes
- made up Israel? 14. Who was king of Judah? 15. Who was king of Israel?
- 16. Why did not Rehoboam lose all? 17. What had God promised David?
- 18. Why did Rehoboam lose any? 19. What foolish answer did he make?
- 20. What idols did he set up?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee."--_1 Kings 13:16._
-
-IT is a sad story that you hear to-day. There was a man who was called
-a prophet, because God spoke to him, and used to send him to declare
-His will to the people.
-
-Once God called this prophet, and told him to go to a place called
-Bethel, where the wicked king of Israel, Jeroboam, had set up a golden
-idol in the shape of a calf, and was teaching the people to pray to
-it, instead of going to the Temple at Jerusalem to worship. He was to
-tell the king of his sin, and how his idol should be overthrown and
-destroyed; and when he had done this, he was to come home at once, by a
-different way, and neither eat bread nor drink water, but come quickly
-back.
-
-The prophet went to Bethel, and he spoke God's words to the king
-boldly; and when the king put out his hand to strike him God struck the
-hand, so that Jeroboam could not draw it back till the prophet prayed
-for him. Then Jeroboam felt God's power, and wanted the prophet to come
-to his palace with him. But the prophet said no; for God had commanded
-him to go home at once, without eating or drinking in that wicked
-place. So he set off.
-
-He had so far done well; but before he had gone all the way he grew
-tired, and he sat down under an oak. It was a great pity that he
-delayed, for there was a bad man coming after him with a lie upon his
-lips. This man told the prophet that God had said he was to come back
-and eat and drink; and I am grieved to say the prophet listened, and
-turned back.
-
-He ought to have known that God would have told him Himself if he was
-to go back; but he did not think--he did what pleased himself, not what
-pleased God; and he went back to feast with this stranger. But God's
-anger came upon him. When he went back in the evening, a lion came out
-of the wood and killed him.
-
-The lion did not kill the ass he rode upon, nor tear the body, and the
-ass did not run away from the lion; but the lion and ass both stood by
-the dead prophet till--who do you think found him? The very man who had
-tempted him to do wrong! Must not that have been a terrible sight?
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What had God told the prophet to do? 2. What had He told him not to
- do? 3. What was the first wrong thing the prophet did? 4. What harm
- came of his lingering? 5. How did he disobey? 6. What was his sad end?
- 7. Who found him lying dead? 8. What were standing by him? 9. Why
- did he come to this sad death? 10. How did he fall in the way of the
- wicked man? 11. What is the way to fall in with bad people? 12. Then
- how should you always go on messages, or to school? 13. Is it enough
- to mind only half what you are told?
-
-[Illustration: THE QUEEN OF SHEBA VISITING SOLOMON.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil
- fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth."--_1
- Kings 17:14._
-
-IT is very sad to say, but the Israelites went on getting more fond of
-idols, and would not worship God. They grew so wicked that at last He
-punished them, to teach them who sent the rain and did them good.
-
-He would not let it rain for three whole years. No rain by day, no dew
-by night! The corn would not grow, the grass dried up, and all the
-streams were nothing but stones; so that there was nothing to eat or to
-drink, and everyone was in sad distress.
-
-[Illustration: ELIJAH FED BY THE RAVENS.--1 Kings 17:5, 6.]
-
-There was one good man, a prophet, called Elijah, and God took care of
-him. He sent him to a lonely place, by the side of a little mountain
-stream, where there still was water to drink; and every morning and
-evening there came two ravens, who were sent by God, to bring him
-bread and flesh. That was a great miracle, or wonder, which God worked
-to feed His prophet.
-
-In time the brook dried up, and then God sent Elijah to a town called
-Zarephath. There Elijah saw a poor woman gathering sticks, and he asked
-her to give him a bit of something to eat. But the poor widow woman
-said she had nothing for herself and her son but a handful of meal and
-a little oil, and she was going to make a cake of it, and bake it with
-a fire of her sticks; and that was the last she could get, so they must
-die of hunger after they had finished.
-
-[Illustration: THE WIDOW'S SON RESTORED TO LIFE.--1 Kings 17:21, 22.]
-
-But Elijah still told her to make him a little cake first, for he
-said, "Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not
-waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord
-sendeth rain upon the earth."
-
-And the woman believed him, and gave him a bit of her last cake. And it
-was as he said. There was always meal and oil enough to feed them day
-by day: the widow, and her son, and the prophet, went on living on the
-meal every day, for God fed them.
-
-At last the child fell sick and died; and his mother grieved for him.
-But Elijah laid the child on his bed, and prayed to God to have mercy
-on the widow: and God had mercy. The little child's soul came back, and
-he was alive again; and Elijah gave him to his mother.
-
-Are not these three great wonders of God's goodness? God does not let
-us see miracles now, as He did in those times, because we are taught to
-believe in Him without them. But He still takes care of us. He takes
-care that if we trust to Him, and pray to Him, we shall have our food
-every day. And if we are ready to give what we want ourselves away to
-one who needs it, He will make it up to us, and take care of us all
-the more. And though no one is brought to life now who has died, yet
-God often gives us back our friends when they have been very ill; and
-we know that we shall all rise up from the dead and live with God for
-ever, at a greater call than Elijah's.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What is a miracle? 2. How many miracles have you been hearing of?
- 3. For whom were they worked? 4. Who worked them? 5. What were the
- three miracles? 6. Why was it a miracle that the ravens fed Elijah?
- 7. Why did the ravens bring Elijah the food instead of eating it
- themselves? 8. What was the next miracle? 9. How came the widow always
- to have enough? 10. How did she show that she was worthy to have a
- wonder worked for her? 11. Why was God pleased with her? 12. What more
- did God do for her son? 13. Who prayed for him? 14. How could you try
- to be like the good widow? 15. What is the way to be helped? 16. What
- do you ask God to give you every day?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-seventh Sunday.
-
-_ELIJAH AND AHAB._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God."--_1 Kings 18:39._
-
-YOU heard last Sunday how sadly the Israelites were behaving when they
-prayed to a golden calf. They had a still worse idol afterwards. His
-name was Baal; and they wanted to worship him instead of the true God.
-To-day there is a beautiful chapter that I hardly like to put into my
-own poor words. Listen to it well in church, and you will hear how
-wonderful it is.
-
-There were four hundred prophets, as they called themselves, who
-worshipped Baal, and only one real prophet who worshipped the Lord
-God. This prophet was named Elijah. He called all the people to a high
-mountain, and said they should see who was the true God. He said he
-would build one altar, and that the four hundred prophets should build
-another; they should each offer a sacrifice, and each should pray to
-his god, and the God that sent fire to burn the sacrifice would be the
-true God.
-
-The prophets of Baal tried first. They built their altar and put wood
-on it, and killed a bullock and cut it up, and they prayed to their god
-Baal to send fire down. But he was no god--he was nothing at all; and
-though they cried and shouted, and leaped about, and even cut their own
-flesh in their rage, not a spark of fire came.
-
-Then Elijah made his sacrifice. And he did a strange thing; for he had
-water poured all over it, till all the wood was streaming wet--and you
-know water always put out fire--so how was it ever to be burnt? He even
-made a trench round, and filled that with water too. Then he knelt
-down, and prayed that the Lord God in heaven would show His power, and
-make the people know that no one else was God.
-
-[Illustration: ELIJAH SLAYING THE PROPHETS OF BAAL.--1 Kings 18:39, 40.]
-
-And down from heaven came the fire! It was not stopped by the water!
-No, it dried that up in a moment, and burnt the wood, and consumed the
-sacrifice! And all the Israelites fell on their faces, and cried out,
-"The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God!" For only the Lord
-God is Almighty, and can do wonders.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who is the prophet we read of to-day? 2. What wicked thing were the
- Israelites doing? 3. What is the First Commandment? 4. What was the
- name of the false god? 5. How many prophets were there for Baal? 6.
- Who only spoke up for the true God? 7. What did Elijah say they would
- try? 8. How would they know which was the real God? 9. What happened
- when Baal's people prayed to him? 10. Why did not Baal send them any
- fire? 11. What did Elijah do to his sacrifice? 12. Whom did he pray
- to? 13. What came down from heaven? 14. What became of all the water
- that Elijah had poured out? 15. Why did not the water stop the fire?
- 16. What did all the people cry out? 17. What word in the Belief means
- that God can do everything?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "A still small voice."--_1 Kings 19:12._
-
-AFTER the Israelites had called out, "The Lord, He is the God!" and
-owned that Baal was nothing but an idol, God had mercy on them, and
-sent them rain again; and their famine was over.
-
-But King Ahab's wife, whose name was Jezebel, was a heathen woman, and
-she would worship Baal, and did not choose to believe in the true God.
-And she was very angry with Elijah, and sent men out everywhere to put
-him to death. Elijah was obliged to flee far away for fear of her; and
-he went out into the wilderness, and sat down under a juniper tree; and
-there he was so sad, to think that all he had done was of no use, that
-he requested for himself that he might die, for he could do no more
-good with these wicked people.
-
-Then he went to sleep; and when he woke an angel was by him, with a
-cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water; and the angel bade him
-rise and eat, for the journey was too great for him.
-
-It was a great journey, for he was to go all the way to the Mount of
-God, where God had spoken to Moses. And there he stood in a cave; and
-a voice came and asked, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" Then he told
-how the Israelites had forsaken their God, and killed the prophets, and
-"I, even I only, am left," he said; "and they seek my life to take it
-away." Then God showed him His wonders.
-
-First a great strong wind came rushing by--but the Lord was not in the
-wind. Then there was an earthquake, that broke the rocks in pieces--but
-the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a
-fire--but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, a still
-small Voice.
-
-Then Elijah wrapped his face in his mantle, and stood in the entrance
-of the cave, to hear what God would say to him. And God told him he was
-not all alone, as he thought; for there were many good men still left
-who had never bowed the knee to Baal, nor deserted the God of their
-fathers. And God sent him back to return to his work among the people
-of Israel, and not to think that there was no hope because he could not
-see it; nor to think he was left alone because he had no friends near
-him that he could see.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How long was there no rain in the land of Israel? 2. Why was there
- no rain? 3. Who told the Israelites of their wickedness? 4. What
- wonder showed who was the real God? 5. What did the Israelites cry
- out? 6. Who was the Israelite king? 7. Who was Ahab's wicked wife? 8.
- What did she want to do to Elijah? 9. Where did Elijah flee to? 10.
- Who came to feed him? 11. Where did he go? 12. What had been given on
- the Mount of God? 13. What was said to Elijah? 14. Why was Elijah so
- sad?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "He laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would
- eat no bread."--_1 Kings 21:4._
-
-YOU learn in the Catechism to say, "Thou shalt not covet." Coveting
-means wishing very much for what we ought not to have; and God tells
-us not to covet, because all faults begin in bad wishes. Now you shall
-hear what shocking sin one wish led to.
-
-King Ahab had a grand garden, and he wanted to make it bigger; but the
-next piece of ground belonged to a poor man named Naboth. Ahab asked
-Naboth to sell him his ground; but Naboth said it had come to him from
-his father, and must go to his son, and he could not sell it. Then Ahab
-coveted, and lay on his bed and would not eat--caring for nothing but
-the bit of ground he could not get.
-
-Now Ahab had a cruel, wicked wife; and when she saw her husband
-grieving about Naboth's ground she was determined to get it for him.
-So she had two very bad men set on to say that poor Naboth had been
-wicked, and must be put to death.
-
-They bore false witness against him, and broke the Ninth Commandment
-when they did so; and then, worst of all, this poor innocent man was
-really put to death for the crime he had never done--and that was
-murder, which breaks the Sixth Commandment. Then Jezebel called Ahab,
-and told him he might go and take possession of the ground that he
-wanted: there was nobody to hinder him. But he never had any pleasure
-in it.
-
-When he went to it, there stood God's great Prophet Elijah, ready to
-meet him. And Elijah told him how very angry God was with him and
-with Jezebel, and that they should be terribly punished for their
-cruel behavior to this innocent man. Then Ahab was sorry, and wept and
-grieved for the cruel thing that had been done; but all his sorrow
-could not bring Naboth back to life again. And oh! how grieved he must
-have been that he had not kept his wishes in order!--for almost all our
-faults begin in a wish.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who is the king we hear of to-day? 2. Who is the bad queen? 3. Who
- is the poor man? 4. What did Ahab want? 5. Why should not Naboth let
- Ahab have the ground? 6. How did Ahab behave when he could not get
- the ground? 7. Who said he should have it? 8. How did Jezebel get
- Naboth put to death? 9. Who met Ahab? 10. What did Elijah tell him?
- 11. What had Ahab done wrong? 12. What Commandment tells you not to
- covet? 13. What is coveting? 14. What Commandment tells us not to tell
- untrue things of other people? 15. Say the Ninth Commandment. 16.
- What Commandment was broken by putting Naboth to death? 17. How many
- Commandments were broken?
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-eighth Sunday.
-
-_ELIJAH AND ELISHA._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "A certain man drew a bow at a venture."--_1 Kings 22:34._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-WHEN Ahab had let Naboth be stoned that he might get his vineyard, the
-Prophet Elijah said that Ahab would be greatly punished, and that where
-the dogs licked up Naboth's blood there they would lick up Ahab's; and
-that cruel Jezebel should be eaten up by dogs, so that no one could
-say, This is Jezebel.
-
-Some time after, Ahab went out to fight a battle. He was afraid,
-because his conscience troubled him, and he thought he should be safer
-if he did not go out to fight dressed like a king, for he knew the
-enemies would all come and try to kill him if they saw him in his
-robes. But he dressed only like a common captain, and thought they
-would take no notice, and he would be safe. He forgot that if the enemy
-did not know him God knew him, and that God could see it was Ahab just
-as well in his common dress as in his robes and crown.
-
-So a man drew his bow, not shooting at anybody in particular; but God's
-will guided the arrow, and it wounded Ahab so badly that he desired
-to be taken out of the battle, and he died before he could be carried
-home. His chariot was full of his blood, and his servants washed it in
-the place where Naboth had been stoned to death; and the wild hungry
-dogs came and licked up the blood, just as they had licked up Naboth's
-blood. So you see no hiding could get away from God.
-
-[Illustration: THE DEATH OF KING AHAB.--1 Kings 22:34.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did God say was to happen to Ahab? 2. What was to happen to
- Jezebel? 3. What did Ahab go out to do? 4. How did he dress himself?
- 5. Why did not Ahab dress like a king? 6. From whom did he want to
- hide? 7. But who knew him all the time? 8. How was he wounded? 9. Did
- the man mean to hit Ahab? 10. How came Ahab to be hit? 11. What was
- done with him? 12. Where was his chariot washed? 13. What licked up
- his blood? 14. Who had said the dogs should lick his blood? 15. Why?
- 16. Why did Ahab let Naboth be killed? 17. Who was angry with Ahab?
- 18. Can we hide from God's anger?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen
- thereof."--_2 Kings 2:12._
-
-THE time had come when God was about to call away His great Prophet
-Elijah. And it was not as other men are taken from this earth, by dying
-and being buried, while their souls go away to the God who gave them.
-No; Elijah went out and visited all the schools, where young men and
-boys were being trained to sing God's praise; and Elisha, who was his
-scholar and his friend, went with him.
-
-[Illustration: ELIJAH TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN.--2 Kings 2:11.]
-
-When they came to the bank of the river Jordan, Elijah took his mantle
-and rolled it up, and struck the waters of the stream with it, and they
-parted, and left a way for Elijah and Elisha to go over dry-footed.
-Then Elijah said, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away
-from thee." And Elisha said, "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy
-Spirit be upon me."
-
-And while they were talking together, there came a great wonder from
-heaven: a chariot and horses, all bright and glowing like fire; and
-Elijah was parted from his friend, and went up into heaven upon a
-whirlwind. Elisha stood watching, crying out, "My father, my father,
-the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof;" as if he knew not
-what he said. And Elijah, as he went up, threw down his mantle; and
-Elisha took it up and went his way, much wondering, and full of awe.
-
-And when he came to the river Jordan, he took the mantle, rolled up,
-and smote the waters, and they parted again, so that he went through
-with dry feet. And when the young men in the school of the prophets met
-him, they saw in his face and manner that the same Spirit which had
-been on Elijah was on him, and they bowed themselves before him.
-
-Only one other man was ever taken up to heaven without dying, and he
-was Enoch, who lived before the Flood. Our blessed Lord ascended into
-Heaven; but He went up, He was not taken, and it was after He had died
-and risen again.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Elijah? 2. Who was his friend? 3. Where did they go
- together? 4. How did they get across the river? 5. What did Elisha
- ask? 6. What appeared to them? 7. What happened to Elijah? 8. What
- did he let fall? 9. Who was to be prophet in his stead? 10. What did
- Elisha cry out? 11. What did he do with Elijah's mantle? 12. What
- other man was taken up like this? 13. When did Enoch live? 14. Who
- only ascended into heaven?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "It is well."--_2 Kings 4:26._
-
-ELISHA was the prophet for Israel instead of Elijah. Now there was a
-good woman who saw him go by, and she said she would make a little room
-for him by the wall of her house, and put in a bed, and a table, and
-a stool, and a lamp, so that he could go and rest there whenever he
-pleased. When Elisha saw it he was pleased, and told her that if she
-wished for anything very much he would pray God to give it to her. She
-answered that she dwelt among her own people, and wanted for nothing.
-But she had no child; and Elisha prayed for her, and God blessed her
-for her kindness to His servant, and by-and-by she had a son.
-
-[Illustration: THE SHUNAMITE'S SON RESTORED.--2 Kings 4:36, 37.]
-
-But when he had grown into a boy, he went into the fields with his
-father to see the harvest, and the heat of the sun struck on his head
-so that he cried out, "My head, my head!" And his father said, "Carry
-him to his mother." But she could do him no good; he sat on her knees
-till noon, and then died.
-
-She did not stop to weep; she had her ass saddled, and rode away to
-seek for the man of God. And by-and-by she met him on the way, and she
-knelt down before him and held him by his feet. Then he knew how it
-was, and he bade his servant Gehazi take his staff, and hasten on, and
-never rest till he had laid it on the child's face. Gehazi did so, but
-there was no voice nor any answer. So he went back and met his master,
-and said, "The child is not awaked."
-
-Then Elisha came in, and found the child lying dead on his own bed.
-Then he stretched himself on the boy, and prayed to God that the soul
-might come back to the little one. And at last God granted the prayer,
-and the child's flesh grew warm; and Elisha prayed again, and the child
-sneezed seven times as his breath came back, and he opened his eyes!
-Then the mother was called, and the child was given back to her; and
-she bowed herself to the ground, and gave thanks to God and His prophet.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was prophet instead of Elijah? 2. What had become of Elijah? 3.
- Who made a room for Elisha? 4. What did she put in it? 5. What joy did
- God give to her? 6. What great grief? 7. What caused the boy's death?
- 8. What did his mother do? 9. What order did Elisha give? 10. Could
- Gehazi do anything? 11. What did Elisha do? 12. How did God show His
- mercy? 13. How did the mother thank God?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Twenty-ninth Sunday.
-
-_ELISHA'S MIRACLES._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Wash and be clean."--_2 Kings 5:13._
-
-THERE was a poor little girl who was stolen away from her own home in
-Israel by Syrian soldiers, and carried far from her mother and friends,
-to be a slave. It must have been very sad and lonely; but God lets
-nothing happen but for good, and so this poor little captive maid did
-great good. Her master was named Naaman. He was the captain of the
-army--brave and strong; but he fell ill of a disease that no doctor
-could cure, and which would go on getting worse till he would die of it.
-
-The little maid was sorry for him; and though she was all alone in a
-heathen land, she had not forgotten about God and His prophets, and
-she told her mistress that at home, in Israel, there was a prophet who
-could cure her master by God's power.
-
-So Naaman set out in his chariot, and came to the prophet's door. He
-thought the prophet would come out, and strike his hand over the place,
-and cure him directly--all the more because he was such a great man.
-But, instead of that, the prophet sent out word to him that he was to
-wash seven times in the River Jordan, and he would be well.
-
-This made Naaman very angry. He thought the bathing in Jordan would do
-no good, and that the prophet made light of him; and he turned and went
-away in a rage. Then his servants persuaded him. They said, "My father,
-if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have
-done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be
-clean?"
-
-Naaman was wise enough to listen to them. He did go and wash in the
-River Jordan, as the prophet bade him; and God gave the water the
-power to make him quite well again. Then he came back and thanked the
-prophet, and said he would never pray to any god again but to the One
-true God, who had healed him.
-
-So you see the little maid did great good to her master, both to his
-body and his soul, because she was good, and remembered her God, even
-when she was far away from home.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who is the great captain we hear of to-day? 2. What was the matter
- with him? 3. Whom did Naaman go to to cure him? 4. From whom did he
- hear about the prophet? 5. How came the little maid into Naaman's
- house? 6. Who made the prophet able to cure people? 7. Had Naaman been
- brought up to worship God? 8. What did he expect the prophet to do to
- him? 9. What did the prophet tell him to do? 10. Why did he not like
- this? 11. Who persuaded him to try? 12. What did they say he would
- have been ready to do? 13. Don't we sometimes wish to do something
- grand, rather than just what we are told? 14. But what have we got
- to do? 15. What came of Naaman doing as he was told? 16. To whom did
- Naaman say he should always pray?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "They that be with us are more than they that be with them."--_2 Kings
- 6:16._
-
-THE great enemies of the kings of Israel were the Syrians, who lived at
-Damascus; but whenever the Syrians made a plan to come and fight with
-the Israelites, God made it known to the Prophet Elisha; and he told
-King Joram, so that the Israelite soldiers were always ready before
-hand to fight with the Syrians. The king of Syria began to think one of
-his own men must tell Joram; but they said it was the Prophet Elisha
-who told the king of Israel what was said in the most secret chamber of
-the king of Syria. Then the Syrians sent an army of men to take Elisha
-at Dothan, and kill him.
-
-They came by night, and when Elisha's servant looked out in the
-morning, he saw horses and chariots all round the place. He was afraid,
-and cried out "Alas, my master! how shall we do?" But Elisha said to
-him, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be
-with them." And he prayed that the young man's eyes might be opened
-that he might see: and so they were--to see the whole mountain round
-about full of chariots of fire and horses of fire; many, many more than
-the Syrians had, and all come to take care of Elisha.
-
-And God made the Syrians unable to see that Elisha was before them, and
-he led them all the way to Samaria, and put them before King Joram as
-his prisoners. Joram wanted to put them to death, but Elisha would not
-let him, and they were all sent safe home, and did not come back as
-enemies for a long time. And we know that, though we cannot see them,
-God's angels are still in great armies encamped all round about those
-who fear Him, to deliver them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who were the enemies of the kings of Israel? 2. Who always told the
- plans of the Syrians? 3. How did Elisha know? 4. What did the king of
- Syria want to do? 5. When did his army come? 6. Who was frightened? 7.
- What did Elisha say? 8. Who were those who were with them? 9. Who are
- always round about those who fear God? 10. Why, then, need we never be
- afraid? 11. What happened to these Syrians? 12. But were they killed?
- 13. Why not?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "This day is a day of good tidings.--_2 Kings 7:9._
-
-IF King Joram had been good he would have had no troubles; but he would
-let his mother Jezebel worship her false gods, so God sent the Syrians
-against him again. And they came all round Samaria, and shut it in so
-close that nobody could get out; and all the food was eaten up, so that
-even such food as a donkey's head was so dear that hardly anybody could
-buy it, and everyone was getting starved. Joram was so angry, that he
-said at last, in his wickedness, he would cut off Elisha's head the
-next day.
-
-But Elisha said quietly that to-morrow there would be quantities of
-food in the city, so that it would cost almost nothing. One of the
-king's lords laughed, and said, "If the Lord should make windows in
-heaven, might such a thing be?" "Thou shalt see it with thine eyes,"
-said Elisha, "but shalt not eat thereof."
-
-Now, that night the Lord made the Syrians hear a great noise, as if an
-army was coming up to help the Israelites. And they were so frightened,
-that they all fled away in the night, and left all their tents
-standing, and their armor in them, and their stores of food.
-
-In the early morning, three poor leprous men, who could not get any
-food in Samaria, crept down to see if the Syrians would give them
-anything, or they thought if the Syrians should kill them, that would
-be better than being starved. But when they came to the camp there was
-nobody there--no soldiers, no horses, only tents full of rich dresses,
-and fine armour, and, best of all, plenty of food. The hungry lepers
-went and ate, and then they thought they ought to go and tell the
-people in the town that all the Syrians were gone.
-
-So the king sent out to see, two men upon lean, starved horses. They
-found it was all true, and everybody went rushing out to get food. The
-king sent the lord who had laughed at Elisha, to stand in the gate to
-keep order; but the people were so very hungry that they did not mind
-him, and he was knocked down and trodden upon, and trampled to death:
-and so it came to pass that he saw the plenty, but did not eat of it,
-because he had mocked at the word of the Lord.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was king of Israel? 2. Who was prophet? 3. What was the chief
- town in Israel? 4. Who tried to take it? 5. What was the sad distress
- in Samaria? 6. What had they to eat? 7. Whose fault was it? 8. But
- whom did Joram want to punish? 9. What did Elisha promise? 10. Who
- laughed at him? 11. What did Elisha say? 12. What happened in the
- night? 13. What became of the Syrians? 14. Who found it out? 15. What
- did the lepers see? 16. Whom did they tell? 17. What did all the
- people do? 18. What became of the man who laughed at Elisha? 19. What
- is it that makes God angry?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Thirtieth Sunday.
-
-_THE RUIN OF AHAB'S HOUSE._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "What hast thou to do with peace."--_2 Kings 9:18._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THE Sunday before last you heard how King Ahab was killed in battle,
-though he had fancied that he could hide from God. His wife, Queen
-Jezebel, was left; and she had always been worse than he was, and she
-had brought up her son Joram to be very wicked too. When Joram had
-reigned as king for twelve years, God told His Prophet Elijah to send a
-young man to anoint a captain called Jehu to be king instead of Joram.
-So the young man took some oil, and went to the town where Jehu was,
-and said, "I have an errand to thee, O captain." Then he poured the oil
-on Jehu's head, and told him that God made him king of Israel.
-
-The other captains were glad to make Jehu king, and they made him sit
-on the top of a flight of steps, and blew with their trumpets, and
-shouted, "Jehu is king." Then they all set out to conquer King Joram.
-
-Joram had his chariot made ready, and went out in it to meet Jehu; but,
-as soon as they came in sight of one another Jehu shot an arrow, and
-it struck Joram, so that he sank down in his chariot and died.
-
-Then Jehu went on into the town; and Jezebel thought she would still
-try to make friends with the people; so, instead of mourning for her
-son, she painted her face, and put on a headdress, and looked out at a
-window. Jehu said, "Who is on my side? who?" And some of the servants
-looked out. He said, "Throw her down." So the servants threw Jezebel
-out of the window, and her blood sprinkled on Jehu's horses. But he
-went on, and went into the palace, and was made king, and had a feast.
-
-[Illustration: JEZEBEL EATEN BY DOGS.--2 Kings 9:32, 33.]
-
-Then he sent out, and said that he would have Jezebel buried, for she
-was a king's daughter. However, when his men went out to look for her,
-they found that the wild dogs that ran about the streets had eaten up
-every bit of her, so that there was nothing left of her but her skull
-and her feet, and the palms of her hands.
-
-You remember that God's prophet Elijah, had told Ahab that the dogs
-should eat Jezebel, because she was so cruel. She worshipped idols,
-and killed God's prophets, and had poor Naboth put to death that Ahab
-might have his vineyard. So God punished her. People need not hope that
-God will not punish what they have done wrong, for He will be quite
-sure to punish unless they are very sorry, and pray to Him, to pardon
-them for Jesus Christ's sake.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Ahab? 2. Who was Jezebel? 3. What wicked things had they
- done? 4. What had the prophet told them? 5. What had become of Ahab?
- 6. Who was king after Ahab? 7. How long was Joram king? 8. Whom did
- God choose to punish Jezebel and Joram? 9. Who was sent to tell
- Jehu? 10. What is anointing? 11. Who did you hear of before who was
- anointed? 12. What did the other captains do to Jehu? 13. Who came out
- to meet him? 14. What did Jehu do to Joram? 15. What did Jezebel do?
- 16. What became of Jezebel? 17. What was left of Jezebel? 18. Why did
- she come to such a shocking end? 19. What does God do to sinners? 20.
- Does He always punish them at once? 21. Does he forget? 22. What must
- be done if we would not be punished?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel."--_2 Kings 10:28._
-
-WHEN that fierce soldier, Jehu, was made king, the men of Israel cut
-off the heads of all Ahab's sons and grandsons, and made them up into
-two heaps at the city gates; and all the people who worshipped Baal
-were shut up in his temple, and every one of them killed. It is very
-sad and terrible; but God had commanded that people who prayed to
-idols should not live, because they taught the rest of the Israelites
-to be wicked too. When we hear about it, we must recollect that it is
-a fearful thing to turn away from serving God, and that He is sure to
-punish those who will not worship Him.
-
-You are not likely to pray to an idol; but I hope you do say your
-prayers night and morning, and mind them as you say them. Not saying
-our prayers, and not going to church, is turning away from God; and it
-would be very sad and ungrateful to do that, for God has done much more
-for us than He did for the Israelites, and we know more about Him than
-they did.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who came to punish them? 2. What was done with the heads of the
- princes? 3. What was done to the worshippers of Baal? 4. Why were they
- put to death? 5. What Commandment did these worshippers of Baal break?
- 6. What is the First Commandment? 7. Whom must we worship? 8. When do
- we worship Him? 9. Must we go without saying our prayers?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The arrow of the Lord's deliverance."--_2 Kings 13:17._
-
-ELISHA grew to be a very old man, and when at last he fell sick and was
-near his death, the king of Israel, whose name was Joash, came and kept
-by his bed-side.
-
-Elisha said, "Open the window eastward;" and he opened it. Then Elisha
-said, "Shoot;" and Joash took his bow and shot an arrow. And Elisha
-said, "The arrow of the Lord's deliverance." Then he said, "Take the
-arrows; smite upon the ground."
-
-Joash struck three times on the ground, but he did not go on striking,
-for he did not think enough of God and His prophet to understand that
-if he obeyed Elisha God would bless him. So Elisha told him if he had
-struck many times, he would have had a great many victories over the
-Syrians, but as he had only struck three times, he would only have
-three victories. For it is when people begin by obeying in little
-things that God gives them a great deal.
-
-Then the great Prophet Elisha died, and was buried; and Joash beat
-the Syrians three times, but no more, because he had not believed and
-obeyed.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was dying? 2. Who came to see Elisha? 3. What did Elisha tell
- Joash to do? 4. What did he call the arrow? 5. What did he bid Joash
- do then? 6. How many times did Joash strike the ground? 7. What ought
- he to have done? 8. Why did he not? 9. What did Elisha promise him?
- 10. Why did not he have more victories? 11. If we want to do great
- things, how must we do little things?
-
-[Illustration: A CITY CAPTURED AND THE INHABITANTS LED AWAY CAPTIVE.]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-first Sunday.
-
-_HEZEKIAH AND JOSIAH._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord."--_2 Kings
- 18:3._
-
-YOU have heard of many bad kings. There is a good king to tell you
-of at last--good King Hezekiah. He cared for nothing so much as to
-please God. He would not have any idols, but he cleared them all away,
-and had the holy Temple all set to rights, and made beautiful as God
-had commanded; and he had all the services at the Temple at the right
-times, and used to go and pray there himself constantly. And he did all
-he could to make his people good too.
-
-But there came a great danger. There was a king of Assyria named
-Sennacherib, who had quantities of soldiers and horses and chariots,
-and he used to conquer towns, and carry all the people in them away to
-live far from home. He thought he would seize Hezekiah and his people
-in this way, and he did come and do much harm all over the country.
-
-He did not come at once to Jerusalem; but he sent three boasting men,
-with an army, to stand outside the walls, and call out to the people
-inside, that Sennacherib was coming to conquer them and carry them
-away, and that they need not believe their king Hezekiah when he said
-that God would help them, for no god had ever yet saved a country from
-Sennacherib.
-
-Hezekiah's people were terribly afraid. Some wanted him to get help
-from the king of Egypt; but Hezekiah knew that God had forbidden him
-to have anything to do with the Egyptians. He knew that God could help
-him, and that the way to be helped was to do just what God told him.
-So, though Sennacherib had so many men, and he had so few, and the
-Egyptians had plenty of soldiers and horses, he made sure that God
-could save him much better than any Egyptian of them all.
-
-Next Sunday morning you will hear what happened.
-
-[Illustration: RABSACES BEFORE SENNACHERIB.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who is the good king we hear of to-day? 2. What did he clear away?
- 3. What Commandment did he keep? 4. Where did he go and pray? 5. Who
- was his enemy? 6. What message did Sennacherib send to the people of
- Jerusalem? 7. Where did the people want Hezekiah to send for help? 8.
- Why would not Hezekiah send for help from Egypt? 9. To whom did he
- trust?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth:
- Thou hast made heaven and earth."--_Isaiah 37:16._
-
-HEZEKIAH was king of Jerusalem. He was very good, and always served God
-and prayed to Him. But a great fierce king named Sennacherib brought
-an army into his land, and ruined all his towns and villages except
-Jerusalem, and shut up Hezekiah in his town, so that his people could
-not dare to come out.
-
-And Sennacherib wrote a letter to tell Hezekiah that it was no use to
-hope to escape, he was coming to take away the Jews and ruin Jerusalem;
-and this wicked man even said that Hezekiah need not think that his God
-would save him, for no nation had ever yet been saved by its gods, so
-the God of Hezekiah could not help him.
-
-
-HEZEKIAH'S PRAYER.
-
-In his great distress Hezekiah went up to the Temple, and told God all
-his trouble. And he said, "Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all
-the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth." He said he
-knew the gods of those nations could not save them, for they were no
-gods, only wood and stone; but he trusted that God would save him and
-his people, though they were far too weak to defend themselves against
-this terrible king and his people.
-
-God heard the good king's prayer, and sent him a promise that his enemy
-should not even come before Jerusalem, nor shoot one arrow at it. And
-God kept His word. The fierce soldiers of Sennacherib all lay down to
-sleep one night, but they never woke up again. God sent His angel, with
-a deadly blast, and all the army that wanted to destroy His people died
-in one single night.
-
-It was because they and their king had fancied God could not save His
-people, that they died. And it was because Hezekiah prayed to the Lord
-and tried to be good and holy, that no one could hurt him. Now try to
-do like Hezekiah. If you are vexed, or if you are afraid, tell God all
-about it, and ask Him to help you. And He will be quite sure to hear
-and help you, if you will only speak to Him and tell Him what is in
-your heart.
-
-[Illustration: THE ANGEL SLAYING THE ASSYRIANS.--2 Kings 19:35.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Hezekiah? 2. What kind of king was he? 3. Who wanted to
- hurt him? 4. What did Sennacherib mean to do? 5. What had he done to
- other cities? 6. What very wicked thing did Sennacherib say? 7. Where
- did Hezekiah go in his distress? 8. To whom did he pray? 9. Why did
- he say the other cities had not been saved by their gods? 10. What
- commandment tells us not to have gods of wood and stone? 11. What
- did Hezekiah ask God to do? 12. What did God promise? 13. And what
- happened to the soldiers of Sennacherib? 14. Who slew them? 15. Why
- were these people slain? 16. Why was Hezekiah safe? 17. What did he do
- that he might be saved? 18. How can you do like Hezekiah? 19. What may
- you tell God about? 20. What will He be sure to hear? 21. And if you
- pray to Him, what will He do for you?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the
- Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his
- might."--_2 Kings 23:25._
-
-THERE is one more good king to tell you about, whose name was Josiah.
-He was great-grandson to good King Hezekiah. The two kings who had come
-between Josiah's grandfather and father, had both been very bad men.
-His grandfather repented when he fell into trouble, and God forgave
-him; but his father never repented, and died in his wickedness when
-Josiah was only eight years old. But Josiah was very different. He made
-his people break down their idols, and clear out the Temple of the
-unholy things they had brought in, and worship God rightly once more.
-
-
-THE BOOK OF THE LAW OF MOSES.
-
-While they were cleaning out the Temple, they found a book that nobody
-knew--the Book of the Law of Moses--that is, the first five books in
-the Bible. All the time of these two bad kings nobody had minded it, or
-read it; it had been lost, and everyone had forgotten all about it.
-
-When Josiah knew what it was, and that it was the Law that God had
-spoken to Moses, he made the priests read it to him and all his people.
-They were very much frightened when they heard it; for they found they
-were doing all the very things that God had said He would punish them
-for, and turn them out of their good land.
-
-So Josiah sent to a holy prophetess to ask her whether, if they
-left off their sins, and were very sorry, and prayed with all their
-might, God would still forgive them. But God told her to answer that
-the people had done so wrong, and grown so wicked, that now their
-punishment must come; but that, as Josiah's heart was tender, and he
-loved God, it should not happen in his time, and that he should be
-quietly buried with his fathers. And, after years of goodness, Josiah
-was killed in a battle, and all his people mourned over him.
-
-But they had not been really good, they only pretended, just to please
-him, and went back to their wicked ways, in spite of all the pains he
-had taken with them; and his own sons were as bad as the rest. So the
-punishment was obliged to come.
-
-[Illustration: THE BOOK OF THE LAW FOUND.--2 Kings 22:10, 11.]
-
-What I wish you to mind to-day is how these people lost their Book of
-the Law for want of attending to it. If you have not got a Bible of
-your own, I dare say you soon will have one. And then, pray, do not do
-like these people of Israel. Do not let it lie by till you forget to
-look at it, and forget what is in it, and then forget even where it is.
-If you do, you will grow as bad as these people were, and God will be
-forced to punish you as He was forced to punish them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Josiah? 2. How many kings were there between him and
- Hezekiah? 3. What sort of kings were they? 4. What kind of person was
- Josiah? 5. How old was he when he began to reign? 6. What did he have
- cleaned out? 7. What did they find there? 8. Who gave the Law? 9. What
- was to happen if it was not kept? 10. How had it been lost? 11. What
- did Josiah cause the priests to do? 12. Why was he frightened? 13.
- What did he ask? 15. But why did the people deserve to be punished?
- 16. What did they do as soon as Josiah was dead? 17. What came of
- forgetting their Bibles? 18. Ought we to forget our Bibles? 19. If we
- never read them, can we be good? 20. And if we are not good, what must
- be done to us?
-
-[Illustration: AN ASSYRIAN KING.]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-second Sunday.
-
-_JEHOIAKIM'S CRUELTY._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "I speak unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not
- hear."--_Jer. 22:21._
-
-JOSIAH was the last good king. In his time God called Jeremiah, when he
-was only a young boy about twelve years old, to be His prophet; and all
-the time Josiah reigned Jeremiah was teaching the people God's will,
-while Josiah was doing all he could to help them to do right and serve
-the Lord.
-
-But the Jews did not heed either the king or the prophet--they only
-longed after their idols. Even Josiah's own sons would not be good,
-after they had been brought up by such a holy father; but no sooner was
-he killed in battle, than they went back to all the bad ways that he
-had put an end to.
-
-The eldest son, Jehoahaz, only reigned three months. Then God let the
-king of Egypt take him away; and the Prophet Jeremiah says that it was
-far sadder for him to go away a captive, and never see his home again,
-than for good Josiah to be in his grave, loved and wept for by all. For
-though God had let Josiah die so early, it was in mercy. The people had
-grown so wicked that they must be punished, and so he was taken away
-from the evil to come. His next son was king after his brother Jehoahaz.
-
-The next brother was king instead. His name was Jehoiakim. One would
-have hoped he would have taken warning by his brother's troubles, and
-served God better. But no! He did not care to attend to poor people. He
-thought he should be safe in a fine house. He sent for large stones,
-and had great beams of cedar tree for the roofs, and painted the walls
-of his great rooms with scarlet. But he paid no wages to his workmen,
-and was cruel to everybody, and had innocent people killed if they made
-him angry with them.
-
-[Illustration: JERUSALEM BESIEGED AND PEOPLE TAKEN CAPTIVE.--2 Kings
-25:11.]
-
-Only there was one man who was not afraid of this King Jehoiakim. It
-was God's prophet Jeremiah. He told the king how little good his fine
-house would do; and what was more, he said that when he died nobody
-would be sorry for him. They had wept for his father with a great
-weeping and many tears; but when the cruel Jehoiakim died nobody would
-lament. Nobody would say, "Ah, lord!" or, "Ah, his glory!" but they
-would care for him no more than if he was an ass who was being buried.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the good king you heard of last Sunday evening? 2. What
- kind of sons had he? 3. What became of the first? 4. What was he never
- to do? 5. What was the name of the second? 6. What did Jehoiakim want
- to build? 7. What were the walls of? 8. How was it roofed? 9. How was
- it painted? 10. But what did he not pay? 11. How did he treat the
- people? 12. Who could have made him quite safe? 13. But how must he
- have lived if he wanted God to take care of him? 14. If God did not
- take care of him, would his fine house do him any good? 15. Who told
- him it would do him no good? 16. What had everyone done when Josiah
- died? 17. Why did they weep for Josiah? 18. But would they care when
- Jehoiakim died? 19. Why would nobody care for Jehoiakim?
-
- NOTE--The two other Lectionary Lessons for this day are from Nehemiah.
- If it be desired to read the "story" on them, it is to be found on
- the 39th Sunday, but it was omitted here to prevent chronological
- confusion.
-
-[Illustration: ASHTORETH.]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-third Sunday.
-
-_JEREMIAH'S PROPHECIES._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "He reserveth to us the appointed weeks of the harvest."--_Jer. 5:24._
-
-THE chapter to-day is one where God is putting us in mind, by His
-Prophet Jeremiah, whom he sent to speak to the wicked kings, that we
-ought to remember Him and be thankful to Him. Two of His great mercies
-are spoken of here.
-
-If you go and stand on the sea-shore, you see the great wide sea of
-waters heaving and moving all over. Then a long wave comes rising up;
-it runs on and on, and rises high, falls over in white foam, and breaks
-on the sand with a rush. Then another rolling wave comes after it, and
-another, and another, each a little higher than the last. They hide the
-ground; and if you stood still at the edge of the first, they would
-soon carry you off. Stone is hidden after stone, rock after rock, and
-you would think all the land would get covered at last. No, there is no
-fear of that.
-
-In six hours' time, the waves leave off coming farther and farther;
-but each leaves a little bit more ground uncovered, till they have
-gone quite back to where they were before, and the beach lies fresh
-and shining in the wet. People call this the tide, and know it always
-does so; it comes up and goes back at its set times, because God fixed
-a line for that fierce sea, and said to it, "Hitherto shalt thou go,
-and no farther; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed." And if the
-waves dash and roar ever so loud, still they never can get beyond the
-bound God fixed for them.
-
-There is the wonder of the sea! Now look at the wonder of the land. All
-over the country, the corn stands up tall and brown; or else it has
-been cut, and is piled up in shocks; or the wagons are carrying it safe
-home! Perhaps you have been gleaning in the fields, and have brought
-home your lap full of corn.
-
-[Illustration: THE LORD COMMANDS JEREMIAH.--Jer. 2:16, 17.]
-
-How did we get the corn that is to make us bread? It was because, when
-the farmer sowed his grain, God sent rain to make it grow, and caused
-the sun to shine, so as to draw up the stalk, and swell the grain in
-the ear; and now He hath "reserved to us the appointed weeks of the
-harvest." He has given us the glad harvest-time to store up our wheat,
-to make bread for all the year. Let us thank Him, and never forget who
-gives us bread, nor to say our prayer for daily bread.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What do the waves of the sea do every day? 2. What do people call
- the coming up of the sea? 3. Need we fear its coming too far? 4. Why
- cannot the waves come too far? 5. What did God say to the sea? 6. Who
- made the sea? 7. Can you tell me a verse you say or sing at church
- about the sea being His? 8. What is it that God gives us every day to
- eat? 9. What is bread made of? 10. Where does corn grow? 11. Who makes
- the corn grow? 12. What does God send to make the corn grow? 13. What
- do we call the gathering in of our corn? 14. Who takes care we shall
- have a harvest? 15. How should we ask God for our food? 16. How should
- we thank Him for our food?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Yet they were not afraid."--_Jer. 36:24._
-
-YOU heard what a bad, cruel king Jehoiakim was. Still there was a hope
-that he and his people would take warning, when he heard that God would
-punish his sin; so Jeremiah the Prophet had all his prophecies written
-out on a roll of parchment, and his friend Baruch went to the Temple,
-and read to the people that if they would not worship God and serve Him
-faithfully, He would cause them all to be taken away prisoners to a
-strange land.
-
-Baruch stood reading the parchment; and the people listened to him, and
-some of them began to grow afraid. But then came some of the king's
-great people, and when they heard it they thought it would make the
-king angry. They forgot that God's anger signified much more than the
-king's anger. They did not want Jeremiah or Baruch to be punished, but
-they were afraid to let the reading go on. So they told Baruch to go
-away and hide himself and Jeremiah carefully, and then they took the
-prophecies to shew them to the king.
-
-The king was sitting by the fire warming himself, for it was in the
-winter. He listened for a little while; but when he found that the
-parchment was about his sins and God's anger, he took out a knife and
-cut the whole into bits, and burnt it in the fire. Was he so foolish
-as to think that burning the prophecy would prevent it from coming to
-pass? If so, he made a great mistake; for God desired Jeremiah to have
-it all written over again, and more too; for the punishment was to be
-worse now than it would have been before--much worse than if Jehoiakim
-had listened, and left off his bad ways, and prayed to God.
-
-[Illustration: TWO PAGES OF AN ANCIENT SCROLL OF SCRIPTURES.]
-
-In a very short time the enemy all came round Jerusalem, and everyone
-was shut up in the city, and could not get out, and food was very
-scarce; and Jehoiakim was taken and put in chains; and thus he died,
-and nobody grieved for him. His young son, Jehoiachin, was called king
-for a little while, but only for a very little while; for the king of
-Babylon broke into the city, and made him prisoner, and took him away
-to be shut up far from home. And as to the dead body of Jehoiakim
-himself, nobody had time to give him a burial; so it was thrown out at
-the gates as if he had been a dead ass instead of a king of Judah.
-
-So you see God's words through Jeremiah all came true, though Jehoiakim
-would not heed them. He only made it worse by not listening.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the king? 2. Who was the prophet? 3. What had Jeremiah said
- about Jehoiakim? 4. Where did God tell him to have it written? 5. Who
- was to read it? 6. To whom did Baruch read? 7. Where did the great
- people take the roll of parchment? 8. What did the king do to it? 9.
- Whose words did he throw away? 10. Why would not he listen? 11. Did he
- hinder the harm from coming? 12. What happened to him? 13. How was he
- buried? 14. How should he have tried to prevent the harm from coming?
- 15. How should you behave if you have fault found with you?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father
- in all that he hath charged us."--_Jer. 35:8._
-
-GOD is pleased with those who obey what their parents tell them. To-day
-we hear about a family, whose father gave them an order that sounds
-strange to us. They were never to live in stone or brick houses, but
-always to have tents; they were not to have corn-fields or vineyards,
-but only flocks of sheep, and herds of cows and goats; and they were
-never to taste wine or strong drink, but only water and milk. It was
-quite a long time after the old father, who gave these orders, had
-died, that the Prophet Jeremiah was told to try whether they still
-minded him. He was told to set pots of wine and cups before them, and
-to ask them to drink. But they all answered steadily, that their father
-had bidden them never to touch wine, nor have fields, nor build houses;
-and they were resolved that they would obey him. Then God was pleased
-with them, and gave a blessing to them by the mouth of His prophet.
-He said that there should never be an end to their tribe, because they
-were so obedient. And so it has been.
-
-These Rechabites, as they are called, lived two thousand four hundred
-years ago; and their children and descendants have gone on like them
-ever since--living in tents, keeping sheep, and drinking no wine, and
-obeying the voice of their father, who lived so long ago. They have
-lasted so long, because God blessed their obedience.
-
-Now, sometimes a little child goes out alone, and some friend offers
-it something nice that it knows its mother would not like it to have.
-Or some person asks a little boy to come into a beer-shop, and drink
-a drop, when perhaps his father had told him not. Recollect, then,
-that if you are steady in minding what you are told, as those good
-Rechabites were, then God will be pleased with you, and own you for His
-good child, and give you His blessing.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. Who are the people we hear of
- to-day who honored their father? 3. Who was their father? 4. What had
- he told them? 5. Where were they to live? 6. What were they not to
- drink? 7. Who tried if they would obey? 8. What did Jeremiah offer the
- Rechabites? 9. What did they answer? 10. What blessing did God give
- them? 11. How have they gone on ever since? 12. Why was God pleased
- with them? 13. What can you do to please God? 14. If you are out of
- sight of your father and mother, what must you still do? 15. If any
- of you are asked to do what your mother would not like, how must you
- behave? 16. Who is pleased if you are obedient?
-
-[Illustration: ASSYRIAN ARMLET.]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-fourth Sunday.
-
-_THE TAKING OF JERUSALEM._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
-[Illustration]
-
- "Behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God."--_Ezekiel 13:8._
-
-WHEN King Jehoiakim was dead, and his son Jehoiachin carried away
-to Babylon, another king began to reign, named Zedekiah. He was
-Jehoiachin's uncle; he was Jehoiakim's brother; and he was son to good
-Josiah. The king of Babylon said that Zedekiah should reign as long as
-he would be obedient to him, and pay some money every year, so as to
-show that he owned the king of Babylon for his master. And God spake
-through His prophet Jeremiah, and said that if Zedekiah would obey the
-king of Babylon, the people should be left in peace, only they must be
-patient under their punishment.
-
-But Zedekiah was more like his bad brother than his good father. He
-listened to people who pretended to be prophets, though God had never
-spoken by them. They told him to set up for himself against the king of
-Babylon, and that all the beautiful things that had been taken out of
-the Temple should come back again.
-
-And when Jeremiah told them that it would not be so, and that if they
-rebelled against the Babylonians it would be worse for them, and the
-king would be put to death, they were so wicked as to let the holy
-prophet down into a pit, with mud and mire at the bottom; and there he
-lay sunk in the mire, and with no food to eat, nor water to drink.
-
-At last a black man, one of the king's slaves, came and told the king
-that the prophet would soon be dead if he stayed there. Then Zedekiah
-was shocked, and he told the black to get Jeremiah safe out of the pit.
-So they threw him down soft rags, and told him to put them under his
-arms, that the ropes might not hurt him when they drew him up.
-
-So Jeremiah came out of the horrible pit, and had some food; and the
-king sent to see him in secret. Then he told the king that it was God's
-will that he should bear to be under the Babylonian power, and that he
-must not make war; for that if he did, he would come to great misery,
-and die blind and a prisoner.
-
-Zedekiah was not angry, as his brother had been, but all he had to say
-for himself was that he was afraid of his people. He was more afraid
-of them than of God, and he would not do what he knew to be right. So
-he told the black man to keep Jeremiah safe, and take care he had food
-every day; but he begged Jeremiah not to say one word to these wicked
-men about the conversation they had had together.
-
-Was it not a foolish thing to be so afraid of men, when God could have
-taken care of him? He would have been quite safe if he had only been
-bold enough to do as God told him! Mind, that if ever idle children
-should want you to be as naughty as they are, and tease you till you
-feel afraid to stand out against them, the only way to be safe is to do
-as God tells you. Zedekiah, who was afraid to do right, was quite as
-much punished as Jehoiakim, who was bold to do wrong.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the king after Jehoiakim? 2. What did the king of Babylon
- promise? 3. What did God say? 4. By whom did God speak? 5. To whom
- did Zedekiah listen instead? 6. What did he do to Jeremiah? 7. What
- kind of place was the pit? 8. Who had pity on Jeremiah? 9. How was
- Jeremiah taken out of the pit? 10. What did he tell the king? 11. Why
- did not Zedekiah mind him? 12. Why was it very foolish of Zedekiah to
- be afraid of the people?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "There was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and
- woe."--_Ezekiel 2:10._
-
-THIS is a sad text; but when people are wicked, sadness must always
-follow.
-
-You heard how kind God had been to the Israelites, and how much He had
-done for them; how He gave them their beautiful land, and their city
-of Jerusalem, and blessed them whenever they were good. And if they
-sinned, He sent punishment, that they might learn to do better; and
-when they were sorry He forgave them, and made them happy again. But
-they would not keep to what He told them; they would worship idols, and
-grow worse and worse, till at last God said that there could be only
-"lamentation, and mourning, and woe," for the trouble they had brought
-on themselves.
-
-God sent a great army under the king of Babylon, and Jerusalem was
-given up to them. The fierce soldiers came in, and burnt the houses,
-and robbed the Temple; and as to the young king, Jehoiachin, they took
-him and his mother, and all his chief lords and priests, and carried
-them away to Babylon, where he was a long time in prison.
-
-The chapter to-day was written by a holy prophet, whose name was
-Ezekiel, and who was taken away to Babylon at the same time as the
-young king. God came and spoke to Ezekiel, that he might go on warning
-the people, that if they did not repent now that they were punished, He
-would be obliged to go on punishing them still.
-
-Think about that. You know if you have done wrong and been punished,
-it is that you may mind another time, and not do the same over again.
-If you are obstinate or careless, and go back to the old fault, then
-you will have to suffer more and more; and there can be nothing but
-"lamentation and mourning and woe."
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who is the prophet whose chapter is read to-day? 2. Where did
- Ezekiel live? 3. Who took him to Babylon? 4. Who was taken there at
- the same time? 5. How old was king Jehoiachin? 6. What was his home?
- 7. Why were he and his people taken away from Jerusalem? 8. What had
- been their sin? 9. How had God tried to make them better? 10. Had they
- attended? 11. What must come of sin? 12. What is the use of being
- punished? 13. What will happen if we do not leave off the fault when
- we are punished?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "And ye shall be comforted."--_Ezekiel 14:22._
-
-THE prophet Ezekiel had many sad things to tell the Jews; but he had
-some comfortable ones. They had been very wicked, and God took them
-away from their dear home at Jerusalem, and let it be burnt with fire;
-and put them to live far away in a strange land at Babylon. But He told
-them that if they would leave off their sins, and turn back to Him, and
-not worship idols any more, then He would forgive them, and bring them
-home again.
-
-To-day the Lesson says that they must really be sorry in earnest, not
-only pretend to be sorry. If they said they would worship God, and were
-caring for their idols in their hearts all the time, then He must go
-on being angry, and punishing them; but if they were really sorry, and
-really prayed to Him, then when they had been punished enough, they
-should be comforted.
-
-They should not always stay in Babylon, in the dull flat land, with the
-streams of water flowing lazily through it; but they should see their
-own dear hills and fields again, and live in their homes once more.
-That would be such gladness, that it would make up for all the sorrow.
-All that was wanted was, that they should be really sorry, and leave
-off all the bad things they had done, and repent from the bottom of
-their hearts.
-
-Now when we have done wrong, and are punished, it is to make us sorry,
-that we may do so no more. Little children are punished by their
-friends; grown-up people are punished by God sending troubles. Then we
-must be sorry, not only for the punishment, but the fault, and really
-try with all our hearts not to do it again. If we only _say_ we are
-sorry, and then run back to our old ways, something worse will come of
-it. No, we must be sorry in earnest, and then God will forgive us, for
-His dear Son Jesus Christ's sake.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was happening to Jerusalem? 2. What was done to the houses?
- 3. What was done to the people? 4. Where had they to live? 5. Where
- did they wish to be? 6. Why were they taken to Babylon? 7. What wicked
- thing had they done? 8. But what hope had they? 9. What must they
- do to be forgiven? 10. Where should they go back again to? 11. Why
- are people punished? 12. What is the way to be forgiven? 13. How are
- children punished? 14. How are grown-up people punished? 15. What
- should we do if we are punished? 16. Will it do to go back to the
- fault?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-fifth Sunday.
-
-_THE FALL OF JERUSALEM._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions."--_Ezekiel
- 18:30._
-
-VERY sad things were going on among the Jews. A great many of them were
-carried away out of their beautiful hilly land of Canaan, to live among
-the flat wet marshes round Babylon, and only a few were left with their
-king Zedekiah at Jerusalem.
-
-Jeremiah was speaking God's words to the people of Jerusalem; Ezekiel
-was speaking God's words to the people who were captives by the river
-side. They both said the same thing--that the only way to be peaceful,
-and not to suffer worse and worse, would be to repent and leave off
-their sins that had displeased God, and pray to Him to spare them, and
-then to bear patiently the punishment that had begun. But this was just
-what Zedekiah and his people would not do.
-
-They misused Jeremiah for giving them such advice, and they would not
-own the king of Babylon for their master; and instead of believing
-God's true prophets, they listened to the false ones, who said, that in
-a very little while the captives would come back again, and all would
-be well.
-
-Then Ezekiel took a tile, a great flat piece of pottery, and he drew on
-it the walls and towers of the city of Jerusalem, and made little tents
-and banks round it, and he lay down by it on his side, and watched it.
-And he weighed out for himself a very little bad bread to eat.
-
-Then, when the people came to ask him why he did this, he said that it
-was to show them how it would be with their own Jerusalem far away.
-The Babylonians would come round it, and set up their tents, and make
-banks of earth to keep the people in, and shoot stones and arrows, and
-climb the walls. Inside there would be no better food than Ezekiel was
-eating--no, nor so good--and everyone would be starving, and dying of
-thirst.
-
-Then the enemy would break in, and carry all the chief of them away
-to Babylon, and keep them prisoners there--till the whole people had
-come to repent of their sins, and had turned to the Lord with all their
-hearts.
-
-For God has no pleasure in man's being punished. He only punishes that
-we may turn away from our sin and do right, and be saved at last.
-If only these Jews would have listened to Ezekiel and Jeremiah, and
-repented, they would have been spared; but instead of that, they went
-on growing worse and worse, till they had to have seventy long years of
-punishment before they could be forgiven.
-
-We must take care when we are punished that we are sorry, and not
-obstinate and hard, or we shall have to be punished more and more.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who were the two prophets? 2. Where did Jeremiah prophesy? 3. Where
- did Ezekiel prophesy? 4. What did they both tell the people? 5. Would
- the people mind them? 6. What did King Jehoiakim do to Jeremiah's
- prophecies? 7. What did King Zedekiah do to Jeremiah? 8. What did
- Ezekiel take? 9. What did he draw on the tile? 10. What did he put
- round the tile? 11. Where did he lie? 12. What did he eat? 13. What
- was the tile to stand for? 14. Who were coming round Jerusalem? 15.
- What would they set up?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Woe to the bloody city."--_Ezekiel 24:6._
-
-SO Jerusalem had been taken, and pulled down, and burnt; and King
-Zedekiah was dead, and all his sons, and most of the great people had
-been carried away to Babylon. Only the poorer people were left, that
-they might plough and sow, and gather the corn and the grapes, and keep
-the land from getting waste and full of weeds. The Prophet Jeremiah
-was left among them. There is one book in the Bible called the Book of
-Lamentation, for it is the sad verses that he made to mourn over the
-beautiful city and the glorious Temple, all burnt with fire because the
-people had been so sinful.
-
-[Illustration: JEREMIAH MOURNING OVER JERUSALEM.--Lam. of Jer. 1:1, 2.]
-
-Still Jeremiah told the people that were left, that if they would be
-patient and obey the king of Babylon, that after the seventy years
-of punishment the troubles should be over, and their friends should
-come back, and the Temple be built up again. But still, after all that
-had happened, these wilful Jews would have their own way. They said
-they were afraid of the king of Babylon there, and must go to Egypt to
-be safe; just as if they were not safer where God told them to stay,
-than they could be anywhere else. So off they went, and they carried
-Jeremiah by force with them, whether he would or no.
-
-But almost as soon as Jeremiah came there, God told him to take
-some great stones and put them into the clay of the brick kiln near
-Pharaoh's house, and say that upon those very stones the king of
-Babylon himself would set up his tent in a few years' time.
-
-And so it was. The Babylonians raised a great army, and came marching
-into Egypt, and there they burnt and destroyed, and killed and made
-slaves of the people they found there. Then these foolish Jews saw that
-if they had only stayed quietly at home the king of Babylon would have
-done them no harm. But now they had run away just where he was coming,
-and would hurt them most. That came of not trusting God's Word, but
-trying to run away from Him; for truly nothing is so foolish as to try
-to hide from God.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What had been done to Jerusalem? 2. Where were all the chief people
- gone? 3. Who was left? 4. Where did Jeremiah stay? 5. What sad book
- did Jeremiah write? 6. Why was he sorry? 7. What did he tell the Jews
- that were left? 8. Where did they want to go? 9. Why was it wrong to
- go to Egypt? 10. Why did they choose to go to Egypt? 11. What did God
- tell Jeremiah? 12. Where was the king of Babylon to set his throne?
- 13. Where would they have been safest? 14. Why?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "I will cause you to pass under the rod."--_Ezekiel 20:37._
-
-GOD told His prophet Ezekiel to put the Israelites in mind of all
-that He had done for them, and how ungrateful they had been--always
-worshipping idols, and turning away from Him, though He had brought
-them out of the land of Egypt, and led them through the wilderness, and
-given them the beautiful land of Canaan. But they would not serve Him
-there, so punishment had come.
-
-
-SOME ISRAELITES WERE CAPTIVES.
-
-Some of the Israelites were captives already in the land of the king of
-Babylon. Ezekiel was one of them; and just four years after he spoke
-this prophecy, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, came up against
-Jerusalem, and took it once more, and made King Zedekiah prisoner as
-he was trying to flee away. Zedekiah's sons were put to death before
-his eyes; and after that his eyes were put out, and he was carried in
-chains to Babylon, and there slain.
-
-Beautiful Jerusalem was set on fire, the walls were thrown down, and
-all the gold and silver in the Temple was carried off to Babylon; and
-the Jews themselves were made to go there too, and live as prisoners
-there.
-
-This was the way God punished them to make them sorry for their sins;
-and still He gave them hope that when seventy years were over, they
-should come back, and build up their city; and after that they would
-always remember their old fault, and never turn to worship false gods
-again. So God was merciful even in His anger, and sent their sorrow to
-make them know Him and serve Him better.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where had God led the Israelites from? 2. What beautiful place had
- He given them? 3. What were they to do for Him? 4. Did they serve Him?
- 5. What did they worship? 6. How did He punish them? 7. What young
- king had they lost already? 8. Who was the king that came up against
- Jerusalem? 9. What did Nebuchadnezzar do to Jerusalem? 10. Who was the
- king Nebuchadnezzar took? 11. What was done to king Zedekiah? 12. What
- was done to the city? 13. What was done to the people? 14. Were they
- ever to come back again? 15. How soon were they to come back? 16. What
- did they learn by their troubles?
-
-[Illustration: THE BREASTPLATE.]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-sixth Sunday.
-
-_THE JEWS AT BABYLON._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we
- remembered Zion."--_Psalm 137:1._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-WHEN the Jews came to Babylon, some were made to live in the city,
-where they worked at trades, and kept shops. Others lived in the
-country and worked in the fields. These were not like the fields at
-home. The goodly land at home was full of hills and valleys, with
-sloping pastures for the flocks, and vineyards on the sides of the
-hills; but the land round Babylon was quite flat, with broad rivers
-flowing slowly and lazily through the meadows, with weeping willows
-upon their banks.
-
-While Jerusalem was being besieged, Ezekiel, at Babylon, drew the
-picture of the town on a tile, and shut it in with a wall, and lay
-watching it, and weighing out a little bit of bad bread for himself to
-eat every day, that the other Jews who were with him might know what
-was going on among their brethren at Jerusalem, as God told him.
-
-And in a vision he saw the angels come and mark in their foreheads all
-that were good, that they might not be hurt in the siege; while the bad
-would die by sword, and hunger, and sickness. So it is still, God saves
-His own good ones. The angels know and mark them, when all the rest are
-given up to God's terrible anger.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What sort of place was Babylon? 2. Was it like the land of Israel?
- 3. Who was the prophet there? 4. What did he do while the siege of
- Jerusalem was going on? 5. Where did he draw it? 6. What did he eat?
- 7. Who were eating bread like that? 8. Who saw him? 9. What did he see
- an angel doing? 10. Who were marked? 11. What became of those who were
- marked? 12. What became of those who had no mark? 13. Who will always
- be safe? 14. How are you marked?
-
-[Illustration: EZEKIEL'S VISION.--Ezekiel 1:28.]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Son of man, can these bones live?"--_Ezekiel 37:3._
-
-THE great prophet Ezekiel was shewn by God how the Jews should be
-brought back after all their troubles. The Lord made him have a sort of
-dream, when he saw a whole valley spread over with dry bones, and the
-Lord said, "Son of man, can these bones live?" And Ezekiel said, "Lord,
-Thou knowest."
-
-Then the Lord bade Ezekiel sing; and as he sung there was a shaking,
-and the bones came together again and joined in their right places;
-and as he sung on, the flesh came back on them; and then the Lord bade
-him call to the winds of heaven, and they came and filled them with
-breath again, and they rose up and lived.
-
-Just so God said the kingdom of Judah was dead and scattered, but He
-would breathe on it, and wake it, and join it together again, like the
-dead bones rising to life.
-
-And just so, we know, when all our bodies are dead, and our bones lie
-in the grave, the call of the Lord's voice will wake them up, and we
-shall rise on our feet, and His breath will come to us, and we shall
-stand before Him an exceeding great army. For that is the resurrection
-of the body which we look for.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was the prophet? 2. What had happened to the kingdom of Judah?
- 3. Who had conquered it? 4. Why had Nebuchadnezzar conquered it? 5. 5.
- What did God shew Ezekiel? 6. How did the bones look? 7. What did God
- bid Ezekiel do? 8. What happened? 9. What came back to the bones? 10.
- What was dry and dead like the bones? 11. But what did God promise to
- do? 12. When did the Jewish people come to life? 13. What will become
- of us by-and-by? 14. What will be done with our bodies? 15. When will
- they wake? 16. What will wake them? 17. What will be joined together?
- 18. Will they die any more? 19. For what do we believe in?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "God gave them knowledge and skill."--_Daniel 1:17._
-
-AMONG the Jews who were carried away to Babylon there were some little
-boys, young princes of the king's family, who had been brought up in
-the palace of the house of David. They could not have been more than
-twelve years old when they were thus taken from their homes.
-
-The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, thought he should like to have
-them to wait on him. So he desired the steward of his place to have
-them taken into his care, to be taught both to wait on the king, and to
-know all the learning of Babylon.
-
-Slaves instead of princes. That was sad enough, but what grieved these
-boys most of all was that the dinners that were sent to them all came
-from the king's own table, and they knew that all the meat there came
-from creatures that had been offered up to idols.
-
-Now there was one boy, whose name was Daniel, who knew that it was very
-wrong for any Jew to eat meats that had been offered to idols. Some of
-the boys said they did not care, and some said they were very sorry,
-but they could not help it. Yes, Daniel said, they could help it if
-they would leave off eating meat and drinking wine, and only have beans
-and water.
-
-
-LOYAL TO DANIEL.
-
-Then three more of the boys said they would stand by Daniel, and have
-only the beans and water rather than break God's holy Law. Their proper
-names were Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, but the king had changed all
-the boys' names, and he called them Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
-
-So Daniel asked their master, Melzar, to give them none of the rich
-wine and fine dainties, but only water and pulse--that is, beans.
-
-But Melzar said they would grow thin and weak on such poor food, and
-then the king would be angry with him.
-
-"Only try us for just ten days," Daniel said.
-
-And God so blessed the food, that at the end of ten days, Daniel,
-Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, were fairer and fatter than all their
-cousins and friends who had been eating the king's dainties.
-
-And Melzar had found that none were so true and honest and obedient
-and painstaking, so he trusted them very much; and they grew wise and
-learned, and still loved and feared their God, though they were slaves
-so far away from home.
-
-Now remember how they began. It was by giving up the things they liked
-when they found it was wrong to have them. When you are tempted to be
-greedy, would it not be a good thing to recollect Daniel and the other
-boys eating beans and drinking water?
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who were the boys carried to Babylon? 2. What were their proper
- names? 3. What did the king call them? 4. What was the name of the
- king of Babylon? 5. How did he desire these boys to be brought up?
- 6. What had they been at home? 7. What were they to eat? 8. Why did
- they not like to eat these meats? 9. What did Daniel beg for? 10. Who
- joined with him? 11. Who was their master? 12. What did Melzar say?
- 13. How long was it to be tried? 14. How did Daniel and his friends
- look? 15. Why was this? 16. Why did God bless them? 17. How did they
- behave? 18. What was the beginning of all their holiness? 19. What
- ought we to keep in order?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-seventh Sunday.
-
-_DANIEL AT BABYLON._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery
- furnace."--_Daniel 3:17._
-
-YOU remember that the Jews had been so wicked, that God had let them be
-conquered by their enemies, and taken quite away from home to the great
-city of Babylon.
-
-The king of Babylon worshipped idols; and he set up a great golden
-idol, much higher than this room, and commanded that as soon as his
-music played, everyone should fall down and worship the image; or if
-anyone would not, that person should be thrown into a burning fiery
-furnace.
-
-A furnace is like a very large oven, or like a brick-kiln--a sort of
-house quite full of fire--for burning and baking bricks, or melting
-iron, or anything else that requires to be made very hot. Many people
-were afraid of such a horrible punishment as being thrown into the
-furnace; and when they heard the music, they made haste to bow down
-before the great golden image.
-
-But the Jews knew that they must not worship idols; so what could they
-do? I only know what three of them did. They were three young men,
-named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who were brought up before the
-king, because they would not bow down before his great image. The king
-asked them how it was; and told them fiercely that if they would not
-worship his golden image, they must be thrown into the fire.
-
-[Illustration: I am with Thee saith the Lord to deliver Thee. JER. 1-19
-WHEN THOU WALKEST THROUGH THE FIRE, THOU SHALT NOT BE BURNED; NEITHER
-SHALL THE FLAME KINDLE UPON THEE]
-
-But they stood up boldly, and said, "Our God whom we serve is able to
-deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out
-of thine hand, O King! But if not, be it known unto thee, O King, that
-we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou
-hast set up."
-
-The king was very angry at this brave answer. He had the furnace made
-seven times hotter than usual; and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego
-were thrown into it, tied hand and foot; and the flame was so hot, that
-it burnt the men that threw them in.
-
-Presently, the king gave a loud cry. For in the midst of the fire were
-the men, not tied, but free, and walking in the burning heat, as if
-they were in cool spring air! And there was another with them, whose
-form was the Son of God. Then he called them, and the three came out.
-There was no smell of fire about them, and not a hair of their heads
-was singed; they had not felt the heat at all; but that Holy One had
-taken care of them, and had kept them safe in the midst of the fire.
-
-Then the king of Babylon knew how wrong he had been; and he sent forth
-a command, that no one should ever speak a word against the God of
-Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who had saved them in the burning
-fiery furnace.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were the Jews living? 2. How came the Jews to be at Babylon?
- 3. What did the king of Babylon want everyone to worship? 4. Who would
- not worship the golden image? 5. Why would not Shadrach, Meshach,
- and Abed-nego worship the image? 6. What is the Second Commandment?
- 7. What was done to them for not worshipping the image? 8. What is
- a furnace? 9. How hot was it made? 10. What did the king see in the
- fire? 11. Who was with him? 12. Were they hurt? 13. Why did not the
- fire burn Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego? 14. Who took care of them
- in the fire?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Those that walk in pride He is able to abase."--_Daniel 4:37._
-
-GREAT Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had a strange dream. He
-thought he saw a great tree with spreading branches and fine leaves,
-making a sweet shelter, where all the creatures came and stood, and
-the birds nestled in the boughs; but while he was admiring it there
-came a holy one down from heaven, and said the tree was to be cut down,
-and only the stump left in the tender grass of the field, and that it
-should be bound with iron, and wet with the dew of heaven till seven
-years had passed over it.
-
-When Nebuchadnezzar woke he was troubled, and was sure the dream had a
-meaning, and he sent for the prophet Daniel to tell him what it was.
-Daniel was so sorry, that at first he could hardly bear to speak; but
-at last he told the king that it was himself, Nebuchadnezzar, that the
-tree meant.
-
-He was great and mighty, and countries and people were shadowed over
-by his power; but soon he would have a fall--he would lose his senses,
-and his man's heart would be like a beast's heart, and he would be
-driven out of his palace, and he would eat grass like an ox, and his
-body would be wet with the dew of heaven, and his hair would be long
-like eagles' feathers, and his nails like eagles' claws, till seven
-years had passed by; and then he would recover his senses, and know and
-understand again, and he would come back to his kingdom again. Then he
-would know and own that the Lord of Heaven is the true God.
-
-
-THOUGHT THAT NOTHING COULD HURT HIM.
-
-Nebuchadnezzar was shocked at first, but soon he forgot all about the
-dream, and felt himself so wise and strong and brave, that nothing
-could hurt him. He was walking one day in his palace, a most beautiful
-one, and looking out on the grand city with the river running through
-it, with all the bridges and the hundred brazen gates; and his heart
-was lifted up with pride, and he said, "Is not this great Babylon that
-I have builded?" That very moment there came a voice from heaven that
-said the time was come!
-
-And a strange madness came on the king, his brave clever spirit became
-as senseless as a beast's; and he only wanted to graze in the field
-like the cattle. So they drove him out of the palace, and put a band
-of iron round him, and let him eat grass like an ox, and his hair grew
-long and shaggy, and his nails like eagles' claws, just as Daniel had
-said.
-
-So seven years passed away; and at the end of them he came to his
-senses again, God gave back his man's heart and his reason, and he went
-back to his palace, and sat on his throne again. And one of the first
-things he did was to have a letter written to his people, telling them
-all this story, and bidding them do honor to the God of Daniel, who
-putteth down and setteth up.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Nebuchadnezzar? 2. Who was Daniel? 3. How came Daniel to be
- at Babylon? 4. What did the king see in his dream? 5. What happened
- to the tree? 6. What did the king want to know? 7. Whom did he send
- for? 8. Whom did Daniel say the tree meant? 9. What was to happen to
- the king? 10. How long was he to be in this state? 11. What beautiful
- place had Nebuchadnezzar built? 12. What did he say about it? 13. What
- happened that moment? 14. What did this poor king want to be? 15. What
- did he eat? 16. What was his hair like? 17. What were his nails like?
- 18. How long did he go on like that? 19. What did God restore to him?
- 20. What was the first thing he did? 21. What did he tell the people?
- 22. Had not he lost all his pride? 23. What should we not boast of?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it."--_Daniel 5:6._
-
-AFTER Nebuchadnezzar, some troublesome times began at Babylon; but
-at last his grandson Belshazzar was reigning. He was a foolish,
-self-pleasing young man; and his enemies, the great nation of Medes
-and Persians, came to make war on him, but still he did not care for
-anything but his amusement.
-
-He thought Babylon so strong that they could never break in; and he
-gave a great feast to all his lords, with fine meats and wines, and
-he had all the gold and silver bowls, and the golden candlestick that
-had been brought out of the Temple of God at Jerusalem, on the tables,
-while he and his friends were drinking and singing and shouting.
-
-All on a sudden a stillness came over them, and their eyes opened wide
-with fright. For just over the candlestick there was seen a man's hand.
-There was no body, only the hand; and the finger went along writing on
-the wall, tracing out letters.
-
-There were four words, but no one could read them or tell what they
-meant.
-
-The king was terribly frightened. His knees knocked together, and
-he shook all over, and he called for some one to tell him what this
-writing could be. Nobody could guess; but at last the queen, his
-mother, came and put him in mind how Daniel had been able to explain
-his father's dreams. So Daniel was sent for, and he at once read the
-writing. He told them Belshazzar was found wanting. His kingdom was
-going to be taken from him, and given to the Medes and Persians.
-
-[Illustration: DANIEL INTERPRETING THE WRITING ON THE WALL.--Dan.
-5:25-28.]
-
-And even then, all the time the Babylonians were feasting and not
-watching the enemy, Cyrus, the clever king of the Persians, was making
-his men dig ditches, into which he turned all the water of the great
-river that ran through the city; and that very night all his army came
-in, walking up the dry bed of the stream. No one saw them till they
-were in the city; and that very night Belshazzar was slain.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was king of Babylon? 2. Who made war on Belshazzar? 3. What
- was all he cared for? 4. What feast did he make? 5. What were brought
- out? 6. What frightened him? 7. What was the hand doing? 8. What could
- no one understand? 9. Who spoke up? 10. Who was sent for? 11. What
- did Daniel say it meant? 12. What happened that night? 13. How did
- the Persians get in? 14. Who was king of the Persians? 15. Why did
- Belshazzar come to such a sad end?
-
-[Illustration: CHART OF THE COUNTRY ROUND BABYLON, WITH LIMITS OF THE
-ANCIENT CITY. (According to Oppert).]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-eighth Sunday.
-
-_THE RETURN FROM BABYLON._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "The Lord is in His holy Temple: let all the earth keep silence before
- Him."--_Hab. 2:20._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THE Jews had gone back to their old city of Jerusalem, but they found
-it looking very sad and ruinous. The walls were broken down, and the
-pleasant houses were heaps of ruins, and grass and brambles had come up
-in the courts, and there were heaps of stone blackened with the fire
-and smoke that had burnt down the city.
-
-The first thing they did was to clear the place where God's holy Temple
-used to stand, and to build it up again. But they were not rich and
-powerful like King Solomon, who built the first Temple; they had no
-gold and silver, and the new Temple they built was very small and poor
-compared with the old one.
-
-There were old men among them who remembered the first Temple as it
-used to be, and they wept aloud as they saw how different the new one
-was; but there were young men who were very glad to have a Temple at
-all, and they shouted for joy; so there was a mixed sound of weeping
-for sorrow and of crying out with joy.
-
-Then God sent His Prophet Haggai to tell the old men not to be afraid,
-for the glory of this latter House should be greater than that of the
-former. The way this should be was that our Blessed Lord Himself would
-come to the new Temple, as a little Babe at first and afterwards as a
-grown Man; and when He was there, the honor and glory of the Temple
-would be greater than ever it was before. Now there is no one Temple:
-but God's Houses are Churches, and we have them everywhere to pray to
-Him in, and meet Him there though we cannot see Him. Let us take care
-to worship Him there very humbly and reverently.
-
-[Illustration: RETURN OF THE JEWS FROM CAPTIVITY.--Ezra 1:5.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where did the Jews return to? 2. What state was their city in? 3.
- What had they to do to their city? 4. What did they first build up? 5.
- What sort of Temple did they build? 6. Why was the new Temple not so
- fine as the old one? 7. What did the old people do? 8. What did the
- young people do? 9. How did God comfort the old people? 10. Who would
- come to the new Temple? 11. Is there a Temple now? 12. What have we
- instead? 13. How should we behave in church?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justice, and to love
- mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"--_Micah 6:8._
-
-THE name of the leader of the Jews, when they came home from Babylon to
-their own country was Zerubabel.
-
-Zerubabel was their prince. He was of David's family, and he would
-have been king if the Jews had been allowed to have kings; but he was
-contented to go back without the crown and throne and sceptre that his
-fathers had had before him, and to live humbly in obedience to the king
-of Babylon.
-
-
-ZERUBABEL'S GREAT DESIRE.
-
-That which Zerubabel cared to have was a little spot of ground among
-the mountains. It was the village of Bethlehem, the place from which
-David had been called away long ago, from feeding his father's sheep,
-to come and be king of Israel. Why should Zerubabel care for that
-little piece of ground more than for Solomon's palace, that was so
-glorious? One reason was, that the Prophet Micah had said, "But thou,
-Bethlehem-Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
-yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in
-Israel; whose goings have been from everlasting."
-
-And faithful men understood that this meant that the Saviour of
-the world should be born at Bethlehem, and that He would be among
-Zerubabel's children's children. That was why Zerubabel cared so much
-for the poor little ruined village, and took care to make a home of it
-again, though now there were only a hundred and twenty-three people to
-come back to live in it. God was pleased with Zerubabel's faith, and
-blessed him because he had not despised the day of small things.
-
-God said that to Zerubabel a mountain should become a plain--that is,
-that what seemed most difficult should grow easy, and that Zerubabel
-should be the man who should build up the Temple again--God's own
-House, that was lying in ruins. That was the great honor this good man
-had, because he believed in God's promise with all his heart, and went
-so bravely and steadily to work upon a little, when he could not do a
-great deal. For to him that is faithful in a little shall much be given.
-
-[Illustration: BUILDING OF THE NEW TEMPLE.--Ezra 3:10.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Zerubabel? 2. Where were the Jews coming back from? 3. What
- had Zerubabel's fathers been? 4. Why was not Zerubabel a king? 5.
- Who was the father of the kings of the Jews? 6. What had David been
- before he was a king? 7. Where did he keep his sheep? 8. What was the
- place Zerubabel cared to have again? 9. Why did Zerubabel care for
- Bethlehem? 10. Who was to be born there? 11. Who had said so? 12. What
- did Zerubabel believe? 13. How many people went back to Bethlehem? 14.
- Did Zerubabel despise it for being small? 15. What did he think of?
- 16. Why did God bless him? 17. What did God say he should build up?
- 18. What did God say difficulties should be to him? 19. Do not things
- we have to do sometimes seem like great mountains to get over? 20.
- But who can make them easy to us? 21. Only what must we do ourselves?
- 22. And what is the way to do great things well? 23. What must we
- never despise?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee."--_Dan.
- 6:16._
-
-THERE was another king of Babylon, and his name was Darius. It was the
-strange, foolish way of his people to treat him as if he was a sort of
-a god, and more than man; and one day his people came to him and begged
-him to make a law that for thirty whole days nobody should say their
-prayers to any god, or ask anything of any man, except of Darius the
-king; or if they did, they should be thrown to the lions, to be eaten
-up.
-
-Darius thought this was all to do him honor, so he made the law that
-thus it should be. Now when a law had once been made by the king of
-that people, it could not be changed. So nobody was to say their
-prayers to anyone but the king for all that time.
-
-But by-and-by the king's people came and told him that there was one
-old man who did not attend to his law, but that they had watched him in
-his own room, and there he said his prayers three times a-day, just as
-if the king had made no law at all.
-
-The king was very sorry when he heard who it was, for this man who
-would not leave off saying his prayers was the man he trusted most in
-all the kingdom. It was Daniel, one of the captive Jews, son or brother
-to one of the last kings of Jerusalem. He had been taken to Babylon
-when he was a very little boy, and now he was quite an old man, but he
-had never ceased praying to the great God of Heaven, and he was not
-going to leave off now. He was a prophet of the Lord, and very wise,
-and he was one of the king's very best advisers, so Darius was greatly
-grieved when he was accused.
-
-But Darius could not help himself; the law that had once been made
-could not be broken, and these spiteful people declared that Daniel
-must be thrown to the lions. All day long the king tried to get his
-wise good counsellor saved from this dreadful fate, but he could not
-succeed; and at evening Daniel's enemies came to take him and throw him
-to the lions in their den.
-
-[Illustration: THE JEWISH CAPTIVES CONDUCTED BEFORE DARIUS.]
-
-Still, though Darius was a heathen himself, he had one hope; and
-when he saw his friend led away, he said, "Thy God whom thou servest
-continually, He will deliver thee."
-
-So they took Daniel, and put him into a pit among the lions, and they
-fastened up the door and left him there; and the king was so sorry,
-that he could not sleep all night for grieving for the good, wise,
-brave man who was thrown to the lions because he would not leave off
-praying to God, and feared God more than man.
-
-And when daylight came they all went to the den. The enemies hoped to
-find that Daniel was eaten up, but the king cried out in a lamentable
-voice, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou
-servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?"
-
-And Daniel's own voice came cheerfully back, and told the king that his
-God had sent His angel, who had shut the lions' mouths, so that they
-could not hurt him, and had kept him safe all night.
-
-[Illustration: DANIEL IN THE LION'S DEN.--Daniel 6:19, 22.]
-
-And the king was very glad, and commanded them to take Daniel out of
-the pit, and to put the spiteful men in instead; and the lions were so
-hungry that they brake all their bones in pieces before ever they came
-to the bottom of the den.
-
-Only think what Daniel was willing to bear rather than not say his
-prayers! And it was because he prayed that God saved him. God's power
-shut the lions' mouths, because Daniel had been more afraid to leave
-off praying than even to be torn to pieces. How glad we should be that
-we can say our prayers safe and unhurt; and how careful we should be
-never to miss them out of idleness, if Daniel would not miss them out
-of fear.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were the Jews living? 2. Who was king of Babylon? 3. What
- law was Darius persuaded to make? 4. Who was to be prayed to? 5. What
- was to be done to anybody who said prayers to any but Darius? 6. Who
- did go on saying his prayers? 7. Who was Daniel? 8. What was done to
- Daniel? 9. Did the lions hurt Daniel? 10. Why was Daniel kept safe in
- the den? 11. Whom did Daniel fear most, God or men? 12. When should we
- say our prayers? 13. Can anyone hurt us if God takes care of us?
-
-[Illustration: BABYLONIAN BRICK.]
-
-
-
-
-Thirty-ninth Sunday.
-
-_TROUBLES OF THE JEWS._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird."--_Prov.
- 1:17._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THERE was a gentle Jewish girl, named Esther, who had been left an
-orphan very young, and was brought up by her kind relation, Mordecai,
-who was one of the Jews who had not gone back to Jerusalem, but still
-lived in Persia.
-
-One day there came a messenger from the king, to carry away poor Esther
-from home. The king wanted all the maidens in his land to be brought
-together, that he might choose the most beautiful of them all for his
-queen, and the others would be kept for slaves.
-
-All the other maidens dressed themselves up, and painted themselves to
-try to look beautiful; but Esther did not ask for any ornaments, she
-only put on what she was ordered to wear. Yet she looked so much the
-most lovely of all, in her modest quietness, that the king chose her
-and married her, and set the crown on her head, and made her his queen.
-
-But she had a sad life, though she was queen. She was always shut up,
-and could not see her kind friend Mordecai, and she could not even go
-to her husband without his leave, or she would have been put to death.
-
-[Illustration: QUEEN ESTHER The Golden Scepter At the banquet]
-
-Her kinsman, Mordecai, used to sit in the palace gate every day, to
-hear news of her. Now, there was a very bad man named Haman, who used
-to pass by every day; and Mordecai never would bow to him, because
-he was one of the people whom God had forbidden the Jews to have any
-concern with.
-
-Haman grew so angry at last that he resolved not only to get Mordecai
-killed, but all the Jews besides. So he went to the king, and told him
-a false story about the Jews, and persuaded him to give orders that
-their enemies in all the lands round Jerusalem, and everywhere else,
-should fall on them on a set day, and put them to death.
-
-And the king was so foolish and so cruel as to consent to seal the
-letters, saying that all the Jews were to be killed on one day. But
-Mordecai heard about this cruel plot, and he sent secret word to Esther
-that she must try to save her people, by telling the king that he had
-been deceived by Haman.
-
-Poor Esther was much afraid. She knew that if she went to the king
-without leave, she would be put to death; but she thought it was
-better for her to run the risk, than to let all the Jews perish. So she
-dressed herself beautifully, as the king liked best to see her; and she
-went to his court almost fainting with fear.
-
-But when he saw her, he touched her with his golden sceptre. Then she
-knew he would not put her to death; and when he asked why she had come,
-and what she wanted, she said she wished to ask him to a banquet of
-wine in her chamber.
-
-[Illustration: QUEEN ESTHER CROWNED.--Esther 2:17.]
-
-And when he came there, she was able to tell him of the cruel plan for
-killing all her people, and how falsely Haman had spoken. The king was
-very angry when he understood it all; and wicked Haman was hung upon
-the very gallows he had meant for Mordecai. And so the Jews were saved
-by the good queen, who was not afraid to risk her life for her people.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were some of the Jews living? 2. What was the name of the Jew
- girl? 3. What was the name of her kinsman? 4. How did the king choose
- his wife? 5. Who was the most beautiful woman? 6. Where did Mordecai
- sit? 7. To whom would not Mordecai bow? 8. What did Haman want to do?
- 9. Who consented? 10. Why was it dangerous for Esther to go and speak
- to the king? 11. What did the king do when he saw her? 12. What did
- holding out the sceptre mean? 13. What did she ask him? 14. What did
- she tell him? 15. What was done to Haman? 16. How were the Jews saved?
-
-[Illustration: TRIUMPH OF MORDECAI.--Esther 6:11.]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Thy servants think upon her stones, and it pitieth them to see her in
- the dust."--_Ps. 102:14._
-
-THERE was a good Jew named Nehemiah, whom the King of Persia had made
-his cup-bearer. One day one of the Jews came from Jerusalem, and told
-Nehemiah how sad all was at their home, the city that once had been so
-beautiful. There was a little bit of the Temple built up, but all the
-streets were heaps of ruins, and only a house or two here and there
-built up; and the robber tribes round were always breaking in and doing
-mischief.
-
-Nehemiah wept, and prayed to God for his people; and when he went in
-to wait on the king and queen, he still looked so sad, that they asked
-him what was the matter. Then he told them that he had just heard that
-his dear home, where his fathers' tombs were, was lying waste, and that
-the cruel enemies were always doing harm; and he begged the king to let
-him go home and try to help them.
-
-[Illustration: NEHEMIAH ARMETH THE LABORERS--Neh. 4:16,17.]
-
-So the king gave him leave, but set him a time to come back; and
-Nehemiah went all the long way to Jerusalem. It was quite as bad as he
-had heard. The houses were all down, only here and there one standing;
-and when he went out on his ass at night to view the ruins, there was a
-heap of stones where a gate should be, and a hole where a wall should
-be.
-
-So Nehemiah stirred up all the Jews, and they set to work to build the
-wall to keep out the robbers. Then the enemies laughed at them, and
-said a fox could break down all they built; and when they went on,
-people used to come and attack them, so that they had to work with
-swords ready to fight, and always on the watch to come to help if they
-heard a trumpet blown. But they kept on, and the wall was built and the
-gates set up; and they were safe once more from enemies coming in among
-them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was Nehemiah? 2. What made him sad? 3. Who were living at
- Jerusalem? 4. What had happened to it? 5. What did Nehemiah do when he
- heard this sad news? 6. How did God begin to grant his prayer? 7. What
- did the king ask him? 8. What did he tell the king? 9. Where did he
- go? 10. What did he find there? 11. Why did they want a wall? 12. What
- did he set the Jews to do? 13. How did they build? 14. Who tormented
- them? 15. But what was finished at last?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "The joy of the Lord is your strength."--_Prov. 5:17._
-
-GOOD Nehemiah built up the wall of Jerusalem; and his friend Ezra did
-all he could to teach the Jews to keep the Law of God rightly. It was
-Ezra who gathered together the five books of Moses, and collected the
-writings of the prophets, and wrote out the history of the kings, and
-put nearly all the Old Testament in order as we have it now.
-
-And Ezra and Nehemiah took care to teach the people to keep the Sabbath
-again, as the Fourth Commandment had taught them. Nehemiah used to have
-the gates of the city shut up, that no stranger might bring any burthen
-in, and that no one might come in to sell or buy on God's holy day.
-
-And then they kept the Feast of the Tabernacles. It was a most
-beautiful feast. All the people went and cut down great boughs of
-myrtle, olive, pine, and citron, and willow trees, and built up arbors
-with them, where they lived for seven whole days, to put them in mind
-of how their fathers had lived when they came out of Egypt.
-
-And on the great day of the feast, every Jew went up to the Temple
-with a green bough in his arm, and stood in the court, and all the
-priests came out on the steps with palm-branches, and with silver
-trumpets. Then the trumpets were sounded, and everybody waved their
-branches for joy. And the priests began a beautiful rejoicing psalm,
-and at its most joyful verses the people waved their palms again.
-
-[Illustration: A SOLEMN FAST AND REPENTANCE OF THE PEOPLE.--Neh. 9:1,2.]
-
-At night all the court of the Temple was lighted up with great lamps,
-to put the people in mind that the Lord is our light. How beautiful it
-must have been, and how happy all the people were to have come back
-from worshipping idols, and being punished in a strange land, to praise
-their own true God once more, who blessed and made them happy.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who were the two good men who governed the Jews? 2. What did Ezra
- collect together? 3. Who taught good men how to write the Bible? 4.
- What parts of the Bible did Ezra put together? 5. What commandment
- were Ezra and Nehemiah careful about? 6. How did they keep people from
- breaking the Fourth Commandment? 7. What great feast did they keep?
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-Fortieth Sunday.
-
-_THE COMING OF THE LORD._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "The fulness of the time was come."--_Gal. 4:14._
-
-[Illustration: SHEPHERD]
-
-THERE was a long time after the Jews came home during which we do not
-know much about them. Only they had quite left off worshipping idols,
-and stood out bravely when a bad king wanted to make them do so.
-
-But they were not good in other ways. They quarrelled among themselves
-a great deal. One set, who were called Pharisees, were very proud and
-hard-hearted; and another set, who were called the Sadducees, would not
-believe or obey any of the Bible that was written after the time of
-Moses--none of the Prophets nor of the Psalms.
-
-These two sets quarrelled so much that they allowed a fierce strange
-nation to come in and make themselves their masters. These were the
-Romans, whose city was Rome, in Italy. They were fierce soldiers, and
-wanted to make the world all their own.
-
-[Illustration: THE ANGEL APPEARS UNTO ZACHARIAS.--Luke 1:12, 13.]
-
-[Illustration: THE ANGEL APPEARS UNTO MARY.--Luke 1:35.]
-
-One of their generals, whose name was Pompey, was so daring that he
-forced his way into the Holy of Holies, where no one was allowed to go
-but the High Priest once a-year. He was disappointed to find nothing
-there, only an empty chamber, without any image or likeness; and the
-Jews were much grieved and distressed. It was always said that nothing
-ever went well with Pompey afterwards.
-
-[Illustration: THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM]
-
-[Illustration: THE PROPHECY OF ELIZABETH AND OF MARY.--Luke 1:39-45.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What sin had the Jews left off? 2. But were they grown good? 2. Who
- were the two parties? 4. What was amiss with the Pharisees? 5. What
- would not the Sadducees believe? 6. What came of their quarrels? 7.
- What sort of people were the Romans? 8. Where was their home? 9. What
- did they want to conquer? 10. Where did their general make his way?
- 11. What was the Holy of Holies? 12 What did he find there? 13. Why
- was there no image there? 14. What commandment forbids the worshipping
- any image? 15. Who alone was allowed to go into the holy place? 16.
- How often? 17. What was said of Pompey after he broke in?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest.--_Luke
- 1:32._
-
-THE Romans set up a strange king over the Jews. His name was Herod,
-and he was an Edomite--that is, a descendant of Jacob's brother Esau.
-He believed in the true God, and began to make the Temple much more
-beautiful than it had been since it had been built up after the Jews
-came back from Babylon. But he was a very wicked and cruel man, who
-killed his own wife, and made everybody afraid of him; and the Jews
-were very unhappy under him.
-
-[Illustration: THE BIRTH OF JOHN.--Luke 1:62-64.]
-
-They had one hope, and that was, that it was just about the time when
-God had promised to send a Holy One into the world to save them and
-set them free; and they thought He would be a great, mighty king, like
-David, who would conquer Herod, and drive away the Romans, and have a
-crown and throne brighter than Solomon's.
-
-And just then an angel was sent from God to the little town of
-Nazareth, where there lived a young maiden, quite a poor woman, but
-most good and holy, a descendant of the great King David. The angel
-told her that she was highly favored, for she was to be the mother of
-the Son of the Highest, for the Holy One who was to be born of her
-should be the Son of God; and when He was born, she was to call His
-name JESUS, which means the Lord our Saviour, because He should save
-His people from their sins; and Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the
-Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."
-
-[Illustration: THE ANGEL ANNOUNCING THE BIRTH OF JESUS.--Luke 2:10, 11.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Whom did the Romans make king of the Jews? 2. What nation did Herod
- belong to? 3. Who was the forefather of the Edomites? 4. Whose son
- was Esau? 5. What sort of man was Herod? 6. What did he do to please
- the Jews? 7. But how did he treat them? 8. Whom did he put to death?
- 9. What were the Jews hoping for? 10. Who had promised that Holy One?
- 11. What did the Jews think He would be? 12. Who came to say He was
- coming at last? 13. To whom was the angel sent? 14. What was her
- name? 15. Where did he live? 16. What did the angel tell her? 17. Who
- would be born of her? 18. Whose Son would He be? 19. What was she to
- call Him? 20. What does Jesus mean? 21. What did she answer?
-
-[Illustration: THE BIRTH OF JESUS.--Luke 2:10, 12.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
- men." _Luke 2:14._
-
-THE blessed Virgin Mary lived at Nazareth; but it was God's will that
-the holy Son of God should be born at Bethlehem, the little town where
-David used to live and keep his sheep. The Romans sent out orders that
-everyone should go to their proper home to have their names set down,
-and pay a piece of money.
-
-So the Virgin Mary had to go, with a good man named Joseph, a
-carpenter, who was to be her husband. Such a number of people had come
-there that there was no room for them in the inn, and they had to go
-to a stable--a cavern underground--where the oxen and asses were.
-
-And it was there that the Holy Child of Mary, the Son of God, was born,
-in the stable where the cattle were. The blessed mother wrapped Him in
-baby-clothes, and laid Him in the manger, among the hay and straw.
-
-[Illustration: THE BIRTH OF JESUS PROCLAIMED BY THE SHEPHERDS.--Luke
-2:17.]
-
-None of the people in the inn knew or cared; but there were shepherds
-on the hill, keeping watch over their flocks by night. The angels came
-down to them, and told them that to them was born that day, in the city
-of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD, and that He was a Babe
-lying in a manger.
-
-As soon as the angel had said that, many other angels, who were very
-glad that poor men below should be saved, all began to sing, "Glory to
-God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men."
-
-So the angels and the shepherds kept the Saviour's birthday, and we
-keep it upon Christmas-day.
-
-[Illustration: PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.--Luke 2:27, 28.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was David's town? 2. But where did the blessed Virgin Mary
- live? 3. How came she to go to Bethlehem? 4. Where had she to rest?
- 5. Why could she not go to the inn? 6. Who was born in the stable? 7.
- Where was He laid? 8. Who were told of it? 9. Who told the shepherds?
- 10. What did the angels sing? 11. Why were they glad? 12. Why are we
- glad? 13. What is the birthday of our Lord?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Forty-first Sunday.
-
-_THE CHILDHOOD OF OUR LORD._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "We have seen His star in the east and are come to worship
- Him."--_Matt. 2:2._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THE shepherds were not the only people who came to see the blessed Lord
-JESUS when He was a little Infant. Far away in the East, God showed a
-bright, beautiful star to some wise men, and taught their hearts that
-it was the sign that the great King was born.
-
-They set out on their journey to Judea, to see and honor Him; and when
-they came, they asked, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews, for
-we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him."
-
-This made Herod afraid, for he thought this must be a king who would
-take his kingdom from him. He made the learned men among the Jews look
-out in the prophecies where Christ should be born.
-
-They found it was to be at Bethlehem, and he told the wise men so, and
-desired them to let him know when they found the King, that he might
-come and worship Him too; but he did not really mean to worship Him,
-but to kill Him.
-
-However, God Himself showed these wise men where to find our blessed
-Lord, for the same star that they had seen in the East came out again,
-and went before them, and came and stood over where the young Child
-was. And though they saw a little Baby, and a poor mother holding Him
-in her arms, they knew He was the Lord and King; and they worshipped
-Him, and offered Him the gifts they had brought.
-
-There was gold, and there was frankincense, which means the
-sweet-smelling, costly powder that was burnt in the Temple; and myrrh,
-which is a precious gum which comes out of trees, and is used to
-preserve and keep things good.
-
-[Illustration: THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN.--Matt. 2:10, 11.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who came to see our Lord? 2. Where did they come from? 3. What had
- they seen? 4. What did they ask? 5. Whom did they ask? 6. What did
- Herod say? 7. Did he want to worship? 8. What did he want to do? 9.
- How did the wise men find the way? 10. Whom did they see? 11. What did
- they offer Him? 12. What were the gifts? 13. What is frankincense? 14.
- What is myrrh? 15. Why did they worship Him?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Arise, and take the young child and His mother."--_Matt. 2:13._
-
-HEROD was afraid that the new-born King of the Jews would take away his
-kingdom. So he meant to kill Him as soon as he could find out from the
-wise men where He was. But the wise men never came back to tell him,
-for God spoke to them in a dream, and warned them to go back to their
-own country another way.
-
-[Illustration: JOSEPH COMMANDED TO FLEE INTO EGYPT.--Matt. 2:13.]
-
-And God also spoke to Joseph the carpenter, the blessed Virgin Mary's
-husband, and told him to take the young Child and His mother, and flee
-into the land of Egypt, and stay there till they should be told to come
-back, for Herod was seeking the young Child to destroy Him. Joseph
-obeyed, and the whole family fled into Egypt, and lived there for some
-years.
-
-When Herod found the wise men did not come, he was very angry; and to
-make sure of killing Him who was to be King of the Jews, he was so
-cruel and wicked as to cause all the babies in Bethlehem, of two years
-old and under, to be put to death.
-
-[Illustration: THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.--Matt. 2:14, 15.]
-
-We call them the Holy Innocents, because they were the first who died
-for Jesus Christ's sake. It seemed very sad then, but they have been
-happy and glorious ever since in heaven, and always will be. But God
-had taken care of Him, and He was safe in Egypt; and there they stayed
-till our Lord was about three years old, and then the wicked King Herod
-died.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did Herod want to do? 2. Why could he not find our blessed
- Lord? 3. Who warned the wise men? 4. Whom did Herod murder? 5. What do
- we call those Babes of Bethlehem? 6. But whom did he not find? 7. For
- where was our Lord? 8. Who had taken Him there? 9. Who was Joseph? 10.
- How did Joseph know He was to go to Egypt?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and
- man."--_Luke 2:52._
-
-WHEN Herod died, Joseph brought our blessed Lord and His mother back
-from Egypt, and went to live at Nazareth. We do not know any more about
-Him till He was twelve years old, and then He went up with Joseph
-and His mother to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of the Passover. That
-great feast the Jews always kept in remembrance of the night when God
-delivered them out of their troubles in Egypt.
-
-[Illustration: KILLING THE MALE CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS OLD.--Matt.
-2:16.]
-
-When the time came for going home, the blessed Mary and Joseph could
-not find the Child Jesus. They thought at first that He was among the
-other boys of the company who had come up from Nazareth, and they
-went on a day's journey; but when He did not come back to them in the
-evening, they turned back to Jerusalem to seek Him. They looked for Him
-during three days all round the city, and found Him at last in the
-Temple, among the boys who came to be taught by the learned men there.
-
-Everybody who listened was astonished at His understanding and His
-answers; but when His mother came to call Him, He went home with her
-directly; and He obeyed her and Joseph in everything, and helped and
-worked for them, though He was really their God and King.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS TEACHING IN THE TEMPLE.--Luke 2:46, 47.]
-
-That was to teach us all how good children should behave at home to
-their fathers and mothers, for Joseph was like a father to Him, though
-His real Father is God. And as He grew older He lived on with them, and
-worked as a carpenter with them till He was thirty years old. So, you
-see, He knows just what it is to be one of us, and a poor hard-working
-man. For God from heaven came to be one of us men, and just like us.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. When did our blessed Lord come back from Egypt? 2. Where did He
- go and live? 3. How old was He when we hear about Him again? 4.
- Where did He go then? 5. What feast did they go to? 6. What was the
- Passover to put people in mind of? 7. What happened when it was time
- to go home? 8. How long was He lost? 9. Where was He found? 10. What
- was He doing there? 11. What was everyone surprised at? 12. What did
- He do when He was called? 13. How can you do like Him when you are
- called from what you like? 14. How did He always behave to His mother
- and Joseph? 15. How can you try to be like Him?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Forty-second Sunday.
-
-_THE PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."--_Matt. 3:2._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-THE blessed Lord Jesus lived at Nazareth, and worked there as a
-carpenter until He was thirty years old, so that He has felt how we
-live here, and knows what our feelings and ways are by trying them.
-
-When it was nearly time for Him to begin to set up His kingdom, a holy
-man was sent to make ready for Him. This man's name was John, and he
-lived out in the rocky and bushy country on the bank of the river
-Jordan, dressed in a coarse garment woven of camel's hair, and living
-on the locusts and wild honey he found there.
-
-He stood there telling everyone who came that the kingdom of God was
-going to begin, and that those who wished to belong to it must repent
-and give up their sins. All who would feel and own their sins he took
-down to the river and bathed and washed them, to show how some day they
-would have their souls washed, just as their bodies were washed now.
-
-This washing was called baptising, and he is always called John the
-Baptist; but he always told the people that there was One coming who
-was greater than he was, and that this Holy One would baptise them with
-the Holy Ghost and with fire.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How long did our blessed Lord live at Nazareth? 2. What did He do
- there? 3. Who was sent to prepare His way? 4. Where did John live? 5.
- What did he wear? 6. What did he eat? 7. What are locusts? 8. What did
- he tell the people? 9. What were they to be sorry for? 10. What is
- repenting? 11. What did he do to those who repented? 12. In what river
- did he wash them? 13. What was this washing called? 14. What was he
- called? 15. Who did he say was coming? 16. How would that One baptize
- them?
-
-[Illustration: JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACHING IN THE WILDERNESS.--Matt.
-3:2, 8.]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."--_Matt. 3:17._
-
-ONE day, as John was baptising, Jesus came to him, and desired to be
-baptised. His mother and John's mother were cousins, and John knew He
-had never done one wrong thing in all His life, and had nothing to
-repent of. So he said, "I have need to be baptised of Thee, and comest
-Thou to me?" Then JESUS answered, "Suffer it to be so now, for thus it
-becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
-
-Then John baptised Him; and as they were coming up out of the water,
-the heaven above was opened, and there came God the Holy Ghost, taking
-a shape like a dove, and rested upon the Head of Jesus, and there was
-God the Father's voice speaking out of heaven, and saying, "This is My
-Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
-
-Then John the Baptist knew that Jesus was the Son of God, and the great
-King whose way he had been sent to prepare.
-
-[Illustration: THE BAPTISM OF JESUS.--Mark 1:9.]
-
-And this was the beginning of baptism, or christening, as we call it.
-We are all baptised into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
-Ghost, and made to belong to Jesus Christ.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who was John the Baptist? 2. Where did he baptize? 3. Who came to
- him to be baptized? 4. What relation was the blessed Virgin to his
- mother? 5. What did he say? 6. Why did he say so? 7. What was the
- answer? 8. What happened after the baptism? 9. Who came down from
- heaven? 10. Who spoke from heaven? 11. What did God the Father's voice
- say? 12. What did John know then? 13. Whose Son is Jesus? 14. How had
- John been preparing His way?
-
-[Illustration: CHRIST IN THE MANGER.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."--_Matt. 4:7._
-
-OUR Lord Jesus had come into the world to conquer the Devil, to whom
-Eve had given power over it when she ate the fruit.
-
-So He went up into a lonely place in the wilderness, that He might meet
-the Devil, and stand up against all the temptations that had led Eve
-astray. He was there forty days, with nothing to eat; and the Devil
-came and said, "If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be
-made bread." But He would not do it at Satan's word; and so as Eve fell
-by eating, He stood by resisting hunger.
-
-[Illustration: THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS.--Matt. 4:10, 11.]
-
-Then the Devil showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory
-of them, in one moment of time, and said, "All these things will I give
-Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me." But though Eve had been
-tempted by seeing the beauty of the fruit, our Lord was not led astray
-by all the glory and beauty of this world. So He conquered again.
-
-Then He stood with Satan on the top of a high wall, with a precipice
-below; and Satan tempted Him to cast Himself down, so that the angels
-should come round and bear Him up, and all might see He was the Son of
-God. It was just as Satan had told Eve, that she would be like a God if
-she ate the fruit; and He said, "It is written, thou shalt not tempt
-the Lord thy God."
-
-Satan left Him then for a time, and the angels came and waited on Him.
-That was the beginning of His victory over Satan and sin. And every
-one of us must fight our battle too. Whenever we are inclined to be
-naughty, Satan is tempting us, but we must try to be strong and drive
-him away; and our Lord Jesus will help us if we only try, and will
-drive him away.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What had our Lord come into the world for? 2. When had Satan become
- master of the world? 3. Where did our Lord go? 4. What was the first
- temptation? 5. Why would not He make the stones into bread? 6. What
- was the second temptation? 7. What did Satan want Him to do? 8. What
- was the third temptation? 9. Who would have come round Him? 10. Would
- He let them show that He was God? 11. What did He say to Satan? 12.
- What did Satan do? 13. Who came to wait on our Lord? 14. Who had been
- conquered?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Forty-third Sunday.
-
-_THE CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Behold the Lamb of God."--_John 1:36._
-
-NOW that John the Baptist knew that JESUS was, indeed, the Son of God,
-whom he had been sent to proclaim, he began to point Him out, saying,
-"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." There
-were two poor fishermen, who had come out to listen to John, who heard,
-and who went to JESUS and asked, "Master, where dwellest Thou?" He
-said, "Come and see."
-
-Their names were Andrew and another John. They stayed all one night
-with Him, and saw and felt that He was so great and holy that no one
-else could be the Christ who had been promised to come and save the
-world; and John was always the nearest and best loved of all to Him.
-
-Andrew went and told his own brother Simon, whom our Lord named Peter,
-which means a rock; and they brought two more of their friends to see
-Him, whose names were Philip and Nathanael. When JESUS saw Nathanael
-coming, He said, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!"
-
-Nathanael asked how He could know him. Our Lord answered, "Before that
-Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee."
-Then Nathanael said, "Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of
-Israel." For he had been alone under the fig tree, and nobody who was
-not God could have seen or known he was there; and our Lord said that
-because he believed, he should see greater things than these.
-
-[Illustration: BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD.--John 1:36.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who had been sent to proclaim our Lord? 2. What did John the
- Baptist say of Him? 3. Who were the two first who listened? 4. What
- was their trade? 5. Who was the best loved of all? 6. Whom did Andrew
- fetch? 7. What name was given to Simon? 8. What does Peter mean? 9.
- What friends did they tell of our Lord? 10. What did our Lord say of
- Nathanael? 11. What does "without guile" mean? 12. What did Nathanael
- ask? 13. Why was he surprised? 14. What did our Lord say? 15. What was
- his answer? 16. How did he know that Jesus was God? 17. Where can God
- see?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Thou hast kept the good wine until now."--_John 2:10._
-
-PERSONS who loved to learn of a Master were called His disciples. So
-John and his brother James, Andrew and Simon Peter, Philip and his
-friend Nathanael, were all called our Lord's disciples.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS CALLING HIS DISCIPLES.--John 1:51.]
-
-They were all invited to a wedding at Cana, the village in the hills
-where Nathanael lived; and the blessed Virgin Mary, our Lord's mother,
-was there too. But the bride and bridegroom were poor people, and in
-the midst of the feast it turned out that there was not wine enough.
-The blessed Virgin said, in a low voice, to her Son, "They have no
-wine."
-
-Now, there were six great jars standing by, and JESUS told the servants
-to fill them with water. So they filled them up to the brim; and then
-He told the servants to draw out some of what they had poured in, and
-carry it to the chief person there.
-
-As soon as this man had tasted it, he found it was such good wine that
-he said to the bridegroom that most people began their feasts with
-their best wine, but that here the best had been kept for the last.
-This was the first wonderful thing our Lord did on earth, and it made
-His disciples know that He was God, for no one else could have done
-such a wonder.
-
-[Illustration: THE MIRACLE IN CANA.--John 2:7, 8.]
-
-We call these wonders miracles. Our Lord worked many more while He was
-on earth, and most of them were cures to the blind, or the lame, or the
-sick. He made them well directly by His power and love.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What are disciples? 2. Who were the first disciples? 3. What feast
- did they go to? 4. Where was the feast? 5. What was wanting at the
- feast? 6. What did our Lord's mother say? 7. What did He tell the
- servants to do? 8. How many waterpots were there? 9. What did the
- water become? 10. To whom was it carried? 11. What was said of it?
- 12. How came it to be wine? 13. What is such a wonder called? 14. Why
- could our Lord do miracles? 15. What did they show?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "I will make you fishers of men."--_Matt. 4:19._
-
-I TOLD you Andrew and Peter and John were fishermen. They used to go
-fishing at night in boats, on the blue lake of Galilee, shut in between
-the high mountains. One night, they had been out in two boats, trying
-hard to catch fish, but none would come to their nets.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS TEACHES NICODEMUS.--John 3:2, 3.]
-
-In the morning, they saw JESUS standing on the bank, with a great crowd
-of people round Him, come to see and hear His teaching. He called to
-Simon Peter to come and take Him into his boat, so that He could teach
-the people from thence without being crowded.
-
-When He had done speaking, He told Andrew and Peter to go out into the
-deeper water, and let down their nets. They said, "Master, we have
-toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word
-I will let down the net." And instantly the net was so full
-of fishes, that Andrew and Peter could not draw it up without the help
-of John and his brother James, who was with him in his boat; and both
-boats were quite full of fish, and ready to sink with the weight.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA.--John 4:25, 26.]
-
-[Illustration: JESUS HEALS THE SICK OF THE PALSY.--Mark 2:4, 5.]
-
-[Illustration: Our Father who art in Heaven]
-
-  [Illustration: He hath fulfilled his word
-  ELIJAH'S SACRIFICE ON MOUNT CARMEL
-  HALLOWED BE THY NAME]
-
-  [Illustration: JOHN PREACHING IN THE WILDERNESS
-  CHRIST AND NICODEMUS
-  ST. PAUL AND THE PHILIPPIAN JAILOR
-  THY KINGDOM COME]
-
-  [Illustration: CHRIST IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
-  JACOB WRESTLING WITH THE ANGEL
-  THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN]
-
-  [Illustration: CHRIST FEEDING THE MULTITUDE
-  I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
-  GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD]
-
-  [Illustration: RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON
-  THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN
-  STEPHEN FORGIVES HIS ENEMIES
-  THE KING FORGIVES HIS BROTHER
-  O LORD HAVE MERCY
-  PAY ME WHAT THOU OWEST
-  PUNISHMENT OF THE UNFORGIVING
-  FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US]
-
-  [Illustration: THE TEMPTER IN EDEN
-  THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
-  DRIVEN FROM EDEN
-  PETER DENYING CHRIST
-  THE REMORSE OF JUDAS
-  LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION]
-
-  [Illustration: CHRIST STILLING THE STORM AT SEA
-  THE ANGEL DELIVERING PETER FROM PRISON
-  CHRIST PROCLAIMING DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES
-  DELIVER US FROM EVIL]
-
-When the boats came to land, our Lord told the four disciples that they
-were to come with Him, for He would make them fishers of men, for they
-were to draw disciples to Him, instead of catching fish. They believed
-Him, and left all they had to follow Him, and they were always with
-Him--His dear friends who followed Him everywhere, and stored up His
-holy words in their hearts.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the trade of the disciples? 2. Where did they fish? 3. How
- did they fish? 4. Who came to them? 5. What did he bid them do? 6.
- What had they been doing all night? 7. But what did they now let down?
- 8. What did they find in their nets? 9. What were filled? 10. How came
- the fish there? 11. What did our Lord call them to do? 12. What were
- they to be? 13. What did they leave? 14. Who were these four?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Forty-fourth Sunday.
-
-_THE MINISTRY._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
-  "He went about doing good."--_Acts 10:38_.
-
-SIMON PETER had a house at Capernaum, which is one of the towns that
-stand upon the shore of the Lake of Galilee. There our Lord cured
-the mother of Peter's wife of a bad fever by His mighty power in one
-moment, and there He generally lived when He was in those parts; but He
-never stayed long there, for He went about doing good.
-
-In every town or village that he came to, He used to go and teach in
-the synagogue. A synagogue was a place where the Jews who lived too far
-from Jerusalem to go to the Temple every Sabbath-day used to meet, and
-hear the Old Testament read and explained to them, and pray together.
-
-Our Lord used to teach in the synagogues, and draw out all the meaning
-of the Law; and when He came out, all the sick people who were near,
-and all the blind and deaf and dumb people, were brought to Him, and
-He cured them all by only just touching them, or even only by bidding
-their disease to go away. For He was God as well as man, and could do
-all things. Or He would sit on the mountain side, and all the people
-would come round Him, and He would teach them.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS RAISES THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS.--Mark 5:41, 42.]
-
-[Illustration: JESUS GIVES SIGHT TO THE TWO BLIND MEN.--Matt. 9:27,
-28.]
-
-There is one beautiful discourse of His, called the Sermon on the
-Mount, which I hope you will soon know well. And in it He taught his
-disciples the prayer we all say, and call the Lord's Prayer, and which
-we love the best of all prayers.
-
-[Illustration: SERMON ON THE MOUNT.--Matt. 5:1-3.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. In whose house did our blessed Lord Jesus live? 2. Where was
- Capernaum? 3. What had He done for Simon Peter's wife's mother? 4.
- Where did He teach? 5. What is a synagogue? 6. When did the Jews go
- there? 7. What did they do in the synagogue? 8. What did our Lord
- explain? 9. Whom did He cure? 10. Where did He sometimes teach? 11.
- What is one great discourse of His called? 12. What prayer did He give
- His disciples? 13. How does it begin? 14. When do we say it?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-[Illustration: JESUS RAISES THE WIDOW'S SON.--Luke 7:14, 15.]
-
-[Illustration: JESUS SLEEPS DURING THE STORM.--Matt. 8:24, 25.]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
-  "I have compassion on the multitude."--_Matt. 15:32._
-
-OUR Lord Jesus chose out twelve of His disciples to be always with Him,
-and to teach and work with Him. All the six you have heard of before
-were among them, and there was another called Matthew, who had been a
-rich man, but left all his riches to follow our Lord. These twelve were
-called apostles.
-
-[Illustration: SENDING FORTH THE TWELVE APOSTLES.--Matt. 10:5-7.]
-
-I told you that the Jews were in two parties, called Pharisees and
-Sadducees, and they used to quarrel and have many bad ways. When they
-found that Jesus blamed them, they were very angry; and when He was
-called the Holy One whom God promised, they said that the Christ would
-be a great king, and that He was only pretending. But all the poor
-heard Him gladly; and when He was driven out of the towns, they came
-after Him into the hills and open places, and went everywhere they
-could to hear Him.
-
-One day, evening was coming on, and all these people had been with Him
-all day, and had nothing to eat. He said to Philip, "Whence shall we
-buy bread, that these may eat?" Philip came from a village just below,
-but he did not know what to do.
-
-[Illustration: DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.--Mark 6:27, 28.]
-
-Andrew said there was a little boy there, who had brought five loaves
-and two small fishes; but what would they be among so many? Indeed, the
-loaves were not like ours--only thin barley cakes. But our Lord said,
-"Make the men sit down."
-
-So they all sat on the grass; and He gave thanks, and began to give out
-to the apostles the bread and the fish, and they never came to an end,
-but there was enough for all the five thousand; and when they had all
-done, He told the apostles to gather up the remains, that nothing might
-be lost. And there was enough to fill twelve great baskets.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND.--John 6:10, 11.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How many disciples did our Lord choose? 2. What were they to be
- called? 3. What were the names of the first six? 4. Who was the rich
- man? 5. Who hated our Lord? 6. Why? 7. Why did they think He could not
- be Christ? 8. Where was He driven from? 9. Where did he go? 10. Who
- came after Him? 11. What was all He had to feed them with? 12. Who
- brought the five loaves and two fishes? 13. Where did they sit? 14.
- What did our Lord do first? 15. Who gave out the food? 16. How much
- was left? 17. How many had eaten?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-[Illustration: The Lords Prayer
-
-Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.
-Thy Will be done in earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our
-daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that
-trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us
-from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory, For ever
-and ever. AMEN.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
-  "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."--_Matt. 14:27._
-
-THE people whom JESUS had fed wanted to make Him a king, but He would
-not be an earthly king; so He told the apostles to row away across the
-lake, while He went up alone into the hills to pray to His Father,
-where the people could not find Him.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS SUPPORTS THE SINKING PETER.--Matt. 14:30, 31.]
-
-It was a rough night. The wind came down from the hills, and tossed the
-lake up in great waves; and the apostles rowed with all their might,
-but they made little way. But when the night was far on, they saw a
-Figure coming to them, walking on the waves. They were frightened, and
-cried out. Then the Figure said, "It is I; be not afraid!" and they
-knew it was their Master, and were glad.
-
-And Peter said, "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the
-water." So he came out of the boat, and as long as he trusted in His
-Master, he could walk; but when he saw the wind boisterous, he was
-afraid, and cried out, and then he began to sink.
-
-He called out, and Jesus put forth His hand and held him up, saying, "O
-thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Then they were both
-taken into the boat, and the wind ceased, and the lake was calm and
-still.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What did the people want to do? 2. Why did they want to make Jesus
- a king? 3. What did He do to get out of their way? 4. Where did He bid
- the disciples go? 5. What sort of night was it? 6. What happened to
- the apostles? 7. How did our Lord come to them? 8. What did they do
- when they saw Him first? 9. How did they know Him? 10. Who came out to
- Him on the water? 11. When was St. Peter safe? 12. When did he begin
- to sink? 13. What did our Lord say to him? 14. What happened as soon
- as they were in the boat?
-
-[Illustration: THE WELL OR FOUNTAIN AT NAZARETH.]
-
-
-
-
-Forty-fifth Sunday.
-
-_WONDERS OF OUR LORD'S WORKING._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Young man, I say unto thee arise."--_Luke 7:14._
-
-NO one can think how good and kind our blessed Lord Jesus was. Once,
-when He was going with His disciples into a village called Nain, He
-met a funeral coming out. People are not carried to the grave in their
-coffins in the East; but they are laid on a sort of bed called a bier,
-with all their best clothes on, and a wreath of flowers round the head.
-
-The person who was now to be buried was quite a young man, and he was
-the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And when the Lord saw
-it, He had pity on the poor woman, and He said to her, "Weep not." Then
-He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. Then He
-said, "Young man, I say unto thee, Arise." And he that was dead sat up
-and began to speak; and our Lord gave him back alive to his mother.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was our Lord always doing? 2. What village was He going into?
- 3. What did he meet? 4. Who was going to be buried? 5. Had his mother
- any more sons? 6. And what was she? 7. How are people carried to their
- graves in the East? 8. Who had pity on the mother? 9. What did He say
- to her? 10. What did He do? 11. What did he say to the dead man? 12.
- What did the dead man do at once? 13. To whom was he given back? 14.
- How came JESUS to be able to work such miracles? 15. Was not he most
- kind and loving so to do?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "His face did shine as the sun."--_Matt. 17:2._
-
-ONLY once all the time He was in this world did our Lord Jesus let
-His apostles see any of His glory, and then it was only the three who
-believed in Him best, and whom He kept the most with Him.
-
-One night, He took Peter and James and John out to a mountain with
-Him, as He was wont to do when He was going apart to pray. They went
-to sleep; but when they woke, they saw Him in bright light and glory.
-His face was shining like the sun, and His clothes were as white as the
-light; and there were two talking with Him, Moses and Elias. And they
-were talking of how He was come to die at Jerusalem.
-
-[Illustration: THE TRANSFIGURATION.--Luke 9:29-32.]
-
-The three were afraid, but they were happy too; and Peter said,
-"Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three
-tabernacles; one for Thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias;" for,
-indeed, he hardly knew what he was saying.
-
-[Illustration: THE GOOD SAMARITAN.--Luke 10:33, 34.]
-
-[Illustration: JESUS AND THE SISTERS OF BETHANY.--Luke 10:41, 42.]
-
-And even as He spoke, a bright cloud came and hid the wonderful sight
-from them, and then they found that no one was with them but their
-Master, Jesus, looking as usual; and He bade them tell no one about
-what they had seen, until the Son of man should be risen again from the
-dead.
-
-[Illustration: THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON.--Luke 15:22.]
-
-They knew that their Lord was the Son of man; but they could not think
-what He could mean by rising again from the dead.
-
-This wonderful showing forth of His glory is called the Transfiguration.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the Transfiguration? 2. Who were allowed to see it? 3.
- Where did it happen? 4. What was our Lord's face like? 5. What were
- His clothes like? 6. Who came and talked to Him? 7. Who was Moses? 8.
- Who was Elias? 9. Do you remember what had become of Elias? 10. What
- were Moses and Elias talking about with Him? 11. What were the three
- apostles doing at first? 12. What did Peter say when he woke? 13.
- What happened then? 14. Who was left with them? 15. What did He forbid
- them to do? 16. When might they speak of it? 17. What could not they
- understand?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Suffer the little children to come unto me."--_Mark 10:14._
-
-AFTER His Transfiguration, our Lord Jesus often told His apostles that
-He was going to be taken by the chief priests at Jerusalem, and that
-He should be ill-used, and beaten, and spit upon, and put to death on
-a cross; and that the third day He should rise again. But they never
-could understand how this would be, for they had never heard of rising
-from the dead; and they were so sure that He was Christ, and that
-Christ would be a great King, that they never understood or believed
-that He was to die.
-
-[Illustration: THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS THE BEGGAR.--Luke 16:19-21.]
-
-And sometimes they even disputed among themselves who would be first
-and greatest in His kingdom. When they did this our Lord called a
-little child, and took him, and set him in the midst, and said that the
-greatest in His kingdom would be the most like that little child; for
-only those who are ready to be last here can be high up there.
-
-[Illustration: "SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME."--Mark 10:14.]
-
-The Lord loved little children. Once, when the mothers were bringing
-their babies for Him to touch, the disciples wanted to keep them away;
-but He said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid
-them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
-
-And then He took the little ones up in His arms, and put His hands on
-them, and blessed them. And just so He embraces and blesses the little
-children we bring to Him in church, though we cannot see Him now; and
-He is always glad to hear them pray.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was the Transfiguration? 2. What did our Lord say would happen
- to them? 3. Why would not the disciples believe it? 4. What did they
- dispute about? 5. Whom did our Lord call? 6. What did He tell them?
- 7. What is the way to be high in the kingdom of heaven? 8. Who were
- brought to Him?
-
-[Illustration: THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN.--Luke 18:11-13.]
-
-[Illustration: THE RAISING OF LAZARUS.--John 11:43, 44.]
-
-
-
-
-Forty-sixth Sunday.
-
-_GOING UP TO JERUSALEM._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David."--_Matt. 20:30._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-FOR three years our blessed Lord went about doing good and teaching,
-generally in Galilee, in the towns or on the hills, where the people
-came out to hear Him; and at the feasts, when people ought to worship
-at Jerusalem, He used to go up and speak to them in the outer court of
-the Temple.
-
-But there was a wicked high priest named Caiaphas, who had been set up
-by the Romans, and he and the Pharisees and Sadducees all hated JESUS,
-because He found fault with their evil ways, and they would not believe
-He was the Christ, but wanted to put Him to death.
-
-So whenever He came to Jerusalem it was more dangerous; and then they
-stirred up the chief men of Galilee, so that He could not be in the
-town, but had to wander on the hills. Once, when a man wanted to follow
-Him, He said, "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests;
-but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head."
-
-And at last, when His time was come, He set His face to go to Jerusalem
-to keep the Passover, though He knew that He would be taken and put to
-death there, and so be the real Passover. As He was going, two blind
-men, who sat by the roadside begging, called out, "Have mercy on us, O
-Lord, thou son of David!" And He stood still and cured them both.
-
-[Illustration: MARY ANOINTS THE HEAD OF JESUS.--Mark 14:1-11.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How long did our blessed Lord teach? 2. Where did He teach? 3.
- When did He go to Jerusalem? 4. What did He go to Jerusalem for? 5.
- Where did He teach? 6. Who hated him? 7. Who was Caiaphas? 8. Why did
- they hate Him? 9. Where did they drive Him? 10. What did He say about
- having no home? 11. When did He set His face to go to Jerusalem? 12.
- What feast was He going to keep? 13. What did He know would happen to
- Him? 14. Whom did He cure as He was going? 15. What did the blind men
- cry out?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Hosanna to the son of David."--_Matt. 21:9._
-
-IT was only the great rich wicked men that hated our Lord. The common
-people heard Him gladly, and only wanted Him to begin to be king. And
-they really thought the time was come when He came up to Jerusalem.
-Just before He came in, He sent two of His disciples to fetch a young
-ass on which no one had ever sat, and on it He rode down Mount Olivet.
-
-[Illustration: CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM.--Matt. 21:8, 9.]
-
-Now, there was an old prophecy which said to Jerusalem, "Behold,
-thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass." People
-remembered this, and began to receive Him like a king; they spread
-their mantles on the ground before Him, and others cut down branches
-from the trees and strewed them in the way; and the people before
-and behind, especially the children, cried out with all their might,
-"Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of
-the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna means, "save now."
-
-The Pharisees were very angry, and bade Him stop them; but He answered
-with the verse of a Psalm, "Yea, have ye never read, Out of the mouth
-of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength?"
-
-But as He looked at beautiful Jerusalem, He wept over the city, for He
-knew that sad and dreadful punishments were coming on it; and yet the
-people would not listen to Him, and be sorry, and so be saved.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who loved our Lord? 2. What did they want Him to do? 3. What made
- them think His reign was coming? 4. How did He come into Jerusalem?
- 5. What was the old prophecy? 6. What did the people do in His honor?
- 7. What did they cry? 8. What does "Hosanna" mean? 9. Who were angry?
- 10. What did He say? 11. But why was He grieving? 12. What made Him
- sorry for the city? 13. How were the people bringing sad punishment on
- themselves?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "My house shall be called the house of prayer."--_Matt. 21:13._
-
-THE first thing our blessed Lord did at Jerusalem was to go into the
-Temple; and there, in the courts, He found people keeping shop, selling
-the lambs that were wanted for the Passover, and doves for other
-services, and changing the coin that strangers brought for Jewish money.
-
-This was very disrespectful to God, and He was angry. He had driven
-them all out once, and they had come back, and now they were doing it
-again. So He drove them all out, and told them His Father's house was a
-house of prayer, but they had made it a den of thieves.
-
-No one dared to answer Him, and all that day and the next He stood
-in the Temple, teaching the people, and showing the wickedness of
-the chief priests and Pharisees. It seemed as if all the people of
-Jerusalem were ready to follow Him, and as if He might begin His reign
-directly; but this was not what He came for, and, as He well knew, the
-Pharisees were planning against Him.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS DRIVES OUT THE MONEY-CHANGERS.--Matt. 21:13.]
-
-They wanted to get Him to say something that they could say was against
-the Law, so they asked Him many hard questions, but His great wisdom
-put them all to silence, and made them ashamed; but they were so hard
-and wicked that they only hated Him the more.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where did our Lord go? 2. What were the Jews doing there? 3.
- Why was this wrong? 4. What did He do to them? 5. Had He done this
- before? 6. What did He tell them? 7. Who was his Father? 8. What was
- His Father's house? 9. What are our houses of prayer? 10. How must
- we behave in them? 11. Who were planning against Him? 12. But who
- followed Him gladly? 13. What did they want Him to be?
-
-
-
-
-Forty-seventh Sunday.
-
-_THE EVENING OF THE BETRAYAL._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "JESUS knew that his hour was come."--_John 13:1._
-
-THE chief priests grew more fierce and bitter when they saw how all
-men listened to the Lord Jesus. They could do nothing to Him by day,
-because the people would have risen up to defend Him; so they tried how
-to find Him alone and at night, to take Him secretly.
-
-Now, one of the twelve apostles, named Judas Iscariot, was too fond
-of money, and used to take for himself what was trusted to him to
-take care of. So he went on from bad to worse, till at last he did
-the dreadful thing of promising the chief priests that he would show
-them to some lonely place, where they could take his Lord and Master
-prisoner; and then they were to pay him for this wickedness with thirty
-pieces of silver.
-
-Judas settled all this, and then he went back to our Lord and the other
-eleven apostles just as usual, thinking they did not know; but our Lord
-did know very well. But He bade the apostles get ready the supper that
-was eaten the night before the Passover, in a large upper room that was
-lent to them for it, and there He sat down to eat with them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What feast was being kept at Jerusalem? 2. Why were the priests and
- Pharisees angry? 3. What did they want to do? 4. Why did they not take
- Him in the Temple? 5. Where did they want to take him? 6. Who said He
- would show them the way? 7. What did they promise to Judas Iscariot?
- 8. Who was he? 9. Then how came he to be so wicked? 10. Where did our
- Lord go to eat His Last Supper? 11. Who were eating with Him?
-
-[Illustration: JESUS WASHING HIS DISCIPLES FEET.--John 13:2-5.]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "This do in remembrance of me."--_Luke 22:19._
-
-WHEN our Lord and His apostles were eating the Supper together, He was
-very sorrowful, and said, "One of you shall betray me." The apostles
-were grieved, and each said, "Lord, is it I?" And He said, "He that
-dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me."
-
-And then, as the custom was, He dipped His piece of bread in the
-dish in the middle of the table, and gave it to Judas. Then the wicked
-man presently got up and went away.
-
-[Illustration: CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM.]
-
-And as they were still in the upper room, our Lord took bread and
-broke it, and gave a piece to each of His apostles, and said, "Take,
-eat: this is My Body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance
-of me." And He took a Cup of wine, and said, "This Cup is the new
-testament in My Blood: This do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance
-of me."
-
-[Illustration: THE LAST SUPPER.--Matt. 26:26-28.]
-
-And that was the beginning of what we call the Holy Sacrament of the
-Lord's Supper, "For as often as ye do eat of this Bread, and drink this
-Cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come."
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who were eating together? 2. When was it? 3. Why was our Lord
- sorrowful? 4. What did He say one of them would do? 5. What did they
- all ask? 6. Who did He say it would be? 7. What did He dip then? 8. To
- whom did He give it? 9. Who went away? 10. What holy Sacrament did He
- appoint? 11. What did He take? 12. What did He say of the bread? 13.
- What did He then take? 14. What did He say of the wine? 15. What is
- the outward sign of the Lord's Supper? 16. What is the inward grace?
- 17. What does it show forth?
-
-[Illustration: JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE.--Matt. 26:38, 39.]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt."--_Matt. 26:39._
-
-SUPPER being over, and night coming on, our Lord went out with His
-disciples to a garden, full of olive trees, called Gethsemane, where
-He often used to pray. He told them again on the way that they would
-soon all be afraid, and leave Him; but Peter could not think so, and
-said boldly that if everybody fell from Him, he never would. But JESUS
-answered, "Verily, I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock
-crow, thou shalt deny me thrice."
-
-Then He went on to the garden, taking only Peter, James, and John into
-it with Him, and telling them to watch while He went apart to pray.
-They were heavy and sorrowful, and could not keep awake; but while He
-was praying, He was in the greatest trouble and grief that ever anyone
-felt.
-
-He knelt and prayed in an agony, till His sweat was as great drops of
-blood falling down to the ground. For He was feeling the sorrow for all
-the sin of all the world--the sorrow that belongs to you and me.
-
-The disciples heard Him say, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this
-cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." He
-came to them more than once, and called them, as if He longed for them
-to comfort Him; but still they fell asleep again, though He said,
-"What, could ye not watch with me one hour? The spirit indeed is
-willing, but the flesh is weak."
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where did our Lord go then? 2. What was the garden full of? 3.
- What did He say the apostles would all do? 4. Who thought He never
- could leave Him? 5. What did our Lord tell Peter? 6. Whom did He take
- into the garden? 7. What were they to do? 8. What great grief did He
- suffer? 9. Why did He suffer such agony? 10. What did he pray? 11.
- What could not the disciples do? 12. What did He say at last? 13. What
- was their flesh? 14. Was He angry? 15. But was He not much grieved
- that they did not comfort Him?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Forty-eighth Sunday.
-
-_THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?"--_Luke 22:48._
-
-JUST as our Lord had wakened His three apostles for the last time,
-there came a tread of soldiers, and lanterns gleamed through the olive
-trees. For Judas Iscariot, the traitor, knew that his Master was apt
-to go to the olive garden to pray at night, and he was leading them,
-and he said to them, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold
-Him fast." And he came up first to JESUS, and said, "Hail, master;" and
-kissed Him. All our Lord said was, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of
-man with a kiss?"
-
-Peter tried to defend Him, and drew a sword and cut off the ear of one
-of the servants; but our Lord bade him put the sword back into the
-sheath; and then, in His great love, our blessed Lord touched the ear,
-and cured it in an instant, and begged that all the disciples might be
-allowed to go their way. Indeed, they were so much afraid that they all
-forsook Him and fled away, except John and Peter, who both followed to
-see what would be done with Him.
-
-The soldiers dragged our blessed Lord to the house of the high priest,
-Caiaphas, where his enemies tried to make out some charge to bring
-against Him; but as He was good and holy, and had no sin at all, they
-could accuse Him of nothing. And when they asked Him questions, He
-answered them not a word, for He knew that it was only to accuse Him.
-
-While He stood at the upper end of the hall, John, who knew one of the
-servants, had come in to the lower end, and had brought in Peter with
-him. The chill of the morning had come on, and the servants lighted a
-fire on the pavement, where Peter stood and warmed himself. One of the
-maids there looked at him, and asked if he did not belong to Jesus of
-Nazareth. Peter was afraid, and said, "I know not what thou sayest."
-
-[Illustration: JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS.--Matt. 26:48-50.]
-
-But then another maid said, "This fellow was also with Jesus of
-Nazareth.." Peter grew more afraid, and went on declaring he did not
-know such a person; but presently another servant said, "Did not I see
-thee in the garden with Him?" Again Peter's fear of being punished for
-wounding the man in the garden led him further astray, for he began
-to curse and swear, and say, "I know not the man." Just then the cock
-crew, and the Lord turned round and looked upon Peter.
-
-That look went to his heart. He went out and wept bitterly; and
-whenever he thought of his sin, he wept.
-
-[Illustration: CHRIST BEFORE CAIAPHAS.--Matt. 26:65, 66.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where was our Lord? 2. What time was it? 3. Whom had He taken with
- Him? 4. Who came up in the night? 5. Who was leading them? 6. How did
- Judas show which was our Lord? 7. What was he wicked enough to say? 8.
- How did our Lord answer? 9. How did Peter try to save Him? 10. What
- blow did He strike? 11. What command did our Lord give Peter? 12.
- What did he do for the wounded man? 13. What care did He take for His
- disciples? 14. Who only followed Him? 15. Where was our Lord taken?
- 16. What did the chief priests try to find? 17. Why could they find
- nothing to accuse Him of? 18. What had He said Peter would do? 19.
- What had Peter then said? 20. Yet what did he do? 21. What made Him
- deny? 22. What did he answer? 23. What brought his better mind back?
- 24. What sound? 25. What look? 26. What did he do when he thought of
- his sin?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter."--_Isaiah 53:7._
-
-AS soon as it was light, all the chief men of the Jews met in the
-council chamber in the Temple, and had our Lord brought before them.
-But no one could prove that He had broken the law; and whenever a story
-was brought against Him, it turned out not to be true.
-
-[Illustration: PETER DENYING JESUS.--Luke 22:60, 61.]
-
-At last the high priest stood up and commanded Him to say whether He
-were the Christ or not. He answered, "Thou hast said: nevertheless,
-I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the
-right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."
-
-At this answer, Caiaphas and all the other enemies made a great outcry,
-as if they were very much shocked, at His speaking of Himself as the
-great Judge of all--namely, as God.
-
-They all cried, "He is guilty of death;" and they began to beat Him
-and strike Him; and they blindfolded Him, and struck Him on the face,
-and bade Him say whose blow it was. And all the time He stood gentle
-and patient, and said not one word of complaint or anger.
-
-Since the reign of the great wicked Herod, the Romans had not allowed
-the Jews to put anybody to death without their leave; so the chief
-priests were obliged to take JESUS before the Roman governor, Pontius
-Pilate. But it was not possible to find anything that a Roman would
-think He deserved to be put to death for.
-
-When the chief priests said that "by our law He ought to die, because
-He made Himself the Son of God," Pilate only feared to do anything
-against Him; for he saw that there was no fault in JESUS, but that the
-chief priests were spiteful, and hated Him.
-
-Then the chief priests said that He called Himself King of the Jews.
-This made Pilate more anxious, for to set up to be an earthly king
-would have been rebelling against the Romans; but still he wanted to
-let JESUS go, because he saw that He was innocent; yet he did not
-like to offend the priests, who might have accused him to the Emperor
-of Rome. Pilate saw what was just; but he was afraid, and cared for
-himself more than for his duty.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where did the chief priests meet? 2. Who was brought there before
- them? 3. What did they intend to do? 4. But could they find any fault
- in Him? 5. So what did the chief priest ask Him? 6. What did He say?
- 7. What did they all cry out? 8. How did they begin to treat Him? 9.
- How did He bear it all? 10. How can we try to be like Him? 11. What
- were not the Jews allowed to do? 12. Who had the power over them? 13.
- Before whom did the chief priests take our Lord? 14. Who was Pilate?
- 15. What did Pilate think of the charges against Him? 16. But why did
- not Pilate set Him free? 17. Why was he afraid of His being called
- King of the Jews?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be
- granted unto you."--_Acts 3:14._
-
-PILATE thought he had found a way of saving the Lord Jesus without
-offending the Romans. It was the custom that at the feast of the
-Passover he should set some prisoner free, whomsoever the Jews asked
-for. And he thought, as the people loved our Lord, that they would ask
-for Him.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS CROWNED WITH THORNS.--Mark 15:16-19.]
-
-But there was a robber and murderer in prison named Barabbas, and the
-enemies of our Lord went about among the people, stirring them up to
-ask for him to be set free; so that the poor, foolish people all broke
-out with a great shout to ask that this murderer Barabbas might be set
-free.
-
-Pilate asked them what he was to do with JESUS, and then there was a
-great roar from all the people, "Crucify Him! crucify Him!"
-
-Now, crucifying was a very horrible and painful punishment, that had
-never been allowed among the Jews, but was chiefly used by the Romans
-themselves for slaves and for robbers; so that their savage cry was for
-JESUS to have the punishment that belonged to Barabbas.
-
-[Illustration: CHRIST BEFORE PILATE.--John 19:14-16.]
-
-Pilate's soldiers were very cruel, and they laughed at a poor man being
-called a king; so when they had beaten the blessed JESUS till He was
-bleeding all over, they took one of their old red soldiers' cloaks and
-threw it over Him; and they platted a crown of sharp thorns, and forced
-it upon His head; and they put a reed in his right hand, instead of a
-sceptre; and they bowed their knees, mocking Him by pretending to do
-Him honor.
-
-He never spoke one word of anger all this time; and when Pilate saw His
-meek, brave, patient face, pale and faint with pain, and streaming with
-blood, he thought the people would pity Him; so he led Him out once
-more to the top of the steps of the judgment hall, and said, "Behold
-the man!" But the people were too mad to have any pity or feeling, and
-they only cried louder and louder still, "Crucify Him! crucify Him!"
-
-Pilate was not brave enough to go against them all, even to save an
-innocent man; so all he did was to take water and wash his hands before
-them all, to show that he was clear of wishing it, and he said, "I am
-innocent of the blood of this just person." But the chief priests made
-the dreadful answer, "His blood be on us, and on our children!" meaning
-that they would take the guilt and punishment.
-
-[Illustration: THE END OF JUDAS ISCARIOT.--Matt. 27:3-5.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What plan had Pilate for saving our Lord? 2. Whom did he always set
- free at the feast? 3. Whom did he wish to set free? 4. But whom did
- the chief priests make them ask for? 5. Who was Barabbas? 6. What did
- they all cry out? 7. What kind of punishment was crucifying? 8. To
- whom would it naturally have belonged? 9. But who was going to bear
- the worst of punishments? 10. How did the soldiers treat our Lord? 11.
- Why did they mock Him? 12. What did they put on His head? 13. What did
- they dress Him in? 14. What did they put in His hand? 15. What did
- Pilate hope to do? 16. What did he say? 17. What was the cry in answer?
-
-
-
-
-Forty-ninth Sunday.
-
-_THE CRUCIFIXION._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "They pierced my hands and my feet."--_Ps. 22:16._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-WHEN the judgment was over, Pilate gave up our Lord to the four
-soldiers who were to crucify Him. His cross, a heavy beam of wood, with
-another fastened across it, was laid on His shoulders, that He might
-carry it to the place where He was to suffer--a place named Calvary,
-outside the walls of Jerusalem.
-
-He was so weak and worn out after the long sad night, the being taken
-from one judge to another, and the beating and tormenting, that He
-could hardly walk under it; and the soldiers met a man coming out of
-the country whom they forced to carry it after Jesus.
-
-When they came to Calvary, the soldiers made the blessed JESUS lie down
-on the beam of wood, and they stretched His arms out on the cross-beam,
-and drove a large nail through each of the palms of His hands into the
-wood, and another nail through His feet; and then they lifted up the
-cross, with Him upon it, and planted it in the ground, that He might
-hang there till He should die.
-
-And all He said while they were thus nailing Him were the words,
-"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!" That was the
-great pain He bore to save us!
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where was our Lord to be crucified? 2. Who led Him there? 3. Where
- was it? 4. What had He to carry? 5. But who had to be called to help
- Him? 6. Why was He so worn out? 7. What had they done to Him? 8. What
- was the cross? 9. How was He fastened to it? 10. What was done to it
- then? 11. What prayer did He make? 12. For whom was He praying? 13.
- For whom was He dying?
-
-[Illustration: JESUS FALLS UNDER THE CROSS.--Luke 23:27, 28.]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews."--_John 19:19._
-
-OVER the head of the blessed Lord on the cross was a tablet, with the
-words, "JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS;" and on each side of
-Him was another cross, with a robber upon it.
-
-There He hung patiently, while the chief priests and Pharisees passed
-by, mocking and laughing at His pain, and crying out, "He saved others;
-Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come
-down from the cross, and we will believe Him."
-
-Even the robbers at first joined in the cry; but by-and-by one of them
-began to feel that He who was so patient and so great in all that agony
-must truly be the Son of God; and he rebuked his fellow, and said,
-"Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom!" And the Lord
-answered, "To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise!"
-
-[Illustration: THE CRUCIFIXION.--John 19:30.]
-
-His holy mother had come to stand by the foot of His cross, and with
-her, her sister and some other women, and His beloved apostle John.
-The Lord looked down at her, and said, "Woman, behold thy son!" and
-He looked at St. John, and said, "Behold thy mother!" And John took
-the blessed Virgin home with him, and was always like a son to her
-afterward.
-
-At noon-day, a dreadful darkness came over all the earth, and it lasted
-for three whole hours, as if the very sun mourned for Him who made it.
-Just at three o'clock, the blessed Lord said, "I thirst;" and as one
-of the soldiers was touching His lips with a sponge full of vinegar, He
-gave a great sad cry, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me!"
-
-Then presently he added, "It is finished! Father, into Thy hands I
-commend my spirit!" And He cried with a loud cry; and so He, who was
-God and man in one, died for us men, and for our salvation.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What was set up over our Lord's head? 2. Who were crucified on each
- side? 3. How did the robbers behave at first? 4. How did one change?
- 5. What did he say? 6. How did our Lord answer? 7. Who were standing
- by His cross? 8. What did He say to His mother? 9. What did He say to
- John? 10. What did John do for her? 11. What came over the earth? 12.
- How long did the darkness last? 13. What did our Lord cry out? 14. How
- did a soldier try to quench His thirst? 15. What was His sad cry?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "And rested the sabbath day."--_Luke 23:56._
-
-THERE were some good people even among the chief of the Jews; and two
-of these, named Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, went to Pontius
-Pilate, and asked him to let them bury the body of Jesus. People
-generally were much longer in dying on the cross, so Pilate sent to see
-if He was dead.
-
-To make sure, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and
-out came blood and water together. The robbers were still alive, so
-the soldiers broke their legs, that they might die sooner; and so the
-repenting one soon went to our Lord in Paradise.
-
-Then Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took the holy body down from
-the cross, quite dead. Now, close by, Joseph had a garden, and in it
-was a cave which he meant to be buried in, but where no one had yet
-been laid. They carried our Lord's body there; and the good women who
-followed Him, Mary Magdalene and the rest, wrapped it up in linen
-cloths and sweet spices.
-
-They wanted to do more for it; but it was getting late on Good Friday
-evening, and the Sabbath or seventh day was counted from sunset, and
-then they could do no manner of work. So they had to wait till the
-Sabbath should be over; and Joseph rolled a great rock to close up the
-door, and they went away in their grief.
-
-[Illustration: THE BURIAL OF JESUS.--John 19:41, 42.]
-
-And then came a guard of soldiers, whom the chief priests had sent to
-watch the stone, for fear, as they told Pilate, that the disciples
-should steal the body away in the night. So they put seals, to make
-sure that no one should move the stone; and the soldiers were set to
-watch.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who asked for our Lord's body? 2. What did Pilate want to know? 3.
- How did they make sure that our Lord was dead? 4. What was done to the
- robbers? 5. Where did Nicodemus and Joseph take the body? 6. To whom
- did the cave belong? 7. Who were there too? 8. How did they wrap the
- body? 9. What did they put with it? 10. Why did they not do any more?
- 11. What day was it? 12. What was the next day? 13. What is the Fourth
- Commandment? 14. When did the Sabbath begin?
-
-
-
-
-Fiftieth Sunday.
-
-_THE RESURRECTION._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Now is Christ risen from the dead."--_1 Cor. 16:20._
-
-[Illustration: As it began to dawn.]
-
-THE holy women waited all the Sabbath day in sorrow; and our Lord Jesus
-lay in His grave. But, on the night after, He rose up from His grave,
-and came forth again, for He is alive for evermore. There was a great
-earthquake, and an angel came from heaven, and rolled away the stone
-from the door of the cave, and sat upon it; and for fear of him the
-keepers did shake, and were as dead men.
-
-[Illustration: As it began to dawn.]
-
-Very early in the morning, Mary Magdalene and the other women came with
-the sweet spices they had prepared. They wondered who would roll away
-the stone for them; but when they came nearer, they saw that it was
-taken away; and when they went in, they saw that the body of the Lord
-was gone.
-
-They feared at first that some one had taken it away; but behold, two
-men stood by them in shining garments, who said, "Why seek ye the
-living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen, as He said. Come,
-see the place where the Lord lay."
-
-[Illustration: THE RESURRECTION.--Matt. 28:2-4.]
-
-[Illustration: THE WOMEN AT THE TOMB OF JESUS.--Mark 16:5, 6.]
-
-And as the women went in great wonder to tell the disciples, they saw
-JESUS Himself, the same whom they had seen and touched quite dead the
-day before yesterday, standing before them, speaking kindly to them. So
-they held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. For never was there such
-wonderful joy and gladness in all the world.
-
-[Illustration: MARY MAGDALENE AT THE SEPULCHRE.--John 20:11-13.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What happened all the Sabbath? 2. What happened the night after?
- 3. Who rose again? 4. Who came down from heaven? 5. What happened to
- the soldiers? 6. Who were the first at the grave in the morning? 7.
- What did they bring? 8. What did they wonder about? 9. What did they
- find? 10. Who stood by them? 11. What did the angels say? 12. Who was
- living? 13. Whom did they go to tell? 14. Who met them? 15. How did
- they show their joy? 16. Why were they so very glad? 17. What day was
- it?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "The Lord is risen."--_Luke 24:34._
-
-IT was the first day of the week that our Lord rose from the dead, and
-we call that day the Lord's day, and have kept it holy ever since,
-instead of the seventh. But on that first day it seemed too wonderful.
-The apostles had never understood when their Lord spoke of dying and
-rising again; and though the women said they had seen Him, they were
-afraid to trust their word, and thought it a mistake.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS APPEARS TO MARY MAGDALENE.--John 20:16.]
-
-Later in the day, two of the disciples were walking to Emmaus, a little
-village near Jerusalem, when a stranger came and joined them. He asked
-why they were sad, and what they were talking of. They told Him it was
-of Jesus of Nazareth, who had been a great prophet, and they had hoped
-would have redeemed Israel; but now He had been put to death the day
-before yesterday, yet that some of the women said that they had seen a
-vision of angels which said that He was alive.
-
-Then the stranger began to show them, as they had never seen before,
-that all the Old Testament meant that when the Christ came, the Seed of
-the woman, He was to suffer, and save the world before His kingdom and
-glory could begin; and their minds understood, for they were opened to
-see and know the Scripture, so that they were sure that Jesus was the
-Christ.
-
-So they came to Emmaus, and went into a house; and the stranger made as
-if He would have gone farther, but they pressed Him to come in.
-
-He sat down with them, and took bread and blessed and broke it; and
-then their eyes were opened, and they knew it was JESUS Himself! And
-as they knew Him, He vanished out of their sight. And they said to one
-another, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by
-the way?"
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What day did our Lord rise? 2. What is it called? 3. Which day
- do we keep holy? 4. Who could not believe yet? 5. Where were two
- disciples going? 6. Who came and walked with them? 7. Who was it
- really? 8. Did they know Him?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "Peace be unto you."--_Luke 24:36._
-
-In the evening, the ten apostles were all together in the upper room,
-with the doors close shut, for fear of the Jews. There were only ten,
-for Thomas was not there; the wretched Judas had hung himself in his
-grief and despair.
-
-The two disciples came back from Emmaus, and told how they had seen
-JESUS; and while they were telling about it, though the door was not
-opened, they found JESUS Himself standing in the midst, and they heard
-His voice say, "Peace be unto you."
-
-They were afraid at first; but again He said, "Why are ye troubled?
-and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet,
-that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh
-and bones, as ye see Me have." Then He showed them that there were the
-marks of the nails in His hands and feet, and the spear-wound in His
-side; so that it was His own real body that had come again from the
-dead.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS APPEARS TO TWO OF HIS DISCIPLES.--Luke 24:15.]
-
-And while they could not believe for joy, and wondered, He said, "Have
-ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of broiled fish and a
-honeycomb; and He ate with them, to make them quite sure it was Himself.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where were the ten met? 2. Why were there only ten? 3. Who were
- away? 4. What had become of Judas? 5. Who had come home? 6. Who stood
- in the midst? 7. What did He say? 8. What did He show? 9. What did He
- eat before them?
-
-
-
-
-Fifty-first Sunday.
-
-_THE ASCENSION._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."--_John
- 20:29._
-
-[Illustration: THEN SAID JESUS UNTO THEM BE NOT AFRAID]
-
-OUR blessed Lord Jesus did not stay with His apostles as He did before
-His death and rising. They did not see Him after that first day for a
-whole week; and they could not make Thomas, who had not been there when
-He came, believe that it was true that any man could come again from
-the grave.
-
-He said He should never believe that it was the Lord Himself, unless he
-could put his fingers into the prints of the nails, and his hand into
-the wound in the side.
-
-The next Sunday evening, Thomas and the other ten were all in the
-upper room together, when Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said
-to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach
-hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but
-believing."
-
-Then Thomas knew Him indeed, and could only say, "My Lord and my God."
-
-And the Lord answered, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast
-believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
-And that is the blessing for all of us, who have not lived when our
-blessed Lord was on earth. We have not seen Him, but we must believe in
-Him; and that faith is the beginning of all goodness.
-
-[Illustration: JESUS CONVINCING THOMAS OF HIS RESURRECTION.--John
-20:26-29.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. What had happened on Easter-day? 2. Who saw our Lord then? 3. Who
- had not seen Him? 4. What could not Thomas believe? 5. What did He
- say? 6. What prints did he mean? 7. When did our Lord come again? 8.
- Where were the apostles? 9. Who was there this time? 10. What did our
- Lord say to him? 11. What did Thomas answer? 12. What did our Lord
- then say? 13. Why had Thomas believed? 14. But who are blessed? 15.
- Have we seen our Lord? 16. But what must we do? 17. What is believing
- called? 18. What begins with faith?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Feed my lambs."--_John 2:15._
-
-OUR Lord told His apostles to go into Galilee; and there some of them
-went out fishing on the lake, as they used to do; but they fished
-all night, and caught nothing. In the dawn of morning, they saw One
-standing on the bank, and He said, "Children, have ye any meat?" They
-said, "No." Then He said, "Cast the net on the right side of the ship."
-And directly the net was full of a hundred and fifty-three fishes, all
-large and good, and it did not break!
-
-[Illustration: JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES AT THE SEA OF
-TIBERIAS.--John 21:1-7.]
-
-Then John knew who it was, and said to Peter, "It is the Lord." And
-Peter was so glad, that he sprang out of the boat, and came hurrying
-through the water to His Master's feet.
-
-And JESUS said, "Come and dine;" and the disciples found a fire ready
-lighted on the bank, with the broiled fish and bread; and they ate
-with Him again, and felt His care after their long, weary, hungry night.
-
-When they had eaten, the Lord said, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou
-me more than these?"
-
-"Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee," Peter answered.
-
-"Feed my sheep," our Lord said. Then again He asked, "Simon, son of
-Jonas, lovest thou me?" "Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee,"
-said Peter. "Feed my lambs," He said; and again He asked, "Simon, son
-of Jonas, lovest thou me?" Then Peter was grieved, and said, "Lord,
-Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee."
-
-And again Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." Peter knew that our Lord is the
-Good Shepherd, and that His sheep and lambs are the people and the
-children of His flock, the Church; and that he was to show his love for
-His Master by taking care of them.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Where did our Lord come to His disciples again? 2. What were they
- doing? 3. What time did He come? 4. How did they know Him? 5. Had He
- ever done anything like this before? 6. Who knew Him first? 7. Who
- sprang to Him first? 8. What did He give them to eat? 9. What question
- did He ask Peter three times? 10. What had Peter once done three
- times? 11. What did Peter answer now? 12. What did our Lord three
- times bid him do? 13. Who is the good Shepherd? 14. Who are His sheep?
- 15. Who are His lambs?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "This same JESUS, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so
- come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven."--_Acts 1:11._
-
-FOR forty days our Lord came in ways like what I have told you to see
-and teach His disciples. Once, five hundred of them saw Him together;
-but He never came to the wicked unbelieving Jews again.
-
-But when the feast of weeks was near, the disciples went back to
-keep it at Jerusalem. There our Lord came to them again, and He led
-the eleven apostles out with Him to the Mount of Olives. He taught
-them, and charged them much; and He gave them a great command, "Go ye
-therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the
-Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe
-all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
-alway, even unto the end of the world."
-
-[Illustration: THE ASCENSION.--Luke 24:50, 51.]
-
-And then He bade them stay at Jerusalem until they should be endued
-with power from on high. And while He talked with them, He was parted
-from them, and went rising up into heaven, going higher and higher,
-till a cloud received Him out of their sight.
-
-While they still looked up after Him, two angels stood by them, and
-said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same
-JESUS, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like
-manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven."
-
-And so it was that our blessed Lord Jesus ascended up to His throne in
-heaven again, after He had been born, and lived, and died to save us.
-And there He is in heaven, now watching over us, and laying all our
-prayers before His Father in heaven, and getting ready our home there
-for each of us.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. How long did our Lord stay below? 2. Where did the disciples go? 3.
- Where did He take them with Him? 4. What was the great charge He gave
- them? 5. Whom were they to teach? 6. What were they to do to those
- whom they taught? 7. In whose name were they to baptize them? 8. What
- were they to teach them? 9. Who would always be with them? 10. What
- happened while He was speaking? 11. Where did He rise? 12. Who came
- to tell them where He was gone? 13. What do we call the day? 14. When
- will He come again?
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-
-Fifty-second Sunday.
-
-_THE WAITING-TIME._
-
-
-FIRST READING.
-
- "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that
- he may abide with you forever."--_John 14:16._
-
-[Illustration]
-
-OUR Lord had told the apostles that though He was going to heaven, He
-would send them another Comforter, who would be with them for ever,
-and in whom He Himself should be present with them--even God the Holy
-Ghost, who is One with God the Father and God the Son.
-
-Ten days after He had ascended up to heaven, on the great day of the
-feast of weeks (or, as we call it, Whitsunday), as the disciples were
-together in one place at Jerusalem, they heard a sound like the noise
-of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house; and there came
-flames like tongues divided in the midst, and sat on the head of each
-disciple--not burning, but shining.
-
-And wonderful knowledge came to all of them--they understood all
-they could not understand before; and they could speak all sorts of
-different languages, without ever having learnt them. These wonders
-were to show them that God the Holy Ghost had come down from heaven to
-be with them, and to dwell in them, and help them, and make them strong
-for ever and ever.
-
-[Illustration: TONGUES OF FIRE RESTING ON THE DISCIPLES.--Acts 2:2-4.]
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Whom had our Lord promised to send His disciples? 2. Who is that
- Comforter? 3. Who is with us when God the Holy Ghost is with us? 4.
- How long after our Lord's Ascension did He come? 5. What feast was it?
- 6. What do we call the day? 7. Where were the disciples? 8. How did
- they know when God the Holy Ghost came down? 9. What did they hear?
-
-
-SECOND READING.
-
- "Abide in me."--_John 15:4._
-
-THE Lord God the Holy Ghost goes on coming and being with us still.
-He does not show us when He comes now, because it is more blessed to
-believe than to see; but we know He does come to each of us when we are
-baptised, to help us and make us good.
-
-The reason He made the apostles able to speak all those languages, was
-that they were to go and teach all the nations round the Gospel--that
-is to say, the good news that Christ was come, and had died for the
-sins of everyone, and risen again. They did go and teach; and all who
-chose to believe and belong to Christ's kingdom were baptised.
-
-Then each of us receives the Presence of the Holy Ghost, to help us to
-be good, and to keep God's holy law, the Ten Commandments, that He gave
-on Mount Sinai.
-
-More and more of that good help of the Holy Spirit is given to everyone
-who comes, as our Lord bade, to take and eat and drink of the bread and
-wine, by which we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ; and He gives
-all that we ask to us if we pray to Him. For we belong to those nations
-that the apostles were commanded to teach and baptise, and bring into
-the fold; and we belong to Jesus Christ just as much as His own first
-disciples did.
-
-We are called Christians, after His name; and all the time we live
-here, He takes care of us; and if we serve Him, He takes our souls to
-be with Him in Paradise, when death parts them from our bodies.
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. Who stays with us still? 2. When does He come to us? 3. What
- does He come to us for? 4. Why did He teach the apostles to speak
- languages? 5. Where were they to teach the nations? 6. What does
- Gospel mean? 7. What is the good news? 8. Who belong to His kingdom?
- 9. What have we to do? 10. What are His laws? 11. Who will help us to
- keep them?
-
-
-THIRD READING.
-
- "We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new
- earth."--_2 Pet. 3:13._
-
-THE Lord Jesus Christ is coming again. We do not know when it will be;
-but, sometime or other, He will send His angel to blow a trumpet; and
-all that are in their graves shall hear His voice, and their souls will
-come back to their bodies; and we shall all be alive again; and if we
-have been good and holy, we shall be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus
-in the air.
-
-For then He will come, with all His holy angels, and will sit on a
-great white throne; and all that have ever lived will be called before
-Him, and judged for all the things they have done, and the words they
-have said.
-
-And then those that have gone on doing wrong, and never being sorry,
-and never caring for the Lord Jesus, but have made Satan their master,
-will be given to Satan, to be in misery in hell-fire for ever.
-
-But those who have tried to do their best, and held fast to our Lord
-Jesus, and prayed Him to wash them clean in His blood, will be taken
-home for His sake. And they will have the happiest and most blessed
-home that ever can be in heaven. There will be all brightness, and no
-more pain, nor grief, nor sorrow; and the Lord shall wipe off all tears
-from all eyes; and there shall be gladness and joy for ever and ever.
-
-The old earth will be burnt up; but there will be new heavens, and a
-new earth, all beautiful, with nothing that will hurt or spoil or fade,
-but all lovely and peaceful.
-
-And then there will be the great joy of singing the praise of God, who
-made us, and saved us, and helps us to be good, for ever and ever.
-
-Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come!
-Alleluia!
-
-
-QUESTIONS.
-
- 1. When will our Lord come again? 2. What will He come for? 3. How
- will the dead be waked? 4. Who will be caught up to meet Him? 5. What
- will He sit on? 6. Who will come before Him? 7. What will everybody
- be tried for? 8. Who will be punished? 9. Who will be saved? 10. What
- will become of the old world? 11. What will the new home be? 12. What
- sort of place will it be? 13. Why will it be so happy?
-
-
-
-
-  New Testament Story in Verse
-
-  BY ANNE FLETCHER.
-
-
-The Archangel's First Visit.
-
-  TWAS in the days of Herod--
-    First king of that proud name--
-  Who reigned over Judea,
-    The land of Scripture fame.
-
-  A certain Zacharias,
-    Of the large, priestly force,
-  The temple of Jerusalem
-    Was serving in his course.
-
-  His wife, Elizabeth, belonged
-    To Aaron's favored line;
-  And they were righteous before God,
-    And kept the law Divine.
-
-  But this couple had no children,
-    And they were very old;
-  And lived alone, nor ever hoped
-    A son they should behold.
-
-  And it came to pass one morning--
-    As Scripture doth record--
-  That Zacharias burned incense
-    On the altar of the Lord;
-
-  And outside the people waited,
-    And stood in silent prayer;--
-  For in this way they worshiped
-    In that holy temple fair.
-
-  And, in that solemn season
-    To Zacharias' sight--
-  Standing beside the altar--
-    Appeared an angel bright.
-
-  And the good priest was troubled,
-    When he saw the spirit form,
-  And fear fell on him, and he shook
-    Like willow in a storm.
-
-  But the angel said to him: "Fear not,
-    Thy prayer is heard in heaven,
-  And to thy wife, Elizabeth,
-    A son shall now be given.
-
-  "And thou shalt call the baby John,
-    And thou shalt have great joy;
-  And many shall rejoice with thee
-    Over this precious boy.
-
-  "And he shall, in the holy sight
-    Of God, be great and high;
-  And wine, or ardent spirit,
-    His lips shall ne'er come nigh.
-
-  "The Holy Ghost shall early
-    Spread through his heart abroad,
-  And many of your ancient race
-    Shall he turn to their God.
-
-  "And in the power and spirit
-    Of Elias, he shall go
-  Before Him who is coming
-    To save the world from woe."
-
-  Then Zacharias, in surprise
-    And overwhelming bliss,
-  Demanded of the angel:
-    "Whereby shall I know this?"
-
-  And the angel, answering, said:
-    "I am that Gabriel,
-  Who stand in God's high presence,
-    And am sent glad news to tell.
-
-  "And, now, because thou doubtest,
-    Behold thou shalt be dumb,
-  And shalt not speak, until the child
-    I have foretold has come."
-
-  Meanwhile the people waited till
-    The priest should come outside,
-  And marvelled at his long delay--
-    What could to him betide?
-
-  And, when to them he did appear,
-    And could not speak a word,
-  They knew that he had seen, within,
-    A vision from the Lord.
-
-  And so he served the temple
-    Until the day had come
-  When, his ministration over,
-    He departed to his home.
-
-
-The Archangel's Second Visit.
-
-  SIX months, and, sent again from God,
-    The angel Gabriel came
-  To a city of fair Galilee,
-    And Nazareth by name,
-
-  To a virgin, spouse to Joseph
-    Of David's royal race;
-  And the virgin's name was Mary,
-    Whose life was truth and grace.
-
-  The angel entered softly,
-    Where Mary sat alone,
-  Saying: "Hail! the Lord is with thee,
-    Thou highly favored one."
-
-  But, when she saw the stranger,
-    Mary was troubled sore;
-  For such a salutation
-    She ne'er had heard before..
-
-  But: "Fear not," said the angel,
-    "For, Mary, thou hast found
-  Favor with God, whose goodness
-    And mercy doth abound.
-
-  "And thou art greatly honored,
-    For God hath chosen thee
-  To nurse the high, anointed One
-    Whose name shall Jesus be.
-
-  "He shall be great, and shall be called
-    The high Jehovah's Son
-  And the Lord God shall give to Him
-    His father David's throne.
-
-  "And he shall reign o'er Jacob's house
-    For ever, evermore;
-  His Kingdom still shall flourish
-    When earthly reigns are o'er.
-
-  "Behold," he said, "Elizabeth,
-    Thy cousin, good and kind,
-  I've also promised her a son,
-    And the promise true she'll find.
-
-  "For God is the omnipotent,
-    All power is in His hand,
-  And nothing is impossible
-    To His Divine command."
-
-  Then Mary meekly said: "Behold
-    The handmaid of the Lord;
-  And let the honor be to me
-    According to thy word."
-
-  The angel then departed--
-    Ascending up above--
-  And left the gentle virgin bowed
-    In humble trust and love.
-
-
-Mary's Visit to Elizabeth.
-
-  NOW Mary felt a longing
-    To see her cousin dear,
-  And with Elizabeth to spend
-    A season of good cheer.
-
-  And so in haste, and early,
-    She started forth one day,
-  And journeyed to a city
-    In Judea's hills away.
-
-  For there dwelt Zacharias,
-    And Elizabeth so pure,
-  And, entering in, the virgin found
-    A welcome, warm and sure.
-
-  For the Holy Ghost gave token
-    To Elizabeth's glad heart,
-  That her visitor, in God's wise plan,
-    Should have a happy part.
-
-  Then out she spake, exultant,
-    "O, why to me accord
-  The honor of a visit
-    From the mother of my Lord?
-
-  "And blessed is she for evermore,
-    Who humbly hath believed,
-  For every word shall come to pass
-    Which she from God received."
-
-  And Mary said: "O, how my soul
-    Jehovah magnifies!
-  And how my spirit joys in God,
-    My Saviour, 'bove the skies!
-
-  "For He hath had regard unto
-    His handmaid's low estate,
-  And henceforth all shall call me blest--
-    The humble and the great.
-
-  "For He, the high and mighty One
-    Hath done to me great things,
-  And holy is His honored name;
-    His praise my spirit sings.
-
-  "His mercy they that fear His name
-    Enjoy from day to day;
-  From age to age it is the same,
-    And shall be so alway.
-
-  "And He hath shown abroad the strength
-    Of His almighty arm;
-  For He hath chased the proud, who sought
-    To do the humble harm.
-
-  "He hath put down the mighty
-    From their haughty seats on high;
-  And lifted up the lowly to
-    The region of the sky.
-
-  "His hand hath filled the hungry poor
-    With daintiest of food,
-  And the rich he hath sent empty
-    Away from hope of good.
-
-  "He hath come to the assistance
-    Of His servant Israel's race;
-  In remembrance of His mercy,
-    His promise and His grace,
-
-  "As He spake, in the beginning,
-    To Abraham, our head,
-  And to Jewish tribes for ever--
-    Naught hath failed of all He said."
-
-  After this the virgin Mary
-    With Elizabeth, so true,
-  Made a pleasant three months' visit,
-    Then to her home withdrew.
-
-  Now that great thing did come to pass,
-    Which Gabriel had foretold,
-  In the sacred temple service,
-    To Zacharias old.
-
-  And soon Elizabeth received
-    The promised baby boy;
-  And gazing on the heavenly gift,
-    Her heart was filled with joy.
-
-  And all her friends and cousins,
-    To whom the tidings went,
-  Came with their gratulations,
-    Upon the glad event.
-
-  Then on the day of naming,
-    The parents both agreed
-  That John the infant should be called,
-    As Gabriel had decreed.
-
-  And the speech of Zacharias
-    Immediately returned;
-  He praised and glorified the Lord,
-    His heart with fervor burned.
-
-  And fear came on the neighbors all,
-    As these things were noised abroad;
-  And they said: "What kind of child is this
-    Who comes, foretold of God?
-
-  But the hand of God rich blessings
-    On the babe, each day, bestowed;
-  And the heart of Zacharias
-    With the Holy Ghost o'erflowed.
-
-  And he burst forth in thankfulness,
-    And praised, and prophesied
-  Of all the wondrous goodness
-    That should to men betide.
-
-  For the light of inspiration
-    Had shown to him, indeed,
-  That his son was the Elias,
-    Who should the Lord precede.
-
-
-The Holy Child.
-
-  ROME was the world's proud mistress,
-    And would tax her subjects all:
-  Thus every man, to his own town,
-    Received Imperial call.
-
-  And Joseph, wed to Mary,
-    Must go to Judah's land,
-  And, with the sons of David,
-    Must take his lineal stand.
-
-  Then, from Nazareth, he journeyed,
-    With his fair and gentle spouse
-  To Bethlehem of Judea,
-    The place of David's house.
-
-  But when--their journey ended--
-    They sought repose to win,
-  Their lodging was a stable,
-    So crowded was the inn.
-
-  And to that stable, lowly,
-    In humble, human guise,
-  There came a babe most holy,
-    Descended from the skies.
-
-  'Tis written that the angel
-    Had to the virgin come,
-  And told her that this Holy Child
-    With her should make his home.
-
-  And now a rosy light from heaven
-    On Bethlehem's city shone;
-  And this was the first Christmas
-    The world had ever known.
-
-  For Jesus was the promised Christ,
-    So long ago foretold--
-  The King that all the Jewish race
-    Were longing to behold.
-
-
-The Shepherds.
-
-  THE men, who watched the sheep that night,
-    Were seated on the ground,
-  When a glorious light from heaven
-    Shone brightly all around.
-
-  And, lo! an angel of the Lord
-    Appeared before their eyes,
-  And they were filled with sore affright,
-    With wonder and surprise.
-
-  The angel said to them: "Fear not,
-    For I have come to tell
-  News of the joyfullest event
-    The world has e'er befell.
-
-  "For, this day, unto you is born,
-    In David's' city fair,
-  A Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord,
-    And David's lineal heir.
-
-  "And this shall be a sign to you
-    That true is what I've said:
-  You'll find the babe in swaddling clothes,
-    And in a manger laid."
-
-  Then suddenly a crowd appeared
-    Of spirits, bright and fair,
-  And their glad voices, praising God,
-    Resounded through the air.
-
-  "Glory to God," they sweetly chant,
-    Who reigns in highest heaven,
-  And peace on earth for evermore,
-    And love to men be given.
-
-  Thus singing, shining, up they went
-    Away to heaven again;
-  And night and silence were restored
-    To ancient Bethlehem's plain.
-
-  "Come," said the shepherds, "let us go
-    Into the city old,
-  And see the strange, mysterious child,
-    Of whom we have been told."
-
-  And, leaving there their flocks, they went
-    Into the town near by;
-  And found the babe, as they had heard,
-    His gentle mother nigh.
-
-  And, having seen him, they made known,
-    To people all abroad,
-  The things that had been told to them
-    About the Son of God.
-
-  The people listened to the news
-    With very great surprise,
-  The wondrous things the shepherds heard,
-    And witnessed with their eyes.
-
-  But these strange things within her heart
-    The mother kept concealed,
-  And pondered o'er them, nor her thoughts
-    To any she revealed.
-
-  The shepherds, thrilled with gladness, praised
-    The God of heaven above,
-  For all things they had heard and seen
-    Of His unbounded love.
-
-
-Good Old Simeon.
-
-  NOW, when a week had passed, the babe
-    Received the sacred sign
-  Which God to Abraham had given,
-    As covenant divine.
-
-  They gave him Jesus for his name,
-    According to the word
-  Of the archangel Gabriel,
-    Who stands before the Lord.
-
-  And, then, a few weeks later,
-    To Jerusalem they went,
-  Before the great Jehovah
-    The young child to present;
-
-  And to offer, on the altar,
-    In thankful sacrifice,
-  A pair of doves, or pigeons,
-    Of small and humble price.
-
-  At that time, in the temple gate,
-    There was an aged saint,
-  Who waited for the promised Christ
-    Nor did his firm faith faint.
-
-  A just and righteous man was he,
-    And Simeon was his name,
-  And the Holy Ghost, with power,
-    Upon his spirit came.
-
-  And it was thus revealed to him
-    That he should never die,
-  Until his mortal eyes had seen
-    The Lord's Christ, from on high.
-
-  And he came, by the spirit,
-    The temple court within
-  Just as his earthly parents
-    Their infant child brought in.
-
-  Then Simeon took the Holy Child
-    Into his arms, and said:
-  "Bless Thee, my God, for all the way
-    Thou hast Thy servant led.
-
-  "And now let me depart in peace
-    According to Thy word,
-  Since my old eyes have haply seen
-    My Saviour and my Lord;
-
-  "Whom Thou hast sent into the world,
-    To lighten all mankind,
-  And that Thy people, Israel,
-    Their precious Prince may find."
-
-  Then Joseph and the virgin
-    Were filled with great surprise
-  At the words that Simeon uttered--
-    So grave, devout and wise.
-
-  And Simeon blessed both parents,
-    And said to Mary then,
-  "This child is set that Israel
-    May fall and rise again;
-
-  "And for a sign, which wicked tongues
-    Shall slander and indict,
-  And that the thoughts of evil hearts
-    May be exposed to sight."
-
-
-The Prophetess.
-
-  THEN, also, lived one Anna,
-    A prophetess of God,
-  Who, in His faith and service,
-    Her way, through life, had trod.
-
-  She was an aged widow, too,
-    Daughter of Israel's race;
-  And, coming in that instant,
-    She joined in thanks and praise;
-
-  And then throughout the city went,
-    And told the glorious news
-  From house to house, wherever dwelt
-    The pious, hopeful Jews;
-
-  Told that the great Messiah,
-    Long looked for, now had come,
-  An infant in a virgin's arms,
-    And in a lowly home.
-
-
-The Wise Men.
-
-  NOW, when this wondrous babe was born
-    Into his low estate,
-  Another strange event occurred,
-    Which Scripture doth relate.
-
-  There dwelt, far off, in eastern land,
-    Wise men devout and good
-  Who nature's grandest mysteries
-    Revered and understood.
-
-  One night as eagerly they scanned
-    The splendors of the sky,
-  They saw a new, strange star appear
-    Among the worlds on high;
-
-  And said it came thus suddenly
-    Important news to bring--
-  The sign that Balaam had foretold--
-    Of Israel's glorious King.
-
-  And when they reached Jerusalem,
-    "Where is your King?" they said,
-  "For we have come to worship Him,
-    And by his star were led."
-
-  This question greatly troubled
-    Proud Herod, on the throne,
-  For, in the land of Judah,
-    He would be King alone.
-
-  At once he called the priests and scribes,
-    Demanding they should tell
-  In what place had it been foretold
-    That Christ should come to dwell.
-
-  And readily they answered--
-    Nor waited to take note--
-  "In Bethlehem of Judea,"
-    For thus the prophet wrote:
-
-  "Thou Bethlehem, in Judah's land,
-    Art not 'mongst princes small;
-  For out of thee shall come a Prince
-    And rule my people all."
-
-  Then Herod for the wise men called,
-    And, with foreboding fear,
-  He bade them tell him just what time
-    The star did first appear;
-
-  And said: "Go search in Bethlehem,
-    And when the babe you find,
-  I, too, will come and worship Him,
-    For thus I am inclined."
-
-  The wise men were rejoiced to see
-    The radiant star once more,
-  And gladly followed, as it led
-    The way to Joseph's door.
-
-  They opened, then, their treasures,
-    Gold, frankincense and myrrh--
-  Fit offering to a Prince Divine,
-    From reverent worshipper--
-
-  And joyfully bestowed their gifts
-    Upon the Son of Man--
-  And thus the custom, since observed,
-    Of Christmas gifts began.
-
-  The wise men to their lodging went,
-    For rest and sleep, that night;
-  But God came to them in a dream,
-    Before the morning light;
-
-  And said, "To Herod ye shall not return,
-    Nor tell my Son's abode."
-  And so returning to their home,
-    They took a different road.
-
-
-Away to Egypt.
-
-  AND when they had departed thence,
-    To Joseph came a dream,
-  In which an angel of the Lord
-    Appeared and spoke to him:
-
-  "Rise, take the babe and mother,
-    And into Egypt flee.
-  For Herod seeks to kill the child--
-    Go, till I call for thee."
-
-  Then Joseph rose, obedient,
-    And while it still was night,
-  With the young child and mother,
-    To Egypt took his flight.
-
-  Then cruel, wicked Herod,
-    When the wise men told him naught,
-  Or let him know what house contained
-    The babe whose life he sought,
-
-  Sent forth his brutal servants
-    To kill each little boy,
-  In and around old Bethlehem--
-    Each mother's hope and joy;
-
-  All--every tender nursling,
-    From two years old and less;
-  Nor heeded Rachael's weeping,
-    Her mourning and distress.
-
-  But wicked, wicked Herod,
-    Who would be king alone,
-  Was soon thereafter called to die,
-    And leave Judea's throne.
-
-  And now the wrathful tyrant
-    Has no more power to harm;
-  And his fierce and jealous hatred
-    No more can cause alarm.
-
-  To Joseph, down in Egypt,
-    Now comes another dream,
-  Wherein an angel of the Lord
-    Appears again to him;
-
-  And says: "Now, back to Israel's land
-    With child and mother go;
-  For he, the murderer, is dead,
-    Who was the infant's foe."
-
-  Then Joseph rose and willingly
-    Obeyed this new command,
-  And, taking child and mother,
-    Returned to Israel's land.
-
-  But hearing Archelaüs
-    Was king in Herod's room,
-  He turned aside to Galilee,
-    Which was his former home;
-
-  And dwelt in Nazareth city,
-    Thus plainly may be seen
-  The truth of Scripture words: "He shall
-    Be called a Nazarene."
-
-  And there the blessed Jesus
-    Spent childhood's simple days,
-  And, as he grew, waxed strong and wise
-    By God's unholding grace.
-
-[Illustration: THE CHILD CHRIST, MARY HIS MOTHER AND JOSEPH JESUS
-RENDERED OBEDIENCE, NOT ONLY TO MARY, BUT TO JOSEPH--LUKE 2:51.]
-
-The Child in the Temple.
-
-  NOW, every year, these parents
-    Jerusalem did seek;
-  To keep the feast of passover,
-    And spend the holy week.
-
-  And when the child was twelve years old,
-    They did as heretofore;
-  And went up to Jerusalem,
-    The road oft traveled o'er.
-
-  They kept the feast as usual,
-    And, then, with cheerful mind,
-  Returned the way that they had come--
-    But Jesus stayed behind.
-
-  The parents traveled all day long,
-    Believing that their Son,
-  Somewhere, among the company,
-    Was coming safely on.
-
-  But when, at evening, they encamped,
-    And sought for Him around,
-  To their surprise and sore distress,
-    He was not to be found.
-
-  Still seeking Him they turned their face,
-    And traveled back again,
-  The old road to Jerusalem;
-    But seeking was in vain.
-
-  For three days long they went about,
-    Within the city lines,
-  Then, in the temple, found the lad,
-    Among the great divines.
-
-  He sat and heard the doctors talk,
-    And asked them questions wise;
-  And all who listened were amazed
-    At his profound replies.
-
-  And His parents were astonished
-    When they beheld Him thus,
-  And Mary said: "O why, my son,
-    Hast thou so dealt with us?
-
-  "Thy father, Joseph, and myself
-    Have three days sought for thee,
-  And sorrowed greatly, fearing we
-    Thy face no more would see."
-
-  Then Jesus, gravely, said to them:
-    "Wherefore my absence mourn?
-  My Father's work I have to do,
-    Till I to Him return."
-
-  And Mary, in her inmost heart,
-    Did secretely confine
-  The things He did, the words he spoke,
-    This wondrous Child Divine.
-
-  And Jesus rich in wisdom grew,
-    As passed the years of youth,
-  And gained the favor of all men,
-    By virtue and by truth.
-
-
-John the Baptist.
-
-  NOW, in the fifteenth year, when reigned
-    Tiberias Cæsar grand,
-  And Pontius Pilate, under him,
-    Ruled over Judah's land,
-
-  And three of Herod's sons controlled
-    The regions North and East,
-  And Annas and Caiaphas were
-    Appointed, each, high priest,
-
-  The word of God came unto John--
-    Old Zacharias' son--
-  Who, in Judea's wilderness,
-    Had dwelt and prayed alone.
-
-  His raiment was of camel's hair,
-    There in his strange retreat,
-  While locusts and wild-honey
-    Comprised his only meat.
-
-  He preached where flowed the Jordan
-    Down through Judea's land;
-  Saying: "Repent ye, for the kingdom
-    Of heaven is at hand."
-
-  Now, the people all expecting
-    Their Messiah at that time,
-  Mused in their hearts if John were not
-    That prophet most sublime.
-
-  So the Jews sent priests and Levites,
-    Down from Jerusalem,
-  To see this new, strange preacher,
-    And closely question him.
-
-  And, "Who art thou?" they asked of him,
-    And humbly he confessed
-  "I'm not the Christ, looked for by you,
-    Nor with such honor dressed."
-
-  "What then? Art thou Elias?"
-    He said: "Not that I know."
-  Art thou a risen prophet?"
-    He firmly answered, "No."
-
-  Then said they: "Tell us who thou art,
-    That we may answer give
-  To them that sent us thither
-    Some knowledge to receive."
-
-  He said: "I am the voice of one
-    Who through the land doth cry,
-  'Make straight, as said Esaias,
-    The way of the Most High.'"
-
-  The messengers were Pharisees,
-    Who said: "Why then baptize,
-  If thou be not the promised Christ,
-    Or he that should arise?"
-
-  John answered: "I, indeed, baptize
-    With water from the stream;
-  But there is one among you now
-    Of whom you do not dream.
-
-  "'Tis He who cometh after me,
-    The latchet of whose shoes,
-  Because He is so mighty,
-    I'm not worthy to unloose.
-
-  "And He shall, with the Holy Ghost,
-    Baptize you and inspire,
-  And fill your souls with power divine,
-    And with celestial fire.
-
-  "Whose fan is in His hand, and He
-    Will thoroughly purge His floor;
-  And gather up His wheat, but then,
-    With fire the chaff devour."
-
-  And many other things said he,
-    Exhorting all who heard;
-  And preaching unto them, with zeal,
-    The Gospel's precious Word.
-
-
-Emmanuel.
-
-  AND in those days it came to pass
-    That Jesus--Holy One--
-  From Nazareth came to Jordan,
-    To be baptized of John.
-
-  For He had reached just thirty years,
-    The age the law declared
-  Those called into the priesthood,
-    For service were prepared.
-
-  But John forbade Him, saying,
-    "'Tis I have need to be
-  A subject of Thy baptism,
-    And comest Thou to me?"
-
-  And Jesus, answering, said, to him,
-    "Suffer it now, for thus
-  To keep the law of righteousness,
-    It well becometh us."
-
-  Then, meekly, and with solemn awe,
-    Did John the Lord baptize,
-  And when the heavens were parted wide,
-    He saw, with great surprise,
-
-  As Jesus felt the water, and
-    With humble reverence prayed--
-  The Holy Ghost descending, like
-    A dove, upon His head.
-
-  And a voice, in tones majestic,
-    Came from the heavens, so bright,
-  Exclaiming, "This is my beloved Son,
-    In whom I take delight."
-
-
-The Temptation.
-
-  THEN Jesus, with the Spirit filled,
-    And soul exalted high,
-  Was led from Jordan's bank into
-    The wilderness near by,
-
-  To be tempted of the devil--
-    Who in evil most delights.
-  There He, with wild beasts, made his home
-    For forty days and nights.
-
-  After this the Lord was hungry,
-    When the devil came, and said,
-  "If thou'rt the Son of God, command
-    These stones to be made bread."
-
-  But He answered, "It is written,
-    Man doth not live by bread alone,
-  But by each word, proceeding
-    From God, upon the throne."
-
-  The devil then conducts Him through
-    The holy city, fair,
-  And sets Him on the temple roof,
-    High in the ambient air;
-
-  And says to Him, "If so Thou be
-    The Son of God, indeed,
-  Cast thyself down from hence, and for
-    Thy safety take no heed;
-
-  "Since it is written, 'Unto God
-    In danger thou shalt flee,
-  For to His angel band He gives
-    A charge concerning thee.'"
-
-  Then Jesus unto him replied,
-    "Again the written word
-  Rebukes presumption and declares,
-    Thou shalt not tempt the Lord."
-
-  Again the devil takes Him up
-    Into a mountain--high,
-  And shows Him all the kingdoms of
-    The world, both far and nigh.
-
-  And saith unto Him, "All these things
-    Will I give unto thee
-  If Thou wilt own my princely power,
-    Fall down and worship me."
-
-  Then Jesus called him by his name,
-    "Satan," He said, "be gone,
-  For it is written, 'Worship pay
-    To Israel's God alone.'"
-
-  Then, thus repulsed, the devil fled,
-    Pursued his wicked way,
-  And angels came and ministered
-    Unto their Lord that day.
-
-
-The Meeting with John.
-
-  THE next day Jesus, calm and pure,
-    Was walking all alone,
-  Down, near the banks of Jordan,
-    When He was seen by John;
-
-  Who said, while pointing unto Him,
-    "Behold the Lamb of God,
-  Who takes the world's dark sin away,
-    And bears the awful load."
-
-  Again did Jesus walk, when John
-    With two disciples stood,
-  Who, looking on Him, said to them,
-    "Behold the Lamb of God!"
-
-  And the disciples, at this word,
-    Followed where Jesus went;
-  Who, turning, gently asked of them,
-    Their purpose and intent.
-
-  "Master," they said, "Where dwellest thou?"
-    He answer, "Come and see."
-  They went, and stayed with Him that day,
-    In holy converse free.
-
-  Now, one of these men was Andrew,
-    Who, filled with thoughts profound,
-  And, meeting his brother, Simon,
-    Said, "We the Christ have found."
-
-  And brought him straight to Jesus, who
-    Said to him, as he came,
-  "Thou'rt Simon, son of Jonah, now
-    "Cephas shall be thy name."
-
-
-The Meeting with Nathanael.
-
-  THE following day would Jesus
-    Return to Galilee;
-  And, finding Philip, saith to him,
-    "Come thou and follow me."
-
-  Then Philip found Nathanael,
-    And, unto him, he saith,
-  "We've seen the Christ of prophecy
-    Jesus of Nazareth."
-
-  Nathanael answered shortly,
-    "Thinkest thou can it be
-  That good come out of Nazareth?"
-    Saith Philip, "Come and see."
-
-  When Jesus saw Nathanael come,
-    Him did He kindly greet;
-  "Behold an Israelite," He said,
-    "In whom is no deceit."
-
-  Nathanael asked, "Whence know'st thou me?"
-    "Beneath the fig tree's shade,
-  Before that Philip called to thee,
-    "I saw thee," Jesus said.
-
-  Nathanael said to Him, "Rabbi"--
-    With wonder overawed--
-  "Thou art the King of Israel,
-    Thou art the Son of God."
-
-  "Because I told thee," Jesus said,
-    "I saw thee 'neath the tree,
-  Believest thou? Yet shall thine eyes
-    Much greater wonders see.
-
-  "For thou shalt see bright angels,
-    Through heaven's open span,
-  Ascending and descending
-    Upon the Son of man."
-
-
-The Marriage at Cana.
-
-  THE third day spent in Galilee
-    There was a marriage feast;
-  In Cana was the wedding held,
-    And Mary was a guest.
-
-  And Jesus, to this marriage feast
-    Received a formal call--
-  The wondrous Gospel Teacher,
-    With His disciples all.
-
-  And when more wine was wanted,
-    The mother of the Lord
-  Requested Him to show His power,
-    And wine to them afford.
-
-  But Jesus answered, "Woman,
-    My youthful days are o'er,
-  And to direct my actions
-    Should be your part no more.
-
-  "To show to men, by miracles
-    My power, the wondrous sum,
-  'Tis mine to choose the proper time
-    Which has not fully come."
-
-  Then, Mary to the servants said,
-    "Hark what He saith to you;
-  And, whatsoever it may be,
-    That thou shalt surely do."
-
-  And there were set six waterpots,
-    That cleanly Jews might reach
-  To wash their hands, and they contained
-    Two or three firkins each.
-
-  Jesus unto the servants said--
-    Who paid respect to Him--
-  "These vessels all with water fill;"
-    They filled them to the brim.
-
-  Then He commanded, "Draw out now,
-    And bear a cup well filled
-  Unto the ruler of the feast;"
-    And they did as He willed.
-
-  And the ruler, when he tasted
-    The wine from water made,
-  Not knowing how it was produced,
-    Unto the bridegroom said:
-
-  "Each man who spreads a feast, sets forth
-    Good wine at first, of course,
-  And, when the guests have drunk it all
-    Produces what is worse.
-
-  "But never at a marriage feast
-    Has bridegroom done as thou
-  Who gave poor wine at first and kept
-    The good wine until now."
-
-  Thus, by this first of miracles,
-    Did Jesus show His power,
-  And His disciples knew Him Christ,
-    From that important hour.
-
-
-Driving Out the Money-Changers.
-
-  THEN the Jews' passover drew nigh,
-    And to Jerusalem
-  Went Jesus, and His followers
-    The journey made with Him.
-
-  But when they reached the temple court
-    A market there they found;
-  Creatures on sale, for sacrifice,
-    And merchants sitting round.
-
-  Then Jesus made a scourge of cords,
-    And drove them all outside,
-  And, angered by their wickedness,
-    The money scattered wide.
-
-  And the disciples then recalled
-    The Psalmist's ancient word,
-  "I have been eaten up with zeal
-    Unto thy house, my Lord."
-
-  Then said the Jews, "We want to see
-    What evidence you show
-  That you possess authority
-    Such things as these to do?"
-
-  "Cast down this temple," Jesus said,
-    Let its proud walls decay,
-  And I will raise it up again,
-    Ere three days pass away."
-
-  They answer, "Forty years and six
-    This temple took to build,
-  And wilt thou rear it in three days?
-    Art thou so strangely skilled?"
-
-  But of his body thus he spoke,
-    A temple strong to view,
-  And the disciples, when He rose,
-    Recalled that word most true.
-
-  Now, while in old Jerusalem,
-    At the passover feast,
-  Jesus performed great miracles,
-    By which His fame increased.
-
-  Yet He gave not His confidence
-    To any, great or small,
-  Because He read the human mind
-    And knew the hearts of all.
-
-  And needed not to be informed
-    That man is weak and vain,
-  Who will applaud and honor now,
-    And persecute again.
-
-
-A Ruler of the Jews.
-
-  THERE was a man, a Pharisee,
-    One of the chosen race,
-  Who, in the council of the Jews,
-    Maintained an honored place.
-
-  The same to Jesus came by night,
-    Saying, "Rabbi, well we know
-  Thou art from God, for no mere man
-    Such miracles can do."
-
-  Jesus replied, "Thou dost believe,
-    Yet such a faith as thine
-  Is naught, unless thou undergo
-    An inward change divine.
-
-  "Except a man be born again,
-    I truly say to thee,
-  The holy kingdom of his God
-    His eyes shall never see."
-
-  Then Nicodemus said, surprised,
-    "How can a man, when old
-  Become a little babe again,
-    Such wonders to behold?"
-
-  And Jesus answered, "Verily,
-    The birth of which I speak
-  Is by the Spirit's gracious power,
-    Which every one must seek.
-
-  "That which is born a little babe
-    Is but a fleshly frame,
-  But inward birth to all imparts
-    The Spirit's living flame.
-
-  "And, as the way the wind doth blow
-    Is not known by the sound,
-  So shalt thou feel, but not discern,
-    The inward change profound."
-
-  Then Nicodemus asked again,
-    "How can these things be so?"
-  Christ answered, "Dost thou rule thy race
-    And yet these things not know?
-
-  "I verily declare to you
-    The truths that are divine,
-  And ye receive not in your heart
-    These precious words of mine.
-
-  "If I have told you earthly things
-    And you do not believe,
-  How shall you of these heavenly things,
-    My truthful words receive?
-
-  "And no man hath ascended up
-    To heaven's throne, above,
-  But the eternal Son of man,
-    Who hath come down in love.
-
-  "And as a serpent Moses raised,
-    Upon on upright pole,
-  That those who felt a poisonous bite
-    Might look and be made whole,
-
-  "So must the Son of man be raised--
-    In hate, and wrath and strife--
-  That whoso shall believe on Him
-    May have eternal life.
-
-  "For God so loved this sinful world
-    He gave His only Son,
-  That those who should believe on Him
-    Might find their heaven begun.
-
-  "For God sent not His Son below
-    The wicked to condemn:
-  But that, through Him, salvation might
-    In mercy reach to them.
-
-  "He that believes is saved from death,
-    But he that doubts must die;
-  Because he has rejected, thus,
-    The Son of God, most high.
-
-  "And this is what condemns their lives,
-    That light is shining clear,
-  And men love darkness lest their deeds
-    Of evil should appear."
-
-
-John the Baptist.
-
-  AFTER these things did Jesus go
-    Forth into Judah's land,
-  Attended by his followers,
-    A faithful holy band.
-
-  John in his holy zeal baptized
-    The people all around,
-  In Aenon, near to Salim,
-    Where water did abound.
-
-  And John's disciples told him all--
-    How Jesus, too, baptized,
-  And crowds of people went to Him;
-    But John was not surprised.
-
-  He answered, "Man can nothing take,
-    Except to him 'tis given,
-  And to baptize with water
-    Was my command from Heaven.
-
-  "And ye, yourselves, can witness true
-    I said, I am not He--
-  The Christ, the long expected one--
-    He cometh after me.
-
-  "Full happy is the bridegroom, but
-    His friend, which standeth near,
-  Rejoiceth in his happiness,
-    So I am filled with cheer.
-
-  "He will go on, in power and might,
-    His glory must increase;
-  While I, His humble forerunner,
-    Must dwindle and decrease.
-
-  "He that descendeth from above
-    Is Lord and King of all;
-  While he that is mere earthly man
-    Is tainted by the fall.
-
-  "He that from heaven comes to earth--
-    The mighty Prince and Lord--
-  Tells men what He has seen and heard,
-    And none receive His word.
-
-  "Yet he that hath received His word
-    Hath set his loyal seal,
-  That God's eternal righteousness
-    He doth to man reveal."
-
-  But John's bold, fearless preaching
-    Now, suddenly, must cease--
-  How truly he had prophesied
-    Unto himself decrease!
-
-
-Wicked Herod.
-
-  HEROD, tetrarch of Galilee,
-    John's teaching oft did seek,
-  Thought him a just and holy man,
-    And gladly heard him speak.
-
-  Yet Herod had a wicked heart,
-    And crime had stained his name,
-  For he lived with his brother's wife,
-    And none had dared to blame.
-
-  But John, with holy courage, had
-    Condemned his sinful life,
-  And said, "It is not right for thee
-    To have thy brother's wife."
-
-  Therefore, the woman hated him--
-    Herodias was her name--
-  And would have killed him if she could,
-    With neither fear nor shame.
-
-  But Herod she persuaded,
-    To seize the preacher bold,
-  And in a dungeon's gloomy cell
-    His prisoner to hold.
-
-  Now, when the news of this event
-    To Jesus had been brought,
-  While in the land of Judah,
-    Where He baptized and taught,
-
-  And He well knew that word unto
-    The Pharisees had gone,
-  How, in His mission here and there,
-    He plainly favored John,
-
-  He left Judea's flowerey land,
-    And turned His face again
-  To Galilee, His early home,
-    In Herod's proud domain.
-
-  Yet neither horse nor chariot had
-    This royal Son of God;
-  But traveled humbly and afoot
-    The hot and dusty road.
-
-
-The Woman at the Well.
-
-  HIS way lay through Samaria,
-    And, as the noon was high,
-  He came to Jacob's ancient well,
-    The town of Sychar nigh.
-
-  And, wearied with His journey,
-    He by the well sat down,
-  While His disciples went to buy
-    Some food within the town.
-
-  Then, presently, a woman came--
-    A daughter of the land,
-  To draw some water from the well--
-    Her pitcher in her hand.
-
-  And Jesus, full of pitying grace,
-    Beyond what we can think,
-  Looked gently in the woman's eyes,
-    And said, "Give me to drink?"
-
-  And thus, this poor Samaritan,
-    Who knew but sin and shame,
-  Was led to seek the living draught,
-    Found in Messiah's name.
-
-  And she, that single pupil, heard,
-    By the old patriarch's well,
-  The greatest, grandest lesson
-    That e'er from Jesus fell.
-
-  And she believed. O, woman fair,
-    Though fallen thou hadst been,
-  The Searcher of all hearts in thee
-    The seed of faith had seen;
-
-  And traveled through Samaria,
-    To meet you, and to tell
-  The new and wondrous doctrine
-    That you received so well.
-
-  And now came the disciples back,
-    Who wondered that He taught
-  One humble woman there alone,
-    Yet wherefore no man sought.
-
-  But the woman left her pitcher,
-    And to the city went,
-  And told to every one she met
-    The wonderful event;
-
-  How she had seen a traveler,
-    Sitting by Jacob's well,
-  Who all her secret history
-    Did accurately tell.
-
-  And, "Come and see him!" she exclaimed,
-    "For he the Christ must be;
-  Such wisdom, dignity and grace
-    None e'er possessed as He."
-
-  Meanwhile the Lord's disciples
-    Before Him set some meat,
-  And urging Him with gentle words,
-    Said, "Master, come and eat."
-
-  But, in that hour, no mortal food
-    His craving want could fill,
-  His heart and mind were wholly set
-    To work His gracious will.
-
-  'Twas now the harvest day of souls,
-    In old Samaria's fields,
-  And He would gather all the fruit
-    That faithful labor yields.
-
-  So He, in answer to the call
-    That He partake of food,
-  Taught the great lesson to all men
-    Of always doing good.
-
-  And, now, came the Samaritans
-    And begged the Lord to stay
-  And lodge within their city's walls,
-    And teach them every day.
-
-  And He who hearkens when we ask,
-    Complied with their request;
-  And in their city He abode
-    Two days, an honored guest.
-
-  And many of those men believed
-    He was the Christ--the Lord,
-  When they beheld His holy life,
-    And heard His gracious word.
-
-
-The Nobleman's Son.
-
-  AND, now, upon His journey bent,
-    He turned His eager face
-  To tread the road to Galilee,
-    Urged on by love and grace.
-
-  And on before Him went His fame.
-    'Mongst Jews both great and small,
-  And teaching in their synagogues,
-    Was glorified of all.
-
-  And He was well received by them--
-    The men of Galilee--
-  Who, at the feast of passover,
-    His miracles did see.
-
-  There was a certain nobleman,
-    Who in Capernaum dwelt;
-  Whose son was sick, and nigh to death,
-    And great concern he felt.
-
-  But hearing Jesus had returned
-    To Galilee, was glad,
-  And hastened to Him, to entreat
-    That He would heal the lad.
-
-  Then Jesus said, to try his faith,
-    "Unless ye wonders see
-  Ye will not yield your hearts to God,
-    Nor yet believe on me."
-
-  To this remark the nobleman
-    Made no direct reply;
-  But said: "Oh, Sir, come down with me
-    Before my child shall die."
-
-  Jesus responded: "Go thy way,
-    Thy son doth surely live;"
-  And the man went, nor did he doubt
-    The word the Lord did give.
-
-  And as he traveled to his home,
-    His servants came to meet,
-  And tell him that his son was well;
-    His joy was now complete.
-
-  He asked them when the child improved,
-    And they, in answer, said
-  "The seventh hour of yesterday
-    The burning fever fled."
-
-  That very hour, the father knew
-    Had Jesus said he lived;
-  And he, himself, and all his house,
-    On Christ, the Lord, believed.
-
-
-In the Synagogue.
-
-  THEN Jesus came to Nazareth,
-    His childhood's quiet home;
-  And, as to teach on Sabbath days
-    His custom had become,
-
-  He, in the synagogue, stood up,
-    To read the holy Book;
-  And the writings of Isaias,
-    When handed Him, He took;
-
-  And opened it, and found the place
-    Wherein the prophet spake
-  Of Israel's Messiah,
-    Who should their bondage break.
-
-  He read the text, distinct and clear,
-    Then closed the Book again,
-  And took His seat, while on Him gazed
-    The eyes of all the men.
-
-  And He began to say to them:
-    "This day, in all your ears,
-  This holy Scripture is fulfilled,
-    After so many years."
-
-  And they, in awe and wonder, heard
-    His words of grace and truth,
-  And said: "Is not this Joseph's son,
-    Whom we have known from youth?"
-
-  But soon their kind and gentle mood
-    Began to disappear,
-  Because He told them homely truths
-    They did not wish to hear.
-
-  At last, the fickle people rose
-    In wild and wicked wrath,
-  Seized Him, and roughly led Him up
-    The sloping, hillside path;
-
-  That, in their raging anger, they
-    Might cast Him headlong down
-  The precipice, one side the hill,
-    On which was built their town.
-
-  But He passed through their very midst,
-    An unfelt, spirit shape;
-  And left them, standing wonder-struck
-    At this most strange escape.
-
-  And so He went from Nazareth;
-    His home was there no more;
-  But in Capernaum He dwelt,
-    And showed His grace and power.
-
-
-The Draught of Fishes.
-
-  ONE day the Lord stood by the shore
-    Of lake Gennesaret;
-  And watched the fishermen, as there
-    They pulled the outspread net.
-
-  And, as He stood, the people came,
-    And pressed upon Him round,
-  To hear Him preach the Gospel news,
-    Which they so precious found.
-
-  Then Jesus, seeing Simon's ship
-    Was anchored close at hand,
-  Stepped quick aboard, and gave command
-    To push a space from land.
-
-  And, sitting down, He taught the throng
-    Who crowded on the shore,
-  And heard, with joy, such heavenly truth
-    As ne'er was preached before.
-
-  The sermon ended, then He bade
-    Simon launch out for fish;
-  And Simon answered that he would,
-    If 'twere the Master's wish.
-
-  But added: "We have toiled all night,
-    Nor sleep nor rest have sought,
-  But through the water dragged out nets,
-    And yet no fish have caught."
-
-  Still, while he spoke, he launched the ship
-    Out on the waters wide,
-  And let the net down in the sea,
-    The vessel's' rail beside.
-
-  And lo! at once, with fish 'twas filled,
-    A multitude so great
-  That the strong net came wide apart,
-    So heavy was their weight.
-
-  The fishermen their partners called
-    To bring another ship;
-  And soon both vessels were quite full,
-    And sinking in the deep.
-
-  Then Simon Peter, in amaze,
-    At Jesus' knees fell down;
-  And said: "O Lord, depart from me,
-    My sins to Thee are known."
-
-  But Jesus gently said to him:
-    "Thou need'st not be afraid;
-  From henceforth thou shalt sinners catch,
-    By my Almighty aid."
-
-  And when they brought their ships to land,
-    They--Peter, James and John--
-  Forsook their vessels and their friends
-    And followed Christ alone.
-
-
-The Unclean Spirit.
-
-  NEXT Sabbath, in the synagogue,
-    When He stood forth to teach,
-  The people wondered at His force,
-    And mighty power to preach.
-
-  And one was there within whose breast
-    A devil foul had sway;
-  Who, held in bondage most unclean,
-    Yet sought to praise and pray;
-
-  But, by the devil moved, cried out,
-    And called the Lord by name;
-  Declaring that he knew Him well,
-    And also whence He came.
-
-  Then Jesus to the devil said:
-    "Silence and come thou forth;"
-  Who came forth, hurting not the man,
-    But casting him to earth.
-
-  And all the people were amazed
-    At what they saw that day,
-  And said, "With power doth He speak,
-    And spirits vile obey."
-
-  And the news spread round the country,
-    And was told from place to place,
-  Of the wonder-working prophet,
-    And this miracle of grace.
-
-
-Simon's Wife's Mother.
-
-  WHEN Jesus left the synagogue
-    He did not go alone,
-  But with Simon and with Andrew,
-    Followed by James and John,
-
-  And entered into Simon's house,
-    Where they besought His aid,
-  For the kind mother of Simon's wife
-    Was in a fever laid.
-
-  The raging fever quickly fled
-    At His divine behest,
-  And she arose and ministered
-    To every waiting guest.
-
-
-Casting Out Devils.
-
-  NOW, when the sun was setting low
-    They brought all the diseased;
-  He laid His hands on every one;
-    To heal them He was pleased.
-
-  And many devils He cast out
-    By His command and power;
-  And all the people quickly came
-    Together at the door.
-
-  The devils He forbad to speak,
-    As they around Him trod--
-  For one and all acknowledged Him
-    The Christ--the Son of God.
-
-  And so the word Esaias spoke,
-    Foretelling Him, came true:
-  "Himself bare our infirmities,
-    And all our sickness knew."
-
-  The next morn, rising early,
-    Before the break of day,
-  He went out to a desert place,
-    To meditate and pray.
-
-  And Simon and his company
-    Went after Him, and said:
-  "All seek for Thee and are amazed,
-    Supposing Thou hast fled."
-
-  He said to them: "I go to preach
-    In other cities too;
-  For therefore came I down from heaven,
-    To teach the Gospel true."
-
-  And He preached in their synagogues
-    Throughout all Galilee;
-  While, from before Him, as He went,
-    He made the demons flee.
-
-
-Healing a Leper.
-
-  AND now it came to pass, one day,
-    When in a certain town,
-  A leper, seeing Jesus, came,
-    And on his face fell down.
-
-  And worshipped, and beseeching Him,
-    Said: "Lord, if but Thou please,
-  Thou hast the power to make me clean,
-    From this most foul disease."
-
-  At once the Lord put forth His hand,
-    And, with a gracious touch,
-  Said: "It doth please me--be thou clean;"
-    Thus prayer availeth much.
-
-  But Jesus charged him not to tell
-    The miracle abroad;
-  But go straightway unto the priest,
-    And offer gifts to God.
-
-  Yet so much more His fame went forth,
-    And multitudes came near,
-  That He might heal their sicknesses,
-    And they His words might hear.
-
-  But He stayed in the desert drear
-    While blazed abroad the news,
-  Fearing they would proclaim Him King,
-    And thus provoke the Jews.
-
-  After some days He came again
-    Into Capernaum;
-  And it was quickly noised abroad
-    The Master was at home.
-
-
-The Man Sick of the Palsy.
-
-  AND many people gathered, till
-    The house could hold no more;
-  Grave doctors and proud Pharisees
-    Thronged in and round the door.
-
-  And Jesus preached, and taught them all
-    The precious, Gospel Word;
-  And healed the sick who recognized
-    The power of the Lord.
-
-  And now behold a kindly act:
-    A bed is borne by four--
-  On which one sick of palsy lies--
-    Near to the crowded door.
-
-  And when they cannot enter in,
-    They to the roof ascend;
-  And, breaking it, let down the bed
-    On which is laid their friend.
-
-  Thus to the sick man Jesus spake:
-    "Thy sins are all forgiven."
-  And then the scribes said in their hearts,
-    "Who thus blasphemeth Heaven?"
-
-  Immediately the Lord perceived
-    Their thoughts, and answer gave,
-  "Which is the easier, from sin
-    Or from disease to save?
-
-  "But that ye now may learn the fact,
-    And know it from this hour,
-  That to forgive all sin on earth
-    The Son of man hath power;"
-
-  He said unto the sick man: "Rise,
-    Take up thy bed and bear
-  It on thy shoulders hence away,
-    And to thy house repair."
-
-  Immediately the man arose,
-    To perfect health restored;
-  And taking up his bed, went home,
-    And glorified the Lord.
-
-
-The Calling of Matthew.
-
-  NOW, after this, as Jesus passed
-    Where customs were received,
-  He saw a man named Matthew sit
-    And, knowing he believed,
-
-  Said to him only: "Follow me,"
-    And Matthew, leaving all,
-  Rose up and the disciples joined,
-    At this most simple call.
-
-  Then Matthew--sometimes Levi called--
-    Prepared a splendid feast,
-  Inviting a great company,
-    With Jesus, honored guest!
-
-  But Matthew was a publican,
-    On whom the Jews did frown,
-  And so were many of his friends,
-    Who at the feast sat down.
-
-  And thus the scribes and Pharisees
-    To the disciples said:
-  "With publicans and sinners vile
-    Why doth your Lord eat bread?"
-
-  Then Jesus said: "Not to the well,
-    But sick, are doctors sent;
-  And I came, not to call the good,
-    But sinners to repent.
-
-
-The Pool of Bethesda.
-
-  SOON after this, again the feast
-    Of passover came round,
-  And Jesus, at Jerusalem,
-    All worshipful was found.
-
-  For, to fulfill all righteousness
-    He taught the people all,
-  And joined the service in God's house
-    At every stated call.
-
-  Now, in Jerusalem, there is
-    At the sheep-gate a pool,
-  Bethesda called in Hebrew phrase,
-    Five-porched, of water full.
-
-  And in these porches lay a throng,
-    Diseased and racked with pain;
-  Blind, halt and withered, hoping from
-    The water help to gain.
-
-  For, sometimes, down an angel went
-    And tossed the quiet pool;
-  And who could, after, step in first,
-    Was sure to be made whole.
-
-  And one poor sufferer lay there,
-    On that unhappy ground,
-  Who eight and thirty tedious years
-    Infirmity had bound.
-
-  When Jesus, passing, saw him lie,
-    He knew his wretched case;
-  And He who shares His peoples' woes,
-    Looked down with pitying grace;
-
-  And kindly asked the man: "Wilt thou
-    Be healed of thy disease?"
-  Well knowing that no earthly boon
-    Could more the cripple please;
-
-  Who answered, in dejected tone,
-    "Sir, I have no kind friend--
-  Whene'er the water is stirred up--
-    His kindly help to lend.
-
-  "But while with slow and painful steps,
-    I try to move alone,
-  Another suff'rer gets down first,
-    Whose limbs are good and strong;"
-
-  Then Jesus said: "Rise, lift thy bed,
-    And walk with it away."
-  Immediately the man obeyed;
-    And 'twas the Sabbath day.
-
-  The Jews who met him, therefore, said:
-    "Thou'rt doing very wrong,
-  Upon this holy, Sabbath day,
-    To bear thy bed along."
-
-  He answered them: "The man who did
-    The wondrous work on me,
-  Of healing by His own command
-    My long infirmity--
-
-  "He said: 'Take up thy bed and walk,'
-    And, instantly, there came
-  A healthful glow through all my limbs,
-    With power to do the same."
-
-  Then asked they him: "What man is he,
-    Who thus irreverent spake,
-  Commanding thee thus wickedly
-    The Sabbath law to break?"
-
-  But the healed man knew not the friend
-    Who did him so much good;
-  For Jesus bore Himself away
-    To escape the multitude.
-
-  But afterward, as Jesus taught
-    Within the temple gate,
-  He found this man and said to him,
-    "Behold thy healthy state;
-
-  "Now sin no more, lest worse should come
-    Upon the guilty soul."
-  Then went the man and told the Jews
-    'Twas Jesus made him whole.
-
-  Therefore the Jews did persecute
-    The Lord and seek to slay,
-  Because He did these wondrous things
-    Upon the Sabbath day.
-
-  But Jesus preached to them the truth,
-    In language strong and clear;
-  And happy were they who believed,
-    And lent a willing ear.
-
-
-The Man With a Withered Hand.
-
-  AGAIN, as in the synagogue,
-    The Lord on Sabbath taught,
-  A man who had a withered hand
-    His kind attention sought.
-
-  And scribes and Pharisees around
-    Watched if the Lord would use
-  His power to heal upon this day,
-    That they might Him accuse.
-
-  But He, who knew their evil thoughts,
-    Unto the sufferer said:
-  "Arise, and stand forth in the midst;"
-    And the poor man obeyed.
-
-  Then He, to those who watched Him, said:
-    "I one thing ask of you;
-  Is it on Sabbath days correct
-    Evil or good to do?"
-
-  But they replied not, then He said:
-    "What man among you all
-  Shall have one sheep which on this day
-    Into a pit shall fall;
-
-  "And he will not lay hold on it,
-    And quickly lift it out?
-  That man is better than a sheep,
-    You surely cannot doubt.
-
-  "Wherefore 'tis lawful thus to do
-    Good on the Sabbath days;"
-  And He looked on them with surprise,
-    Grieved by their wicked ways.
-
-  Then to the man who meekly stood,
-    Waiting the Lord's command,
-  In centre of the synagogue,
-    He said: "Stretch forth thine hand."
-
-  And though the hand hung helpless down,
-    The heart with faith was strong;
-  And instantly ran vital force
-    The arm's whole length along.
-
-  Then went the haughty Pharisees
-    And the Herodians rude,
-  And held a council to destroy
-    Him who did only good,
-
-  But Jesus, knowing it, withdrew,
-    Still followed by the crowd;
-  He healed them all, but charged that they
-    Speak not His name aloud.
-
-
-The Twelve are Chosen.
-
-  AND then up to a mountain's side,
-    One day, the path He trod,
-  And there alone He bowed Himself
-    All night in prayer to God;
-
-  And in the morning called all those
-    Who Him their Master claimed,
-  And, from amongst them, chose out twelve,
-    Whom He apostles named.
-
-  And He ordained this favored few,
-    With privilege to each
-  To be with Him when He so willed,
-    Or be sent forth to preach;
-
-  And to have power to heal the sick
-    The dumb, the halt, the blind,
-  And cast all evil spirits out,
-    That vex and curse mankind.
-
-  And these were the twelve chosen men:
-    Simon, to whom the Lord
-  Had given the name of Peter--
-    A stone, both strong and hard;
-
-  And Andrew, Simon's brother, and
-    The sons of Zebadee,
-  Bold James and John, whom Jesus said
-    Should Boanerges be,
-
-  Which means the sons of thunder, and
-    Philip, Bartholomew,
-  Matthew and Thomas, James and Jude,
-    Both sons of Alpheus true;
-
-  Simon, who was a Canaanite--
-    By Luke Zelotes named--
-  And Judas called Iscariot;
-    Traitor, for evil famed.
-
-
-Healing the Sick.
-
-  HE then descended to the plain,
-    To seek for food and rest,
-  When all the people of the land
-    In crowds around Him pressed.
-
-  The weary sick and those who felt
-   The pangs of racking pain,
-  And others vexed with devils hoped
-    From Him relief to gain;
-
-  And, following, sought to touch Him,
-    As power from Him had flown;
-  But in compassion He beheld
-    And healed them, every one.
-
-[Illustration: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT St. Matthew 5:5-7. St. Luke
-6:20-49.]
-
-The Sermon on The Mount.
-
-  AGAIN, up to the mountain side
-    He went, and took His seat;
-  And His disciples followed Him,
-    And gathered round His feet.
-
-  And lifting up His eyes on them,
-    He raised His voice to teach,
-  Declaring those exalted truths
-    He came on earth to preach.
-
-  He told them, first, the blessedness
-    Of purity and grace;
-  And that the souls most like to God
-    Should see the Father's face.
-
-  Then told them of their high estate,
-    Their privilege sublime,
-  To upright stand, and shed forth light
-    Upon the realms of time.
-
-  And taught them of the moral law,
-    And of the law of love,
-  For heart and spirit to be kept,
-    All human laws above.
-
-  In simple words He framed for them
-    A solemn, fervent prayer,
-  By which they could approach to God,
-    And on Him cast their care.
-
-  He taught that, if their neighbors' faults
-    Were lovingly forgiven,
-  They all might claim in humble faith
-    The Fatherhood of Heaven.
-
-  Then charged them 'gainst the error made
-    From that time until now,
-  That men to different masters
-    Allegiance can avow.
-
-  "For God," He said, "ye cannot serve,
-    And mammon serve beside;
-  In love to one and not to both,
-    Your spirit must abide."
-
-  He then the precious lesson taught
-    Of God's vast providence,
-  Which is our faithful guardian,
-    And our secure defence.
-
-  The little songsters of the air,
-    The lilies of the field,
-  Are fed, and clothed, from day to day,
-    While they no forethought yield.
-
-  And man, much better in His sight--
-    How little faith has he,
-  To doubt the providential care
-    That all his needs can see!
-
-  "Seek first the kingdom of your God,
-    His righteousness divine,
-  And all the stores of earthly good
-    Shall graciously be thine."
-
-  The Preacher then went on to charge
-    'Gainst judging others' sin--
-  Those fond of spying evil deeds,
-    Should with their own begin.
-
-  And they who ask, or seek, or knock,
-    God never will deny;
-  And men to other men should do
-    As they would be done by.
-
-  And it is wise to enter in
-    The narrow way and straight;
-  And shun the way where many go--
-    The wide and open gate.
-
-  Though men may openly appear
-    What they are not within;
-  Yet you shall know, if in their lives
-    You see the fruit of sin.
-
-  For every good and perfect tree
-    Doth faultless fruit bring forth;
-  But when you see an evil tree,
-    Its fruit is nothing worth.
-
-  And each tree bearing not good fruit
-    Into the fire is cast;
-  Wherefore, 'tis by their deeds ye know
-    The doom of all, at last.
-
-  "Not every one who says to Me;
-    "Lord, Lord,' shall enter heaven;
-  But he that does my Father's will;
-    And knows his sins forgiven.
-
-  "Many will say to me that day:
-    'I've done good in Thy Name;'
-  I never knew you, I will say,
-    I disregard your claim.
-
-  "Therefore, who hears these words of mine
-    And doth not doubt or mock,
-  Is like a man who wisely built
-    His house upon a rock.
-
-  "And the rain fell and floods came on,
-    And winds blew fierce and long;
-  But that house stood, securely firm,
-    On its foundation strong.
-
-  "And every one that hears my words
-    And disobeys, shall stand
-  Like to a foolish man, who built
-    His house upon the sand;
-
-  "And the rain fell and floods came on,
-    And winds blew round and round
-  Upon that house, and soon it fell
-    In ruins on the ground."
-
-
-The Centurion's Servant.
-
-  AND, now, when Jesus entered
-    Into Capernaum;
-  A Centurion besought Him for
-    A servant, sick at home.
-
-  "I will come," He said, "and heal him."
-    The Centurion answered: "Lord,
-  I am not worthy Thou should'st come,
-    But only speak the word.
-
-  "For I, myself, am in command,
-    And whatsoe'er I say
-  To one, or to another man,
-    They instantly obey."
-
-  When Jesus heard him, in surprise
-    He said to those around:
-  "I verily, in Israel,
-    Such great faith have not found."
-
-  Then said to the Centurion: "Go,
-    Thy faith the work has sealed;"
-  And in the self-same hour he found
-    His servant had been healed.
-
-
-Raising the Widow's Son.
-
-  IT came to pass upon the day
-    Succeeding this event,
-  That as He journeyed on His way,
-    Much people with Him went.
-
-  Along the road He traveled on,
-    Until He came to Nain;
-  When, just outside the city gate,
-    He met a funeral train.
-
-  In sorrow they were bearing forth
-    A weeping widow's son;
-  And many sympathized with her--
-    He was her only one.
-
-  And when the Lord saw her He had
-    Compassion on her grief;
-  And said unto her: "Weep no more,
-    I bring you sure relief."
-
-  He touched the bier, and all the friends
-    Stood still in mute surprise,
-  When to the dead He spoke: "Young man,
-    I say to thee arise."
-
-  And the dead youth sat up, alive,
-    And to her speechless joy,
-  The mother from the Lord received
-    Her resurrected boy.
-
-
-The Pharisee and the Woman.
-
-  IT happened that a Pharisee
-    Invited Christ to eat,
-  When a poor, sinful woman came
-    And worshipped at His feet;
-
-  And washed them with her copious tears,
-    And wiped them with her hair,
-  And kissed them, and anointed them
-    With ointment rich and rare.
-
-  The Pharisee, within himself,
-    Said: "If this man were wise,
-  And were a prophet, he would know
-    This sinner to despise."
-
-  And Jesus, answering his thought,
-    Explained the woman's love:
-  She was a sinner who, now saved,
-    Her gratitude would prove.
-
-  And while the guests in wonder gazed,
-    He to the woman spoke:
-  "Thy sins are all forgiven--thy faith
-    Hath broken Satan's yoke."
-
-
-The Blind and Dumb Man.
-
-  AGAIN a man they bring to Him,
-    Of Satan sore possessed,
-  Both blind and dumb, in wretched plight,
-    But Jesus gave him rest.
-
-  The sufferer both spake and saw,
-    When people, every one,
-  Who saw this miracle, exclaimed:
-    "Is not this David's Son?"
-
-  But the proud Pharisees, in heart
-    Ignored this title true;
-  And said the wondrous healing gift
-    To Satan's power was due.
-
-  Then Jesus knew their thoughts and said:
-    "What logic ye command!
-  If Satan cast out Satan, then
-    His kingdom cannot stand."
-
-
-The Storm on Galilee.
-
-  AND as the multitudes increased,
-    And thronged about the Lord,
-  He said: "I other towns must seek,
-    And in them preach the word."
-
-  So He commandment forthwith gave
-    That His disciples go,
-  And get a ship in readiness,
-    Across the lake to row.
-
-  Then a certain scribe said: "Master,
-    I'll follow Thee to-day,
-  By land or water, wheresoe'er
-    Thou goest or shalt stay."
-
-  And Jesus answered: "Foxes can
-    Run into holes for rest,
-  And every bird of air can fly
-    Into a pleasant nest;
-
-  "But no place hath the Son of Man
-    Whereof it can be said:
-  'That is His home, where He may lay
-    In peace His weary head.'"
-
-  The scribe had nothing more to say;
-    He, doubtless, did not care
-  The fortunes of so poor a man
-    To follow and to share.
-
-  Another said: "Lord, let me go
-    My father's grave to make."
-  Said Jesus: "Let the world do that,
-    Come thou, my portion take."
-
-  And now the followers of Christ
-    Were all aboard the ship,
-  And He, o'ercome with weariness,
-    Lay down and fell asleep.
-
-  And the disciples, in alarm,
-    Their Master woke from sleep;
-  "Lord, we must have thine instant help
-    Or perish in the deep;"
-
-  When He, in calm and gentle voice,
-    Said: "Wherefore do ye fear,
-  O ye of little faith and trust.
-    While I, your Lord, am here?"
-
-  Then He arose in dignity,
-    And spoke His sovereign will,
-  Commanding both the winds and sea
-    To hearken and be still.
-
-  And instantly all nature's face
-    A tranquil aspect wears,
-  Hushed is the tempest, and the sky
-    Again serene appears.
-
-  The men each to the others, said,
-    In awe and great amaze:
-  "What kind of man is this, whose word
-    The fearful storm obeys?"
-
-
-The Legion of Devils.
-
-  NOW when they reached the other side,
-    All fright and danger o'er,
-  The country of the Gadarenes
-    Received them to its shore.
-
-  But many steps they have not gone
-    To reach the city near,
-  When suddenly two unclad men
-    From 'mongst the tombs appear.
-
-  By unclean spirits sorely vexed,
-    No firm restraints could hold
-  Their demon-strengthened limbs, or keep
-    Their frantic souls controlled.
-
-  And in the mountains and the tombs,
-    With cries, both night and day,
-  They cut themselves, and caused such fear,
-    None dared to pass that way.
-
-  But when the Lord approached, a change
-    Came o'er these men possessed;
-  One fled--the other, falling down
-    In worship, sore distressed,
-
-  Cried: "What have I to do with Thee,
-    Jesus, Thou Son of God?
-  Torment me not, nor banish me
-    To my most drear abode."
-
-  Then Jesus said: "Come out of him,
-    Thou unclean spirit, vile,
-  And let thy presence ne'er again
-    His tortured soul defile."
-
-  And then He asked: "What is thy name?"
-    "Legion," the man did say,
-  For many, many devils bold
-    Within him had held sway.
-
-  The devils, knowing they no more
-    In this poor man could dwell,
-  Imploringly besought the Lord
-    To drive them not to hell;
-
-  And seeing a great herd of swine
-    Upon the mountain side,
-  Begged His consent to enter them,
-    With which the Lord complied.
-
-  But though there were two thousand swine
-    They could not fight nor flee,
-  The legion entered them, and all
-    Rushed headlong in the sea.
-
-  And they that fed the swine, alarmed,
-    Ran hastily away,
-  And told in town and country round
-    The wonders of that day.
-
-  Then every one went out to see
-    What wondrous things were done,
-  And still and calm the country lay,
-    And all the swine were gone.
-
-  And he who long had raged around,
-    A terror to mankind,
-  Sat peacefully at Jesus' feet,
-    Clothed, and of rightful mind.
-
-  And they who saw the miracle,
-    With eager tongues revealed
-  How he of legion once possessed
-    So suddenly was healed.
-
-  Then the whole multitude from all
-    The country round appear,
-  And beg the Lord to leave their coasts
-    For they were filled with fear.
-
-  Now, as the Lord took ship again,
-    The man thus saved from woe,
-  Prayed that he might be with the Christ,
-    Wherever He should go.
-
-  But Jesus answered: "Nay, return
-    To thine own house, and tell
-  What God hath done for thee, and hence
-    With thine own kindred dwell."
-
-  And the man did as Jesus said,
-    And told to great and small
-  Of his most glad deliverance
-    From Satan's dreadful thrall.
-
-
-The Daughter of Jarius.
-
-  IT came to pass as Jesus thence
-    Returned, across the sea,
-  Many He found awaiting Him--
-    The men of Galilee.
-
-  And behold, Jarius, ruler of
-    The synagogue, drew near,
-  And knelt at Jesus' feet, and prayed,
-    In great distress and fear,
-
-  That Jesus to his house would go
-    And heal his dying child--
-  A little daughter, twelve years old,
-    In manners sweet and mild.
-
-  Then Jesus, whose glad work it was
-    To cheer each broken heart,
-  Went with him, followed by the crowd,
-    Who would not from Him part.
-
-  And a poor woman, suffering
-    From a severe disease,
-  Who, for twelve years, her money all
-    Had spent in doctors' fees;
-
-  When told that He was passing by
-    Came in the crowd, behind,
-  And said: "If I may touch His clothes,
-    I sure relief shall find."
-
-  And, stooping down, she gently touched
-    His garment's hem: when, lo!
-  She felt the fountain of her plague
-    Had ceased at once to flow.
-
-  When He, perceiving in Himself
-    Some loss of power Divine,
-  Turned and demanded of the crowd:
-    "Who touched this robe of mine?"
-
-  Then His disciples said to Him:
-    "The people throng round Thee,
-  They closely press on every side,
-    And sayest Thou: "Who touched me?'"
-
-  But He still looked around, when she,
-    Knowing she was not hid,
-  Came, trembling, fell down at His feet,
-    And told Him what she did.
-
-  But He said, kindly: "Daughter, thou
-    This act must not deplore,
-  Thy faith hath healed thee, go in peace;
-    No plague shall vex thee more!"
-
-  And while He spoke, from Jairus' house
-    Came messengers, who said:
-  "Trouble the Master now no more;
-    The little maid is dead."
-
-  But Jesus to the ruler turned,
-    And said: "You need not grieve;
-  All shall be well with thee and thine,
-    If only thou believe."
-
-  Before He reached the ruler's house,
-    He told the rest to wait,
-  And none but Peter, James and John,
-    Went with Him through the gate.
-
-  And when He entered in the house,
-    He found it full of grief,
-  Nor did the mourning company
-    Expect from Him relief.
-
-  Then He said gently to the friends:
-    "Why make this noise, and weep?
-  The damsel is not truly dead,
-    But taketh rest in sleep."
-
-  And they all laughed--a laugh of scorn--
-    Well knowing she was dead,
-  When He turned out the sneering crowd,
-    And calmly onward led.
-
-  The father and the mother, who
-    No doubting did betray,
-  And His believing followers,
-    To where the maiden lay;
-
-  Then took her gently by the hand,
-    And said, with pitying eyes:
-  "Talitha Cumi; damsel, I
-    Now say to thee arise."
-
-  Then instantly the maid arose,
-    And walked upon her feet,
-  When He in kindness ordered that
-    They give her food to eat.
-
-
-Two Blind Men Healed.
-
-  NOW when the Lord departed thence,
-    Two blind men followed close,
-  And, "Oh! Thou Son of David," cried,
-    "Have mercy upon us."
-
-  And when He reached His lodging house,
-    The blind men entered too;
-  Then Jesus asked: "Do ye believe
-    That I this thing can do?"
-
-  They said: "Yea, Lord;" then did he touch
-    Their eyes, with fingers kind,
-  And said: "According to your faith,
-    Be ye no longer blind."
-
-  Forthwith they saw, and Jesus charged
-    That they let no man know;
-  But they went out and spread His fame
-    Wherever they did go.
-
-
-The Disciples Sent Forth.
-
-  STRAIGHTWAY the Lord departed thence,
-    And came to His own home,
-  And in the synagogue He taught
-    When Sabbath-day had come.
-
-  The people wondered at His words,
-    And asked: "How can it be
-  That this man has such power gained
-    As we both hear and see?
-
-  "For is not this the carpenter?
-    We know his mother well;
-  His brethren and his sisters, too,
-    All here among us dwell."
-
-  And so they took offence at Him,
-    And Jesus said: "In vain
-  A prophet much esteemed abroad
-    At home would honor gain."
-
-  And He could do no mighty works--
-    Save healing a few sick,
-  And teaching in the villages--
-    Because their faith was weak.
-
-  But looking on the people with
-    Compassion in His heart,
-  As scattered sheep, and ignorant--
-    He called the twelve apart,
-
-  And sent them forth, through all the land,
-    To preach, by two and two,
-  To the lost sheep of Israel,
-    The Gospel, pure and true.
-
-
-Death of John the Baptist.
-
-  HEROD, the king, his birthday kept,
-    And festive supper spread,
-  For lords, high captains and chief men,
-    Of Galilee the head.
-
-  And with the flowing of rich wines,
-    And strains of music sweet,
-  The daughter of Herodias danced
-    On light and airy feet;
-
-  Which dancing so much pleased the king
-    He promised, with an oath,
-  That whatsoever she would ask
-    He'd give her--nothing loth.
-
-  The daughter of her mother asked:
-    "What gift shall I desire?"
-  The wicked woman answered her:
-    "John Baptist's head require."
-
-  Straightway the brazen damsel came,
-    And, with petition bold,
-  Demanded John the Baptist's head,
-    Just as she had been told.
-
-  Although the king was sorely grieved,
-    He would not break his word,
-  In honor of the company
-    By whom the oath was heard.
-
-  Now, soon as John's disciples knew
-    Of his most cruel doom,
-  They took his body, tenderly,
-    And laid it in a tomb;
-
-  And to the Master straightly told
-    What had befallen John--
-  The deed which at the king's command
-    His servile guard had done.
-
-  But fear's dread torment soon drew near,
-    When Herod heard the news
-  Of the wonder working Jesus,
-    Now preaching to the Jews.
-
-  And he, with pale and trembling lips,
-    Unto his servants said:
-  "This is the Baptist whom I slew,
-    Arisen from the dead.
-
-  "Therefore do wondrous works in him
-    Show forth themselves, to prove
-  That he a mighty prophet was,
-    Appointed from above."
-
-
-Feeding the Multitude.
-
-  THE twelve apostles, when the time
-    For their return had come,
-  Betook themselves with one accord
-    To Jesus, at His home;
-
-  And told Him all things that befell
-    While they had been away;
-  What they had done, what they had taught,
-    And how they fared each day.
-
-  Then Jesus at Bethsaida
-    Was with compassion moved,
-  To see the people crowd around--
-    The sheep He so much loved.
-
-  He talked to them of God and heaven--
-    The land above all lands--
-  And healed as many as had need
-    Of healing at His hands.
-
-  Then said the twelve: "Lord do Thou send
-    The multitude away,
-  That they some victuals may procure
-    Before the close of day."
-
-  But Jesus knew that poverty
-    Oppressed the multitude,
-  And kindly to His followers said:
-    "Can ye not give them food?"
-
-  "Two hundred pennyworth of bread,"
-    Philip at once replied,
-  "Would not a little food for each
-    Of this great crowd provide."
-
-  Then Andrew, Peter's brother, spoke:
-    "Here is a lad," he said,
-  "Who two small fishes has, beside
-    Five loaves of barley bread.
-
-  "But, what are they to such a crowd?"
-    The Lord said: "Bring them here.
-  Then seat the people on the grass,
-    By fifties, far and near."
-
-  And taking in His hands the bread
-    And fish, He looked toward heaven
-  And blest it in the name of Him
-    From whom all bread is given;
-
-  Then brake, and the disciples passed
-    The broken food around
-  To all the multitude, who sat
-    Expectant on the ground.
-
-  Then Jesus said: "Go, gather up
-    The fragments careless tossed
-  Upon the ground, in wanton waste,
-    That nothing may be lost."
-
-  And the disciples--patient men,
-    Went, stooping, o'er the field,
-  And fragment of the late repast
-    Twelve baskets full did yield.
-
-  And when the Lord perceived that they
-    Did meditate to bring
-  United force with the intent
-    That they might crown Him king,
-
-  He urged that His disciples should
-    Take ship and cross the sea,
-  While He dispersed the multitudes,
-    And followed secretly.
-
-
-Jesus Walks Upon the Sea.
-
-  WHEN Jesus, up the mountain side
-    Ascended all alone,
-  To spend some hours in peaceful prayer
-    Before His Father's throne.
-
-  Meanwhile the twelve were toiling hard
-    In rowing o'er the lake,
-  But 'gainst the stormy winds they could
-    But little progress make.
-
-  And Jesus, on the mountain high,
-    Engaged in fervent prayer,
-  Looks on the lake and sees his friends,
-    And feels their toil and care.
-
-  Now comes the fourth watch of the night;
-    The tired men still row
-  Against a rising, boisterous sea,
-    While angry tempests blow.
-
-  But now, amid the wild uproar,
-    And darkness of the storm,
-  They saw approaching, o'er the waves,
-    Their Master's much loved form.
-
-  They failed to recognize their Lord,
-    With storm and darkness near,
-  Supposed He was a spirit form,
-    And cried aloud for fear.
-
-  Then straightway Jesus hushed their cries;
-    "Be of good cheer," He said;
-  They knew the kind, assuring voice:
-    "'Tis I, be not afraid."
-
-  Then Peter, warm, impulsive, bold,
-    Said: "Lord, if it be Thou,
-  Bid me and let me come to Thee
-    Upon the waters now."
-
-  Jesus said: "Come." Then Peter stepped
-    Over the vessel's side,
-  And walked securely and alone
-    Upon the stormy tide.
-
-  His eyes were on the Master fixed,
-    But, looking on the wave,
-  At once he did begin to sink,
-    And cried out: "Lord! Oh, save!"
-
-  Then Jesus quickly stretched His hand
-    And raised the sinking man,
-  Said: "Wherefore did'st thou doubt?" and placed
-    Him on his feet again.
-
-  And when they step aboard the ship,
-    There is a sudden peace,
-  The wind is still, the stars are bright,
-    The waves their motion cease.
-
-  And the disciples, bending low,
-    Their spirits deeply awed,
-  Said: "Of a truth we now are sure
-    Thou art the Son of God."
-
-  Then comes to pass another thing,
-    They cannot understand;
-  The ship, so lately out at sea,
-    Is now quite close to land.
-
-  And, resting from their hours of toil,
-    And filled with wonder deep,
-  The twelve around their Master's feet
-    Lie down in peaceful sleep.
-
-
-The Bread from Heaven.
-
-  THE next day, for the absent Lord,
-    The people searched around,
-  Near to the place where He had fed
-    Five thousand on the ground.
-
-  Then Jesus said: "Ye seek me not
-    In honor of my power,
-  But for the bread I brake to you
-    In hunger's helpless hour.
-
-  "Labor not so for earthly meat,
-    Which perisheth away,
-  But for that meat which shall endure
-    Through everlasting day."
-
-  And then He preached to them the words
-    Of saving, Gospel truth,
-  Of Bread that keeps the soul in strength
-    And in immortal youth.
-
-  He told them that He was the Bread
-    Which had been sent from heaven,
-  That Bread of everlasting life,
-    To all believers given.
-
-  And some went back, and walked no more
-    With Him--the Truth, the Way;
-  Then to the chosen twelve He said:
-    "Will ye, too, go away?"
-
-  Then Simon Peter answered Him:
-    "Lord, to whom shall we go?
-  Thou hast the words of endless life;
-    From Thee doth wisdom flow.
-
-  "And we believe, and we are sure
-    That Thou are Jesse's Rod;
-  The promised Christ of Israel--
-    Son of the living God."
-
-  Jesus said: "Have I not chosen
-    Twelve of you to believe,
-  And witness to a sinful world
-    The truth which ye receive;
-
-  "And one of you a devil is?"
-    He spoke of Judas vile,
-  Who should, by wicked treachery,
-    The bishopric defile.
-
-  Now, when around Capernaum
-    The Lord had done much good,
-  He rose and traveled forth, to where
-    Old Tyre and Sidon stood;
-
-  And entered in a house, that He
-    Might of the crowd be rid,
-  And rest in peace there for a day;
-    But He could not be hid.
-
-  For a woman, whose young daughter
-    Had an unclean spirit, heard
-  That He was that great prophet who
-    Could heal her with a word.
-
-  And, hast'ning to Him, she knelt down,
-    And bowed her weeping face,
-  Relating in His willing ear
-    Her daughter's grievous case.
-
-  But Jesus answered not a word;
-    The apostles wondered why,
-  And said to Him: "Send her away,
-    We're weary of her cry."
-
-  And then He said: "I am not sent
-    Save to the sheep astray
-  From Israel's fold--beloved of God--
-    To guide them in the way."
-
-  Now this poor woman was a Greek,
-    And of Phœnician birth;
-  But she believed great David's Son
-    Was Prince of all the earth;
-
-  And that He loved all human kind,
-    Of every degree;
-  So, drawing near, she worshipped Him
-    Exclaiming: "Lord, help me!"
-
-  Then He replied: "It is not meet
-    To take the children's bread
-  And cast it out to dogs, while they--
-    The children--are not fed."
-
-  But she said: "Yea, Lord, very true,
-    Yet dogs, Thou know'st, do eat
-  The crumbs that from the table fall,
-    Beneath the children's feet."
-
-  "O, woman," Jesus answered then,
-    "Great is thy trusting faith;
-  And be it unto thee, and thine,
-    Whatever thy heart saith."
-
-  And she went joyful to her house,
-    And found the devil fled,
-  And her fair daughter calm and well,
-    And laid upon her bed.
-
-
-Feeding the Hungry.
-
-  AND now, this gracious work performed
-    The Lord returned again
-  Unto the sea of Galilee,
-    And through Decapolis plain.
-
-  Unto a mountain He repaired,
-    And sought a quiet seat;
-  But many sufferers followed Him,
-    And crowded round His feet.
-
-  The eager multitudes brought forth
-    The blind, and dumb, and lame,
-  And Jesus healed them, every one,
-    Who to His presence came.
-
-  And all the people glorified
-    The God of Israel;
-  And, much astonished, they exclaimed,
-    "He hath done all things well!"
-
-  Then the Lord sent the people home,
-    And, taking ship again,
-  Sailed with the twelve along the sea,
-    Unto Magdala's plain.
-
-  There Pharisees and Sadducees
-    Came, tempting Him, and sought
-  A sign from heaven that they might know
-    The doctrines that He taught.
-
-  But He refused to give a sign
-    To hypocrites so base,
-  And leaving them, and taking ship,
-    Sailed to another place.
-
-
-Curing the Blind.
-
-  NOW, coming to Bethsaida,
-    They bring a blind man down,
-  Beseeching Him to touch him,
-    But He leads him out of town.
-
-  Then, spitting, moistens the blind eyes,
-    And asks him if he sees;
-  And the man looks up and answers:
-    "I see men walk, as trees."
-
-  Then Jesus put His gentle hands
-    On the man's eyes again,
-  Made him look up--his eyes were healed,
-    And he saw all things plain.
-
-
-The Apostle Peter.
-
-  THEN, after that, as Jesus with
-    His twelve disciples walked
-  To Cæsarea Philippi,
-    And gravely with them talked,
-
-  He asked them who the people said
-    That He, Himself, might be;
-  They answered John, Elias, and
-    The prophet Jeremy.
-
-  He saith: "But whom say ye am I,
-    Who long with you have trod?"
-  Peter exclaimed: "Thou art the Christ,
-    Son of the living God!"
-
-  Then Jesus answered him: "How blest
-    Simon Bar-jona, thou,
-  For flesh and blood hath not revealed
-    What thou, from heaven, dost know.
-
-  "And I say also unto thee,
-    That thou art Peter sure,
-  And on this rock I'll build my church
-    From gates of hell secure.
-
-  "Keys of authority and truth
-    Shall unto thee be given;
-  What thou dost bind or loose on earth
-    Is bound and loosed in heaven."
-
-  From that time forth the Lord began
-    To tell, and to explain
-  To His disciples, how He should
-    Be killed, and rise again.
-
-  But Peter said: "Nay, nay, my Lord
-    This, surely, shall not be;
-  Such treatment of the Prince of Life--
-    Were great indignity."
-
-  But Jesus turned and said to him:
-    "Satan, get thee behind,
-  Thou savorest not the things of God,
-    But pride of carnal mind."
-
-  And then said Jesus to them all:
-    "Who will my servant be,
-  Must deny self, take up his cross,
-    And humbly follow me.
-
-  "For whosoe'er will save his life,
-    Shall lose it in the end;
-  But he who yields it for my sake,
-    To life in heaven shall tend.
-
-  "For what is a man profited
-    If he shall gain the whole
-  Of this world's pompous wealth and power,
-    Yet lose his own poor soul?"
-
-
-Jesus is Transfigured.
-
-  NOW Jesus tarried round these coasts
-    Till six days passed away;
-  Then He took Peter, James and John
-    Up in a mount to pray.
-
-  And, as He prayed, His face was changed,
-    And shining as the Sun;
-  His raiment became white as snow,
-    When glistening at noon.
-
-  And while He thus transfigured stood,
-    In His apostles' sight,
-  They suddenly beheld two men
-    Appear, with Him, in light.
-
-  'Twas Moses and Elias, who
-    Talked feelingly with Him
-  About the death He must endure
-    Soon at Jerusalem.
-
-  Then Peter spoke--his heart was full
-    Of holy love and fear:
-  "Lord, it is good," he said, "for us
-    To dwell forever here.
-
-  "Let us three tabernacles build;
-    The first shall be for Thee,
-  One be for Moses, man of God,
-    One for Elias be."
-
-  He spoke his heart's sincere desire,
-    But ere the words were said,
-  A bright cloud overshadowed them,
-    And covered every head.
-
-  And from the cloud a voice was heard,
-    "This is my Son beloved,
-  In whom I am well pleased--hear Him,
-    If ye would be approved!"
-
-  When the disciples heard the voice,
-    They fell upon their face,
-  O'ercome by fear and sore dismay,
-    In that most awful place.
-
-  And Jesus, touching each one, said:
-    "Arise and do not fear;"
-  And when they looked around they saw
-    No one but Jesus near.
-
-  And as they came down from the mount,
-    He bade them not disclose
-  What they had seen and heard that day,
-    Till from the dead He rose.
-
-  And they obeyed, and of that scene
-    No word to others said;
-  But 'mongst themselves enquired what meant
-    The rising from the dead.
-
-
-An Only Child Healed.
-
-  THE next day, coming to the place
-    Where they had left the nine,
-  They found a crowd, glad to behold
-    The Master's face, Divine.
-
-  He asked the scribes: "What question ye
-    With my disciples here?"
-  When one in haste approaching Him,
-    And kneeling down in fear,
-
-  Said: "Lord, have mercy on my son--
-    He is my only child;
-  And a dumb spirit tortures him,
-    And makes him fierce and wild.
-
-  "And often in the fire he falls,
-    And in the water too;
-  And I spoke to Thy disciples,
-    But they could nothing do."
-
-  Then Jesus said: "O, men perverse,
-    Why can ye not believe?
-  How long shall I be with you ere
-    The faith ye will receive?"
-
-  Then to the father: "Bring to me
-    Your son." The child was brought,
-  When he fell, foaming, on the ground,
-    By the foul spirit wrought.
-
-  Then Jesus asked the man: "How long
-    Has he been troubled thus?"
-  He answered: "From a little child;
-    But, Lord, canst Thou help us?"
-
-  Jesus replied: "If thou hast faith,
-    Then thou shalt have relief."
-  The man cried out: "Lord, I believe;
-    Help Thou mine unbelief."
-
-  Then Jesus to the demon spoke:
-    "Deaf and dumb spirit sore,
-  I charge thee to come out of him,
-    And enter him no more."
-
-  The spirit cried and troubled him,
-    Till, like one dead, he fell;
-  But Jesus took him by the hand,
-    And, lo! the child was well.
-
-  And now the Master and the twelve
-    Into a house retired;
-  And the nine came to Him and asked
-    That which they most desired:
-
-  The twelve then asked: "Why could we not
-    Cast out that spirit, pray?"
-  He said: "Because your unbelief
-    Stood boldly in the way.
-
-  "For, verily, if ye have faith
-    As a small, mustard grain,
-  Then shall unto this mountain say,
-    'Remove to yonder plain.'
-
-  "It shall remove. Nothing shall be
-    Impossible to you;
-  Yet these foul spirits go not, save
-    By prayer and fasting, too."
-
-
-Jesus Teaches Humility.
-
-  ONE day while Jesus sat at rest
-    He asked the twelve to say
-  What was it they disputed, as
-    They walked along the way.
-
-  But they replied not, for they had
-    Disputed which should gain
-  The greatest rank and power, when
-    Their Lord should come to reign.
-
-  Then Jesus said: "If any man
-    Desire the highest place,
-  He shall be last, and servant, too,
-    Within the realm of grace."
-
-  He set a child in midst of them,
-    Then took him in His arm,
-  And said: "Whoso receiveth such,
-    And shieldeth him from harm,
-
-  "Receiveth me, if, with true love,
-    He does it in my name,
-  And not only receiveth me,
-    But Him from whom I came."
-
-
-The Young Lawyer.
-
-  AND now behold a lawyer rose
-    With tempting question vain,
-  And said: "Master, what must I do
-    Eternal life to gain?"
-
-  Jesus addressed His questioner
-    With manner frank and kind,
-  And by a parable He taught
-    His keen and doubting mind;
-
-  Told of the good Samaritan
-    Who succored a poor Jew;
-  Then, in conclusion, counseled him:
-    "Go thou and like wise do."
-
-
-At Bethany.
-
-  AND as they went, He and the twelve,
-    Along the public road,
-  They entered into Bethany,
-    Where Martha, kind, abode;
-
-  Who hospitably welcomed Him
-    Into her house to rest,
-  Then hastened to provide for Him
-    Refreshments of the best.
-
-  Meanwhile her sister Mary,
-    Who long had wished to meet
-  The gracious Lord and hear His voice
-    Sat meekly at His feet.
-
-  But Martha, cumbered and perplexed
-    With anxious, household care,
-  And wishing for her welcome Guest
-    A banquet to prepare,
-
-  Entered the room where Jesus sat,
-    And said: "Lord, dost Thou know
-  My sister lets me serve alone?
-    Bid her some help bestow."
-
-  And Jesus answered in a tone
-    Of grace yet kind concern,
-  "O, Martha, Martha, good and true,
-    Thou something hast to learn.
-
-  "Thou careful art, and troubled much
-    All good things to enjoy,
-  And that thy friends may feast full well
-    Thy time and means employ;
-
-  "And yet there's but one needful thing,
-    Worthy thine utmost thought,
-  And that good part is Mary's choice,
-    Which from her take thou not."
-
-
-The Lord's Prayer.
-
-  AGAIN, did Jesus journey on,
-    When, in a certain place,
-  He lifted up His voice in prayer
-    With unction, power and grace.
-
-  When He had ceased one of the twelve
-    Said: "Lord, teach us to pray,
-  As John taught those who followed him,
-    "We wish to do as they."
-
-  He taught them then that form of prayer
-    Which pure devotion is;
-  Known as THE LORD'S PRAYER ever since,
-    Because the words are His.
-
-  Then on He went, and preached the truth,
-    Along each country road,
-  And taught the people, high and low,
-    The love and fear of God;
-
-  And told them how God answers prayer,
-    If prayer be warm and true--
-  With far more loving, swift response
-    Than earthly parents do.
-
-
-The Woman with an Infirmity.
-
-  NOW, in a synagogue, as He
-    One Sabbath day did preach,
-  Behold a woman, quite bowed down
-    And listening to His speech,
-
-  A poor, afflicted sufferer,
-    Who bore with groans and tears,
-  A spirit of infirmity
-    For fully eighteen years.
-
-  Upon her Jesus laid His hand,
-    And, suddenly made straight,
-  She rose and glorified her God,
-    Whose mercies are so great.
-
-  The ruler of the synagogue,
-    Indignant that the Lord
-  Upon the Sabbath day had wrought
-    This healing by His word,
-
-  Unto the people said: "There are
-    Six days in which you may
-  Do all your works;--in them be healed--
-    Not on the Sabbath day."
-
-  Then Jesus answered: "Hypocrite,
-    Doth not each of you think
-  It right, on Sabbath day, to lead
-    His beast away to drink?
-
-  "And ought not this poor woman, who
-    Is Abraham's daughter, be
-  Made loose from pain she bore so long
-    Through Satan's tyranny?"
-
-  And all His adversaries were
-    Ashamed when thus He chid,
-  While others wondered and rejoiced
-    For all the works He did.
-
-[Illustration: FINDING OF THE LOST SHEEP. St. Matthew 18.12-14; St.
-Luke 15.3-7]
-
-The Man Born Blind.
-
-  WHEN, coming near His journey's end,
-    Jerusalem was nigh,
-  He, one day, saw a man, born blind,
-    As He was passing by.
-
-  And His disciples questioned Him:
-    "Master, whose sin hath done
-  Such evil as is this man's lot--
-    His parents' or his own?"
-
-  And Jesus answered: "Neither hath
-    His parents sinned nor he,
-  But that the works of God, in him,
-    Might be made plain to see.
-
-  "I must perform my Father's works
-    While it is day; the night
-  Is coming, when no man can work;
-    But I am the world's light,
-
-  "As long as I am in the world."
-    And when He thus did say
-  He spat upon the ground, and made
-    The spittle into clay;
-
-  And with it He anointed thick
-    The eyes that ne'er had seen,
-  Then said unto the man: "Go wash
-    In water pure and clean."
-
-  Then went the man obediently,
-    And washed his sightless eyes,
-  And instantly he saw all round,
-    With grateful, glad surprise.
-
-  The neighbors said: "Is this the man
-    Who begged, and could not see?"
-  Said others: "He is like to him."
-    But he said: "I am he."
-
-  They asked him how he gained his sight,
-    And he, with thankful voice,
-  Told all about the wondrous work
-    That made his heart rejoice.
-
-  And now unto the Pharisees
-    The happy man they brought;
-  And it was on the Sabbath day
-    This miracle was wrought.
-
-  Questioned by doubting Pharisees,
-    He did to them relate
-  The way by which he was relieved
-    From his unhappy state.
-
-  They said the man who gave him sight
-    A sinner, sure must be
-  Or He would not, on such a day,
-    Make a blind man to see.
-
-  Yet others said: "How can a man
-    Who is a sinner do
-  Such miracles?" The healed man said:
-    "He is a prophet true."
-
-  The Jews would not believe the man
-    Was ever blind at all;
-  And, to find out if it were so,
-    They did his parents call,
-
-  And asked them: "Is this man your son,
-    Who without sight was born?
-  How, then, doth he now see so well,
-    Yet blind until this morn?"
-
-  The parents said: "He is our son,
-    And was born blind, we know;
-  But know not how he gained his sight;
-    Himself the truth must show."
-
-  The Jews straightway recalled the man,
-    And said: "Give God the praise,
-  We know this man's a sinner, by
-    His Sabbath-breaking ways."
-
-  He answered them: "I know not if
-    This man a sinner be;
-  One thing I know, that whereas I
-    Was blind, yet now I see.
-
-  "We know that God regardeth not
-    A sinful man's appeal;
-  But to obedient worshippers
-    He will Himself reveal.
-
-  "Since first the world began can ye
-    Such wondrous power find
-  As that a mortal man could heal
-    The eyes of one born blind?
-
-  "And if this man were not of God,
-    Nor down from heaven came,
-  He could do nothing in my case--
-    All glory to His name!"
-
-  And then they answered, wrathfully:
-    "Thou, who believest thus,
-  Wast altogether born in sin,
-    And art thou teaching us?"
-
-  They cast him out; which Jesus heard,
-    And found him, when alone:
-  "Believ'st thou on the Son of God?"
-    He asked in gentle tone.
-
-  The man said: "Lord who is He, that
-    My faith to Him might bow?"
-  Said Jesus: "Thou beholdest Him,
-    He talketh with thee now."
-
-  Then he said: "Lord, I do believe,"
-    With fervent voice, and loud,
-  And bending forward to the earth,
-    In reverent worship bowed.
-
-[Illustration: RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON. St. Luke 15.15-32]
-
-The Raising of Lazarus.
-
-  OF Martha you've already heard,
-    Who entertained the Lord
-  When once He passed through Bethany,
-    And Mary heard His word.
-
-  They had a brother, Lazarus,
-    And Jesus loved the three,
-  And now the young man was brought low,
-    And very ill was he.
-
-  And his sisters sent a message
-    Unto the Lord, in haste:
-  "Behold, he whom Thou lovest well
-    Is sick and failing fast."
-
-  But Jesus said: "This sickness
-    Comes not that he must die,
-  But for God's glory, that His Son
-    Be glorified thereby.
-
-  "Our friend, Lazarus, sleepeth,"
-    Were the next words He spake:
-  "And I go hence that I may him
-    Out of his sleep awake."
-
-  Then said they: "Lord, if Laz'rus sleep
-    He surely shall do well"--
-  Thinking that it was natural rest
-    That o'er his eyelids fell.
-
-  Then He said, plainly: "Lazarus
-    Is cold and still in death.
-  But well, for your sakes, 'tis that I
-    Went not while he had breath.
-
-  "For so your faith shall be made bright,
-    That may be somewhat dim;
-  But now arise and leave this place,
-    That we may go to him."
-
-  Then Thomas said--called Didymus--
-    To the disciples all,
-  "Let's go, that we may die with Him,
-    If death should Him befall."
-
-  And now all hearts are sad and still,
-    And many throb with fear,
-  As Jesus and His followers
-    To Bethany draw near.
-
-  And those who meet Him tell the news
-    Of sorrow and of gloom,
-  That Lazarus has already lain
-    Three days within his tomb.
-
-  Now Bethany was very near
-    Unto Jerusalem;
-  And many to the sisters came,
-    To see, and comfort them.
-
-  And as they sat in silence,
-    Their hearts with grief bowed down,
-  The word was brought that Jesus
-    Was coming into town.
-
-  Then Martha went to meet the Christ,
-    And said unto Him: "Lord,
-  If Thou hadst been here, my brother
-    Had recovered by Thy word."
-
-  "Thy brother," thus the answer came,
-    "Shall rise again, I say."
-  "Yea, in the resurrection morn,"
-    She said, "at the last day."
-
-  "I am the resurrection, and
-    The Life," the Lord replied.
-  "He that upon my name believes
-    Shall live, though he had died."
-
-  "Oh, Lord," she answered fervently,
-    "I truly do believe
-  Thou art the Christ, the Son of God,
-    Whom this world should receive."
-
-  When Jesus saw the sisters' tears,
-    And tears of those around,
-  He groaned in spirit and was sad,
-    With troubled thoughts profound.
-
-  He said to them: "Where have ye laid
-    Your friend and mine to sleep?"
-  They say to Him: "Lord, come and see,"
-    Then all beheld Him weep.
-
-  And then they took away the stone
-    From where the dead was laid,
-  And Jesus lifted up His eyes,
-    And solemnly He said:
-
-  "Father I thank Thee that Thou hast
-    Heard my heart's secret prayer,
-  And I know that Thou dost always
-    Bow down to me Thine ear."
-
-  And when He thus had spoken,
-    He cried in accents loud:
-  "Lazarus, come forth," and the dead
-    Came forth, bound in his shroud,
-
-  And his face bound with a napkin;
-    His movements thus were slow;
-  But Jesus called out, with command:
-    "Loose him and let him go."
-
-  Then O, what deep and solemn joy
-    The sisters' hearts conceived!
-  While many of the Jews around
-    On Jesus Christ believed.
-
-
-They Brought Little Children to Him.
-
-  ONE day the mothers, who believed,
-    Their little children brought,
-  And from the Master's gentle hand
-    A gracious blessing sought.
-
-  But the disciples, in their zeal,
-    Said: "Take these children home,
-  They're in the way of older ones,
-    Who for some good have come."
-
-  But Jesus loved the little lambs,
-    And much displeased was He,
-  Saying: "Suffer little children,
-    That they may come to me.
-
-  "For 'tis such innocents as these
-    That God's high kingdom win;
-  And all must have as simple hearts
-    Who gain a place therein."
-
-  Then gently lifting in His arms,
-    And folding to His breast,
-  He put His hands upon their heads,
-    And every infant blest.
-
-
-The Young Ruler.
-
-  NOW, as He went forth in the way,
-    A certain ruler came;
-  "What shall I do," he frankly asked,
-    "That I may heaven claim?"
-
-  "Why callest thou me good?" the Lord
-    Enquired in gentle tone.
-  "There is none good in earth or heaven
-    But God, and God alone.
-
-  "Thou knowest the Commandments;
-    Keep them in deed and truth,
-  He answered and said: "Master, I've
-    Observed them from my youth."
-
-  Then Jesus looked at the young man,
-    And loved him in His heart,
-  And said: "One thing thou lackest yet,
-    Thou with thy wealth must part.
-
-  "Go sell, and give all to the poor,
-    And stored in heaven 'twill be,
-  Then come and cheerfully take up
-    The cross and follow me."
-
-  But the young man was sad at heart,
-    Unwilling to obey;
-  His riches he would not give up,
-    So, grieved, he went away.
-
-  And then to His disciples
-    The Lord said, grave but kind:
-  "How hardly shall the rich their way
-    Into God's kingdom find?
-
-  "It is easier for a camel
-    Through a needle's eye to go
-  Than he who loves his worldly goods
-    The bliss of heaven should know."
-
-[Illustration: CHRIST BLESSING LITTLE CHILDREN ST. MATTHEW 19:13-15;
-ST. MARK 10:13-16; ST. LUKE 18.15, 16.]
-
-
-Peter Questions Him.
-
-  AND Peter then began to say:
-    "Lo! we have given up all,
-  And followed and believed on Thee;
-    What shall to us befall?"
-
-  And Jesus answered, "Verily,
-    I say, no man hath left
-  Parents or brethren, wife or child,
-    Of home or lands bereft,
-
-  "To suffer for the Gospel's sake,
-    Who shall not find much more,
-  Both in this world and that to come,
-    Laid up for him in store.
-
-  "But they who will be first on earth
-    Shall be the last in heaven;
-  And they who here take lowest seats
-    Shall then have highest given."
-
-
-Parable of the Laborers.
-
-  AND Jesus taught them as they walked,
-    By pointed parable,
-  That all shall have an equal right
-    Who serve the Master well.
-
-  He told them of a man who hired
-    Some laborers to work,
-  And promised each a penny, for
-    The day, from morn to dark.
-
-  Again at noon, and later still,
-    He others idle found,
-  And sent them into his vineyard
-    To work upon the ground.
-
-  And then again, and just before
-    The closing of the day,
-  He hired others who should get
-    A penny for their pay.
-
-  But when the eventide had come,
-    And the day's work was done,
-  The men were called, that each might get
-    Whatever was his own.
-
-  The last come were paid first, and each
-    A pleased expression wore.
-  But when the first were paid they thought
-    That they should get still more.
-
-  And when a penny each received,
-    They murmured at the pay,
-  Which was the same for one hour's work
-    As for the long, warm day.
-
-  The good man answered one of them:
-    "Friend, I do thee no wrong;
-  A penny I agreed to give--
-    That doth to thee belong.
-
-  "Take that thine is and go thy way,
-    I will to this last one
-  Give just the same as unto thee--
-    Is it not all my own?
-
-  "So shall the last be as the first,
-    And first as last to view;
-  For many be the called of God,
-    And yet, the chosen, few."
-
-
-Foretells His Death.
-
-  THEN Jesus took the twelve apart,
-    And gravely said to them:
-  "Behold, we now are on our way
-    Up to Jerusalem,
-
-  "And all things that the prophets wrote
-    About the Son of Man,
-  Shall be accomplished in that place,
-    True to the ancient plan.
-
-  "And He shall be betrayed unto
-    The chief priests and the scribes,
-  Delivered up to the Gentiles,
-    And mocked with taunts and jibes;
-
-  "And they shall scourge and spit upon,
-    And crucify your Lord;
-  The third day He shall rise again,
-    According to His Word."
-
-  The apostles listened, yet these things
-    They could not realize;
-  The meaning of the truths they heard
-    Was hidden from their eyes.
-
-
-The Request of James and John.
-
-  THEN came, as they were walking on,
-    The wife of Zebedee,
-  Who said: "Lord, what I most desire
-    Wilt Thou grant unto me?"
-
-  He said unto her: "What wilt thou?"
-    She answered: "That my sons
-  May at Thy right and left sit down,
-    Thy kingdom's greatest ones."
-
-  Then Jesus to the young men said:
-    "Ye know not what ye ask.
-  To drink my cup, my baptism bear,
-    Would be too hard a task."
-
-  They answered: "We are strong enough.'
-    Then He said: "Ye shall try
-  To drink my cup, my baptism bear,
-    While grace shall strength supply.
-
-  "But to sit at my right and left
-    I cannot give to you;
-  My Father doth reserve those seats
-    For whom He deems them due.
-
-  "Be not such lords as Gentiles are,
-    And who would highest be
-  Let him be servant to the rest,
-    And take a low degree.
-
-  "E'en as the Son of Man came not
-    To take a lofty place,
-  But to be minister, and give
-    His life to save the race."
-
-
-Blind Bartimeus.
-
-  AND now the Lord His way must take
-    Through ancient Jericho.
-  The people crowd around Him there,
-    And make His progress slow.
-
-  And Bartimeus, blind and poor,
-    Was sitting by the way;
-  Another beggar, sad and blind,
-    Sat by his side that day.
-
-  And when they heard the tramping crowd,
-    And asked the reason why,
-  They learned that Christ of Nazareth
-    Was just then passing by.
-
-  Then each man cried aloud at once,
-    In tones of earnest plea:
-  "Jesus, Thou Son of David,
-    Have mercy upon me."
-
-  And Jesus had compassion on
-    Their dark and helpless plight,
-  And gently touched their eyes and said:
-    "Your faith doth give you sight."
-
-  Immediately their eyes were healed,
-    And both with joyful mind,
-  Followed the Master, praising God,
-    And all the people joined.
-
-
-Zaccheus.
-
-  AND now, as Jesus passed along,
-    A rich man hasting came--
-  A chief among the publicans,
-    And Zaccheus by name.
-
-  Jesus he sought to see, as did
-    The people, one and all,
-  But could not overlook the crowd,
-    His stature was so small.
-
-  So he ran on before, and climbed
-    Into a sycamore tree;
-  That, perched above the surging throng,
-    He might the better see.
-
-  And when the Lord came near, He raised
-    His eyes, saw him, and said:
-  "Zaccheus, in thy house, to-day,
-    I will take rest and bread."
-
-  And then in haste the man came down,
-    And joyfully received
-  Into his house, which stood near by,
-    The Lord, whom He believed.
-
-  And when the crowd saw what was done,
-    To murmur they began,
-  That Jesus was content to be
-    Guest with a sinful man.
-
-  Yet Zaccheus heeded not, but stood,
-    And said unto the Lord:
-  "Behold, Lord, half of all my goods
-    I to the poor afford.
-
-  "And if I aught have taken,
-    Through falsehood to me told,
-  More than is right from any man,
-    I give it back fourfold."
-
-  And Jesus said: "Salvation is
-    To this house come to-day;
-  For this man is of Abraham's line,
-    Though having gone astray.
-
-  "For I, the Son of Man have come
-    Into this world below,
-  To seek the straying and the lost,
-    And save from guilt and woe."
-
-
-Parable of the Pounds.
-
-  AND as the people all around
-    Attentively did hear,
-  Believing that God's kingdom would
-    Without delay appear;
-
-  He taught the listening company,
-    By parable profound,
-  How God expects His faithful ones
-    To occupy His ground.
-
-  And as He does commit to them
-    Ten pounds, or five, or one,
-  He will reward them, at the last,
-    By what they each have done.
-
-  And having finished His discourse,
-    Wisely instructing them,
-  He went before them, in the way,
-    Up to Jerusalem.
-
-
-The Anointing at Bethany.
-
-  SIX days before the Passover
-    The Lord appeared again
-  In Bethany, where Lazarus dwelt,
-    And his good sisters twain.
-
-  There, by a supper in the house,
-    Their welcome was expressed,
-  And Martha served, but Lazarus sat
-    At table with the guest.
-
-  Then Mary came and took her place
-    Down at the Master's feet,
-  And broke an alabaster box,
-    Of odor very sweet.
-
-  And tenderly she did anoint
-    The feet of Jesus there;
-  And wiped them with the flowing locks
-    Of her luxuriant hair.
-
-  Then Judas, called Iscariot,
-    His sullen silence broke,
-  And of the woman's costly gift
-    Thus, with a sneer, he spoke:
-
-  "For three hundred pence, in money,
-    This ointment would have sold,
-  And that would feed and clothe the poor,
-    Who hungry are, and cold."
-
-  He said this, though he had no care
-    Or pity for the poor;
-  But was a thief, and had the bag,
-    And coveted the store.
-
-  Then Jesus said: "Let her alone;
-    Against my burial day
-  She poured this ointment on my feet,
-    Her last regards to pay.
-
-  "The humble poor ye always have
-    With you, to help their needs;
-  But me ye cannot always have
-    To show me loving deeds."
-
-  Now many people of the Jews
-    Soon knew that He was there,
-  And crowded in, that they might see,
-    And His discourse might hear.
-
-  Yet not for Jesus' sake alone
-    Had they the visit made,
-  But to see Lazarus, whom He
-    Had raised up from the dead.
-
-
-Entry into Jerusalem.
-
-  THE morning rose with peaceful skies,
-    The first day of the week,
-  And Jesus forthwith went His way,
-    Jerusalem to seek.
-
-  He knew what waited Him--the thought
-    His lofty spirit thrilled--
-  That all His Father's' work be done,
-    And Scripture be fulfilled.
-
-  Along the road towards Olive's mount--
-    That oft-trod road--He went,
-  Then two of His disciples
-    Into Bethphage He sent;
-
-  And said: "Into the village go,
-    Where straightway ye shall see
-  An ass tied, and a colt with her;
-    Loose them and bring to me.
-
-  "If any may say aught to you,
-    This shall be your reply:
-  'The Lord hath need of them,' then he
-    Will cheerfully comply."
-
-  Then the disciples went their way,
-    And found, as they were bidden,
-  An ass tied, and a colt, whereon
-    No man had ever ridden.
-
-  And their owners, as they loosed them,
-    Enquired: "Why do ye so?"
-  They said: "The Lord hath need of them."
-    And then they let them go.
-
-  And they brought them unto Jesus,
-    And put on them their clothes;
-  And Jesus rode upon the colt,
-    While loud Hosannahs rose.
-
-  And multitudes of people spread
-    Their garments in the way,
-  While others strewed palm branches where
-    The Master rode that day.
-
-  And "Hosannah, Son of David!"
-    They cried with one accord,
-  "Blessed is He that cometh thus
-    In the name of the Lord!"
-
-  But the Pharisees said: "Master,
-    Rebuke this noisy shout."
-  Said Jesus: "Should they hold their peace,
-    The stones would then cry out."
-
-  Now they descend fair Olive's Mount,
-    Jerusalem appears,
-  And Jesus beholds the city,
-    And over it sheds tears,
-
-  Saying: "Hadst thou but known the things
-    Which belong to thy peace:
-  But now from thine eyes they are hid;
-    Thy day of hope shall cease."
-
-  The city's gate they enter now;
-    Much moved, the people say:
-  "Who is this?" Some answer: "Jesus,
-    Prophet of Galilee."
-
-  Then to the temple went the Lord,
-    To clear its spacious courts
-  Of those who bought and sold within
-    Its sanctified resorts.
-
-  And when the chief priests and scribes saw
-    His wondrous works and ways,
-  And children in the temple courts
-    Shouting these words of praise:
-
-  "Hosannah to great David's Son!"
-    They very angry were,
-  And said to Him: "These babbling cries
-    Around, dost thou not hear?"
-
-  And Jesus saith unto them: "Yea,
-    Have ye not read the Word:
-  'The mouths of babes and sucklings doth
-    Thy perfect praise accord?'"
-
-  The Pharisees, among themselves,
-    Said: "Do ye not perceive
-  That ye prevail naught while the world
-    Doth on this man believe?"
-
-
-The Barren Fig-Tree.
-
-  BUT now the eventide was come,
-    And Jesus turned away,
-  And with His twelve disciples went
-    And lodged in Bethany.
-
-  Next morning, as the Lord returned,
-    Quite early in the day,
-  He wanted bread, and looking, saw
-    A fig-tree in the way.
-
-  Without delay He went to it,
-    To get some figs to eat;
-  But He found only leaves thereon,
-    Which are not good for meat.
-
-  And then the Master spoke to it--
-    Spoke to the useless tree--
-  And said: "Henceforth, forevermore
-    Let no fruit grow on thee."
-
-  Into the city then He went,
-    And in the temple taught,
-  And preached to all who thronged around
-    And His instructions sought.
-
-  But the chief priests and elders came,
-    And asked Him: "Who gave thee
-  Authority to do these things
-    That we both hear and see?"
-
-  And Jesus answered: "I, also,
-    Will ask one thing of you,
-  Which, if you tell me, I will tell
-    Who prompts the things I do.
-
-  "The baptism of John, whence was it,
-    From heaven, or of men?"
-  This question, which He asked of them,
-    They could not answer then.
-
-  For thus they reasoned with themselves:
-    "If we shall say from heaven,
-  He will say: 'Why not, then, to him
-    Was your attention given?'
-
-  "But yet, if we shall say of men,
-    The people's wrath we fear;
-  For all hold John a prophet true,
-    And his name they revere."
-
-  And so they said: "We cannot tell."
-    He answered: "Nor to thee
-  Tell I by what authority
-    I do the things you see."
-
-  And then, as evening fell, the Lord
-    With His disciples went
-  Unto the mount of Olives, where
-    The night they often spent.
-
-  And in the morning they returned,
-    And lo! as they passed by,
-  They saw the fig-tree in the way,
-    All withered up and dry.
-
-  And Peter then remembered well:
-    "Master, behold," he said,
-  "The fruitless tree which Thou didst curse
-    Is withered all and dead."
-
-  And Jesus, answering, said to them:
-    "Verily, I say to you,
-  Have faith in God and doubt Him not,
-    And ye shall such things do.
-
-  "And who shall to this mountain say,
-    In firm, believing faith,
-  'Be thou cast forth into the sea,'
-    It shall be as he saith.
-
-  "And whatsoever ye desire
-    And ask for when ye pray,
-  Believe that ye receive the gift;
-    It shall be yours straightway.
-
-  "And when you pray forgive all those
-    Who have offended you,
-  That so your Heavenly Father may
-    Forgive the wrongs you do."
-
-
-The Law of Love.
-
-  NOW, "Master," said a Pharisee,
-    Thus tempting Him again:
-  "Which commandment is the greatest
-    That the law doth contain?"
-
-  Jesus said: "Thou shalt love the Lord
-    Thy God with all thy heart,
-  And all thy soul and all thy mind--
-    This is the first great part.
-
-  "And the second is like to it:
-    Thou shalt thy neighbor love
-  In the same way thou lov'st thyself;
-    By deeds this new law prove.
-
-  "Upon these two commandments--
-    Within the spirit wrought--
-  Hang all the law that Moses wrote,
-    And all the prophets taught."
-
-
-The Widow's Mites.
-
-  AND now the Lord was sitting where
-    He could the people see
-  As they cast their gifts of money
-    Into the treasury.
-
-  And many rich cast in large sums;
-    Then came a widow, poor,
-  And she threw in two mites, which make
-    One farthing, and no more.
-
-  Then the Lord called His disciples
-    And said to them: "Verily,
-  This poor widow has cast the most
-    Into the treasury.
-
-  "For all they, of their abundance,
-    Offered, some less, some more,
-  But she, of want and penury,
-    Did cast in all her store."
-
-[Illustration: THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS. St. Matthew 25:1-13]
-
-
-The Hypocrites.
-
-  JESUS spoke to the multitude,
-    That gathered at His feet:
-  "The scribes and Pharisees do sit
-    In Moses' sacred seat.
-
-  "Do, therefore, what they bid you do,
-    But follow not their way;
-  For they, themselves, keep not the law,
-    Nor do they what they say.
-
-  "For they bind heavy burdens
-    For other men to bear;
-  But will not give a helping hand
-    To ease another's care.
-
-  "And all they do is to be seen
-    Of men they daily meet;
-  Their outward garments they adorn,
-    Down to their very feet;
-
-  "And love the upper rooms at feasts,
-    And greetings in the crowd;
-  And the chief seats in synagogues
-    And titles make them proud.
-
-  "But be not ye called 'Rabbi,' for
-    To Christ that name is given;
-  And call no man father on earth;
-    Your Father is in heaven.
-
-  "Nor be ye masters called, for One,
-    Even Christ, your Master is,
-  And he that would be greatest, let
-    The servant's place be his.
-
-  "And whoso shall exalt himself
-    Shall be low and abased,
-  And he that humbles himself shall
-    To lofty seat be raised."
-
-
-He Weeps Over Jerusalem.
-
-  AND then, His gentle spirit grieved
-    For Israel's sin and pride,
-  With tender pity in His voice,
-    He sorrowfully cried:
-
-  "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!
-    Which doth the prophets kill,
-  And stonest them sent unto thee,
-    The promise to fulfil;
-
-  "How oft would I have gathered
-    Thy children to my breast,
-  As a hen her brood doth gather
-    Beneath her wings to rest.
-
-  "And ye would not. And now, alas!
-    Behold your sad estate,
-  Your doom is nigh, your house is left
-    Unto you desolate.
-
-  "Moreover, ye shall not see me
-    Until ye say the word:
-  'Blessed is He that cometh in
-    The name of Israel's Lord.'"
-
-  And His disciples then He warned
-    To watch, and faithful be,
-  Not knowing at what hour they
-    The Son of Man should see.
-
-
-Parables of the Virgins and Talents.
-
-  AND then He pictured to their minds,
-    In parables most clear,
-  What should take place before the throne
-    When the Lord should appear.
-
-  The fate of the ten virgins,
-    Of whom but five were wise,
-  And five were foolish, without grace,
-    He placed before their eyes.
-
-  And of the nobleman who went
-    To travel far away,
-  And to his servants talents gave,
-    Their wisdom to display.
-
-  And two their talents used in trade,
-    And brought their master gain,
-  Which pleased him so he raised them up
-    O'er cities fair to reign;
-
-  While one was slothful, loving ease,
-    His talent hid away,
-  And brought with it a vain excuse
-    Upon the reck'ning day.
-
-  But his lord answered wrathfully,
-    He no excuse would take,
-  But told him what he should have done,
-    A lawful gain to make.
-
-  Then ordered that they take and cast
-    Nor pity him, nor spare--
-  The unprofitable servant
-    Out into dark despair.
-
-
-The Corn of Wheat.
-
-  AND while He taught the people all,
-    From highest to the least,
-  Some Greeks appeared, who had come up
-    To worship at the feast.
-
-  The same approached to Philip, who
-    Was of Bethsaida,
-  Saying: "Sir, we would the Master see,
-    And from Him knowledge draw."
-
-  Philip and Andrew went apart,
-    And they informed the Lord
-  That polished strangers, standing near,
-    Desired to hear His word.
-
-  "The hour--the long-approaching hour--
-    Is come," the Lord replied,
-  "When I should close my earthly work,
-    And should be glorified.
-
-  "Verily, I say unto you,
-    Except a corn of wheat
-  Sink in the ground and die, it will
-    Alone produce no meat.
-
-  "But if it die, it brings forth fruit;
-    And he that life doth love
-  Shall lose it: he that hates it gains
-    Eternal life above.
-
-  "If any man will serve me, then
-    Let him come after me;
-  And where I am, there, also, shall
-    My faithful servant be.
-
-  "Now is my soul in agony,
-    And what more shall I say?
-  Father, save me from this sad hour,
-    My human heart would pray,
-
-  "But for this cause--that I might die--
-    Unto this hour I came,
-  So in my heart I cry: "Father,
-    Glorify thine own name!"
-
-  Then came there a voice from heaven,
-    Saying, in clearest strain:
-  "I have glorified it, and I
-    Will glorify it again."
-
-  The people standing by were sure
-    That thunder shook the air;
-  But others said: "Not so, it is
-    An angel's voice we hear."
-
-  Jesus answered, and said: "This voice
-    Came not because of me,
-  But that ye all might understand
-    The power of Deity.
-
-  "Now is the judgment of this world;
-    Its prince cast out shall be;
-  And I, if I be lifted up,
-    Will draw all men to me."
-
-
-The Traitor Judas.
-
-  NOW Satan to the carnal heart
-    Of Judas entered in--
-  He that was called Iscariot,
-    Who money loved to win.
-
-  And he went unto the chief priests,
-    And bargained to betray
-  His Master to their evil power
-    If they would give him pay.
-
-  And his base scheme these men were glad
-    To hear and understand,
-  And thirty shining silver coins
-    They weighed into his hand.
-
-  And from that time he sought a way
-    He could, by sign or word,
-  In absence of the multitude,
-    Deliver up his Lord.
-
-
-The Upper Room.
-
-  NOW came the first day of the feast--
-    Day of unleavened bread--
-  When the Passover must be killed;
-    And the disciples said:
-
-  "Where wilt Thou, Lord, that we shall go
-    And preparation make
-  For Thee to eat the Passover,
-    And we, with Thee, partake?"
-
-  Peter and John He then sent forth,
-    Saying: "As ye walk the street,
-  A man, bearing a pitcher
-    Of water, ye shall meet.
-
-  "Then follow him into the house,
-    And to the good man say:
-  The Master needs the guest-chamber
-    To keep the feast to-day.
-
-  "And a large, furnished, upper room
-    He unto you will show."
-  Then the disciples went and found,
-    As the Lord said, 'twas so.
-
-  Now, at the evening hour, the Lord
-    With His disciples came,
-  And sat down round the table where
-    Was served the paschal lamb.
-
-  And He said unto them: "I have
-    Desired with every breath
-  To eat this Passover with you,
-    Before I suffer death."
-
-
-Washing the Disciples' Feet.
-
-  THIS being over, Jesus rose,
-    And laid His robe aside,
-  And a towel girded round Him,
-    So free was He from pride;
-
-  And with water in a basin
-    Washed the disciples' feet.
-  O, lowly Master! loving Lord!
-    Thy meekness is complete!
-
-  But Simon Peter would refuse,
-    With love and high esteem,
-  This humble office should be done
-    By Jesus unto him;
-
-  Till Jesus, checking his proud will,
-    Answered decidedly,
-  By saying: "If I wash thee not,
-    Thou hast no part with me."
-
-  Then Peter cried: "Lord, not my feet
-    Only from stain be free;
-  But also let my hands and head
-    Be purified by Thee."
-
-  Jesus said: "He whose feet are washed
-    Is every whit made clean;
-  And ye are clean, but not you all--
-    He Judas, false, did mean.
-
-  So, when the Lord had washed their feet,
-    And had His robe put on,
-  And took His seat, He said: "Know ye
-    What I to you have done?"
-
-  Then taught them that if He, their Lord,
-    Had washed their feet, then so
-  Should they to one another
-    Such act of grace bestow;
-
-  That they to His example
-    Should prompt respect accord,
-  Well knowing that the servant is
-    Not greater than his Lord.
-
-
-Jesus is Betrayed.
-
-  NOW, after this, was Jesus sad,
-    And trouble did display;
-  For one of them who sat with Him
-    He said should Him betray.
-
-  And then, all being sorrowful,
-    Said: "Is it I?" in turn.
-  But He said: "'Twere good for that man
-    If he had ne'er been born."
-
-  Now the disciple Jesus loved,
-    Who next His bosom lay,
-  At sign from Peter asked: "Who, Lord,
-    Would vilely Thee betray?"
-
-  Jesus said: "When I dip the sop
-    It shall be that man's lot."
-  And when He dipped He gave it to
-    Judas Iscariot.
-
-  Yet upon Judas' callous heart
-    No softening touch it gave:
-  But Satan entered into him,
-    To harden and enslave.
-
-  Jesus said: "What thou do'st, do now."
-    None knew what this did mean;
-  But Judas rose and left the room,
-    And sought a different scene.
-
-
-The Last Supper.
-
-  AND now the evening shades had closed,
-    And night was o'er the sky;
-  Supper was ended and lamps lit
-    Within that chamber high.
-
-  The Lord took bread, and, blessing it,
-    He brake in pieces small;
-  Saying: "Take, eat, this is my body,
-    Once broken for you all."
-
-  Then took the cup, and, giving thanks,
-    He gave it to them, too;
-  Saying: "Drink ye, for this is my blood,
-    Which is poured out for you.
-
-  "And eat this bread, and drink this cup,
-    For memory of me.
-  But I'll not taste the wine till I
-    My Father's kingdom see."
-
-
-Peter's Warning.
-
-  THEN Peter cried out in alarm:
-    "Lord, whither goest Thou?
-  I will go with Thee unto death,
-    Or unto prison now."
-
-  Jesus said to him: "Verily,
-    Before the cock shall crow,
-  This day thou wilt deny full thrice
-    That thou the Lord dost know."
-
-
-Promise of the Comforter.
-
-  AGAIN the Master's voice arose
-    In precious converse sweet,
-  The last and richest lessons,
-    With wisdom most replete:
-
-  "Let not your heart be troubled,
-    Believe in me, most true,
-  For in my Father's house I shall
-    Prepare a place for you."
-
-  And on, in soothing accents, flowed
-    Upon their listening ears
-  Words which, while they increased their love,
-    Excited still their fears.
-
-  For He talked of going from them,
-    Yet being with them still,
-  And giving them what they should ask,
-    If they would do His will;
-
-  And said He would pray the Father
-    The Comforter to send--
-  The Holy Ghost--who, teaching them,
-    Would lead them to the end.
-
-  And again He said unto them,
-    As He, at first, had said:
-  "Let not your heart be troubled,
-    Nor let it be afraid."
-
-
-The Parable of the Vine.
-
-  WHEN it was time to go, He said:
-    "Arise, let us go hence,"
-  And they all stood and sung a hymn
-    Ere they departed thence.
-
-  Then out into the shadowed street,
-    After the close of day,
-  The Lord and His eleven friends
-    Walked slowly on their way;
-
-  On towards the mount of Olives, where
-    His custom was to go,
-  Along the well-known path which crossed
-    Where Kedron's waters flow.
-
-  And still the Master, as His wont
-    When walking with His friends,
-  Continued teaching golden truth
-    The which to glory tends.
-
-  He likened Himself to a vine,
-    While they the branches were;
-  His Father was the husbandman,
-    Who of the plant had care;
-
-  And charged them that they must bear fruit,
-    And never barren prove;
-  His Father should be glorified
-    Through faith that works by love.
-
-  And charged them to abide in Him,
-    And thus much fruit return;
-  And warned them 'gainst the dreadful fire,
-    Where barren branches burn.
-
-  He then unfolded to their view
-    The things that should be done,
-  When He, their Head, should go away,
-    And they be left alone;
-
-  And told them if they asked of God,
-    In His name, any thing,
-  Such prayer would quickly rise to heaven,
-    And joyful answer bring.
-
-  Again He spoke to them of love,
-    And of His blessed peace,
-  And said, as He had overcome,
-    So should their warfare cease.
-
-
-His Prayer for His Disciples.
-
-  AND then He stood and raised His eyes
-    To heaven's transparent dome;
-  And in the same clear voice He said:
-    "Father, the hour is come."
-
-  Then followed such a solemn prayer,
-    With holy nearness filled,
-  As human lips ne'er breathed before,
-    By faith however thrilled.
-
-  The prayer ended, then Jesus crossed
-    Over the Kedron brook,
-  And the last walk, in silence calm,
-    With His disciples took.
-
-
-Christ in Gethsemane.
-
-  ON Olivet a garden grew--
-    Gethsemane its name--
-  And here, in that portentous hour,
-    The "Man of Sorrows" came.
-
-  The shadows of the midnight fell,
-    And silence reigned around,
-  As He and His eleven friends
-    Trod the familiar ground.
-
-  Then, Oh! such heavy agony
-    Descended on His soul,
-  That even His strong spirit was
-    Unable to control.
-
-  He said to them: "Exceeding woe,
-    Beyond all mortal grief,
-  O'erwhelms my soul; watch here while I
-    In prayer shall seek relief."
-
-  Then went a little farther off,
-    And on His face He fell,
-  And offered up this earnest prayer:
-    "If it be possible,
-
-  "My Father--Oh! My Father!--
-    Let this cup pass from me.
-  Nevertheless, Thy holy will,
-    And not my will shall be."
-
-  Then, coming back to those He left,
-    A mournful watch to keep,
-  He found them prone upon the ground,
-    And wrapped in heavy sleep.
-
-  But Jesus said: "Sleep now and rest,
-    The hour is close at hand.
-  Behold the Son of Man betrayed
-    To an ungodly band."
-
-
-At the Palace of the High Priest.
-
-  AND as He spake, behold a crowd
-    With lanterns and with swords;
-  And Judas, traitor, came before,
-    With kiss and guileful words.
-
-  But He who reads all hearts, and points
-    To what He finds amiss,
-  Said: "Judas, dost thou thus betray
-    Thy Master with a kiss?"
-
-  Then gently turning to the crowd,
-    He asked them: "Whom seek ye?"
-  They said: "Jesus of Nazareth."
-    He answered: "I am he."
-
-  And the armed band led Jesus
-    Along the city road,
-  Up to the high priest's palace--
-    Caiaphas' abode.
-
-  Meanwhile sat Peter by the fire,
-    Wondering how this would end,
-  And feeling wholly powerless
-    His Master to defend.
-
-  A servant, passing, said to him:
-    "Thou with this man hast been."
-  But Peter in great fear replied:
-    "I know not what you mean."
-
-  And soon another said he had
-    Of Jesus' friends been one,
-  But Peter cursed and swore that he
-    Had never Jesus known.
-
-  Just then the cock crew, shrill and clear,
-    And Jesus turned His face,
-  And full on Peter cast a look
-    Of love, reproach and grace.
-
-  Then over Peter's aching heart
-    Repentant anguish swept,
-  And he rushed out into the dawn,
-    And bitterly he wept.
-
-
-Christ before Pilate.
-
-  AND now the morning beams appeared
-    The council of the Jews
-  Led Jesus to the judgment hall,
-    That they might Him accuse.
-
-  And Pilate gathered to his aid
-    Chief priests and rulers all,
-  And Jesus stood before him in
-    The royal judgment hall.
-
-  And Pilate said unto them: "Ye
-    Have brought this man to me,
-  Saying, 'He perverts the people,'
-    But no fault in Him I see.
-
-  "Nor yet Herod; for I sent you
-    With your prisoner to the king;
-  But no offence to Roman law
-    Could you against Him bring.
-
-  "I, therefore, will chastise Him
-    And order Him released;"
-  For 'twas custom he should free to them
-    A prisoner at the feast.
-
-  But they exclaimed: "Away with Him,"
-    And cried, with one accord,
-  That he release Barabbas,
-    And crucify the Lord.
-
-  Now Barabbas was a robber,
-    And they knew his record well;
-  He for murder and sedition
-    Lay in a prison cell.
-
-  "Why, what great evil hath He done?"
-    Pilate, the third time saith;
-  For he knew it was for envy
-    That they desired His death.
-
-
-Pilate's Wife's Dream.
-
-  AGAIN upon the judgment seat,
-    To end this cruel strife,
-  Sat Pilate, when a servant came
-    With message from his wife.
-
-  "Beware"--the word the lady sent--
-    "That thou no evil do
-  To Him who stands before thee now--
-    That man so just and true.
-
-  "For I while sleeping on my bed,
-    Have suffered, in a dream,
-  Much anguish and distress of mind,
-    This day, because of Him."
-
-  Then Pilate saith to Jesus:
-    "Art thou the very king
-  The Jews expected should appear,
-    And their salvation bring?"
-
-  "My kingdom," Jesus answered,
-    "Is not beneath the skies,
-  Else to protect me from the Jews
-    My servants would arise."
-
-  "Art thou a king, then?" Pilate asked.
-    "Thou sayest it," the reply;
-  "For I was born, and hither came,
-    The truth to testify."
-
-  Pilate said to Him: "What is truth?"
-    Then left the judgment hall,
-  And said unto the Jews: "I find
-    In Him no fault at all."
-
-  Then Pilate, taking water, washed
-    His hands before them all;
-  And said: "This just man's blood on me
-    Shall not in judgment fall."
-
-  Then answered all the people:
-    "Let this man's blood be shed;
-  And let it fall on each of us,
-    And on our children's head."
-
-[Illustration: THE CRUCIFIXION St. Matthew 27:35-38; St. Mark 15:24-28;
-St. Luke 23:33, 34; St. John 19:18-24]
-
-The Crucifixion.
-
-  IT was outside the city wall
-    Of proud Jerusalem,
-  That Roman soldiers crucified
-    Whom Pilate dared condemn.
-
-  But from the suffering Nazarene
-    No word of murmur came;
-  Patience appeared through keenest wrong,
-    And dignity through shame.
-
-  Only this kind and earnest plea
-    Their malice from Him drew:
-  "Father, I pray, forgive them now,
-    They know not what they do."
-
-
-The Mother of Jesus.
-
-  NOW there stood by that dreadful cross
-    The mother of the Lord,
-  Whose soul with sharpest agony
-    Was pierced, as with a sword.
-
-  When Jesus therefore saw her near,
-    And His disciple, John,
-  The man whom He loved best, He said:
-    "Woman, behold thy son."
-
-  Then said to the disciple:
-    "Thy mother here behold!"
-  And John thenceforth his loving care
-    Around her did enfold.
-
-
-The Darkened Sun.
-
-  NOW 'tis high noon and, solemn sight,
-    The sun withdraws his face,
-  And shadows, over all the land,
-    The beams of day replace.
-
-  All nature, wrapped in solemn awe,
-    Stood shuddering in dismay,
-  As hours of stern, Almighty wrath,
-    Passed tediously away.
-
-  Once, from the cross, an anguished voice
-    Came languidly: "I thirst,"
-  And then a cry, as though the heart,
-    So full of love, had burst.
-
-  "Eli, Eli," these were the words,
-    "Lama Sabachthani?"
-  Oh! what acutest agony
-    Wrung forth that mournful cry!
-
-  Meanwhile a sponge, in vinegar,
-    One standing near Him dips;
-  And, putting it upon a reed,
-    He lifts it to His lips.
-
-  He then, with exclamation loud,
-    His voice aloft doth send,
-  Saying: "Father, now into Thy hands
-    "My spirit I commend!"
-
-  And, then, behold! the temple vail
-    From top to bottom rent;
-  An earthquake shook the city's walls,
-    The rocks to pieces went.
-
-  And the centurian, with his guard,
-    Seeing these signs abroad,
-  Exclaimed in fear: "Now, of a truth,
-    "This was the Son of God."
-
-
-The Burial.
-
-  NOW a good man, Joseph by name,
-    Of wealth and high renown,
-  In secret a disciple true,
-    Of Rama's ancient town,
-
-  Besought that Pilate grant to him
-    Permission to remove
-  The body of the Crucified,
-    Whom he had learned to love.
-
-  And then came Nicodemus,
-    With aloes and with myrrh--
-  Another who had been of Christ
-    A secret worshipper.
-
-  And these two men, who ne'er had made
-    Profession, great or small,
-  Prepared the sacred body for
-    An honored burial.
-
-  They wrapped it, with the spices,
-    In clean, white linen clothes;
-  According to the way in which
-    The Jews their dead dispose.
-
-  Then reverently laid it down
-    In Joseph's tomb--quite new,
-  Which he had hewn from out the rock,
-    His own last sleep in view.
-
-
-The Resurrection.
-
-  THE Sabbath passed in sullen calm
-    The Lord of all things slept,
-  And some exulted in their crime,
-    While others mourned and wept.
-
-  It passed, it ended, and, behold!
-    While darkness veiled the sky,
-  Midst shock of earthquake, there came down
-    An angel from on high.
-
-  He sought the silent sepulchre,
-    And rolled away the stone--
-  The heavy stone that filled the door--
-    And took his seat thereon.
-
-  His features shone with lightning glow,
-    His robes were snowy white;
-  With solemn awe the keepers shook,
-    And fell, as dead, with fright.
-
-
-Women at the Tomb.
-
-  MEANWHILE the day began to dawn--
-    The first day of the week--
-  And sorrowing women early came,
-    The sacred tomb to seek;
-
-  With spices and with ointments sweet,
-    To preserve the precious clay;
-  And saying: "Who shall roll for us
-    That heavy stone away?"
-
-  But when they reached the sepulchre,
-    They saw the stone removed,
-  And, entering in, they also missed
-    The form of Him they loved.
-
-  Instead, they saw a strange young man,
-    Sitting up on the right,
-  Clothed in a long, white flowing robe,
-    And they were filled with fright.
-
-  And he said unto them: "Fear not,
-    Ye seek Him who was slain.
-  He is not here. He's risen indeed,
-    Come, see where He has lain."
-
-[Illustration: "THEY CAST THE NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SHIP AND
-WERE NOT ABLE TO DRAW IT FOR THE MULTITUDE OF FISHES." St. John 21. 6]
-
-
-The Ascension.
-
-  ON sacred Olivet, once more,
-    The apostles met their Lord,
-  And looked with rapture on His face,
-    And heard with joy His word.
-
-  He spake with old-time gentleness,
-    And dignity, and love,
-  Commanding that they should not from
-    Jerusalem remove.
-
-  "But wait there till the promise of
-    My Father come," He said,
-  "Of which you heard me plainly speak
-    The night I was betrayed.
-
-  "For John baptised with water,
-    But ye shall feel the glow
-  Of baptism with the Holy Ghost,
-    Not many days from now."
-
-  And as He talked He led them on
-    As far as Bethany,
-  When they, together, forward came
-    And asked Him earnestly,
-
-  Saying: "Lord, wilt thou at this time
-    To Israel restore
-  The kingdom in such splendor
-    As it enjoyed of yore?"
-
-  But Jesus said unto them all:
-    "'Tis not for you to know
-  That which the Father doth intend
-    Respecting things below.
-
-  "But ye shall be endued with power,
-    And strength, and majesty,
-  After the Holy Ghost has come
-    Upon you from on high.
-
-  "And ye shall witness unto Me
-    Both in Jerusalem,
-  Judea and Samaria,
-    And lands ye now condemn."
-
-  And then He lifted up His hands,
-    And blessed them as they stood,
-  While He ascended from their sight,
-    Their Master, great and good.
-
-  And they beheld Him rise aloft
-    Into the ether bright,
-  Until a cloud enveloped Him,
-    And bore Him from their sight.
-
-  And while they looked up after Him
-    Toward heaven, amazed and sad,
-  Behold two angels stood by them,
-    In white apparel clad;
-
-  Which said: "Ye men of Galilee,
-    Why stand ye, gazing up,
-  As though the Lord had gone away,
-    And left you without hope?
-
-  "As ye have seen Him rise to heaven
-    In majesty sublime,
-  So, in like manner, shall He come,
-    In the allotted time."
-
-
-
-
-  Transcriber's Notes:
-
-  Bold type is shown as =strong=.
-
-  Italics are shown thus: _sloping_.
-
-  Small capitals have been capitalised.
-
-  Illustrations have been moved out of mid-paragraph.
-
-  Variations in spelling and hyphenation are retained.
-
-  Punctuation has been retained as published.
-
-  In the list of illustrations Return of the Prodigal Son 278 has been
-  corrected to 378
-
-
-
-
-
-End of Project Gutenberg's Captivating Bible Stories, by Charlotte Mary Yonge
-
-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTIVATING BIBLE STORIES ***
-
-***** This file should be named 62126-0.txt or 62126-0.zip *****
-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
-        http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/1/2/62126/
-
-Produced by Richard Hulse, Alan and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will
-be renamed.
-
-Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
-law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
-so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
-States without permission and without paying copyright
-royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
-of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
-concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
-and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive
-specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this
-eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook
-for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports,
-performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given
-away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks
-not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the
-trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.
-
-START: FULL LICENSE
-
-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
-
-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
-Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
-www.gutenberg.org/license.
-
-Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-
-1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
-(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
-destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your
-possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
-Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
-by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the
-person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph
-1.E.8.
-
-1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
-paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this
-agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
-
-1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the
-Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
-of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual
-works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
-States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
-United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
-claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
-displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
-all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
-that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting
-free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm
-works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
-Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily
-comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
-same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when
-you share it without charge with others.
-
-1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
-what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
-in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
-check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
-agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
-distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
-other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no
-representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
-country outside the United States.
-
-1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
-
-1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
-immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear
-prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work
-on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the
-phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,
-performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
-
-  This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-  most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
-  restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
-  under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this
-  eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the
-  United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you
-  are located before using this ebook.
-
-1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is
-derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
-contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
-copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
-the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
-redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
-either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
-obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm
-trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
-additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
-will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works
-posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
-beginning of this work.
-
-1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
-
-1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm License.
-
-1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
-any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
-to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format
-other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official
-version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site
-(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
-to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
-of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain
-Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the
-full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
-
-1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-provided that
-
-* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
-  the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
-  you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
-  to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has
-  agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
-  within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
-  legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
-  payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
-  Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
-  Literary Archive Foundation."
-
-* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
-  you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
-  does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-  License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
-  copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
-  all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm
-  works.
-
-* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
-  any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
-  electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
-  receipt of the work.
-
-* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
-  distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than
-are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
-from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The
-Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm
-trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
-
-1.F.
-
-1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
-works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
-Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
-contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
-or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
-intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
-other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
-cannot be read by your equipment.
-
-1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
-fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
-DAMAGE.
-
-1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
-written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
-with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
-with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
-lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
-or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
-opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
-the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
-without further opportunities to fix the problem.
-
-1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO
-OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
-LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
-
-1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
-damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
-violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
-agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
-limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
-unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
-remaining provisions.
-
-1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in
-accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
-production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
-including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
-the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
-or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or
-additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any
-Defect you cause.
-
-Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
-computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
-exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
-from people in all walks of life.
-
-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
-remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future
-generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
-Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at
-www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-
-Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
-
-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
-Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
-number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
-U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
-
-The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the
-mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its
-volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous
-locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt
-Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to
-date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and
-official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
-
-For additional contact information:
-
-    Dr. Gregory B. Newby
-    Chief Executive and Director
-    gbnewby@pglaf.org
-
-Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
-array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
-status with the IRS.
-
-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
-States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
-with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
-DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
-state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
-approach us with offers to donate.
-
-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
-outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
-
-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
-methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
-donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works.
-
-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be
-freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
-distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of
-volunteer support.
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
-editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
-the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
-necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
-edition.
-
-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search
-facility: www.gutenberg.org
-
-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
-
diff --git a/old/62126-0.zip b/old/62126-0.zip
deleted file mode 100644
index dfa8602..0000000
--- a/old/62126-0.zip
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h.zip b/old/62126-h.zip
deleted file mode 100644
index d705df6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h.zip
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/62126-h.htm b/old/62126-h/62126-h.htm
deleted file mode 100644
index 0586b72..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/62126-h.htm
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,19319 +0,0 @@
-<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
-    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
-<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
-  <head>
-    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
-    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
-    <title>
-      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Captivating Bible Stories, by Charlotte M. Yonge.
-    </title>
-    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
-    <style type="text/css">
-
-body {
-    margin-left: 10%;
-    margin-right: 10%;
-}
-
-    h1,h2,h3 {
-    text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
-    clear: both;
-}
-
-p {
-    margin-top: .51em;
-    text-align: justify;
-    margin-bottom: .49em;
-}
-
-hr {
-    width: 33%;
-    margin-top: 2em;
-    margin-bottom: 2em;
-    margin-left: auto;
-    margin-right: auto;
-    clear: both;
-}
-
-
-hr.tb   {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;}
-hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;}
-hr.r5  {width: 5%; margin-left: 47.5%; margin-right: 47.5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;}
-
-hr.titletop {width: 30%; margin-left: 35%; margin-right: 35%;
-          margin-top: 2em;
-          margin-bottom: 0em;}
-
-hr.titlebottom {width: 30%; margin-left: 35%; margin-right: 35%;
-          margin-top: 0em;
-          margin-bottom: 2em;}
-
-
-table {
-    margin-left: auto;
-    margin-right: auto;
-}
-
-    .tdl      {text-align: left;}
-    .tdr      {text-align: right;}
-    .tdc      {text-align: center;}
-
-.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */
-    /*  visibility: hidden;  */
-    position: absolute;
-    left: 92%;
-    font-size: smaller;
-    text-align: right;
-} /* page numbers */
-
-.oldeng    {font-family: "Old English Text MT", serif;
-            font-size: 150%;
-              }
-
-.oldeng1    {font-family: "Old English Text MT", serif;
-              }
-
-p.dropcap {
-    text-indent: 0em;
-}
-
-p.dropcap:first-letter {
-    color: transparent;
-    visibility: hidden;
-    margin-left: -0.9em;
-}
-
-img.dropcap {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.4em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap1 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: -1em 0.6em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap2 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: -1em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap3 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.3em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap4 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap4a {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0 0.1em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap5 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: -0.6em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap6 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.3em 0.6em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap7 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: -0.2em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap8 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.2em 0.1em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap9 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: -2.7em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap10 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.2em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap11 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap12 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.2em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap13 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.25em 0.3em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap14 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.1em 0.4em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap15 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: -0.6em 0.6em 0 0;
-}
-
-img.dropcap16 {
-    float: left;
-    margin: 0.2em 0.4em 0 0;
-}
-
-.bigletter  {float: left; width: auto; padding-right: 1px; font-size: 350%; line-height: 75%;}
-
-
-.big {
-	float: left;
-	font-size: 250%;
-        width: 0.8em;
-	line-height: 80%;
-}
-
-.big2 {
-	float: left;
-	font-size: 250%;
-        width: 0.4em;
-	line-height: 80%;
-}
-
-.big3 {
-	float: left;
-	font-size: 250%;
-        width: 0.6em;
-	line-height: 80%;
-}
-
-.big4 {
-	float: left;
-	font-size: 250%;
-        width: 1em;
-	line-height: 80%;
-}
-
-.caption .floatl {float: left; padding-left: 5em;}
-.caption .floatr {float: right; padding-right: 6.5em;}
-.caption .floatc {clear: both; padding-top: .5em;}
-
-div.chapter {page-break-before: always;}
-
-img {max-width: 100%; height: auto;}
-
-.xxxlarge {font-size: 200%;}
-.xxlarge   {font-size: 160%;}
-.xlarge   {font-size: 140%;}
-.large    {font-size: 120%;}
-.medium   {font-size: 85%;}
-.bit      {font-size: 80%;}
-.little    {font-size: 75%;}
-.half    {font-size: 55%;}
-
-.chapsans  {font-family: sans-serif;
-            text-align: center;
-            font-size: 120%;}
-
-.sans     {font-family: sans-serif;}
-
-.c        {text-align: center;}
-
-.center   {text-align: center;}
-
-.smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
-
-.u        {text-decoration: underline;}
-
-.gesperrt
-{
-    letter-spacing: 0.2em;
-    margin-right: -0.2em;
-}
-
-.caption  {font-weight: bold;}
-
-/* Images */
-.figcenter   {
-    margin: auto;
-    text-align: center;
-}
-
-.figleft {
-    float: left;
-    clear: left;
-    margin-left: 0;
-    margin-bottom: 1em;
-    margin-top: 1em;
-    margin-right: 1em;
-    padding: 0;
-    text-align: center;
-}
-
-.figlefta {
-    float: left;
-    clear: left;
-    margin-left: 0;
-    margin-bottom: 1em;
-    margin-top: 0;
-    margin-right: 1em;
-    padding: 0;
-    text-align: center;
-}
-
-.figleftb {
-    float: left;
-    clear: left;
-    margin-left: 0;
-    margin-bottom: 0;
-    margin-top: 0;
-    margin-right: 1em;
-    padding: 0;
-    text-align: center;
-}
-
-.figright {
-    float: right;
-    clear: right;
-    margin-left: 1em;
-    margin-bottom:
-    1em;
-    margin-top: 1em;
-    margin-right: 0;
-    padding: 0;
-    text-align: center;
-}
-
-
-/* Poetry */
-
-.poem-container {
-  text-align: center;
-}
-
-.poem {
-    display:      inline-block;
-    margin-left:10%;
-    margin-right:10%;
-    text-align: left;
-    font-size: 85%;
-}
-
-
-.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;}
-
-.poem .i0  {display: block; margin-left:   0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
-.poem .i1  {display: block; margin-left:   1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
-.poem .i2  {display: block; margin-left:   2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
-
-/* Transcriber's notes */
-.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA;
-    color: black;
-     font-size:smaller;
-     padding:0.5em;
-     margin-bottom:5em;
-     font-family:sans-serif, serif; }
-
-
-@media handheld {
-  .pagenum {visibility: hidden; display: none;}
-
-  p.dropcap:first-letter
-  {
-    color: inherit;
-    visibility: visible;
-    margin-left: 0;
-  }
-
- .poem
-  {
-    display: block;
-    margin-left: 1.5em;
-  }
-
-}
-
-    </style>
-  </head>
-<body>
-
-
-<pre>
-
-Project Gutenberg's Captivating Bible Stories, by Charlotte Mary Yonge
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Captivating Bible Stories
-       For Young People Written in Simple Language
-
-Author: Charlotte Mary Yonge
-
-Release Date: May 14, 2020 [EBook #62126]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTIVATING BIBLE STORIES ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Richard Hulse, Alan and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig1.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center medium">From Eden to Calvary</p>
-</div>
-
-<h1>
-<span class="smcap xxlarge gesperrt">Captivating</span><br />
-
-<span class="smcap xxxlarge">Bible Stories</span></h1>
-
-<p class="c xxlarge gesperrt">FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p>
-
-<p class="c xlarge">WRITTEN IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE</p>
-
-<p class="c">BEGINNING AT THE CREATION OF THE WORLD IT TAKES THE<br />
-READER THROUGH THE BIBLE IN FIFTY-TWO LESSONS,<br />
-EACH LESSON COMPRISING THREE READINGS FOR<br />
-EACH SABBATH OF THE YEAR, WHILE A SERIES<br />
-OF QUESTIONS WITH EACH READING HELP<br />
-TO IMPRESS UPON THE YOUNG MIND<br />
-THE TRUTHS OF THE HOLY BIBLE.</p>
-
-<p class="c large">DESIGNED TO</p>
-
-<p class="c xlarge">PROMOTE GREATER INTEREST <span class="half">IN THE</span> SACRED SCRIPTURES</p>
-
-<p class="c">AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR TEACHINGS</p>
-
-<p class="c large">INCLUDING</p>
-
-<p class="c">ALL THE IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS DESCRIBED<br />
-IN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS</p>
-
-<p class="c large">By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE</p>
-
-<p class="c">The Noted Author and Missionaries' Friend</p>
-
-<hr class="titletop" />
-
-<p class="c sans">EMBELLISHED WITH MORE THAN <b>200</b> SUPERB ENGRAVINGS<br />
-BY JULIUS SCHNORR VON KAROLSFELD OF SCENES<br />
-DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE
-</p>
-
-<hr class="titlebottom" />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig2.jpg" alt="" />
-</div></div>
-
-
-<p class="c sans little">ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1913, BY</p>
-
-<p class="c sans">GEO. W. BERTRON</p>
-
-<p class="c sans little">THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, AT WASHINGTON, D. C., U. S. A.</p>
-
-<p>The Illustrations in this work being from original drawings
-and protected by copyright, their reproduction in any form is
-unlawful, and notice is hereby given that persons guilty of infringing
-the copyright thereof will be prosecuted.</p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig3.jpg" alt="" />
-</div></div>
-
-
-<p class="c sans little">PREFACE.</p>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE great number of Bible story books that have been
-published show how many attempts have been made
-to supply the want which has long been felt of a work
-containing a carefully written story of the Scripture
-narrative for young people.</p>
-
-<p>In this great work which is written in simple
-language, the captivating story of the Bible is told in a style
-that will cause it to be read over and over again, and the thrilling
-truths and beautiful lessons it contains will never be forgotten.</p>
-
-<p>It takes the reader through the Bible in fifty-two lessons,
-each lesson comprising three readings for each Sabbath of
-the year, while a series of questions following each reading, help
-to impress upon the young mind the truths of the Holy Scripture.</p>
-
-<p>The work begins with the marvellous Story of the Creation,
-describing the beauties of the Garden of Eden, and the awful
-disaster of the flood; it relates the thrilling scenes in the life of
-Abraham and the other Patriarchs, and furnishes a great
-panorama of the wonderful events in the dawn of history.</p>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig5.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center half">AS MOSES<br />
-LIFTED UP<br />
-THE SERPENT<br />
-IN THE<br />
-WILDERNESS</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>This is followed by the delightful story of Joseph, who was
-sold by his envious brethren and hurried away to Egypt, where
-he was adopted into the king's family, and finally made ruler
-over that country. The lessons of his life should be read by every
-boy and girl in the land. He was one of the noblest characters
-spoken of in the Bible.</p>
-
-<p>Next, we have a glimpse of Moses in his little life-boat, found
-and cared for by a Royal Princess. We see him growing to the
-fullness of manhood, becoming leader of his people, and finally
-breaking their chains and bringing them out of captivity. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span>
-stands at the burning bush; he opens a fountain in a rock; he
-goes up among the clouds of Sinai and receives the tables of the
-law. This part of the Bible story is full of instruction.</p>
-
-<p>Then grand old Joshua comes forth
-upon the scene, and the reader follows him
-through his stormy conflicts and brilliant
-triumphs. Here, too, is a graphic description
-of the magnificent achievements of
-Gideon, telling what wonders he wrought
-and what valor he displayed. Who has
-not been fascinated by the delightful story
-of Ruth? This humble but charming
-woman was an ancestor of our Lord Jesus
-and all are interested in the story of her
-life.</p>
-
-<div class="figright">
-<img src="images/fig6.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center half">EVEN SO<br />
-MUST THE<br />
-SON OF MAN BE<br />
-LIFTED UP</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Every young person follows eagerly
-the thrilling account of King Saul and
-King David. We see the strong, misguided
-yet mighty Saul, and also the ruddy shepherd
-boy whose swift sling slew a giant.
-Then comes Solomon in all his glory, and
-along in this part of the Old Testament
-Story we see that grand man of the desert,
-Elijah, and follow him through his
-startling experiences until, in a chariot
-of fire, he is borne away through the clouds
-to heaven. We also read of that young
-patriot Nehemiah, who left the splendors
-of a palace to rebuild the shattered walls of
-Jerusalem. He accomplished wonders,
-teaching the great lessons of devotion and energy.</p>
-
-<p>The Bible is a rich store-house of instruction and entertainment.
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span>How captivating is the story of Queen Esther. She
-presents a striking example of those great crises in which the
-scale has been turned by the power and influence of woman.
-Other narratives come in thick succession.
-The young are always interested in the
-story of Daniel. Why should they not be?
-His strong and beautiful character has a
-peculiar charm, and there are few names
-in history that shine so resplendently.
-Let his brilliant record be studied by all,
-whether old or young.</p>
-
-<p>How eagerly young people read the
-charming story of Bethlehem&mdash;the story
-of the angelic choir; of the wondering
-shepherds who heard the heavenly anthem
-of Peace and Good-Will; of the Holy Child
-laid in the humble manger; of the burning
-star that lighted the wise men of the East
-to the feet of the infant Prophet, Priest
-and King; and the thrilling incidents connected
-with His life. It would not be
-possible for human pen to depict more
-vividly those majestic events, at once awful
-and fascinating, which form the closing
-chapter of our Lord's life upon earth.</p>
-
-<p>We venture, in conclusion, to hope
-this volume will be the means, with God's
-blessing, of endearing to many young hearts "the sweet story
-of old," making them to love from childhood that book which in
-after years will truly be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto
-their path.</p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig7.jpg" alt="" />
-</div></div>
-
-<p class="c sans little">ILLUSTRATIONS</p>
-
-
-
-<div class="center">
-<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
-<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"><span class="half">PAGE</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Adam and Eve Driven out of the Garden of Eden</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus2">23</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">After the Banishment from Eden</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus3">24</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sacrifice of Cain and Abel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus4">25</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Return of the Dove with the Olive Branch</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus5">27</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Noah and His Family Leaving the Ark</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus6">30</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Noah's Sacrifice After the Flood</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus7">30</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Abram Sees the Promised Land</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus8">32</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Melchizedek Blessing Abram</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus9">33</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Abraham Entertains Three Angels</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus10">35</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Lot and His Family Fleeing from Sodom</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus11">37</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Abraham Offering Isaac as a Sacrifice</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus12">39</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Abraham's Servant Meeting Rebekah at the Well</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus13">40</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Rebekah Sees Isaac Coming to Meet Her</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus14">40</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Isaac Blessing Jacob</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus15">44</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jacob's Vision of Angels</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus16">46</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jacob Meeting Rachel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus17">48</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Laban Hiring Jacob</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus18">48</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jacob's Departure for Canaan</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus19">49</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jacob and the Angel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus20">50</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Meeting of Jacob and Esau</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus21">50</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph Sold by His Brethren</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus22">52</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Pouring Out a Drink Offering</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus23">56</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh's Dream</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus24">58</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph Proclaimed Ruler Over Egypt</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus25">60</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph Makes Himself Known to His Brethren</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus26">61</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph Meeting His Father</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus27">62</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Leather Bottles</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus28">63</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Pharaoh's Daughter Finding Moses</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus29">65</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Israelites Made to Work Hard in Egypt</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus30">67</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Aaron's Rod Changed to a Serpent</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus31">68</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Plague of Locusts</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus32">71</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Feast of the Passover</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus33">74</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Death of the First-born of Egypt</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus34">76</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Egyptian Judgment Scene</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus35">77</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Pharaoh's Host Destroyed in the Red Sea</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus36">79</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Aaron and Hur Holding Up the Hands of Moses</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus37">82</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Korah and His Associates Swallowed Up</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus38">83</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Aaron's Rod that Budded</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus39">85</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Holy Place</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus40">86</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Moses Bringing Water From the Rock</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus41">88</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Brazen Serpent</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus42">89</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Priest&mdash;High-Priest&mdash;Levite</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus43">91</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Balaam Met by the Angel of the Lord</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus44">94</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">High-priest With Sin Offering</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus45">98</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Ten Commandments</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus46">100</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus47">101</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Moses Destroys the Tables of the Law</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus48">103</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Ancient Musical Instruments</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus49">105</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Moses Bringing the New Tables of the Law</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus50">107</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Spies Returning From Canaan</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus51">109</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Table of Shew Bread&mdash;Ark&mdash;Golden Candlestick</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus52">110</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Moses Giving His Charge to Joshua</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus53">112</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Moses Viewing the Promised Land</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus54">113</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Death of Moses</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus55">113</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Carrying the Ark Over Jordan</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus56">117</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Walls of Jericho</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus57">118</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Angel Appearing to Joshua</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus58">119</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Falling of the Walls of Jericho</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus59">120</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joshua Capturing the City of Ai</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus60">121</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus61">121</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Dividing the Land Among the Tribes</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus62">122</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">South-east View of the Tabernacle</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus63">123</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sisera Slain by Jael</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus64">125</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Gideon's Offering Burnt by Fire From the Rock</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus65">127</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Gideon's Victory Over the Midianites</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus66">128</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jephthah Meeting His Daughter</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus67">129</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Samson Slaying a Lion</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus68">129</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Young Samuel Brought to Eli</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus69">130</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Hannah's Prayer</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus70">131</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">God Tells Samuel of Destruction of Eli's House</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus71">134</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Death of Eli</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus72">136</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Samuel Anointing Saul</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus73">138</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Ancient Shoes</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus74">140</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Ruth and Naomi</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus75">141</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Ruth Gleaning in the Field of Boaz</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus76">142</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Saul Tearing the Robe of Samuel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus77">144</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">David Anointed by Samuel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus78">145</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">David Slaying Goliath</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus79">148</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Saul Casting His Javelin at David</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus80">149</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Parting of David and Jonathan</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus81">150</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">David and Abigail</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus82">150</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Death of Saul</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus83">153</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">David Anointed King Over Israel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus84">153</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">David Mourns the Death of His Child</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus85">155</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Shimei Casting Stones at David</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus86">156</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Death of Absalom</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus87">158</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">David's Three Mighty Men</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus88">160</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Solomon Anointed King</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus89">163</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Solomon in All His Glory</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus90">164</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Judgment of Solomon</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus91">166</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Building of Solomon's Temple</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus92">167</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Queen of Sheba Visiting Solomon</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus93">170</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Idolatry of Solomon</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus94">171</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Revolt of the Tribes</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus95">172</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Elijah Fed by the Ravens</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus96">177</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Widow's Son Restored to Life</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus97">178</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Elijah Slaying the Prophets of Baal</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus98">181</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Death of King Ahab</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus99">186</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Elijah Taken Up Into Heaven</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus100">187</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Shunamite's Son Restored</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus101">189</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jezebel Eaten by Dogs</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus102">197</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A City Captured and the Inhabitants Led Away Captive</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus103">200</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Rabshakeh Before Sennacherib</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus104">202</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Angel Slaying the Assyrians</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus105">204</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Book of the Law Found</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus106">206</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">An Assyrian King</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus107">207</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jerusalem Besieged and People Taken Captive</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus108">209</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Ashtoreth</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus109">210</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Lord Commands Jeremiah</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus110">212</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Two Pages of an Ancient Scroll of Scriptures</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus111">214</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jeremiah Mourning Over Jerusalem</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus112">224</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Breastplate</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus113">227</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Ezekiel's Vision</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus114">229</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span><span class="smcap">Daniel Interpreting the Writing on the Wall</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus115">238</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Return of the Jews from Captivity</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus116">241</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Building of the New Temple</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus117">243</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Jewish Captives Conducted Before Darius</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus118">245</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Daniel in the Lion's Den</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus119">246</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Babylonian Brick</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus120">247</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Queen Esther Crowned</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus121">250</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Triumph of Mordecai</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus122">251</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Nehemiah Armeth the Laborers</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus123">252</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Solemn Fast and Repentance of the People</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus124">254</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Angel Appears Unto Zacharias</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus125">256</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Angel Appears Unto Mary</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus126">256</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Prophecy of Elizabeth and of Mary</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus127">257</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Birth of John</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus128">258</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Angel Announcing the Birth of Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus129">259</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Birth of Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus130">260</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by the Shepherds</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus131">261</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Visit of the Wise Men</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus132">264</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph Commanded to Flee into Egypt</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus133">265</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Flight into Egypt</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus134">266</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Killing the Male Children Under Two Years Old</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus135">267</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Teaching in the Temple</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus136">268</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus137">271</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Baptism of Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus138">272</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Temptation of Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus139">273</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Behold the Lamb of God</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus140">276</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Calling His Disciples</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus141">277</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Miracle in Cana</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus142">278</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Teaches Nicodemus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus143">279</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus and the Woman of Samaria</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus144">280</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Heals the Sick of the Palsy</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus145">280</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jairus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus146">283</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Gives Sight to the Two Blind Men</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus147">283</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sermon on the Mount</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus148">284</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Raises the Widow's Son</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus149">285</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Sleeps During the Storm</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus150">285</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sending Forth the Twelve Apostles</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus151">286</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Death of John the Baptist</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus152">287</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus153">288</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Supports the Sinking Peter</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus154">289</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span><span class="smcap">The Well or Fountain at Nazareth</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus155">290</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Transfiguration</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus156">292</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Good Samaritan</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus157">293</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus and the Sisters of Bethany</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus158">293</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Return of the Prodigal Son</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus159">294</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Rich Man and Lazarus the Beggar</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus160">295</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Pharisee and the Publican</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus161">297</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Raising of Lazarus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus162">297</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Mary Anoints the Head of Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus163">299</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Christ Entering Jerusalem</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus164">300</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Drives Out the Money-changers</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus165">302</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Washing His Disciples' Feet</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus166">304</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Last Supper</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus167">305</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus168">306</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Judas Betrays Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus169">309</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Christ Before Caiaphas</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus170">310</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Peter Denying Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus171">311</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Crowned with Thorns</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus172">313</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Christ Before Pilate</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus173">314</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The End of Judas Iscariot</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus174">315</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Falls Under the Cross</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus175">317</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Crucifixion</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus176">318</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Burial of Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus177">320</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">As it Began to Dawn</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus178">321</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Resurrection</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus179">322</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Women at the Tomb of Jesus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus180">322</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Mary Magdalene at the Sepulchre</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus181">323</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus182">324</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Appears to Two of His Disciples</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus183">326</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Then Said Jesus Unto Them, Be Not Afraid</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus184">327</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jesus Appears to His Disciples at the Sea of Tiberias</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus185">329</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Ascension</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus186">331</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Tongues of Fire Resting on the Disciples</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus187">334</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Child Christ, Mary His Mother and Joseph</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus188">345</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Sermon on the Mount</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus189">361</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Finding the Lost Sheep</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus190">376</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Return of the Prodigal Son</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus191">378</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Christ Blessing Little Children</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus192">381</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Wise and Foolish Virgins</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus193">388</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Crucifixion</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus194">396</a></td></tr>
-<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Miraculous Draught of Fishes</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#illus195">399</a></td></tr>
-</table></div>
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig8.jpg" alt="" />
-</div></div>
-
-<p class="c sans little">CONTENTS.</p>
-
-<table>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FIRST SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Creation of the World</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#illus1">17</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">SECOND SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">How Sin Began and the Flood Came</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c2">22</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRD SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Rainbow</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c3">29</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FOURTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Abraham and Lot</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c4">36</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FIFTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jacob's Journey and Dream</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c5">43</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">SIXTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph in Egypt</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c6">51</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">SEVENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joseph's Brothers</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c7">57</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">EIGHTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Call of Moses</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c8">64</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">NINTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Plagues of Egypt</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c9">70</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Passover</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c10">75</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">ELEVENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Gainsaying of Korah</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c11">81</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWELFTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Israel in the Wilderness</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c12">87</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTEENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Balaam and Balak</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</a></span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c13">93</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FOURTEENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Giving of the Law</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c14">99</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FIFTEENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Giving of the Law</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c15">106</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">SIXTEENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Death of Moses</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c16">111</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Israel in Battle</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c17">116</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Judges of Israel</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c18">124</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">NINETEENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Samuel</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c19">130</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTIETH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">King Saul</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c20">137</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Reign of Saul</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c21">143</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">King David Reigning</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c22">152</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Preparing for the Temple</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c23">159</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Solomon in all His Glory</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c24">164</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Solomon's Fall</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c25">169</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[Pg xiii]</a></span><span class="smcap">The Kingdom of Israel</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c26">174</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Elijah and Ahab</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c27">180</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Elijah and Elisha</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c28">185</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Elisha's Miracles</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c29">191</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTIETH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Ruin of Ahab's House</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c30">196</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Hezekiah and Josiah</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c31">201</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jehoiakim's Cruelty</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c32">208</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jeremiah's Prophecies</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c33">211</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Taking of Jerusalem</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c34">217</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Fall of Jerusalem</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c35">222</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Jews at Babylon</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c36">228</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Daniel at Babylon</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c37">233</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Return From Babylon</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c38">240</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THIRTY-NINTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Troubles of the Jews</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c39">248</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTIETH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[Pg xiv]</a></span><span class="smcap">The Coming of the Lord</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c40">255</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-FIRST SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Childhood of Our Lord</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c41">263</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-SECOND SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Preparation for the Ministry</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c42">270</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-THIRD SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Calling of the Disciples</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c43">275</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Ministry</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c44">282</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Wonders of Our Lord's Working</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c45">291</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Going up to Jerusalem</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c46">298</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Evening of the Betrayal</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c47">303</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Trial and Condemnation</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c48">308</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FORTY-NINTH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Crucifixion</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c49">316</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FIFTIETH SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Resurrection</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c50">321</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FIFTY-FIRST SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Ascension</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c51">327</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">FIFTY-SECOND SUNDAY.</td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Waiting Time</span></td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c52">333</a></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2"></td>
- </tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">THE NEW TESTAMENT STORY IN VERSE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#c53">337</a></td>
- </tr>
-</table>
-
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus1">
-<img src="images/fig9.jpg" alt="" />
-</div></div>
-
-
-<h2><span class="oldeng">First Sunday.</span></h2>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>CREATION OF THE WORLD.</i></p>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."&mdash;<i>Gen. 1:1.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap1" src="images/fig10.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IN the Bible we are told God made the
-earth we live on. Sunday is the earth's
-birthday, for on the first day of the
-week the Creation began.</p>
-
-<p>The world was one mass&mdash;dark,
-empty, and shapeless&mdash;till God made
-the light by His Word, and saw the
-light was good. Without light we could
-not live: even the very trees and flowers
-would die. When we have been in the
-dark how glad we are to see light come
-back, even if it be only one grey line
-beginning in the sky! This shows how
-blessed is this gift. It was good, too,
-that we should have quiet dark night for rest and stillness.</p>
-
-<p>The second great change enclosed the earth in an outer ball
-of air, which we call the sky or firmament. That is the deep blue<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>
-into which we look up and up. The mist and fog rise up from the
-earth and make the clouds that take strange shapes, sometimes
-dark and full of rain to water the earth, sometimes shining white,
-or pink and golden with morning or evening light.</p>
-
-<p>The third great change was, that water filled the deep hollows
-of the earth, while the hills rose up dry above them, with rivers
-and streams running down their slopes into the deep seas below.
-God did not leave the land bare and stony: He clothed it with
-green fresh plants and herbs, with leaves and flowers, and trees to
-give us their fruit and wood, and filled even the sea with plants
-that can live under water.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THE EARTH GLADDENED BY THE SUN.</p>
-
-<p>Next, God caused the rays of the sun to gladden the earth,
-and let it see the moon lighted up by the sun, as well as the stars
-far beyond our firmament. We count the months by the changes
-in the moon; and our earth's journey around the sun marks our
-years and seasons. We all rejoice in a bright sunny day, though
-the sun is too bright and glorious for us to bear to gaze at him;
-and how lovely the moon looks, either as a young crescent, or a
-beautiful full moon!</p>
-
-<p>The waters began to be full of live things, that swam, or crept,
-or flew: fishes, and birds, and insects. By that time this world
-was nearly as we see it, and a beautiful home for us to live in.
-Then God made the four-footed beasts&mdash;sheep and cows, horses,
-dogs, cats, elephants, lions&mdash;all that we use or admire; and, last
-of all, when He had made this earth a happy, healthy place, He
-planted the Garden of Eden, and put in it the first man and
-woman, the best of all that He had made; for though their bodies
-were of dust, like those of the beasts, yet their souls came from the
-Breath of God. They could think, speak, pray, and heed what is
-unseen as well as what is seen.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>There are many many lessons to be learnt from this wonderful
-story. Let us try to take home one of them. Let us ask our
-Father that the ground below, the light above, the sky and sea, the
-sun and moon, the trees and flowers, the birds and beasts, and His
-holy day of rest, may remind us that they came from Him, and
-that we may be very thankful to Him for having given us such
-good things.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who made the world? 2. Which Commandment tells you about God's
-making the world? 3. What is there in the sky that God made? 4. What is
-there on the earth? 5. What do you see around you that He made? 6. Can
-we make birds, or beasts, or flowers? 7. Or could we make them live? 8. Who
-makes them and us live? 9. Where does all our food come from? 10. Who
-gave us corn? 11. What must we ask God to do for us? 12. What must we
-thank Him for? 13. Do not you think it would be pleasant to whisper to yourself,
-when you see a pretty flower, or a beautiful sky, or when the sun shines
-bright and warm, "Thank God for being so good to me"?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
-into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."&mdash;<i>Genesis 2:7.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IN the Bible God tells us that He made the world, and
-everything in it: land and water, and grass, flowers and
-trees, insects, birds and beasts, and last of all He made
-the first man and woman. The man was made by God
-out of the dust of the ground, and then God breathed
-into his nostrils the breath of life, and gave him a living
-soul. And the woman was made by God out of the man's side.
-They were called Adam and Eve, and they were to be the first
-father and mother of everyone who was to be born into the world.</p>
-
-<p>The good God gave them a beautiful home. It was a garden,
-with a clear river of water flowing through it, and all kinds of
-delicious fruit-trees and beautiful flowers growing in it. Nothing
-could hurt or vex them there. They did not know what pain was,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
-they were never tired, and all they had to do was to dress the
-garden and to keep it. They had no faults, and never did wrong;
-and God Himself came near to talk with them.</p>
-
-<p>That was the way they lived, always good and always happy,
-whilst they obeyed what God had told them. In the midst of the
-garden grew two trees: one was the Tree of Life, and the other
-was the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil. God told them
-that if they ate the fruit of this Tree of Knowledge they would die.
-We do not know what those trees were like, but sometime or other
-I hope we shall see the Tree of Life, for it is growing in heaven,
-close by the river that flows by the Throne of God; and when we
-see it, and taste of its fruit, we shall live for ever, and be happier
-than Adam and Eve were. We shall never be as happy as they
-were while we are living in this world; but if we will try to obey
-God, and live holy lives, He will take us to heaven, and that will be
-still better than the Garden of Eden.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did God make? 2. Whom did he make? 3. What was the man
-made of? 4. What was the woman made of? 5. What did God breathe into
-them? 6. What did He give them? 7. Why were they better than the beasts?
-8. What was the man's name? 9. What was the woman's name? 10. Of
-whom were they the father and mother? 11. Where did they live? 12. What
-had they to do there? 13. What grew there? 14. What were the two chief
-trees that grew there? 15. Which were they not to touch? 16. Where is the
-Tree of Life now? 17. When do we hope to see it? 18. What is a still happier
-place than the Garden of Eden?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig12.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves
-be stayed."&mdash;<i>Job 38:11.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHAT glorious and wonderful things God has made!
-Did you ever see the sea? There it is&mdash;a great vast
-space, all water, looking green near us, but blue
-further off&mdash;always heaving up and down. The
-waves rise, and then ripple along, and burst with a
-white edge of bubbles of foam.</p>
-
-<p>A great space that had been left dry gets covered up with
-water again, and where you were walking just now is quite deep
-water. What is this called? The tide. Well, what will the
-tide do in proper time? Will it come rolling in over the beach,
-and cover up the land? No; presently each will turn. Each wave
-will be a little less high than the last, till it will have gone back
-again and left the beach uncovered as before. Why does the tide
-do this? It is because God so wonderfully contrived this earth
-and sea, that the waters should rise and go back. He made the
-sand the bound of the sea, and said, "Hitherto shalt thou come,
-but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed." So,
-you know, we sing in the Psalm every Sunday&mdash;</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"The sea is His, and He made it:</div>
-<div class="i0">His hands prepared the dry land."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What curious thing does the sea do every day? 2. What do you call the
-coming in and going back of the sea? 3. Why does the tide always stop in its
-proper place? 4. What did God make the bound of the sea? 5. What did he
-say to it? 6. What verse praises God for making the sea?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c2"><span class="oldeng">Second Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>HOW SIN BEGAN AND THE FLOOD CAME.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."&mdash;<i>Gen. 3:13.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap" src="images/fig14.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">LAST Sunday you heard how God made the
-world, and put a man and woman to live
-in it. The man was named Adam; the
-woman was named Eve. God gave them a
-beautiful garden to live in, full of trees and
-flowers; and they had no pain, no trouble,
-nothing to vex them. Only one thing God
-told them: there was one tree whose fruit
-they must not eat. They might eat the
-fruit of all the other trees, but not of that
-one. As long as they obeyed, all was well
-and happy with them; but if they ate it
-they would die. But a bad spirit came and took the shape of the
-serpent, and talked to Eve. He told her a wicked lie&mdash;he told her
-that to eat the fruit would make her wise, and would not make her
-die. And Eve listened, and did eat. And she gave Adam, and he
-also ate; and so they took the bad spirit for their master instead of
-the good God. Then God was angry with them, and put them out
-of the garden, and let them be weak and sickly, and die at last.</p>
-
-<p>It was a sad thing for us. For if they had been good
-and obeyed God, and not the bad spirit, it would have been
-easy for us to be good, and we would not have the devil tempting
-us to do wrong: we would never have known pain or
-sorrow. But God pitied Adam and Eve; and he promised them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
-that the Seed&mdash;that is, the Son&mdash;of the woman should bruise the
-serpent's head, and set them and their children free.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus2">
-<img src="images/fig15.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ADAM AND EVE DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN.&mdash;Gen. 3:23, 24.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, set us free
-when He died on the cross and rose again; and now we belong to
-Him, and not to the bad spirit. Only we must try and ask Him
-to help us not to do what is wrong, as Eve did, or we shall not keep
-free from the power of the enemy.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the first man? 2. Who was the first woman? 3. Where did
-God put them? 4. What was the one thing they might not do? 5. What was
-to happen if they ate of that fruit? 6. Who came and spoke to Eve? 7. What
-shape did the bad spirit take? 8. What did he tell Eve? 9. What did she do?
-10. Whom did she make her master? 11. What was done to punish her? 12.
-What sad things did the bad spirit bring on her? 13. Who came to set us free
-from the bad spirit?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth."&mdash;<i>Gen.
-6:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE Lesson this morning told the sad history of how
-Adam and Eve did the very thing that God forbade;
-so that He drove them out of the Garden of Eden, and
-sin and death came into the world.</p>
-
-<p>After that they had children. Some were good,
-but not so good as Adam and Eve had been at first;
-and some were bad. And as time went on the bad ones grew worse,
-and the good ones were tempted, and many of them grew wicked
-too. And so all the world was getting wicked, and God saw nothing
-but evil when He looked down on it. And He said that He
-would destroy these wicked people, and wash away the evil from
-the earth by a great flood. But there was one good man, whose
-name was Noah; and God said He would save him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus3">
-<img src="images/fig16.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">AFTER THE BANISHMENT FROM EDEN.&mdash;Gen. 3:19.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>He bade Noah build an Ark. It was to be a great ship, all
-made of wood, and it took a great many years to build; and all
-that time people laughed at Noah, for they would not believe that
-anything was going to happen. Noah made the Ark, and stored
-it with food. And God sent him a pair of all sorts of animals that
-were in the world, and he put them into pens in the Ark. Then
-Noah and his wife, and his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japhet,
-and their wives, went into the Ark, and God shut them in.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus4">
-<img src="images/fig17.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SACRIFICE OF CAIN AND ABEL.&mdash;Gen. 4;4, 5.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then it began to rain. It rained for forty days and forty
-nights without stopping, and the rivers came out of their banks,
-and the sea came upon the land, and the ground was covered up.
-Even the tops of the highest hills were hidden, and everybody and
-every creature was drowned&mdash;all but Noah and those that were
-with him. There was the Ark all the time floating quite safe on
-the water. The storm could not upset it nor the sea get into it,
-for God took care of it and all that was in it.</p>
-
-<p>The reason Noah was saved was because, first, he tried to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
-good, and not do like the bad people round him; and next, because
-he believed what God said to him, and went on making the Ark,
-even when he saw no danger. If we wish God to save us, then we
-must take care that we do just what we are told&mdash;not what seems
-pleasant now, but what is really right.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Do you know why Adam and Eve were driven out of the happy garden?
-2. How did people go on after that? 3. How had sin come into the world? 4.
-What did God say He must do to the world? 5. Why? 6. Who was to be
-saved? 7. What was Noah to make? 8. What was the Ark like? 9. What
-were put in it? 10. Why were two of all creatures put into the Ark? 11.
-What men and women were in it? 12. What were the names of Noah's sons?
-13. What happened when Noah was in the Ark? 14. How long did it rain?
-15. What was covered up? 16. What became of all the people? 17. Who
-were safe? 18. Where was the Ark? 19. Who took care of the Ark? 20.
-Why was Noah saved?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"So Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth."&mdash;<i>Genesis 7:2.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT must have been a sad sight for Noah and his wife and
-their sons, as the rain went on and on, and the water
-grew deeper and deeper, and everybody and everything
-was drowned. Then came a time when nothing
-was to be seen but water. Wherever they looked all
-was sky and water; but it had done raining, the sky
-was blue again, the sun shone by day, the stars by night, and they
-must have been very glad.</p>
-
-<p>And still the water got lower, till the Ark did not float about,
-but stopped, resting on a peak of a mountain, a very high mountain,
-and a few bare tops of other hills began to peep out. By-and-by,
-Noah opened the window of the Ark and let out a raven. He
-never saw the raven again, for a raven eats dead things, and there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a><br /><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
-were so many dead bodies floating about that it got plenty of food,
-and never came back to the Ark that had saved it.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus5">
-<img src="images/fig18.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">RETURN OF THE DOVE WITH THE OLIVE BRANCH.&mdash;Gen. 8:11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>He waited a week, and then he let out a dove. Now doves like
-trees to sit and nestle in, and they eat grains and seeds; so the poor
-dove found no place to rest in, and flew back to the Ark; and Noah
-took her back, and kept her a week, then let her fly again. She
-flew away but still she came back to the Ark, and this time she
-brought in her beak a sprig of olive branch.</p>
-
-<p>It was the first green thing that Noah had seen for a year!
-Noah's children have loved the olive leaf everywhere, and called it
-the sign of peace and good news ever since.</p>
-
-<p>For now Noah knew that the waters had gone down, and that
-trees must be able to put forth leaves again. Once more, after
-another week, he let out the dove, and she did not come back, for
-she had found a tree where she could make her home, and seeds to
-eat; and then Noah knew the sad time of the flood&mdash;a whole year&mdash;was
-over, and the earth had been washed from all her stains.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the Flood? 2. What was the Ark? 3. Who was in it? 4.
-What had Noah with him in the Ark? 5. What became of everyone else? 6.
-Why? 7. Why was Noah saved? 8. How long did the Flood last? 9. What
-birds did Noah send out of the Ark? 10. Which came back? 11. Why did
-not the raven come back? 12. What did the dove bring? 13. What was Noah
-sure of then? 14. What had the earth been washed from?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig19.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c3"><span class="oldeng">Third Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE RAINBOW.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I do set my Bow in the Cloud."&mdash;<i>Genesis 9:13.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig20.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE sin that came into the world when Eve
-listened to the tempter had grown as
-men multiplied and made each other
-worse. The wicked people had been
-drowned in the Flood, and Noah, his
-sons and their wives, had alone been
-saved in the Ark. After a whole year
-of being shut up there, watching the
-earth, first drowned and then coming
-out of the water, they had just come
-out on the fresh green earth, with all
-the animals saved with them, when God spoke to
-them.</p>
-
-<p>Then God made a promise to Noah. It was
-that no flood of water shall ever drown all the world
-again, but spring, summer, autumn, and winter,
-day and night, will go on to the end of the world, when it shall be
-burnt up by fire, not drowned by water.</p>
-
-<p>That Noah, and all of his after him, might feel sure that God
-in His mercy will go on preserving us, and giving us days and
-nights, seed-time and harvest, He gave us something to look at as
-a sign of His promise. He so ordered the rays of light, that when
-they shine upon drops of water in the air they cause beautiful
-colors, making part of a circle, so as to form a bow. So when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a><br /><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
-sun shines on a cloud, as it rains, the fair bright rainbow is seen,
-as a pledge to us of God's merciful care and love to us.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus6">
-<img src="images/fig21.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">NOAH AND HIS FAMILY LEAVING THE ARK.&mdash;Gen. 8:18, 19.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus7">
-<img src="images/fig22.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">NOAH'S SACRIFICE AFTER THE FLOOD.&mdash;Gen. 8:20.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>There is a rainbow round about the Throne of God in Heaven;
-and the lovely rainbows that we see when the sun shines out, and
-the showers drift away, are to put us in mind that we are safe
-under His care, in right of His promise to Noah and his three sons,
-of whom the whole earth was peopled. We are the children of
-his son Japhet, and all that was then said to him belongs to us also.
-We should recollect it, and put our trust in Him, and be thankful
-when we see the beautiful soft arch that the Hands of the
-Almighty have bended, looking out of the midst of the dark
-watery clouds.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What beautiful sight do we sometimes see after a shower? 2. What is a
-rainbow like? 3. Who put the rainbow in the cloud? 4. Who was the man to
-whom God showed the rainbow? 5. What promise did God make Noah? 6.
-What had God just done to the wicked people? 7. Whom had he saved?
-8. What did he say should always go on? 9. What did God put in the sky
-to show that he will not send another Flood? 10. What are we to think of
-when we see a rainbow? 11. Who takes care of us? 12. Where is there a
-rainbow in Heaven above?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."&mdash;<i>Genesis 12:3.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN Noah's grandchildren and great-grandchildren
-came to be more and more, and the world was being
-filled with people again, they still were not all
-good, and the longer time went on the worse they
-grew.</p>
-
-<p>At last God called to a very good man, whose
-name was Abram, and told him that if he would come away from
-his home to a land God would show him, then God would bless him
-and lead him, and by-and-by give the land to his children, and that
-their children after them should be more in number than the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
-grains of sand on the sea-shore, or than the stars in the sky: and
-that in his seed&mdash;that was, in a Son of his&mdash;all the nations of the
-earth should be blessed.</p>
-
-<p>It was strange to hear all this about Abram's children, for
-he was growing old, and he and his wife Sarai had no children
-at all. But he believed in God. He knew that God is
-Almighty, and can do whatever He will; so he only did just as
-God told him, and went away from his home, where God told him.
-He was obliged to take all his cattle with him&mdash;quantities of cows,
-and goats, and sheep, and camels; and he had many servants
-to drive them.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus8">
-<img src="images/fig23.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ABRAM SEES THE PROMISED LAND.&mdash;Gen. 12:3-7.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When they came to a piece of grass and a fresh spring of
-water, there they would stop. They had no houses&mdash;only tents,
-which were great curtains woven of goat's hair and fastened up
-with poles, so that they could be set up or taken down, and carried
-about. All his life Abram lived in a tent, instead of staying at
-home in a city, and being at his ease.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>By-and-by he came to a beautiful country. There were high
-hills rising up, and green valleys between, full of grass for
-the sheep and cattle; and the wide sea spread out far away
-towards the sunset, all blue and glorious. God told him to look
-at the land, for that was the place which his children should have
-for their own; but in the meantime Abram had not one bit of it,
-and was a stranger there; and he had no child either.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus9">
-<img src="images/fig24.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MELCHIZEDEK BLESSING ABRAM.&mdash;Gen. 14:18, 19, 20.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>But still he was quite sure that God spoke truth; and that
-somehow, though he did not know how, it would come about that
-his children should have the land, and that in One all the nations
-of the earth should be blessed. That was faith.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What good man do you hear of to-day? 2. What did God tell Abram to
-do? 3. What did God promise? 4. Who were to have the land? 5. Why
-was it strange to hear of his children? 6. But did he believe it would come true?
-7. Why did he believe it? 8. How did he show that he believed? 9. Where
-did he go? 10. What had he with him? 11. What did he live in? 12. What
-is a tent like? 13. What sort of place did he come to?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p>
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between thee and me."&mdash;<i>Gen. 13:8.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">TWO men were travelling together. They were an uncle
-and nephew. The uncle's name was Abram, the
-nephew's was Lot. They had come from home, because
-God had told Abram to come away from his own home
-to the land that God would give his children. Abram
-believed, and did as God bade him; and Lot, the son of
-his dead brother, went with him. They did not go alone. Each of
-them had great flocks of cows, and sheep, and camels, and
-goats, and numbers of servants to take care of them. They
-would fix their tents, made of camels' hair, in any place
-where they saw a spring of water and good green grass for their
-cattle; and there they would stay till all the grass was eaten up,
-and then take up their tents and move to another place.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">PARTING OF ABRAM AND LOT.</p>
-
-<p>Just now they had got to a bare stony place, where the sun
-shone hotly, and there was not much green; but Abram had built
-up an altar with the great stones, and prayed there. Abram and
-Lot loved one another, and were at peace; but when their servants
-drove out their flocks to get food and water there were apt to be
-quarrels. If Abram's men found a green grassy valley, they
-would not let Lot's cattle into it; and if Lot's came to a well, they
-would not let Abram's flocks drink; and so on. They were always
-quarrelling and making complaints to their masters.</p>
-
-<p>At last Abram saw that they would make Lot quarrel with
-him. So he said it would be wiser to part; Lot should go one way
-and he another&mdash;any way there should be no strife. And he even
-told Lot to choose which way he would go. So Lot looked, and saw
-to the East a pleasant green valley, with fields of corn and mea<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>dows,
-and a fine river running into a clear lake, and five fine towns
-on the bank. He liked it better than the bare stony hills where
-Abram was; and he never thought whether the people were good
-or not, but he took the first choice, and went to live there. So
-Abram gave up. He had the right to choose first, but he would not
-use it. He let his nephew choose. For he hated quarrels, and
-knew they were wicked; and he knew how to stop them, because
-he would yield up the best. That is the way to make peace and
-please God.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus10">
-<img src="images/fig25.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ABRAHAM ENTERTAINS THREE ANGELS.&mdash;Gen. 18:10.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who had called Abram? 2. Who went with him? 3. What was Lot to
-Abram? 4. Why did he go? 5. What had God promised? 6. What had
-they with them? 7. Who quarrelled? 8. About what did the servants quarrel?
-9. Did Abram and Lot quarrel? 10. How did Abram prevent a quarrel? 11.
-Who was to choose first? 12. Who might have chosen first? 13. Why did not
-Abram choose first? 14. Ought you to be in haste to take the first choice? 15.
-What should you try to hinder? 16. And if you keep yourself back, and don't
-say "It's mine," and "I must," shall you not be likely to keep from quarrels?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c4"><span class="oldeng">Fourth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>ABRAHAM AND LOT.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Escape for thy life; look not behind thee."&mdash;<i>Genesis 19:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap4" src="images/fig26.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was a beautiful valley, with steep hills
-shutting it in on all sides, and a clear swift
-river running through the midst and spreading
-into a lake. There were fine fields and
-rich grass, where sheep, cows, and goats
-could feed, and the shepherds shelter themselves
-under the palm trees; and on the bank of the
-river were five cities, with strong walls round
-them, and full of rich people, who bought and sold
-and made merry with the good things they possessed.
-There was one man living among them
-who was good, and was grieved by the wicked
-ways of the men round him, who only laughed at
-him if he tried to tell them of better things. One
-evening two strangers came into the city where he
-lived, and he was the only person who would take them in, and
-shelter them from the wicked people in the street.</p>
-
-<p>Those strangers told him the place was to be destroyed, with
-all that were in it, because it was so wicked! Though the fields
-looked so quiet, the walls so strong, and the sun had gone down as
-usual, all would be ruined in a few hours' time! Then the
-strangers took hold of him, and his wife and daughters, and led
-them almost by force away from their home in the dawn of morning,
-bidding them escape for their lives to the mountain, and not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
-look back. They were frightened, and begged not to have to go so
-far as the wild mountain. Might they not go to the little city near
-at hand? And their wish was granted.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus11">
-<img src="images/fig27.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">LOT AND HIS FAMILY FLEEING FROM SODOM&mdash;Gen. 19:24-26.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Just as the sun had risen they entered the little city for which
-they had begged; and as soon as they were safe the four towns,
-that had seemed so strong and firm, were all burning with fire and
-brimstone; and all the sinners who had mocked at warning were
-soon lying dead under God's awful anger! Four alone had been
-led out of the city by the strangers, but even of these only three
-came into the city of refuge. The wife did not heed the warning
-not to linger nor look back, the deadly storm overtook her, and she
-remained rooted to the spot&mdash;a pillar of salt!</p>
-
-<p>The names of those cities were Sodom and Gomorrah, and
-the one good man who was saved by the mercy of God was named
-Lot. And now a strange gloomy lake called the Dead Sea covers
-that valley with its heavy waters, and the bare rocky hills, crusted
-with salt, show that the curse of God is on the place.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Let us try to carry home one thought from this terrible history.
-This world will one day be burnt up like those cities, and
-its looking safe and prosperous now does not make it safe. But
-God sends messengers to lead us out of it. If we attend to them,
-and follow their advice, we shall through all our lives be getting
-out of danger, and going on to a safe home in heaven; but if we
-care only for pleasant things here, it is like looking back, and our
-souls will perish with what they love. That is why our Saviour
-bade us "Remember Lot's wife." We should remember her when
-we are tempted to think it hard to give up anything pleasant,
-because we are told that it is wrong, and may put us in danger of
-God's anger.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the name of the place I told you of to-day? 2. What was the
-name of the man? 3. What kind of place was Sodom? 4. Who was the only
-good man there? 5. Who came to Lot? 6. What did he do for the strangers?
-7. What did the strangers tell Lot? 8. Why was Lot to come out of Sodom?
-9. Why was Sodom to be destroyed? 10. Where did Lot go? 11. Who looked
-back? 12. What became of her? 13. What did God do to Sodom? 14.
-What sort of a place is it now? 15. What will be burnt up some day? 16. If
-we are not good, what will become of us? 17. But what have we to teach us to
-be good? 18. And how must we try to come out, like Lot?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing that thou hast not withheld thy
-son, thine only son from Me."&mdash;<i>Genesis 22:12.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap4" src="images/fig28.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">BY-AND-BY Abraham had a son&mdash;one only son, whose
-name was Isaac. All the promises God had made were
-to be for Isaac's children after him: and Abraham
-loved God, and hoped all the more.</p>
-
-<p>But then God called Abraham to do a strange and
-terrible thing. He was to go and take his dear son
-Isaac to the top of a hill, and there to offer him up to God as if he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
-had been a calf or a lamb. Of course, in general, to do such a thing
-would be shockingly wicked; but Abraham knew that when God
-commanded a thing, it must be right to do as he was bidden, however
-dreadful it was to him.</p>
-
-<p>So they set out together. Abraham took the knife, and a
-vessel with fire in it and Isaac carried the wood with which the
-sacrifice was to be burnt. On the way Isaac said, "My father,
-behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt
-offering?" And Abraham answered, "My son, God will provide
-Himself a lamb for a burnt offering."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus12">
-<img src="images/fig29.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ABRAHAM OFFERING ISAAC AS A SACRIFICE.&mdash;Gen. 22:11, 12.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Isaac soon knew he was to be the lamb, for his father put
-the wood in order, and bound his limbs, and took the knife. And
-Isaac did not complain or struggle. He was ready, like his father,
-to do the will of God. But just as Abraham had the knife ready to
-slay his son, an angel called to him out of Heaven: "Lay not thine
-hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a><br /><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
-know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son,
-thine only son from Me."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus13">
-<img src="images/fig30.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ABRAHAM'S SERVANT MEETING REBEKAH AT THE WELL.&mdash;Gen. 24:17.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus14">
-<img src="images/fig31.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">REBEKAH SEES ISAAC COMING TO MEET HER.&mdash;Gen. 24:64, 65.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then Abraham unbound his son, and was glad as if Isaac had
-really risen from the dead. And he saw a ram caught in the
-thicket by its horns; so he took that, and offered it up instead of
-Isaac. Thus God really provided a lamb for a burnt offering.</p>
-
-<p>And He blessed Abraham more and more, and promised again
-that his children should have the land, and that in his Seed should
-all the nations of the earth be blessed. That Seed was our blessed
-<span class="smcap">Lord Jesus Christ</span>, who, you know, was really given by His
-Heavenly Father to die, and then came back from the dead, that all
-people might be saved by Him.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the name of Abraham's son? 2. What had God promised
-Abraham? 3. What had Abraham done at God's command? 4. What was he
-now to do? 5. Whom did he obey? 6. Where was he to go? 7. Who went
-with him? 8. What did Isaac ask? 9. What did Abraham answer? 10.
-Who seemed likely to be the Lamb? 11. What was Abraham just going to do?
-12. Who called him? 13. What did the angel tell him? 14. Why was God
-pleased with him? 15. What blessing did God give him? 16. Who was to be
-saved?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I am a stranger and a sojourner with you."&mdash;<i>Genesis 23:4.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ABRAHAM and his wife Sarah had lived together many
-years; but at last Sarah died, and Abraham wanted to
-bury her. You know in all the country he had not one
-morsel of ground of his own; he was a stranger there,
-but he knew it would all belong to his children by-and-by.
-But he wanted to make sure of the one bit where
-his wife should lie. So he went to the prince to whom Hebron
-belonged, and begged to buy a field with trees in it, and a rock
-where there was a deep cave that was called Machpelah.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>The prince said he would give it; but Abraham could not feel
-sure that it would be always safe till he had bought it. So he
-weighed out the price. It was not in little bits of money like ours,
-but lumps of silver all the same weight, and each with a mark
-stamped on it&mdash;four hundred of them. Then the cave was given to
-Abraham, and he had his good true wife Sarah buried there, rolled
-in linen with spices. He was buried there afterwards himself,
-and so was his son Isaac, and Isaac's son after him, in the cave of
-Machpelah.</p>
-
-<p>That cave has been kept sacred ever since. There is a building
-over it now, and no stranger is allowed to go into it; but deep
-down there is a golden grating, and far within lie these holy men
-and women of old. Their bodies are waiting to rise again at the
-Last Day, and then I hope we shall see them and know them.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Abraham's wife? 2. Where did Sarah die? 3. What did
-Abraham want to do? 4. Had he any ground? 5. So what was he obliged to
-do? 6. Of whom did he buy the place? 7. What was it called? 8. What is a
-cave? 9. What did he pay? 10. What was Abraham's money? 11. Who were
-buried there afterwards? 12. How is the place marked now? 13. When will
-Sarah's body leave the grave in the cave of Machpelah? 14. What do you say
-you believe in? (In the eleventh Article of the Creed.) 15. What is Resurrection?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig33.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c5"><span class="oldeng">Fifth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>JACOB'S JOURNEY AND DREAM.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Bless me, even me also, O my father."&mdash;<i>Genesis 27:34.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap4" src="images/fig34.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">GOD had called Abraham from his home, and
-promised to give his children the land of
-Canaan, and that in his Seed all the nations
-of the earth should be blessed. This was renewing
-to Abraham the great promise of the Seed
-of the woman that had been made to Eve; and
-Abraham believed, and was glad. But though
-his children were to have the land, none of it was his; and
-he went up and down in it a stranger, living in his tent,
-without house or home, only trusting in faith to God's
-promise to his children. His son Isaac lived like him, with
-no home, but looking on in faith to what God promised.</p>
-
-<p>Isaac had two sons; and as Esau was the eldest, he had the
-first right to these promises. But Esau did not care enough about
-them; he did not seem to get anything by them, and he liked what
-he could get at once better than what was a long way off. He had
-no faith.</p>
-
-<p>One day he came home half dead with hunger, and saw his
-brother Jacob making soup over the fire. He said he would give
-all these rights for a meal of the soup; for if he died of hunger,
-what good would his birth-right do him? So for a mess of pottage
-he sold his right to the land of Canaan, and to be the forefather of
-our Saviour.</p>
-
-<p>A time was to come when he would be sorry for what he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>
-done. His father was old and blind, and thought he was going to
-die; so he bade Esau, whom he loved the best, bring home some
-meat and make a solemn feast&mdash;which was the way then of giving
-a blessing. Esau went, and in time brought home the meat to his
-father; but when he came in, Isaac cried out, and trembled! His
-brother Jacob had come in his stead, and Isaac had taken him for
-Esau, and given to him the blessing that gave the right to the
-promised land, and to all God's promises!</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus15">
-<img src="images/fig35.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ISAAC BLESSING JACOB.&mdash;Gen. 27:28, 29.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then Esau cried out with an exceeding bitter cry, and asked
-if his father had but one blessing! Isaac was grieved for him,
-and blest him with all his heart; but there was no changing back,
-no taking away what Jacob had won and Esau had lost.</p>
-
-<p>Esau did not know what he was doing when he took the
-pottage at once, rather than wait patiently for the glorious inheritance
-that was to come. This was the reason that he was allowed
-to be so cruelly disappointed. This is a warning to us. We have
-the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven promised to us; but we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
-are tempted not to care about it when we want something here in
-this world, whether play, or dress, or anything that seems a great
-deal to us now.</p>
-
-<p>But if we trifle away our right to these great promises that
-God made us at our baptism, there will come a time of bitter grief,
-when it is too late. And when we are dead, it will be too late to
-change! Therefore, now while we are alive, we must have faith,
-and show it by taking care that the things we like here on earth do
-not make us lose the better things in heaven.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What were the names of Isaac's two sons? 2. What had God promised
-Isaac? 3. Which son had the first right to the promise? 4. But which cared
-about it most? 5. What did Esau want? 6. So what did he give up for the
-sake of the soup? 7. Could he get it back again? 8. What are you an heir of?
-9. How could we lose the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven? 10. Shall we
-be able to change after we are dead? 11. Then what must we care about most?
-12. Why could not Esau get his father's blessing? 13. What did he like better
-than waiting for what he could not see? 14. Can we see heaven? 15. But
-when we get there, will it not be better than anything we can see here?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."&mdash;<i>Genesis
-28:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig36.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU know that Isaac, Abraham's son, had two sons, whose
-names were Esau and Jacob. Now Jacob had grieved
-Esau by gaining God's great promise, for which Esau
-was so angry with him, that he had to go out away from
-his father's home, all alone. But Jacob knew he was
-not alone, for God was with him. He went on till night came.
-Then he was in a dismal stony place, with no house or shelter
-near&mdash;only big stones, and here and there a thistle.</p>
-
-<p>He said his prayers, and then he lay down, with a stone for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
-his pillow and the sky over him. But in the night he saw a wonder.
-There was a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, and
-God's angels were going up and down, and the Lord Himself stood
-at the top of the ladder. And He told Jacob that He was going to
-give his children all the land he saw&mdash;North, South, East, and
-West; and that He would take care of him, and be with him
-wherever he went, and in time bring him safe home.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus16">
-<img src="images/fig37.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JACOB'S VISION OF ANGELS.&mdash;Gen. 28:12, 13.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Jacob woke, and found it was a dream, but he knew it was
-true, and that God had really spoken to him; and though he was
-glad he was afraid, and he said, "How dreadful is this place! this
-is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."
-And that he might always know the place, he put one of the great
-stones upright, and he took some of the sweet olive oil he had
-brought to eat on his journey, and poured it on the stone, as the
-only thing he could do to show honor to God.</p>
-
-<p>Then he made a solemn holy vow, that if God would take care
-of him on his way, and give him food to eat and clothes to wear,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
-he would make a gift to God all his life of the tenth part of all he
-had. Good people like to do like Jacob, and give God their tenth.
-And if we only had our eyes opened to see, like his, we should see
-God's angels coming up and down with blessings for us, for we
-go to the house of God and gate of heaven whenever we go to
-church. Let us recollect how awful Jacob felt it to be so near to
-God.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Jacob? 2. Who was Isaac? 3. Who was Esau? 4. Why
-was Jacob obliged to go away? 5. What was the promise? 6. What kind of
-place had he to sleep in? 7. What was his pillow? 8. But what did he see?
-9. Who went up and down? 10. Who stood at the top? 11. What did God
-promise him? 12. What did Jacob say of the place? 13. How did he mark
-it? 14. What did he pour on the stone? 15. What vow did he make? 16.
-What are the houses of God? 17. Who comes up and down to us? 18. What
-do the angels bring us? 19. How much did Jacob promise to give God? 20.
-What does God do for us?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"As a prince hast thou prevailed."&mdash;<i>Genesis 32:28.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT was a long journey that Jacob had had to take, but
-God took care of him, and brought him safe to the
-home where his mother had come from. He lived
-there, and took care of his uncle's sheep and cattle, till
-he had earned a great many for his own; and he had
-married there, and had a great many sons. But after
-a time God commanded him to go home to the land of Canaan.
-He was afraid, because he thought his brother Esau might still be
-angry with him; but, in spite of his fear, he did as God bade him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus17">
-<img src="images/fig38.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JACOB MEETING RACHEL.&mdash;Gen. 29:10-12.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus18">
-<img src="images/fig39.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">LABAN HIRING JACOB.&mdash;Gen. 29:18, 19.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When he came near the river Jordan, which flows on the East
-side of the land of Canaan, he prayed to God to guard him, and
-once more God let him see the angels who were going with him to
-protect him. He was glad, but he was still very careful. He
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a><br /><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>chose out a present of cows, and goats, and camels, and sheep,
-for Esau, and sent it on to meet him; and then he sent on
-the other cattle he wanted to keep for himself; then his children;
-and last of all, in the safest place, his dear young son Joseph.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus19">
-<img src="images/fig40.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JACOB'S DEPARTURE FOR CANAAN.&mdash;Gen. 31:17, 18.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Esau came to meet him, but not in anger. The two brothers
-met, and fell on one another's neck and kissed one another, and
-were friends. So God had kept His promise to take care of Jacob;
-and Jacob kept his promise, for he set up an altar at Bethel, where
-he had seen the angels before, and praised and blessed God.</p>
-
-
-<p>QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Jacob? 2. Why had he left home? 3. With whom did he go
-to live? 4. What did he earn there? 5. Why did he go back? 6. Why was
-he afraid? 7. What comforted him? 8. Of whom do God's angels take care?
-9. What did he give Esau? 10. How did he put his family in order? 11.
-Who went last? 12. How did Esau meet him? 13. What was the quarrel between
-them? 14. But was Esau angry? 15. How did Jacob show he was
-thankful?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus20">
-<img src="images/fig41.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JACOB AND THE ANGEL.&mdash;Genesis 32:24.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus21">
-<img src="images/fig42.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE MEETING OF JACOB AND ESAU.&mdash;Gen. 33:3, 4.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c6"><span class="oldeng">Sixth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>JOSEPH IN EGYPT.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"His brethren envied him."&mdash;<i>Genesis 37:11.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap1" src="images/fig43.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">I TOLD you how Jacob went away from
-home, and how God promised to take
-care of him. He did take care of him:
-He led him to his uncle, and with him
-Jacob lived many years, and then came
-back with flocks of sheep and goats,
-camels and cows. And he had twelve
-sons. The best one of them was named
-Joseph. Jacob loved him very much,
-and gave him a striped dress of many
-colors, such as the son who is to be the
-heir wears in those countries. But his brothers
-hated and envied him, and were all the time finding
-fault with him.</p>
-
-<p>One day, when Joseph was seventeen years old,
-ten of the brothers were out with their sheep, and Jacob desired
-Joseph to go and see what they were about. He would not tell his
-father how unkind they were to him, but he went; and as they saw
-him coming some of them were so wicked as to say that they would
-kill him, and never let him go home. Reuben, who was the eldest
-brother, tried to hinder them; but when he saw he could not stop
-them, he said the best way would be, not to kill him, but to let him
-down into a dry well just by.</p>
-
-<p>There they meant to let him starve to death; and they let him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
-down without any pity for him. Reuben meant to come by-and-by
-and take Joseph out of the pit and save him; but there was another
-brother, named Judah, who did not want to have him killed, and
-who saw a great party of men, with camels and asses laden with
-goods, going on a journey. He knew they were merchants, going
-to sell and buy in Egypt, and he advised the other brothers to persuade
-them to buy Joseph; for in those days men and women used
-to be bought and sold, and were called slaves.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus22">
-<img src="images/fig44.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSEPH SOLD BY HIS BRETHREN.&mdash;Gen. 37:28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>So Joseph was drawn up out of the pit; and when the merchants
-saw what a fine young man he was, they paid the price for
-him and carried him off, away from his father and all he had ever
-known or cared for before. The cruel brothers kept his colored
-dress; and they killed a kid and stained it in the blood, and then
-carried it to their father, telling him they had found it. Jacob
-thought some wild beast had met Joseph and killed and eaten
-him, and he mourned and wept. His sons pretended to comfort
-him; but not one of them would tell him that Joseph was not dead.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Whose son was Jacob? 2. How many sons had Jacob? 3. What did he
-set them to do? 4. Which did he love best? 5. What did he give Joseph?
-6. Where did he send Joseph? 7. What did the brothers want to do? 8. Who
-wished to save him? 9. So what did Reuben persuade them to do? 10. What
-did Reuben mean to do? 11. But who came by? 12. What did the brothers
-do with Joseph? 13. Who persuaded them to sell him? 14. What are people
-called who are bought and sold? 15. What was done with his coat? 16. What
-did Jacob think?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand."&mdash;<i>Genesis 39:3.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig45.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">SO we see Joseph a slave. A slave is a servant who belongs
-to his master, as his cows and horses do; he gets no
-wages, and cannot go away, but is bought and sold like
-cattle.</p>
-
-<p>Think of poor Joseph. He was used to live as the
-son of a great rich prince, wearing a dress of many
-bright colors, with many servants, and no one to obey
-but his kind fond father; and living in a beautiful land, all hill
-and valley, where he used to feed his father's flocks. But now he
-was a slave in a strange land, with people speaking a language he
-did not know, and no one to care for him or say a good word to
-him, shut up in a house in a town, far away from his dear hills.</p>
-
-<p>Still he had one comfort, and the best of all&mdash;God was with
-him. He could still pray to God, and do his duty. And he did his
-work well, for God helped him, and everything he did was made
-to prosper in his hand. Then he was trusted. His master knew
-that he always took care of everything, as if it was his own, and
-left all to him, quite sure that it would be safe.</p>
-
-<p>But his wicked mistress made up a story that he had behaved
-ill, and he was put in prison for what he had not done. This
-sounds hard, but it was God's own way of bringing good to pass,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>
-and making Joseph come at last to honor. Very soon he was loved
-and trusted in his prison; and all he did the Lord made it to
-prosper.</p>
-
-<p>Think about this. Try when you have anything to do&mdash;a
-lesson or a bit of work&mdash;to ask God to make it prosper. Then if
-you try your best He will help, and it will be sure to turn out well.</p>
-
-<p>Then try to deserve to be trusted. That is a great thing. If
-you always recollect that God sees you, you will do the same when
-no one is with you as if all the world were watching; and that is
-the way to be true and just in all your dealings. If you are only
-good when you are looked at, you are not like Joseph, but are only
-doing service outwardly. You must try to live that your parents
-may</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i2">"Out of sight</div>
-<div class="i0">Know all is right,</div>
-<div class="i0">One law for darkness and for light."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Whose son was Joseph? 2. How many sons had Joseph? 3. What had
-they done to him? 4. Why had Joseph's brothers sold him? 5. What is a slave?
-6. How did Joseph behave as a slave? 7. Who comforted him? 8. How did
-he take care of his master's things? 9. Who made up a story against him? 10.
-What was done to him? 11. But who was with him still? 12. Did he always
-stay in prison? 13. And what did people think of him, wherever he was? 14.
-What is the way to be like Joseph? 15. If you are trusted to carry a message,
-how should you do it? 16. Who always sees you? 17. Then, even if no one is
-by, how should you behave?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig46.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Do not interpretations belong to God?"&mdash;<i>Gen. 40:8.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE young son of Jacob, Joseph, had, you know, been
-sold by his cruel brothers, and made a slave of; and
-then a wicked falsehood was told about him, and he
-was put into prison. But wherever Joseph was he
-tried to do his duty, and so God blessed him; and the
-keeper of the prison soon found out how different he
-was from the others, and let him help. I suppose he helped to
-carry them their food and wait upon them; and he often could
-say a few kind good words to them.</p>
-
-<p>One day two grand people came in as prisoners. One was
-the chief of all the bakers, who made bread for king Pharaoh;
-and the other was the chief of all his cup-bearers, who carried him
-his wine. Some wrong thing had happened, and they were both
-suspected of having had something to do with it, so they had been
-sent to prison.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">WANTED TO KNOW THE DREAMS' MEANING.</p>
-
-<p>One morning Joseph saw them both looking more sad than
-usual; and when he asked what was the matter, they said each
-had a dream, and they wanted to know what it meant; for the
-Egyptians used to think a great deal of dreams, and there were
-men among them who pretended to explain them. Most dreams
-have no meaning, but these had, and God put it into Joseph's heart
-to understand them.</p>
-
-<p>The cup-bearer had dreamt that he saw a vine, and that it
-had three bunches of grapes, and that he was squeezing the juice
-into the king's cup as he used to do. Joseph said this meant that
-in three days the cup-bearer should really hand Pharaoh the cup
-again; and Joseph begged that when he was free, he would tell
-the king about himself, and get him set free.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Then the baker told his dream&mdash;that he had three baskets
-full of pastry and bread ready for Pharaoh, but that the birds
-came down and ate them up. Joseph was obliged to tell him that
-this meant that he would be hanged, and that the vulture and
-ravens would eat his flesh. So it happened. Pharaoh looked into
-the matter in three days' time; he caused the baker to be hung,
-and the cup-bearer to come back to his old place. But the cup-bearer
-was ungrateful, and forgot all about Joseph in his prison,
-trusting to him.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Joseph? 2. Where was he? 3. How came he to be in Egypt?
-4. Where had he been put? 5. Had he done anything wrong? 6. Who trusted
-him? 7. What had he to do? 8. Who came into the prison? 9. What was
-the cup-bearer's dream? 10. What was the baker's dream? 11. What did
-Joseph say the cup-bearer's dream meant? 12. What did the baker's dream
-mean? 13. What happened? 14. What had Joseph asked of the cup-bearer?
-15. Did he remember?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus23">
-<img src="images/fig47.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">POURING OUT A DRINK OFFERING.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c7"><span class="oldeng">Seventh Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>JOSEPH'S BROTHERS.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"We are verily guilty concerning our brother."&mdash;<i>Genesis 42:21.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap6" src="images/fig48.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">JOSEPH did not always stay in prison, for God gave him
-wisdom to tell the king of Egypt that his dreams had
-meant that there were going to be first seven years of
-very fine harvests, and then seven years would come
-of no harvests at all. So the king took him out of
-prison, and made him a great lord; and he set to work
-to buy the corn that was over and above what people
-wanted to eat in the years of plenty, that he might
-store it up against the years when the corn would not
-grow.</p>
-
-<p>So when the bad harvest began, Joseph had plenty
-of corn, and he sold it for the king to all who wanted
-it. The famine was not only in Egypt, but in all the
-countries round; and by-and-by Joseph saw, among
-the people that came to buy, ten of his own brothers&mdash;the
-same who had sold him for a slave.</p>
-
-<p>He knew them, for they still looked like shepherds; but they
-did not know him, for he had grown from a youth to a man, and
-was dressed like an Egyptian lord; and he would not seem to
-know them, though he wanted much to know what had become of
-his old father and his little brother Benjamin. He made as if he
-thought they were enemies, come to see if Egypt could be conquered
-when it was so bare of food.</p>
-
-<p>Then they told him who they were; that they were all one
-man's sons, and that one brother they had lost; the other was left<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>
-with his father, who could not bear to part with him. Joseph
-would not seem to believe this, and said he must keep one of them
-in prison, while he sent the rest back to fetch their youngest
-brother, or else he could not believe them.</p>
-
-<p>Then, when fear and trouble came on them, they began to
-think how ill they had used their lost brother Joseph; and they
-said to each other, "We are verily guilty concerning our brother."
-Joseph heard them, and could hardly bear it; but still he kept to
-his plan. He kept Simeon a prisoner, that he might be sure of the
-others coming back, and sent them home to fetch Benjamin. But
-he would not have any of the money they had brought for the corn,
-and made his steward put it all back into the mouth of their sacks.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus24">
-<img src="images/fig49.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSEPH INTERPRETING PHARAOH'S DREAM.&mdash;Gen. 41:29, 30.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When they found this out as they went home, they were much
-afraid; and when they came home, their father was more afraid
-still. After the way they had used Joseph, he thought they had
-killed Simeon, and wanted to kill Benjamin. They spoke truth
-now, but he could not believe them; and he said he could not send<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>
-Benjamin, for if mischief should befall the lad, "then shall ye
-bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave."</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where was Joseph? 2. Why was he in prison? 3. What did God make
-him able to tell the king? 4. How many years was there to be much corn? 5.
-What was to be done with the corn? 6. Who managed the buying it? 7. When
-was the corn wanted? 8. Who came to buy corn? 9. Who did not come? 10.
-Why did not Joseph's brothers know him? 11. What did he make believe to
-think? 12. Whom did he tell them to fetch? 13. What did he give back to
-them? 14. What did their father say about Benjamin's going? 15. Why was
-he afraid to trust them with Benjamin? 16. What is the way to be believed?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"God Almighty give you mercy before the man."&mdash;<i>Genesis 43:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap4" src="images/fig50.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">JOSEPH'S brothers were soon obliged to go again and buy
-more corn in Egypt. Joseph had said they must bring
-the young brother they had told him of, or he should not
-believe their story; and when they said Benjamin must
-go, their father Jacob was greatly grieved, and showed
-how little he could trust them now, after the way they
-had behaved to Joseph. He would not have let Benjamin go at
-all if Judah had not promised to take the greatest care of him;
-and Judah could be trusted.</p>
-
-<p>The story is so beautiful, and so easy to understand in the
-Bible, that I hardly like to tell it in my own words. Only think of
-Joseph's heart being so full when he saw his own dear youngest
-brother, that he could not stay with him for his tears, and went
-away to weep in his chamber! And yet he still tried the brothers.
-He wanted to see if they still were envious of the one their father
-loved best; so he made his steward hide his cup in Benjamin's sack
-of corn, and then go after them, and pretend to think they had
-stolen it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>The sons of Jacob were no thieves, and they said the steward
-might search their sacks. They took them down and looked, and
-there was the cup in Benjamin's sack!</p>
-
-<p>They were all shocked; and the steward said that Benjamin
-must go back and be punished.</p>
-
-<p>How pleased they would have been long ago if such a misfortune
-had happened to Joseph! But now their hearts were
-changed, and they were shocked and grieved.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus25">
-<img src="images/fig51.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSEPH PROCLAIMED RULER OVER EGYPT.&mdash;Gen. 41:41, 43.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What had Joseph's brothers done to him? 2. What trouble did you hear
-last Sunday he was in? 3. But how did he behave? 4. And what had he come
-to be? 5. What had he stored up? 6. Who came to buy corn? 7. How many
-brothers came? 8. Which did not come? 9. Why did not Benjamin come? 10.
-Did the brothers know Joseph? 11. What did he tell them to do? 12. When
-he saw Benjamin, where did he go? 13. What did Joseph tell his steward to do?
-14. What did Joseph want to see? 15. How did the brothers behave this
-time?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"God did send me before you to preserve life."&mdash;<i>Genesis 45:5.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ALL the eleven sons of Jacob turned back in grief, and fear,
-and dismay, when Benjamin, the youngest brother,
-whom Judah had promised to bring safely back to their
-father, was found to have the silver cup of the lord of
-the land in his sack. How it came there they could not
-guess, but they knew that their father's heart would
-break if they came home and left Benjamin to be a slave.</p>
-
-<p>So they all came to the lord of the land; and Judah stood up
-before the strange, stern, princely man, and told him how much
-their old father loved this youngest son, and he would be sure to
-die if the lad did not come home safe. And then Judah begged to
-stay and be a slave in Egypt, instead of his brother Benjamin, for
-he said if mischief befell the lad his father would die, and that he
-could not bear to see.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus26">
-<img src="images/fig52.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSEPH MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN TO HIS BRETHREN.&mdash;Gen. 45:2.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>But when Judah so spake, the lord of the land sent all the
-lookers-on away, and wept aloud, and said that he was their own
-brother Joseph, whom they had sold so long ago. He would not
-let them be afraid; he embraced them all and wept for joy, and
-asked for his father. Then he told them not to grieve for what had
-gone before; for God had turned it all to good, and made him be
-the means of saving all their lives, by storing up the corn in Egypt.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus27">
-<img src="images/fig53.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSEPH MEETING HIS FATHER.&mdash;Gen. 46:29, 30.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And now they were to go home, and tell Jacob, their father,
-that Joseph was still alive, and was a great and powerful man;
-and they were to fetch old Jacob, their father, and their wives and
-their children, and all they had, and come to live with Joseph in
-Egypt, where he would take care of them.</p>
-
-<p>That was the way Joseph forgot all the ill his brothers had
-done to him, and forgave them, and loved them with all his heart.
-When the brothers came home, their father Jacob could scarcely
-believe such good news; but at last he said, "Joseph my son is yet
-alive, I will go to see him before I die."</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>And he came down to Egypt, and Joseph met him and fell
-on his neck and kissed him; and then there was joy indeed, joy as
-if Joseph had come back from the dead.</p>
-
-<p>So Jacob lived all the rest of his life in Egypt, and was happy
-with his son Joseph. God had given him another name, Israel,
-and his sons, and their sons after them, were always called the
-children of Israel.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Benjamin? 2. What was found in Benjamin's sack? 3. Who
-put it there? 4. What was going to be done to Benjamin? 5. Who spoke for
-him? 6. What did Judah ask? 7. Who did the lord of the land turn out to
-be? 8. How came Joseph to be in Egypt? 9. Why had his brothers not known
-him sooner? 10. How did he treat them? 11. Whom did he send for? 12.
-What did Jacob say? 13. Where did Jacob go to live? 14. Why was it very
-kind in Joseph to help his brothers? 15. Did he give back to them the harm
-they had done to him? 16. How could we do like Joseph?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus28">
-<img src="images/fig54.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">LEATHER BOTTLES.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c8"><span class="oldeng">Eighth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE CALL OF MOSES.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I have surely seen the affliction of My people."&mdash;<i>Exodus 3:7.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap12" src="images/fig55.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU heard how Joseph brought his father and
-brothers and their children to live in Egypt.
-Their children's children went on living there
-for many years, till they had come to be a
-great people, and were called the children of
-Israel; but then the King of Egypt grew cruel
-to them. He made them work very hard to
-make bricks and build towns for him; and
-what was still worse, he ordered that whenever a little boy was
-born to the children of Israel, he should be thrown into the river
-and drowned.</p>
-
-<p>One mother hid her little baby for three months, and when
-she could not hide him any longer, she put him into a little cradle
-of bulrushes covered over with pitch, to keep the water out, and
-let the cradle float on the river, leaving the little boy's sister to
-watch him. Presently a lady, no other than the daughter of the
-cruel king, came down to bathe in the river. She saw the little
-cradle, and had it brought to her. The little baby was crying, and
-the lady pitied him and took him home, to bring up for her own
-child. She wanted a nurse for him, and his sister fetched his own
-mother, and she became his nurse.</p>
-
-<p>His name was Moses, and we hear about him in the Lesson
-to-day. He was not living with the king's daughter now. The
-king had grown angry with him because he cared for his own
-people, and he had had to flee away and keep sheep in the wilderness.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig56.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MOSES AND THE TABLES OF THE LAW.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>And there he saw a great wonder. He saw a flame of fire
-in a bush, and yet the bush was not burnt. And God's voice spoke
-to him out of the fire that did not burn, and told him that the
-troubles of His people, the children of Israel, were to come to an
-end. God would save them from the cruel Egyptians; and Moses
-himself was to go and lead them out, and bring them to the good
-land that God had promised that Abraham's children should have
-for their own. Moses was to go and tell the King of Egypt that it
-was God's will that they should go. Moses was afraid at first, but
-God promised to help him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus29">
-<img src="images/fig57.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER FINDING MOSES.&mdash;Ex. 2:5, 6.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Moses? 2. Where was he put when he was a baby? 3. Why
-was he put on the river? 4. Who had said the little boys were to be drowned?
-5. Whose babies were they that were to be drowned? 6. What other cruel things
-did the King of Egypt do to the children of Israel? 7. Who were called the
-children of Israel? 8. What became of Moses in his bulrush cradle? 9. Who
-brought him up? 10. Did he stay with the king's daughter? 11. Whom did
-he care for? 12. What wonder did Moses see? 13. Who spoke to him? 14.
-What was God going to do for His people? 15. What land would he give them?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord?"&mdash;<i>Exodus 5:2.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap7" src="images/fig58.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">MOSES and his brother Aaron went and told Pharaoh
-God's message, that the people of Israel were to go
-away and worship Him. But Pharaoh said, "Who
-is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel
-go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel
-go." And he was more cruel to the children of
-Israel; he made them work harder and harder, and
-had them beaten if they did not do all the work that was set them.</p>
-
-<p>They had to make bricks of clay mixed with straw; and, to
-punish them, Pharaoh said that they should have no straw given
-to them for their work, but that they must find it for themselves;
-and yet he required of them just as many bricks as they had had
-to make before. Then they cried out and were angry, and fancied
-Moses had brought all this trouble on them, by asking for them
-to go. They were very miserable, and said they wished they had
-never listened to Moses, for he had only made them worse off
-instead of better.</p>
-
-<p>Aaron was a better speaker than Moses, and God had said
-he should help him, and that, when God told Moses anything,
-Aaron should speak it to the people. So the two brothers stood
-telling the Israelites to bear it a little longer, and then it would
-be all well and over, and they would get away from making the
-bricks in Egypt to the beautiful country.</p>
-
-<p>They could not remember it themselves, but some of their
-fathers' grandfathers had been little boys when they came, and
-could tell them that it was a country not all flat, with only one
-river in it, like Egypt, but full of steep hills and green valleys,
-with bright streams running along in them, and thick woods on
-some of the slopes, and others laid out in gardens and vineyards.
-There were so many cows in the pastures, and in the wild rocks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
-and hollow trees so many bees' nests, that it was called a land
-flowing with milk and honey.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus30">
-<img src="images/fig59.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE ISRAELITES MADE TO WORK HARD IN EGYPT.&mdash;Ex. 1:13, 14.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Should not the Israelites have liked to hear of such a place
-as this? But no, they were too dull to care. They thought more
-of whether they should get a leek or a melon to eat at supper, than
-of all the lovely land far away. Do you know, people are very like
-that when they care for <i>now</i> more than <i>by-and-by</i>. If we want
-just what pleases us to-day, instead of caring for what will be
-good for us as we grow older, we are just like the Israelites, who
-would not attend to Moses or to God.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Pharaoh? 2. Who were the children of Israel? 3. Who had
-been sent to call them? 4. What did Pharaoh say to Moses? 5. How did he
-use the Israelites? 6. What would he not give them? 7. Who was Moses'
-brother? 8. What was Aaron to do for Moses? 9. Who spoke to Moses? 10.
-Who told the people what God said to Moses? 11. What kind of place did God
-promise? 12. What did Moses say it flowed with? 13. Why? 14. Did the
-Israelites care? 15. Why not? 16. When are we like them? 17. Which
-should we care for most, <i>now</i> or <i>by-and-by</i>?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I will redeem you with a stretched out arm."&mdash;<i>Exodus 6:6.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE Israelites were very unhappy, for Pharaoh was very
-cruel to them, and they thought it all Moses' fault.
-But Moses told them that they would be saved, and
-that God was going to show them His power, so that
-they might always remember what He had done for
-them, and how He punished Pharaoh, who would not
-obey Him.</p>
-
-<p>Then God made His power to be known; so that Pharaoh and
-the children of Israel might both learn who is the great Lord of
-heaven and earth, who must be obeyed. First, Moses stretched
-out his rod, and all the water in the river turned into blood. For
-seven days it was all one red dreadful stream of blood; and when
-Moses held out his rod again it turned back into pure water. But Pharaoh
-hardened his heart again, and would not let the people go.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus31">
-<img src="images/fig60.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">AARON'S ROD CHANGED TO A SERPENT.&mdash;Ex. 7:10.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Then God sent a multitude of frogs, that came into all the
-houses and bed-rooms, and on the tables and everywhere. Pharaoh
-could not bear to have these creatures everywhere, and said if the
-frogs would but go away he would let the children of Israel go.
-Moses prayed to God, and all the frogs died; but Pharaoh only
-hardened his heart again, and would not let the people go.</p>
-
-<p>Next, God sent lice, disgusting unclean creatures, most horrible
-to the Egyptians, who could not bear anything dirty; but
-Pharaoh did not care. Then came swarms of flies, buzzing, stinging,
-and tormenting; and Pharaoh said he would allow the Israelites
-to go, so the flies were taken away; but no sooner were they
-gone than he went back again to his obstinacy, and would not let
-the people go.</p>
-
-<p>He was trying to fight against God, and so came these terrible
-miseries on him. If people will not do better after being punished,
-worse and worse is sure to come on them.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How did God punish Pharaoh? 2. What four plagues have I told you of
-to-day? 3. Why did these dreadful things happen? 4. Did Pharaoh care for
-them? 5. Why did he not mind them? 6. What happens to those who do not
-mind being punished?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig61.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c9"><span class="oldeng">Ninth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE PLAGUES OF EGYPT.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"There is none like Me in all the earth."&mdash;<i>Exodus 9:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap4a" src="images/fig62.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU remember that when God spoke to
-Moses out of the burning bush, it was to
-tell him that he should lead the children
-of Israel away from the people in Egypt,
-who were so unkind to them.</p>
-
-<p>But Pharaoh, the King of Egypt,
-said that they should not go; he could not
-spare them, and he did not care for God's
-message to him. Then God punished
-Pharaoh that he might let them go. Ten
-times God punished him, and you hear about three of the punishments
-to-day.</p>
-
-<p>First, how the sheep and cows, that the Egyptians worshipped
-like gods, fell sick and died, but still Pharaoh did not
-care; then how the people all had sores and boils that made them
-very ill, but still Pharaoh did not care; and then how there was
-a terrible storm, thunder and lightning, and rain and hail&mdash;such
-big hailstones as killed the men and cattle that were out in the
-fields, and lightning that struck them, and wind that broke every
-tree in the field.</p>
-
-<p>No wonder that Pharaoh was frightened, and begged that
-the storm might cease, and said that then he would let the Israelites
-go. So Moses prayed to God, and the thunder left off, there
-was no more hail, and it was all still again. But when the thunder<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
-was over Pharaoh grew wicked again, and left off caring, and
-said the Israelites should not go. And thus God went on being
-angry with him, till at last he came to a terrible end.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus32">
-<img src="images/fig63.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS.&mdash;Ex. 10:12.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>I am afraid some children are a little like Pharaoh when they
-get sulky, and say "I won't," and if they are punished, still they
-won't&mdash;they think nobody shall force them, and they make themselves
-hard that they may not do what they are told. It is very
-sad, for this hardness is very wrong, and you see how angry God
-was with this king for being obstinate. Pray to God to help you
-not to harden your heart, but to teach you to obey. And do not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
-forget and do the same thing again when the punishment is over,
-or it will have done you no good, and you will have to be punished
-worse next time.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did God desire Pharaoh to do? 2. Who spoke God's words to
-Pharaoh? 3. But what did Pharaoh say? 4. Who was Pharaoh? 5. Who
-was Moses? 6. What was done to Pharaoh? 7. Did he mind? 8. Tell me
-the three plagues we hear of to-day. 9. How many plagues were there in all?
-10. What happened in the thunder-storm? 11. What did Pharaoh say when he
-was frightened? 12. So what left off? 13. But did he let the people go? 14.
-What fault in some children is the same as Pharaoh's? 15. What ought they do?
-16. Who can help them to fight their obstinate temper? 17. But how must they
-get God's help?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children
-of Israel go."&mdash;<i>Exodus 10:20.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WORSE troubles are sure to come when people have
-not taken warning by what was sent them before.
-Pharaoh had not minded seven dreadful plagues,
-so now God sent another. He sent locusts. These
-were creatures like great grasshoppers. They
-came in swarms and clouds, and ate up every green
-leaf and blade of grass, and made all the earth brown and the
-trees dry sticks, so that there was nothing left for man or beast
-to eat. Then Pharaoh gave way a little, and said he would let the
-men go, but that their wives and children must stay; and he
-would not hear a word more, but had Moses and Aaron driven out
-from before him.</p>
-
-<p>Then God bade Moses to hold up his hand to Heaven. And
-darkness came on. It was dark all day&mdash;and with "darkness
-that might be felt;" not like night, but such black darkness that
-no fire or candle could give light, and no one dared to move about;
-but the Egyptians lay still in their places, full of horror and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
-terror, for three whole days. But all the time it was light among
-the Israelites&mdash;the sun rose and set as usual; and thus God
-showed that they were His people.</p>
-
-<p>Then Pharaoh said that he would let them go&mdash;men, women
-and children, only he must keep all their cattle; and when Moses,
-speaking God's words, said that the cattle must go too, and not a
-hoof be left behind, Pharaoh made his heart hard again, and
-drove out Moses, saying the people should not go, and that Moses
-should never see his face again.</p>
-
-<p>And Moses said, "Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face
-again no more."</p>
-
-<p>So ended the last hope for Pharaoh. He was never to have
-another chance of bending his will and doing as God told him.
-Oh, let us take care not to be like him!</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How many plagues of Egypt were there? 2. Tell me which had happened?
-3. What are the two plagues of this lesson? 4. What are locusts? 5. What
-harm do locusts do? 6. Who did Pharaoh say might go? 7. Whom would he
-not let go? 8. What plague came then? 9. What made the darkness so horrible?
-10. How long did it last? 11. Who were not in the dark? 12. What did
-Pharaoh say then? 13. What did he want to keep back? 14. And how did he
-then change? 15. What did he say to Moses? 16. How did Moses answer?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"He smote all the first-born in Egypt."&mdash;<i>Psalm 78:51.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER the nine sad plagues that had come upon the
-Egyptians&mdash;the blood for water, the frogs, the lice, the
-flies, the cattle plague, the boils, the hail, the locusts,
-the darkness&mdash;there was to be still one plague more,
-the last and worst. That would make the Egyptians
-let the people of Israel go, so they must be ready.</p>
-
-<p>There should be a terrible night. God's holy angel would
-pass over the whole land of Egypt that night, and in each house<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
-of the Egyptians he would slay the eldest son of the family. No
-one would be spared: Pharaoh's eldest son, the young prince, and
-the very poorest person's son. They had killed the little Israelite
-babies, so God would punish them by killing their children. None
-of the Israelites should lose their children; only there was one
-thing for them to do.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus33">
-<img src="images/fig64.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE FEAST OF THE PASSOVER.&mdash;Ex. 12:11-14.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>They were that night to sup on a lamb, and, with some of the
-blood of the lamb, they were to make a mark on the door-post.
-Where that mark was the angel would pass over and do no one any
-hurt; but the people would be blest and set free, because they
-believed God, and did as He bade them.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How many plagues of Egypt were there? 2. Say them over. 3. What
-were they all for? 4. Who would not let them go? 5. What was the last plague?
-6. Who were to die? 7. Why did the Egyptians deserve to lose their children?
-8. Who would slay them? 9. Whom would the angel spare? 10. How were
-the Israelites to mark their houses? 11. With what blood? 12. What were
-they to do with the lamb?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c10"><span class="oldeng">Tenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE PASSOVER.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"There was not a house in which there was not one dead."&mdash;<i>Exodus 12:30.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap1" src="images/fig65.jpg"  alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THIS is our own gladdest Sunday in all the
-year, and we read of the Israelites
-being glad too&mdash;glad upon the very
-Sunday that answered to this, thousands
-of years ago. On this Sunday,
-of all those thousands of years, there
-has been joy and gladness and thanking
-God. And why? It was because all
-the troubles in Egypt were over, and
-God brought the Israelites out safe.</p>
-
-<p>There was one thing they had to
-do first, though; Moses bade them do
-it, as God commanded him. Every
-family was to take a lamb, and it was
-to be killed and roasted whole in the
-evening, and some of its blood was to be marked upon the door-post
-of the house, and then all the family were to stand round the
-table, all ready dressed for a journey, and eat it as fast as they
-could, late at night.</p>
-
-<p>And while all the families, fathers and mothers and children,
-stood up eating the lamb in this strange way, there came a great
-shout and cry. God had sent His angel to punish the cruel Egyptians;
-and every house where there was no mark of blood on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>
-door-post had some one dead in it, and that dead person was the
-eldest or first-born son.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus34">
-<img src="images/fig66.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN OF EGYPT.&mdash;Ex. 12:29.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>There was a great cry, for there was death everywhere, from
-the son of Pharaoh who sat on his throne down to the child of
-the poorest slave; and even the first-born cattle died too, because
-the Egyptians used to worship them; but wherever there was the
-blood on the door-post the angel passed over, and the eldest son
-was safe. Then cruel King Pharaoh was sorry and afraid at
-last, and said that the people who brought such trouble on him
-should go where they liked.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Why are we glad to-day? 2. Why were the Israelites glad to-day? 3.
-Where were the Israelites living? 4. What hard work had they to do? 5.
-Who said they should come out? 6. Who would not let them go? 7. What
-did God tell the Israelites to eat? 8. How were they to be dressed while they
-ate it? 9. What were they to do with the blood? 10. Who was going to pass
-over the land that night? 11. What did the angel do where he did not see any
-blood on the door-post? 12. Who were frightened then? 13. What did the
-Egyptians wish then?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover."&mdash;<i>Exodus 12:27.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN the King of Egypt said the Israelites might go
-they were all up and dressed, quite ready and
-only waiting, and off they set. No more making
-of bricks, no more slaving for the Egyptians, no
-more drowning of babies! They were free! and
-God was going to lead them to the beautiful country
-that long ago He had said He would give them.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus35">
-<img src="images/fig67.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">EGYPTIAN JUDGMENT SCENE.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And so, to put them in mind how they were saved from the
-Egyptians, God bade them on the same day in each year to kill
-a lamb and roast it, and put the blood on the door-post, and eat
-the lamb all standing round the table, dressed as if they were
-going for a journey, that they might never forget how God had
-made them free. This was called the Passover, because the angel
-passed over the houses where the blood was marked over the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
-door. And God came in a pillar of cloud to show them the way
-they should go.</p>
-
-<p>Our blessed Lord was crucified when He had come to the
-Feast of the Passover many years after. You know He was like
-a lamb, He was so pure and gentle; and His Blood saves us, as
-that lamb's blood did the Israelites, and sets us free from the
-power of the devil. So we still keep the feast of being set free,
-on this happy Easter Sunday, when we recollect that Christ was
-slain for our sins, but that He rose again from the dead, and
-liveth for evermore.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did Pharaoh say that the Israelites might do? 2. What made him
-let them go at last? 3. Who were set free? 4. What were the Israelites to do
-every year? 5. What was this eating the lamb called? 6. Why was it called
-the Passover? 7. Why were the Israelites glad? 8. Who set us free? 9.
-What did our Lord do as on this day? 10. In what is He like a lamb? 11.
-So what did we say in the Easter Anthem to-day? 12. How did God lead them?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of
-the sea."&mdash;<i>Exodus 14:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ALL the Egyptians were weeping over their dead first-born
-sons, and the Israelites were set free, and going
-gladly out and away from their hard masters.</p>
-
-<p>But Pharaoh's hard heart turned again, and he
-got all his chariots and horsemen together, and went
-after the children of Israel to drive them back to Egypt.
-And when he came in sight of them, there they were all upon the
-shore of the sea called the Red Sea. They could not go on, for the
-sea was straight before them; they could not go back, for the
-Egyptians were behind. They were sore afraid. But God spoke
-to Moses and told him not to fear. They had only to stand still
-and see how God would save them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>And God Himself showed that He was with them, for the
-pillar of cloud went behind them, instead of before, and made it
-dark to the Egyptians, but gave light by night to the Israelites:
-so the Egyptians could not get near them all night.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus36">
-<img src="images/fig68.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">PHARAOH'S HOST DESTROYED IN THE RED SEA.&mdash;Ex. 14:30, 31.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then God bade Moses stretch out his rod over the sea. And
-then there was a great wonder. The waves of the sea parted,
-and stood up on each side in a heap, and in between there was a
-wide open space, where the children of Israel might walk safely
-dry-shod, through the very midst of the sea. Through it they
-went, men, women, and children, through the depths of the sea,
-with the waves standing still on each side of them.</p>
-
-<p>Pharaoh saw that they were all gone over. He chose to
-follow after them. But when his host was in the midst, the
-sea returned in its strength again and came down on the Egyptians,
-and every one of them was drowned&mdash;"they sank like lead
-in the mighty waters"&mdash;and the Israelites were freed from their
-enemies, quite away from all their trouble and all their slavery;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
-and they sang hymns of joy to God, who had been so good to them
-and now had set them free.</p>
-
-<p>And we read about them being set free because this is the
-great Easter Day when we give thanks to our Blessed Lord for
-having set us free.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What last plague had come on Egypt? 2. Who had set off to leave Egypt?
-3. But what did Pharaoh do? 4. What was before the Israelites? 5. What was
-behind? 6. Where did the pillar of cloud go? 7. How were the Egyptians cut
-off from them? 8. What wonder did God work? 9. Where did the Israelites
-go over? 10. Who came after them? 11. What became of the Egyptians? 12.
-Who were free? 13. Who had made them free?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig69.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c11"><span class="oldeng">Eleventh Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE GAINSAYING OF KORAH.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord will show who are His and who is holy."&mdash;<i>Numbers 16:5.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig70.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN the Israelites came out of Egypt
-they had a long journey to go, through
-a dreary, lonely wilderness. Moses
-and his brother Aaron led them; and
-God took care of them, and fed them,
-and kept them safe.</p>
-
-<p>But there were some wicked men,
-named Dathan and Abiram, who were
-tired of the wilderness, and were angry
-at having Moses for their leader and
-master, though God had made him lead
-them, and had done so much for them.
-They said they were as good as Moses,
-and that he should not be their prince.
-They did not care for God having spoken by him.</p>
-
-<p>Their end was so very dreadful that I can hardly tell it to
-you. God would not let them rise up against His servant Moses;
-and when they would not listen nor repent He made the earth
-open under their feet, and they went down alive, and were
-swallowed up in the pit before the eyes of all the other Israelites;
-and so they died the most terrible death anyone ever died. It
-was because they set themselves up against Moses, whom God
-had placed over them, that He was so angry with them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Remember God has set people over us: there are our fathers
-and mothers, and our clergymen and teachers; and it is our duty
-to obey them, as He tells us in the Fifth Commandment. If we
-are proud and saucy it is very wrong of us. It is not likely that
-we should be so dreadfully punished in this life as Dathan and
-Abiram were; but their horrible death should make us remember
-that God is very angry with those that will not try to obey those
-that have the rule over them, and set themselves up to be bold
-and proud, and to say they do not care.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus37">
-<img src="images/fig71.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">AARON AND HUR HOLDING UP THE HANDS OF MOSES.&mdash;Ex. 17:11.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. What is the explanation of it in the
-Duty to our Neighbor? 3. Who was set over the Israelites by God? 4. Where
-had he brought them from? 5. Where was he leading them to? 6. How should
-they have behaved to him? 7. What bad men were there among them? 8.
-Whom did they not care for? 9. What did they say? 10. Why was it very
-wicked of Dathan and Abiram not to obey Moses? 11. What terrible end did they
-come to? 12. Why was God angry with Dathan and Abiram? 13. What makes
-Him angry? 14. Whom did you say He had set over you? 15. Then how
-must you behave to your parents and clergymen and teachers?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"And seek ye the priesthood also?"&mdash;<i>Numbers 16:10.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN God gave the Commandments upon Mount
-Sinai, He chose that Aaron, Moses' brother, and
-his sons should be His priests. A priest had to
-offer up the sacrifices to God, and to burn incense
-to Him. Incense is made of dried plants and gums
-that have a sweet smell when they are burnt.</p>
-
-<p>The priests had brazen urns with holes at the top, and chains
-to hold them by, and when the smoke of the incense went up it
-was just as our prayers rise up to God in heaven. There were
-other people called Levites, who had to take care of the holy things
-that were used in God's service, but only the priests might offer
-sacrifices or incense.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus38">
-<img src="images/fig72.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">KORAH AND HIS ASSOCIATES SWALLOWED UP.&mdash;Num. 16:31-33.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Now one of these Levites, named Korah, wanted to do more.
-He was angry, and said everybody was holy, and that Aaron<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>
-took too much on himself. Now it was not Aaron who made himself
-priest, but God had made him so. Therefore it was wrong
-in Korah; but there were two hundred and fifty men whom he
-persuaded to come and get censers, and offer incense to the Lord
-as if they had been priests. But because they did it in pride and
-self-will God was angry with them, and His fire burst out and
-scorched them all to death! It was only the men themselves that
-died, not their wives or children; and Korah's family after him
-were better than he was, and used to sing God's praises in the
-Psalms.</p>
-
-<p>But they always recollected that no one who was not a priest
-might offer sacrifice or burn incense before God.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What had a priest to do? 2. What was a sacrifice? 3. What was incense?
-4. What was it burnt in? 5. Who only might offer sacrifice and incense? 6.
-Who was the right priest? 7. How came Aaron to be priest? 8. Who wanted
-to offer incense? 9. What did Korah say? 10. How many came with him?
-11. What did they try to do? 12. What happened to the two hundred and fifty?
-13. Why were they punished? 14. What became of Korah's children? 15.
-Who are our priests? 16. How were they made priests? 17. What may they
-alone do?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth
-buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds."&mdash;<i>Numbers 17:8.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE high-priest, whom God chose, had to offer sacrifices
-to Him. That was, the priest slew a lamb, or a goat,
-or a bullock, by the altar, and gave it to God. It was
-to show that the Son of God would come and die to
-take away sin. Now He has come and died, we have
-left off killing creatures in sacrifice, and only make
-remembrance over again of His sacrifice in the sacrament of the
-Lord's Supper.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>The high-priest used to wear a beautiful dress. He had a
-mitre on his head, with a gold plate on it, and the words, "Holiness
-unto the Lord;" and he had a blue, red, and white robe, embroidered
-with gold, and round the hem little gold bells and pomegranates.
-He had a curious scarf called an ephod, and a beautiful
-breast-plate made of twelve precious stones, each with the name of
-one of the twelve tribes of Israel engraven on it.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus39">
-<img src="images/fig73.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">AARON'S ROD THAT BUDDED.&mdash;Num. 17:8, 9.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>God said He would show who should be His priest. So He
-bade Moses desire the chief man in each tribe to bring a dry rod
-or staff, and lay them up all night in the Holy Place. The one
-whose rod began to grow as if it was still on the tree should be
-the high-priest. When the twelve men went to look in the morning,
-eleven rods were dry sticks still, but one had put out green
-leaves and pink buds, and white blushing flowers, like almond
-blossoms. It was Aaron's rod; and this was the way God let the
-children of Israel know that Aaron and his sons, and grandsons
-after him, were always to be priests.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was a priest? 2. What had he to do? 3. What was a sacrifice?
-4. How was it offered? 5. What creatures were killed? 6. Where were they
-put? 7. What was this to make the children of Israel think of? 8. Why don't
-we kill sacrifices now? 9. Who has been sacrificed? 10. What did the high-priest
-wear on his head? 11. What color was his dress? 12. How was it edged?
-13. What was on his breast? 14. What did God say He would show? 15.
-What were twelve men to bring? 16. Where were the rods put? 17. What
-was to show who should be priest? 18. What were the eleven rods like in the
-morning? 19. But how did one look? 20. Whose was it? 21. What, then,
-was Aaron to be?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus40">
-<img src="images/fig74.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE HOLY PLACE.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c12"><span class="oldeng">Twelfth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-
-
-<p class="bit c">"Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God."&mdash;<i>Deut. 6:16.</i></p>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap9" src="images/fig75.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">I TOLD you what sort of place a desert is, and how
-full it is of stones, and rocks, and sand, and with
-no water in it. Do you remember how thirsty Ishmael
-was in the desert, and how God heard the
-voice of the lad, and sent an angel to lead his mother
-to a well of water?</p>
-
-<p>When the Israelites had come out of the land
-of Egypt, they were in a terrible wilderness. Mount
-Sinai stood up in the midst, and all round were great
-rocks of red and black marble, all dry and parched
-with the hot sun shining on them.</p>
-
-<p>The Israelites grew very hot and sadly thirsty, but they did
-not pray as Ishmael had done. They grew angry, and said, "Is
-the Lord among us or no?" Do you not think they deserved that
-God should show whether He was among them by punishing them
-for grumbling? That was the way they tempted God. But He
-was so good and merciful that He pitied them; and He bade Moses
-to take his rod, and go to the bare, dry rock, and strike it. And
-when Moses struck the rock, God made a beautiful, fresh, clear
-spring of water come pouring out of it, so that all the people,
-and all their cows, and sheep, and goats, and camels, could drink
-and be refreshed.</p>
-
-<p>Was not that a great wonder? and was not God very kind to
-them, though they were not good? But you see God was near to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>
-help them all the time, and it was very sad that they grumbled
-instead of praying. Do not be like them. If a thing is hard to
-bear, don't murmur and grumble about it, but pray, and then you
-will get help. Either the vexing thing will go away, or you will
-leave off minding it.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus41">
-<img src="images/fig76.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MOSES BRINGING WATER FROM THE ROCK.&mdash;Ex. 17:6.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where had the Israelites come from? 2. Who was leading them? 3. What
-kind of place did they get into? 4. What is a desert like? 5. What was the
-mountain in the midst of the desert? 6. What cannot be found in the desert?
-7. Who was the lad that was thirsty there before? 8. What did Ishmael do
-when he was thirsty? 9. But what did the Israelites do? 10. What did they
-say? 11. What would have served them right? 12. But did God punish them?
-13. What did he tell Moses to take? 14. What did Moses strike? 15. What
-came out of the rock? 16. What made the water come out of the rock? 17.
-Was it not very good of God to give them water? 18. What ought they to have
-done? 19. What should you do when a thing is hard? 20. Is it not very
-naughty to grumble?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of
-man be lifted up."&mdash;<i>John 3:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ONE great fault of the Israelites was that they had no
-patience. The moment they saw anything troublesome
-or difficult, they began to cry out, and say they
-could not get on, and it was very hard on them.
-Now it is very wrong ever to say God is very hard
-upon us, for we may be sure He is doing what is best
-for us. There was one stony, hot, steep part of the
-journey still to come, and when the Israelites saw it they forgot
-how often God had helped them, and cried out, and lamented, and
-complained of Him and of Moses.</p>
-
-<p>So again they were punished, for the little shining snakes
-that live there came in numbers, darting at them and biting them,
-so that the bite burnt like fire, and they died. Then they cried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>
-out to God and were sorry, and He told Moses of a wonderful way
-to cure them. Moses was to melt up some brass and make a great
-serpent, like the little ones that bit them, and set it up on a pole.
-Then if anyone who was bitten would come at once and look up at
-the brazen serpent, his bite would get well, and he would not
-die of it.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus42">
-<img src="images/fig78.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BRAZEN SERPENT.&mdash;Num. 21:31.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>This was a miracle&mdash;a wonder. And it was to teach the
-Israelites something, and us too. For you know our Blessed Lord
-hung on the cross, as the serpent hung on the pole; and when our
-souls are in danger of dying of sin, we must think of Him, and
-look to Him in faith, and He will save us from being punished for
-our sin, and keep our souls from dying.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What sort of place had the Israelites to go over? 2. How did they like it?
-3. What did they do? 4. Why ought they not to have cried out? 5. Who had
-been taking care of them? 6. So how did God punish them? 7. What happened
-when the serpents bit them? 8. What were they sorry for? 9. So what was
-Moses to make? 10. Where did he put the brazen serpent? 11. What were
-they to do if they were bit? 12. What cured them? 13. Who hung upon the
-cross? 14. What does He cure our souls of?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna,
-which thou knewest not."&mdash;<i>Deut. 8:3.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THIS morning you heard how God gave the children of
-Israel water to drink in the wilderness. Now you
-shall hear what He gave them to eat. The ground
-was all hard stones. There was grass which the cows
-and sheep could eat, and there were a few trees with
-long sharp thorns, but no fruit on them, and no corn
-to make bread; and soon the people were very hungry, and began
-to cry out that they did not know what would become of them.</p>
-
-<p>But God was not going to forget them. When they rose up
-in the morning, the fresh dew lay on the grass, and all about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
-in the dew were little white things that tasted like wafers made
-with honey. This was called manna, and God had sent it from
-heaven for them to eat.</p>
-
-<p>Every morning on week days there it was, and they had all
-to come out and pick it up. But they must get up early to gather
-it, for when the sun was hot it would melt away. And they could
-not keep it&mdash;it grew bad and was not fit to use the next day;
-but there was always just enough for everybody to have all they
-wanted. There was only one day in each week that more came
-down, and that was the day before the Sabbath-day, which they
-had instead of Sunday. Then each one could get twice as much
-as could be eaten in one day, and it did not spoil so fast. For on
-the Sabbath-day God would have them rest, and so no manna was
-to be found anywhere, so that they might learn to keep the Fourth
-Commandment&mdash;Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus43">
-<img src="images/fig79.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little"><span class="floatl">PRIEST</span><span class="floatc">HIGH-PRIEST</span><span class="floatr">LEVITE</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<p>All the time they stayed in the wilderness, the sweet white
-manna lay on the grass in the morning for them to pick it up&mdash;twice
-as much on the sixth day of the week, and on the Sabbath-day
-none at all. Was not that very good of God?</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were the Israelites? 2. What had they to drink in the wilderness?
-3. What else did they want? 4. Why could they not get bread? 5. What did
-God give them instead? 6. What was the manna like? 7. Where did it lie?
-8. When was the manna on the grass? 9. Who were to eat it? 10. Who sent
-it? 11. What became of it in hot sunshine? 12. Would it keep? 13. What
-was the day when it could be kept? 14. How much came down the day before
-the Sabbath? 15. What might not be done on the Sabbath? 16. What is the
-Fourth Commandment? 17. So why did they get twice as much manna the day
-before? 18. When did no manna come? 19. What day have we instead of the
-Sabbath?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig80.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c13"><span class="oldeng">Thirteenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>BALAAM AND BALAK.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed."&mdash;<i>Numbers 22:12.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig81.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was a prophet called Balaam. A
-prophet means a man to whom God
-made His will known, and who was thus
-much wiser than other men. This prophet
-one day saw some rich great men come to
-his house. They brought him a message,
-that a king named Balak wanted him to
-come with them, and would give him great
-rewards for coming. Balaam said he must
-wait for one night, and God would make
-known to him what he was to do. And at night God told him he
-was not to go; for what Balak wanted of him was to curse the
-children of Israel, and God would not have them cursed. So
-Balaam said he must not go, and the messengers went away.</p>
-
-<p>But Balak sent more princes, still grander men, with larger
-presents, to fetch Balaam. He answered, "If Balak would give
-me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word
-of the Lord my God, to do less or more." But he had not left off
-wishing. He begged the messengers to stay, and see if God would
-give him leave to go. And this time God did say he might go,
-but that he should not say anything about the Israelites but what
-God put in his mouth. Balaam knew that God was not pleased
-with him; but he wanted Balak's rewards, and he set off in the
-morning, riding on his ass.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Presently the ass was frightened, and turned out of the road
-into the field. Balaam was angry at this, and beat the ass. But
-again the ass turned aside in a narrow walled path, and squeezed
-Balaam's foot against the wall. He beat her again. Presently,
-in a very narrow road, the poor ass fell quite down for fear; and
-Balaam was very angry, and beat her harder.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus44">
-<img src="images/fig82.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">BALAAM MET BY THE ANGEL OF THE LORD.&mdash;Num. 22:31.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then God worked a wonder. He made the dumb ass to
-speak, and ask why he was so cruel to her. He answered that he
-only wished for a sword to kill her. The ass asked if she had ever
-been like this before. He said, No. And then, full before him,
-he saw God's holy angel with a sword in his hand. And he fell
-down on his face.</p>
-
-<p>The poor ass had seen the angel all the time; but Balaam
-could not see him till God made him able. And now he was afraid,
-and would have gone back; but the angel said he must go on now,
-though he would only be able to speak the words which God put
-in his mouth.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Think if, sometimes when you have been told you must not do
-something, you fret and teaze to do it&mdash;is not that like Balaam?
-And perhaps you teaze till some one gives you leave to do as you
-wish. Then you get quite cross with eagerness, and are unkind
-to all that hinders you; and, after all, you do not find that any
-good comes of getting your own way.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What is a prophet? 2. Who sent for Balaam? 3. What did God tell
-Balaam? 4. But what did Balaam wish? 5. How did he get leave to go at last?
-6. But who stood in his way? 7. Who saw the angel first? 8. What did
-Balaam do to the ass? 9. What wonder did God work? 10. What did the ass
-say? 11. Whom did Balaam see? 12. What did the angel tell him? 13.
-What had he been allowed to have? 14. Does good come of having our own way?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of
-Israel."&mdash;<i>Numbers 24:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was a king named Balak, whose land the Israelites
-were to pass through. They promised not to do
-any harm to him or his people, if they might go
-quietly through; but he was afraid and angry, and
-wanted to have them cursed, hoping to bring God's
-anger on them. That was a very wicked and foolish
-notion of King Balak's; and God would not let it bring harm upon
-His people. They had not deserved to have His anger called down
-on them, and so He would not be angry with them.</p>
-
-<p>And when Balak's friend Balaam tried to speak curses, God
-turned them all to blessings; and, instead of saying they should
-come to a terrible end, he could only say how happy and well off
-they should be, with God to take care of them, and be their King.
-He even went on to say that a Star should come out of Jacob, and
-a Sceptre should rise out of Israel&mdash;and that meant that our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
-Saviour should be born among them. He is called a Star, because
-He came to give us light; and you know a star showed the way to
-the place where He was born. And a sceptre is the rod a king
-carries in his hand. So when He was called the Sceptre, it meant
-that He should be a King.</p>
-
-<p>Only think how angry Balak was, when Balaam could not
-curse, but only blessed. I wish he had been afraid, and seen it
-was not God's will that he should hurt the Israelites; but instead
-of that, he went on in his wickedness, and was miserably killed
-at last; for God took care of His people, and would let no one do
-them any harm.</p>
-
-<p>Now, recollect, bad words and bad wishes do harm to the
-person that speaks them, not to those they are meant for. If a
-bad boy came and abused a steady one for going to church, or
-saying his prayers, it would be very bad for himself; but if the
-good boy kept on quietly, nothing that the other could say would
-hurt him one bit. God would take care of him as surely as He
-took care of the Israelites.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did Balak want? 2. Why did he want the Israelites to be cursed?
-3. Whom did he set to curse the Israelites? 4. But what did Balaam do instead?
-5. Why could he not curse them? 6. Who would not let him curse them? 7.
-Who was to be born among them? 8. What did Balaam call our Saviour? 9.
-Why was He like a star? 10. Why was He like a sceptre? 11. Could Balak
-hurt the Israelites? 12. Why not? 13. Whom do bad words hurt? 14. Ought
-we to mind them? 15. If anyone teazes you when you try to be good, must you
-leave off?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig83.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The people did eat, and bowed down to their gods."&mdash;<i>Numbers 25:2.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig36.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU heard how Balaam went to Balak; and how God made
-him bless the children of Israel when he wanted to curse
-them. But even this did not make Balaam good. He
-wanted Balak to give him a reward; and so he told him
-that though no harm could happen to the people of
-Israel while they were good and worshipped their God, yet if he
-could make them do something wicked, and turn away from their
-God, then God would be sure to punish them.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THE ISRAELITES INVITED TO A GREAT FEAST.</p>
-
-<p>So these two wicked men sent a number of women to invite
-the Israelites to hold a great feast with them, in honor of their
-idol Baal Peor. Many were so foolish and wicked as to be led
-away; and they had a great feasting and revelling, and all kinds
-of bad pleasures that these heathen women said were to do praise
-to this horrible false god. Then, though Balak might have cursed
-for ever without hurting them, they had done themselves the
-harm. God sent a deadly sickness, and in one day twenty-four
-thousand people died.</p>
-
-<p>But Phinehas, Aaron's grandson, did as Moses commanded
-him. He first put to death the wickedest of the people who had
-joined themselves to Baal Peor; and then he prayed&mdash;and all the
-people prayed and wept too. So God forgave them, and the plague
-ceased.</p>
-
-<p>Afterwards Phinehas led the Israelite fighting men to punish
-the wicked Balak and his people; and Balaam was killed in fighting
-with them. All the wicked women who had tempted the
-Israelites away from God were put to death too. So Balaam's evil
-counsel ended in all sorts of misery. It is very sad to think of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
-him, for he knew so well what was good, and yet did what was so
-very bad. But remember this, nobody could hurt God's people
-till they did wrong, and then they hurt themselves, and God punished
-them.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did Balak want to do? 2. How had Balak tried to hurt the children of
-Israel? 3. Why could not Balaam curse them? 4. What did Balaam think
-would be the way to hurt them? 5. Whom did he send to them? 6. Whom did
-the women persuade them to worship? 7. What did God send to punish them?
-8. How was the plague stopped? 9. How was Balaam punished? 10. Why
-was Balaam greatly to be blamed? 11. When could not Balaam hurt them? 12.
-When could he hurt them? 13. For who took care of them when they were good?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus45">
-<img src="images/fig84.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">HIGH PRIEST WITH SIN OFFERING.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c14"><span class="oldeng">Fourteenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE GIVING OF THE LAW.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thou heardest His words out of the midst of the fire."&mdash;<i>Deut. 4:36.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig85.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN the children of Israel had come out
-of Egypt, God had told Moses to lead
-them to the foot of Mount Sinai. This
-was a high steep rocky mountain in the
-wilderness. And God told Moses to set
-bounds round the mountain, so that
-nobody should come and touch it; and
-the people were to pray, and wait round
-it for the holy and awful thing that
-was to happen.</p>
-
-<p>Then there came on the hill-top a
-deep dark cloud, and the mountain was altogether
-on a smoke, and it shook and quaked, and there
-were lightnings and thunders and voices, and the
-sound of a trumpet loud and louder, so that all the
-people trembled. Then out of that cloud there came a voice
-speaking to them&mdash;a voice that they all could hear, and that made
-them afraid. For it was the voice of God. And God spoke out
-of the cloud, and gave the Ten Commandments. They were the
-very same Ten Commandments you say in the Catechism, and
-see written up in church.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus46">
-<img src="images/fig86.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">The Ten Commandments.<br />
-Thou shalt have no more Gods but me.<br />
-Before no idol bend the knee.<br />
-Take not the name of God in vain,<br />
-Nor dare the sabbath day profane.<br />
-Give both thy parents honor due,<br />
-Take heed that thou no murder do.<br />
-Abstain from words and deeds unclean<br />
-Nor steal, though thou art poor and mean.<br />
-Nor make a wilful lie, nor love it.<br />
-What is thy neighbor's dare not covet.
-</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>God had come in this terrible and awful manner to speak to
-them, that all Israel might hear and fear, and take care not to
-break them. Afterwards God gave these Ten Commandments
-to Moses, written upon two tables&mdash;or pieces of stone&mdash;written
-by God Himself. That was the way the Ten Commandments
-were given&mdash;by God's own voice speaking to men, out of the cloud,
-amid thunders and lightnings, and the sound of the trumpet,
-dreadful to hear.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus47">
-<img src="images/fig87.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MOSES RECEIVING THE TABLES OF THE LAW.&mdash;Ex. 31:18.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And God means us all to obey the Commandments, just as
-much as He meant the Israelites to obey them. They are His
-words, and must be kept; and if we ask Him in our prayers He
-will give us help and strength to obey them, so that we may fulfil
-the promise that was made at our baptism, that we should keep
-God's Holy Will and Commandments, and walk in the same unto
-our lives' end.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where had the children of Israel come from? 2. Who was leading them?
-3. Where did God tell Moses to take them? 4. What wonderful sight did they
-see on Mount Sinai? 5. What did they hear? 6. Who spoke out of the cloud?
-7. What did God speak? 8. How many Commandments? 9. Tell me the first
-of them. 10. On what did God write them? 11. To whom did He give them?
-12. When do you say them? 13. When did you promise to keep them? 14.
-What is keeping the Commandments? 15. How can you be helped to do as they
-tell you? 16. How must you ask for God's help?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst
-of fire."&mdash;<i>Deuteronomy 5:4.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN the lightning and thunder and the loud voice
-of the trumpet came forth from the cloud on Mount
-Sinai, and God had spoken the Ten Commandments,
-He called to Moses to come up and speak
-with Him in the cloud. How wonderful it must
-have been! Moses was the only man that ever
-spoke so near to God.</p>
-
-<p>God gave him two blocks of stone written with the Ten
-Commandments, written with God's own Finger. Then God told
-him to make a chest to keep them in. It was to be made of wood,
-with gold all over it; and two figures of cherubims were to be one
-on each side. This chest was to be called the Ark of the Covenant.
-And it was to be put into a square room, inside a tent, that was to
-be made with curtains, and carried about with the Israelites. It
-was to be called the Tabernacle. And this was to be a very holy
-place.</p>
-
-<p>The children of Israel would say their prayers in front of
-the Tabernacle; but they were not to go into the place where the
-Ark was, because they were sinful, and God is holy. That place
-was to be called the Holy of Holies, and no one might go near it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>
-but the Priests whom God chose, and set apart to lead His worship.</p>
-
-<p>The first High Priest was to be Moses' brother Aaron; and
-he was to wear a beautiful dress when he ministered before God&mdash;a
-high cap with "Holiness to the Lord" on it, a long embroidered
-robe, edged with gold bells and pomegranates, and a blue scarf
-crossed over her breast; and in the middle a breast-plate, made of
-twelve precious stones, each carved with the name of one of the
-twelve tribes of Israel, so that he might have them on his heart
-as he prayed to God. All this and much more God told Moses
-while he was on the mount.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus48">
-<img src="images/fig88.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MOSES DESTROYS THE TABLES OF THE LAW.&mdash;Ex. 32:19.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was given on Mount Sinai? 2. Who spoke the Commandments? 3.
-To whom did God give them? 4. What were they written on? 5. Who wrote
-them? 6. Where were they to be kept? 7. What was the chest like? 8. What
-was the chest called? 9. Where was Moses to put the chest? 10. What was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
-room called? 11. Who might go near the Holy of Holies? 12. Who was the
-first High Priest? 13. Who was Aaron? 14. What was Aaron to wear? 15.
-Why might not the people come near?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God."&mdash;<i>Deut. 7:9.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN Moses went up into the awful cloud upon
-Mount Sinai, he stayed there forty days.</p>
-
-<p>But all the Israelites below were impatient.
-They could not think what had become of Moses;
-and though they had so lately heard God's own
-Voice speaking to them, they would not wait as
-they had been told to do. They cried out that they wanted something
-instead of Moses, whom they had lost.</p>
-
-<p>So they took all their gold ear-rings and melted them, and
-made an image of a golden calf. And then these foolish wicked
-people began to feast and dance, and worship this golden idol.</p>
-
-<p>Moses was coming down Mount Sinai with the two Tables
-of the Commandments in his hands. And first he heard a shouting
-and singing; then he saw the people leaping and dancing, and
-the great golden idol standing in the midst. Then he was sure
-it was of no use to bring them the Commandments if they minded
-them no better. So he took the two tables of stone, and threw
-them out of his hand, and broke them to pieces.</p>
-
-<p>Then he went down, and severely punished the worst of the
-Israelites for having disobeyed the commandment. And he broke
-the golden calf to pieces, and ground it to powder.</p>
-
-<p>Then he went and prayed to God to forgive the people. God
-did forgive them, and let Moses bring two fresh tables of stone
-to be written with the Ten Commandments. But the first that
-they had lost were the tables God had given, and they could never
-have them back again!</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where was Moses gone? 2. What was God going to give him? 3. Who
-were left below? 4. What did the Israelites want? 5. What did they take off?
-6. What did they make of their ear-rings? 7. What is the Second Commandment?
-8. How did they break the Second Commandment? 9. What did Moses
-do to the Tables of the Law? 10. Why did he throw them down? 11. What
-did he do with the golden calf? 12. Where did he go then? 13. What did he
-do for the Israelites?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus49">
-<img src="images/fig89.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ANCIENT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c15"><span class="oldeng">Fifteenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE GIVING OF THE LAW.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, destroy not Thy
-people and Thine inheritance."&mdash;<i>Deut. 9:26.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap11" src="images/fig90.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">LAST Sunday you heard how sadly the people of
-Israel sinned by making the golden calf, while
-Moses was up in the mountain, and how he
-punished them.</p>
-
-<p>Then he said he would go and pray to
-God to forgive them, and try them again. So
-up he went over the rough rocks of Mount
-Sinai, and into the cloud again, where he had
-spoken with God before. And he prayed with
-all his might that God would not cast off His people, though they
-had been so wicked, but would give them again the Commandments
-on their tables of stone. And God listened to Moses, and
-promised to give them the Commandments again.</p>
-
-<p>Then Moses made a great request: he said to God, "I pray
-Thee, show me Thy glory." But God said, "Thou canst not see
-My Face, for there shall no man see Me and live." But Moses
-was to come up the mountain the next day, and bring with him
-two blocks of stone, and then God would let him see as much of
-His glory as he could bear.</p>
-
-<p>On the next day Moses went up the mountain again, and
-took with him the two tables of stone. And the Lord came down
-in the cloud; and Moses was in the cleft of the rock, where he
-could see a small part of the glory, and hear the Lord's Voice pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>claim
-before him, "The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious,
-long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Then
-indeed Moses bowed his head and worshipped. No man ever came
-so close to God as Moses, with whom God spoke face to face, as
-a man speaketh to his friend.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus50">
-<img src="images/fig91.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MOSES BRINGING THE NEW TABLES OF THE LAW.&mdash;Ex. 34:29-32.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Moses stayed forty days and forty nights up in the mountain.
-And God again wrote the Commandments upon the two tables of
-stone, and granted the Israelites to try again to keep them. When
-Moses came down from being in converse with God, the glory was
-still about his face. It was all shining like the sun, and was so
-bright that the Israelites could not fix their eyes on it; and he
-was obliged to put a veil over his face, because they could not bear
-to look at it. Was ever living man so favored, and brought into
-such glory?</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What wicked thing had the Israelites done? 2. Who prayed for their forgiveness?
-3. Where did Moses go to pray for their forgiveness? 4. Who forgave
-them? 5. What did Moses venture to ask God to show him? 6. But what can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
-no one do? 7. Where was Moses placed? 8. What passed by? 9. What voice
-did he hear? 10. How was Moses more honored than any man? 11. How long
-did he stay in the mountain? 12. What did God give him again? 13. How did
-his face look when he came down? 14. What did he do to hide his face? 15.
-How came his face to be so glorious?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him."&mdash;<i>Deut. 13:4.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN the Israelites came into the good land where
-they were going, they were to be very careful not
-to learn to worship idols. For idols were no gods
-at all&mdash;only wood and stone&mdash;and could not hear
-them pray, nor give them what they wanted.
-Besides, the people round them had very frightful
-ways of trying to please their false gods. They had one called
-Moloch, made of brass, and they used to offer poor little children
-up in sacrifice to him, and make a noise with drums and trumpets,
-that no one might hear their cries. There was another god called
-Baal, to whom they set up great images, and feasted in his honor;
-and a goddess, whom they called the queen of heaven, of Ashtoreth.
-Women used to offer cakes to her, and dance in honor of
-her, for they thought she sent the moon to shine on them.</p>
-
-<p>Now, the Israelites were not to worship any of these false
-gods. They were to remember how they heard the Only True God
-speaking to them out of the cloud upon the mountain, and telling
-them, "I am the Lord thy God: thou shalt have no other gods
-but Me." And God told them that if they would worship Him and
-serve Him, all should go well with them, and they should be happy
-and blessed. But if they went after these false idols, all would
-go ill with them, and there would be only sorrow and misery.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Say the First Commandment. 2. Say the Second. 3. What three idols did
-the people of the country worship? 4. What did they do in honor of Moloch?
-5. What did they do in honor of Baal? 6. What did they call Ashtoreth? 7.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>
-What did they think she sent them? 8. Who made the moon? 9. What would
-happen if the children of Israel worshipped God? 10. What would happen if
-they worshipped idols?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known My
-ways."&mdash;<i>Psalm 95:10.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER the Commandments were given the Israelites went
-on their journey. The Ark, or chest, where the Commandments
-on their two tables of stone were kept, was
-carried before them; and God still showed that He was
-with them, for He made a pillar of cloud by day and of
-fire by night go along with them, and rest on it.</p>
-
-<p>When they came near the land of Canaan, twelve men were
-sent on to see it. They came back, bringing such a great bunch of
-grapes that two had to carry it between them on a pole! But they
-said that the land was full of strong cities, and very strong men,
-and they should never be able to win it, but would all be killed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
-Only two men, Joshua and Caleb, recollected that there could be
-no fear, for God had promised to save them and bring them in.
-The others all cried, and said they would go back to Egypt, and
-threw stones at Moses and Aaron when they wanted to quiet them.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus51">
-<img src="images/fig92.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE SPIES RETURNING FROM CANAAN.&mdash;Num. 13:24-26.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then God showed His glory, and would have cut them all
-off in a moment if Moses had not prayed for them. But He said
-none of those who had said they would not go into the good land
-should go. They were to stay forty years longer in the dismal
-wilderness, till all the grown-up men, except Joshua and Caleb,
-should be dead, and their children be grown up in their stead.
-Then their children, who had learned to trust God and do as He
-bade, should be the ones to go in and live in the promised land.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How did the Israelites know which way to go in the wilderness? 2. What
-was the ark? 3. What was in it? 4. How did God show them His Presence?
-5. Whom did Moses send to look at the land? 6. What did these men bring
-back? 7. But what did they say of the country? 8. Who were afraid? 9.
-Why was it wrong to be afraid? 10. Who only were afraid? 11. What were
-the people ready to do? 12. How were they to be punished? 13. How long
-were they to stay in the wilderness? 14. Who would die? 15. Who would
-grow up to go in? 16. Who were the two good brave men? 17. What was
-promised to Joshua and Caleb?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus52">
-<img src="images/fig93.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little"><span class="floatl">TABLE OF SHEW-BREAD</span><span class="floatc">ARK</span><span class="floatr">GOLDEN CANDLESTICK</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c16"><span class="oldeng">Sixteenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE DEATH OF MOSES.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"They angered Him also at the waters of strife."&mdash;<i>Psalm 106:32.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig94.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER all the forty years in the wilderness,
-the children of Israel were quite
-close to their home in the promised
-land. There was only the river Jordan
-between them and the hills and valleys
-there. But Moses was not to go with
-them. Once when the people were crying
-out for more water, and God told
-him to command the stream to come
-out of the rock, Moses was so hot with
-anger that he did not attend. He said,
-"Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch
-you water out of this rock?" And he
-struck the rock with his rod, instead
-of speaking to it.</p>
-
-<p>The water came out as it had done before; but Moses had
-been so hasty that he had not thought how to obey God exactly,
-and so he was not to be allowed to lead the people in as a great
-warrior, lest he should fail again. God was not angry with him,
-but had forgiven him; only he had his punishment because he had
-done wrong.</p>
-
-<p>Joshua was to lead the people, instead of Moses. So before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
-Moses was taken away, he called Joshua and all the chief men of
-each tribe, and put them in mind of all that God had done for
-them, and warned them very solemnly, that if they broke their
-promise and did not keep the Commandments, God would punish
-them&mdash;first a little, and then more and more, and would even
-cast them out of the good land at last. For, mind, God always
-keeps His promises; and as surely as He gives the good all that
-is best for them, so surely He will punish those who turn from
-Him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus53">
-<img src="images/fig95.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MOSES GIVING HIS CHARGE TO JOSHUA.&mdash;Num. 27:22, 23.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were the Israelites? 2. How long had their journey lasted? 3.
-Where were they going? 4. What lay between them and the land of Canaan?
-5. Who had led them? 6. But what one thing had Moses done? 7. What was
-he not to do? 8. Who was to lead them in? 9. What did Moses tell the Israelites
-they must be careful to do? 10. What had they promised to keep? 11.
-What would happen if they broke the promise? 12. What would happen if they
-kept the promise? 13. What promises have we made?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus54">
-<img src="images/fig96.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MOSES VIEWING THE PROMISED LAND.&mdash;Deut. 34:4.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus55">
-<img src="images/fig97.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE DEATH OF MOSES.&mdash;Deut. 34:5, 6.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"So Moses the servant of the Lord died."&mdash;<i>Deuteronomy 34:5.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT was not God's will that Moses should lead the Israelites
-into the promised land, but he was to die on the east
-side of the river Jordan; and so he would have his rest
-above instead of in the land of promise.</p>
-
-<p>But first God told him he might see the land. So
-he went up into a very high hill: and there God made
-him able to see all the home of his people&mdash;the snowy hill of Hermon,
-and Mount Lebanon where the cedar trees grow, and the
-hills and valleys where Abraham had wandered and Isaac and
-Jacob had lived, and which he had hoped for all his life; and green
-fields, and corn-fields, and vineyards, on to the great blue sea
-stretching out to the westward.</p>
-
-<p>That was where his people were to live; but there was a
-better home for Moses. Nobody saw him any more after he went
-up into the mountain. There he died, and the Lord buried him,
-and no one knows of his grave&mdash;only the children of Israel wept
-and mourned for him.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where had the Israelites come? 2. Who had led them? 3. But where
-was Moses not to go? 4. But what did God allow him to see? 5. Where was
-he to go? 6. What did God show him there? 7. What kind of place was it?
-8. Where had he brought the people from? 9. Who was to lead them in? 10.
-What was to happen to Moses? 11. Did any one ever see him again? 12.
-What does no one know? 13. Why do we think so much of Moses? 14.
-Where did he speak with God? 15. Was he not the greatest man of all in the
-Old Testament?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig98.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Be strong and of good courage."&mdash;<i>Joshua 1:6</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER Moses had gone out of sight on the mountain, God
-Himself told Joshua that Moses was dead, and that he
-must lead the children of Israel into the good land
-God had promised them. Moses had laid his hands on
-Joshua's head, and God's Holy Spirit had come to help
-him to see what was right, and to lead the people. He
-must be strong and brave, and do all that God commanded, and
-then he would be quite sure to be able to drive away all the strange
-people out of the land, and to make a home for the people in the
-land that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had loved so well.</p>
-
-<p>All the people promised they would do as Joshua bade them.
-So he was their captain instead of Moses.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the old leader of the children of Israel? 2. Where had Moses led
-them from? 3. Where were they going? 4. Where did Moses go? 5. What became
-of Moses on the mountain? 6. Whom did God make captain instead of
-Moses? 7. What did God tell Joshua? 8. What did God promise him? 9.
-What is the way to be helped by God? 10. What were the Israelites to be
-helped to do? 11. Who were to be driven away? 12. Why did the children
-of Israel wish to live in the land of Canaan? 13. What had God promised
-Abraham? 14. And does God always keep his promises?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig99.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c17"><span class="oldeng">Seventeenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>ISRAEL IN BATTLE.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the Lord your God giveth
-you."&mdash;<i>Deut. 12:10.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig100.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER the children of Israel had been
-forty years living in the wilderness,
-God led them into the beautiful land He
-had promised them. But before they
-could come in they had to get across a
-river&mdash;a deep river, with rocks on each
-side, and a stony bottom to it, and the
-water running very fast indeed. The
-name of the river was Jordan. There
-was no bridges to go over, and no boat
-to row them across; and not only all the
-strong men, but all the women and little
-children, had to get over it!</p>
-
-<p>But nobody need be afraid when
-God is helping him. God told them what to do. The priests, who
-were like clergymen to them, were to take the ark&mdash;that is, the
-chest where the two tables of the Ten Commandments were kept&mdash;and
-were to walk down into the river, without being afraid. And
-they were brave men; they believed what God told them, and
-went down into the swift stream in no fear of being drowned.
-And behold, as soon as their feet touched the water it stopped
-flowing, and stood still. No more water came down, and all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
-hosts of the children of Israel went straight over the bottom of
-the river with dry feet.</p>
-
-<p>The priests stood up in the middle all the time the others
-were going over, and when everyone was safe on the other side
-they came after them; and by-and-by the river came rushing down
-again in its own place, for it was God who had commanded it to
-stop short, and make a dry place for His people to pass over. And
-so they came into the land of Canaan that He had promised them
-so long.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus56">
-<img src="images/fig101.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">CARRYING THE ARK OVER JORDAN.&mdash;Josh. 3:17.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How long did the children of Israel stay in the wilderness? 2. Where
-were they going? 3. What had they to eat? 4. What had they to drink? 5.
-What had God given them on Mount Sinai? 6. What were the Ten Commandments
-written on? 7. Where were the two stones put? 8. Who carried this
-ark? 9. What had the Israelites to go over? 10. What was the name of the
-river? 11. How do we cross rivers? 12. But had they a bridge or a boat?
-13. Who was taking care of them? 14. What did God tell the priests to do?
-15. Were the priests afraid to go into the river? 16. Why not? 17. What
-happened when the priest's feet touched the water?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus57">
-<img src="images/fig102.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little"><span class="smcap">Jericho</span></p>
-</div>
-
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down."&mdash;<i>Hebrews 11:30.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER the Israelites had come into the land of Canaan,
-there was a strong walled city before them, and its
-name was Jericho. They could not go any further till
-they had taken the city. But God was going to show
-that He fought for them. So He told them not to fight,
-but that every day, for a whole week, the priests should take the
-Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders and walk around the outside
-of the walls of the town.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig103.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Seven priests were to go in front, blowing on trumpets made
-of rams' horns; but nobody else was to make any noise. So they
-did one day, and nothing happened. Joshua bade them do it the
-next day. Perhaps some of the Israelites wondered and were
-impatient, but they had to go on the next day still; and after that
-the Ark was carried round once every day for a whole week.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus58">
-<img src="images/fig104.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE ANGEL APPEARING TO JOSHUA.&mdash;Josh. 5:13, 14.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>On the seventh day, Joshua told the priests that God would
-have them go round not once but seven times. And so they did;
-and then, at last, on the seventh day, Joshua said, "Shout." The
-whole of the people shouted, and the priests blew their trumpets,
-and then&mdash;oh, great wonders!&mdash;the walls of Jericho fell down flat,
-and the people went in and took the city. So the Lord fought
-for Israel.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were the Israelites now? 2. Who was their leader? 3. What city
-were they come to? 4. What did they want to do? 5. Were they to fight? 6.
-But what was to be carried round? 7. What was the Ark? 8. What was in it?
-9. Who carried the Ark? 10. Who went in front of them? 11. How many days<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
-did they go on? 12. How many times did they carry the Ark round first? 13.
-How often on the seventh day? 14. What were the priests to do? 15. What
-were the people to do? 16. What happened then? 17. Who had conquered
-Jericho? 18. What was God giving the Israelites?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"As for me and my house, we will serve the lord."&mdash;<i>Joshua 24:15.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THIS morning you heard how God gave the children of
-Israel victory over Jericho. After that He gave
-them more victories. None of the heathen people
-could stand before them. They took their towns, and
-drove the heathen out, and had the fields and gardens
-and houses for their own. Then Joshua was to divide the land
-among them, and fix what cities each tribe should have for its own.</p>
-
-<p>All the chief men of each tribe came to him, and the Lord
-taught him how to fix the places for them to dwell in. The children
-of the good Joseph had the very best lot of all, as his father
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a><br /><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>Jacob had wished. It was just in the middle of the country, and
-was full of beautiful corn land. Two tribes and a-half lived on
-the other side of the river Jordan, on the edge of the desert, but
-where there was fine grass for their cattle. The tribe of Judah
-had a very hilly, rocky part of the country; but they loved it,
-because it was where Abraham had lived and now lay buried.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus59">
-<img src="images/fig105.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">FALLING OF THE WALLS OF JERICHO.&mdash;Josh. 6:20.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus60">
-<img src="images/fig106.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSHUA CAPTURING THE CITY OF AI.&mdash;Josh. 8:18, 19.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus61">
-<img src="images/fig108.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSHUA COMMANDING THE SUN TO STAND STILL.&mdash;Josh. 10:12, 13.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus62">
-<img src="images/fig109.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DIVIDING THE LAND AMONG THE TRIBES.&mdash;Josh. 13:6, 7.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And up all the hills they planted vines, where fine large grapes
-grew; and in the valleys were plenty of corn-fields. All over the
-country, people had each man his own house, with his vine and
-his fig-tree to shelter it, and olive-trees in his garden, and a field
-to grow corn in, and hill-sides near, where he might keep his
-cows, goats, and sheep. The rocks and the hollow trees were
-full of wild bees' nests; so that indeed they found it, as Moses
-had told them, a land of corn and wine&mdash;a land that flowed with
-milk and honey; and they were very glad to be there, and to rest
-after their long wandering in the wilderness.</p>
-
-<p>After they had had a quiet rest, their first sorrow came.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>
-It was that their brave leader Joshua had grown old, and felt
-himself near his death. So he called all the chief men together,
-and told them over again how much God had done for them;
-and that if they would serve Him and keep His Commandments,
-all would go well with them. "As for me and my house," he said,
-"we will serve the Lord." And all the people promised too. They
-said they would serve the Lord, and would not go after other
-gods, but would keep His Commandments.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were the children of Israel now? 2. Who had promised the land to
-them? 3. Who was leading them? 4. Whom did they drive out? 5. Who
-had the country then? 6. How was it settled where they were to live? 7. Who
-had the best part? 8. What had Joseph done that was good? 9. Who went
-beyond the Jordan? 10. What part did Judah have? 11. What grows there?
-12. What choice plants grew in the land? 13. What sort of place had they been
-told it would be? 14. Who was grown old? 15. What did Joshua tell the
-Israelites? 16. What was the way for them to be happy?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus63">
-<img src="images/fig110.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SOUTH-EAST VIEW OF THE TABERNACLE.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c18"><span class="oldeng">Eighteenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor."&mdash;<i>Judges 4:9.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig111.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN the Israelites had come to live in the
-beautiful land that God had promised
-them, they ought to have loved and served
-Him, and thanked Him for all His goodness.
-But no! They liked worshipping
-false gods; and they made idols to pray
-to, cut out of wood and stone; and they
-learnt wicked ways.</p>
-
-<p>Then God was angry with them; and He punished them by
-sending cruel nations to conquer them, to burn their houses, to
-steal their children, and drive away their cattle. Then they
-would be sorry, and pray to God again; and He had pity, and
-sent some brave man to defend them.</p>
-
-<p>To-day we hear how sadly they were used by a fierce man
-named Sisera, who had nine hundred war chariots of iron to go
-into battle with. His people used to shoot at the Israelites at the
-wells when they came to draw water; and nobody dared to go
-along the high-roads, but only through the paths, for fear of
-being killed.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How ought the Israelites to have behaved? 2. What had God given them?
-3. Whom should they have worshipped? 4. But what did they worship? 5.
-How did God punish them? 6. What was the name of the cruel man who ill-used
-them? 7. How many chariots had Sisera?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman."&mdash;<i>Judges 4:9.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AT last God spake to a good brave woman named Deborah,
-and told her to send for a man named Barak, who
-should lead the Israelites to fight with Sisera. She
-sent for Barak, and told him what God had said. But
-Barak was afraid to go alone. He said he must have
-Deborah with him. He ought to have known that, if God sent
-him, he was sure to be safe and to succeed.</p>
-
-<p>Deborah told him that since he wished it she would go with
-him, but that the journey should not be to his honor, for the Lord
-would sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And it turned out
-as Deborah said. Barak won a great battle, and drove the
-enemies away, so that they did not hurt the children of Israel
-again for forty years. But he did not meet with Sisera in the
-battle, nor get the honor of killing him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus64">
-<img src="images/fig112.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SISERA SLAIN BY JAEL.&mdash;Judges 4:22.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Sisera fled out of the battle, and was killed after all by a
-woman, whose name was Jael. Barak lost all the honor, because
-he would not do just as he was told, but was afraid without
-Deborah, just as if God could not help him better than Deborah
-could.</p>
-
-<p>This morning's lesson told how Deborah and Barak conquered
-the cruel Sisera. This evening's lesson is the song that
-Deborah made to thank God for having given her the victory,
-and saved His people.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the holy woman that God raised up? 2. For whom did Deborah
-call? 3. What was Barak to do? 4. Who did Barak say must come with him?
-5. Why was this wrong of Barak? 6. What happened in the fight? 7. Did
-Barak kill Sisera? 8. Who did kill Sisera? 9. Why was not Barak allowed to
-kill Sisera? 10. Whom ought he to have trusted to? 11. Who will always help
-us if we are not afraid to do as we are told?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"They chose new gods; then was war in the gates."&mdash;<i>Judges 5:8.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE Israelites never kept long from sinning and setting
-up idols; and, by-and-by, God let a set of robbers,
-called Midianites, come in and burn their crops and
-houses, drive away their cattle, and steal their children
-for slaves.</p>
-
-<p>Then the Israelites were sorry, and prayed to
-God to save them. And God had pity on them, and sent His angel
-to a man named Gideon, to tell him that he was to fight for the
-Israelites.</p>
-
-<p>A great many men came to Gideon; but the Israelites were
-to be shown that it was as easy for God to save them with few
-men as with many. So He bade Gideon send home all but three
-hundred men. And Gideon believed, and sent them home, and
-kept only the three hundred.</p>
-
-<p>Then at night he took these men, and gave them each a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
-trumpet, and an earthen pitcher, with a lamp inside the pitcher,
-so that the light could not be seen. He took a hundred with him,
-and sent the other two hundreds another way, creeping quietly
-along till they came to the place where the Midianites had set up
-their tents, and were all lying asleep among the cattle they had
-stolen.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus65">
-<img src="images/fig113.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">GIDEON'S OFFERING BURNT BY FIRE FROM THE ROCK.&mdash;Judges 6:21.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>There they lay, and never heard Gideon and his men coming
-till they were close to the camp, the three parties on three sides.
-Then, all of a sudden, everyone of the Israelites broke his pitcher
-and let his lamp shine, and blew his trumpet, and shouted, "The
-sword of the Lord and of Gideon!"</p>
-
-<p>The Midianites were awakened out of their sleep to see the
-lamps on three sides of them in the dark, and hear the trumpets
-and the cries. They were very much frightened, and quite wild
-with fear. They all began to beat down one another, for they did
-not know friends from enemies. A great many were killed, and
-the rest fled away, leaving all that they had stolen behind them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
-And so God delivered the Israelites from the Midianites by the
-hand of Gideon, and gave them peace again as long as they would
-serve the Lord.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus66">
-<img src="images/fig114.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">GIDEON'S VICTORY OVER THE MIDIANITES.&mdash;Judges 7:19-21.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What made the Israelites meet with troubles? 2. Whom ought they to have
-worshipped? 3. But whom did they worship? 4. What happened then? 5.
-Who were the next people that ill-used them? 6. What did they do when they
-were punished? 7. Whom did God send to save them? 8. How many men was
-Gideon to have with him? 9. What did all the men carry? 10. Where did they
-go? 11. Into how many parties were they divided? 12. What did the Midianites
-hear? 13. What did they see? 14. What did they begin to do? 15. What
-became of those that were not killed? 16. Who had made Gideon able to beat
-them with so few men?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig115.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus67">
-<img src="images/fig116.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JEPHTHAH MEETING HIS DAUGHTER.&mdash;Judges 11:35.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus68">
-<img src="images/fig117.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SAMSON SLAYING A LION.&mdash;Judges 14:6.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c19"><span class="oldeng">Nineteenth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>SAMUEL.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child."&mdash;<i>1 Sam. 2:18.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figlefta" id="illus69">
-<img src="images/fig118.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">YOUNG SAMUEL BROUGHT TO ELI.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">T</span>HERE was a very good
-woman named Hannah,
-and she grieved because she
-had no children. Whenever she
-came with her husband to God's
-holy place, she used to kneel,
-and pray with all her heart to
-God that He would let her have
-a son; and she promised that if
-she had one, she would lend him
-to the Lord all the days of his
-life.</p>
-
-<p>At last God granted her
-prayer, and gave her a little
-son, and she named him Samuel.
-She was very glad when he was born, and she thanked God, and
-sang a hymn of praise for her dear little child. But she had
-promised to lend him to the Lord all his life; and she kept her
-promise.</p>
-
-<p>As soon as little Samuel was old enough to be without her,
-she took him to the holy place, that was instead of a church, and
-gave him to wait upon the Lord. He lived with the High Priest,
-whose name was Eli, and was taught by him.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Eli was a very old man, and his sons used to behave very
-badly; but Samuel was always good and obedient to him, and
-used to wait upon him, and help him when he served God in the
-holy place. Samuel wore a little white linen dress like the priests;
-and when his mother came to see him, she used to bring him a
-little coat. She had five more children afterwards, three sons
-and two daughters.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus70">
-<img src="images/fig119.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">HANNAH'S PRAYER.&mdash;1 Sam. 1:11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>If you listen in the afternoon, you will hear how God spoke
-to Samuel whilst he was still a little boy; and I am sure you like
-to think of the little child in his white dress, ministering before
-God in His beautiful holy place. But only think. You can be
-like Samuel. Your father and mother lent you to God for all
-your life, when they took you to the font, and made you God's
-child; and though you live at home, you go to church, and can
-serve God there, if you kneel and stand and sit quietly at the
-proper times, mind the prayers, and repeat the Amens, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
-verses you know, in their right places. And if you are obedient,
-and try to be good, God will love you as He loved Samuel.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the name of the woman we hear of to-day? 2. What did she
-wish for? 3. What did she do to obtain her wish? 4. What did God give her?
-5. What was her son's name? 6. What did she promise? 7. Where did Hannah
-bring her little son? 8. Who took care of Samuel? 9. Who was Eli? 10.
-How did Samuel behave? 11. What did Samuel wear? 12. What had Samuel
-to do? 13. When were you lent to God? 14. Whose child are you? 15.
-How can you be like Samuel when you go to church? 16. How can you be like
-him at home? 17. Who will bless you if you try to be good? 18. What kind
-of children does God love?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth."&mdash;<i>1 Sam. 3:9.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig120.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">HANNAH brought her little son Samuel, to be brought
-up in the holy place by the High Priest Eli.</p>
-
-<p>Samuel was very good and holy, and God
-blessed him and loved him. One night, when everyone
-was gone to bed, but the lamp in the holy place
-was not yet gone out, Samuel heard a voice calling to him,
-"Samuel!" He sprang up at once, for he thought that Eli had
-called him, and he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for thou didst
-call me." But Eli answered, "I called not, my son; lie down
-again;" and Samuel went back to his bed.</p>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig121.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p>Then again came the voice calling to him, "Samuel!" and
-again he thought it was Eli's call. He was not lazy, or fretful
-at being roused out of his sleep, but he ran at once to Eli, and
-again said, "Here I am, for thou didst call me." But Eli sent
-him back to his bed again; and there again he heard the call,
-"Samuel!"</p>
-
-<p>Patiently he once more rose and came to the old man, but
-this time Eli knew that it must have been no other than God's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
-own voice speaking to the child. So he
-bade Samuel go back, and next time
-he heard the voice, to say, "Speak,
-Lord; for Thy servant heareth."</p>
-
-<p>And so Samuel did. Again his
-name was called, and he made
-answer, "Speak; for Thy servant
-heareth."</p>
-
-<p>And God spoke to him in the still
-night, and told him to give Eli a fresh
-warning of the sad things that were
-coming on him and on his sons. Samuel
-was forced to tell Eli all in the
-morning, sad and mournful as it was.
-He was afraid and grieved to have
-such things to say, but he
-told the truth, and Eli was
-too good a man to be angry
-with him, and only said,
-"It is the Lord: let Him do
-what seemeth
-Him good."</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus71">
-<img src="images/fig122.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">GOD TELLS SAMUEL OF DESTRUCTION OF ELI'S HOUSE.&mdash;1 Sam. 3:11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And, after that, God often made His will known to Samuel,
-and blessed him, and all Israel knew that Samuel was God's own
-prophet. Think of the great honor and blessing of having God
-so often speaking to him! But we have that blessing too. God
-is nearer to a little Christian child than He was to Samuel; for
-the Holy Spirit speaks in a Christian child's heart, and tells him
-to be good and dutiful, and to think of God, and say his prayers
-with all his heart. And that is better than even being a prophet
-like Samuel. Only we must take great care to attend to that
-voice; or it will leave off, and then we shall get worse and worse,
-like those bad sons of poor old Eli.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Samuel? 2. Where was he brought up? 3. What did his mother
-bring him every year? 4. Who was the High Priest? 5. What did Samuel
-hear? 6. Who did he think was calling? 7. What did he do? 8. What did
-Eli say? 9. How often did this happen? 10. Was Samuel cross at being called
-so often? 11. Who was honoring him? 12. What did Eli perceive at last? 13.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
-What did he tell Samuel to answer? 14. What did he hear again? 15. How
-did he answer? 16. What did the voice tell him? 17. Whose voice speaks to
-us? 18. How does the Holy Spirit speak to us? 19. What must we take care
-to do?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Ark of God is taken.&mdash;<i>Samuel 4:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig123.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">GOD helped the Israelites again and again, but they
-would not leave off their wickedness, and at last He
-punished them still more. There came up a nation
-to make war upon them, fiercer than any before,
-called the Philistines. Then the Israelites fancied
-that if they took the Ark of the Covenant out into
-the battle with them they would get the victory, as they had done
-when Joshua conquered the land.</p>
-
-<p>But God had never bidden them take the Ark. He had
-commanded that it should stay in its place at Shiloh. They did
-not heed this, but took it out into the camp, and all the people
-shouted for joy when it was brought, with the two priests, Hophni
-and Phinehas, Eli's sons, to take care of it. When the Philistines
-heard the shout, they said that the gods of Israel were come, and
-that they must fight all the more bravely. And they did.</p>
-
-<p>God would not help His people because of their self-will, so
-He let them be beaten by the Philistines, and Hophni and Phinehas
-were killed, and the holy Ark of God was taken by these
-heathens. And when poor old Eli, the High Priest, heard the
-sad news, he was so much shocked, that he fell down backwards
-and broke his neck and died.</p>
-
-<p>God still shewed His power, for when the Philistines put
-the Ark into the temple of one of their false gods the idol fell
-down and was broken; and wherever it was taken the people
-fell sick, till at last they sent it back to the Israelites: but it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
-never came back to Shiloh. It was hidden in a lonely house in
-the woods; and the Philistines were strong and the Israelites
-were very weak and miserable, because they had been so very
-disobedient.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus72">
-<img src="images/fig124.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE DEATH OF ELI.&mdash;1 Sam. 4:17, 18.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What people came to fight with the Israelites? 2. Why did God let any one
-hurt the Israelites? 3. What did the Israelites think would help them to fight?
-4. What was in the Ark of the Covenant? 5. Where was it kept? 6. Ought
-they to have taken it? 7. Why not? 8. Why did they take it? 9. Did it give
-them the victory? 10. Why not? 11. Who were killed? 12. Who was the
-father of Hophni and Phinehas? 13. What happened to Eli when he heard the
-Ark was taken? 14. Why did God allow it to be taken? 15. Did it come back
-again? 16. Why did not the Philistines keep it? 17. What happened to their
-idol? 18. What happened to themselves? 19. Where had it been before? 20.
-Did it ever come back to Shiloh? 21. Where was it kept?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c20"><span class="oldeng">Twentieth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>KING SAUL.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Behold, the Lord hath set a king over you."&mdash;<i>1 Samuel 12:13.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig125.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was a young man named Saul, who
-was very tall and strong. His father kept
-a number of asses; for, in the land of
-Israel, people rode on asses instead
-of horses. One day all the asses were
-lost, and Saul and one of the servants
-went out to look for them. They
-went a long, long way, and never
-found the asses; and at night they
-came to a city, and there they found
-Samuel.</p>
-
-<p>Samuel was an old man now, and grey-headed; and he ruled
-over Israel, and everyone honored and loved him, because he was
-so good and just. Saul was very much surprised when the great
-and good Samuel met him, and led him into the house, and put
-him in the chief place, and gave him a choice of meat that had
-been set apart for him. Saul could not think how Samuel knew
-anything about him. And he was still more surprised the next
-morning, for then Samuel came out of the city with him, and
-sent the servant on before. Then Samuel took some oil, and
-poured it on Saul's head, which was what was called anointing,
-and told him that God had chosen him to be king over all the
-people of Israel.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Was not this wonderful news for him? And you see, God
-had led him to Samuel to be made king, though he so little guessed
-what was going to happen when he set out to look for the asses.
-And God still makes everything happen, even the least thing;
-it is all for our good, even though we do not quite see why.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus73">
-<img src="images/fig126.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SAMUEL ANOINTING SAUL.&mdash;1 Sam. 10:1.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>So Saul was the first King of Israel; but he was only to be
-prosperous as long as he would take care to obey God.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the first King of Israel? 2. Did Saul expect to be a king? 3.
-What did he set out from home to do? 4. Where did he come? 5. Who was in
-the city? 6. What did you hear about Samuel last Sunday? 7. What age was
-Samuel now? 8. What did he give Saul? 9. What surprised Saul? 10. What
-did Samuel do to him the next day? 11. What is anointing? 12. What was he
-to be? 13. But what must he do if he would get on well?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few."&mdash;<i>1 Sam. 14:6.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig45.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">SAUL was the first king of Israel. But just at first, when
-he was appointed king, the people were in great distress;
-for their enemies the Philistines had overrun
-the whole land, and held all the strong places, and
-were very hard to the Israelites. They would not even
-let a smith live among the Israelites, that they might
-not be able to have swords or spears made to use in fighting, and
-the Israelites had to go into the Philistines' country to get their
-axes and ploughshares made, and to sharpen the goads, or long
-sticks tipped with iron that they drove the oxen with.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THE PEOPLE MUCH FRIGHTENED.</p>
-
-<p>Nobody had a sword or spear but Saul and his good son
-Jonathan; all the rest of the people had nothing better to fight
-with than axes and mattocks and goads, and they were very
-much frightened, and came trembling after their new king.</p>
-
-<p>But Jonathan trusted in God, and he and one young man
-set out creeping along a rugged steep path to see what the enemy
-were about, and by-and-by they came below the high rocky hill
-where the Philistines were encamped.</p>
-
-<p>One of the Philistines looked out and said, "Behold, the
-Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves;"
-and he called out to Jonathan, "Come up to us, and we
-will show you a thing."</p>
-
-<p>Now, Jonathan knew, as he said to his friend, that the
-Lord can save as easily by few men as by many, so he was not
-afraid; and he and the other young man climbed up on their
-hands and knees till they came out among all the Philistine
-soldiers. Then they began to fight at once, and the Philistines
-were so surprised at these two men beginning to fight with them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
-that they most likely thought all the others were behind, and they
-began to run away.</p>
-
-<p>The people in Saul's camp heard all the noise, and went out
-to look, and saw the Philistines running away, so they went after
-them, and killed many, and drove them out of the land, and got
-free of them once more.</p>
-
-<p>So God blessed and helped the good Jonathan, because he
-trusted in Him; and Saul became a great king.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the first king of Israel? 2. Who made Saul king? 3. Who was
-Saul's son? 4. Who were the enemies of the Israelites? 5. Why would not the
-Philistines let the Israelites have any smiths? 6. What is a smith? 7. What
-tools does a smith make? 8. How did the Israelites get their iron tools? 9.
-Who were the only ones that had swords and spears? 10. Why were the people
-afraid? 11. Who crept out to see the Philistines? 12. What did Jonathan know
-that God could do? 13. Where did he climb up? 14. What happened? 15.
-What became of the Philistines? 16. Who became king?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus74">
-<img src="images/fig127.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ANCIENT SHOES.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Intreat me not to leave thee."&mdash;<i>Ruth 1:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ONE fine summer day, a good man named Boaz went
-out into his corn-fields where his reapers were cutting
-down the wheat. "The Lord be with you," he said.
-"The Lord bless thee," they answered. Then he saw
-a young woman gleaning, whom he had never seen
-before.</p>
-
-<p>He asked who she was. He heard that her name was Ruth,
-and she was a stranger and a widow. Then why had she come
-there? Because she could not bear to leave her husband's mother,
-Naomi, alone in her old age. She knew that if she kept with
-Naomi she must be poor and forlorn, and away from all her
-friends; but she loved her mother-in-law so much, that she said,
-"Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after
-thee: * * * where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
-shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will
-I die, and there will I be buried."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus75">
-<img src="images/fig128.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">RUTH AND NAOMI.&mdash;Ruth 1:16.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When Boaz knew that Ruth was poor and a stranger, he
-told his reapers to drop some handfuls of corn in her way; and
-he told Ruth to keep among his young maidens, so that nobody
-might be rude to her, and that she might rest and eat among
-them when they rested in the heat of the day.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus76">
-<img src="images/fig129.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">RUTH GLEANING IN THE FIELD OF BOAZ.&mdash;Ruth 2:5.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Ruth carried home plenty of corn to her mother-in-law. And
-soon it was found out that Boaz was their nearest friend; and he
-married Ruth, and Naomi lived with them; and Ruth was no
-longer poor and a stranger, but was happy as a wife and mother
-in her beautiful home.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the name of the mother of whom we hear to-day? 2. Whose
-mother was she? 3. But who was good to her? 4. What did Ruth do for
-Naomi? 5. Where did she go to glean? 6. Who saw her? 7. What did Boaz
-bid his men do? 8. How did Boaz speak to his men? 9. How did they answer?
-10. How was he kind to Ruth? 11. What did she find out? 12. Whom did
-Ruth marry? 13. What became of Naomi? 14. Why was Ruth so happy?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c21"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-first Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE REIGN OF SAUL.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee
-from being king.&mdash;<i>1 Samuel 15:23.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig130.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">L</span>AST Sunday you heard how God
-chose Saul to be king of Israel, and
-promised to help him if he would obey
-in all that God commanded him.</p>
-
-<p>Now, there were some cruel robbers
-that lived in the mountains, and
-used to fall upon peaceful people and
-kill them; and take their cows and
-sheep and camels and asses, and
-gold and silver, and all they had.
-So God sent a message by Samuel
-to Saul and his brave men, to
-destroy these cruel people; but God said that none of all their
-prey and riches, that had been gained by such wicked ways, was
-to be kept by His people; it was all to be made away with; they
-were to have none of it for themselves.</p>
-
-<p>They won the battle, and killed the robbers, as they were
-sure to do when God helped them; but then when they saw such
-fine cattle and choice things, they would not obey God, but went
-and took it all for themselves. They left only the poor and mean
-that they did not care for, and helped themselves to all they liked.</p>
-
-<p>And then, when Samuel came to meet them, Saul made as if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
-he had done just what he was told, and said, "I have obeyed the
-voice of the Lord." But Samuel said, "What meaneth then this
-bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of oxen which
-I hear?"</p>
-
-<p>Saul wanted to make excuses; but it was not the first time
-he had been disobedient; and he was only frightened, he was
-not really sorry; so Samuel was obliged to tell him, "Because
-thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected
-thee from being king."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus77">
-<img src="images/fig131.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SAUL TEARING THE ROBE OF SAMUEL.&mdash;1 Sam. 15:27, 28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Saul would not do as he was told, and so God punished him.
-Remember that. Your parents and teachers, or nurses, give
-you orders; and you have to mind them exactly&mdash;not only to do
-what you like, and miss out the rest. Saul did what he liked
-when he fought the robbers, but he would not obey when he took
-the spoil. Then God was angry with him. Do not you be like
-him; but obey when you do not like, as well as when you do like.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. What must we always do? 3. Who
-did we hear of to-day who did not do as he was told? 4. What was Saul told to
-do? 5. Who told him? 6. Who was Samuel? 7. Who was Saul? 8. What
-was Saul told not to do? 9. How far did he obey? 10. In what did he disobey?
-11. Why was it wrong of Saul to keep the robbers' cattle and sheep? 12. What
-did he say when Samuel came? 13. Was this true? 14. What did Samuel hear
-that showed that this was false? 15. Whom had Saul disobeyed? 16. How was
-Saul to be punished? 17. Why was Saul not to keep the kingdom?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus78">
-<img src="images/fig132.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DAVID ANOINTED BY SAMUEL.&mdash;1 Sam. 16:11, 12.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed
-him."&mdash;<i>Psalm 89:20.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE hills that lie above Bethlehem have green slopes
-where the sheep feed. There, one day, a flock was
-feeding, and a boy with blue eyes and shining hair
-watched them, and perhaps sung as he watched.
-He was the youngest of eight brothers, and all the
-rest had gone down to a great feast; for Samuel, the
-great Prophet, was come to visit their father.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig133.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center half">Samuel goeth to BETHLEHEM</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figright">
-<img src="images/fig134.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center half">The Elders Alarmed<br />
-Are here all thy children?<br />
-HE KEEPETH THE SHEEP</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>But the youngest
-must stay out
-with the sheep.
-No one would
-want him. But see a messenger
-is coming up the hill.
-He calls&mdash;David is wanted.
-The Prophet has called for him.
-So the boy is obedient, and rises up, to run down
-the hill at his father's call. Perhaps he stopped
-to wash his face in the clear well of Bethlehem
-before he went up to the place of the feast, the
-same place where Boaz had brought his bride
-Ruth, for Jesse, David's father was Ruth's
-grandson.</p>
-
-<p>There stood the Prophet, with his long white
-hair flowing down; and as soon as young David
-came in, he stepped forward with a horn in his
-hand, and sweet-smelling oil of olives mixed
-with incense was flowing upon David's golden
-hair. He was the Anointed of the Lord. In
-time to come he would be king, but he must wait
-long and patiently first.</p>
-
-<p>Yes. Each of his seven brothers had passed
-before Samuel&mdash;tall goodly men&mdash;but God had
-spoken to Samuel, and forbidden him to choose
-them; for Samuel could only see their fine handsome
-faces and figures, but God looked at their
-hearts, and knew they were proud men, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
-would soon have been as fierce and headstrong as Saul himself.
-So he had sent Samuel to choose the youngest and least thought-of
-of all Jesse's sons, and anoint him to be king of Israel. Yes; and
-above all, to be the forefather of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.</p>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was sent to Bethlehem? 2. Who used to live at Bethlehem? 3. What
-was Samuel to do? 4. Whose son was he to anoint? 5. What does anointing
-mean? 6. What was anointing to mark him for? 7. How many sons had Jesse?
-8. How many came to the feast? 9. Which did not come? 10. Where was
-David? 11. Were his brothers anointed? 12. Why not? 13. Who saw their
-hearts? 14. Who was sent for? 15. What did Samuel do? 16. Why was
-Saul to be punished? 17. Why was David chosen? 18. Was he to begin to
-reign at once? 19. How was he to wait?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel."&mdash;<i>1
-Samuel 17:45.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THOUGH King Saul had beaten the Philistines, still
-they used to come back again and try to conquer the
-Israelites.</p>
-
-<p>Once they came with an army, and Saul had an
-army too. The Israelites were on one hill and the
-Philistines on another hill, and there was a valley
-between. Then out in front of the Philistines' camp came a
-giant named Goliath; for there really were giants then, and
-Goliath had three brothers as tall as himself.</p>
-
-<p>Goliath was nearly twice as tall as any man we ever saw,
-and he had a helmet on his head, and armour on his breast, and
-an enormous spear, and a shield, and a man carried a shield before
-him. He stood out, and called to know if any Israelite would
-fight with him. Then if Goliath conquered the Israelite, the
-Philistines should be the lords over the Israelites; but if an
-Israelite conquered Goliath, then the Israelites should be lords
-over the Philistines.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>But nobody felt bold or strong enough to go out to fight
-with this great man; and day after day he came and walked up
-and down, and laughed the Israelites to scorn for not daring
-to come out, they who called themselves the servants of God.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus79">
-<img src="images/fig135.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DAVID SLAYING GOLIATH.&mdash;1 Sam. 17:50, 51.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>At last a young shepherd boy came to the camp. He had
-three brothers among Saul's soldiers, and his father had sent
-him to take them some loaves of bread, and see how they were.
-The shepherd boy's name was David. When he came he saw the
-proud Goliath walking up and down boasting against the Israelites;
-he asked the soldiers about him, and was so eager that at
-last they brought him to the king; and Saul asked him how it
-was that he, who was only a youth, could dare to think of fighting
-with a man of war like Goliath.</p>
-
-<p>David answered that when he was keeping his flocks a lion
-and a bear had come and tried to take away a lamb. And God
-had made him strong to kill both the lion and the bear, and saved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
-him from danger; and he trusted that in like manner God would
-help him if he fought with the giant.</p>
-
-<p>So Saul wanted to dress David in his own armour, but it
-was too large for him, and he would not use it. All he did was to
-choose five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them into his
-shepherd's bag. And he took his sling, a long strip of leather,
-the ends of which he used to hold in his hand to throw stones
-farther with, when he wanted to drive beasts away from his flock.
-And with only his sling and his stone he went out to meet the
-giant.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus80">
-<img src="images/fig136.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SAUL CASTING HIS JAVELIN AT DAVID.&mdash;1 Sam. 19:9, 10.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Goliath was fierce and angry when he saw such a boy, and
-he thought it was only laughing at him to send no better warrior
-to fight with him. But David said, "Thou comest to me with a
-sword and with a spear and with a shield: but I come to thee
-in the name of the Lord of hosts, * * * whom thou hast
-defied."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus81">
-<img src="images/fig137.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE PARTING OF DAVID AND JONATHAN.&mdash;1 Sam. 20:42.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus82">
-<img src="images/fig138.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DAVID AND ABIGAIL.&mdash;1 Sam. 25:32, 33.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then David took one of his stones and slung it out of his
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a><br /><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>sling. It struck the very middle of the giant's forehead, and
-went deep in, and down fell Goliath. All his great strength
-was of no use to him, and David ran and stood upon him, and
-drew out his great sword from his side, and cut off his head.</p>
-
-<p>All the other Philistines fled away, and David gave thanks
-to God for his great victory.</p>
-
-<p>By-and-by David came to be king instead of Saul; and he
-loved God, and trusted in Him so faithfully that God Himself
-called him a man after His own heart.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who were the enemies of the Israelites? 2. Who was the giant? 3. What
-is a giant? 4. What did Goliath wear? 5. What did he call the Israelites to
-do? 6. Who was the only one that would come out to fight? 7. What was
-David? 8. Why was not David afraid? 9. What had David killed before? 10.
-What did David take with him? 11. What was a sling? 12. What did David
-say? 13. Who helped David? 14. How did David attack Goliath? 15. What
-happened to Goliath? 16. What did David do to him then? 17. What became
-of the other Philistines? 18. What did David come to be? 19. What did God
-call David? 20. Why did God love David?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig139.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c22"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-second Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>KING DAVID REIGNING.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"How are the mighty fallen!"&mdash;<i>2 Samuel 1:19.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap7" src="images/fig140.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE last thing that has to be told about Saul
-is very sad. You know he would not do as
-God bade him, but chose to go his own way.
-Then God forsook him, and left him to grow
-worse and worse. Then his enemies, the
-Philistines, came up against him, and his
-army came together on the hills to meet
-them.</p>
-
-<p>But God was not with Saul, so his men
-could not fight, and he was beaten back
-step by step up into his own hills, close to his home; and there,
-when he found he could go no further, and that the Philistines
-would soon be upon him, he did the saddest thing of all&mdash;he threw
-himself on his own sword, that they might not take him alive.</p>
-
-<p>He did not quite kill himself; and when a young robber came
-by, trying to get garments and weapons from the dead bodies,
-the unhappy king begged for a death-blow as he lay. The robber
-gave him the last stroke, and then took the crown from his helmet,
-and his bracelets, and brought them to David, to show that he
-was dead.</p>
-
-<p>The robber thought he should have a reward, but David
-put him to death for having dared to strike the king: and David
-grieved and mourned for Saul, who had been a great and noble
-king once. But he had come to this miserable end because he
-would have his own way and will.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus83">
-<img src="images/fig141.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE DEATH OF SAUL.&mdash;1 Sam. 31:4.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus84">
-<img src="images/fig142.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DAVID ANOINTED KING OVER ISRAEL.&mdash;2 Sam. 2:4.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Then, when Saul was killed, David was anointed to be king;
-and he was a very good man, and served God with all his heart.
-So God blessed him, and made him great and powerful.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Saul? 2. What was Saul's fault? 3. Who came out to fight
-against Saul? 4. Where was he driven? 5. Who came after him? 6. What
-dreadful thing did he do? 7. Who killed him entirely? 8. What did the robber
-take? 9. To whom did he carry Saul's crown? 10. What did David do to
-him? 11. Why? 12. Who was to be king now? 13. Why did Saul come to
-such an end? 14. Whose way should he have followed? 15. Can anyone go
-on well who is self-willed? 16. Who was king after Saul?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."&mdash;<i>2 Samuel 12:23.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig143.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">KING David had a little son, a baby, whom he loved very
-much; and this child fell sick. While it was sick King
-David grieved for it, and prayed that it might be made
-well. But it was not God's will to make the little boy
-well, and he died. And then David was patient, and
-knew it was God's will; and he said, "I shall go to him, but he
-shall not return to me."</p>
-
-<p>For David meant that one day he should die, and then his
-soul would go to be with his little son's soul in the happy place
-of rest; and by-and-by their bodies will rise again out of their
-graves, and be joined to their souls again, and live for ever and
-ever.</p>
-
-<p>King David used to sing the Psalms to praise God; indeed,
-he first made most of them; and in one he says, "My flesh also
-shall rest in hope." That was, the hope that he should rise again
-from the dead, and always live in God's holy home in heaven.
-Heaven is the happy place where we all hope to meet and live
-by-and-by, and that is the comfort that good Christians have when
-death takes away friends whom they love.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was David's sorrow? 2. What did he do when his little boy was ill?
-3. Did the little boy get better? 4. What became of him? 5. How did David
-bear his death? 6. What did he say? 7. Where did he hope to go to his little
-son? 8. When would his soul go to his child's soul? 9. When will their bodies
-rise? 10. What does David say of his flesh? 11. What is his flesh? 12. What
-hope does he rest in? 13. When will our flesh rest? 14. What do we hope to
-do? 15. Where in the Belief do you say we hope to rise from the dead? 16.
-What people will be happy then? 17. What are David's songs called?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus85">
-<img src="images/fig144.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DAVID MOURNS THE DEATH OF HIS CHILD.&mdash;2 Sam. 12:18.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!"&mdash;<i>2 Samuel 19:4.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig123.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">GOOD King David had more sons besides the little one
-who died. One was named Absalom. He was a
-very fine, handsome young man, and had most beautiful
-hair; but he was fierce and proud, and wanted
-to be king.</p>
-
-<p>And when David was old, this wicked Absalom
-gathered men together, and drove his father away, that he might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
-be king instead. Good King David had to go away, weeping and
-barefoot, down the steep rocky pass, for fear of his wicked son;
-and cruel men called him names, and threw stones at him as he
-went, while Absalom was made to reign in his father's palace,
-and did all he pleased there. But God will not let wicked men
-prosper; and all David's faithful old soldiers came together to
-help him. They had a great battle with Absalom and his men;
-and Absalom was beaten, and fled away on a mule.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus86">
-<img src="images/fig145.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SHIMEI CASTING STONES AT DAVID.&mdash;2 Sam. 16:5, 6.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>But when he came into a wood, his thick hair was caught
-in an oak tree, and he could not get it loose; and his mule went
-away, and left him still with his hair caught in the tree.</p>
-
-<p>Now, though Absalom had been so wicked, his father loved
-him still, and had begged all his men to take care not to hurt the
-young man Absalom. So when one of the men saw Absalom
-caught by the hair in a tree he would not hurt him, and only
-went and told Absalom's cousin, Joab, who was the captain of
-David's army.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig146.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p>Joab had no pity; he thought Absalom richly
-deserved to die, and he was afraid the king would
-pardon him; so he went at once, with three darts
-in his hand, and killed Absalom as he hung in the
-tree.</p>
-
-<p>King David was grieved to the heart. No
-words can say how sad he was to think that his
-son had died in his sin, and never asked his pardon.
-He wept, and cried aloud, "O my son
-Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
-had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" It was not like
-his grief for the innocent little baby he had lost before; for
-Absalom had been a bad man, and for that there is no comfort.</p>
-
-<p>And when all the people came joyfully to bring King David
-home to his palace, to be king again, still his heart mourned for
-his son Absalom.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus87">
-<img src="images/fig147.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE DEATH OF ABSALOM.&mdash;2 Sam. 18:9.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. Do you hear of any one to-day who
-broke the Fifth Commandment? 3. How did Absalom break it? 4. Who was
-Absalom's father? 5. How had David to go away? 6. What did cruel men
-do? 7. Who came to help David? 8. What did he charge them? 9. Who
-won the battle? 10. What happened to Absalom? 11. Who saw him there?
-12. Whom did the man tell? 13. Why did Joab kill Absalom? 14. Did
-Absalom deserve it? 15. How did his father behave? 16. What did he cry
-out? 17. Why was he more sorry than for his baby son? 18. What is sadder
-than even dying? 19. How should you behave to your parents?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c23"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-third Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>PREPARING FOR THE TEMPLE.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price."&mdash;<i>2 Samuel 24:24.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap7" src="images/fig148.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN David was king his people did wrong
-again; and there came a plague upon
-them, so that a great number of them died
-all through the land of Israel.</p>
-
-<p>David and his priests, and all the good
-men, fasted and prayed, and entreated that
-God would turn His anger away. And while
-they were praying, David saw the Destroying
-Angel standing with his drawn sword over Jerusalem;
-but the plague had not begun there. Then
-David prayed the more; and God made known to him
-that he must offer up a sacrifice on the threshing-floor
-of Ornan, just by Jerusalem, and then the plague should be
-stopped.</p>
-
-<p>A threshing-floor was a flat rocky place on the top of a hill,
-where the sheaves of corn were laid out, and oxen drew boards,
-with the under side covered with spikes, to knock the grain out
-of the ears. Oman's threshing-floor was upon Mount Moriah,
-where Isaac had been so nearly sacrificed. He was threshing
-wheat on it when David came and desired to buy it for the
-sacrifice.</p>
-
-<p>Ornan was a good man, and said he would give the whole
-place to the king. But David said, "I will not offer unto my God
-of that which doth cost me nothing." So he bought the place of
-Ornan, the oxen, and the threshing tools; and the sacrifice was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
-made to show that death must be for sin.
-Then God pardoned Israel, and the
-plague was stopped. We should remember
-that our offerings to God are only
-worthy if they cost us something. He
-does not want the things themselves, but
-He does value the love that gives them.</p>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig149.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans"><span class="smcap">The King said...</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figright">
-<img src="images/fig150.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans"><span class="smcap">I dwell in a house of cedar</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig151.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans"><span class="smcap"><i>But the ark of God dwelleth within curtains</i>.</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What is a threshing-floor? 2. Whose threshing-floor
-have we heard of? 3. Where was it? 4.
-What had happened on Mount Moriah? 5. Whose
-son was Isaac? 6. Was he sacrificed? 7. Why
-not? 8. What town was near? 9. Who bought
-the threshing-floor? 10. Why? 11. What is a
-plague? 12. Why was the plague sent? 13. What
-did David see? 14. What was he bidden to do?
-15. What did Ornan want to do? 16. What did
-David say? 17. So what ought we to give to God?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig152.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans">THE BRINGING UP OF THE ARK</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"His seed also will I make to endure for ever."&mdash;<i>Psalm 89:29</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig36.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU know the two Tables of the Commandments were
-kept in the Ark of the Covenant; and when the Israelites
-were going about in the wilderness, they had a
-beautiful tent to keep it in. But now they had come
-into the Land of Promise, and had no more journeys
-to make, David wished to build a house, or temple, where the
-Ark might be kept, and to make it beautiful for the glory of God.</p>
-
-<p>But the Lord had sent a prophet to tell David that he must
-not himself build a house for God, because he had been a man of
-war, and had fought, and shed much blood; but that his son
-Solomon should be a man of rest, and should build the Temple
-for the Lord.</p>
-
-<p>David did not repine. He thanked God for giving him the
-hope that his son should do this great work; and all the rest of
-his life he was busy getting together gold and silver, brass and
-iron, and beautiful cedar wood, all for the Temple of his God. It
-was to be built on Mount Moriah, on the threshing-floor he had
-bought of Ornan, just by the city of Jerusalem, which David
-had conquered from the Jebusites, and made the capital of his
-kingdom.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was kept in the Ark of the Covenant? 2. Where was the Ark kept
-at first? 3. What did David want to build? 4. Why was David not allowed
-to build a temple? 5. Did he fret and grieve at being forbidden? 6. Who was
-to build the Temple? 7. What did David get ready? 8. Where was the
-Temple to be? 9. When had he bought it of Ornan?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"All things come to Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee."&mdash;<i>1
-Chronicles 29:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig153.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">DAVID had grown to be a very old man, near to his
-death; but, before he died, he called all the princes
-of his people together at Jerusalem, and asked them
-all to bring offerings to help to build a beautiful
-house, to be a Temple to the Lord their God. So all
-the people brought what precious things they could,
-to add to what the king had prepared; and a great quantity was
-ready&mdash;all willingly offered.</p>
-
-<p>Then good King David stood up and made his offering. "All
-things come of Thee," he said, "and of Thine own have we given
-Thee." And he thanked and blessed the Lord God, who had been
-with him all his life; and he blessed his people Israel, and showed
-them his son Solomon, who was to reign after him; and he gave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
-Solomon a charge to build the Temple of the Lord, and bade them
-all serve the Lord with all their might. And the crown was set
-on Solomon's head, and he was king; and David died at a good
-old age. He was the shepherd boy who came to be a king, and
-who first sung so many of the beautiful Psalms that are still our
-best words for praising God.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus88">
-<img src="images/fig154.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DAVID'S THREE MIGHTY MEN.&mdash;2 Sam. 23:16, 17.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus89">
-<img src="images/fig156.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SOLOMON ANOINTED KING.&mdash;1 Kings 1:39.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was David? 2. Who was his son? 3. What was Solomon to do?
-4. What had David got ready for Solomon? 5. What did he ask his princes to
-bring? 7. What for? 8. When did David meet all his people? 9. Who was
-to be king? 10. Why was David glad? 11. What did he say to God? 12.
-Whose are all things? 13. What charge did David give? 14. What had David
-been before he was king? 15. What did David write? 16. What are the
-Psalms?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c24"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-fourth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>SOLOMON IN ALL HIS GLORY.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory,
-and the majesty."&mdash;<i>1 Chron. 29:11.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleft" id="illus90">
-<img src="images/fig157.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans">Solomon.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">T</span>HE last thing King David did was
-to have his son, young Solomon,
-anointed to reign, and then to show
-him to the people, and charge them to
-help him build the Temple for the
-Lord God. For he said Solomon was
-still very young, and the work was
-very great; so he begged the people
-of the tribes to bring their offerings;
-and so they did.</p>
-
-<p>They brought gold, silver, brass,
-iron, and beautiful stones, or the
-wood of oaks and cedars, according
-to what they had or could give; and
-when David saw it he was very
-happy and glad, and offered it up to
-God, and prayed that God would give
-unto his son Solomon a perfect heart,
-that he might serve God and keep His laws.</p>
-
-<p>Then there was a great feast all round Mount Sion, all the
-people eating, and drinking, and rejoicing, and praising God,
-who had delivered them from all their enemies.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did David ask of his people? 2. What did they bring him? 3.
-What were all these things for? 4. Who was to build the Temple? 5. Why
-was not David himself allowed to build it? 6. Yet what did he get together for
-it? 7. Why was he happy? 8. What did he ask God? 9. What great rejoicing
-was there? 10. Why was everything happy now with the nation?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Give me now wisdom and knowledge."&mdash;<i>2 Chron. 1:10.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN King David died, Solomon was still almost a
-boy. But God spake to him in a dream by night,
-and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." Then
-Solomon said he was but young, and knew not
-how to rule over this great people that God had
-given him; and therefore he prayed, above all, that
-God would give him a wise and understanding heart.</p>
-
-<p>And God was pleased with Solomon's choice, and said that
-because he had cared for wisdom most, and had not asked for
-riches, or long life, or to put down his enemies, that therefore,
-besides wisdom, God would give him all the rest&mdash;riches, and
-honor, and length of life&mdash;and he should be wiser, and greater,
-and richer, than any king ever was before him, or should be
-after him.</p>
-
-<p>All this was because he had cared so much to have a wise
-and understanding heart to know good and evil. That was first
-with him, and so God gave him all the rest. So it will be with
-all those who seek first of all to be good. God does not make us
-wise all at once like Solomon, but if we care about it, He will help
-us to get wise by little and little if we really try, and then He
-will bless all we do.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Solomon? 2. Whose son was he? 3. What was he king of?
-4. How old was he when he began to be king? 5. What did God say to him at
-night? 6. What did Solomon wish for most? 7. What did God give him be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>sides?
-8. Why did God give him all these things when he did not ask for
-them? 9. What should we care about most? 10. What will God do for us if
-we care most about goodness? 11. How will He help us to get wise? 12. But
-what must we do ourselves?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus91">
-<img src="images/fig158.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON.&mdash;1 Kings 3:26, 27.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.&mdash;<i>1 Kings 3:28.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig120.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">HERE is a story to show how wise and clever King
-Solomon was. One day when he was sitting on his
-throne two women came to him: one with a live
-baby, the other with a dead one, both boys, and just
-of the same age. They said they had been living
-alone together in the same house, each with her little baby, till
-one night one of the women rolled over her child in her sleep and
-smothered it, so that she found it was dead.</p>
-
-<p>But each woman said it was not her baby but the other's
-that was dead, and that the mother of the dead one had put the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
-little corpse down by the other sleeping woman, and taken her
-living child out of her bosom to herself. How was it to be known
-which was right?&mdash;for nobody out of the house knew the two
-little ones apart, and each of the women declared that she was
-the mother of the live child, not of the dead. So they came to
-the king to judge between them.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus92">
-<img src="images/fig159.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BUILDING OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE.&mdash;1 Kings 6:11-14.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And what plan could Solomon take to find out the truth?
-He sent for the executioner, with a sword, and said that as the
-women could not agree, both the children should be cut in two,
-and each woman should have the two halves. One woman was
-content to have it so, but the other only cried out in grief and
-dread, "O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise
-slay it."</p>
-
-<p>Then Solomon saw in a moment which was full of mother's
-love, and which was full of hatred and jealousy; so he said, "Give
-<i>her</i> the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
-thereof." And so the true loving mother had her child safe and
-well, and the other was disappointed in her spite.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Solomon? 2. Who came before him? 8. What had happened
-to one baby? 4. What did both the women say? 5. What had Solomon to decide?
-6. What did he command? 7. Did he really mean to kill the child? 8.
-But what did he want to find out? 9. What did one woman say? 10. What
-did the other woman say? 11. Which was the real mother? 12. What did
-Solomon command? 13. Would not the loving mother rather give the child
-away than have it killed?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig160.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c25"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-fifth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>SOLOMON'S FALL.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"All the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in
-his heart."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 10:24.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig161.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">KING Solomon was the greatest king in
-wisdom and riches who ever lived. He
-had an ivory throne with golden lions
-standing on the steps, and a beautiful
-house lined with sweet cedar-wood. He sent
-ships which brought home gold and silver, and
-apes and peacocks; and it was said that gold
-was as common as silver generally is, and silver
-as common as stones!</p>
-
-<p>All people honored him, and the Queen of
-Sheba came from her far-off country to see
-him, because of the fame of his greatness. And when she saw
-him she was quite overcome, and said that all she heard was not
-half so grand and glorious as what she saw. Very happy, she
-said, were the people who stood round him and heard the words of
-his wisdom.</p>
-
-<p>We have the words of his wisdom in the Book of Proverbs
-in the Bible, for his wisdom came from God. And though we
-shall never see his purple robes or his gold and silver, do you
-know what our blessed Saviour said?&mdash;"Consider the lilies of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
-field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet
-I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed
-like one of these."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus93">
-<img src="images/fig162.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE QUEEN OF SHEBA VISITING SOLOMON.&mdash;1 Kings 10:6-10.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>The least little flower, if you look well into it, is more beautiful
-than anything King Solomon ever wore, for God made it;
-and he could only put things together that were made already.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Why was Solomon so rich? 2. Whose son was he? 3. What had he
-built? 4. When he had built the House of God what did he build? 5. What
-sort of throne had he? 6. What were the steps? 7. Who came to see him?
-8. What did she say of him? 9. Where have we got his wisdom? 10. What
-do we call it? 11. What did our blessed Saviour say about him? 12. What
-have we got which are more beautiful than Solomon's robes? 13. Why are
-flowers more beautiful than Solomon's robes?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with
-stripes."&mdash;<i>Psalm 89:32.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT is very sad to say that as Solomon grew old he left off
-being good. He married a great many wives, and
-brought them from the heathen nations round; and he
-did not teach them to worship the true God, but let
-them worship each in her own way.</p>
-
-<p>So, out in his gardens, one lady had her idol to
-the moon, and another had hers to the dreadful idol Milcom, and
-so on; and though Solomon knew so much better, even he was
-persuaded to come and pay honor to these idols, just to please
-these women&mdash;he, the son of David, whom God had blessed so
-much.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus94">
-<img src="images/fig163.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">IDOLATRY OF SOLOMON.&mdash;1 Kings 11:4.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And what the king did the people were sure to do. So God
-spake to Solomon, and told him that since he had fallen away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>
-from the right way, he must be punished, and that ten out of
-the twelve tribes would be taken away and not belong to his
-kingdom.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus95">
-<img src="images/fig164.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">REVOLT OF THE TRIBES.&mdash;1 Kings 12:16, 17.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>It was not to happen in his own time, but in his son's time,
-but it must have been very sad to him to know that his beautiful
-kingdom and great power were to be so lessened, and that his
-son Rehoboam was a very foolish young man, who would spoil
-everything. But he was not to lose all, only part, for the sake
-of the holy King David, to whom God had promised that his
-throne should last for ever.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What wrong did Solomon do? 2. Where did his wives come from? 3. What
-did they want to worship? 4. Did Solomon let them? 5. What did he do himself?
-6. Why was this wrong? 7. What is the First Commandment? 8. What
-did God tell Solomon? 9. How was he to be punished? 10. How many tribes
-were to be lost? 11. How many were to be kept? 12. Why were any to be
-left? 13. What had God promised David? 14. In whose time was the trouble
-to come? 15. What was the name of Solomon's son?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 11:35.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was a strong brave man of the tribe of Ephraim,
-named Jeroboam, and God sent his prophet to speak
-to him. Jeroboam had a new mantle on, and the
-prophet took it and tore it into twelve pieces, and
-gave Jeroboam ten of them.</p>
-
-<p>Then the prophet said this was to show how
-God was going to tear away ten tribes from Rehoboam, the grandson
-of David, and give them to Jeroboam, because Solomon was
-bringing idols in to be worshipped. And he told Jeroboam that
-all should go well with him, and he would be a great king, and
-his sons after him, if he would go on serving the Lord, and the
-Lord only, and would keep from idols.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was to be taken from Solomon's son? 2. What was the name of Solomon's
-son? 3. Who was to have the tribes? 4. Who told Jeroboam so? 5.
-What sign did the prophet give? 6. What was torn? 7. Of how many tribes
-would Rehoboam be king? 8. Of how many would Jeroboam be king? 9. Why
-were any taken from Rehoboam? 10. Why were any left? 11. What does the
-Second Commandment say? 12. How long would Jeroboam go on well?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig165.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c26"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-sixth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"This thing became a sin."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 12:30.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap1" src="images/fig166.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">SOLOMON'S son was named Rehoboam. He
-was foolish and hasty; and when his father's
-wise old men gave him good advice he would
-not listen to them, but only cared for his
-young friends, who were as foolish as himself.
-So when the Israelites came to him to ask
-him not to be hard upon them, and make
-them bring him so much corn and so many sheep, the
-old men told him to answer them kindly and gently,
-but the young men said he had better be fierce and
-sharp. So he followed the young men's advice, and made a very
-unkind answer.</p>
-
-<p>This made them all so angry that they said they would not
-have him for their king any longer; but they took Jeroboam, a
-brave strong man of the tribe of Ephraim, and made him their
-king. Only two tribes still held steady to Rehoboam. These were
-the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. God left him these, because
-of the promise that King David's sons should go on sitting on his
-throne. But ten of the tribes had made Jeroboam their king;
-so that now there were two kingdoms&mdash;a large one called Israel,
-and a small one called Judah.</p>
-
-<p>This was because Solomon had let his heart turn away from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
-God, and had not taken pains to keep his people holy, but had
-cared more for riches, and power, and glory. But Jeroboam did
-not take pains to serve God. He set up two calves, made of gold,
-for the Israelites to worship, instead of going to the Temple.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Solomon? 2. Who was his son? 3. Whom did Rehoboam like
-best? 4. What did his people ask? 5. What did the old men advise? 6. What
-did the young men advise? 7. Whose advice did he take? 8. What answer did
-he give? 9. What did the Israelites do? 10. Whom did they make their king?
-11. How many kingdoms were there? 13. How many tribes made up Israel?
-14. Who was king of Judah? 15. Who was king of Israel? 16. Why did not
-Rehoboam lose all? 17. What had God promised David? 18. Why did Rehoboam
-lose any? 19. What foolish answer did he make? 20. What idols did he
-set up?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 13:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT is a sad story that you hear to-day. There was a man
-who was called a prophet, because God spoke to him,
-and used to send him to declare His will to the people.</p>
-
-<p>Once God called this prophet, and told him to go
-to a place called Bethel, where the wicked king of
-Israel, Jeroboam, had set up a golden idol in the shape
-of a calf, and was teaching the people to pray to it, instead of
-going to the Temple at Jerusalem to worship. He was to tell the
-king of his sin, and how his idol should be overthrown and
-destroyed; and when he had done this, he was to come home at
-once, by a different way, and neither eat bread nor drink water,
-but come quickly back.</p>
-
-<p>The prophet went to Bethel, and he spoke God's words to
-the king boldly; and when the king put out his hand to strike
-him God struck the hand, so that Jeroboam could not draw it
-back till the prophet prayed for him. Then Jeroboam felt God's
-power, and wanted the prophet to come to his palace with him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
-But the prophet said no; for God had commanded him to go
-home at once, without eating or drinking in that wicked place.
-So he set off.</p>
-
-<p>He had so far done well; but before he had gone all the way
-he grew tired, and he sat down under an oak. It was a great
-pity that he delayed, for there was a bad man coming after him
-with a lie upon his lips. This man told the prophet that God
-had said he was to come back and eat and drink; and I am grieved
-to say the prophet listened, and turned back.</p>
-
-<p>He ought to have known that God would have told him Himself
-if he was to go back; but he did not think&mdash;he did what
-pleased himself, not what pleased God; and he went back to feast
-with this stranger. But God's anger came upon him. When he
-went back in the evening, a lion came out of the wood and killed
-him.</p>
-
-<p>The lion did not kill the ass he rode upon, nor tear the body,
-and the ass did not run away from the lion; but the lion and ass
-both stood by the dead prophet till&mdash;who do you think found him?
-The very man who had tempted him to do wrong! Must not
-that have been a terrible sight?</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What had God told the prophet to do? 2. What had He told him not to
-do? 3. What was the first wrong thing the prophet did? 4. What harm came
-of his lingering? 5. How did he disobey? 6. What was his sad end? 7. Who
-found him lying dead? 8. What were standing by him? 9. Why did he come
-to this sad death? 10. How did he fall in the way of the wicked man? 11.
-What is the way to fall in with bad people? 12. Then how should you always
-go on messages, or to school? 13. Is it enough to mind only half what you are
-told?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig167.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE QUEEN OF SHEBA VISITING SOLOMON.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until
-the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 17:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT is very sad to say, but the Israelites went on getting
-more fond of idols, and would not worship God. They
-grew so wicked that at last He punished them, to
-teach them who sent the rain and did them good.</p>
-
-<p>He would not let it rain for three whole years.
-No rain by day, no dew by night! The corn would
-not grow, the grass dried up, and all the streams were nothing
-but stones; so that there was nothing to eat or to drink, and
-everyone was in sad distress.</p>
-
-<p>There was one good man, a prophet, called Elijah, and God
-took care of him. He sent him to a lonely place, by the side of
-a little mountain stream, where there still was water to drink;
-and every morning and evening there came two ravens, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>
-were sent by God, to bring him bread and flesh. That was a
-great miracle, or wonder, which God worked to feed His prophet.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus96">
-<img src="images/fig168.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ELIJAH FED BY THE RAVENS.&mdash;1 Kings 17:5, 6.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>In time the brook dried up, and then God sent Elijah to
-a town called Zarephath. There Elijah saw a poor woman
-gathering sticks, and he asked her to give him a bit of something
-to eat. But the poor widow woman said she had nothing for
-herself and her son but a handful of meal and a little oil, and she
-was going to make a cake of it, and bake it with a fire of her
-sticks; and that was the last she could get, so they must die of
-hunger after they had finished.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus97">
-<img src="images/fig169.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE WIDOW'S SON RESTORED TO LIFE.&mdash;1 Kings 17:21, 22.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>But Elijah still told her to make him a little cake first, for
-he said, "Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal
-shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day
-that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth."</p>
-
-<p>And the woman believed him, and gave him a bit of her last
-cake. And it was as he said. There was always meal and oil
-enough to feed them day by day: the widow, and her son, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
-prophet, went on living on the meal every day, for God fed them.</p>
-
-<p>At last the child fell sick and died; and his mother grieved
-for him. But Elijah laid the child on his bed, and prayed to God
-to have mercy on the widow: and God had mercy. The little
-child's soul came back, and he was alive again; and Elijah gave
-him to his mother.</p>
-
-<p>Are not these three great wonders of God's goodness? God
-does not let us see miracles now, as He did in those times, because
-we are taught to believe in Him without them. But He still
-takes care of us. He takes care that if we trust to Him, and
-pray to Him, we shall have our food every day. And if we are
-ready to give what we want ourselves away to one who needs it,
-He will make it up to us, and take care of us all the more. And
-though no one is brought to life now who has died, yet God often
-gives us back our friends when they have been very ill; and we
-know that we shall all rise up from the dead and live with God
-for ever, at a greater call than Elijah's.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What is a miracle? 2. How many miracles have you been hearing of? 3.
-For whom were they worked? 4. Who worked them? 5. What were the three
-miracles? 6. Why was it a miracle that the ravens fed Elijah? 7. Why did
-the ravens bring Elijah the food instead of eating it themselves? 8. What was
-the next miracle? 9. How came the widow always to have enough? 10. How
-did she show that she was worthy to have a wonder worked for her? 11. Why
-was God pleased with her? 12. What more did God do for her son? 13. Who
-prayed for him? 14. How could you try to be like the good widow? 15. What
-is the way to be helped? 16. What do you ask God to give you every day?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig170.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c27"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-seventh Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>ELIJAH AND AHAB.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 18:39.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap12" src="images/fig55.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU heard last Sunday how sadly the Israelites
-were behaving when they prayed to a
-golden calf. They had a still worse idol
-afterwards. His name was Baal; and they
-wanted to worship him instead of the true
-God. To-day there is a beautiful chapter
-that I hardly like to put into my own poor
-words. Listen to it well in church, and you will hear how wonderful
-it is.</p>
-
-<p>There were four hundred prophets, as they called themselves,
-who worshipped Baal, and only one real prophet who worshipped
-the Lord God. This prophet was named Elijah. He called all
-the people to a high mountain, and said they should see who was
-the true God. He said he would build one altar, and that the
-four hundred prophets should build another; they should each
-offer a sacrifice, and each should pray to his god, and the God
-that sent fire to burn the sacrifice would be the true God.</p>
-
-<p>The prophets of Baal tried first. They built their altar and
-put wood on it, and killed a bullock and cut it up, and they prayed
-to their god Baal to send fire down. But he was no god&mdash;he was
-nothing at all; and though they cried and shouted, and leaped
-about, and even cut their own flesh in their rage, not a spark
-of fire came.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Then Elijah made his sacrifice. And he did a strange thing;
-for he had water poured all over it, till all the wood was streaming
-wet&mdash;and you know water always put out fire&mdash;so how was it
-ever to be burnt? He even made a trench round, and filled that
-with water too. Then he knelt down, and prayed that the Lord
-God in heaven would show His power, and make the people know
-that no one else was God.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus98">
-<img src="images/fig171.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ELIJAH SLAYING THE PROPHETS OF BAAL.&mdash;1 Kings 18:39, 40.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And down from heaven came the fire! It was not stopped
-by the water! No, it dried that up in a moment, and burnt the
-wood, and consumed the sacrifice! And all the Israelites fell on
-their faces, and cried out, "The Lord, He is the God; the Lord,
-He is the God!" For only the Lord God is Almighty, and can do
-wonders.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who is the prophet we read of to-day? 2. What wicked thing were the
-Israelites doing? 3. What is the First Commandment? 4. What was the name
-of the false god? 5. How many prophets were there for Baal? 6. Who only
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>spoke up for the true God? 7. What did Elijah say they would try? 8. How
-would they know which was the real God? 9. What happened when Baal's people
-prayed to him? 10. Why did not Baal send them any fire? 11. What did
-Elijah do to his sacrifice? 12. Whom did he pray to? 13. What came down
-from heaven? 14. What became of all the water that Elijah had poured out?
-15. Why did not the water stop the fire? 16. What did all the people cry out?
-17. What word in the Belief means that God can do everything?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"A still small voice."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 19:12.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER the Israelites had called out, "The Lord, He is
-the God!" and owned that Baal was nothing but an
-idol, God had mercy on them, and sent them rain
-again; and their famine was over.</p>
-
-<p>But King Ahab's wife, whose name was Jezebel,
-was a heathen woman, and she would worship Baal, and did not
-choose to believe in the true God. And she was very angry with
-Elijah, and sent men out everywhere to put him to death. Elijah
-was obliged to flee far away for fear of her; and he went out into
-the wilderness, and sat down under a juniper tree; and there
-he was so sad, to think that all he had done was of no use, that
-he requested for himself that he might die, for he could do no
-more good with these wicked people.</p>
-
-<p>Then he went to sleep; and when he woke an angel was
-by him, with a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water;
-and the angel bade him rise and eat, for the journey was too
-great for him.</p>
-
-<p>It was a great journey, for he was to go all the way to the
-Mount of God, where God had spoken to Moses. And there he
-stood in a cave; and a voice came and asked, "What doest thou
-here, Elijah?" Then he told how the Israelites had forsaken
-their God, and killed the prophets, and "I, even I only, am left,"
-he said; "and they seek my life to take it away." Then God
-showed him His wonders.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>First a great strong wind came rushing by&mdash;but the Lord
-was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, that broke
-the rocks in pieces&mdash;but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
-And after the earthquake a fire&mdash;but the Lord was not in the
-fire. And after the fire, a still small Voice.</p>
-
-<p>Then Elijah wrapped his face in his mantle, and stood in
-the entrance of the cave, to hear what God would say to him.
-And God told him he was not all alone, as he thought; for there
-were many good men still left who had never bowed the knee
-to Baal, nor deserted the God of their fathers. And God sent
-him back to return to his work among the people of Israel, and
-not to think that there was no hope because he could not see it;
-nor to think he was left alone because he had no friends near
-him that he could see.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How long was there no rain in the land of Israel? 2. Why was there no
-rain? 3. Who told the Israelites of their wickedness? 4. What wonder showed
-who was the real God? 5. What did the Israelites cry out? 6. Who was the
-Israelite king? 7. Who was Ahab's wicked wife? 8. What did she want to do
-to Elijah? 9. Where did Elijah flee to? 10. Who came to feed him? 11.
-Where did he go? 12. What had been given on the Mount of God? 13. What
-was said to Elijah? 14. Why was Elijah so sad?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"He laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat
-no bread."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 21:4.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig36.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU learn in the Catechism to say, "Thou shalt not
-covet." Coveting means wishing very much for what
-we ought not to have; and God tells us not to covet,
-because all faults begin in bad wishes. Now you shall
-hear what shocking sin one wish led to.</p>
-
-<p>King Ahab had a grand garden, and he wanted to make it
-bigger; but the next piece of ground belonged to a poor man
-named Naboth. Ahab asked Naboth to sell him his ground; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
-Naboth said it had come to him from his father, and must go to
-his son, and he could not sell it. Then Ahab coveted, and lay on
-his bed and would not eat&mdash;caring for nothing but the bit of
-ground he could not get.</p>
-
-<p>Now Ahab had a cruel, wicked wife; and when she saw
-her husband grieving about Naboth's ground she was determined
-to get it for him. So she had two very bad men set on to say that
-poor Naboth had been wicked, and must be put to death.</p>
-
-<p>They bore false witness against him, and broke the Ninth
-Commandment when they did so; and then, worst of all, this
-poor innocent man was really put to death for the crime he had
-never done&mdash;and that was murder, which breaks the Sixth Commandment.
-Then Jezebel called Ahab, and told him he might
-go and take possession of the ground that he wanted: there was
-nobody to hinder him. But he never had any pleasure in it.</p>
-
-<p>When he went to it, there stood God's great Prophet Elijah,
-ready to meet him. And Elijah told him how very angry God
-was with him and with Jezebel, and that they should be terribly
-punished for their cruel behavior to this innocent man. Then
-Ahab was sorry, and wept and grieved for the cruel thing that
-had been done; but all his sorrow could not bring Naboth back to
-life again. And oh! how grieved he must have been that he had
-not kept his wishes in order!&mdash;for almost all our faults begin
-in a wish.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who is the king we hear of to-day? 2. Who is the bad queen? 3. Who
-is the poor man? 4. What did Ahab want? 5. Why should not Naboth let
-Ahab have the ground? 6. How did Ahab behave when he could not get the
-ground? 7. Who said he should have it? 8. How did Jezebel get Naboth
-put to death? 9. Who met Ahab? 10. What did Elijah tell him? 11. What
-had Ahab done wrong? 12. What Commandment tells you not to covet? 13.
-What is coveting? 14. What Commandment tells us not to tell untrue things of
-other people? 15. Say the Ninth Commandment. 16. What Commandment was
-broken by putting Naboth to death? 17. How many Commandments were broken?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c28"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-eighth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>ELIJAH AND ELISHA.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"A certain man drew a bow at a venture."&mdash;<i>1 Kings 22:34.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig172.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">W</span>HEN Ahab had let Naboth be
-stoned that he might get his
-vineyard, the Prophet Elijah said
-that Ahab would be greatly punished,
-and that where the dogs
-licked up Naboth's blood there they
-would lick up Ahab's; and that cruel
-Jezebel should be eaten up by dogs,
-so that no one could say, This is
-Jezebel.</p>
-
-<p>Some time after, Ahab went
-out to fight a battle. He was afraid,
-because his conscience troubled him, and he thought he should be
-safer if he did not go out to fight dressed like a king, for he knew
-the enemies would all come and try to kill him if they saw him in
-his robes. But he dressed only like a common captain, and thought
-they would take no notice, and he would be safe. He forgot that
-if the enemy did not know him God knew him, and that God could
-see it was Ahab just as well in his common dress as in his robes
-and crown.</p>
-
-<p>So a man drew his bow, not shooting at anybody in particular;
-but God's will guided the arrow, and it wounded Ahab so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
-badly that he desired to be taken out of the battle, and he died
-before he could be carried home. His chariot was full of his blood,
-and his servants washed it in the place where Naboth had been
-stoned to death; and the wild hungry dogs came and licked up the
-blood, just as they had licked up Naboth's blood. So you see
-no hiding could get away from God.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus99">
-<img src="images/fig173.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE DEATH OF KING AHAB.&mdash;1 Kings 22:34.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did God say was to happen to Ahab? 2. What was to happen to
-Jezebel? 3. What did Ahab go out to do? 4. How did he dress himself? 5.
-Why did not Ahab dress like a king? 6. From whom did he want to hide?
-7. But who knew him all the time? 8. How was he wounded? 9. Did the man
-mean to hit Ahab? 10. How came Ahab to be hit? 11. What was done with
-him? 12. Where was his chariot washed? 13. What licked up his blood?
-14. Who had said the dogs should lick his blood? 15. Why? 16. Why did
-Ahab let Naboth be killed? 17. Who was angry with Ahab? 18. Can we hide
-from God's anger?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof."&mdash;<i>2
-Kings 2:12.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE time had come when God was about to call away
-His great Prophet Elijah. And it was not as other
-men are taken from this earth, by dying and being
-buried, while their souls go away to the God who
-gave them. No; Elijah went out and visited all the
-schools, where young men and boys were being
-trained to sing God's praise; and Elisha, who was his scholar and
-his friend, went with him.</p>
-
-<p>When they came to the bank of the river Jordan, Elijah took
-his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the waters of the stream
-with it, and they parted, and left a way for Elijah and Elisha
-to go over dry-footed. Then Elijah said, "Ask what I shall do
-for thee, before I be taken away from thee." And Elisha said,
-"I pray thee, let a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus100">
-<img src="images/fig174.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ELIJAH TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN.&mdash;2 Kings 2:11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>And while they were talking together, there came a great
-wonder from heaven: a chariot and horses, all bright and glowing
-like fire; and Elijah was parted from his friend, and went up
-into heaven upon a whirlwind. Elisha stood watching, crying
-out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen
-thereof;" as if he knew not what he said. And Elijah, as
-he went up, threw down his mantle; and Elisha took it up and
-went his way, much wondering, and full of awe.</p>
-
-<p>And when he came to the river Jordan, he took the mantle,
-rolled up, and smote the waters, and they parted again, so that
-he went through with dry feet. And when the young men in
-the school of the prophets met him, they saw in his face and
-manner that the same Spirit which had been on Elijah was on
-him, and they bowed themselves before him.</p>
-
-<p>Only one other man was ever taken up to heaven without
-dying, and he was Enoch, who lived before the Flood. Our
-blessed Lord ascended into Heaven; but He went up, He was not
-taken, and it was after He had died and risen again.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Elijah? 2. Who was his friend? 3. Where did they go together?
-4. How did they get across the river? 5. What did Elisha ask? 6.
-What appeared to them? 7. What happened to Elijah? 8. What did he let
-fall? 9. Who was to be prophet in his stead? 10. What did Elisha cry out?
-11. What did he do with Elijah's mantle? 12. What other man was taken up
-like this? 13. When did Enoch live? 14. Who only ascended into heaven?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"It is well."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 4:26.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap7" src="images/fig175.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ELISHA was the prophet for Israel instead of Elijah.
-Now there was a good woman who saw him go by, and
-she said she would make a little room for him by the
-wall of her house, and put in a bed, and a table, and
-a stool, and a lamp, so that he could go and rest there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
-whenever he pleased. When Elisha saw it he was pleased, and
-told her that if she wished for anything very much he would pray
-God to give it to her. She answered that she dwelt among her
-own people, and wanted for nothing. But she had no child; and
-Elisha prayed for her, and God blessed her for her kindness to
-His servant, and by-and-by she had a son.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus101">
-<img src="images/fig176.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE SHUNAMITE'S SON RESTORED.&mdash;2 Kings 4:36, 37.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>But when he had grown into a boy, he went into the fields
-with his father to see the harvest, and the heat of the sun struck
-on his head so that he cried out, "My head, my head!" And his
-father said, "Carry him to his mother." But she could do him
-no good; he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.</p>
-
-<p>She did not stop to weep; she had her ass saddled, and rode
-away to seek for the man of God. And by-and-by she met him
-on the way, and she knelt down before him and held him by his
-feet. Then he knew how it was, and he bade his servant Gehazi
-take his staff, and hasten on, and never rest till he had laid it
-on the child's face. Gehazi did so, but there was no voice nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>
-any answer. So he went back and met his master, and said,
-"The child is not awaked."</p>
-
-<p>Then Elisha came in, and found the child lying dead on his
-own bed. Then he stretched himself on the boy, and prayed to
-God that the soul might come back to the little one. And at last
-God granted the prayer, and the child's flesh grew warm; and
-Elisha prayed again, and the child sneezed seven times as
-his breath came back, and he opened his eyes! Then the mother
-was called, and the child was given back to her; and she bowed
-herself to the ground, and gave thanks to God and His prophet.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was prophet instead of Elijah? 2. What had become of Elijah? 3.
-Who made a room for Elisha? 4. What did she put in it? 5. What joy did
-God give to her? 6. What great grief? 7. What caused the boy's death? 8.
-What did his mother do? 9. What order did Elisha give? 10. Could Gehazi
-do anything? 11. What did Elisha do? 12. How did God show His mercy?
-13. How did the mother thank God?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig177.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c29"><span class="oldeng">Twenty-ninth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>ELISHA'S MIRACLES.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Wash and be clean."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 5:13.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig20.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was a poor little girl who was
-stolen away from her own home in
-Israel by Syrian soldiers, and carried
-far from her mother and friends, to be
-a slave. It must have been very sad
-and lonely; but God lets nothing happen
-but for good, and so this poor little
-captive maid did great good. Her
-master was named Naaman. He was
-the captain of the army&mdash;brave and
-strong; but he fell ill of a disease that no doctor
-could cure, and which would go on getting worse
-till he would die of it.</p>
-
-<p>The little maid was sorry for him; and though
-she was all alone in a heathen land, she had not forgotten about
-God and His prophets, and she told her mistress that at home, in
-Israel, there was a prophet who could cure her master by God's
-power.</p>
-
-<p>So Naaman set out in his chariot, and came to the prophet's
-door. He thought the prophet would come out, and strike his
-hand over the place, and cure him directly&mdash;all the more because
-he was such a great man. But, instead of that, the prophet sent
-out word to him that he was to wash seven times in the River
-Jordan, and he would be well.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>This made Naaman very angry. He thought the bathing
-in Jordan would do no good, and that the prophet made light of
-him; and he turned and went away in a rage. Then his servants
-persuaded him. They said, "My father, if the prophet had bid
-thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how
-much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"</p>
-
-<p>Naaman was wise enough to listen to them. He did go and
-wash in the River Jordan, as the prophet bade him; and God
-gave the water the power to make him quite well again. Then
-he came back and thanked the prophet, and said he would never
-pray to any god again but to the One true God, who had healed
-him.</p>
-
-<p>So you see the little maid did great good to her master, both
-to his body and his soul, because she was good, and remembered
-her God, even when she was far away from home.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who is the great captain we hear of to-day? 2. What was the matter with
-him? 3. Whom did Naaman go to to cure him? 4. From whom did he hear
-about the prophet? 5. How came the little maid into Naaman's house? 6.
-Who made the prophet able to cure people? 7. Had Naaman been brought up
-to worship God? 8. What did he expect the prophet to do to him? 9. What
-did the prophet tell him to do? 10. Why did he not like this? 11. Who persuaded
-him to try? 12. What did they say he would have been ready to do?
-13. Don't we sometimes wish to do something grand, rather than just what we
-are told? 14. But what have we got to do? 15. What came of Naaman doing
-as he was told? 16. To whom did Naaman say he should always pray?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig178.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"They that be with us are more than they that be with them."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 6:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE great enemies of the kings of Israel were the
-Syrians, who lived at Damascus; but whenever the
-Syrians made a plan to come and fight with the
-Israelites, God made it known to the Prophet Elisha;
-and he told King Joram, so that the Israelite soldiers
-were always ready before hand to fight with the
-Syrians. The king of Syria began to think one of his own men
-must tell Joram; but they said it was the Prophet Elisha who
-told the king of Israel what was said in the most secret
-chamber of the king of Syria. Then the Syrians sent an army of
-men to take Elisha at Dothan, and kill him.</p>
-
-<p>They came by night, and when Elisha's servant looked out
-in the morning, he saw horses and chariots all round the place.
-He was afraid, and cried out "Alas, my master! how shall we
-do?" But Elisha said to him, "Fear not: for they that be with
-us are more than they that be with them." And he prayed that the
-young man's eyes might be opened that he might see: and so they
-were&mdash;to see the whole mountain round about full of chariots of
-fire and horses of fire; many, many more than the Syrians had,
-and all come to take care of Elisha.</p>
-
-<p>And God made the Syrians unable to see that Elisha was
-before them, and he led them all the way to Samaria, and put
-them before King Joram as his prisoners. Joram wanted to put
-them to death, but Elisha would not let him, and they were all
-sent safe home, and did not come back as enemies for a long time.
-And we know that, though we cannot see them, God's angels are
-still in great armies encamped all round about those who fear
-Him, to deliver them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who were the enemies of the kings of Israel? 2. Who always told the
-plans of the Syrians? 3. How did Elisha know? 4. What did the king of
-Syria want to do? 5. When did his army come? 6. Who was frightened? 7.
-What did Elisha say? 8. Who were those who were with them? 9. Who are
-always round about those who fear God? 10. Why, then, need we never be
-afraid? 11. What happened to these Syrians? 12. But were they killed? 13.
-Why not?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"This day is a day of good tidings.&mdash;<i>2 Kings 7:9.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IF King Joram had been good he would have had no troubles;
-but he would let his mother Jezebel worship her
-false gods, so God sent the Syrians against him again.
-And they came all round Samaria, and shut it in so
-close that nobody could get out; and all the food was
-eaten up, so that even such food as a donkey's head
-was so dear that hardly anybody could buy it, and everyone was
-getting starved. Joram was so angry, that he said at last, in his
-wickedness, he would cut off Elisha's head the next day.</p>
-
-<p>But Elisha said quietly that to-morrow there would be
-quantities of food in the city, so that it would cost almost nothing.
-One of the king's lords laughed, and said, "If the Lord should
-make windows in heaven, might such a thing be?" "Thou shalt
-see it with thine eyes," said Elisha, "but shalt not eat thereof."</p>
-
-<p>Now, that night the Lord made the Syrians hear a great
-noise, as if an army was coming up to help the Israelites. And
-they were so frightened, that they all fled away in the night, and
-left all their tents standing, and their armor in them, and their
-stores of food.</p>
-
-<p>In the early morning, three poor leprous men, who could not
-get any food in Samaria, crept down to see if the Syrians would
-give them anything, or they thought if the Syrians should kill
-them, that would be better than being starved. But when they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>
-came to the camp there was nobody there&mdash;no soldiers, no horses,
-only tents full of rich dresses, and fine armour, and, best of all,
-plenty of food. The hungry lepers went and ate, and then they
-thought they ought to go and tell the people in the town that all
-the Syrians were gone.</p>
-
-<p>So the king sent out to see, two men upon lean, starved horses.
-They found it was all true, and everybody went rushing out to
-get food. The king sent the lord who had laughed at Elisha, to
-stand in the gate to keep order; but the people were so very
-hungry that they did not mind him, and he was knocked down and
-trodden upon, and trampled to death: and so it came to pass that
-he saw the plenty, but did not eat of it, because he had mocked at
-the word of the Lord.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was king of Israel? 2. Who was prophet? 3. What was the chief
-town in Israel? 4. Who tried to take it? 5. What was the sad distress in
-Samaria? 6. What had they to eat? 7. Whose fault was it? 8. But whom
-did Joram want to punish? 9. What did Elisha promise? 10. Who laughed at
-him? 11. What did Elisha say? 12. What happened in the night? 13.
-What became of the Syrians? 14. Who found it out? 15. What did the lepers
-see? 16. Whom did they tell? 17. What did all the people do? 18. What
-became of the man who laughed at Elisha? 19. What is it that makes God
-angry?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig179.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c30"><span class="oldeng">Thirtieth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE RUIN OF AHAB'S HOUSE.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"What hast thou to do with peace."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 9:18.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap13" src="images/fig180.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE Sunday before last you
-heard how King Ahab was
-killed in battle, though he had
-fancied that he could hide
-from God. His wife, Queen
-Jezebel, was left; and she had
-always been worse than he
-was, and she had brought up
-her son Joram to be very
-wicked too. When Joram had
-reigned as king for twelve
-years, God told His Prophet
-Elijah to send a young man to anoint a captain called Jehu to be
-king instead of Joram. So the young man took some oil, and went
-to the town where Jehu was, and said, "I have an errand to thee,
-O captain." Then he poured the oil on Jehu's head, and told him
-that God made him king of Israel.</p>
-
-<p>The other captains were glad to make Jehu king, and they
-made him sit on the top of a flight of steps, and blew with their
-trumpets, and shouted, "Jehu is king." Then they all set out to
-conquer King Joram.</p>
-
-<p>Joram had his chariot made ready, and went out in it to
-meet Jehu; but, as soon as they came in sight of one another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>
-Jehu shot an arrow, and it struck Joram, so that he sank down
-in his chariot and died.</p>
-
-<p>Then Jehu went on into the town; and Jezebel thought she
-would still try to make friends with the people; so, instead of
-mourning for her son, she painted her face, and put on a headdress,
-and looked out at a window. Jehu said, "Who is on my
-side? who?" And some of the servants looked out. He said,
-"Throw her down." So the servants threw Jezebel out of the
-window, and her blood sprinkled on Jehu's horses. But he went
-on, and went into the palace, and was made king, and had a feast.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus102">
-<img src="images/fig181.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JEZEBEL EATEN BY DOGS.&mdash;2 Kings 9:32, 33.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then he sent out, and said that he would have Jezebel buried,
-for she was a king's daughter. However, when his men went out
-to look for her, they found that the wild dogs that ran about the
-streets had eaten up every bit of her, so that there was nothing
-left of her but her skull and her feet, and the palms of her hands.</p>
-
-<p>You remember that God's prophet Elijah, had told Ahab
-that the dogs should eat Jezebel, because she was so cruel. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
-worshipped idols, and killed God's prophets, and had poor Naboth
-put to death that Ahab might have his vineyard. So God punished
-her. People need not hope that God will not punish what
-they have done wrong, for He will be quite sure to punish unless
-they are very sorry, and pray to Him, to pardon them for Jesus
-Christ's sake.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Ahab? 2. Who was Jezebel? 3. What wicked things had they
-done? 4. What had the prophet told them? 5. What had become of Ahab?
-6. Who was king after Ahab? 7. How long was Joram king? 8. Whom did
-God choose to punish Jezebel and Joram? 9. Who was sent to tell Jehu? 10.
-What is anointing? 11. Who did you hear of before who was anointed? 12.
-What did the other captains do to Jehu? 13. Who came out to meet him? 14.
-What did Jehu do to Joram? 15. What did Jezebel do? 16. What became of
-Jezebel? 17. What was left of Jezebel? 18. Why did she come to such a
-shocking end? 19. What does God do to sinners? 20. Does He always punish
-them at once? 21. Does he forget? 22. What must be done if we would not
-be punished?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 10:28.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN that fierce soldier, Jehu, was made king, the
-men of Israel cut off the heads of all Ahab's sons
-and grandsons, and made them up into two heaps at
-the city gates; and all the people who worshipped
-Baal were shut up in his temple, and every one of
-them killed. It is very sad and terrible; but God
-had commanded that people who prayed to idols should not live,
-because they taught the rest of the Israelites to be wicked too.
-When we hear about it, we must recollect that it is a fearful
-thing to turn away from serving God, and that He is sure to
-punish those who will not worship Him.</p>
-
-<p>You are not likely to pray to an idol; but I hope you do say
-your prayers night and morning, and mind them as you say them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
-Not saying our prayers, and not going to church, is turning
-away from God; and it would be very sad and ungrateful to do
-that, for God has done much more for us than He did for the
-Israelites, and we know more about Him than they did.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who came to punish them? 2. What was done with the heads of the
-princes? 3. What was done to the worshippers of Baal? 4. Why were they
-put to death? 5. What Commandment did these worshippers of Baal break?
-6. What is the First Commandment? 7. Whom must we worship? 8. When
-do we worship Him? 9. Must we go without saying our prayers?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The arrow of the Lord's deliverance."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 13:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap7" src="images/fig175.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ELISHA grew to be a very old man, and when at last
-he fell sick and was near his death, the king of Israel,
-whose name was Joash, came and kept by his bed-side.</p>
-
-<p>Elisha said, "Open the window eastward;" and
-he opened it. Then Elisha said, "Shoot;" and Joash
-took his bow and shot an arrow. And Elisha said, "The arrow
-of the Lord's deliverance." Then he said, "Take the arrows;
-smite upon the ground."</p>
-
-<p>Joash struck three times on the ground, but he did not go
-on striking, for he did not think enough of God and His prophet
-to understand that if he obeyed Elisha God would bless him.
-So Elisha told him if he had struck many times, he would have
-had a great many victories over the Syrians, but as he had only
-struck three times, he would only have three victories. For it is
-when people begin by obeying in little things that God gives them
-a great deal.</p>
-
-<p>Then the great Prophet Elisha died, and was buried; and
-Joash beat the Syrians three times, but no more, because he had
-not believed and obeyed.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was dying? 2. Who came to see Elisha? 3. What did Elisha tell
-Joash to do? 4. What did he call the arrow? 5. What did he bid Joash do
-then? 6. How many times did Joash strike the ground? 7. What ought he to
-have done? 8. Why did he not? 9. What did Elisha promise him? 10. Why
-did not he have more victories? 11. If we want to do great things, how must
-we do little things?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus103">
-<img src="images/fig182.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">A CITY CAPTURED AND THE INHABITANTS LED AWAY CAPTIVE.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c31"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-first Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>HEZEKIAH AND JOSIAH.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 18:3.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap12" src="images/fig55.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU have heard of many bad kings. There is a
-good king to tell you of at last&mdash;good King
-Hezekiah. He cared for nothing so much as
-to please God. He would not have any idols,
-but he cleared them all away, and had the
-holy Temple all set to rights, and made beautiful
-as God had commanded; and he had all
-the services at the Temple at the right times,
-and used to go and pray there himself constantly. And he did all
-he could to make his people good too.</p>
-
-<p>But there came a great danger. There was a king of Assyria
-named Sennacherib, who had quantities of soldiers and horses
-and chariots, and he used to conquer towns, and carry all the
-people in them away to live far from home. He thought he would
-seize Hezekiah and his people in this way, and he did come and
-do much harm all over the country.</p>
-
-<p>He did not come at once to Jerusalem; but he sent three
-boasting men, with an army, to stand outside the walls, and call
-out to the people inside, that Sennacherib was coming to conquer
-them and carry them away, and that they need not believe their
-king Hezekiah when he said that God would help them, for no
-god had ever yet saved a country from Sennacherib.</p>
-
-<p>Hezekiah's people were terribly afraid. Some wanted him
-to get help from the king of Egypt; but Hezekiah knew that God<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
-had forbidden him to have anything to do with the Egyptians.
-He knew that God could help him, and that the way to be helped
-was to do just what God told him. So, though Sennacherib had
-so many men, and he had so few, and the Egyptians had plenty
-of soldiers and horses, he made sure that God could save him
-much better than any Egyptian of them all.</p>
-
-<p>Next Sunday morning you will hear what happened.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus104">
-<img src="images/fig183.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">RABSACES BEFORE SENNACHERIB.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who is the good king we hear of to-day? 2. What did he clear away? 3.
-What Commandment did he keep? 4. Where did he go and pray? 5. Who
-was his enemy? 6. What message did Sennacherib send to the people of Jerusalem?
-7. Where did the people want Hezekiah to send for help? 8. Why would
-not Hezekiah send for help from Egypt? 9. To whom did he trust?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth:
-Thou hast made heaven and earth."&mdash;<i>Isaiah 37:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig120.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">HEZEKIAH was king of Jerusalem. He was very good,
-and always served God and prayed to Him. But a
-great fierce king named Sennacherib brought an
-army into his land, and ruined all his towns and
-villages except Jerusalem, and shut up Hezekiah in
-his town, so that his people could not dare to come out.</p>
-
-<p>And Sennacherib wrote a letter to tell Hezekiah that it was
-no use to hope to escape, he was coming to take away the Jews and
-ruin Jerusalem; and this wicked man even said that Hezekiah
-need not think that his God would save him, for no nation had
-ever yet been saved by its gods, so the God of Hezekiah could
-not help him.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">HEZEKIAH'S PRAYER.</p>
-
-<p>In his great distress Hezekiah went up to the Temple, and
-told God all his trouble. And he said, "Thou art the God, even
-Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made
-heaven and earth." He said he knew the gods of those nations
-could not save them, for they were no gods, only wood and stone;
-but he trusted that God would save him and his people, though
-they were far too weak to defend themselves against this terrible
-king and his people.</p>
-
-<p>God heard the good king's prayer, and sent him a promise
-that his enemy should not even come before Jerusalem, nor shoot
-one arrow at it. And God kept His word. The fierce soldiers of
-Sennacherib all lay down to sleep one night, but they never woke
-up again. God sent His angel, with a deadly blast, and all the
-army that wanted to destroy His people died in one single night.</p>
-
-<p>It was because they and their king had fancied God could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>
-not save His people, that they died. And it was because Hezekiah
-prayed to the Lord and tried to be good and holy, that no one
-could hurt him. Now try to do like Hezekiah. If you are vexed,
-or if you are afraid, tell God all about it, and ask Him to help
-you. And He will be quite sure to hear and help you, if you will
-only speak to Him and tell Him what is in your heart.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus105">
-<img src="images/fig184.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE ANGEL SLAYING THE ASSYRIANS.&mdash;2 Kings 19:35.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Hezekiah? 2. What kind of king was he? 3. Who wanted to
-hurt him? 4. What did Sennacherib mean to do? 5. What had he done to
-other cities? 6. What very wicked thing did Sennacherib say? 7. Where did
-Hezekiah go in his distress? 8. To whom did he pray? 9. Why did he say
-the other cities had not been saved by their gods? 10. What commandment tells
-us not to have gods of wood and stone? 11. What did Hezekiah ask God to
-do? 12. What did God promise? 13. And what happened to the soldiers of
-Sennacherib? 14. Who slew them? 15. Why were these people slain? 16.
-Why was Hezekiah safe? 17. What did he do that he might be saved? 18.
-How can you do like Hezekiah? 19. What may you tell God about? 20.
-What will He be sure to hear? 21. And if you pray to Him, what will He do
-for you?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p>
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with
-all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might."&mdash;<i>2 Kings 23:25.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE is one more good king to tell you about, whose
-name was Josiah. He was great-grandson to good
-King Hezekiah. The two kings who had come
-between Josiah's grandfather and father, had both
-been very bad men. His grandfather repented when
-he fell into trouble, and God forgave him; but his
-father never repented, and died in his wickedness when Josiah
-was only eight years old. But Josiah was very different. He
-made his people break down their idols, and clear out the Temple
-of the unholy things they had brought in, and worship God rightly
-once more.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THE BOOK OF THE LAW OF MOSES.</p>
-
-<p>While they were cleaning out the Temple, they found a book
-that nobody knew&mdash;the Book of the Law of Moses&mdash;that is, the
-first five books in the Bible. All the time of these two bad kings
-nobody had minded it, or read it; it had been lost, and everyone
-had forgotten all about it.</p>
-
-<p>When Josiah knew what it was, and that it was the Law
-that God had spoken to Moses, he made the priests read it to
-him and all his people. They were very much frightened when
-they heard it; for they found they were doing all the very things
-that God had said He would punish them for, and turn them out
-of their good land.</p>
-
-<p>So Josiah sent to a holy prophetess to ask her whether, if
-they left off their sins, and were very sorry, and prayed with
-all their might, God would still forgive them. But God told
-her to answer that the people had done so wrong, and grown so
-wicked, that now their punishment must come; but that, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
-Josiah's heart was tender, and he loved God, it should not happen
-in his time, and that he should be quietly buried with his fathers.
-And, after years of goodness, Josiah was killed in a battle, and
-all his people mourned over him.</p>
-
-<p>But they had not been really good, they only pretended, just
-to please him, and went back to their wicked ways, in spite of all
-the pains he had taken with them; and his own sons were as bad
-as the rest. So the punishment was obliged to come.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus106">
-<img src="images/fig185.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BOOK OF THE LAW FOUND.&mdash;2 Kings 22:10, 11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>What I wish you to mind to-day is how these people lost
-their Book of the Law for want of attending to it. If you have
-not got a Bible of your own, I dare say you soon will have one.
-And then, pray, do not do like these people of Israel. Do not
-let it lie by till you forget to look at it, and forget what is in it,
-and then forget even where it is. If you do, you will grow as
-bad as these people were, and God will be forced to punish you
-as He was forced to punish them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Josiah? 2. How many kings were there between him and Hezekiah?
-3. What sort of kings were they? 4. What kind of person was Josiah?
-5. How old was he when he began to reign? 6. What did he have cleaned out?
-7. What did they find there? 8. Who gave the Law? 9. What was to happen
-if it was not kept? 10. How had it been lost? 11. What did Josiah cause
-the priests to do? 12. Why was he frightened? 13. What did he ask? 15.
-But why did the people deserve to be punished? 16. What did they do as soon
-as Josiah was dead? 17. What came of forgetting their Bibles? 18. Ought we
-to forget our Bibles? 19. If we never read them, can we be good? 20. And
-if we are not good, what must be done to us?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus107">
-<img src="images/fig186.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">AN ASSYRIAN KING.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c32"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-second Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>JEHOIAKIM'S CRUELTY.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I speak unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear."&mdash;<i>Jer.
-22:21.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap1" src="images/fig187.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">JOSIAH was the last good king. In his
-time God called Jeremiah, when he was
-only a young boy about twelve years old,
-to be His prophet; and all the time Josiah
-reigned Jeremiah was teaching the
-people God's will, while Josiah was
-doing all he could to help them to do right and serve the Lord.</p>
-
-<p>But the Jews did not heed either the king or the prophet&mdash;they
-only longed after their idols. Even Josiah's own sons would
-not be good, after they had been brought up by such a holy father;
-but no sooner was he killed in battle, than they went back to all
-the bad ways that he had put an end to.</p>
-
-<p>The eldest son, Jehoahaz, only reigned three months. Then
-God let the king of Egypt take him away; and the Prophet Jeremiah
-says that it was far sadder for him to go away a captive,
-and never see his home again, than for good Josiah to be in his
-grave, loved and wept for by all. For though God had let Josiah
-die so early, it was in mercy. The people had grown so wicked
-that they must be punished, and so he was taken away from the
-evil to come. His next son was king after his brother Jehoahaz.</p>
-
-<p>The next brother was king instead. His name was Jehoiakim.
-One would have hoped he would have taken warning by his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>
-brother's troubles, and served God better. But no! He did not
-care to attend to poor people. He thought he should be safe in a
-fine house. He sent for large stones, and had great beams of
-cedar tree for the roofs, and painted the walls of his great rooms
-with scarlet. But he paid no wages to his workmen, and was
-cruel to everybody, and had innocent people killed if they made
-him angry with them.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus108">
-<img src="images/fig188.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JERUSALEM BESIEGED AND PEOPLE TAKEN CAPTIVE.&mdash;2 Kings 25:11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Only there was one man who was not afraid of this King
-Jehoiakim. It was God's prophet Jeremiah. He told the king
-how little good his fine house would do; and what was more, he said
-that when he died nobody would be sorry for him. They had
-wept for his father with a great weeping and many tears; but
-when the cruel Jehoiakim died nobody would lament. Nobody
-would say, "Ah, lord!" or, "Ah, his glory!" but they would care
-for him no more than if he was an ass who was being buried.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the good king you heard of last Sunday evening? 2. What kind
-of sons had he? 3. What became of the first? 4. What was he never to do?
-5. What was the name of the second? 6. What did Jehoiakim want to build?
-7. What were the walls of? 8. How was it roofed? 9. How was it painted?
-10. But what did he not pay? 11. How did he treat the people? 12. Who
-could have made him quite safe? 13. But how must he have lived if he wanted
-God to take care of him? 14. If God did not take care of him, would his fine
-house do him any good? 15. Who told him it would do him no good? 16.
-What had everyone done when Josiah died? 17. Why did they weep for Josiah?
-18. But would they care when Jehoiakim died? 19. Why would nobody care
-for Jehoiakim?</p></blockquote>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="little"><span class="smcap">Note</span>&mdash;The two other Lectionary Lessons for this day are from Nehemiah. If it be desired to
-read the "story" on them, it is to be found on the 39th Sunday, but it was omitted here to prevent
-chronological confusion.</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus109">
-<img src="images/fig189.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ASHTORETH.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c33"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-third Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>JEREMIAH'S PROPHECIES.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"He reserveth to us the appointed weeks of the harvest."&mdash;<i>Jer. 5:24.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig20.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE chapter to-day is one where God is
-putting us in mind, by His Prophet
-Jeremiah, whom he sent to speak to the
-wicked kings, that we ought to remember
-Him and be thankful to Him. Two
-of His great mercies are spoken of here.</p>
-
-<p>If you go and stand on the sea-shore,
-you see the great wide sea of
-waters heaving and moving all over.
-Then a long wave comes rising up; it
-runs on and on, and rises high, falls over in white
-foam, and breaks on the sand with a rush. Then
-another rolling wave comes after it, and another,
-and another, each a little higher than the last. They
-hide the ground; and if you stood still at the edge of the first, they
-would soon carry you off. Stone is hidden after stone, rock after
-rock, and you would think all the land would get covered at last.
-No, there is no fear of that.</p>
-
-<p>In six hours' time, the waves leave off coming farther and
-farther; but each leaves a little bit more ground uncovered, till
-they have gone quite back to where they were before, and the
-beach lies fresh and shining in the wet. People call this the tide,
-and know it always does so; it comes up and goes back at its set
-times, because God fixed a line for that fierce sea, and said to it,
-"Hitherto shalt thou go, and no farther; and here shall thy proud<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>
-waves be stayed." And if the waves dash and roar ever so loud,
-still they never can get beyond the bound God fixed for them.</p>
-
-<p>There is the wonder of the sea! Now look at the wonder of
-the land. All over the country, the corn stands up tall and brown;
-or else it has been cut, and is piled up in shocks; or the wagons
-are carrying it safe home! Perhaps you have been gleaning in
-the fields, and have brought home your lap full of corn.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus110">
-<img src="images/fig190.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE LORD COMMANDS JEREMIAH.&mdash;Jer. 2:16, 17.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>How did we get the corn that is to make us bread? It was
-because, when the farmer sowed his grain, God sent rain to make
-it grow, and caused the sun to shine, so as to draw up the stalk,
-and swell the grain in the ear; and now He hath "reserved to us
-the appointed weeks of the harvest." He has given us the glad
-harvest-time to store up our wheat, to make bread for all the
-year. Let us thank Him, and never forget who gives us bread,
-nor to say our prayer for daily bread.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What do the waves of the sea do every day? 2. What do people call the
-coming up of the sea? 3. Need we fear its coming too far? 4. Why cannot
-the waves come too far? 5. What did God say to the sea? 6. Who made the
-sea? 7. Can you tell me a verse you say or sing at church about the sea being
-His? 8. What is it that God gives us every day to eat? 9. What is bread
-made of? 10. Where does corn grow? 11. Who makes the corn grow? 12.
-What does God send to make the corn grow? 13. What do we call the gathering
-in of our corn? 14. Who takes care we shall have a harvest? 15. How
-should we ask God for our food? 16. How should we thank Him for our food?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Yet they were not afraid."&mdash;<i>Jer. 36:24.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig36.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU heard what a bad, cruel king Jehoiakim was. Still
-there was a hope that he and his people would take
-warning, when he heard that God would punish his
-sin; so Jeremiah the Prophet had all his prophecies
-written out on a roll of parchment, and his friend
-Baruch went to the Temple, and read to the people that if they
-would not worship God and serve Him faithfully, He would
-cause them all to be taken away prisoners to a strange land.</p>
-
-<p>Baruch stood reading the parchment; and the people listened
-to him, and some of them began to grow afraid. But then came
-some of the king's great people, and when they heard it they
-thought it would make the king angry. They forgot that God's
-anger signified much more than the king's anger. They did
-not want Jeremiah or Baruch to be punished, but they were afraid
-to let the reading go on. So they told Baruch to go away and
-hide himself and Jeremiah carefully, and then they took the
-prophecies to shew them to the king.</p>
-
-<p>The king was sitting by the fire warming himself, for it
-was in the winter. He listened for a little while; but when he
-found that the parchment was about his sins and God's anger,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>
-he took out a knife and cut the whole into bits, and burnt it in
-the fire. Was he so foolish as to think that burning the prophecy
-would prevent it from coming to pass? If so, he made a great
-mistake; for God desired Jeremiah to have it all written over
-again, and more too; for the punishment was to be worse now
-than it would have been before&mdash;much worse than if Jehoiakim
-had listened, and left off his bad ways, and prayed to God.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus111">
-<img src="images/fig191.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">TWO PAGES OF AN ANCIENT SCROLL OF SCRIPTURES.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>In a very short time the enemy all came round Jerusalem,
-and everyone was shut up in the city, and could not get out, and
-food was very scarce; and Jehoiakim was taken and put in chains;
-and thus he died, and nobody grieved for him. His young son,
-Jehoiachin, was called king for a little while, but only for a very
-little while; for the king of Babylon broke into the city, and
-made him prisoner, and took him away to be shut up far from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>
-home. And as to the dead body of Jehoiakim himself, nobody had
-time to give him a burial; so it was thrown out at the gates as
-if he had been a dead ass instead of a king of Judah.</p>
-
-<p>So you see God's words through Jeremiah all came true,
-though Jehoiakim would not heed them. He only made it worse
-by not listening.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the king? 2. Who was the prophet? 3. What had Jeremiah
-said about Jehoiakim? 4. Where did God tell him to have it written? 5. Who
-was to read it? 6. To whom did Baruch read? 7. Where did the great people
-take the roll of parchment? 8. What did the king do to it? 9. Whose words
-did he throw away? 10. Why would not he listen? 11. Did he hinder the
-harm from coming? 12. What happened to him? 13. How was he buried?
-14. How should he have tried to prevent the harm from coming? 15. How
-should you behave if you have fault found with you?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father
-in all that he hath charged us."&mdash;<i>Jer. 35:8.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig123.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">GOD is pleased with those who obey what their parents
-tell them. To-day we hear about a family, whose
-father gave them an order that sounds strange to
-us. They were never to live in stone or brick houses,
-but always to have tents; they were not to have corn-fields
-or vineyards, but only flocks of sheep, and
-herds of cows and goats; and they were never to taste wine or
-strong drink, but only water and milk. It was quite a long time
-after the old father, who gave these orders, had died, that the
-Prophet Jeremiah was told to try whether they still minded him.
-He was told to set pots of wine and cups before them, and to ask
-them to drink. But they all answered steadily, that their father
-had bidden them never to touch wine, nor have fields, nor build
-houses; and they were resolved that they would obey him. Then
-God was pleased with them, and gave a blessing to them by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>
-mouth of His prophet. He said that there should never be an end
-to their tribe, because they were so obedient. And so it has been.</p>
-
-<p>These Rechabites, as they are called, lived two thousand four
-hundred years ago; and their children and descendants have gone
-on like them ever since&mdash;living in tents, keeping sheep, and drinking
-no wine, and obeying the voice of their father, who lived so
-long ago. They have lasted so long, because God blessed their
-obedience.</p>
-
-<p>Now, sometimes a little child goes out alone, and some friend
-offers it something nice that it knows its mother would not like
-it to have. Or some person asks a little boy to come into a beer-shop,
-and drink a drop, when perhaps his father had told him not.
-Recollect, then, that if you are steady in minding what you are
-told, as those good Rechabites were, then God will be pleased
-with you, and own you for His good child, and give you His
-blessing.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What is the Fifth Commandment? 2. Who are the people we hear of to-day
-who honored their father? 3. Who was their father? 4. What had he told
-them? 5. Where were they to live? 6. What were they not to drink? 7.
-Who tried if they would obey? 8. What did Jeremiah offer the Rechabites?
-9. What did they answer? 10. What blessing did God give them? 11. How
-have they gone on ever since? 12. Why was God pleased with them? 13.
-What can you do to please God? 14. If you are out of sight of your father and
-mother, what must you still do? 15. If any of you are asked to do what your
-mother would not like, how must you behave? 16. Who is pleased if you are
-obedient?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig192.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">ASSYRIAN ARMLET.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c34"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-fourth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE TAKING OF JERUSALEM.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God."&mdash;<i>Ezekiel 13:8.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figlefta">
-<img src="images/fig193.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">W</span>HEN King Jehoiakim was dead, and
-his son Jehoiachin carried away to
-Babylon, another king began to reign,
-named Zedekiah. He was Jehoiachin's
-uncle; he was Jehoiakim's brother; and he
-was son to good Josiah. The king of
-Babylon said that Zedekiah should reign
-as long as he would be obedient to him, and
-pay some money every year, so as to show
-that he owned the king of Babylon for his
-master. And God spake through His prophet Jeremiah, and said
-that if Zedekiah would obey the king of Babylon, the people should
-be left in peace, only they must be patient under their punishment.</p>
-
-<p>But Zedekiah was more like his bad brother than his good
-father. He listened to people who pretended to be prophets,
-though God had never spoken by them. They told him to set
-up for himself against the king of Babylon, and that all the
-beautiful things that had been taken out of the Temple should
-come back again.</p>
-
-<p>And when Jeremiah told them that it would not be so, and
-that if they rebelled against the Babylonians it would be worse
-for them, and the king would be put to death, they were so
-wicked as to let the holy prophet down into a pit, with mud and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>
-mire at the bottom; and there he lay sunk in the mire, and with
-no food to eat, nor water to drink.</p>
-
-<p>At last a black man, one of the king's slaves, came and told
-the king that the prophet would soon be dead if he stayed there.
-Then Zedekiah was shocked, and he told the black to get Jeremiah
-safe out of the pit. So they threw him down soft rags, and told
-him to put them under his arms, that the ropes might not hurt
-him when they drew him up.</p>
-
-<p>So Jeremiah came out of the horrible pit, and had some
-food; and the king sent to see him in secret. Then he told the
-king that it was God's will that he should bear to be under the
-Babylonian power, and that he must not make war; for that if
-he did, he would come to great misery, and die blind and a
-prisoner.</p>
-
-<p>Zedekiah was not angry, as his brother had been, but all he
-had to say for himself was that he was afraid of his people.
-He was more afraid of them than of God, and he would not do
-what he knew to be right. So he told the black man to keep
-Jeremiah safe, and take care he had food every day; but he
-begged Jeremiah not to say one word to these wicked men about
-the conversation they had had together.</p>
-
-<p>Was it not a foolish thing to be so afraid of men, when God
-could have taken care of him? He would have been quite safe
-if he had only been bold enough to do as God told him! Mind,
-that if ever idle children should want you to be as naughty as
-they are, and tease you till you feel afraid to stand out against
-them, the only way to be safe is to do as God tells you. Zedekiah,
-who was afraid to do right, was quite as much punished as
-Jehoiakim, who was bold to do wrong.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the king after Jehoiakim? 2. What did the king of Babylon
-promise? 3. What did God say? 4. By whom did God speak? 5. To whom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>
-did Zedekiah listen instead? 6. What did he do to Jeremiah? 7. What kind
-of place was the pit? 8. Who had pity on Jeremiah? 9. How was Jeremiah
-taken out of the pit? 10. What did he tell the king? 11. Why did not Zedekiah
-mind him? 12. Why was it very foolish of Zedekiah to be afraid of the people?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"There was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe."&mdash;<i>Ezekiel 2:10.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THIS is a sad text; but when people are wicked, sadness
-must always follow.</p>
-
-<p>You heard how kind God had been to the Israelites,
-and how much He had done for them; how He
-gave them their beautiful land, and their city of Jerusalem,
-and blessed them whenever they were good.
-And if they sinned, He sent punishment, that they might learn
-to do better; and when they were sorry He forgave them, and
-made them happy again. But they would not keep to what He
-told them; they would worship idols, and grow worse and worse,
-till at last God said that there could be only "lamentation, and
-mourning, and woe," for the trouble they had brought on
-themselves.</p>
-
-<p>God sent a great army under the king of Babylon, and
-Jerusalem was given up to them. The fierce soldiers came in,
-and burnt the houses, and robbed the Temple; and as to the young
-king, Jehoiachin, they took him and his mother, and all his chief
-lords and priests, and carried them away to Babylon, where he
-was a long time in prison.</p>
-
-<p>The chapter to-day was written by a holy prophet, whose
-name was Ezekiel, and who was taken away to Babylon at the
-same time as the young king. God came and spoke to Ezekiel,
-that he might go on warning the people, that if they did not
-repent now that they were punished, He would be obliged to go
-on punishing them still.</p>
-
-<p>Think about that. You know if you have done wrong and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>
-been punished, it is that you may mind another time, and not
-do the same over again. If you are obstinate or careless, and
-go back to the old fault, then you will have to suffer more and
-more; and there can be nothing but "lamentation and mourning
-and woe."</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who is the prophet whose chapter is read to-day? 2. Where did Ezekiel
-live? 3. Who took him to Babylon? 4. Who was taken there at the same
-time? 5. How old was king Jehoiachin? 6. What was his home? 7. Why
-were he and his people taken away from Jerusalem? 8. What had been their
-sin? 9. How had God tried to make them better? 10. Had they attended?
-11. What must come of sin? 12. What is the use of being punished? 13.
-What will happen if we do not leave off the fault when we are punished?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"And ye shall be comforted."&mdash;<i>Ezekiel 14:22.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE prophet Ezekiel had many sad things to tell the
-Jews; but he had some comfortable ones. They had
-been very wicked, and God took them away from
-their dear home at Jerusalem, and let it be burnt
-with fire; and put them to live far away in a strange
-land at Babylon. But He told them that if they
-would leave off their sins, and turn back to Him, and not worship
-idols any more, then He would forgive them, and bring them
-home again.</p>
-
-<p>To-day the Lesson says that they must really be sorry in
-earnest, not only pretend to be sorry. If they said they would
-worship God, and were caring for their idols in their hearts
-all the time, then He must go on being angry, and punishing
-them; but if they were really sorry, and really prayed to Him,
-then when they had been punished enough, they should be
-comforted.</p>
-
-<p>They should not always stay in Babylon, in the dull flat
-land, with the streams of water flowing lazily through it; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>
-they should see their own dear hills and fields again, and live
-in their homes once more. That would be such gladness, that
-it would make up for all the sorrow. All that was wanted was,
-that they should be really sorry, and leave off all the bad things
-they had done, and repent from the bottom of their hearts.</p>
-
-<p>Now when we have done wrong, and are punished, it is to
-make us sorry, that we may do so no more. Little children are
-punished by their friends; grown-up people are punished by God
-sending troubles. Then we must be sorry, not only for the
-punishment, but the fault, and really try with all our hearts not
-to do it again. If we only <i>say</i> we are sorry, and then run back
-to our old ways, something worse will come of it. No, we must
-be sorry in earnest, and then God will forgive us, for His dear
-Son Jesus Christ's sake.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was happening to Jerusalem? 2. What was done to the houses? 3.
-What was done to the people? 4. Where had they to live? 5. Where did they
-wish to be? 6. Why were they taken to Babylon? 7. What wicked thing had
-they done? 8. But what hope had they? 9. What must they do to be forgiven?
-10. Where should they go back again to? 11. Why are people punished? 12.
-What is the way to be forgiven? 13. How are children punished? 14. How
-are grown-up people punished? 15. What should we do if we are punished?
-16. Will it do to go back to the fault?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig194.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c35"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-fifth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE FALL OF JERUSALEM.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions."&mdash;<i>Ezekiel 18:30.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig195.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">VERY sad things were going on among
-the Jews. A great many of them were
-carried away out of their beautiful
-hilly land of Canaan, to live among the
-flat wet marshes round Babylon, and
-only a few were left with their king
-Zedekiah at Jerusalem.</p>
-
-<p>Jeremiah was speaking God's
-words to the people of Jerusalem;
-Ezekiel was speaking God's words to
-the people who were captives by the
-river side. They both said the same thing&mdash;that
-the only way to be peaceful, and not to suffer worse
-and worse, would be to repent and leave off their
-sins that had displeased God, and pray to Him to
-spare them, and then to bear patiently the punishment that had
-begun. But this was just what Zedekiah and his people would
-not do.</p>
-
-<p>They misused Jeremiah for giving them such advice, and
-they would not own the king of Babylon for their master; and
-instead of believing God's true prophets, they listened to the false
-ones, who said, that in a very little while the captives would come
-back again, and all would be well.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Then Ezekiel took a tile, a great flat piece of pottery, and
-he drew on it the walls and towers of the city of Jerusalem, and
-made little tents and banks round it, and he lay down by it on
-his side, and watched it. And he weighed out for himself a very
-little bad bread to eat.</p>
-
-<p>Then, when the people came to ask him why he did this,
-he said that it was to show them how it would be with their own
-Jerusalem far away. The Babylonians would come round it, and
-set up their tents, and make banks of earth to keep the people
-in, and shoot stones and arrows, and climb the walls. Inside
-there would be no better food than Ezekiel was eating&mdash;no, nor
-so good&mdash;and everyone would be starving, and dying of thirst.</p>
-
-<p>Then the enemy would break in, and carry all the chief of
-them away to Babylon, and keep them prisoners there&mdash;till the
-whole people had come to repent of their sins, and had turned
-to the Lord with all their hearts.</p>
-
-<p>For God has no pleasure in man's being punished. He only
-punishes that we may turn away from our sin and do right, and
-be saved at last. If only these Jews would have listened to Ezekiel
-and Jeremiah, and repented, they would have been spared; but
-instead of that, they went on growing worse and worse, till they
-had to have seventy long years of punishment before they could
-be forgiven.</p>
-
-<p>We must take care when we are punished that we are sorry,
-and not obstinate and hard, or we shall have to be punished more
-and more.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who were the two prophets? 2. Where did Jeremiah prophesy? 3. Where
-did Ezekiel prophesy? 4. What did they both tell the people? 5. Would the
-people mind them? 6. What did King Jehoiakim do to Jeremiah's prophecies?
-7. What did King Zedekiah do to Jeremiah? 8. What did Ezekiel take? 9.
-What did he draw on the tile? 10. What did he put round the tile? 11.
-Where did he lie? 12. What did he eat? 13. What was the tile to stand for?
-14. Who were coming round Jerusalem? 15. What would they set up?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Woe to the bloody city."&mdash;<i>Ezekiel 24:6.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig45.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">SO Jerusalem had been taken, and pulled down, and burnt;
-and King Zedekiah was dead, and all his sons, and
-most of the great people had been carried away to
-Babylon. Only the poorer people were left, that they
-might plough and sow, and gather the corn and the
-grapes, and keep the land from getting waste and full
-of weeds. The Prophet Jeremiah was left among them. There
-is one book in the Bible called the Book of Lamentation, for it is
-the sad verses that he made to mourn over the beautiful city and
-the glorious Temple, all burnt with fire because the people had
-been so sinful.</p>
-
-<p>Still Jeremiah told the people that were left, that if they
-would be patient and obey the king of Babylon, that after the
-seventy years of punishment the troubles should be over, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>
-their friends should come back, and the Temple be built up again.
-But still, after all that had happened, these wilful Jews would
-have their own way. They said they were afraid of the king of
-Babylon there, and must go to Egypt to be safe; just as if they
-were not safer where God told them to stay, than they could be
-anywhere else. So off they went, and they carried Jeremiah by
-force with them, whether he would or no.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus112">
-<img src="images/fig196.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JEREMIAH MOURNING OVER JERUSALEM.&mdash;Lam. of Jer. 1:1, 2.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>But almost as soon as Jeremiah came there, God told him
-to take some great stones and put them into the clay of the brick
-kiln near Pharaoh's house, and say that upon those very stones
-the king of Babylon himself would set up his tent in a few
-years' time.</p>
-
-<p>And so it was. The Babylonians raised a great army, and
-came marching into Egypt, and there they burnt and destroyed,
-and killed and made slaves of the people they found there. Then
-these foolish Jews saw that if they had only stayed quietly at
-home the king of Babylon would have done them no harm. But
-now they had run away just where he was coming, and would
-hurt them most. That came of not trusting God's Word, but
-trying to run away from Him; for truly nothing is so foolish as
-to try to hide from God.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What had been done to Jerusalem? 2. Where were all the chief people
-gone? 3. Who was left? 4. Where did Jeremiah stay? 5. What sad book did
-Jeremiah write? 6. Why was he sorry? 7. What did he tell the Jews that
-were left? 8. Where did they want to go? 9. Why was it wrong to go to
-Egypt? 10. Why did they choose to go to Egypt? 11. What did God tell
-Jeremiah? 12. Where was the king of Babylon to set his throne? 13. Where
-would they have been safest? 14. Why?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I will cause you to pass under the rod."&mdash;<i>Ezekiel 20:37.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig123.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">GOD told His prophet Ezekiel to put the Israelites in
-mind of all that He had done for them, and how
-ungrateful they had been&mdash;always worshipping
-idols, and turning away from Him, though He had
-brought them out of the land of Egypt, and led them
-through the wilderness, and given them the beautiful
-land of Canaan. But they would not serve Him there, so punishment
-had come.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SOME ISRAELITES WERE CAPTIVES.</p>
-
-<p>Some of the Israelites were captives already in the land of
-the king of Babylon. Ezekiel was one of them; and just four
-years after he spoke this prophecy, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of
-Babylon, came up against Jerusalem, and took it once more, and
-made King Zedekiah prisoner as he was trying to flee away.
-Zedekiah's sons were put to death before his eyes; and after
-that his eyes were put out, and he was carried in chains to
-Babylon, and there slain.</p>
-
-<p>Beautiful Jerusalem was set on fire, the walls were thrown
-down, and all the gold and silver in the Temple was carried off
-to Babylon; and the Jews themselves were made to go there too,
-and live as prisoners there.</p>
-
-<p>This was the way God punished them to make them sorry
-for their sins; and still He gave them hope that when seventy
-years were over, they should come back, and build up their city;
-and after that they would always remember their old fault, and
-never turn to worship false gods again. So God was merciful
-even in His anger, and sent their sorrow to make them know Him
-and serve Him better.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where had God led the Israelites from? 2. What beautiful place had He
-given them? 3. What were they to do for Him? 4. Did they serve Him? 5.
-What did they worship? 6. How did He punish them? 7. What young king
-had they lost already? 8. Who was the king that came up against Jerusalem?
-9. What did Nebuchadnezzar do to Jerusalem? 10. Who was the king Nebuchadnezzar
-took? 11. What was done to king Zedekiah? 12. What was done
-to the city? 13. What was done to the people? 14. Were they ever to come back
-again? 15. How soon were they to come back? 16. What did they learn by
-their troubles?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus113">
-<img src="images/fig197.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BREASTPLATE.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c36"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-sixth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE JEWS AT BABYLON.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered
-Zion."&mdash;<i>Psalm 137:1.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figlefta">
-<img src="images/fig198.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">W</span>HEN the Jews came to Babylon,
-some were made to live in the city,
-where they worked at trades, and kept
-shops. Others lived in the country and
-worked in the fields. These were not
-like the fields at home. The goodly land
-at home was full of hills and valleys,
-with sloping pastures for the flocks, and
-vineyards on the sides of the hills; but the
-land round Babylon was quite flat, with
-broad rivers flowing slowly and lazily
-through the meadows, with weeping
-willows upon their banks.</p>
-
-<p>While Jerusalem was being besieged,
-Ezekiel, at Babylon, drew the picture of the town on a tile, and
-shut it in with a wall, and lay watching it, and weighing out a
-little bit of bad bread for himself to eat every day, that the other
-Jews who were with him might know what was going on among
-their brethren at Jerusalem, as God told him.</p>
-
-<p>And in a vision he saw the angels come and mark in their
-foreheads all that were good, that they might not be hurt in the
-siege; while the bad would die by sword, and hunger, and sickness.
-So it is still, God saves His own good ones. The angels know and
-mark them, when all the rest are given up to God's terrible anger.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What sort of place was Babylon? 2. Was it like the land of Israel? 3.
-Who was the prophet there? 4. What did he do while the siege of Jerusalem
-was going on? 5. Where did he draw it? 6. What did he eat? 7. Who were
-eating bread like that? 8. Who saw him? 9. What did he see an angel doing?
-10. Who were marked? 11. What became of those who were marked? 12.
-What became of those who had no mark? 13. Who will always be safe? 14.
-How are you marked?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus114">
-<img src="images/fig199.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">EZEKIEL'S VISION.&mdash;Ezekiel 1:28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Son of man, can these bones live?"&mdash;<i>Ezekiel 37:3.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE great prophet Ezekiel was shewn by God how the
-Jews should be brought back after all their troubles.
-The Lord made him have a sort of dream, when he
-saw a whole valley spread over with dry bones, and
-the Lord said, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
-And Ezekiel said, "Lord, Thou knowest."</p>
-
-<p>Then the Lord bade Ezekiel sing; and as he sung there was
-a shaking, and the bones came together again and joined in their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>
-right places; and as he sung on, the flesh came back on them;
-and then the Lord bade him call to the winds of heaven, and
-they came and filled them with breath again, and they rose up
-and lived.</p>
-
-<p>Just so God said the kingdom of Judah was dead and
-scattered, but He would breathe on it, and wake it, and join it
-together again, like the dead bones rising to life.</p>
-
-<p>And just so, we know, when all our bodies are dead, and our
-bones lie in the grave, the call of the Lord's voice will wake them
-up, and we shall rise on our feet, and His breath will come to
-us, and we shall stand before Him an exceeding great army.
-For that is the resurrection of the body which we look for.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was the prophet? 2. What had happened to the kingdom of Judah?
-3. Who had conquered it? 4. Why had Nebuchadnezzar conquered it? 5.
-5. What did God shew Ezekiel? 6. How did the bones look? 7. What did
-God bid Ezekiel do? 8. What happened? 9. What came back to the bones?
-10. What was dry and dead like the bones? 11. But what did God promise to
-do? 12. When did the Jewish people come to life? 13. What will become of
-us by-and-by? 14. What will be done with our bodies? 15. When will they
-wake? 16. What will wake them? 17. What will be joined together? 18.
-Will they die any more? 19. For what do we believe in?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"God gave them knowledge and skill."&mdash;<i>Daniel 1:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AMONG the Jews who were carried away to Babylon
-there were some little boys, young princes of the king's
-family, who had been brought up in the palace of the
-house of David. They could not have been more than
-twelve years old when they were thus taken from
-their homes.</p>
-
-<p>The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, thought he should
-like to have them to wait on him. So he desired the steward<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>
-of his place to have them taken into his care, to be taught both
-to wait on the king, and to know all the learning of Babylon.</p>
-
-<p>Slaves instead of princes. That was sad enough, but what
-grieved these boys most of all was that the dinners that were
-sent to them all came from the king's own table, and they knew
-that all the meat there came from creatures that had been offered
-up to idols.</p>
-
-<p>Now there was one boy, whose name was Daniel, who knew
-that it was very wrong for any Jew to eat meats that had been
-offered to idols. Some of the boys said they did not care, and
-some said they were very sorry, but they could not help it. Yes,
-Daniel said, they could help it if they would leave off eating meat
-and drinking wine, and only have beans and water.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">LOYAL TO DANIEL.</p>
-
-<p>Then three more of the boys said they would stand by
-Daniel, and have only the beans and water rather than break
-God's holy Law. Their proper names were Hananiah, Azariah,
-and Mishael, but the king had changed all the boys' names, and
-he called them Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.</p>
-
-<p>So Daniel asked their master, Melzar, to give them none of
-the rich wine and fine dainties, but only water and pulse&mdash;that
-is, beans.</p>
-
-<p>But Melzar said they would grow thin and weak on such
-poor food, and then the king would be angry with him.</p>
-
-<p>"Only try us for just ten days," Daniel said.</p>
-
-<p>And God so blessed the food, that at the end of ten days,
-Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, were fairer and fatter
-than all their cousins and friends who had been eating the
-king's dainties.</p>
-
-<p>And Melzar had found that none were so true and honest
-and obedient and painstaking, so he trusted them very much;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
-and they grew wise and learned, and still loved and feared their
-God, though they were slaves so far away from home.</p>
-
-<p>Now remember how they began. It was by giving up the
-things they liked when they found it was wrong to have them.
-When you are tempted to be greedy, would it not be a good thing
-to recollect Daniel and the other boys eating beans and drinking
-water?</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who were the boys carried to Babylon? 2. What were their proper names?
-3. What did the king call them? 4. What was the name of the king of Babylon?
-5. How did he desire these boys to be brought up? 6. What had they
-been at home? 7. What were they to eat? 8. Why did they not like to eat
-these meats? 9. What did Daniel beg for? 10. Who joined with him? 11.
-Who was their master? 12. What did Melzar say? 13. How long was it to be
-tried? 14. How did Daniel and his friends look? 15. Why was this? 16.
-Why did God bless them? 17. How did they behave? 18. What was the
-beginning of all their holiness? 19. What ought we to keep in order?</p></blockquote>
-
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig200.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c37"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-seventh Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>DANIEL AT BABYLON.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace."&mdash;<i>Daniel
-3:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap12" src="images/fig55.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">YOU remember that the Jews had been so wicked,
-that God had let them be conquered by their
-enemies, and taken quite away from home
-to the great city of Babylon.</p>
-
-<p>The king of Babylon worshipped idols;
-and he set up a great golden idol, much higher
-than this room, and commanded that as soon
-as his music played, everyone should fall
-down and worship the image; or if anyone would not, that person
-should be thrown into a burning fiery furnace.</p>
-
-<p>A furnace is like a very large oven, or like a brick-kiln&mdash;a
-sort of house quite full of fire&mdash;for burning and baking bricks,
-or melting iron, or anything else that requires to be made very
-hot. Many people were afraid of such a horrible punishment as
-being thrown into the furnace; and when they heard the music,
-they made haste to bow down before the great golden image.</p>
-
-<p>But the Jews knew that they must not worship idols; so
-what could they do? I only know what three of them did. They
-were three young men, named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,
-who were brought up before the king, because they would
-not bow down before his great image. The king asked them how
-it was; and told them fiercely that if they would not worship
-his golden image, they must be thrown into the fire.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig201.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans">I am with Thee saith the Lord to deliver Thee.
-<span class="smcap">Jer. 1-19</span><br />
-WHEN THOU WALKEST THROUGH THE FIRE, THOU SHALT NOT BE BURNED;<br /> NEITHER
-SHALL THE FLAME KINDLE UPON THEE</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figright">
-<img src="images/fig202.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p>But they stood up boldly, and said,
-"Our God whom we serve is able to
-deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
-and He will deliver us out of
-thine hand, O King! But if not, be it
-known unto thee, O King, that we will
-not serve thy gods, nor worship the
-golden image which thou hast set up."</p>
-
-<p>The king was very angry at this
-brave answer. He had the furnace
-made seven times hotter than usual; and Shadrach,
-Meshach, and Abed-nego were thrown into it, tied
-hand and foot; and the flame was so hot, that it burnt
-the men that threw them in.</p>
-
-<p>Presently, the king gave a loud cry. For in the midst
-of the fire were the men, not tied, but free, and walking
-in the burning heat, as if they were in cool spring air!
-And there was another with
-them, whose form was the
-Son of God. Then he called
-them, and the three came out.
-There was no smell of fire
-about them, and
-not a hair of
-their heads was
-singed; they
-had not felt the
-heat at all; but
-that Holy One
-had taken care<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>
-of them, and had kept them safe in the midst of the
-fire.</p>
-
-<p>Then the king of Babylon knew how wrong he had been;
-and he sent forth a command, that no one should ever speak a
-word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who
-had saved them in the burning fiery furnace.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were the Jews living? 2. How came the Jews to be at Babylon?
-3. What did the king of Babylon want everyone to worship? 4. Who would not
-worship the golden image? 5. Why would not Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego
-worship the image? 6. What is the Second Commandment? 7. What was
-done to them for not worshipping the image? 8. What is a furnace? 9. How
-hot was it made? 10. What did the king see in the fire? 11. Who was with
-him? 12. Were they hurt? 13. Why did not the fire burn Shadrach, Meshach,
-and Abed-nego? 14. Who took care of them in the fire?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Those that walk in pride He is able to abase."&mdash;<i>Daniel 4:37.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig123.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">GREAT Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had a
-strange dream. He thought he saw a great tree with
-spreading branches and fine leaves, making a sweet
-shelter, where all the creatures came and stood,
-and the birds nestled in the boughs; but while he
-was admiring it there came a holy one down from
-heaven, and said the tree was to be cut down, and only the stump
-left in the tender grass of the field, and that it should be bound
-with iron, and wet with the dew of heaven till seven years had
-passed over it.</p>
-
-<p>When Nebuchadnezzar woke he was troubled, and was sure
-the dream had a meaning, and he sent for the prophet Daniel
-to tell him what it was. Daniel was so sorry, that at first he
-could hardly bear to speak; but at last he told the king that it
-was himself, Nebuchadnezzar, that the tree meant.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>He was great and mighty, and countries and people were
-shadowed over by his power; but soon he would have a fall&mdash;he
-would lose his senses, and his man's heart would be like a
-beast's heart, and he would be driven out of his palace, and he
-would eat grass like an ox, and his body would be wet with the
-dew of heaven, and his hair would be long like eagles' feathers,
-and his nails like eagles' claws, till seven years had passed by;
-and then he would recover his senses, and know and understand
-again, and he would come back to his kingdom again. Then he
-would know and own that the Lord of Heaven is the true God.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THOUGHT THAT NOTHING COULD HURT HIM.</p>
-
-<p>Nebuchadnezzar was shocked at first, but soon he forgot all
-about the dream, and felt himself so wise and strong and brave,
-that nothing could hurt him. He was walking one day in his
-palace, a most beautiful one, and looking out on the grand city
-with the river running through it, with all the bridges and the
-hundred brazen gates; and his heart was lifted up with pride,
-and he said, "Is not this great Babylon that I have builded?"
-That very moment there came a voice from heaven that said the
-time was come!</p>
-
-<p>And a strange madness came on the king, his brave clever
-spirit became as senseless as a beast's; and he only wanted to
-graze in the field like the cattle. So they drove him out of the
-palace, and put a band of iron round him, and let him eat grass
-like an ox, and his hair grew long and shaggy, and his nails like
-eagles' claws, just as Daniel had said.</p>
-
-<p>So seven years passed away; and at the end of them he
-came to his senses again, God gave back his man's heart and his
-reason, and he went back to his palace, and sat on his throne
-again. And one of the first things he did was to have a letter
-written to his people, telling them all this story, and bidding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>
-them do honor to the God of Daniel, who putteth down and
-setteth up.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Nebuchadnezzar? 2. Who was Daniel? 3. How came Daniel
-to be at Babylon? 4. What did the king see in his dream? 5. What happened
-to the tree? 6. What did the king want to know? 7. Whom did he send for?
-8. Whom did Daniel say the tree meant? 9. What was to happen to the king?
-10. How long was he to be in this state? 11. What beautiful place had Nebuchadnezzar
-built? 12. What did he say about it? 13. What happened that
-moment? 14. What did this poor king want to be? 15. What did he eat?
-16. What was his hair like? 17. What were his nails like? 18. How long did
-he go on like that? 19. What did God restore to him? 20. What was the first
-thing he did? 21. What did he tell the people? 22. Had not he lost all his
-pride? 23. What should we not boast of?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it."&mdash;<i>Daniel 5:6.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER Nebuchadnezzar, some troublesome times began
-at Babylon; but at last his grandson Belshazzar was
-reigning. He was a foolish, self-pleasing young man;
-and his enemies, the great nation of Medes and
-Persians, came to make war on him, but still he did
-not care for anything but his amusement.</p>
-
-<p>He thought Babylon so strong that they could never break
-in; and he gave a great feast to all his lords, with fine meats and
-wines, and he had all the gold and silver bowls, and the golden
-candlestick that had been brought out of the Temple of God at
-Jerusalem, on the tables, while he and his friends were drinking
-and singing and shouting.</p>
-
-<p>All on a sudden a stillness came over them, and their eyes
-opened wide with fright. For just over the candlestick there was
-seen a man's hand. There was no body, only the hand; and the
-finger went along writing on the wall, tracing out letters.</p>
-
-<p>There were four words, but no one could read them or tell
-what they meant.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>The king was terribly frightened. His knees knocked
-together, and he shook all over, and he called for some one to
-tell him what this writing could be. Nobody could guess; but
-at last the queen, his mother, came and put him in mind how
-Daniel had been able to explain his father's dreams. So Daniel
-was sent for, and he at once read the writing. He told them
-Belshazzar was found wanting. His kingdom was going to be
-taken from him, and given to the Medes and Persians.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus115">
-<img src="images/fig203.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DANIEL INTERPRETING THE WRITING ON THE WALL.&mdash;Dan. 5:25-28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And even then, all the time the Babylonians were feasting
-and not watching the enemy, Cyrus, the clever king of the
-Persians, was making his men dig ditches, into which he turned
-all the water of the great river that ran through the city; and that
-very night all his army came in, walking up the dry bed of the
-stream. No one saw them till they were in the city; and that
-very night Belshazzar was slain.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was king of Babylon? 2. Who made war on Belshazzar? 3. What
-was all he cared for? 4. What feast did he make? 5. What were brought out?
-6. What frightened him? 7. What was the hand doing? 8. What could no
-one understand? 9. Who spoke up? 10. Who was sent for? 11. What did
-Daniel say it meant? 12. What happened that night? 13. How did the Persians
-get in? 14. Who was king of the Persians? 15. Why did Belshazzar
-come to such a sad end?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<a href="images/fig204big.jpg">
-<img src="images/fig204.jpg" alt="" />
-</a>
-<p class="caption center little">CHART OF THE COUNTRY ROUND BABYLON, WITH LIMITS OF THE<br />
-ANCIENT CITY. (According to Oppert).</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c38"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-eighth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE RETURN FROM BABYLON.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord is in His holy Temple: let all the earth keep silence before
-Him."&mdash;<i>Hab. 2:20.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig205.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">T</span>HE Jews had gone back to their
-old city of Jerusalem, but they
-found it looking very sad and
-ruinous. The walls were broken
-down, and the pleasant houses
-were heaps of ruins, and grass
-and brambles had come up in
-the courts, and there were
-heaps of stone blackened with
-the fire and smoke that had
-burnt down the city.</p>
-
-<p>The first thing they did
-was to clear the place where God's holy Temple used to stand,
-and to build it up again. But they were not rich and powerful
-like King Solomon, who built the first Temple; they had no gold
-and silver, and the new Temple they built was very small and
-poor compared with the old one.</p>
-
-<p>There were old men among them who remembered the first
-Temple as it used to be, and they wept aloud as they saw how
-different the new one was; but there were young men who were
-very glad to have a Temple at all, and they shouted for joy; so
-there was a mixed sound of weeping for sorrow and of crying
-out with joy.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Then God sent His Prophet Haggai to tell the old men not to
-be afraid, for the glory of this latter House should be greater
-than that of the former. The way this should be was that our
-Blessed Lord Himself would come to the new Temple, as a little
-Babe at first and afterwards as a grown Man; and when He
-was there, the honor and glory of the Temple would be greater
-than ever it was before. Now there is no one Temple: but God's
-Houses are Churches, and we have them everywhere to pray to
-Him in, and meet Him there though we cannot see Him. Let
-us take care to worship Him there very humbly and reverently.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus116">
-<img src="images/fig206.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">RETURN OF THE JEWS FROM CAPTIVITY.&mdash;Ezra 1:5.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where did the Jews return to? 2. What state was their city in? 3.
-What had they to do to their city? 4. What did they first build up? 5. What
-sort of Temple did they build? 6. Why was the new Temple not so fine as the
-old one? 7. What did the old people do? 8. What did the young people do?
-9. How did God comfort the old people? 10. Who would come to the new
-Temple? 11. Is there a Temple now? 12. What have we instead? 13. How
-should we behave in church?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justice, and to love mercy,
-and to walk humbly with thy God?"&mdash;<i>Micah 6:8.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE name of the leader of the Jews, when they came
-home from Babylon to their own country was
-Zerubabel.</p>
-
-<p>Zerubabel was their prince. He was of David's
-family, and he would have been king if the Jews had
-been allowed to have kings; but he was contented to
-go back without the crown and throne and sceptre that his fathers
-had had before him, and to live humbly in obedience to the king
-of Babylon.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">ZERUBABEL'S GREAT DESIRE.</p>
-
-<p>That which Zerubabel cared to have was a little spot of
-ground among the mountains. It was the village of Bethlehem,
-the place from which David had been called away long ago, from
-feeding his father's sheep, to come and be king of Israel. Why
-should Zerubabel care for that little piece of ground more than
-for Solomon's palace, that was so glorious? One reason was,
-that the Prophet Micah had said, "But thou, Bethlehem-Ephratah,
-though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of
-thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel;
-whose goings have been from everlasting."</p>
-
-<p>And faithful men understood that this meant that the Saviour
-of the world should be born at Bethlehem, and that He would be
-among Zerubabel's children's children. That was why Zerubabel
-cared so much for the poor little ruined village, and took care
-to make a home of it again, though now there were only a hundred
-and twenty-three people to come back to live in it. God was
-pleased with Zerubabel's faith, and blessed him because he had
-not despised the day of small things.</p>
-
-<p>God said that to Zerubabel a mountain should become a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>
-plain&mdash;that is, that what seemed most difficult should grow easy,
-and that Zerubabel should be the man who should build up the
-Temple again&mdash;God's own House, that was lying in ruins. That
-was the great honor this good man had, because he believed in
-God's promise with all his heart, and went so bravely and steadily
-to work upon a little, when he could not do a great deal. For to
-him that is faithful in a little shall much be given.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus117">
-<img src="images/fig207.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">BUILDING OF THE NEW TEMPLE.&mdash;Ezra 3:10.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Zerubabel? 2. Where were the Jews coming back from? 3.
-What had Zerubabel's fathers been? 4. Why was not Zerubabel a king? 5.
-Who was the father of the kings of the Jews? 6. What had David been before
-he was a king? 7. Where did he keep his sheep? 8. What was the place Zerubabel
-cared to have again? 9. Why did Zerubabel care for Bethlehem? 10.
-Who was to be born there? 11. Who had said so? 12. What did Zerubabel
-believe? 13. How many people went back to Bethlehem? 14. Did Zerubabel
-despise it for being small? 15. What did he think of? 16. Why did God bless
-him? 17. What did God say he should build up? 18. What did God say difficulties
-should be to him? 19. Do not things we have to do sometimes seem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>
-like great mountains to get over? 20. But who can make them easy to us? 21.
-Only what must we do ourselves? 22. And what is the way to do great things
-well? 23. What must we never despise?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee."&mdash;<i>Dan. 6:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was another king of Babylon, and his name
-was Darius. It was the strange, foolish way of his
-people to treat him as if he was a sort of a god, and
-more than man; and one day his people came to him
-and begged him to make a law that for thirty whole
-days nobody should say their prayers to any god, or
-ask anything of any man, except of Darius the king; or if they
-did, they should be thrown to the lions, to be eaten up.</p>
-
-<p>Darius thought this was all to do him honor, so he made the
-law that thus it should be. Now when a law had once been made
-by the king of that people, it could not be changed. So nobody was
-to say their prayers to anyone but the king for all that time.</p>
-
-<p>But by-and-by the king's people came and told him that there
-was one old man who did not attend to his law, but that they had
-watched him in his own room, and there he said his prayers three
-times a-day, just as if the king had made no law at all.</p>
-
-<p>The king was very sorry when he heard who it was, for this
-man who would not leave off saying his prayers was the man he
-trusted most in all the kingdom. It was Daniel, one of the captive
-Jews, son or brother to one of the last kings of Jerusalem. He
-had been taken to Babylon when he was a very little boy, and
-now he was quite an old man, but he had never ceased praying
-to the great God of Heaven, and he was not going to leave off now.
-He was a prophet of the Lord, and very wise, and he was one of
-the king's very best advisers, so Darius was greatly grieved when
-he was accused.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>But Darius could not help himself; the law that had once
-been made could not be broken, and these spiteful people declared
-that Daniel must be thrown to the lions. All day long the king
-tried to get his wise good counsellor saved from this dreadful
-fate, but he could not succeed; and at evening Daniel's enemies
-came to take him and throw him to the lions in their den.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus118">
-<img src="images/fig208.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE JEWISH CAPTIVES CONDUCTED BEFORE DARIUS.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Still, though Darius was a heathen himself, he had one hope;
-and when he saw his friend led away, he said, "Thy God whom
-thou servest continually, He will deliver thee."</p>
-
-<p>So they took Daniel, and put him into a pit among the lions,
-and they fastened up the door and left him there; and the king
-was so sorry, that he could not sleep all night for grieving for
-the good, wise, brave man who was thrown to the lions because
-he would not leave off praying to God, and feared God more
-than man.</p>
-
-<p>And when daylight came they all went to the den. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>
-enemies hoped to find that Daniel was eaten up, but the king
-cried out in a lamentable voice, "O Daniel, servant of the living
-God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver
-thee from the lions?"</p>
-
-<p>And Daniel's own voice came cheerfully back, and told the
-king that his God had sent His angel, who had shut the lions'
-mouths, so that they could not hurt him, and had kept him safe
-all night.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus119">
-<img src="images/fig209.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DANIEL IN THE LION'S DEN.&mdash;Daniel 6:19, 22.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And the king was very glad, and commanded them to take
-Daniel out of the pit, and to put the spiteful men in instead; and
-the lions were so hungry that they brake all their bones in pieces
-before ever they came to the bottom of the den.</p>
-
-<p>Only think what Daniel was willing to bear rather than not
-say his prayers! And it was because he prayed that God saved
-him. God's power shut the lions' mouths, because Daniel had
-been more afraid to leave off praying than even to be torn to
-pieces. How glad we should be that we can say our prayers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>
-safe and unhurt; and how careful we should be never to miss
-them out of idleness, if Daniel would not miss them out of fear.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were the Jews living? 2. Who was king of Babylon? 3. What
-law was Darius persuaded to make? 4. Who was to be prayed to? 5. What
-was to be done to anybody who said prayers to any but Darius? 6. Who did go
-on saying his prayers? 7. Who was Daniel? 8. What was done to Daniel?
-9. Did the lions hurt Daniel? 10. Why was Daniel kept safe in the den? 11.
-Whom did Daniel fear most, God or men? 12. When should we say our prayers?
-13. Can anyone hurt us if God takes care of us?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus120">
-<img src="images/fig210.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">BABYLONIAN BRICK.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c39"><span class="oldeng">Thirty-ninth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>TROUBLES OF THE JEWS.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird."&mdash;<i>Prov. 1:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleft">
-<img src="images/fig211.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">T</span>HERE was a gentle
-Jewish girl, named
-Esther, who had been
-left an orphan very young,
-and was brought up by her
-kind relation, Mordecai,
-who was one of the Jews
-who had not gone back to
-Jerusalem, but still lived
-in Persia.</p>
-
-<p>One day there came a messenger from the king, to carry
-away poor Esther from home. The king wanted all the maidens
-in his land to be brought together, that he might choose the most
-beautiful of them all for his queen, and the others would be
-kept for slaves.</p>
-
-<p>All the other maidens dressed themselves up, and painted
-themselves to try to look beautiful; but Esther did not ask for
-any ornaments, she only put on what she was ordered to wear.
-Yet she looked so much the most lovely of all, in her modest
-quietness, that the king chose her and married her, and set the
-crown on her head, and made her his queen.</p>
-
-<p>But she had a sad life, though she was queen. She was
-always shut up, and could not see her kind friend Mordecai, and
-she could not even go to her husband without his leave, or she
-would have been put to death.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figleftb">
-<img src="images/fig212.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little"><span class="smcap">Queen Esther</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figleftb">
-<img src="images/fig213.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">The Golden Scepter</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figleftb">
-<img src="images/fig214.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">At the banquet</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Her kinsman, Mordecai,
-used to sit in the palace gate
-every day, to hear news of
-her. Now, there was a very
-bad man named Haman,
-who used to pass by every day; and Mordecai
-never would bow to him, because he
-was one of the people whom God had forbidden
-the Jews to have any concern with.</p>
-
-<p>Haman grew so angry at last that he
-resolved not only to get Mordecai killed,
-but all the Jews besides. So he went to the
-king, and told him a false story about the
-Jews, and persuaded him to give orders
-that their enemies in all the lands round
-Jerusalem, and everywhere else, should
-fall on them on a set day, and put them
-to death.</p>
-
-<p>And the king was so foolish and so
-cruel as to consent to seal the letters,
-saying that all the Jews were to be
-killed on one day. But Mordecai
-heard about this cruel plot, and he
-sent secret word to Esther that she
-must try to save her people, by telling
-the king that he had
-been deceived by Haman.</p>
-
-<p>Poor Esther was much
-afraid. She knew that if
-she went to the king without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>
-leave, she would be put to death; but she thought it was better
-for her to run the risk, than to let all the Jews perish. So she
-dressed herself beautifully, as the king liked best to see her; and
-she went to his court almost fainting with fear.</p>
-
-<p>But when he saw her, he touched her with his golden sceptre.
-Then she knew he would not put her to death; and when he asked
-why she had come, and what she wanted, she said she wished to
-ask him to a banquet of wine in her chamber.</p>
-
-<p>And when he came there, she was able to tell him of the
-cruel plan for killing all her people, and how falsely Haman had
-spoken. The king was very angry when he understood it all;
-and wicked Haman was hung upon the very gallows he had meant
-for Mordecai. And so the Jews were saved by the good queen,
-who was not afraid to risk her life for her people.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus121">
-<img src="images/fig215.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">QUEEN ESTHER CROWNED.&mdash;Esther 2:17.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were some of the Jews living? 2. What was the name of the Jew
-girl? 3. What was the name of her kinsman? 4. How did the king choose his
-wife? 5. Who was the most beautiful woman? 6. Where did Mordecai sit?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>
-7. To whom would not Mordecai bow? 8. What did Haman want to do? 9.
-Who consented? 10. Why was it dangerous for Esther to go and speak to the
-king? 11. What did the king do when he saw her? 12. What did holding out
-the sceptre mean? 13. What did she ask him? 14. What did she tell him?
-15. What was done to Haman? 16. How were the Jews saved?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus122">
-<img src="images/fig216.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">TRIUMPH OF MORDECAI.&mdash;Esther 6:11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thy servants think upon her stones, and it pitieth them to see her in the
-dust."&mdash;<i>Ps. 102:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE was a good Jew named Nehemiah, whom the
-King of Persia had made his cup-bearer. One day
-one of the Jews came from Jerusalem, and told
-Nehemiah how sad all was at their home, the city
-that once had been so beautiful. There was a little
-bit of the Temple built up, but all the streets were
-heaps of ruins, and only a house or two here and there built up;
-and the robber tribes round were always breaking in and doing
-mischief.</p>
-
-<p>Nehemiah wept, and prayed to God for his people; and when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>
-he went in to wait on the king and queen, he still looked so sad,
-that they asked him what was the matter. Then he told them
-that he had just heard that his dear home, where his fathers'
-tombs were, was lying waste, and that the cruel enemies were
-always doing harm; and he begged the king to let him go home
-and try to help them.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus123">
-<img src="images/fig217.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">NEHEMIAH ARMETH THE LABORERS&mdash;Neh. 4:16,17.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>So the king gave him leave, but set him a time to come back;
-and Nehemiah went all the long way to Jerusalem. It was quite
-as bad as he had heard. The houses were all down, only here
-and there one standing; and when he went out on his ass at
-night to view the ruins, there was a heap of stones where a gate
-should be, and a hole where a wall should be.</p>
-
-<p>So Nehemiah stirred up all the Jews, and they set to work
-to build the wall to keep out the robbers. Then the enemies
-laughed at them, and said a fox could break down all they built;
-and when they went on, people used to come and attack them,
-so that they had to work with swords ready to fight, and always<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>
-on the watch to come to help if they heard a trumpet blown. But
-they kept on, and the wall was built and the gates set up; and they
-were safe once more from enemies coming in among them.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was Nehemiah? 2. What made him sad? 3. Who were living at
-Jerusalem? 4. What had happened to it? 5. What did Nehemiah do when he
-heard this sad news? 6. How did God begin to grant his prayer? 7. What
-did the king ask him? 8. What did he tell the king? 9. Where did he go? 10.
-What did he find there? 11. Why did they want a wall? 12. What did he set
-the Jews to do? 13. How did they build? 14. Who tormented them? 15.
-But what was finished at last?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The joy of the Lord is your strength."&mdash;<i>Prov. 5:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig123.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">GOOD Nehemiah built up the wall of Jerusalem; and
-his friend Ezra did all he could to teach the Jews
-to keep the Law of God rightly. It was Ezra who
-gathered together the five books of Moses, and
-collected the writings of the prophets, and wrote out
-the history of the kings, and put nearly all the Old
-Testament in order as we have it now.</p>
-
-<p>And Ezra and Nehemiah took care to teach the people to
-keep the Sabbath again, as the Fourth Commandment had taught
-them. Nehemiah used to have the gates of the city shut up, that
-no stranger might bring any burthen in, and that no one might
-come in to sell or buy on God's holy day.</p>
-
-<p>And then they kept the Feast of the Tabernacles. It was
-a most beautiful feast. All the people went and cut down great
-boughs of myrtle, olive, pine, and citron, and willow trees, and
-built up arbors with them, where they lived for seven whole days,
-to put them in mind of how their fathers had lived when they
-came out of Egypt.</p>
-
-<p>And on the great day of the feast, every Jew went up to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>
-Temple with a green bough in his arm, and stood in the court,
-and all the priests came out on the steps with palm-branches,
-and with silver trumpets. Then the trumpets were sounded,
-and everybody waved their branches for joy. And the priests
-began a beautiful rejoicing psalm, and at its most joyful verses
-the people waved their palms again.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus124">
-<img src="images/fig218.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">A SOLEMN FAST AND REPENTANCE OF THE PEOPLE.&mdash;Neh. 9:1,2.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>At night all the court of the Temple was lighted up with
-great lamps, to put the people in mind that the Lord is our light.
-How beautiful it must have been, and how happy all the people
-were to have come back from worshipping idols, and being punished
-in a strange land, to praise their own true God once more,
-who blessed and made them happy.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who were the two good men who governed the Jews? 2. What did Ezra
-collect together? 3. Who taught good men how to write the Bible? 4. What
-parts of the Bible did Ezra put together? 5. What commandment were Ezra
-and Nehemiah careful about? 6. How did they keep people from breaking the
-Fourth Commandment? 7. What great feast did they keep?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="c40">
-<img src="images/fig219.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2><span class="oldeng">Fortieth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE COMING OF THE LORD.</i></p>
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The fulness of the time was come."&mdash;<i>Gal. 4:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleftb">
-<img src="images/fig220.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center half">SHEPHERD</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">T</span>HERE was a long time after the
-Jews came home during which we
-do not know much about them.
-Only they had quite left off worshipping
-idols, and stood out bravely when a bad
-king wanted to make them do so.</p>
-
-<p>But they were not good in other
-ways. They quarrelled among themselves
-a great deal. One set, who were
-called Pharisees, were very proud and
-hard-hearted; and another set, who
-were called the Sadducees, would not
-believe or obey any of the Bible that
-was written after the time of Moses&mdash;none of the Prophets nor
-of the Psalms.</p>
-
-<p>These two sets quarrelled so much that they allowed a fierce
-strange nation to come in and make themselves their masters.
-These were the Romans, whose city was Rome, in Italy. They
-were fierce soldiers, and wanted to make the world all their own.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus125">
-<img src="images/fig221.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE ANGEL APPEARS UNTO ZACHARIAS.&mdash;Luke 1:12, 13.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus126">
-<img src="images/fig222.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE ANGEL APPEARS UNTO MARY.&mdash;Luke 1:35.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>One of their generals, whose name was Pompey, was so
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a><br /><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>daring that he forced his way into the Holy of Holies, where no
-one was allowed to go but the High Priest once a-year. He was
-disappointed to find nothing there, only an empty chamber,
-without any image or likeness; and the Jews were much grieved
-and distressed. It was always said that nothing ever went well
-with Pompey afterwards.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig223.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans">THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus127">
-<img src="images/fig224.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE PROPHECY OF ELIZABETH AND OF MARY.&mdash;Luke 1:39-45.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What sin had the Jews left off? 2. But were they grown good? 2. Who
-were the two parties? 4. What was amiss with the Pharisees? 5. What would
-not the Sadducees believe? 6. What came of their quarrels? 7. What sort of
-people were the Romans? 8. Where was their home? 9. What did they want
-to conquer? 10. Where did their general make his way? 11. What was the
-Holy of Holies? 12 What did he find there? 13. Why was there no image
-there? 14. What commandment forbids the worshipping any image? 15. Who
-alone was allowed to go into the holy place? 16. How often? 17. What was
-said of Pompey after he broke in?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig225.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest.&mdash;<i>Luke 1:32.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE Romans set up a strange king over the Jews. His
-name was Herod, and he was an Edomite&mdash;that is,
-a descendant of Jacob's brother Esau. He believed
-in the true God, and began to make the Temple much
-more beautiful than it had been since it had been
-built up after the Jews came back from Babylon.
-But he was a very wicked and cruel man, who killed his own wife,
-and made everybody afraid of him; and the Jews were very
-unhappy under him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus128">
-<img src="images/fig226.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BIRTH OF JOHN.&mdash;Luke 1:62-64.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>They had one hope, and that was, that it was just about the
-time when God had promised to send a Holy One into the world
-to save them and set them free; and they thought He would be
-a great, mighty king, like David, who would conquer Herod, and
-drive away the Romans, and have a crown and throne brighter
-than Solomon's.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>And just then an angel was sent from God to the little town
-of Nazareth, where there lived a young maiden, quite a poor
-woman, but most good and holy, a descendant of the great King
-David. The angel told her that she was highly favored, for she
-was to be the mother of the Son of the Highest, for the Holy One
-who was to be born of her should be the Son of God; and when
-He was born, she was to call His name <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>, which means the
-Lord our Saviour, because He should save His people from their
-sins; and Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it
-unto me according to thy word."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus129">
-<img src="images/fig227.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE ANGEL ANNOUNCING THE BIRTH OF JESUS.&mdash;Luke 2:10, 11.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Whom did the Romans make king of the Jews? 2. What nation did
-Herod belong to? 3. Who was the forefather of the Edomites? 4. Whose son
-was Esau? 5. What sort of man was Herod? 6. What did he do to please the
-Jews? 7. But how did he treat them? 8. Whom did he put to death? 9.
-What were the Jews hoping for? 10. Who had promised that Holy One? 11.
-What did the Jews think He would be? 12. Who came to say He was coming<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>
-at last? 13. To whom was the angel sent? 14. What was her name? 15.
-Where did he live? 16. What did the angel tell her? 17. Who would be
-born of her? 18. Whose Son would He be? 19. What was she to call Him?
-20. What does Jesus mean? 21. What did she answer?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus130">
-<img src="images/fig228.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BIRTH OF JESUS.&mdash;Luke 2:10, 12.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
-<i>Luke 2:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE blessed Virgin Mary lived at Nazareth; but it was
-God's will that the holy Son of God should be born at
-Bethlehem, the little town where David used to live
-and keep his sheep. The Romans sent out orders that
-everyone should go to their proper home to have their
-names set down, and pay a piece of money.</p>
-
-<p>So the Virgin Mary had to go, with a good man named
-Joseph, a carpenter, who was to be her husband. Such a number
-of people had come there that there was no room for them in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>
-inn, and they had to go to a stable&mdash;a cavern underground&mdash;where
-the oxen and asses were.</p>
-
-<p>And it was there that the Holy Child of Mary, the Son of God,
-was born, in the stable where the cattle were. The blessed mother
-wrapped Him in baby-clothes, and laid Him in the manger, among
-the hay and straw.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus131">
-<img src="images/fig229.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BIRTH OF JESUS PROCLAIMED BY THE SHEPHERDS.&mdash;Luke 2:17.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>None of the people in the inn knew or cared; but there were
-shepherds on the hill, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
-The angels came down to them, and told them that to them was
-born that day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the
-<span class="smcap">Lord</span>, and that He was a Babe lying in a manger.</p>
-
-<p>As soon as the angel had said that, many other angels, who
-were very glad that poor men below should be saved, all began
-to sing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will
-toward men."</p>
-
-<p>So the angels and the shepherds kept the Saviour's birthday,
-and we keep it upon Christmas-day.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig230.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.&mdash;Luke 2:27, 28.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was David's town? 2. But where did the blessed Virgin Mary live?
-3. How came she to go to Bethlehem? 4. Where had she to rest? 5. Why
-could she not go to the inn? 6. Who was born in the stable? 7. Where was
-He laid? 8. Who were told of it? 9. Who told the shepherds? 10. What
-did the angels sing? 11. Why were they glad? 12. Why are we glad? 13.
-What is the birthday of our Lord?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig231.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c41"><span class="oldeng">Forty-first Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE CHILDHOOD OF OUR LORD.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"We have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him."&mdash;<i>Matt. 2:2.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap14" src="images/fig232.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE shepherds were not the only people
-who came to see the blessed Lord <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>
-when He was a little Infant. Far away
-in the East, God showed a bright, beautiful
-star to some wise men, and taught
-their hearts that it was the sign that
-the great King was born.</p>
-
-<p>They set out on their journey to
-Judea, to see and honor Him; and when
-they came, they asked, "Where is He that is born King of the
-Jews, for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to
-worship Him."</p>
-
-<p>This made Herod afraid, for he thought this must be a king
-who would take his kingdom from him. He made the learned
-men among the Jews look out in the prophecies where Christ
-should be born.</p>
-
-<p>They found it was to be at Bethlehem, and he told the wise
-men so, and desired them to let him know when they found the
-King, that he might come and worship Him too; but he did not
-really mean to worship Him, but to kill Him.</p>
-
-<p>However, God Himself showed these wise men where to find
-our blessed Lord, for the same star that they had seen in the East
-came out again, and went before them, and came and stood over
-where the young Child was. And though they saw a little Baby,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>
-and a poor mother holding Him in her arms, they knew He was
-the Lord and King; and they worshipped Him, and offered Him
-the gifts they had brought.</p>
-
-<p>There was gold, and there was frankincense, which means
-the sweet-smelling, costly powder that was burnt in the Temple;
-and myrrh, which is a precious gum which comes out of trees,
-and is used to preserve and keep things good.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus132">
-<img src="images/fig233.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN.&mdash;Matt. 2:10, 11.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who came to see our Lord? 2. Where did they come from? 3. What
-had they seen? 4. What did they ask? 5. Whom did they ask? 6. What
-did Herod say? 7. Did he want to worship? 8. What did he want to do? 9.
-How did the wise men find the way? 10. Whom did they see? 11. What did
-they offer Him? 12. What were the gifts? 13. What is frankincense? 14.
-What is myrrh? 15. Why did they worship Him?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig234.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Arise, and take the young child and His mother."&mdash;<i>Matt. 2:13.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig120.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">HEROD was afraid that the new-born King of the Jews
-would take away his kingdom. So he meant to kill
-Him as soon as he could find out from the wise men
-where He was. But the wise men never came back
-to tell him, for God spoke to them in a dream, and
-warned them to go back to their own country another way.</p>
-
-<p>And God also spoke to Joseph the carpenter, the blessed
-Virgin Mary's husband, and told him to take the young Child and
-His mother, and flee into the land of Egypt, and stay there till
-they should be told to come back, for Herod was seeking the young
-Child to destroy Him. Joseph obeyed, and the whole family fled
-into Egypt, and lived there for some years.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus133">
-<img src="images/fig235.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOSEPH COMMANDED TO FLEE INTO EGYPT.&mdash;Matt. 2:13.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When Herod found the wise men did not come, he was very
-angry; and to make sure of killing Him who was to be King of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>
-Jews, he was so cruel and wicked as to cause all the babies in
-Bethlehem, of two years old and under, to be put to death.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus134">
-<img src="images/fig236.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.&mdash;Matt. 2:14, 15.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>We call them the Holy Innocents, because they were the
-first who died for Jesus Christ's sake. It seemed very sad then,
-but they have been happy and glorious ever since in heaven, and
-always will be. But God had taken care of Him, and He was
-safe in Egypt; and there they stayed till our Lord was about three
-years old, and then the wicked King Herod died.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did Herod want to do? 2. Why could he not find our blessed Lord?
-3. Who warned the wise men? 4. Whom did Herod murder? 5. What do we
-call those Babes of Bethlehem? 6. But whom did he not find? 7. For where
-was our Lord? 8. Who had taken Him there? 9. Who was Joseph? 10.
-How did Joseph know He was to go to Egypt?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig237.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."&mdash;<i>Luke
-2:52.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN Herod died, Joseph brought our blessed Lord
-and His mother back from Egypt, and went to
-live at Nazareth. We do not know any more
-about Him till He was twelve years old, and then
-He went up with Joseph and His mother to Jerusalem
-to keep the Feast of the Passover. That
-great feast the Jews always kept in remembrance of the night
-when God delivered them out of their troubles in Egypt.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus135">
-<img src="images/fig238.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">KILLING THE MALE CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS OLD.&mdash;Matt. 2:16.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When the time came for going home, the blessed Mary and
-Joseph could not find the Child Jesus. They thought at first that
-He was among the other boys of the company who had come up
-from Nazareth, and they went on a day's journey; but when He
-did not come back to them in the evening, they turned back to
-Jerusalem to seek Him. They looked for Him during three days<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>
-all round the city, and found Him at last in the Temple, among
-the boys who came to be taught by the learned men there.</p>
-
-<p>Everybody who listened was astonished at His understanding
-and His answers; but when His mother came to call
-Him, He went home with her directly; and He obeyed her and
-Joseph in everything, and helped and worked for them, though
-He was really their God and King.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus136">
-<img src="images/fig239.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS TEACHING IN THE TEMPLE.&mdash;Luke 2:46, 47.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>That was to teach us all how good children should behave at
-home to their fathers and mothers, for Joseph was like a father
-to Him, though His real Father is God. And as He grew older He
-lived on with them, and worked as a carpenter with them till He
-was thirty years old. So, you see, He knows just what it is to be
-one of us, and a poor hard-working man. For God from heaven
-came to be one of us men, and just like us.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. When did our blessed Lord come back from Egypt? 2. Where did He go
-and live? 3. How old was He when we hear about Him again? 4. Where did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>
-He go then? 5. What feast did they go to? 6. What was the Passover to put
-people in mind of? 7. What happened when it was time to go home? 8. How
-long was He lost? 9. Where was He found? 10. What was He doing there?
-11. What was everyone surprised at? 12. What did He do when He was called?
-13. How can you do like Him when you are called from what you like? 14.
-How did He always behave to His mother and Joseph? 15. How can you try
-to be like Him?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig240.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c42"><span class="oldeng">Forty-second Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."&mdash;<i>Matt. 3:2.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap6" src="images/fig241.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE blessed Lord Jesus lived at Nazareth,
-and worked there as a carpenter
-until He was thirty years old, so
-that He has felt how we live here, and
-knows what our feelings and ways
-are by trying them.</p>
-
-<p>When it was nearly time for Him
-to begin to set up His kingdom, a holy
-man was sent to make ready for
-Him. This man's name was John,
-and he lived out in the rocky and
-bushy country on the bank of the
-river Jordan, dressed in a coarse garment woven of camel's hair,
-and living on the locusts and wild honey he found there.</p>
-
-<p>He stood there telling everyone who came that the kingdom
-of God was going to begin, and that those who wished to belong
-to it must repent and give up their sins. All who would feel and
-own their sins he took down to the river and bathed and washed
-them, to show how some day they would have their souls washed,
-just as their bodies were washed now.</p>
-
-<p>This washing was called baptising, and he is always called
-John the Baptist; but he always told the people that there was
-One coming who was greater than he was, and that this Holy
-One would baptise them with the Holy Ghost and with fire.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How long did our blessed Lord live at Nazareth? 2. What did He do
-there? 3. Who was sent to prepare His way? 4. Where did John live? 5.
-What did he wear? 6. What did he eat? 7. What are locusts? 8. What did
-he tell the people? 9. What were they to be sorry for? 10. What is repenting?
-11. What did he do to those who repented? 12. In what river did he wash
-them? 13. What was this washing called? 14. What was he called? 15.
-Who did he say was coming? 16. How would that One baptize them?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus137">
-<img src="images/fig242.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACHING IN THE WILDERNESS.&mdash;Matt. 3:2, 8.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."&mdash;<i>Matt. 3:17.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ONE day, as John was baptising, Jesus came to him,
-and desired to be baptised. His mother and John's
-mother were cousins, and John knew He had never
-done one wrong thing in all His life, and had nothing
-to repent of. So he said, "I have need to be baptised
-of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" Then <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>
-answered, "Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfil
-all righteousness.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Then John baptised Him; and as they were coming up out
-of the water, the heaven above was opened, and there came God
-the Holy Ghost, taking a shape like a dove, and rested upon the
-Head of Jesus, and there was God the Father's voice speaking
-out of heaven, and saying, "This is My Beloved Son, in whom I
-am well pleased."</p>
-
-<p>Then John the Baptist knew that Jesus was the Son of
-God, and the great King whose way he had been sent to prepare.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus138">
-<img src="images/fig243.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BAPTISM OF JESUS.&mdash;Mark 1:9.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And this was the beginning of baptism, or christening, as
-we call it. We are all baptised into the name of the Father, the
-Son, and the Holy Ghost, and made to belong to Jesus Christ.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who was John the Baptist? 2. Where did he baptize? 3. Who came to
-him to be baptized? 4. What relation was the blessed Virgin to his mother?
-5. What did he say? 6. Why did he say so? 7. What was the answer? 8.
-What happened after the baptism? 9. Who came down from heaven? 10.
-Who spoke from heaven? 11. What did God the Father's voice say? 12.
-What did John know then? 13. Whose Son is Jesus? 14. How had John
-been preparing His way?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig244.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans">CHRIST IN THE MANGER.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p>
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."&mdash;<i>Matt. 4:7.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">OUR Lord Jesus had come into the world to conquer the
-Devil, to whom Eve had given power over it when
-she ate the fruit.</p>
-
-<p>So He went up into a lonely place in the wilderness,
-that He might meet the Devil, and stand up
-against all the temptations that had led Eve astray.
-He was there forty days, with nothing to eat; and the Devil came
-and said, "If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones
-be made bread." But He would not do it at Satan's word; and so
-as Eve fell by eating, He stood by resisting hunger.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus139">
-<img src="images/fig245.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS.&mdash;Matt. 4:10, 11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then the Devil showed Him all the kingdoms of the world,
-and the glory of them, in one moment of time, and said, "All
-these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship
-me." But though Eve had been tempted by seeing the beauty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>
-of the fruit, our Lord was not led astray by all the glory and
-beauty of this world. So He conquered again.</p>
-
-<p>Then He stood with Satan on the top of a high wall, with a
-precipice below; and Satan tempted Him to cast Himself down,
-so that the angels should come round and bear Him up, and all
-might see He was the Son of God. It was just as Satan had told
-Eve, that she would be like a God if she ate the fruit; and He said,
-"It is written, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."</p>
-
-<p>Satan left Him then for a time, and the angels came and
-waited on Him. That was the beginning of His victory over
-Satan and sin. And every one of us must fight our battle too.
-Whenever we are inclined to be naughty, Satan is tempting us,
-but we must try to be strong and drive him away; and our Lord
-Jesus will help us if we only try, and will drive him away.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What had our Lord come into the world for? 2. When had Satan become
-master of the world? 3. Where did our Lord go? 4. What was the first temptation?
-5. Why would not He make the stones into bread? 6. What was the
-second temptation? 7. What did Satan want Him to do? 8. What was the
-third temptation? 9. Who would have come round Him? 10. Would He let
-them show that He was God? 11. What did He say to Satan? 12. What did
-Satan do? 13. Who came to wait on our Lord? 14. Who had been conquered?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig246.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c43"><span class="oldeng">Forty-third Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Behold the Lamb of God."&mdash;<i>John 1:36.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap1" src="images/fig247.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">NOW that John the Baptist knew that
-<span class="smcap">Jesus</span> was, indeed, the Son of God,
-whom he had been sent to proclaim, he
-began to point Him out, saying, "Behold
-the Lamb of God, which taketh
-away the sin of the world." There
-were two poor fishermen, who had come
-out to listen to John, who heard, and
-who went to <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> and asked, "Master,
-where dwellest Thou?" He said, "Come
-and see."</p>
-
-<p>Their names were Andrew and
-another John. They stayed all one
-night with Him, and saw and felt that
-He was so great and holy that no one else could be the Christ who
-had been promised to come and save the world; and John was
-always the nearest and best loved of all to Him.</p>
-
-<p>Andrew went and told his own brother Simon, whom our
-Lord named Peter, which means a rock; and they brought two
-more of their friends to see Him, whose names were Philip and
-Nathanael. When <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> saw Nathanael coming, He said, "Behold
-an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!"</p>
-
-<p>Nathanael asked how He could know him. Our Lord<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>
-answered, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under
-the fig tree, I saw thee." Then Nathanael said, "Thou art the
-Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." For he had been alone
-under the fig tree, and nobody who was not God could have seen
-or known he was there; and our Lord said that because he believed,
-he should see greater things than these.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus140">
-<img src="images/fig248.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD.&mdash;John 1:36.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who had been sent to proclaim our Lord? 2. What did John the Baptist
-say of Him? 3. Who were the two first who listened? 4. What was their
-trade? 5. Who was the best loved of all? 6. Whom did Andrew fetch? 7.
-What name was given to Simon? 8. What does Peter mean? 9. What friends
-did they tell of our Lord? 10. What did our Lord say of Nathanael? 11.
-What does "without guile" mean? 12. What did Nathanael ask? 13. Why
-was he surprised? 14. What did our Lord say? 15. What was his answer?
-16. How did he know that Jesus was God? 17. Where can God see?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig249.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Thou hast kept the good wine until now."&mdash;<i>John 2:10.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig250.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">PERSONS who loved to learn of a Master were called His
-disciples. So John and his brother James, Andrew
-and Simon Peter, Philip and his friend Nathanael,
-were all called our Lord's disciples.</p>
-
-<p>They were all invited to a wedding at Cana, the
-village in the hills where Nathanael lived; and the blessed Virgin
-Mary, our Lord's mother, was there too. But the bride and bridegroom
-were poor people, and in the midst of the feast it turned
-out that there was not wine enough. The blessed Virgin said,
-in a low voice, to her Son, "They have no wine."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus141">
-<img src="images/fig251.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS CALLING HIS DISCIPLES.&mdash;John 1:51.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Now, there were six great jars standing by, and <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> told
-the servants to fill them with water. So they filled them up to
-the brim; and then He told the servants to draw out some of what
-they had poured in, and carry it to the chief person there.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>As soon as this man had tasted it, he found it was such good
-wine that he said to the bridegroom that most people began their
-feasts with their best wine, but that here the best had been kept
-for the last. This was the first wonderful thing our Lord did on
-earth, and it made His disciples know that He was God, for no
-one else could have done such a wonder.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus142">
-<img src="images/fig252.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE MIRACLE IN CANA.&mdash;John 2:7, 8.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>We call these wonders miracles. Our Lord worked many
-more while He was on earth, and most of them were cures to the
-blind, or the lame, or the sick. He made them well directly by
-His power and love.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What are disciples? 2. Who were the first disciples? 3. What feast did
-they go to? 4. Where was the feast? 5. What was wanting at the feast? 6.
-What did our Lord's mother say? 7. What did He tell the servants to do? 8.
-How many waterpots were there? 9. What did the water become? 10. To
-whom was it carried? 11. What was said of it? 12. How came it to be wine?
-13. What is such a wonder called? 14. Why could our Lord do miracles? 15.
-What did they show?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I will make you fishers of men."&mdash;<i>Matt. 4:19.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">I TOLD you Andrew and Peter and John were fishermen.
-They used to go fishing at night in boats, on the blue
-lake of Galilee, shut in between the high mountains.
-One night, they had been out in two boats, trying hard
-to catch fish, but none would come to their nets.</p>
-
-<p>In the morning, they saw <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> standing on the
-bank, with a great crowd of people round Him, come to see and
-hear His teaching. He called to Simon Peter to come and take
-Him into his boat, so that He could teach the people from thence
-without being crowded.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus143">
-<img src="images/fig253.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS TEACHES NICODEMUS.&mdash;John 3:2, 3.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When He had done speaking, He told Andrew and Peter to
-go out into the deeper water, and let down their nets. They said,
-"Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing:
-nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net." And instantly
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a><br /><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>the net was so full of fishes, that Andrew and Peter could not
-draw it up without the help of John and his brother James, who
-was with him in his boat; and both boats were quite full of fish,
-and ready to sink with the weight.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus144">
-<img src="images/fig254.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA.&mdash;John 4:25, 26.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus145">
-<img src="images/fig255.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS HEALS THE SICK OF THE PALSY.&mdash;Mark 2:4, 5.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig256.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center oldeng1">Our Father who art in Heaven</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig257.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">He hath fulfilled his word<br />
-ELIJAH'S SACRIFICE ON MOUNT CARMEL<br />
-HALLOWED BE THY NAME</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig258.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JOHN PREACHING IN THE WILDERNESS<br />
-CHRIST <span class="smcap">AND</span> NICODEMUS &nbsp; &nbsp;
-ST. PAUL <span class="smcap">AND THE</span> PHILIPPIAN JAILOR<br />
-THY KINGDOM COME</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig259.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">CHRIST IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE<br />
-JACOB WRESTLING WITH THE ANGEL<br />
-THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig260.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">CHRIST FEEDING THE MULTITUDE<br />
-I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE<br />
-GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig261.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center half">RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON<br />
-THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN &nbsp; &nbsp;
-STEPHEN FORGIVES HIS ENEMIES &nbsp; &nbsp;
-THE KING FORGIVES HIS BROTHER<br />
-O LORD HAVE MERCY &nbsp; &nbsp;
-PAY ME WHAT THOU OWEST &nbsp; &nbsp;
-PUNISHMENT OF THE UNFORGIVING<br />
-FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig262.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE TEMPTER IN EDEN &nbsp; &nbsp;
-THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST &nbsp; &nbsp;
-DRIVEN FROM EDEN<br />
-PETER DENYING CHRIST &nbsp; &nbsp;
-THE REMORSE OF JUDAS<br />
-LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig263.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center half">CHRIST STILLING THE STORM AT SEA<br />
-THE ANGEL DELIVERING PETER FROM PRISON &nbsp; &nbsp;
-CHRIST PROCLAIMING DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES<br />
-DELIVER US FROM EVIL</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>When the boats came to land, our Lord told the four disciples
-that they were to come with Him, for He would make them fishers
-of men, for they were to draw disciples to Him, instead of catching
-fish. They believed Him, and left all they had to follow Him, and
-they were always with Him&mdash;His dear friends who followed Him
-everywhere, and stored up His holy words in their hearts.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the trade of the disciples? 2. Where did they fish? 3. How did
-they fish? 4. Who came to them? 5. What did he bid them do? 6. What
-had they been doing all night? 7. But what did they now let down? 8. What
-did they find in their nets? 9. What were filled? 10. How came the fish there?
-11. What did our Lord call them to do? 12. What were they to be? 13.
-What did they leave? 14. Who were these four?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig264.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c44"><span class="oldeng">Forty-fourth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE MINISTRY.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-<p class="bit">
-"He went about doing good."&mdash;<i>Acts 10:38</i>.<br />
-</p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig265.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">SIMON PETER had a house at Capernaum,
-which is one of the towns that
-stand upon the shore of the Lake of
-Galilee. There our Lord cured the
-mother of Peter's wife of a bad fever
-by His mighty power in one moment,
-and there He generally lived when He
-was in those parts; but He never stayed
-long there, for He went about doing
-good.</p>
-
-<p>In every town or village that he came to, He
-used to go and teach in the synagogue. A synagogue
-was a place where the Jews who lived too
-far from Jerusalem to go to the Temple every
-Sabbath-day used to meet, and hear the Old Testament
-read and explained to them, and pray together.</p>
-
-<p>Our Lord used to teach in the synagogues, and draw out all
-the meaning of the Law; and when He came out, all the sick
-people who were near, and all the blind and deaf and dumb people,
-were brought to Him, and He cured them all by only just
-touching them, or even only by bidding their disease to go away.
-For He was God as well as man, and could do all things. Or He
-would sit on the mountain side, and all the people would come
-round Him, and He would teach them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus146">
-<img src="images/fig266.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS RAISES THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS.&mdash;Mark 5:41, 42.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus147">
-<img src="images/fig267.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS GIVES SIGHT TO THE TWO BLIND MEN.&mdash;Matt. 9:27, 28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>There is one beautiful discourse of His, called the Sermon
-on the Mount, which I hope you will soon know well. And in it
-He taught his disciples the prayer we all say, and call the Lord's
-Prayer, and which we love the best of all prayers.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus148">
-<img src="images/fig268.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SERMON ON THE MOUNT.&mdash;Matt. 5:1-3.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. In whose house did our blessed Lord Jesus live? 2. Where was Capernaum?
-3. What had He done for Simon Peter's wife's mother? 4. Where did He
-teach? 5. What is a synagogue? 6. When did the Jews go there? 7. What
-did they do in the synagogue? 8. What did our Lord explain? 9. Whom did
-He cure? 10. Where did He sometimes teach? 11. What is one great discourse
-of His called? 12. What prayer did He give His disciples? 13. How does it
-begin? 14. When do we say it?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig269.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus149">
-<img src="images/fig270.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS RAISES THE WIDOW'S SON.&mdash;Luke 7:14, 15.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus150">
-<img src="images/fig271.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS SLEEPS DURING THE STORM.&mdash;Matt. 8:24, 25.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-<p class="bit">
-"I have compassion on the multitude."&mdash;<i>Matt. 15:32.</i>
-</p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">OUR Lord Jesus chose out twelve of His disciples to be
-always with Him, and to teach and work with Him.
-All the six you have heard of before were among
-them, and there was another called Matthew, who
-had been a rich man, but left all his riches to follow
-our Lord. These twelve were called apostles.</p>
-
-<p>I told you that the Jews were in two parties, called Pharisees
-and Sadducees, and they used to quarrel and have many bad
-ways. When they found that Jesus blamed them, they were
-very angry; and when He was called the Holy One whom God
-promised, they said that the Christ would be a great king, and
-that He was only pretending. But all the poor heard Him gladly;
-and when He was driven out of the towns, they came after Him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>
-into the hills and open places, and went everywhere they could
-to hear Him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus151">
-<img src="images/fig272.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">SENDING FORTH THE TWELVE APOSTLES.&mdash;Matt. 10:5-7.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>One day, evening was coming on, and all these people had
-been with Him all day, and had nothing to eat. He said to Philip,
-"Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" Philip came
-from a village just below, but he did not know what to do.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus152">
-<img src="images/fig273.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.&mdash;Mark 6:27, 28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Andrew said there was a little boy there, who had brought
-five loaves and two small fishes; but what would they be among
-so many? Indeed, the loaves were not like ours&mdash;only thin barley
-cakes. But our Lord said, "Make the men sit down."</p>
-
-<p>So they all sat on the grass; and He gave thanks, and began
-to give out to the apostles the bread and the fish, and they never
-came to an end, but there was enough for all the five thousand;
-and when they had all done, He told the apostles to gather up the
-remains, that nothing might be lost. And there was enough to
-fill twelve great baskets.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus153">
-<img src="images/fig274.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND.&mdash;John 6:10, 11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How many disciples did our Lord choose? 2. What were they to be called?
-3. What were the names of the first six? 4. Who was the rich man? 5. Who
-hated our Lord? 6. Why? 7. Why did they think He could not be Christ?
-8. Where was He driven from? 9. Where did he go? 10. Who came after
-Him? 11. What was all He had to feed them with? 12. Who brought the five
-loaves and two fishes? 13. Where did they sit? 14. What did our Lord do
-first? 15. Who gave out the food? 16. How much was left? 17. How many
-had eaten?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig275.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig276.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center oldeng1">The Lords Prayer<br />
-Our Father<br />
-which art in Heaven,<br />
-hallowed be Thy Name.<br />
-Thy Kingdom come.<br />
-Thy Will be done in earth<br />
-as it is in Heaven. Give us this<br />
-day our daily bread. And<br />
-forgive us our trespasses, as<br />
-we forgive them that trespass<br />
-against us. And lead us not<br />
-into temptation; But deliver<br />
-us from evil: For Thine<br />
-is the Kingdom, The<br />
-Power, and the Glory,<br />
-For ever and ever.<br />
-AMEN.
-</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-<p class="bit">"Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."&mdash;<i>Matt. 14:27.</i><br />
-</p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE people whom <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> had fed wanted to make Him
-a king, but He would not be an earthly king; so He
-told the apostles to row away across the lake, while
-He went up alone into the hills to pray to His Father,
-where the people could not find Him.</p>
-
-<p>It was a rough night. The wind came down
-from the hills, and tossed the lake up in great waves; and the
-apostles rowed with all their might, but they made little way.
-But when the night was far on, they saw a Figure coming to
-them, walking on the waves. They were frightened, and cried
-out. Then the Figure said, "It is I; be not afraid!" and they
-knew it was their Master, and were glad.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus154">
-<img src="images/fig277.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS SUPPORTS THE SINKING PETER.&mdash;Matt. 14:30, 31.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And Peter said, "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee
-on the water." So he came out of the boat, and as long as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>
-trusted in His Master, he could walk; but when he saw the wind
-boisterous, he was afraid, and cried out, and then he began to
-sink.</p>
-
-<p>He called out, and Jesus put forth His hand and held him
-up, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
-Then they were both taken into the boat, and the wind ceased, and
-the lake was calm and still.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What did the people want to do? 2. Why did they want to make Jesus a
-king? 3. What did He do to get out of their way? 4. Where did He bid the
-disciples go? 5. What sort of night was it? 6. What happened to the apostles?
-7. How did our Lord come to them? 8. What did they do when they saw Him
-first? 9. How did they know Him? 10. Who came out to Him on the water?
-11. When was St. Peter safe? 12. When did he begin to sink? 13. What did
-our Lord say to him? 14. What happened as soon as they were in the boat?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus155">
-<img src="images/fig278.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE WELL OR FOUNTAIN AT NAZARETH.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c45"><span class="oldeng">Forty-fifth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>WONDERS OF OUR LORD'S WORKING.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Young man, I say unto thee arise."&mdash;<i>Luke 7:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap5" src="images/fig279.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">NO one can think how good and kind our
-blessed Lord Jesus was. Once, when
-He was going with His disciples into a
-village called Nain, He met a funeral
-coming out. People are not carried to
-the grave in their coffins in the East;
-but they are laid on a sort of bed called
-a bier, with all their best clothes on, and
-a wreath of flowers round the head.</p>
-
-<p>The person who was now to be
-buried was quite a young man, and he
-was the only son of his mother, and she was a
-widow. And when the Lord saw it, He had pity
-on the poor woman, and He said to her, "Weep
-not." Then He came and touched the bier, and the
-bearers stood still. Then He said, "Young man, I say unto thee,
-Arise." And he that was dead sat up and began to speak; and
-our Lord gave him back alive to his mother.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was our Lord always doing? 2. What village was He going into?
-3. What did he meet? 4. Who was going to be buried? 5. Had his mother
-any more sons? 6. And what was she? 7. How are people carried to their
-graves in the East? 8. Who had pity on the mother? 9. What did He say to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>
-her? 10. What did He do? 11. What did he say to the dead man? 12.
-What did the dead man do at once? 13. To whom was he given back? 14.
-How came <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> to be able to work such miracles? 15. Was not he most kind
-and loving so to do?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"His face did shine as the sun."&mdash;<i>Matt. 17:2.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">ONLY once all the time He was in this world did our
-Lord Jesus let His apostles see any of His glory,
-and then it was only the three who believed in Him
-best, and whom He kept the most with Him.</p>
-
-<p>One night, He took Peter and James and John
-out to a mountain with Him, as He was wont to do
-when He was going apart to pray. They went to sleep; but
-when they woke, they saw Him in bright light and glory. His
-face was shining like the sun, and His clothes were as white as
-the light; and there were two talking with Him, Moses and Elias.
-And they were talking of how He was come to die at Jerusalem.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus156">
-<img src="images/fig280.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE TRANSFIGURATION.&mdash;Luke 9:29-32.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>The three were afraid, but they were happy too; and Peter
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a><br /><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>said, "Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three
-tabernacles; one for Thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias;"
-for, indeed, he hardly knew what he was saying.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus157">
-<img src="images/fig281.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE GOOD SAMARITAN.&mdash;Luke 10:33, 34.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus158">
-<img src="images/fig282.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS AND THE SISTERS OF BETHANY.&mdash;Luke 10:41, 42.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And even as He spoke, a bright cloud came and hid the
-wonderful sight from them, and then they found that no one was
-with them but their Master, Jesus, looking as usual; and He bade
-them tell no one about what they had seen, until the Son of man
-should be risen again from the dead.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus159">
-<img src="images/fig283.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON.&mdash;Luke 15:22.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>They knew that their Lord was the Son of man; but they
-could not think what He could mean by rising again from the dead.</p>
-
-<p>This wonderful showing forth of His glory is called the
-Transfiguration.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the Transfiguration? 2. Who were allowed to see it? 3. Where
-did it happen? 4. What was our Lord's face like? 5. What were His clothes
-like? 6. Who came and talked to Him? 7. Who was Moses? 8. Who was
-Elias? 9. Do you remember what had become of Elias? 10. What were Moses
-and Elias talking about with Him? 11. What were the three apostles doing at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>
-first? 12. What did Peter say when he woke? 13. What happened then? 14.
-Who was left with them? 15. What did He forbid them to do? 16. When
-might they speak of it? 17. What could not they understand?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Suffer the little children to come unto me."&mdash;<i>Mark 10:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AFTER His Transfiguration, our Lord Jesus often told
-His apostles that He was going to be taken by the chief
-priests at Jerusalem, and that He should be ill-used,
-and beaten, and spit upon, and put to death on a cross;
-and that the third day He should rise again. But they
-never could understand how this would be, for they had never
-heard of rising from the dead; and they were so sure that He was
-Christ, and that Christ would be a great King, that they never
-understood or believed that He was to die.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus160">
-<img src="images/fig284.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS THE BEGGAR.&mdash;Luke 16:19-21.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And sometimes they even disputed among themselves who
-would be first and greatest in His kingdom. When they did this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>
-our Lord called a little child, and took him, and set him in the
-midst, and said that the greatest in His kingdom would be the
-most like that little child; for only those who are ready to be last
-here can be high up there.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig285.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">"SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME."&mdash;Mark 10:14.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>The Lord loved little children. Once, when the mothers were
-bringing their babies for Him to touch, the disciples wanted to
-keep them away; but He said, "Suffer the little children to come
-unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of
-heaven."</p>
-
-<p>And then He took the little ones up in His arms, and put
-His hands on them, and blessed them. And just so He embraces
-and blesses the little children we bring to Him in church, though
-we cannot see Him now; and He is always glad to hear them pray.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was the Transfiguration? 2. What did our Lord say would happen to
-them? 3. Why would not the disciples believe it? 4. What did they dispute
-about? 5. Whom did our Lord call? 6. What did He tell them? 7. What is
-the way to be high in the kingdom of heaven? 8. Who were brought to Him?</p></blockquote>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus161">
-<img src="images/fig286.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN.&mdash;Luke 18:11-13.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus162">
-<img src="images/fig287.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE RAISING OF LAZARUS.&mdash;John 11:43, 44.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c46"><span class="oldeng">Forty-sixth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>GOING UP TO JERUSALEM.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David."&mdash;<i>Matt. 20:30.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap15" src="images/fig288.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">FOR three years our blessed Lord
-went about doing good and
-teaching, generally in Galilee,
-in the towns or on the hills, where
-the people came out to hear Him;
-and at the feasts, when people ought
-to worship at Jerusalem, He used
-to go up and speak to them in the
-outer court of the Temple.</p>
-
-<p>But there was a wicked high
-priest named Caiaphas, who had
-been set up by the Romans, and he
-and the Pharisees and Sadducees all hated <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>, because He
-found fault with their evil ways, and they would not believe He
-was the Christ, but wanted to put Him to death.</p>
-
-<p>So whenever He came to Jerusalem it was more dangerous;
-and then they stirred up the chief men of Galilee, so that He
-could not be in the town, but had to wander on the hills. Once,
-when a man wanted to follow Him, He said, "Foxes have holes,
-and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not
-where to lay His head."</p>
-
-<p>And at last, when His time was come, He set His face to go
-to Jerusalem to keep the Passover, though He knew that He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span>
-would be taken and put to death there, and so be the real Passover.
-As He was going, two blind men, who sat by the roadside begging,
-called out, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David!" And
-He stood still and cured them both.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus163">
-<img src="images/fig289.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MARY ANOINTS THE HEAD OF JESUS.&mdash;Mark 14:1-11.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How long did our blessed Lord teach? 2. Where did He teach? 3. When
-did He go to Jerusalem? 4. What did He go to Jerusalem for? 5. Where did
-He teach? 6. Who hated him? 7. Who was Caiaphas? 8. Why did they
-hate Him? 9. Where did they drive Him? 10. What did He say about having
-no home? 11. When did He set His face to go to Jerusalem? 12. What
-feast was He going to keep? 13. What did He know would happen to Him?
-14. Whom did He cure as He was going? 15. What did the blind men cry out?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig290.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Hosanna to the son of David."&mdash;<i>Matt. 21:9.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT was only the great rich wicked men that hated our
-Lord. The common people heard Him gladly, and only
-wanted Him to begin to be king. And they really
-thought the time was come when He came up to Jerusalem.
-Just before He came in, He sent two of His
-disciples to fetch a young ass on which no one had
-ever sat, and on it He rode down Mount Olivet.</p>
-
-<p>Now, there was an old prophecy which said to Jerusalem,
-"Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an
-ass." People remembered this, and began to receive Him like a
-king; they spread their mantles on the ground before Him, and
-others cut down branches from the trees and strewed them in the
-way; and the people before and behind, especially the children,
-cried out with all their might, "Hosanna to the son of David:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>
-Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in
-the highest. Hosanna means, "save now."</p>
-
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus164">
-<img src="images/fig291.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM.&mdash;Matt. 21:8, 9.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>The Pharisees were very angry, and bade Him stop them;
-but He answered with the verse of a Psalm, "Yea, have ye never
-read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained
-strength?"</p>
-
-<p>But as He looked at beautiful Jerusalem, He wept over the
-city, for He knew that sad and dreadful punishments were coming
-on it; and yet the people would not listen to Him, and be sorry,
-and so be saved.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who loved our Lord? 2. What did they want Him to do? 3. What
-made them think His reign was coming? 4. How did He come into Jerusalem?
-5. What was the old prophecy? 6. What did the people do in His honor? 7.
-What did they cry? 8. What does "Hosanna" mean? 9. Who were angry?
-10. What did He say? 11. But why was He grieving? 12. What made Him
-sorry for the city? 13. How were the people bringing sad punishment on themselves?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"My house shall be called the house of prayer."&mdash;<i>Matt. 21:13.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE first thing our blessed Lord did at Jerusalem was
-to go into the Temple; and there, in the courts, He
-found people keeping shop, selling the lambs that
-were wanted for the Passover, and doves for other
-services, and changing the coin that strangers
-brought for Jewish money.</p>
-
-<p>This was very disrespectful to God, and He was angry. He
-had driven them all out once, and they had come back, and now
-they were doing it again. So He drove them all out, and told
-them His Father's house was a house of prayer, but they had
-made it a den of thieves.</p>
-
-<p>No one dared to answer Him, and all that day and the next
-He stood in the Temple, teaching the people, and showing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>
-wickedness of the chief priests and Pharisees. It seemed as if
-all the people of Jerusalem were ready to follow Him, and as
-if He might begin His reign directly; but this was not what He
-came for, and, as He well knew, the Pharisees were planning
-against Him.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus165">
-<img src="images/fig292.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS DRIVES OUT THE MONEY-CHANGERS.&mdash;Matt. 21:13.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>They wanted to get Him to say something that they could
-say was against the Law, so they asked Him many hard questions,
-but His great wisdom put them all to silence, and made them
-ashamed; but they were so hard and wicked that they only hated
-Him the more.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where did our Lord go? 2. What were the Jews doing there? 3. Why
-was this wrong? 4. What did He do to them? 5. Had He done this before?
-6. What did He tell them? 7. Who was his Father? 8. What was His
-Father's house? 9. What are our houses of prayer? 10. How must we behave
-in them? 11. Who were planning against Him? 12. But who followed Him
-gladly? 13. What did they want Him to be?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c47"><span class="oldeng">Forty-seventh Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE EVENING OF THE BETRAYAL.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"<span class="smcap">Jesus</span> knew that his hour was come."&mdash;<i>John 13:1.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig293.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE chief priests grew more fierce
-and bitter when they saw how all
-men listened to the Lord Jesus.
-They could do nothing to Him by
-day, because the people would have
-risen up to defend Him; so they
-tried how to find Him alone and at
-night, to take Him secretly.</p>
-
-<p>Now, one of the twelve apostles,
-named Judas Iscariot, was too fond
-of money, and used to take for himself
-what was trusted to him to take
-care of. So he went on from bad to
-worse, till at last he did the dreadful
-thing of promising the chief priests that he would show them
-to some lonely place, where they could take his Lord and Master
-prisoner; and then they were to pay him for this wickedness with
-thirty pieces of silver.</p>
-
-<p>Judas settled all this, and then he went back to our Lord and
-the other eleven apostles just as usual, thinking they did not
-know; but our Lord did know very well. But He bade the
-apostles get ready the supper that was eaten the night before the
-Passover, in a large upper room that was lent to them for it, and
-there He sat down to eat with them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What feast was being kept at Jerusalem? 2. Why were the priests and
-Pharisees angry? 3. What did they want to do? 4. Why did they not take
-Him in the Temple? 5. Where did they want to take him? 6. Who said He
-would show them the way? 7. What did they promise to Judas Iscariot? 8.
-Who was he? 9. Then how came he to be so wicked? 10. Where did our Lord
-go to eat His Last Supper? 11. Who were eating with Him?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus166">
-<img src="images/fig294.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS WASHING HIS DISCIPLES FEET.&mdash;John 13:2-5.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"This do in remembrance of me."&mdash;<i>Luke 22:19.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap8" src="images/fig13.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN our Lord and His apostles were eating the
-Supper together, He was very sorrowful, and
-said, "One of you shall betray me." The apostles
-were grieved, and each said, "Lord, is it I?" And
-He said, "He that dippeth his hand with me in the
-dish, the same shall betray me."</p>
-
-<p>And then, as the custom was, He dipped His piece of bread
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>in the dish in the middle of the table, and gave it to Judas. Then
-the wicked man presently got up and went away.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig295.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little sans">CHRIST ENTERING JERUSALEM.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And as they were still in the upper room, our Lord took
-bread and broke it, and gave a piece to each of His apostles, and
-said, "Take, eat: this is My Body, which is broken for you: this
-do in remembrance of me." And He took a Cup of wine, and
-said, "This Cup is the new testament in My Blood: This do, as
-oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus167">
-<img src="images/fig296.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE LAST SUPPER.&mdash;Matt. 26:26-28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And that was the beginning of what we call the Holy Sacrament
-of the Lord's Supper, "For as often as ye do eat of this
-Bread, and drink this Cup, ye do show the Lord's death till
-He come."</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who were eating together? 2. When was it? 3. Why was our Lord sorrowful?
-4. What did He say one of them would do? 5. What did they all
-ask? 6. Who did He say it would be? 7. What did He dip then? 8. To whom
-did He give it? 9. Who went away? 10. What holy Sacrament did He appoint?
-11. What did He take? 12. What did He say of the bread? 13.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>
-What did He then take? 14. What did He say of the wine? 15. What is the
-outward sign of the Lord's Supper? 16. What is the inward grace? 17. What
-does it show forth?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus168">
-<img src="images/fig297.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE.&mdash;Matt. 26:38, 39.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Not as I will, but as Thou wilt."&mdash;<i>Matt. 26:39.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig45.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">SUPPER being over, and night coming on, our Lord went
-out with His disciples to a garden, full of olive trees,
-called Gethsemane, where He often used to pray. He
-told them again on the way that they would soon all
-be afraid, and leave Him; but Peter could not think
-so, and said boldly that if everybody fell from Him, he
-never would. But <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> answered, "Verily, I say unto thee, that
-this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice."</p>
-
-<p>Then He went on to the garden, taking only Peter, James,
-and John into it with Him, and telling them to watch while He
-went apart to pray. They were heavy and sorrowful, and could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>
-not keep awake; but while He was praying, He was in the
-greatest trouble and grief that ever anyone felt.</p>
-
-<p>He knelt and prayed in an agony, till His sweat was as great
-drops of blood falling down to the ground. For He was feeling
-the sorrow for all the sin of all the world&mdash;the sorrow that belongs
-to you and me.</p>
-
-<p>The disciples heard Him say, "O my Father, if it be possible,
-let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou
-wilt." He came to them more than once, and called them, as if
-He longed for them to comfort Him; but still they fell asleep
-again, though He said, "What, could ye not watch with me one
-hour? The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where did our Lord go then? 2. What was the garden full of? 3. What
-did He say the apostles would all do? 4. Who thought He never could leave
-Him? 5. What did our Lord tell Peter? 6. Whom did He take into the garden?
-7. What were they to do? 8. What great grief did He suffer? 9. Why
-did He suffer such agony? 10. What did he pray? 11. What could not the
-disciples do? 12. What did He say at last? 13. What was their flesh? 14.
-Was He angry? 15. But was He not much grieved that they did not comfort
-Him?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig298.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c48"><span class="oldeng">Forty-eighth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?"&mdash;<i>Luke 22:48.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig299.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">JUST as our Lord had wakened His three
-apostles for the last time, there came a tread
-of soldiers, and lanterns gleamed through
-the olive trees. For Judas Iscariot, the
-traitor, knew that his Master was apt to go
-to the olive garden to pray at night, and he
-was leading them, and he said to them,
-"Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him
-fast." And he came up first to <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>, and said,
-"Hail, master;" and kissed Him. All our Lord said
-was, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?"</p>
-
-<p>Peter tried to defend Him, and drew a sword and cut off the
-ear of one of the servants; but our Lord bade him put the sword
-back into the sheath; and then, in His great love, our blessed
-Lord touched the ear, and cured it in an instant, and begged that
-all the disciples might be allowed to go their way. Indeed, they
-were so much afraid that they all forsook Him and fled away,
-except John and Peter, who both followed to see what would be
-done with Him.</p>
-
-<p>The soldiers dragged our blessed Lord to the house of the
-high priest, Caiaphas, where his enemies tried to make out some
-charge to bring against Him; but as He was good and holy, and
-had no sin at all, they could accuse Him of nothing. And when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>
-they asked Him questions, He answered them not a word, for
-He knew that it was only to accuse Him.</p>
-
-<p>While He stood at the upper end of the hall, John, who knew
-one of the servants, had come in to the lower end, and had brought
-in Peter with him. The chill of the morning had come on, and the
-servants lighted a fire on the pavement, where Peter stood and
-warmed himself. One of the maids there looked at him, and
-asked if he did not belong to Jesus of Nazareth. Peter was afraid,
-and said, "I know not what thou sayest."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus169">
-<img src="images/fig300.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JUDAS BETRAYS JESUS.&mdash;Matt. 26:48-50.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>But then another maid said, "This fellow was also with
-Jesus of Nazareth.." Peter grew more afraid, and went on
-declaring he did not know such a person; but presently another
-servant said, "Did not I see thee in the garden with Him?" Again
-Peter's fear of being punished for wounding the man in the
-garden led him further astray, for he began to curse and swear,
-and say, "I know not the man." Just then the cock crew, and
-the Lord turned round and looked upon Peter.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>That look went to his heart. He went out and wept bitterly;
-and whenever he thought of his sin, he wept.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus170">
-<img src="images/fig301.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">CHRIST BEFORE CAIAPHAS.&mdash;Matt. 26:65, 66.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where was our Lord? 2. What time was it? 3. Whom had He taken
-with Him? 4. Who came up in the night? 5. Who was leading them? 6.
-How did Judas show which was our Lord? 7. What was he wicked enough to
-say? 8. How did our Lord answer? 9. How did Peter try to save Him? 10.
-What blow did He strike? 11. What command did our Lord give Peter? 12.
-What did he do for the wounded man? 13. What care did He take for His disciples?
-14. Who only followed Him? 15. Where was our Lord taken? 16.
-What did the chief priests try to find? 17. Why could they find nothing to accuse
-Him of? 18. What had He said Peter would do? 19. What had Peter
-then said? 20. Yet what did he do? 21. What made Him deny? 22. What
-did he answer? 23. What brought his better mind back? 24. What sound?
-25. What look? 26. What did he do when he thought of his sin?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig302.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter."&mdash;<i>Isaiah 53:7.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig32.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">AS soon as it was light, all the chief men of the Jews met
-in the council chamber in the Temple, and had our
-Lord brought before them. But no one could prove
-that He had broken the law; and whenever a story was
-brought against Him, it turned out not to be true.</p>
-
-<p>At last the high priest stood up and commanded Him to say
-whether He were the Christ or not. He answered, "Thou hast
-said: nevertheless, I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son
-of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the
-clouds of heaven."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus171">
-<img src="images/fig303.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">PETER DENYING JESUS.&mdash;Luke 22:60, 61.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>At this answer, Caiaphas and all the other enemies made a
-great outcry, as if they were very much shocked, at His speaking
-of Himself as the great Judge of all&mdash;namely, as God.</p>
-
-<p>They all cried, "He is guilty of death;" and they began to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>
-beat Him and strike Him; and they blindfolded Him, and struck
-Him on the face, and bade Him say whose blow it was. And
-all the time He stood gentle and patient, and said not one word
-of complaint or anger.</p>
-
-<p>Since the reign of the great wicked Herod, the Romans had
-not allowed the Jews to put anybody to death without their leave;
-so the chief priests were obliged to take <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> before the Roman
-governor, Pontius Pilate. But it was not possible to find anything
-that a Roman would think He deserved to be put to death for.</p>
-
-<p>When the chief priests said that "by our law He ought to
-die, because He made Himself the Son of God," Pilate only feared
-to do anything against Him; for he saw that there was no fault
-in <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>, but that the chief priests were spiteful, and hated Him.</p>
-
-<p>Then the chief priests said that He called Himself King of
-the Jews. This made Pilate more anxious, for to set up to be an
-earthly king would have been rebelling against the Romans; but
-still he wanted to let <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> go, because he saw that He was
-innocent; yet he did not like to offend the priests, who might have
-accused him to the Emperor of Rome. Pilate saw what was just;
-but he was afraid, and cared for himself more than for his duty.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where did the chief priests meet? 2. Who was brought there before them?
-3. What did they intend to do? 4. But could they find any fault in Him? 5.
-So what did the chief priest ask Him? 6. What did He say? 7. What did
-they all cry out? 8. How did they begin to treat Him? 9. How did He bear
-it all? 10. How can we try to be like Him? 11. What were not the Jews
-allowed to do? 12. Who had the power over them? 13. Before whom did the
-chief priests take our Lord? 14. Who was Pilate? 15. What did Pilate think
-of the charges against Him? 16. But why did not Pilate set Him free? 17.
-Why was he afraid of His being called King of the Jews?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig304.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be
-granted unto you."&mdash;<i>Acts 3:14.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig250.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">PILATE thought he had found a way of saving the Lord
-Jesus without offending the Romans. It was the
-custom that at the feast of the Passover he should
-set some prisoner free, whomsoever the Jews asked
-for. And he thought, as the people loved our Lord,
-that they would ask for Him.</p>
-
-<p>But there was a robber and murderer in prison named
-Barabbas, and the enemies of our Lord went about among the
-people, stirring them up to ask for him to be set free; so that
-the poor, foolish people all broke out with a great shout to ask
-that this murderer Barabbas might be set free.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus172">
-<img src="images/fig305.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS CROWNED WITH THORNS.&mdash;Mark 15:16-19.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Pilate asked them what he was to do with <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>, and then
-there was a great roar from all the people, "Crucify Him!
-crucify Him!"</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>Now, crucifying was a very horrible and painful punishment,
-that had never been allowed among the Jews, but was chiefly
-used by the Romans themselves for slaves and for robbers; so
-that their savage cry was for <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> to have the punishment that
-belonged to Barabbas.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus173">
-<img src="images/fig306.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">CHRIST BEFORE PILATE.&mdash;John 19:14-16.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Pilate's soldiers were very cruel, and they laughed at a poor
-man being called a king; so when they had beaten the blessed
-<span class="smcap">Jesus</span> till He was bleeding all over, they took one of their old red
-soldiers' cloaks and threw it over Him; and they platted a crown
-of sharp thorns, and forced it upon His head; and they put a
-reed in his right hand, instead of a sceptre; and they bowed their
-knees, mocking Him by pretending to do Him honor.</p>
-
-<p>He never spoke one word of anger all this time; and when
-Pilate saw His meek, brave, patient face, pale and faint with
-pain, and streaming with blood, he thought the people would pity
-Him; so he led Him out once more to the top of the steps of the
-judgment hall, and said, "Behold the man!" But the people were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span>
-too mad to have any pity or feeling, and they only cried louder and
-louder still, "Crucify Him! crucify Him!"</p>
-
-<p>Pilate was not brave enough to go against them all, even to
-save an innocent man; so all he did was to take water and wash
-his hands before them all, to show that he was clear of wishing it,
-and he said, "I am innocent of the blood of this just person."
-But the chief priests made the dreadful answer, "His blood be
-on us, and on our children!" meaning that they would take the
-guilt and punishment.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus174">
-<img src="images/fig307.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE END OF JUDAS ISCARIOT.&mdash;Matt. 27:3-5.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What plan had Pilate for saving our Lord? 2. Whom did he always set
-free at the feast? 3. Whom did he wish to set free? 4. But whom did the
-chief priests make them ask for? 5. Who was Barabbas? 6. What did they all
-cry out? 7. What kind of punishment was crucifying? 8. To whom would it
-naturally have belonged? 9. But who was going to bear the worst of punishments?
-10. How did the soldiers treat our Lord? 11. Why did they mock
-Him? 12. What did they put on His head? 13. What did they dress Him in?
-14. What did they put in His hand? 15. What did Pilate hope to do? 16.
-What did he say? 17. What was the cry in answer?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c49"><span class="oldeng">Forty-ninth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE CRUCIFIXION.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"They pierced my hands and my feet."&mdash;<i>Ps. 22:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig308.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">WHEN the judgment was over, Pilate gave
-up our Lord to the four soldiers who
-were to crucify Him. His cross, a
-heavy beam of wood, with another
-fastened across it, was laid on His
-shoulders, that He might carry it to
-the place where He was to suffer&mdash;a
-place named Calvary, outside the walls
-of Jerusalem.</p>
-
-<p>He was so weak and worn out
-after the long sad night, the being
-taken from one judge to another, and
-the beating and tormenting, that He
-could hardly walk under it; and the
-soldiers met a man coming out of the
-country whom they forced to carry it
-after Jesus.</p>
-
-<p>When they came to Calvary, the soldiers made the blessed
-<span class="smcap">Jesus</span> lie down on the beam of wood, and they stretched His arms
-out on the cross-beam, and drove a large nail through each of the
-palms of His hands into the wood, and another nail through His
-feet; and then they lifted up the cross, with Him upon it, and
-planted it in the ground, that He might hang there till He
-should die.</p>
-
-<p>And all He said while they were thus nailing Him were the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span>
-words, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!"
-That was the great pain He bore to save us!</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where was our Lord to be crucified? 2. Who led Him there? 3. Where
-was it? 4. What had He to carry? 5. But who had to be called to help Him?
-6. Why was He so worn out? 7. What had they done to Him? 8. What was
-the cross? 9. How was He fastened to it? 10. What was done to it then?
-11. What prayer did He make? 12. For whom was He praying? 13. For
-whom was He dying?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus175">
-<img src="images/fig309.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS FALLS UNDER THE CROSS.&mdash;Luke 23:27, 28.</p>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews."&mdash;<i>John 19:19.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">OVER the head of the blessed Lord on the cross was a
-tablet, with the words, "<span class="smcap">Jesus of Nazareth the
-King of the Jews</span>;" and on each side of Him was
-another cross, with a robber upon it.</p>
-
-<p>There He hung patiently, while the chief priests
-and Pharisees passed by, mocking and laughing at
-His pain, and crying out, "He saved others; Himself He cannot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span>
-save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from
-the cross, and we will believe Him."</p>
-
-<p>Even the robbers at first joined in the cry; but by-and-by
-one of them began to feel that He who was so patient and so great
-in all that agony must truly be the Son of God; and he rebuked
-his fellow, and said, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into
-Thy kingdom!" And the Lord answered, "To-day shalt thou be
-with me in paradise!"</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus176">
-<img src="images/fig310.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE CRUCIFIXION.&mdash;John 19:30.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>His holy mother had come to stand by the foot of His cross,
-and with her, her sister and some other women, and His beloved
-apostle John. The Lord looked down at her, and said, "Woman,
-behold thy son!" and He looked at St. John, and said, "Behold
-thy mother!" And John took the blessed Virgin home with him,
-and was always like a son to her afterward.</p>
-
-<p>At noon-day, a dreadful darkness came over all the earth,
-and it lasted for three whole hours, as if the very sun mourned
-for Him who made it. Just at three o'clock, the blessed Lord<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span>
-said, "I thirst;" and as one of the soldiers was touching His lips
-with a sponge full of vinegar, He gave a great sad cry, "My God,
-my God, why hast Thou forsaken me!"</p>
-
-<p>Then presently he added, "It is finished! Father, into Thy
-hands I commend my spirit!" And He cried with a loud cry;
-and so He, who was God and man in one, died for us men, and
-for our salvation.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What was set up over our Lord's head? 2. Who were crucified on each
-side? 3. How did the robbers behave at first? 4. How did one change? 5.
-What did he say? 6. How did our Lord answer? 7. Who were standing
-by His cross? 8. What did He say to His mother? 9. What did He say to
-John? 10. What did John do for her? 11. What came over the earth? 12.
-How long did the darkness last? 13. What did our Lord cry out? 14. How
-did a soldier try to quench His thirst? 15. What was His sad cry?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"And rested the sabbath day."&mdash;<i>Luke 23:56.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THERE were some good people even among the chief
-of the Jews; and two of these, named Nicodemus and
-Joseph of Arimathea, went to Pontius Pilate, and
-asked him to let them bury the body of Jesus. People
-generally were much longer in dying on the cross, so
-Pilate sent to see if He was dead.</p>
-
-<p>To make sure, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a
-spear, and out came blood and water together. The robbers were
-still alive, so the soldiers broke their legs, that they might die
-sooner; and so the repenting one soon went to our Lord in
-Paradise.</p>
-
-<p>Then Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took the holy
-body down from the cross, quite dead. Now, close by, Joseph had a
-garden, and in it was a cave which he meant to be buried in, but
-where no one had yet been laid. They carried our Lord's body
-there; and the good women who followed Him, Mary Magdalene
-and the rest, wrapped it up in linen cloths and sweet spices.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>They wanted to do more for it; but it was getting late on
-Good Friday evening, and the Sabbath or seventh day was counted
-from sunset, and then they could do no manner of work. So they
-had to wait till the Sabbath should be over; and Joseph rolled a
-great rock to close up the door, and they went away in their grief.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus177">
-<img src="images/fig311.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE BURIAL OF JESUS.&mdash;John 19:41, 42.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And then came a guard of soldiers, whom the chief priests
-had sent to watch the stone, for fear, as they told Pilate, that
-the disciples should steal the body away in the night. So they put
-seals, to make sure that no one should move the stone; and the
-soldiers were set to watch.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who asked for our Lord's body? 2. What did Pilate want to know? 3.
-How did they make sure that our Lord was dead? 4. What was done to the
-robbers? 5. Where did Nicodemus and Joseph take the body? 6. To whom
-did the cave belong? 7. Who were there too? 8. How did they wrap the
-body? 9. What did they put with it? 10. Why did they not do any more?
-11. What day was it? 12. What was the next day? 13. What is the Fourth
-Commandment? 14. When did the Sabbath begin?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c50"><span class="oldeng">Fiftieth Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE RESURRECTION.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Now is Christ risen from the dead."&mdash;<i>1 Cor. 16:20.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleftb" id="illus178">
-<img src="images/fig312.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">As it began to dawn.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">T</span>HE holy women waited all
-the Sabbath day in sorrow;
-and our Lord Jesus lay in
-His grave. But, on the
-night after, He rose up
-from His grave, and came
-forth again, for He is alive
-for evermore. There was
-a great earthquake, and an
-angel came from heaven,
-and rolled away the stone
-from the door of the cave,
-and sat upon it; and for
-fear of him the keepers did
-shake, and were as dead
-men.</p>
-
-<p>Very early in the morning,
-Mary Magdalene and the other women came with the sweet
-spices they had prepared. They wondered who would roll away
-the stone for them; but when they came nearer, they saw that it
-was taken away; and when they went in, they saw that the body
-of the Lord was gone.</p>
-
-<p>They feared at first that some one had taken it away; but
-behold, two men stood by them in shining garments, who said,
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a><br /><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span>"Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is
-risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."</p>
-
-<p>And as the women went in great wonder to tell the disciples,
-they saw <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> Himself, the same whom they had seen and
-touched quite dead the day before yesterday, standing before
-them, speaking kindly to them. So they held Him by the feet,
-and worshipped Him. For never was there such wonderful joy
-and gladness in all the world.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus179">
-<img src="images/fig313.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE RESURRECTION.&mdash;Matt. 28:2-4.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus180">
-<img src="images/fig314.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE WOMEN AT THE TOMB OF JESUS.&mdash;Mark 16:5, 6.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus181">
-<img src="images/fig315.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">MARY MAGDALENE AT THE SEPULCHRE.&mdash;John 20:11-13.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What happened all the Sabbath? 2. What happened the night after? 3.
-Who rose again? 4. Who came down from heaven? 5. What happened to the
-soldiers? 6. Who were the first at the grave in the morning? 7. What did
-they bring? 8. What did they wonder about? 9. What did they find? 10.
-Who stood by them? 11. What did the angels say? 12. Who was living? 13.
-Whom did they go to tell? 14. Who met them? 15. How did they show their
-joy? 16. Why were they so very glad? 17. What day was it?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"The Lord is risen."&mdash;<i>Luke 24:34.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">IT was the first day of the week that our Lord rose from
-the dead, and we call that day the Lord's day, and
-have kept it holy ever since, instead of the seventh.
-But on that first day it seemed too wonderful. The
-apostles had never understood when their Lord spoke
-of dying and rising again; and though the women said
-they had seen Him, they were afraid to trust their word, and
-thought it a mistake.</p>
-
-<p>Later in the day, two of the disciples were walking to
-Emmaus, a little village near Jerusalem, when a stranger came
-and joined them. He asked why they were sad, and what they
-were talking of. They told Him it was of Jesus of Nazareth, who
-had been a great prophet, and they had hoped would have
-redeemed Israel; but now He had been put to death the day before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span>
-yesterday, yet that some of the women said that they had seen a
-vision of angels which said that He was alive.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus182">
-<img src="images/fig316.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS APPEARS TO MARY MAGDALENE.&mdash;John 20:16.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then the stranger began to show them, as they had never
-seen before, that all the Old Testament meant that when the
-Christ came, the Seed of the woman, He was to suffer, and save
-the world before His kingdom and glory could begin; and their
-minds understood, for they were opened to see and know the
-Scripture, so that they were sure that Jesus was the Christ.</p>
-
-<p>So they came to Emmaus, and went into a house; and the
-stranger made as if He would have gone farther, but they pressed
-Him to come in.</p>
-
-<p>He sat down with them, and took bread and blessed and
-broke it; and then their eyes were opened, and they knew it was
-<span class="smcap">Jesus</span> Himself! And as they knew Him, He vanished out of their
-sight. And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn
-within us, while He talked with us by the way?"</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What day did our Lord rise? 2. What is it called? 3. Which day do we
-keep holy? 4. Who could not believe yet? 5. Where were two disciples going?
-6. Who came and walked with them? 7. Who was it really? 8. Did they know
-Him?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Peace be unto you."&mdash;<i>Luke 24:36.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap2" src="images/fig11.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">In the evening, the ten apostles were all together in the
-upper room, with the doors close shut, for fear of the
-Jews. There were only ten, for Thomas was not there;
-the wretched Judas had hung himself in his grief and
-despair.</p>
-
-<p>The two disciples came back from Emmaus, and
-told how they had seen <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>; and while they were telling about
-it, though the door was not opened, they found <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> Himself
-standing in the midst, and they heard His voice say, "Peace be
-unto you."</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>They were afraid at first; but again He said, "Why are ye
-troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold
-My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see;
-for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have." Then
-He showed them that there were the marks of the nails in His
-hands and feet, and the spear-wound in His side; so that it was
-His own real body that had come again from the dead.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus183">
-<img src="images/fig317.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS APPEARS TO TWO OF HIS DISCIPLES.&mdash;Luke 24:15.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And while they could not believe for joy, and wondered, He
-said, "Have ye here any meat?" And they gave Him a piece of
-broiled fish and a honeycomb; and He ate with them, to make
-them quite sure it was Himself.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where were the ten met? 2. Why were there only ten? 3. Who were
-away? 4. What had become of Judas? 5. Who had come home? 6. Who
-stood in the midst? 7. What did He say? 8. What did He show? 9. What
-did He eat before them?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c51"><span class="oldeng">Fifty-first Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE ASCENSION.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."&mdash;<i>John 20:29.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleftb" id="illus184">
-<img src="images/fig318.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little"><span class="smcap">then said Jesus unto<br /> them be not afraid</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">O</span>UR blessed Lord Jesus did not stay with
-His apostles as He did before His
-death and rising. They did not see Him
-after that first day for a whole week; and
-they could not make Thomas, who had not
-been there when He came, believe that it
-was true that any man could come again
-from the grave.</p>
-
-<p>He said He should never believe that
-it was the Lord Himself, unless he could
-put his fingers into the prints of the nails,
-and his hand into the wound in the side.</p>
-
-<p>The next Sunday evening, Thomas
-and the other ten were all in the upper
-room together, when Jesus came and stood
-in the midst, and said to Thomas, "Reach
-hither thy finger, and behold My hands;
-and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it
-into My side: and be not faithless, but believing."</p>
-
-<p>Then Thomas knew Him indeed, and could only say, "My
-Lord and my God."</p>
-
-<p>And the Lord answered, "Thomas, because thou hast seen
-me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and
-yet have believed." And that is the blessing for all of us, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span>
-have not lived when our blessed Lord was on earth. We have not
-seen Him, but we must believe in Him; and that faith is the
-beginning of all goodness.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig319.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS CONVINCING THOMAS OF HIS RESURRECTION.&mdash;John 20:26-29.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. What had happened on Easter-day? 2. Who saw our Lord then? 3. Who
-had not seen Him? 4. What could not Thomas believe? 5. What did He say?
-6. What prints did he mean? 7. When did our Lord come again? 8. Where
-were the apostles? 9. Who was there this time? 10. What did our Lord say
-to him? 11. What did Thomas answer? 12. What did our Lord then say?
-13. Why had Thomas believed? 14. But who are blessed? 15. Have we seen
-our Lord? 16. But what must we do? 17. What is believing called? 18.
-What begins with faith?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig320.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Feed my lambs."&mdash;<i>John 2:15.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap3" src="images/fig77.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">OUR Lord told His apostles to go into Galilee; and there
-some of them went out fishing on the lake, as they
-used to do; but they fished all night, and caught
-nothing. In the dawn of morning, they saw One
-standing on the bank, and He said, "Children, have
-ye any meat?" They said, "No." Then He said,
-"Cast the net on the right side of the ship." And directly the net
-was full of a hundred and fifty-three fishes, all large and good,
-and it did not break!</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus185">
-<img src="images/fig321.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES AT THE SEA OF TIBERIAS.&mdash;John 21:1-7.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>Then John knew who it was, and said to Peter, "It is the
-Lord." And Peter was so glad, that he sprang out of the boat,
-and came hurrying through the water to His Master's feet.</p>
-
-<p>And <span class="smcap">Jesus</span> said, "Come and dine;" and the disciples found
-a fire ready lighted on the bank, with the broiled fish and bread;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span>
-and they ate with Him again, and felt His care after their long,
-weary, hungry night.</p>
-
-<p>When they had eaten, the Lord said, "Simon, son of Jonas,
-lovest thou me more than these?"</p>
-
-<p>"Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee," Peter answered.</p>
-
-<p>"Feed my sheep," our Lord said. Then again He asked,
-"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" "Yea, Lord, Thou
-knowest that I love Thee," said Peter. "Feed my lambs," He
-said; and again He asked, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"
-Then Peter was grieved, and said, "Lord, Thou knowest all things;
-Thou knowest that I love Thee."</p>
-
-<p>And again Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." Peter knew that
-our Lord is the Good Shepherd, and that His sheep and lambs are
-the people and the children of His flock, the Church; and that he
-was to show his love for His Master by taking care of them.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Where did our Lord come to His disciples again? 2. What were they
-doing? 3. What time did He come? 4. How did they know Him? 5. Had
-He ever done anything like this before? 6. Who knew Him first? 7. Who
-sprang to Him first? 8. What did He give them to eat? 9. What question did
-He ask Peter three times? 10. What had Peter once done three times? 11.
-What did Peter answer now? 12. What did our Lord three times bid him do?
-13. Who is the good Shepherd? 14. Who are His sheep? 15. Who are His
-lambs?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"This same <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come
-in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven."&mdash;<i>Acts 1:11.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap16" src="images/fig322.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">FOR forty days our Lord came in ways like what I have
-told you to see and teach His disciples. Once, five
-hundred of them saw Him together; but He never
-came to the wicked unbelieving Jews again.</p>
-
-<p>But when the feast of weeks was near, the
-disciples went back to keep it at Jerusalem. There
-our Lord came to them again, and He led the eleven apostles out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span>
-with Him to the Mount of Olives. He taught them, and charged
-them much; and He gave them a great command, "Go ye therefore,
-and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the
-Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to
-observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,
-I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus186">
-<img src="images/fig323.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE ASCENSION.&mdash;Luke 24:50, 51.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>And then He bade them stay at Jerusalem until they should
-be endued with power from on high. And while He talked with
-them, He was parted from them, and went rising up into heaven,
-going higher and higher, till a cloud received Him out of their
-sight.</p>
-
-<p>While they still looked up after Him, two angels stood by
-them, and said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up
-into heaven? this same <span class="smcap">Jesus</span>, which is taken up from you into
-heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go
-into heaven."</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>And so it was that our blessed Lord Jesus ascended up to
-His throne in heaven again, after He had been born, and lived,
-and died to save us. And there He is in heaven, now watching
-over us, and laying all our prayers before His Father in heaven,
-and getting ready our home there for each of us.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. How long did our Lord stay below? 2. Where did the disciples go? 3.
-Where did He take them with Him? 4. What was the great charge He gave
-them? 5. Whom were they to teach? 6. What were they to do to those whom
-they taught? 7. In whose name were they to baptize them? 8. What were they
-to teach them? 9. Who would always be with them? 10. What happened
-while He was speaking? 11. Where did He rise? 12. Who came to tell them
-where He was gone? 13. What do we call the day? 14. When will He come
-again?</p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/fig324.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c52"><span class="oldeng">Fifty-second Sunday.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="chapsans"><i>THE WAITING-TIME.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="c">FIRST READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he
-may abide with you forever."&mdash;<i>John 14:16.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div class="figleftb">
-<img src="images/fig325.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="bigletter">O</span>UR Lord had told the apostles
-that though He was
-going to heaven, He would send
-them another Comforter, who
-would be with them for ever,
-and in whom He Himself should
-be present with them&mdash;even
-God the Holy Ghost, who is One
-with God the Father and God
-the Son.</p>
-
-<p>Ten days after He had
-ascended up to heaven, on the
-great day of the feast of weeks
-(or, as we call it, Whitsunday),
-as the disciples were together
-in one place at Jerusalem, they
-heard a sound like the noise of
-a rushing mighty wind, and it
-filled all the house; and there
-came flames like tongues divided in the midst, and sat on
-the head of each disciple&mdash;not burning, but shining.</p>
-
-<p>And wonderful knowledge came to all of them&mdash;they understood
-all they could not understand before; and they could speak
-all sorts of different languages, without ever having learnt them.
-These wonders were to show them that God the Holy Ghost had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span>
-come down from heaven to be with them, and to dwell in them,
-and help them, and make them strong for ever and ever.</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus187">
-<img src="images/fig326.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">TONGUES OF FIRE RESTING ON THE DISCIPLES.&mdash;Acts 2:2-4.</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Whom had our Lord promised to send His disciples? 2. Who is that
-Comforter? 3. Who is with us when God the Holy Ghost is with us? 4. How
-long after our Lord's Ascension did He come? 5. What feast was it? 6. What
-do we call the day? 7. Where were the disciples? 8. How did they know
-when God the Holy Ghost came down? 9. What did they hear?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">SECOND READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"Abide in me."&mdash;<i>John 15:4.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE Lord God the Holy Ghost goes on coming and being
-with us still. He does not show us when He comes
-now, because it is more blessed to believe than to see;
-but we know He does come to each of us when we are
-baptised, to help us and make us good.</p>
-
-<p>The reason He made the apostles able to speak
-all those languages, was that they were to go and teach all the
-nations round the Gospel&mdash;that is to say, the good news that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span>
-Christ was come, and had died for the sins of everyone, and risen
-again. They did go and teach; and all who chose to believe and
-belong to Christ's kingdom were baptised.</p>
-
-<p>Then each of us receives the Presence of the Holy Ghost, to
-help us to be good, and to keep God's holy law, the Ten Commandments,
-that He gave on Mount Sinai.</p>
-
-<p>More and more of that good help of the Holy Spirit is given
-to everyone who comes, as our Lord bade, to take and eat and
-drink of the bread and wine, by which we partake of the Body
-and Blood of Christ; and He gives all that we ask to us if we pray
-to Him. For we belong to those nations that the apostles were
-commanded to teach and baptise, and bring into the fold; and we
-belong to Jesus Christ just as much as His own first disciples did.</p>
-
-<p>We are called Christians, after His name; and all the time
-we live here, He takes care of us; and if we serve Him, He takes
-our souls to be with Him in Paradise, when death parts them
-from our bodies.</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. Who stays with us still? 2. When does He come to us? 3. What does
-He come to us for? 4. Why did He teach the apostles to speak languages? 5.
-Where were they to teach the nations? 6. What does Gospel mean? 7. What
-is the good news? 8. Who belong to His kingdom? 9. What have we to do?
-10. What are His laws? 11. Who will help us to keep them?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="tb" />
-
-<p class="c">THIRD READING.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth."&mdash;<i>2
-Pet. 3:13.</i></p></blockquote>
-
-<div>
-<img class="dropcap10" src="images/fig4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="dropcap">THE Lord Jesus Christ is coming again. We do not
-know when it will be; but, sometime or other, He
-will send His angel to blow a trumpet; and all that
-are in their graves shall hear His voice, and their
-souls will come back to their bodies; and we shall all
-be alive again; and if we have been good and holy,
-we shall be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus in the air.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span></p>
-
-<p>For then He will come, with all His holy angels, and will
-sit on a great white throne; and all that have ever lived will be
-called before Him, and judged for all the things they have done,
-and the words they have said.</p>
-
-<p>And then those that have gone on doing wrong, and never
-being sorry, and never caring for the Lord Jesus, but have made
-Satan their master, will be given to Satan, to be in misery in
-hell-fire for ever.</p>
-
-<p>But those who have tried to do their best, and held fast to
-our Lord Jesus, and prayed Him to wash them clean in His blood,
-will be taken home for His sake. And they will have the happiest
-and most blessed home that ever can be in heaven. There will be
-all brightness, and no more pain, nor grief, nor sorrow; and the
-Lord shall wipe off all tears from all eyes; and there shall be
-gladness and joy for ever and ever.</p>
-
-<p>The old earth will be burnt up; but there will be new heavens,
-and a new earth, all beautiful, with nothing that will hurt or spoil
-or fade, but all lovely and peaceful.</p>
-
-<p>And then there will be the great joy of singing the praise of
-God, who made us, and saved us, and helps us to be good, for
-ever and ever.</p>
-
-<p>Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and
-is to come! Alleluia!</p>
-
-
-<p class="c">QUESTIONS.</p>
-
-<blockquote>
-
-<p class="bit">1. When will our Lord come again? 2. What will He come for? 3. How
-will the dead be waked? 4. Who will be caught up to meet Him? 5. What
-will He sit on? 6. Who will come before Him? 7. What will everybody be
-tried for? 8. Who will be punished? 9. Who will be saved? 10. What will
-become of the old world? 11. What will the new home be? 12. What sort of
-place will it be? 13. Why will it be so happy?</p></blockquote>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 id="c53">New Testament Story in Verse</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p class="c"><span class="smcap">By</span> ANNE FLETCHER.
-</p>
-
-
-<h3>The Archangel's First Visit.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>WAS in the days of Herod&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">First king of that proud name&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Who reigned over Judea,</div>
-<div class="i1">The land of Scripture fame.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">A certain Zacharias,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of the large, priestly force,</div>
-<div class="i0">The temple of Jerusalem</div>
-<div class="i1">Was serving in his course.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">His wife, Elizabeth, belonged</div>
-<div class="i1">To Aaron's favored line;</div>
-<div class="i0">And they were righteous before God,</div>
-<div class="i1">And kept the law Divine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But this couple had no children,</div>
-<div class="i1">And they were very old;</div>
-<div class="i0">And lived alone, nor ever hoped</div>
-<div class="i1">A son they should behold.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And it came to pass one morning&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">As Scripture doth record&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">That Zacharias burned incense</div>
-<div class="i1">On the altar of the Lord;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And outside the people waited,</div>
-<div class="i1">And stood in silent prayer;&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">For in this way they worshiped</div>
-<div class="i1">In that holy temple fair.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, in that solemn season</div>
-<div class="i1">To Zacharias' sight&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Standing beside the altar&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Appeared an angel bright.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And the good priest was troubled,</div>
-<div class="i1">When he saw the spirit form,</div>
-<div class="i0">And fear fell on him, and he shook</div>
-<div class="i1">Like willow in a storm.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But the angel said to him: "Fear not,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy prayer is heard in heaven,</div>
-<div class="i0">And to thy wife, Elizabeth,</div>
-<div class="i1">A son shall now be given.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And thou shalt call the baby John,</div>
-<div class="i1">And thou shalt have great joy;</div>
-<div class="i0">And many shall rejoice with thee</div>
-<div class="i1">Over this precious boy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And he shall, in the holy sight</div>
-<div class="i1">Of God, be great and high;</div>
-<div class="i0">And wine, or ardent spirit,</div>
-<div class="i1">His lips shall ne'er come nigh.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"The Holy Ghost shall early</div>
-<div class="i1">Spread through his heart abroad,</div>
-<div class="i0">And many of your ancient race</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall he turn to their God.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And in the power and spirit</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Elias, he shall go</div>
-<div class="i0">Before Him who is coming</div>
-<div class="i1">To save the world from woe."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Zacharias, in surprise</div>
-<div class="i1">And overwhelming bliss,</div>
-<div class="i0">Demanded of the angel:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Whereby shall I know this?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And the angel, answering, said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"I am that Gabriel,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who stand in God's high presence,</div>
-<div class="i1">And am sent glad news to tell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And, now, because thou doubtest,</div>
-<div class="i1">Behold thou shalt be dumb,</div>
-<div class="i0">And shalt not speak, until the child</div>
-<div class="i1">I have foretold has come."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Meanwhile the people waited till</div>
-<div class="i1">The priest should come outside,</div>
-<div class="i0">And marvelled at his long delay&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">What could to him betide?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, when to them he did appear,</div>
-<div class="i1">And could not speak a word,</div>
-<div class="i0">They knew that he had seen, within,</div>
-<div class="i1">A vision from the Lord.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And so he served the temple</div>
-<div class="i1">Until the day had come</div>
-<div class="i0">When, his ministration over,</div>
-<div class="i1">He departed to his home.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Archangel's Second Visit.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">S</span>IX months, and, sent again from God,</div>
-<div class="i1">The angel Gabriel came</div>
-<div class="i0">To a city of fair Galilee,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Nazareth by name,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">To a virgin, spouse to Joseph</div>
-<div class="i1">Of David's royal race;</div>
-<div class="i0">And the virgin's name was Mary,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whose life was truth and grace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The angel entered softly,</div>
-<div class="i1">Where Mary sat alone,</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Hail! the Lord is with thee,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou highly favored one."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But, when she saw the stranger,</div>
-<div class="i1">Mary was troubled sore;</div>
-<div class="i0">For such a salutation</div>
-<div class="i1">She ne'er had heard before..</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But: "Fear not," said the angel,</div>
-<div class="i1">"For, Mary, thou hast found</div>
-<div class="i0">Favor with God, whose goodness</div>
-<div class="i1">And mercy doth abound.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And thou art greatly honored,</div>
-<div class="i1">For God hath chosen thee</div>
-<div class="i0">To nurse the high, anointed One</div>
-<div class="i1">Whose name shall Jesus be.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"He shall be great, and shall be called</div>
-<div class="i1">The high Jehovah's Son</div>
-<div class="i0">And the Lord God shall give to Him</div>
-<div class="i1">His father David's throne.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And he shall reign o'er Jacob's house</div>
-<div class="i1">For ever, evermore;</div>
-<div class="i0">His Kingdom still shall flourish</div>
-<div class="i1">When earthly reigns are o'er.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Behold," he said, "Elizabeth,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy cousin, good and kind,</div>
-<div class="i0">I've also promised her a son,</div>
-<div class="i1">And the promise true she'll find.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"For God is the omnipotent,</div>
-<div class="i1">All power is in His hand,</div>
-<div class="i0">And nothing is impossible</div>
-<div class="i1">To His Divine command."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Mary meekly said: "Behold</div>
-<div class="i1">The handmaid of the Lord;</div>
-<div class="i0">And let the honor be to me</div>
-<div class="i1">According to thy word."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The angel then departed&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Ascending up above&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And left the gentle virgin bowed</div>
-<div class="i1">In humble trust and love.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Mary's Visit to Elizabeth.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW Mary felt a longing</div>
-<div class="i1">To see her cousin dear,</div>
-<div class="i0">And with Elizabeth to spend</div>
-<div class="i1">A season of good cheer.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And so in haste, and early,</div>
-<div class="i1">She started forth one day,</div>
-<div class="i0">And journeyed to a city</div>
-<div class="i1">In Judea's hills away.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">For there dwelt Zacharias,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Elizabeth so pure,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, entering in, the virgin found</div>
-<div class="i1">A welcome, warm and sure.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">For the Holy Ghost gave token</div>
-<div class="i1">To Elizabeth's glad heart,</div>
-<div class="i0">That her visitor, in God's wise plan,</div>
-<div class="i1">Should have a happy part.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then out she spake, exultant,</div>
-<div class="i1">"O, why to me accord</div>
-<div class="i0">The honor of a visit</div>
-<div class="i1">From the mother of my Lord?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And blessed is she for evermore,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who humbly hath believed,</div>
-<div class="i0">For every word shall come to pass</div>
-<div class="i1">Which she from God received."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Mary said: "O, how my soul</div>
-<div class="i1">Jehovah magnifies!</div>
-<div class="i0">And how my spirit joys in God,</div>
-<div class="i1">My Saviour, 'bove the skies!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"For He hath had regard unto</div>
-<div class="i1">His handmaid's low estate,</div>
-<div class="i0">And henceforth all shall call me blest&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The humble and the great.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"For He, the high and mighty One</div>
-<div class="i1">Hath done to me great things,</div>
-<div class="i0">And holy is His honored name;</div>
-<div class="i1">His praise my spirit sings.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"His mercy they that fear His name</div>
-<div class="i1">Enjoy from day to day;</div>
-<div class="i0">From age to age it is the same,</div>
-<div class="i1">And shall be so alway.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And He hath shown abroad the strength</div>
-<div class="i1">Of His almighty arm;</div>
-<div class="i0">For He hath chased the proud, who sought</div>
-<div class="i1">To do the humble harm.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"He hath put down the mighty</div>
-<div class="i1">From their haughty seats on high;</div>
-<div class="i0">And lifted up the lowly to</div>
-<div class="i1">The region of the sky.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"His hand hath filled the hungry poor</div>
-<div class="i1">With daintiest of food,</div>
-<div class="i0">And the rich he hath sent empty</div>
-<div class="i1">Away from hope of good.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"He hath come to the assistance</div>
-<div class="i1">Of His servant Israel's race;</div>
-<div class="i0">In remembrance of His mercy,</div>
-<div class="i1">His promise and His grace,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"As He spake, in the beginning,</div>
-<div class="i1">To Abraham, our head,</div>
-<div class="i0">And to Jewish tribes for ever&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Naught hath failed of all He said."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">After this the virgin Mary</div>
-<div class="i1">With Elizabeth, so true,</div>
-<div class="i0">Made a pleasant three months' visit,</div>
-<div class="i1">Then to her home withdrew.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Now that great thing did come to pass,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which Gabriel had foretold,</div>
-<div class="i0">In the sacred temple service,</div>
-<div class="i1">To Zacharias old.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And soon Elizabeth received</div>
-<div class="i1">The promised baby boy;</div>
-<div class="i0">And gazing on the heavenly gift,</div>
-<div class="i1">Her heart was filled with joy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And all her friends and cousins,</div>
-<div class="i1">To whom the tidings went,</div>
-<div class="i0">Came with their gratulations,</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the glad event.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then on the day of naming,</div>
-<div class="i1">The parents both agreed</div>
-<div class="i0">That John the infant should be called,</div>
-<div class="i1">As Gabriel had decreed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And the speech of Zacharias</div>
-<div class="i1">Immediately returned;</div>
-<div class="i0">He praised and glorified the Lord,</div>
-<div class="i1">His heart with fervor burned.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And fear came on the neighbors all,</div>
-<div class="i1">As these things were noised abroad;</div>
-<div class="i0">And they said: "What kind of child is this</div>
-<div class="i1">Who comes, foretold of God?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But the hand of God rich blessings</div>
-<div class="i1">On the babe, each day, bestowed;</div>
-<div class="i0">And the heart of Zacharias</div>
-<div class="i1">With the Holy Ghost o'erflowed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And he burst forth in thankfulness,</div>
-<div class="i1">And praised, and prophesied</div>
-<div class="i0">Of all the wondrous goodness</div>
-<div class="i1">That should to men betide.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">For the light of inspiration</div>
-<div class="i1">Had shown to him, indeed,</div>
-<div class="i0">That his son was the Elias,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who should the Lord precede.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Holy Child.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">R</span>OME was the world's proud mistress,</div>
-<div class="i1">And would tax her subjects all:</div>
-<div class="i0">Thus every man, to his own town,</div>
-<div class="i1">Received Imperial call.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Joseph, wed to Mary,</div>
-<div class="i1">Must go to Judah's land,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, with the sons of David,</div>
-<div class="i1">Must take his lineal stand.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then, from Nazareth, he journeyed,</div>
-<div class="i1">With his fair and gentle spouse</div>
-<div class="i0">To Bethlehem of Judea,</div>
-<div class="i1">The place of David's house.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But when&mdash;their journey ended&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">They sought repose to win,</div>
-<div class="i0">Their lodging was a stable,</div>
-<div class="i1">So crowded was the inn.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And to that stable, lowly,</div>
-<div class="i1">In humble, human guise,</div>
-<div class="i0">There came a babe most holy,</div>
-<div class="i1">Descended from the skies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">'Tis written that the angel</div>
-<div class="i1">Had to the virgin come,</div>
-<div class="i0">And told her that this Holy Child</div>
-<div class="i1">With her should make his home.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And now a rosy light from heaven</div>
-<div class="i1">On Bethlehem's city shone;</div>
-<div class="i0">And this was the first Christmas</div>
-<div class="i1">The world had ever known.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">For Jesus was the promised Christ,</div>
-<div class="i1">So long ago foretold&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The King that all the Jewish race</div>
-<div class="i1">Were longing to behold.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Shepherds.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE men, who watched the sheep that night,</div>
-<div class="i1">Were seated on the ground,</div>
-<div class="i0">When a glorious light from heaven</div>
-<div class="i1">Shone brightly all around.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, lo! an angel of the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">Appeared before their eyes,</div>
-<div class="i0">And they were filled with sore affright,</div>
-<div class="i1">With wonder and surprise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The angel said to them: "Fear not,</div>
-<div class="i1">For I have come to tell</div>
-<div class="i0">News of the joyfullest event</div>
-<div class="i1">The world has e'er befell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"For, this day, unto you is born,</div>
-<div class="i1">In David's' city fair,</div>
-<div class="i0">A Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord,</div>
-<div class="i1">And David's lineal heir.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And this shall be a sign to you</div>
-<div class="i1">That true is what I've said:</div>
-<div class="i0">You'll find the babe in swaddling clothes,</div>
-<div class="i1">And in a manger laid."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then suddenly a crowd appeared</div>
-<div class="i1">Of spirits, bright and fair,</div>
-<div class="i0">And their glad voices, praising God,</div>
-<div class="i1">Resounded through the air.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Glory to God," they sweetly chant,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who reigns in highest heaven,</div>
-<div class="i0">And peace on earth for evermore,</div>
-<div class="i1">And love to men be given.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Thus singing, shining, up they went</div>
-<div class="i1">Away to heaven again;</div>
-<div class="i0">And night and silence were restored</div>
-<div class="i1">To ancient Bethlehem's plain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Come," said the shepherds, "let us go</div>
-<div class="i1">Into the city old,</div>
-<div class="i0">And see the strange, mysterious child,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of whom we have been told."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, leaving there their flocks, they went</div>
-<div class="i1">Into the town near by;</div>
-<div class="i0">And found the babe, as they had heard,</div>
-<div class="i1">His gentle mother nigh.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, having seen him, they made known,</div>
-<div class="i1">To people all abroad,</div>
-<div class="i0">The things that had been told to them</div>
-<div class="i1">About the Son of God.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The people listened to the news</div>
-<div class="i1">With very great surprise,</div>
-<div class="i0">The wondrous things the shepherds heard,</div>
-<div class="i1">And witnessed with their eyes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But these strange things within her heart</div>
-<div class="i1">The mother kept concealed,</div>
-<div class="i0">And pondered o'er them, nor her thoughts</div>
-<div class="i1">To any she revealed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The shepherds, thrilled with gladness, praised</div>
-<div class="i1">The God of heaven above,</div>
-<div class="i0">For all things they had heard and seen</div>
-<div class="i1">Of His unbounded love.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Good Old Simeon.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, when a week had passed, the babe</div>
-<div class="i1">Received the sacred sign</div>
-<div class="i0">Which God to Abraham had given,</div>
-<div class="i1">As covenant divine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">They gave him Jesus for his name,</div>
-<div class="i1">According to the word</div>
-<div class="i0">Of the archangel Gabriel,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who stands before the Lord.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, then, a few weeks later,</div>
-<div class="i1">To Jerusalem they went,</div>
-<div class="i0">Before the great Jehovah</div>
-<div class="i1">The young child to present;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And to offer, on the altar,</div>
-<div class="i1">In thankful sacrifice,</div>
-<div class="i0">A pair of doves, or pigeons,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of small and humble price.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">At that time, in the temple gate,</div>
-<div class="i1">There was an aged saint,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who waited for the promised Christ</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor did his firm faith faint.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">A just and righteous man was he,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Simeon was his name,</div>
-<div class="i0">And the Holy Ghost, with power,</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon his spirit came.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And it was thus revealed to him</div>
-<div class="i1">That he should never die,</div>
-<div class="i0">Until his mortal eyes had seen</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord's Christ, from on high.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And he came, by the spirit,</div>
-<div class="i1">The temple court within</div>
-<div class="i0">Just as his earthly parents</div>
-<div class="i1">Their infant child brought in.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Simeon took the Holy Child</div>
-<div class="i1">Into his arms, and said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Bless Thee, my God, for all the way</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou hast Thy servant led.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And now let me depart in peace</div>
-<div class="i1">According to Thy word,</div>
-<div class="i0">Since my old eyes have haply seen</div>
-<div class="i1">My Saviour and my Lord;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Whom Thou hast sent into the world,</div>
-<div class="i1">To lighten all mankind,</div>
-<div class="i0">And that Thy people, Israel,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their precious Prince may find."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Joseph and the virgin</div>
-<div class="i1">Were filled with great surprise</div>
-<div class="i0">At the words that Simeon uttered&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">So grave, devout and wise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Simeon blessed both parents,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said to Mary then,</div>
-<div class="i0">"This child is set that Israel</div>
-<div class="i1">May fall and rise again;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And for a sign, which wicked tongues</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall slander and indict,</div>
-<div class="i0">And that the thoughts of evil hearts</div>
-<div class="i1">May be exposed to sight."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Prophetess.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN, also, lived one Anna,</div>
-<div class="i1">A prophetess of God,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, in His faith and service,</div>
-<div class="i1">Her way, through life, had trod.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">She was an aged widow, too,</div>
-<div class="i1">Daughter of Israel's race;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, coming in that instant,</div>
-<div class="i1">She joined in thanks and praise;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And then throughout the city went,</div>
-<div class="i1">And told the glorious news</div>
-<div class="i0">From house to house, wherever dwelt</div>
-<div class="i1">The pious, hopeful Jews;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Told that the great Messiah,</div>
-<div class="i1">Long looked for, now had come,</div>
-<div class="i0">An infant in a virgin's arms,</div>
-<div class="i1">And in a lowly home.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Wise Men.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, when this wondrous babe was born</div>
-<div class="i1">Into his low estate,</div>
-<div class="i0">Another strange event occurred,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which Scripture doth relate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">There dwelt, far off, in eastern land,</div>
-<div class="i1">Wise men devout and good</div>
-<div class="i0">Who nature's grandest mysteries</div>
-<div class="i1">Revered and understood.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">One night as eagerly they scanned</div>
-<div class="i1">The splendors of the sky,</div>
-<div class="i0">They saw a new, strange star appear</div>
-<div class="i1">Among the worlds on high;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And said it came thus suddenly</div>
-<div class="i1">Important news to bring&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The sign that Balaam had foretold&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Israel's glorious King.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And when they reached Jerusalem,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Where is your King?" they said,</div>
-<div class="i0">"For we have come to worship Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And by his star were led."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">This question greatly troubled</div>
-<div class="i1">Proud Herod, on the throne,</div>
-<div class="i0">For, in the land of Judah,</div>
-<div class="i1">He would be King alone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">At once he called the priests and scribes,</div>
-<div class="i1">Demanding they should tell</div>
-<div class="i0">In what place had it been foretold</div>
-<div class="i1">That Christ should come to dwell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And readily they answered&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor waited to take note&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">"In Bethlehem of Judea,"</div>
-<div class="i1">For thus the prophet wrote:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Thou Bethlehem, in Judah's land,</div>
-<div class="i1">Art not 'mongst princes small;</div>
-<div class="i0">For out of thee shall come a Prince</div>
-<div class="i1">And rule my people all."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Herod for the wise men called,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, with foreboding fear,</div>
-<div class="i0">He bade them tell him just what time</div>
-<div class="i1">The star did first appear;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And said: "Go search in Bethlehem,</div>
-<div class="i1">And when the babe you find,</div>
-<div class="i0">I, too, will come and worship Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">For thus I am inclined."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The wise men were rejoiced to see</div>
-<div class="i1">The radiant star once more,</div>
-<div class="i0">And gladly followed, as it led</div>
-<div class="i1">The way to Joseph's door.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">They opened, then, their treasures,</div>
-<div class="i1">Gold, frankincense and myrrh&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Fit offering to a Prince Divine,</div>
-<div class="i1">From reverent worshipper&mdash;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And joyfully bestowed their gifts</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the Son of Man&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And thus the custom, since observed,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Christmas gifts began.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The wise men to their lodging went,</div>
-<div class="i1">For rest and sleep, that night;</div>
-<div class="i0">But God came to them in a dream,</div>
-<div class="i1">Before the morning light;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And said, "To Herod ye shall not return,</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor tell my Son's abode."</div>
-<div class="i0">And so returning to their home,</div>
-<div class="i1">They took a different road.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Away to Egypt.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND when they had departed thence,</div>
-<div class="i1">To Joseph came a dream,</div>
-<div class="i0">In which an angel of the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">Appeared and spoke to him:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Rise, take the babe and mother,</div>
-<div class="i1">And into Egypt flee.</div>
-<div class="i0">For Herod seeks to kill the child&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Go, till I call for thee."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Joseph rose, obedient,</div>
-<div class="i1">And while it still was night,</div>
-<div class="i0">With the young child and mother,</div>
-<div class="i1">To Egypt took his flight.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then cruel, wicked Herod,</div>
-<div class="i1">When the wise men told him naught,</div>
-<div class="i0">Or let him know what house contained</div>
-<div class="i1">The babe whose life he sought,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Sent forth his brutal servants</div>
-<div class="i1">To kill each little boy,</div>
-<div class="i0">In and around old Bethlehem&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Each mother's hope and joy;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">All&mdash;every tender nursling,</div>
-<div class="i1">From two years old and less;</div>
-<div class="i0">Nor heeded Rachael's weeping,</div>
-<div class="i1">Her mourning and distress.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But wicked, wicked Herod,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who would be king alone,</div>
-<div class="i0">Was soon thereafter called to die,</div>
-<div class="i1">And leave Judea's throne.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And now the wrathful tyrant</div>
-<div class="i1">Has no more power to harm;</div>
-<div class="i0">And his fierce and jealous hatred</div>
-<div class="i1">No more can cause alarm.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">To Joseph, down in Egypt,</div>
-<div class="i1">Now comes another dream,</div>
-<div class="i0">Wherein an angel of the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">Appears again to him;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And says: "Now, back to Israel's land</div>
-<div class="i1">With child and mother go;</div>
-<div class="i0">For he, the murderer, is dead,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who was the infant's foe."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Joseph rose and willingly</div>
-<div class="i1">Obeyed this new command,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, taking child and mother,</div>
-<div class="i1">Returned to Israel's land.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But hearing Archelaüs</div>
-<div class="i1">Was king in Herod's room,</div>
-<div class="i0">He turned aside to Galilee,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which was his former home;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And dwelt in Nazareth city,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thus plainly may be seen</div>
-<div class="i0">The truth of Scripture words: "He shall</div>
-<div class="i1">Be called a Nazarene."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And there the blessed Jesus</div>
-<div class="i1">Spent childhood's simple days,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, as he grew, waxed strong and wise</div>
-<div class="i1">By God's unholding grace.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus188">
-<img src="images/fig327.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center sans">THE CHILD CHRIST, MARY HIS MOTHER AND JOSEPH<br />
-<span class="half">JESUS RENDERED OBEDIENCE, NOT ONLY TO MARY, BUT TO JOSEPH&mdash;LUKE 2:51.</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<h3>The Child in the Temple.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, every year, these parents</div>
-<div class="i1">Jerusalem did seek;</div>
-<div class="i0">To keep the feast of passover,</div>
-<div class="i1">And spend the holy week.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And when the child was twelve years old,</div>
-<div class="i1">They did as heretofore;</div>
-<div class="i0">And went up to Jerusalem,</div>
-<div class="i1">The road oft traveled o'er.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">They kept the feast as usual,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, then, with cheerful mind,</div>
-<div class="i0">Returned the way that they had come&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">But Jesus stayed behind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The parents traveled all day long,</div>
-<div class="i1">Believing that their Son,</div>
-<div class="i0">Somewhere, among the company,</div>
-<div class="i1">Was coming safely on.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But when, at evening, they encamped,</div>
-<div class="i1">And sought for Him around,</div>
-<div class="i0">To their surprise and sore distress,</div>
-<div class="i1">He was not to be found.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Still seeking Him they turned their face,</div>
-<div class="i1">And traveled back again,</div>
-<div class="i0">The old road to Jerusalem;</div>
-<div class="i1">But seeking was in vain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">For three days long they went about,</div>
-<div class="i1">Within the city lines,</div>
-<div class="i0">Then, in the temple, found the lad,</div>
-<div class="i1">Among the great divines.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">He sat and heard the doctors talk,</div>
-<div class="i1">And asked them questions wise;</div>
-<div class="i0">And all who listened were amazed</div>
-<div class="i1">At his profound replies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And His parents were astonished</div>
-<div class="i1">When they beheld Him thus,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Mary said: "O why, my son,</div>
-<div class="i1">Hast thou so dealt with us?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Thy father, Joseph, and myself</div>
-<div class="i1">Have three days sought for thee,</div>
-<div class="i0">And sorrowed greatly, fearing we</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy face no more would see."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus, gravely, said to them:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Wherefore my absence mourn?</div>
-<div class="i0">My Father's work I have to do,</div>
-<div class="i1">Till I to Him return."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Mary, in her inmost heart,</div>
-<div class="i1">Did secretely confine</div>
-<div class="i0">The things He did, the words he spoke,</div>
-<div class="i1">This wondrous Child Divine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Jesus rich in wisdom grew,</div>
-<div class="i1">As passed the years of youth,</div>
-<div class="i0">And gained the favor of all men,</div>
-<div class="i1">By virtue and by truth.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>John the Baptist.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, in the fifteenth year, when reigned</div>
-<div class="i1">Tiberias Cæsar grand,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Pontius Pilate, under him,</div>
-<div class="i1">Ruled over Judah's land,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And three of Herod's sons controlled</div>
-<div class="i1">The regions North and East,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Annas and Caiaphas were</div>
-<div class="i1">Appointed, each, high priest,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The word of God came unto John&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Old Zacharias' son&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, in Judea's wilderness,</div>
-<div class="i1">Had dwelt and prayed alone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">His raiment was of camel's hair,</div>
-<div class="i1">There in his strange retreat,</div>
-<div class="i0">While locusts and wild-honey</div>
-<div class="i1">Comprised his only meat.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">He preached where flowed the Jordan</div>
-<div class="i1">Down through Judea's land;</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Repent ye, for the kingdom</div>
-<div class="i1">Of heaven is at hand."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Now, the people all expecting</div>
-<div class="i1">Their Messiah at that time,</div>
-<div class="i0">Mused in their hearts if John were not</div>
-<div class="i1">That prophet most sublime.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">So the Jews sent priests and Levites,</div>
-<div class="i1">Down from Jerusalem,</div>
-<div class="i0">To see this new, strange preacher,</div>
-<div class="i1">And closely question him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, "Who art thou?" they asked of him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And humbly he confessed</div>
-<div class="i0">"I'm not the Christ, looked for by you,</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor with such honor dressed."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"What then? Art thou Elias?"</div>
-<div class="i1">He said: "Not that I know."</div>
-<div class="i0">Art thou a risen prophet?"</div>
-<div class="i1">He firmly answered, "No."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then said they: "Tell us who thou art,</div>
-<div class="i1">That we may answer give</div>
-<div class="i0">To them that sent us thither</div>
-<div class="i1">Some knowledge to receive."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">He said: "I am the voice of one</div>
-<div class="i1">Who through the land doth cry,</div>
-<div class="i0">'Make straight, as said Esaias,</div>
-<div class="i1">The way of the Most High.'"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The messengers were Pharisees,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who said: "Why then baptize,</div>
-<div class="i0">If thou be not the promised Christ,</div>
-<div class="i1">Or he that should arise?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">John answered: "I, indeed, baptize</div>
-<div class="i1">With water from the stream;</div>
-<div class="i0">But there is one among you now</div>
-<div class="i1">Of whom you do not dream.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"'Tis He who cometh after me,</div>
-<div class="i1">The latchet of whose shoes,</div>
-<div class="i0">Because He is so mighty,</div>
-<div class="i1">I'm not worthy to unloose.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And He shall, with the Holy Ghost,</div>
-<div class="i1">Baptize you and inspire,</div>
-<div class="i0">And fill your souls with power divine,</div>
-<div class="i1">And with celestial fire.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Whose fan is in His hand, and He</div>
-<div class="i1">Will thoroughly purge His floor;</div>
-<div class="i0">And gather up His wheat, but then,</div>
-<div class="i1">With fire the chaff devour."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And many other things said he,</div>
-<div class="i1">Exhorting all who heard;</div>
-<div class="i0">And preaching unto them, with zeal,</div>
-<div class="i1">The Gospel's precious Word.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Emmanuel.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND in those days it came to pass</div>
-<div class="i1">That Jesus&mdash;Holy One&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">From Nazareth came to Jordan,</div>
-<div class="i1">To be baptized of John.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">For He had reached just thirty years,</div>
-<div class="i1">The age the law declared</div>
-<div class="i0">Those called into the priesthood,</div>
-<div class="i1">For service were prepared.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But John forbade Him, saying,</div>
-<div class="i1">"'Tis I have need to be</div>
-<div class="i0">A subject of Thy baptism,</div>
-<div class="i1">And comest Thou to me?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, answering, said, to him,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Suffer it now, for thus</div>
-<div class="i0">To keep the law of righteousness,</div>
-<div class="i1">It well becometh us."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then, meekly, and with solemn awe,</div>
-<div class="i1">Did John the Lord baptize,</div>
-<div class="i0">And when the heavens were parted wide,</div>
-<div class="i1">He saw, with great surprise,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">As Jesus felt the water, and</div>
-<div class="i1">With humble reverence prayed&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The Holy Ghost descending, like</div>
-<div class="i1">A dove, upon His head.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And a voice, in tones majestic,</div>
-<div class="i1">Came from the heavens, so bright,</div>
-<div class="i0">Exclaiming, "This is my beloved Son,</div>
-<div class="i1">In whom I take delight."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Temptation.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN Jesus, with the Spirit filled,</div>
-<div class="i1">And soul exalted high,</div>
-<div class="i0">Was led from Jordan's bank into</div>
-<div class="i1">The wilderness near by,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">To be tempted of the devil&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Who in evil most delights.</div>
-<div class="i0">There He, with wild beasts, made his home</div>
-<div class="i1">For forty days and nights.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">After this the Lord was hungry,</div>
-<div class="i1">When the devil came, and said,</div>
-<div class="i0">"If thou'rt the Son of God, command</div>
-<div class="i1">These stones to be made bread."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But He answered, "It is written,</div>
-<div class="i1">Man doth not live by bread alone,</div>
-<div class="i0">But by each word, proceeding</div>
-<div class="i1">From God, upon the throne."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The devil then conducts Him through</div>
-<div class="i1">The holy city, fair,</div>
-<div class="i0">And sets Him on the temple roof,</div>
-<div class="i1">High in the ambient air;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And says to Him, "If so Thou be</div>
-<div class="i1">The Son of God, indeed,</div>
-<div class="i0">Cast thyself down from hence, and for</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy safety take no heed;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Since it is written, 'Unto God</div>
-<div class="i1">In danger thou shalt flee,</div>
-<div class="i0">For to His angel band He gives</div>
-<div class="i1">A charge concerning thee.'"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus unto him replied,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Again the written word</div>
-<div class="i0">Rebukes presumption and declares,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou shalt not tempt the Lord."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Again the devil takes Him up</div>
-<div class="i1">Into a mountain&mdash;high,</div>
-<div class="i0">And shows Him all the kingdoms of</div>
-<div class="i1">The world, both far and nigh.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And saith unto Him, "All these things</div>
-<div class="i1">Will I give unto thee</div>
-<div class="i0">If Thou wilt own my princely power,</div>
-<div class="i1">Fall down and worship me."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus called him by his name,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Satan," He said, "be gone,</div>
-<div class="i0">For it is written, 'Worship pay</div>
-<div class="i1">To Israel's God alone.'"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then, thus repulsed, the devil fled,</div>
-<div class="i1">Pursued his wicked way,</div>
-<div class="i0">And angels came and ministered</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto their Lord that day.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Meeting with John.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE next day Jesus, calm and pure,</div>
-<div class="i1">Was walking all alone,</div>
-<div class="i0">Down, near the banks of Jordan,</div>
-<div class="i1">When He was seen by John;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Who said, while pointing unto Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Behold the Lamb of God,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who takes the world's dark sin away,</div>
-<div class="i1">And bears the awful load."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Again did Jesus walk, when John</div>
-<div class="i1">With two disciples stood,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, looking on Him, said to them,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Behold the Lamb of God!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And the disciples, at this word,</div>
-<div class="i1">Followed where Jesus went;</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, turning, gently asked of them,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their purpose and intent.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Master," they said, "Where dwellest thou?"</div>
-<div class="i1">He answer, "Come and see."</div>
-<div class="i0">They went, and stayed with Him that day,</div>
-<div class="i1">In holy converse free.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Now, one of these men was Andrew,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who, filled with thoughts profound,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, meeting his brother, Simon,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said, "We the Christ have found."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And brought him straight to Jesus, who</div>
-<div class="i1">Said to him, as he came,</div>
-<div class="i0">"Thou'rt Simon, son of Jonah, now</div>
-<div class="i1">"Cephas shall be thy name."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Meeting with Nathanael.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE following day would Jesus</div>
-<div class="i1">Return to Galilee;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, finding Philip, saith to him,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Come thou and follow me."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Philip found Nathanael,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, unto him, he saith,</div>
-<div class="i0">"We've seen the Christ of prophecy</div>
-<div class="i1">Jesus of Nazareth."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Nathanael answered shortly,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thinkest thou can it be</div>
-<div class="i0">That good come out of Nazareth?"</div>
-<div class="i1">Saith Philip, "Come and see."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">When Jesus saw Nathanael come,</div>
-<div class="i1">Him did He kindly greet;</div>
-<div class="i0">"Behold an Israelite," He said,</div>
-<div class="i1">"In whom is no deceit."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Nathanael asked, "Whence know'st thou me?"</div>
-<div class="i1">"Beneath the fig tree's shade,</div>
-<div class="i0">Before that Philip called to thee,</div>
-<div class="i1">"I saw thee," Jesus said.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Nathanael said to Him, "Rabbi"&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">With wonder overawed&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">"Thou art the King of Israel,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou art the Son of God."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Because I told thee," Jesus said,</div>
-<div class="i1">"I saw thee 'neath the tree,</div>
-<div class="i0">Believest thou? Yet shall thine eyes</div>
-<div class="i1">Much greater wonders see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"For thou shalt see bright angels,</div>
-<div class="i1">Through heaven's open span,</div>
-<div class="i0">Ascending and descending</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the Son of man."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Marriage at Cana.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE third day spent in Galilee</div>
-<div class="i1">There was a marriage feast;</div>
-<div class="i0">In Cana was the wedding held,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Mary was a guest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, to this marriage feast</div>
-<div class="i1">Received a formal call&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The wondrous Gospel Teacher,</div>
-<div class="i1">With His disciples all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And when more wine was wanted,</div>
-<div class="i1">The mother of the Lord</div>
-<div class="i0">Requested Him to show His power,</div>
-<div class="i1">And wine to them afford.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But Jesus answered, "Woman,</div>
-<div class="i1">My youthful days are o'er,</div>
-<div class="i0">And to direct my actions</div>
-<div class="i1">Should be your part no more.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"To show to men, by miracles</div>
-<div class="i1">My power, the wondrous sum,</div>
-<div class="i0">'Tis mine to choose the proper time</div>
-<div class="i1">Which has not fully come."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then, Mary to the servants said,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Hark what He saith to you;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, whatsoever it may be,</div>
-<div class="i1">That thou shalt surely do."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And there were set six waterpots,</div>
-<div class="i1">That cleanly Jews might reach</div>
-<div class="i0">To wash their hands, and they contained</div>
-<div class="i1">Two or three firkins each.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Jesus unto the servants said&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Who paid respect to Him&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">"These vessels all with water fill;"</div>
-<div class="i1">They filled them to the brim.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then He commanded, "Draw out now,</div>
-<div class="i1">And bear a cup well filled</div>
-<div class="i0">Unto the ruler of the feast;"</div>
-<div class="i1">And they did as He willed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And the ruler, when he tasted</div>
-<div class="i1">The wine from water made,</div>
-<div class="i0">Not knowing how it was produced,</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto the bridegroom said:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Each man who spreads a feast, sets forth</div>
-<div class="i1">Good wine at first, of course,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, when the guests have drunk it all</div>
-<div class="i1">Produces what is worse.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"But never at a marriage feast</div>
-<div class="i1">Has bridegroom done as thou</div>
-<div class="i0">Who gave poor wine at first and kept</div>
-<div class="i1">The good wine until now."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Thus, by this first of miracles,</div>
-<div class="i1">Did Jesus show His power,</div>
-<div class="i0">And His disciples knew Him Christ,</div>
-<div class="i1">From that important hour.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Driving Out the Money-Changers.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN the Jews' passover drew nigh,</div>
-<div class="i1">And to Jerusalem</div>
-<div class="i0">Went Jesus, and His followers</div>
-<div class="i1">The journey made with Him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But when they reached the temple court</div>
-<div class="i1">A market there they found;</div>
-<div class="i0">Creatures on sale, for sacrifice,</div>
-<div class="i1">And merchants sitting round.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus made a scourge of cords,</div>
-<div class="i1">And drove them all outside,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, angered by their wickedness,</div>
-<div class="i1">The money scattered wide.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And the disciples then recalled</div>
-<div class="i1">The Psalmist's ancient word,</div>
-<div class="i0">"I have been eaten up with zeal</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto thy house, my Lord."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then said the Jews, "We want to see</div>
-<div class="i1">What evidence you show</div>
-<div class="i0">That you possess authority</div>
-<div class="i1">Such things as these to do?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Cast down this temple," Jesus said,</div>
-<div class="i1">Let its proud walls decay,</div>
-<div class="i0">And I will raise it up again,</div>
-<div class="i1">Ere three days pass away."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">They answer, "Forty years and six</div>
-<div class="i1">This temple took to build,</div>
-<div class="i0">And wilt thou rear it in three days?</div>
-<div class="i1">Art thou so strangely skilled?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But of his body thus he spoke,</div>
-<div class="i1">A temple strong to view,</div>
-<div class="i0">And the disciples, when He rose,</div>
-<div class="i1">Recalled that word most true.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Now, while in old Jerusalem,</div>
-<div class="i1">At the passover feast,</div>
-<div class="i0">Jesus performed great miracles,</div>
-<div class="i1">By which His fame increased.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Yet He gave not His confidence</div>
-<div class="i1">To any, great or small,</div>
-<div class="i0">Because He read the human mind</div>
-<div class="i1">And knew the hearts of all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And needed not to be informed</div>
-<div class="i1">That man is weak and vain,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who will applaud and honor now,</div>
-<div class="i1">And persecute again.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>A Ruler of the Jews.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HERE was a man, a Pharisee,</div>
-<div class="i1">One of the chosen race,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, in the council of the Jews,</div>
-<div class="i1">Maintained an honored place.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">The same to Jesus came by night,</div>
-<div class="i1">Saying, "Rabbi, well we know</div>
-<div class="i0">Thou art from God, for no mere man</div>
-<div class="i1">Such miracles can do."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Jesus replied, "Thou dost believe,</div>
-<div class="i1">Yet such a faith as thine</div>
-<div class="i0">Is naught, unless thou undergo</div>
-<div class="i1">An inward change divine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Except a man be born again,</div>
-<div class="i1">I truly say to thee,</div>
-<div class="i0">The holy kingdom of his God</div>
-<div class="i1">His eyes shall never see."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Nicodemus said, surprised,</div>
-<div class="i1">"How can a man, when old</div>
-<div class="i0">Become a little babe again,</div>
-<div class="i1">Such wonders to behold?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Jesus answered, "Verily,</div>
-<div class="i1">The birth of which I speak</div>
-<div class="i0">Is by the Spirit's gracious power,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which every one must seek.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"That which is born a little babe</div>
-<div class="i1">Is but a fleshly frame,</div>
-<div class="i0">But inward birth to all imparts</div>
-<div class="i1">The Spirit's living flame.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And, as the way the wind doth blow</div>
-<div class="i1">Is not known by the sound,</div>
-<div class="i0">So shalt thou feel, but not discern,</div>
-<div class="i1">The inward change profound."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then Nicodemus asked again,</div>
-<div class="i1">"How can these things be so?"</div>
-<div class="i0">Christ answered, "Dost thou rule thy race</div>
-<div class="i1">And yet these things not know?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"I verily declare to you</div>
-<div class="i1">The truths that are divine,</div>
-<div class="i0">And ye receive not in your heart</div>
-<div class="i1">These precious words of mine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"If I have told you earthly things</div>
-<div class="i1">And you do not believe,</div>
-<div class="i0">How shall you of these heavenly things,</div>
-<div class="i1">My truthful words receive?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And no man hath ascended up</div>
-<div class="i1">To heaven's throne, above,</div>
-<div class="i0">But the eternal Son of man,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who hath come down in love.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And as a serpent Moses raised,</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon on upright pole,</div>
-<div class="i0">That those who felt a poisonous bite</div>
-<div class="i1">Might look and be made whole,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"So must the Son of man be raised&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">In hate, and wrath and strife&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">That whoso shall believe on Him</div>
-<div class="i1">May have eternal life.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"For God so loved this sinful world</div>
-<div class="i1">He gave His only Son,</div>
-<div class="i0">That those who should believe on Him</div>
-<div class="i1">Might find their heaven begun.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"For God sent not His Son below</div>
-<div class="i1">The wicked to condemn:</div>
-<div class="i0">But that, through Him, salvation might</div>
-<div class="i1">In mercy reach to them.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"He that believes is saved from death,</div>
-<div class="i1">But he that doubts must die;</div>
-<div class="i0">Because he has rejected, thus,</div>
-<div class="i1">The Son of God, most high.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And this is what condemns their lives,</div>
-<div class="i1">That light is shining clear,</div>
-<div class="i0">And men love darkness lest their deeds</div>
-<div class="i1">Of evil should appear."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>John the Baptist.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>FTER these things did Jesus go</div>
-<div class="i1">Forth into Judah's land,</div>
-<div class="i0">Attended by his followers,</div>
-<div class="i1">A faithful holy band.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">John in his holy zeal baptized</div>
-<div class="i1">The people all around,</div>
-<div class="i0">In Aenon, near to Salim,</div>
-<div class="i1">Where water did abound.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And John's disciples told him all&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">How Jesus, too, baptized,</div>
-<div class="i0">And crowds of people went to Him;</div>
-<div class="i1">But John was not surprised.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">He answered, "Man can nothing take,</div>
-<div class="i1">Except to him 'tis given,</div>
-<div class="i0">And to baptize with water</div>
-<div class="i1">Was my command from Heaven.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"And ye, yourselves, can witness true</div>
-<div class="i1">I said, I am not He&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The Christ, the long expected one&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">He cometh after me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Full happy is the bridegroom, but</div>
-<div class="i1">His friend, which standeth near,</div>
-<div class="i0">Rejoiceth in his happiness,</div>
-<div class="i1">So I am filled with cheer.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"He will go on, in power and might,</div>
-<div class="i1">His glory must increase;</div>
-<div class="i0">While I, His humble forerunner,</div>
-<div class="i1">Must dwindle and decrease.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"He that descendeth from above</div>
-<div class="i1">Is Lord and King of all;</div>
-<div class="i0">While he that is mere earthly man</div>
-<div class="i1">Is tainted by the fall.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"He that from heaven comes to earth&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The mighty Prince and Lord&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Tells men what He has seen and heard,</div>
-<div class="i1">And none receive His word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">"Yet he that hath received His word</div>
-<div class="i1">Hath set his loyal seal,</div>
-<div class="i0">That God's eternal righteousness</div>
-<div class="i1">He doth to man reveal."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But John's bold, fearless preaching</div>
-<div class="i1">Now, suddenly, must cease&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">How truly he had prophesied</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto himself decrease!</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Wicked Herod.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">H</span>EROD, tetrarch of Galilee,</div>
-<div class="i1">John's teaching oft did seek,</div>
-<div class="i0">Thought him a just and holy man,</div>
-<div class="i1">And gladly heard him speak.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Yet Herod had a wicked heart,</div>
-<div class="i1">And crime had stained his name,</div>
-<div class="i0">For he lived with his brother's wife,</div>
-<div class="i1">And none had dared to blame.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But John, with holy courage, had</div>
-<div class="i1">Condemned his sinful life,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said, "It is not right for thee</div>
-<div class="i1">To have thy brother's wife."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Therefore, the woman hated him&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Herodias was her name&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And would have killed him if she could,</div>
-<div class="i1">With neither fear nor shame.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But Herod she persuaded,</div>
-<div class="i1">To seize the preacher bold,</div>
-<div class="i0">And in a dungeon's gloomy cell</div>
-<div class="i1">His prisoner to hold.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Now, when the news of this event</div>
-<div class="i1">To Jesus had been brought,</div>
-<div class="i0">While in the land of Judah,</div>
-<div class="i1">Where He baptized and taught,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And He well knew that word unto</div>
-<div class="i1">The Pharisees had gone,</div>
-<div class="i0">How, in His mission here and there,</div>
-<div class="i1">He plainly favored John,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">He left Judea's flowerey land,</div>
-<div class="i1">And turned His face again</div>
-<div class="i0">To Galilee, His early home,</div>
-<div class="i1">In Herod's proud domain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Yet neither horse nor chariot had</div>
-<div class="i1">This royal Son of God;</div>
-<div class="i0">But traveled humbly and afoot</div>
-<div class="i1">The hot and dusty road.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Woman at the Well.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">H</span>IS way lay through Samaria,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, as the noon was high,</div>
-<div class="i0">He came to Jacob's ancient well,</div>
-<div class="i1">The town of Sychar nigh.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, wearied with His journey,</div>
-<div class="i1">He by the well sat down,</div>
-<div class="i0">While His disciples went to buy</div>
-<div class="i1">Some food within the town.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Then, presently, a woman came&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">A daughter of the land,</div>
-<div class="i0">To draw some water from the well&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Her pitcher in her hand.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, full of pitying grace,</div>
-<div class="i1">Beyond what we can think,</div>
-<div class="i0">Looked gently in the woman's eyes,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said, "Give me to drink?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And thus, this poor Samaritan,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who knew but sin and shame,</div>
-<div class="i0">Was led to seek the living draught,</div>
-<div class="i1">Found in Messiah's name.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And she, that single pupil, heard,</div>
-<div class="i1">By the old patriarch's well,</div>
-<div class="i0">The greatest, grandest lesson</div>
-<div class="i1">That e'er from Jesus fell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And she believed. O, woman fair,</div>
-<div class="i1">Though fallen thou hadst been,</div>
-<div class="i0">The Searcher of all hearts in thee</div>
-<div class="i1">The seed of faith had seen;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And traveled through Samaria,</div>
-<div class="i1">To meet you, and to tell</div>
-<div class="i0">The new and wondrous doctrine</div>
-<div class="i1">That you received so well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And now came the disciples back,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who wondered that He taught</div>
-<div class="i0">One humble woman there alone,</div>
-<div class="i1">Yet wherefore no man sought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But the woman left her pitcher,</div>
-<div class="i1">And to the city went,</div>
-<div class="i0">And told to every one she met</div>
-<div class="i1">The wonderful event;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">How she had seen a traveler,</div>
-<div class="i1">Sitting by Jacob's well,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who all her secret history</div>
-<div class="i1">Did accurately tell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, "Come and see him!" she exclaimed,</div>
-<div class="i1">"For he the Christ must be;</div>
-<div class="i0">Such wisdom, dignity and grace</div>
-<div class="i1">None e'er possessed as He."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">Meanwhile the Lord's disciples</div>
-<div class="i1">Before Him set some meat,</div>
-<div class="i0">And urging Him with gentle words,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said, "Master, come and eat."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">But, in that hour, no mortal food</div>
-<div class="i1">His craving want could fill,</div>
-<div class="i0">His heart and mind were wholly set</div>
-<div class="i1">To work His gracious will.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">'Twas now the harvest day of souls,</div>
-<div class="i1">In old Samaria's fields,</div>
-<div class="i0">And He would gather all the fruit</div>
-<div class="i1">That faithful labor yields.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">So He, in answer to the call</div>
-<div class="i1">That He partake of food,</div>
-<div class="i0">Taught the great lesson to all men</div>
-<div class="i1">Of always doing good.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And, now, came the Samaritans</div>
-<div class="i1">And begged the Lord to stay</div>
-<div class="i0">And lodge within their city's walls,</div>
-<div class="i1">And teach them every day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And He who hearkens when we ask,</div>
-<div class="i1">Complied with their request;</div>
-<div class="i0">And in their city He abode</div>
-<div class="i1">Two days, an honored guest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="i0">And many of those men believed</div>
-<div class="i1">He was the Christ&mdash;the Lord,</div>
-<div class="i0">When they beheld His holy life,</div>
-<div class="i1">And heard His gracious word.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<h3>The Nobleman's Son.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND, now, upon His journey bent,</div>
-<div class="i1">He turned His eager face</div>
-<div class="i0">To tread the road to Galilee,</div>
-<div class="i1">Urged on by love and grace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And on before Him went His fame.</div>
-<div class="i1">'Mongst Jews both great and small,</div>
-<div class="i0">And teaching in their synagogues,</div>
-<div class="i1">Was glorified of all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And He was well received by them&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The men of Galilee&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, at the feast of passover,</div>
-<div class="i1">His miracles did see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">There was a certain nobleman,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who in Capernaum dwelt;</div>
-<div class="i0">Whose son was sick, and nigh to death,</div>
-<div class="i1">And great concern he felt.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But hearing Jesus had returned</div>
-<div class="i1">To Galilee, was glad,</div>
-<div class="i0">And hastened to Him, to entreat</div>
-<div class="i1">That He would heal the lad.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said, to try his faith,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Unless ye wonders see</div>
-<div class="i0">Ye will not yield your hearts to God,</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor yet believe on me."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">To this remark the nobleman</div>
-<div class="i1">Made no direct reply;</div>
-<div class="i0">But said: "Oh, Sir, come down with me</div>
-<div class="i1">Before my child shall die."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus responded: "Go thy way,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy son doth surely live;"</div>
-<div class="i0">And the man went, nor did he doubt</div>
-<div class="i1">The word the Lord did give.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And as he traveled to his home,</div>
-<div class="i1">His servants came to meet,</div>
-<div class="i0">And tell him that his son was well;</div>
-<div class="i1">His joy was now complete.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He asked them when the child improved,</div>
-<div class="i1">And they, in answer, said</div>
-<div class="i0">"The seventh hour of yesterday</div>
-<div class="i1">The burning fever fled."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">That very hour, the father knew</div>
-<div class="i1">Had Jesus said he lived;</div>
-<div class="i0">And he, himself, and all his house,</div>
-<div class="i1">On Christ, the Lord, believed.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>In the Synagogue.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN Jesus came to Nazareth,</div>
-<div class="i1">His childhood's quiet home;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, as to teach on Sabbath days</div>
-<div class="i1">His custom had become,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He, in the synagogue, stood up,</div>
-<div class="i1">To read the holy Book;</div>
-<div class="i0">And the writings of Isaias,</div>
-<div class="i1">When handed Him, He took;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And opened it, and found the place</div>
-<div class="i1">Wherein the prophet spake</div>
-<div class="i0">Of Israel's Messiah,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who should their bondage break.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He read the text, distinct and clear,</div>
-<div class="i1">Then closed the Book again,</div>
-<div class="i0">And took His seat, while on Him gazed</div>
-<div class="i1">The eyes of all the men.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And He began to say to them:</div>
-<div class="i1">"This day, in all your ears,</div>
-<div class="i0">This holy Scripture is fulfilled,</div>
-<div class="i1">After so many years."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they, in awe and wonder, heard</div>
-<div class="i1">His words of grace and truth,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "Is not this Joseph's son,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whom we have known from youth?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But soon their kind and gentle mood</div>
-<div class="i1">Began to disappear,</div>
-<div class="i0">Because He told them homely truths</div>
-<div class="i1">They did not wish to hear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">At last, the fickle people rose</div>
-<div class="i1">In wild and wicked wrath,</div>
-<div class="i0">Seized Him, and roughly led Him up</div>
-<div class="i1">The sloping, hillside path;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">That, in their raging anger, they</div>
-<div class="i1">Might cast Him headlong down</div>
-<div class="i0">The precipice, one side the hill,</div>
-<div class="i1">On which was built their town.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But He passed through their very midst,</div>
-<div class="i1">An unfelt, spirit shape;</div>
-<div class="i0">And left them, standing wonder-struck</div>
-<div class="i1">At this most strange escape.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And so He went from Nazareth;</div>
-<div class="i1">His home was there no more;</div>
-<div class="i0">But in Capernaum He dwelt,</div>
-<div class="i1">And showed His grace and power.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Draught of Fishes.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">O</span>NE day the Lord stood by the shore</div>
-<div class="i1">Of lake Gennesaret;</div>
-<div class="i0">And watched the fishermen, as there</div>
-<div class="i1">They pulled the outspread net.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, as He stood, the people came,</div>
-<div class="i1">And pressed upon Him round,</div>
-<div class="i0">To hear Him preach the Gospel news,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which they so precious found.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus, seeing Simon's ship</div>
-<div class="i1">Was anchored close at hand,</div>
-<div class="i0">Stepped quick aboard, and gave command</div>
-<div class="i1">To push a space from land.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, sitting down, He taught the throng</div>
-<div class="i1">Who crowded on the shore,</div>
-<div class="i0">And heard, with joy, such heavenly truth</div>
-<div class="i1">As ne'er was preached before.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The sermon ended, then He bade</div>
-<div class="i1">Simon launch out for fish;</div>
-<div class="i0">And Simon answered that he would,</div>
-<div class="i1">If 'twere the Master's wish.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But added: "We have toiled all night,</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor sleep nor rest have sought,</div>
-<div class="i0">But through the water dragged out nets,</div>
-<div class="i1">And yet no fish have caught."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Still, while he spoke, he launched the ship</div>
-<div class="i1">Out on the waters wide,</div>
-<div class="i0">And let the net down in the sea,</div>
-<div class="i1">The vessel's' rail beside.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And lo! at once, with fish 'twas filled,</div>
-<div class="i1">A multitude so great</div>
-<div class="i0">That the strong net came wide apart,</div>
-<div class="i1">So heavy was their weight.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The fishermen their partners called</div>
-<div class="i1">To bring another ship;</div>
-<div class="i0">And soon both vessels were quite full,</div>
-<div class="i1">And sinking in the deep.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Simon Peter, in amaze,</div>
-<div class="i1">At Jesus' knees fell down;</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "O Lord, depart from me,</div>
-<div class="i1">My sins to Thee are known."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus gently said to him:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thou need'st not be afraid;</div>
-<div class="i0">From henceforth thou shalt sinners catch,</div>
-<div class="i1">By my Almighty aid."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when they brought their ships to land,</div>
-<div class="i1">They&mdash;Peter, James and John&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Forsook their vessels and their friends</div>
-<div class="i1">And followed Christ alone.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Unclean Spirit.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>EXT Sabbath, in the synagogue,</div>
-<div class="i1">When He stood forth to teach,</div>
-<div class="i0">The people wondered at His force,</div>
-<div class="i1">And mighty power to preach.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And one was there within whose breast</div>
-<div class="i1">A devil foul had sway;</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, held in bondage most unclean,</div>
-<div class="i1">Yet sought to praise and pray;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But, by the devil moved, cried out,</div>
-<div class="i1">And called the Lord by name;</div>
-<div class="i0">Declaring that he knew Him well,</div>
-<div class="i1">And also whence He came.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus to the devil said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Silence and come thou forth;"</div>
-<div class="i0">Who came forth, hurting not the man,</div>
-<div class="i1">But casting him to earth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And all the people were amazed</div>
-<div class="i1">At what they saw that day,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said, "With power doth He speak,</div>
-<div class="i1">And spirits vile obey."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the news spread round the country,</div>
-<div class="i1">And was told from place to place,</div>
-<div class="i0">Of the wonder-working prophet,</div>
-<div class="i1">And this miracle of grace.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Simon's Wife's Mother.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big4">W</span>HEN Jesus left the synagogue</div>
-<div class="i1">He did not go alone,</div>
-<div class="i0">But with Simon and with Andrew,</div>
-<div class="i1">Followed by James and John,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And entered into Simon's house,</div>
-<div class="i1">Where they besought His aid,</div>
-<div class="i0">For the kind mother of Simon's wife</div>
-<div class="i1">Was in a fever laid.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The raging fever quickly fled</div>
-<div class="i1">At His divine behest,</div>
-<div class="i0">And she arose and ministered</div>
-<div class="i1">To every waiting guest.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Casting Out Devils.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, when the sun was setting low</div>
-<div class="i1">They brought all the diseased;</div>
-<div class="i0">He laid His hands on every one;</div>
-<div class="i1">To heal them He was pleased.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And many devils He cast out</div>
-<div class="i1">By His command and power;</div>
-<div class="i0">And all the people quickly came</div>
-<div class="i1">Together at the door.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The devils He forbad to speak,</div>
-<div class="i1">As they around Him trod&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">For one and all acknowledged Him</div>
-<div class="i1">The Christ&mdash;the Son of God.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And so the word Esaias spoke,</div>
-<div class="i1">Foretelling Him, came true:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Himself bare our infirmities,</div>
-<div class="i1">And all our sickness knew."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The next morn, rising early,</div>
-<div class="i1">Before the break of day,</div>
-<div class="i0">He went out to a desert place,</div>
-<div class="i1">To meditate and pray.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Simon and his company</div>
-<div class="i1">Went after Him, and said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"All seek for Thee and are amazed,</div>
-<div class="i1">Supposing Thou hast fled."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He said to them: "I go to preach</div>
-<div class="i1">In other cities too;</div>
-<div class="i0">For therefore came I down from heaven,</div>
-<div class="i1">To teach the Gospel true."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And He preached in their synagogues</div>
-<div class="i1">Throughout all Galilee;</div>
-<div class="i0">While, from before Him, as He went,</div>
-<div class="i1">He made the demons flee.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Healing a Leper.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now it came to pass, one day,</div>
-<div class="i1">When in a certain town,</div>
-<div class="i0">A leper, seeing Jesus, came,</div>
-<div class="i1">And on his face fell down.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And worshipped, and beseeching Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "Lord, if but Thou please,</div>
-<div class="i0">Thou hast the power to make me clean,</div>
-<div class="i1">From this most foul disease."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">At once the Lord put forth His hand,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, with a gracious touch,</div>
-<div class="i0">Said: "It doth please me&mdash;be thou clean;"</div>
-<div class="i1">Thus prayer availeth much.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus charged him not to tell</div>
-<div class="i1">The miracle abroad;</div>
-<div class="i0">But go straightway unto the priest,</div>
-<div class="i1">And offer gifts to God.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Yet so much more His fame went forth,</div>
-<div class="i1">And multitudes came near,</div>
-<div class="i0">That He might heal their sicknesses,</div>
-<div class="i1">And they His words might hear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But He stayed in the desert drear</div>
-<div class="i1">While blazed abroad the news,</div>
-<div class="i0">Fearing they would proclaim Him King,</div>
-<div class="i1">And thus provoke the Jews.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">After some days He came again</div>
-<div class="i1">Into Capernaum;</div>
-<div class="i0">And it was quickly noised abroad</div>
-<div class="i1">The Master was at home.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Man Sick of the Palsy.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND many people gathered, till</div>
-<div class="i1">The house could hold no more;</div>
-<div class="i0">Grave doctors and proud Pharisees</div>
-<div class="i1">Thronged in and round the door.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus preached, and taught them all</div>
-<div class="i1">The precious, Gospel Word;</div>
-<div class="i0">And healed the sick who recognized</div>
-<div class="i1">The power of the Lord.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And now behold a kindly act:</div>
-<div class="i1">A bed is borne by four&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">On which one sick of palsy lies&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Near to the crowded door.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when they cannot enter in,</div>
-<div class="i1">They to the roof ascend;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, breaking it, let down the bed</div>
-<div class="i1">On which is laid their friend.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Thus to the sick man Jesus spake:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thy sins are all forgiven."</div>
-<div class="i0">And then the scribes said in their hearts,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Who thus blasphemeth Heaven?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Immediately the Lord perceived</div>
-<div class="i1">Their thoughts, and answer gave,</div>
-<div class="i0">"Which is the easier, from sin</div>
-<div class="i1">Or from disease to save?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But that ye now may learn the fact,</div>
-<div class="i1">And know it from this hour,</div>
-<div class="i0">That to forgive all sin on earth</div>
-<div class="i1">The Son of man hath power;"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He said unto the sick man: "Rise,</div>
-<div class="i1">Take up thy bed and bear</div>
-<div class="i0">It on thy shoulders hence away,</div>
-<div class="i1">And to thy house repair."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Immediately the man arose,</div>
-<div class="i1">To perfect health restored;</div>
-<div class="i0">And taking up his bed, went home,</div>
-<div class="i1">And glorified the Lord.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Calling of Matthew.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, after this, as Jesus passed</div>
-<div class="i1">Where customs were received,</div>
-<div class="i0">He saw a man named Matthew sit</div>
-<div class="i1">And, knowing he believed,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Said to him only: "Follow me,"</div>
-<div class="i1">And Matthew, leaving all,</div>
-<div class="i0">Rose up and the disciples joined,</div>
-<div class="i1">At this most simple call.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Matthew&mdash;sometimes Levi called&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Prepared a splendid feast,</div>
-<div class="i0">Inviting a great company,</div>
-<div class="i1">With Jesus, honored guest!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Matthew was a publican,</div>
-<div class="i1">On whom the Jews did frown,</div>
-<div class="i0">And so were many of his friends,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who at the feast sat down.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And thus the scribes and Pharisees</div>
-<div class="i1">To the disciples said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"With publicans and sinners vile</div>
-<div class="i1">Why doth your Lord eat bread?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "Not to the well,</div>
-<div class="i1">But sick, are doctors sent;</div>
-<div class="i0">And I came, not to call the good,</div>
-<div class="i1">But sinners to repent.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Pool of Bethesda.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">S</span>OON after this, again the feast</div>
-<div class="i1">Of passover came round,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, at Jerusalem,</div>
-<div class="i1">All worshipful was found.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">For, to fulfill all righteousness</div>
-<div class="i1">He taught the people all,</div>
-<div class="i0">And joined the service in God's house</div>
-<div class="i1">At every stated call.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now, in Jerusalem, there is</div>
-<div class="i1">At the sheep-gate a pool,</div>
-<div class="i0">Bethesda called in Hebrew phrase,</div>
-<div class="i1">Five-porched, of water full.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And in these porches lay a throng,</div>
-<div class="i1">Diseased and racked with pain;</div>
-<div class="i0">Blind, halt and withered, hoping from</div>
-<div class="i1">The water help to gain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">For, sometimes, down an angel went</div>
-<div class="i1">And tossed the quiet pool;</div>
-<div class="i0">And who could, after, step in first,</div>
-<div class="i1">Was sure to be made whole.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And one poor sufferer lay there,</div>
-<div class="i1">On that unhappy ground,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who eight and thirty tedious years</div>
-<div class="i1">Infirmity had bound.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When Jesus, passing, saw him lie,</div>
-<div class="i1">He knew his wretched case;</div>
-<div class="i0">And He who shares His peoples' woes,</div>
-<div class="i1">Looked down with pitying grace;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And kindly asked the man: "Wilt thou</div>
-<div class="i1">Be healed of thy disease?"</div>
-<div class="i0">Well knowing that no earthly boon</div>
-<div class="i1">Could more the cripple please;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Who answered, in dejected tone,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Sir, I have no kind friend&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Whene'er the water is stirred up&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">His kindly help to lend.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But while with slow and painful steps,</div>
-<div class="i1">I try to move alone,</div>
-<div class="i0">Another suff'rer gets down first,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whose limbs are good and strong;"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "Rise, lift thy bed,</div>
-<div class="i1">And walk with it away."</div>
-<div class="i0">Immediately the man obeyed;</div>
-<div class="i1">And 'twas the Sabbath day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The Jews who met him, therefore, said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thou'rt doing very wrong,</div>
-<div class="i0">Upon this holy, Sabbath day,</div>
-<div class="i1">To bear thy bed along."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He answered them: "The man who did</div>
-<div class="i1">The wondrous work on me,</div>
-<div class="i0">Of healing by His own command</div>
-<div class="i1">My long infirmity&mdash;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"He said: 'Take up thy bed and walk,'</div>
-<div class="i1">And, instantly, there came</div>
-<div class="i0">A healthful glow through all my limbs,</div>
-<div class="i1">With power to do the same."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then asked they him: "What man is he,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who thus irreverent spake,</div>
-<div class="i0">Commanding thee thus wickedly</div>
-<div class="i1">The Sabbath law to break?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But the healed man knew not the friend</div>
-<div class="i1">Who did him so much good;</div>
-<div class="i0">For Jesus bore Himself away</div>
-<div class="i1">To escape the multitude.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But afterward, as Jesus taught</div>
-<div class="i1">Within the temple gate,</div>
-<div class="i0">He found this man and said to him,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Behold thy healthy state;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Now sin no more, lest worse should come</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the guilty soul."</div>
-<div class="i0">Then went the man and told the Jews</div>
-<div class="i1">'Twas Jesus made him whole.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Therefore the Jews did persecute</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord and seek to slay,</div>
-<div class="i0">Because He did these wondrous things</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the Sabbath day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus preached to them the truth,</div>
-<div class="i1">In language strong and clear;</div>
-<div class="i0">And happy were they who believed,</div>
-<div class="i1">And lent a willing ear.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Man With a Withered Hand.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>GAIN, as in the synagogue,</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord on Sabbath taught,</div>
-<div class="i0">A man who had a withered hand</div>
-<div class="i1">His kind attention sought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And scribes and Pharisees around</div>
-<div class="i1">Watched if the Lord would use</div>
-<div class="i0">His power to heal upon this day,</div>
-<div class="i1">That they might Him accuse.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But He, who knew their evil thoughts,</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto the sufferer said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Arise, and stand forth in the midst;"</div>
-<div class="i1">And the poor man obeyed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then He, to those who watched Him, said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"I one thing ask of you;</div>
-<div class="i0">Is it on Sabbath days correct</div>
-<div class="i1">Evil or good to do?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But they replied not, then He said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"What man among you all</div>
-<div class="i0">Shall have one sheep which on this day</div>
-<div class="i1">Into a pit shall fall;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And he will not lay hold on it,</div>
-<div class="i1">And quickly lift it out?</div>
-<div class="i0">That man is better than a sheep,</div>
-<div class="i1">You surely cannot doubt.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Wherefore 'tis lawful thus to do</div>
-<div class="i1">Good on the Sabbath days;"</div>
-<div class="i0">And He looked on them with surprise,</div>
-<div class="i1">Grieved by their wicked ways.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then to the man who meekly stood,</div>
-<div class="i1">Waiting the Lord's command,</div>
-<div class="i0">In centre of the synagogue,</div>
-<div class="i1">He said: "Stretch forth thine hand."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And though the hand hung helpless down,</div>
-<div class="i1">The heart with faith was strong;</div>
-<div class="i0">And instantly ran vital force</div>
-<div class="i1">The arm's whole length along.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then went the haughty Pharisees</div>
-<div class="i1">And the Herodians rude,</div>
-<div class="i0">And held a council to destroy</div>
-<div class="i1">Him who did only good,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus, knowing it, withdrew,</div>
-<div class="i1">Still followed by the crowd;</div>
-<div class="i0">He healed them all, but charged that they</div>
-<div class="i1">Speak not His name aloud.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Twelve are Chosen.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND then up to a mountain's side,</div>
-<div class="i1">One day, the path He trod,</div>
-<div class="i0">And there alone He bowed Himself</div>
-<div class="i1">All night in prayer to God;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And in the morning called all those</div>
-<div class="i1">Who Him their Master claimed,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, from amongst them, chose out twelve,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whom He apostles named.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And He ordained this favored few,</div>
-<div class="i1">With privilege to each</div>
-<div class="i0">To be with Him when He so willed,</div>
-<div class="i1">Or be sent forth to preach;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And to have power to heal the sick</div>
-<div class="i1">The dumb, the halt, the blind,</div>
-<div class="i0">And cast all evil spirits out,</div>
-<div class="i1">That vex and curse mankind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And these were the twelve chosen men:</div>
-<div class="i1">Simon, to whom the Lord</div>
-<div class="i0">Had given the name of Peter&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">A stone, both strong and hard;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Andrew, Simon's brother, and</div>
-<div class="i1">The sons of Zebadee,</div>
-<div class="i0">Bold James and John, whom Jesus said</div>
-<div class="i1">Should Boanerges be,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Which means the sons of thunder, and</div>
-<div class="i1">Philip, Bartholomew,</div>
-<div class="i0">Matthew and Thomas, James and Jude,</div>
-<div class="i1">Both sons of Alpheus true;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Simon, who was a Canaanite&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">By Luke Zelotes named&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And Judas called Iscariot;</div>
-<div class="i1">Traitor, for evil famed.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Healing the Sick.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">H</span>E then descended to the plain,</div>
-<div class="i1">To seek for food and rest,</div>
-<div class="i0">When all the people of the land</div>
-<div class="i1">In crowds around Him pressed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The weary sick and those who felt</div>
-<div class="i1">The pangs of racking pain,</div>
-<div class="i0">And others vexed with devils hoped</div>
-<div class="i1">From Him relief to gain;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, following, sought to touch Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">As power from Him had flown;</div>
-<div class="i0">But in compassion He beheld</div>
-<div class="i1">And healed them, every one.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus189">
-<img src="images/fig328.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT<br /> St. Matthew 5:5-7. St. Luke 6:20-49.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Sermon on The Mount.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>GAIN, up to the mountain side</div>
-<div class="i1">He went, and took His seat;</div>
-<div class="i0">And His disciples followed Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And gathered round His feet.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And lifting up His eyes on them,</div>
-<div class="i1">He raised His voice to teach,</div>
-<div class="i0">Declaring those exalted truths</div>
-<div class="i1">He came on earth to preach.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He told them, first, the blessedness</div>
-<div class="i1">Of purity and grace;</div>
-<div class="i0">And that the souls most like to God</div>
-<div class="i1">Should see the Father's face.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then told them of their high estate,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their privilege sublime,</div>
-<div class="i0">To upright stand, and shed forth light</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the realms of time.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And taught them of the moral law,</div>
-<div class="i1">And of the law of love,</div>
-<div class="i0">For heart and spirit to be kept,</div>
-<div class="i1">All human laws above.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">In simple words He framed for them</div>
-<div class="i1">A solemn, fervent prayer,</div>
-<div class="i0">By which they could approach to God,</div>
-<div class="i1">And on Him cast their care.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He taught that, if their neighbors' faults</div>
-<div class="i1">Were lovingly forgiven,</div>
-<div class="i0">They all might claim in humble faith</div>
-<div class="i1">The Fatherhood of Heaven.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then charged them 'gainst the error made</div>
-<div class="i1">From that time until now,</div>
-<div class="i0">That men to different masters</div>
-<div class="i1">Allegiance can avow.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For God," He said, "ye cannot serve,</div>
-<div class="i1">And mammon serve beside;</div>
-<div class="i0">In love to one and not to both,</div>
-<div class="i1">Your spirit must abide."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He then the precious lesson taught</div>
-<div class="i1">Of God's vast providence,</div>
-<div class="i0">Which is our faithful guardian,</div>
-<div class="i1">And our secure defence.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The little songsters of the air,</div>
-<div class="i1">The lilies of the field,</div>
-<div class="i0">Are fed, and clothed, from day to day,</div>
-<div class="i1">While they no forethought yield.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And man, much better in His sight&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">How little faith has he,</div>
-<div class="i0">To doubt the providential care</div>
-<div class="i1">That all his needs can see!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Seek first the kingdom of your God,</div>
-<div class="i1">His righteousness divine,</div>
-<div class="i0">And all the stores of earthly good</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall graciously be thine."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The Preacher then went on to charge</div>
-<div class="i1">'Gainst judging others' sin&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Those fond of spying evil deeds,</div>
-<div class="i1">Should with their own begin.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they who ask, or seek, or knock,</div>
-<div class="i1">God never will deny;</div>
-<div class="i0">And men to other men should do</div>
-<div class="i1">As they would be done by.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And it is wise to enter in</div>
-<div class="i1">The narrow way and straight;</div>
-<div class="i0">And shun the way where many go&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The wide and open gate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Though men may openly appear</div>
-<div class="i1">What they are not within;</div>
-<div class="i0">Yet you shall know, if in their lives</div>
-<div class="i1">You see the fruit of sin.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">For every good and perfect tree</div>
-<div class="i1">Doth faultless fruit bring forth;</div>
-<div class="i0">But when you see an evil tree,</div>
-<div class="i1">Its fruit is nothing worth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And each tree bearing not good fruit</div>
-<div class="i1">Into the fire is cast;</div>
-<div class="i0">Wherefore, 'tis by their deeds ye know</div>
-<div class="i1">The doom of all, at last.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Not every one who says to Me;</div>
-<div class="i1">"Lord, Lord,' shall enter heaven;</div>
-<div class="i0">But he that does my Father's will;</div>
-<div class="i1">And knows his sins forgiven.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Many will say to me that day:</div>
-<div class="i1">'I've done good in Thy Name;'</div>
-<div class="i0">I never knew you, I will say,</div>
-<div class="i1">I disregard your claim.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Therefore, who hears these words of mine</div>
-<div class="i1">And doth not doubt or mock,</div>
-<div class="i0">Is like a man who wisely built</div>
-<div class="i1">His house upon a rock.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And the rain fell and floods came on,</div>
-<div class="i1">And winds blew fierce and long;</div>
-<div class="i0">But that house stood, securely firm,</div>
-<div class="i1">On its foundation strong.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And every one that hears my words</div>
-<div class="i1">And disobeys, shall stand</div>
-<div class="i0">Like to a foolish man, who built</div>
-<div class="i1">His house upon the sand;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And the rain fell and floods came on,</div>
-<div class="i1">And winds blew round and round</div>
-<div class="i0">Upon that house, and soon it fell</div>
-<div class="i1">In ruins on the ground."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Centurion's Servant.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND, now, when Jesus entered</div>
-<div class="i1">Into Capernaum;</div>
-<div class="i0">A Centurion besought Him for</div>
-<div class="i1">A servant, sick at home.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"I will come," He said, "and heal him."</div>
-<div class="i1">The Centurion answered: "Lord,</div>
-<div class="i0">I am not worthy Thou should'st come,</div>
-<div class="i1">But only speak the word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For I, myself, am in command,</div>
-<div class="i1">And whatsoe'er I say</div>
-<div class="i0">To one, or to another man,</div>
-<div class="i1">They instantly obey."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When Jesus heard him, in surprise</div>
-<div class="i1">He said to those around:</div>
-<div class="i0">"I verily, in Israel,</div>
-<div class="i1">Such great faith have not found."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then said to the Centurion: "Go,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy faith the work has sealed;"</div>
-<div class="i0">And in the self-same hour he found</div>
-<div class="i1">His servant had been healed.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Raising the Widow's Son.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big2">I</span>T came to pass upon the day</div>
-<div class="i1">Succeeding this event,</div>
-<div class="i0">That as He journeyed on His way,</div>
-<div class="i1">Much people with Him went.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Along the road He traveled on,</div>
-<div class="i1">Until He came to Nain;</div>
-<div class="i0">When, just outside the city gate,</div>
-<div class="i1">He met a funeral train.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">In sorrow they were bearing forth</div>
-<div class="i1">A weeping widow's son;</div>
-<div class="i0">And many sympathized with her&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">He was her only one.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when the Lord saw her He had</div>
-<div class="i1">Compassion on her grief;</div>
-<div class="i0">And said unto her: "Weep no more,</div>
-<div class="i1">I bring you sure relief."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He touched the bier, and all the friends</div>
-<div class="i1">Stood still in mute surprise,</div>
-<div class="i0">When to the dead He spoke: "Young man,</div>
-<div class="i1">I say to thee arise."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the dead youth sat up, alive,</div>
-<div class="i1">And to her speechless joy,</div>
-<div class="i0">The mother from the Lord received</div>
-<div class="i1">Her resurrected boy.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Pharisee and the Woman.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big2">I</span>T happened that a Pharisee</div>
-<div class="i1">Invited Christ to eat,</div>
-<div class="i0">When a poor, sinful woman came</div>
-<div class="i1">And worshipped at His feet;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And washed them with her copious tears,</div>
-<div class="i1">And wiped them with her hair,</div>
-<div class="i0">And kissed them, and anointed them</div>
-<div class="i1">With ointment rich and rare.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The Pharisee, within himself,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "If this man were wise,</div>
-<div class="i0">And were a prophet, he would know</div>
-<div class="i1">This sinner to despise."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, answering his thought,</div>
-<div class="i1">Explained the woman's love:</div>
-<div class="i0">She was a sinner who, now saved,</div>
-<div class="i1">Her gratitude would prove.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And while the guests in wonder gazed,</div>
-<div class="i1">He to the woman spoke:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Thy sins are all forgiven&mdash;thy faith</div>
-<div class="i1">Hath broken Satan's yoke."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Blind and Dumb Man.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>GAIN a man they bring to Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Satan sore possessed,</div>
-<div class="i0">Both blind and dumb, in wretched plight,</div>
-<div class="i1">But Jesus gave him rest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The sufferer both spake and saw,</div>
-<div class="i1">When people, every one,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who saw this miracle, exclaimed:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Is not this David's Son?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But the proud Pharisees, in heart</div>
-<div class="i1">Ignored this title true;</div>
-<div class="i0">And said the wondrous healing gift</div>
-<div class="i1">To Satan's power was due.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus knew their thoughts and said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"What logic ye command!</div>
-<div class="i0">If Satan cast out Satan, then</div>
-<div class="i1">His kingdom cannot stand."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Storm on Galilee.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND as the multitudes increased,</div>
-<div class="i1">And thronged about the Lord,</div>
-<div class="i0">He said: "I other towns must seek,</div>
-<div class="i1">And in them preach the word."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">So He commandment forthwith gave</div>
-<div class="i1">That His disciples go,</div>
-<div class="i0">And get a ship in readiness,</div>
-<div class="i1">Across the lake to row.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then a certain scribe said: "Master,</div>
-<div class="i1">I'll follow Thee to-day,</div>
-<div class="i0">By land or water, wheresoe'er</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou goest or shalt stay."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus answered: "Foxes can</div>
-<div class="i1">Run into holes for rest,</div>
-<div class="i0">And every bird of air can fly</div>
-<div class="i1">Into a pleasant nest;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But no place hath the Son of Man</div>
-<div class="i1">Whereof it can be said:</div>
-<div class="i0">'That is His home, where He may lay</div>
-<div class="i1">In peace His weary head.'"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The scribe had nothing more to say;</div>
-<div class="i1">He, doubtless, did not care</div>
-<div class="i0">The fortunes of so poor a man</div>
-<div class="i1">To follow and to share.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Another said: "Lord, let me go</div>
-<div class="i1">My father's grave to make."</div>
-<div class="i0">Said Jesus: "Let the world do that,</div>
-<div class="i1">Come thou, my portion take."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And now the followers of Christ</div>
-<div class="i1">Were all aboard the ship,</div>
-<div class="i0">And He, o'ercome with weariness,</div>
-<div class="i1">Lay down and fell asleep.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the disciples, in alarm,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their Master woke from sleep;</div>
-<div class="i0">"Lord, we must have thine instant help</div>
-<div class="i1">Or perish in the deep;"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When He, in calm and gentle voice,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "Wherefore do ye fear,</div>
-<div class="i0">O ye of little faith and trust.</div>
-<div class="i1">While I, your Lord, am here?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then He arose in dignity,</div>
-<div class="i1">And spoke His sovereign will,</div>
-<div class="i0">Commanding both the winds and sea</div>
-<div class="i1">To hearken and be still.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And instantly all nature's face</div>
-<div class="i1">A tranquil aspect wears,</div>
-<div class="i0">Hushed is the tempest, and the sky</div>
-<div class="i1">Again serene appears.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The men each to the others, said,</div>
-<div class="i1">In awe and great amaze:</div>
-<div class="i0">"What kind of man is this, whose word</div>
-<div class="i1">The fearful storm obeys?"</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Legion of Devils.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW when they reached the other side,</div>
-<div class="i1">All fright and danger o'er,</div>
-<div class="i0">The country of the Gadarenes</div>
-<div class="i1">Received them to its shore.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But many steps they have not gone</div>
-<div class="i1">To reach the city near,</div>
-<div class="i0">When suddenly two unclad men</div>
-<div class="i1">From 'mongst the tombs appear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">By unclean spirits sorely vexed,</div>
-<div class="i1">No firm restraints could hold</div>
-<div class="i0">Their demon-strengthened limbs, or keep</div>
-<div class="i1">Their frantic souls controlled.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And in the mountains and the tombs,</div>
-<div class="i1">With cries, both night and day,</div>
-<div class="i0">They cut themselves, and caused such fear,</div>
-<div class="i1">None dared to pass that way.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But when the Lord approached, a change</div>
-<div class="i1">Came o'er these men possessed;</div>
-<div class="i0">One fled&mdash;the other, falling down</div>
-<div class="i1">In worship, sore distressed,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Cried: "What have I to do with Thee,</div>
-<div class="i1">Jesus, Thou Son of God?</div>
-<div class="i0">Torment me not, nor banish me</div>
-<div class="i1">To my most drear abode."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "Come out of him,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou unclean spirit, vile,</div>
-<div class="i0">And let thy presence ne'er again</div>
-<div class="i1">His tortured soul defile."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then He asked: "What is thy name?"</div>
-<div class="i1">"Legion," the man did say,</div>
-<div class="i0">For many, many devils bold</div>
-<div class="i1">Within him had held sway.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The devils, knowing they no more</div>
-<div class="i1">In this poor man could dwell,</div>
-<div class="i0">Imploringly besought the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">To drive them not to hell;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And seeing a great herd of swine</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the mountain side,</div>
-<div class="i0">Begged His consent to enter them,</div>
-<div class="i1">With which the Lord complied.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But though there were two thousand swine</div>
-<div class="i1">They could not fight nor flee,</div>
-<div class="i0">The legion entered them, and all</div>
-<div class="i1">Rushed headlong in the sea.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they that fed the swine, alarmed,</div>
-<div class="i1">Ran hastily away,</div>
-<div class="i0">And told in town and country round</div>
-<div class="i1">The wonders of that day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then every one went out to see</div>
-<div class="i1">What wondrous things were done,</div>
-<div class="i0">And still and calm the country lay,</div>
-<div class="i1">And all the swine were gone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And he who long had raged around,</div>
-<div class="i1">A terror to mankind,</div>
-<div class="i0">Sat peacefully at Jesus' feet,</div>
-<div class="i1">Clothed, and of rightful mind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they who saw the miracle,</div>
-<div class="i1">With eager tongues revealed</div>
-<div class="i0">How he of legion once possessed</div>
-<div class="i1">So suddenly was healed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then the whole multitude from all</div>
-<div class="i1">The country round appear,</div>
-<div class="i0">And beg the Lord to leave their coasts</div>
-<div class="i1">For they were filled with fear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now, as the Lord took ship again,</div>
-<div class="i1">The man thus saved from woe,</div>
-<div class="i0">Prayed that he might be with the Christ,</div>
-<div class="i1">Wherever He should go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus answered: "Nay, return</div>
-<div class="i1">To thine own house, and tell</div>
-<div class="i0">What God hath done for thee, and hence</div>
-<div class="i1">With thine own kindred dwell."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the man did as Jesus said,</div>
-<div class="i1">And told to great and small</div>
-<div class="i0">Of his most glad deliverance</div>
-<div class="i1">From Satan's dreadful thrall.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Daughter of Jarius.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big2">I</span>T came to pass as Jesus thence</div>
-<div class="i1">Returned, across the sea,</div>
-<div class="i0">Many He found awaiting Him&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The men of Galilee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And behold, Jarius, ruler of</div>
-<div class="i1">The synagogue, drew near,</div>
-<div class="i0">And knelt at Jesus' feet, and prayed,</div>
-<div class="i1">In great distress and fear,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">That Jesus to his house would go</div>
-<div class="i1">And heal his dying child&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">A little daughter, twelve years old,</div>
-<div class="i1">In manners sweet and mild.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus, whose glad work it was</div>
-<div class="i1">To cheer each broken heart,</div>
-<div class="i0">Went with him, followed by the crowd,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who would not from Him part.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And a poor woman, suffering</div>
-<div class="i1">From a severe disease,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who, for twelve years, her money all</div>
-<div class="i1">Had spent in doctors' fees;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When told that He was passing by</div>
-<div class="i1">Came in the crowd, behind,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "If I may touch His clothes,</div>
-<div class="i1">I sure relief shall find."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, stooping down, she gently touched</div>
-<div class="i1">His garment's hem: when, lo!</div>
-<div class="i0">She felt the fountain of her plague</div>
-<div class="i1">Had ceased at once to flow.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When He, perceiving in Himself</div>
-<div class="i1">Some loss of power Divine,</div>
-<div class="i0">Turned and demanded of the crowd:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Who touched this robe of mine?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then His disciples said to Him:</div>
-<div class="i1">"The people throng round Thee,</div>
-<div class="i0">They closely press on every side,</div>
-<div class="i1">And sayest Thou: "Who touched me?'"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But He still looked around, when she,</div>
-<div class="i1">Knowing she was not hid,</div>
-<div class="i0">Came, trembling, fell down at His feet,</div>
-<div class="i1">And told Him what she did.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But He said, kindly: "Daughter, thou</div>
-<div class="i1">This act must not deplore,</div>
-<div class="i0">Thy faith hath healed thee, go in peace;</div>
-<div class="i1">No plague shall vex thee more!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And while He spoke, from Jairus' house</div>
-<div class="i1">Came messengers, who said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Trouble the Master now no more;</div>
-<div class="i1">The little maid is dead."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus to the ruler turned,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said: "You need not grieve;</div>
-<div class="i0">All shall be well with thee and thine,</div>
-<div class="i1">If only thou believe."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Before He reached the ruler's house,</div>
-<div class="i1">He told the rest to wait,</div>
-<div class="i0">And none but Peter, James and John,</div>
-<div class="i1">Went with Him through the gate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when He entered in the house,</div>
-<div class="i1">He found it full of grief,</div>
-<div class="i0">Nor did the mourning company</div>
-<div class="i1">Expect from Him relief.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then He said gently to the friends:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Why make this noise, and weep?</div>
-<div class="i0">The damsel is not truly dead,</div>
-<div class="i1">But taketh rest in sleep."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they all laughed&mdash;a laugh of scorn&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Well knowing she was dead,</div>
-<div class="i0">When He turned out the sneering crowd,</div>
-<div class="i1">And calmly onward led.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The father and the mother, who</div>
-<div class="i1">No doubting did betray,</div>
-<div class="i0">And His believing followers,</div>
-<div class="i1">To where the maiden lay;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then took her gently by the hand,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said, with pitying eyes:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Talitha Cumi; damsel, I</div>
-<div class="i1">Now say to thee arise."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then instantly the maid arose,</div>
-<div class="i1">And walked upon her feet,</div>
-<div class="i0">When He in kindness ordered that</div>
-<div class="i1">They give her food to eat.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Two Blind Men Healed.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW when the Lord departed thence,</div>
-<div class="i1">Two blind men followed close,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, "Oh! Thou Son of David," cried,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Have mercy upon us."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when He reached His lodging house,</div>
-<div class="i1">The blind men entered too;</div>
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus asked: "Do ye believe</div>
-<div class="i1">That I this thing can do?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They said: "Yea, Lord;" then did he touch</div>
-<div class="i1">Their eyes, with fingers kind,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "According to your faith,</div>
-<div class="i1">Be ye no longer blind."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Forthwith they saw, and Jesus charged</div>
-<div class="i1">That they let no man know;</div>
-<div class="i0">But they went out and spread His fame</div>
-<div class="i1">Wherever they did go.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Disciples Sent Forth.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">S</span>TRAIGHTWAY the Lord departed thence,</div>
-<div class="i1">And came to His own home,</div>
-<div class="i0">And in the synagogue He taught</div>
-<div class="i1">When Sabbath-day had come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The people wondered at His words,</div>
-<div class="i1">And asked: "How can it be</div>
-<div class="i0">That this man has such power gained</div>
-<div class="i1">As we both hear and see?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For is not this the carpenter?</div>
-<div class="i1">We know his mother well;</div>
-<div class="i0">His brethren and his sisters, too,</div>
-<div class="i1">All here among us dwell."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And so they took offence at Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Jesus said: "In vain</div>
-<div class="i0">A prophet much esteemed abroad</div>
-<div class="i1">At home would honor gain."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And He could do no mighty works&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Save healing a few sick,</div>
-<div class="i0">And teaching in the villages&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Because their faith was weak.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But looking on the people with</div>
-<div class="i1">Compassion in His heart,</div>
-<div class="i0">As scattered sheep, and ignorant&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">He called the twelve apart,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And sent them forth, through all the land,</div>
-<div class="i1">To preach, by two and two,</div>
-<div class="i0">To the lost sheep of Israel,</div>
-<div class="i1">The Gospel, pure and true.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Death of John the Baptist.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">H</span>EROD, the king, his birthday kept,</div>
-<div class="i1">And festive supper spread,</div>
-<div class="i0">For lords, high captains and chief men,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Galilee the head.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And with the flowing of rich wines,</div>
-<div class="i1">And strains of music sweet,</div>
-<div class="i0">The daughter of Herodias danced</div>
-<div class="i1">On light and airy feet;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Which dancing so much pleased the king</div>
-<div class="i1">He promised, with an oath,</div>
-<div class="i0">That whatsoever she would ask</div>
-<div class="i1">He'd give her&mdash;nothing loth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The daughter of her mother asked:</div>
-<div class="i1">"What gift shall I desire?"</div>
-<div class="i0">The wicked woman answered her:</div>
-<div class="i1">"John Baptist's head require."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Straightway the brazen damsel came,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, with petition bold,</div>
-<div class="i0">Demanded John the Baptist's head,</div>
-<div class="i1">Just as she had been told.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Although the king was sorely grieved,</div>
-<div class="i1">He would not break his word,</div>
-<div class="i0">In honor of the company</div>
-<div class="i1">By whom the oath was heard.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now, soon as John's disciples knew</div>
-<div class="i1">Of his most cruel doom,</div>
-<div class="i0">They took his body, tenderly,</div>
-<div class="i1">And laid it in a tomb;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And to the Master straightly told</div>
-<div class="i1">What had befallen John&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The deed which at the king's command</div>
-<div class="i1">His servile guard had done.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But fear's dread torment soon drew near,</div>
-<div class="i1">When Herod heard the news</div>
-<div class="i0">Of the wonder working Jesus,</div>
-<div class="i1">Now preaching to the Jews.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And he, with pale and trembling lips,</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto his servants said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"This is the Baptist whom I slew,</div>
-<div class="i1">Arisen from the dead.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Therefore do wondrous works in him</div>
-<div class="i1">Show forth themselves, to prove</div>
-<div class="i0">That he a mighty prophet was,</div>
-<div class="i1">Appointed from above."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Feeding the Multitude.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE twelve apostles, when the time</div>
-<div class="i1">For their return had come,</div>
-<div class="i0">Betook themselves with one accord</div>
-<div class="i1">To Jesus, at His home;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And told Him all things that befell</div>
-<div class="i1">While they had been away;</div>
-<div class="i0">What they had done, what they had taught,</div>
-<div class="i1">And how they fared each day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus at Bethsaida</div>
-<div class="i1">Was with compassion moved,</div>
-<div class="i0">To see the people crowd around&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The sheep He so much loved.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He talked to them of God and heaven&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The land above all lands&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And healed as many as had need</div>
-<div class="i1">Of healing at His hands.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then said the twelve: "Lord do Thou send</div>
-<div class="i1">The multitude away,</div>
-<div class="i0">That they some victuals may procure</div>
-<div class="i1">Before the close of day."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus knew that poverty</div>
-<div class="i1">Oppressed the multitude,</div>
-<div class="i0">And kindly to His followers said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Can ye not give them food?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Two hundred pennyworth of bread,"</div>
-<div class="i1">Philip at once replied,</div>
-<div class="i0">"Would not a little food for each</div>
-<div class="i1">Of this great crowd provide."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Andrew, Peter's brother, spoke:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Here is a lad," he said,</div>
-<div class="i0">"Who two small fishes has, beside</div>
-<div class="i1">Five loaves of barley bread.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But, what are they to such a crowd?"</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord said: "Bring them here.</div>
-<div class="i0">Then seat the people on the grass,</div>
-<div class="i1">By fifties, far and near."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And taking in His hands the bread</div>
-<div class="i1">And fish, He looked toward heaven</div>
-<div class="i0">And blest it in the name of Him</div>
-<div class="i1">From whom all bread is given;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then brake, and the disciples passed</div>
-<div class="i1">The broken food around</div>
-<div class="i0">To all the multitude, who sat</div>
-<div class="i1">Expectant on the ground.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "Go, gather up</div>
-<div class="i1">The fragments careless tossed</div>
-<div class="i0">Upon the ground, in wanton waste,</div>
-<div class="i1">That nothing may be lost."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the disciples&mdash;patient men,</div>
-<div class="i1">Went, stooping, o'er the field,</div>
-<div class="i0">And fragment of the late repast</div>
-<div class="i1">Twelve baskets full did yield.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when the Lord perceived that they</div>
-<div class="i1">Did meditate to bring</div>
-<div class="i0">United force with the intent</div>
-<div class="i1">That they might crown Him king,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He urged that His disciples should</div>
-<div class="i1">Take ship and cross the sea,</div>
-<div class="i0">While He dispersed the multitudes,</div>
-<div class="i1">And followed secretly.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Jesus Walks Upon the Sea.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big4">W</span>HEN Jesus, up the mountain side</div>
-<div class="i1">Ascended all alone,</div>
-<div class="i0">To spend some hours in peaceful prayer</div>
-<div class="i1">Before His Father's throne.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Meanwhile the twelve were toiling hard</div>
-<div class="i1">In rowing o'er the lake,</div>
-<div class="i0">But 'gainst the stormy winds they could</div>
-<div class="i1">But little progress make.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, on the mountain high,</div>
-<div class="i1">Engaged in fervent prayer,</div>
-<div class="i0">Looks on the lake and sees his friends,</div>
-<div class="i1">And feels their toil and care.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now comes the fourth watch of the night;</div>
-<div class="i1">The tired men still row</div>
-<div class="i0">Against a rising, boisterous sea,</div>
-<div class="i1">While angry tempests blow.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But now, amid the wild uproar,</div>
-<div class="i1">And darkness of the storm,</div>
-<div class="i0">They saw approaching, o'er the waves,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their Master's much loved form.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They failed to recognize their Lord,</div>
-<div class="i1">With storm and darkness near,</div>
-<div class="i0">Supposed He was a spirit form,</div>
-<div class="i1">And cried aloud for fear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then straightway Jesus hushed their cries;</div>
-<div class="i1">"Be of good cheer," He said;</div>
-<div class="i0">They knew the kind, assuring voice:</div>
-<div class="i1">"'Tis I, be not afraid."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Peter, warm, impulsive, bold,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "Lord, if it be Thou,</div>
-<div class="i0">Bid me and let me come to Thee</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the waters now."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus said: "Come." Then Peter stepped</div>
-<div class="i1">Over the vessel's side,</div>
-<div class="i0">And walked securely and alone</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the stormy tide.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">His eyes were on the Master fixed,</div>
-<div class="i1">But, looking on the wave,</div>
-<div class="i0">At once he did begin to sink,</div>
-<div class="i1">And cried out: "Lord! Oh, save!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus quickly stretched His hand</div>
-<div class="i1">And raised the sinking man,</div>
-<div class="i0">Said: "Wherefore did'st thou doubt?" and placed</div>
-<div class="i1">Him on his feet again.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when they step aboard the ship,</div>
-<div class="i1">There is a sudden peace,</div>
-<div class="i0">The wind is still, the stars are bright,</div>
-<div class="i1">The waves their motion cease.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the disciples, bending low,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their spirits deeply awed,</div>
-<div class="i0">Said: "Of a truth we now are sure</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou art the Son of God."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then comes to pass another thing,</div>
-<div class="i1">They cannot understand;</div>
-<div class="i0">The ship, so lately out at sea,</div>
-<div class="i1">Is now quite close to land.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, resting from their hours of toil,</div>
-<div class="i1">And filled with wonder deep,</div>
-<div class="i0">The twelve around their Master's feet</div>
-<div class="i1">Lie down in peaceful sleep.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Bread from Heaven.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE next day, for the absent Lord,</div>
-<div class="i1">The people searched around,</div>
-<div class="i0">Near to the place where He had fed</div>
-<div class="i1">Five thousand on the ground.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "Ye seek me not</div>
-<div class="i1">In honor of my power,</div>
-<div class="i0">But for the bread I brake to you</div>
-<div class="i1">In hunger's helpless hour.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Labor not so for earthly meat,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which perisheth away,</div>
-<div class="i0">But for that meat which shall endure</div>
-<div class="i1">Through everlasting day."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then He preached to them the words</div>
-<div class="i1">Of saving, Gospel truth,</div>
-<div class="i0">Of Bread that keeps the soul in strength</div>
-<div class="i1">And in immortal youth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He told them that He was the Bread</div>
-<div class="i1">Which had been sent from heaven,</div>
-<div class="i0">That Bread of everlasting life,</div>
-<div class="i1">To all believers given.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And some went back, and walked no more</div>
-<div class="i1">With Him&mdash;the Truth, the Way;</div>
-<div class="i0">Then to the chosen twelve He said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Will ye, too, go away?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Simon Peter answered Him:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Lord, to whom shall we go?</div>
-<div class="i0">Thou hast the words of endless life;</div>
-<div class="i1">From Thee doth wisdom flow.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And we believe, and we are sure</div>
-<div class="i1">That Thou are Jesse's Rod;</div>
-<div class="i0">The promised Christ of Israel&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Son of the living God."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus said: "Have I not chosen</div>
-<div class="i1">Twelve of you to believe,</div>
-<div class="i0">And witness to a sinful world</div>
-<div class="i1">The truth which ye receive;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And one of you a devil is?"</div>
-<div class="i1">He spoke of Judas vile,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who should, by wicked treachery,</div>
-<div class="i1">The bishopric defile.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now, when around Capernaum</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord had done much good,</div>
-<div class="i0">He rose and traveled forth, to where</div>
-<div class="i1">Old Tyre and Sidon stood;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And entered in a house, that He</div>
-<div class="i1">Might of the crowd be rid,</div>
-<div class="i0">And rest in peace there for a day;</div>
-<div class="i1">But He could not be hid.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">For a woman, whose young daughter</div>
-<div class="i1">Had an unclean spirit, heard</div>
-<div class="i0">That He was that great prophet who</div>
-<div class="i1">Could heal her with a word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, hast'ning to Him, she knelt down,</div>
-<div class="i1">And bowed her weeping face,</div>
-<div class="i0">Relating in His willing ear</div>
-<div class="i1">Her daughter's grievous case.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus answered not a word;</div>
-<div class="i1">The apostles wondered why,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said to Him: "Send her away,</div>
-<div class="i1">We're weary of her cry."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then He said: "I am not sent</div>
-<div class="i1">Save to the sheep astray</div>
-<div class="i0">From Israel's fold&mdash;beloved of God&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">To guide them in the way."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now this poor woman was a Greek,</div>
-<div class="i1">And of Ph&#339;nician birth;</div>
-<div class="i0">But she believed great David's Son</div>
-<div class="i1">Was Prince of all the earth;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And that He loved all human kind,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of every degree;</div>
-<div class="i0">So, drawing near, she worshipped Him</div>
-<div class="i1">Exclaiming: "Lord, help me!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then He replied: "It is not meet</div>
-<div class="i1">To take the children's bread</div>
-<div class="i0">And cast it out to dogs, while they&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The children&mdash;are not fed."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But she said: "Yea, Lord, very true,</div>
-<div class="i1">Yet dogs, Thou know'st, do eat</div>
-<div class="i0">The crumbs that from the table fall,</div>
-<div class="i1">Beneath the children's feet."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"O, woman," Jesus answered then,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Great is thy trusting faith;</div>
-<div class="i0">And be it unto thee, and thine,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whatever thy heart saith."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And she went joyful to her house,</div>
-<div class="i1">And found the devil fled,</div>
-<div class="i0">And her fair daughter calm and well,</div>
-<div class="i1">And laid upon her bed.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Feeding the Hungry.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now, this gracious work performed</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord returned again</div>
-<div class="i0">Unto the sea of Galilee,</div>
-<div class="i1">And through Decapolis plain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Unto a mountain He repaired,</div>
-<div class="i1">And sought a quiet seat;</div>
-<div class="i0">But many sufferers followed Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And crowded round His feet.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The eager multitudes brought forth</div>
-<div class="i1">The blind, and dumb, and lame,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Jesus healed them, every one,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who to His presence came.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And all the people glorified</div>
-<div class="i1">The God of Israel;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, much astonished, they exclaimed,</div>
-<div class="i1">"He hath done all things well!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then the Lord sent the people home,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, taking ship again,</div>
-<div class="i0">Sailed with the twelve along the sea,</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto Magdala's plain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">There Pharisees and Sadducees</div>
-<div class="i1">Came, tempting Him, and sought</div>
-<div class="i0">A sign from heaven that they might know</div>
-<div class="i1">The doctrines that He taught.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But He refused to give a sign</div>
-<div class="i1">To hypocrites so base,</div>
-<div class="i0">And leaving them, and taking ship,</div>
-<div class="i1">Sailed to another place.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Curing the Blind.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, coming to Bethsaida,</div>
-<div class="i1">They bring a blind man down,</div>
-<div class="i0">Beseeching Him to touch him,</div>
-<div class="i1">But He leads him out of town.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then, spitting, moistens the blind eyes,</div>
-<div class="i1">And asks him if he sees;</div>
-<div class="i0">And the man looks up and answers:</div>
-<div class="i1">"I see men walk, as trees."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus put His gentle hands</div>
-<div class="i1">On the man's eyes again,</div>
-<div class="i0">Made him look up&mdash;his eyes were healed,</div>
-<div class="i1">And he saw all things plain.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Apostle Peter.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN, after that, as Jesus with</div>
-<div class="i1">His twelve disciples walked</div>
-<div class="i0">To Cæsarea Philippi,</div>
-<div class="i1">And gravely with them talked,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He asked them who the people said</div>
-<div class="i1">That He, Himself, might be;</div>
-<div class="i0">They answered John, Elias, and</div>
-<div class="i1">The prophet Jeremy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He saith: "But whom say ye am I,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who long with you have trod?"</div>
-<div class="i0">Peter exclaimed: "Thou art the Christ,</div>
-<div class="i1">Son of the living God!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus answered him: "How blest</div>
-<div class="i1">Simon Bar-jona, thou,</div>
-<div class="i0">For flesh and blood hath not revealed</div>
-<div class="i1">What thou, from heaven, dost know.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And I say also unto thee,</div>
-<div class="i1">That thou art Peter sure,</div>
-<div class="i0">And on this rock I'll build my church</div>
-<div class="i1">From gates of hell secure.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Keys of authority and truth</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall unto thee be given;</div>
-<div class="i0">What thou dost bind or loose on earth</div>
-<div class="i1">Is bound and loosed in heaven."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">From that time forth the Lord began</div>
-<div class="i1">To tell, and to explain</div>
-<div class="i0">To His disciples, how He should</div>
-<div class="i1">Be killed, and rise again.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Peter said: "Nay, nay, my Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">This, surely, shall not be;</div>
-<div class="i0">Such treatment of the Prince of Life&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Were great indignity."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus turned and said to him:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Satan, get thee behind,</div>
-<div class="i0">Thou savorest not the things of God,</div>
-<div class="i1">But pride of carnal mind."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then said Jesus to them all:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Who will my servant be,</div>
-<div class="i0">Must deny self, take up his cross,</div>
-<div class="i1">And humbly follow me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For whosoe'er will save his life,</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall lose it in the end;</div>
-<div class="i0">But he who yields it for my sake,</div>
-<div class="i1">To life in heaven shall tend.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For what is a man profited</div>
-<div class="i1">If he shall gain the whole</div>
-<div class="i0">Of this world's pompous wealth and power,</div>
-<div class="i1">Yet lose his own poor soul?"</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Jesus is Transfigured.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW Jesus tarried round these coasts</div>
-<div class="i1">Till six days passed away;</div>
-<div class="i0">Then He took Peter, James and John</div>
-<div class="i1">Up in a mount to pray.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, as He prayed, His face was changed,</div>
-<div class="i1">And shining as the Sun;</div>
-<div class="i0">His raiment became white as snow,</div>
-<div class="i1">When glistening at noon.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And while He thus transfigured stood,</div>
-<div class="i1">In His apostles' sight,</div>
-<div class="i0">They suddenly beheld two men</div>
-<div class="i1">Appear, with Him, in light.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">'Twas Moses and Elias, who</div>
-<div class="i1">Talked feelingly with Him</div>
-<div class="i0">About the death He must endure</div>
-<div class="i1">Soon at Jerusalem.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Peter spoke&mdash;his heart was full</div>
-<div class="i1">Of holy love and fear:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Lord, it is good," he said, "for us</div>
-<div class="i1">To dwell forever here.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Let us three tabernacles build;</div>
-<div class="i1">The first shall be for Thee,</div>
-<div class="i0">One be for Moses, man of God,</div>
-<div class="i1">One for Elias be."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He spoke his heart's sincere desire,</div>
-<div class="i1">But ere the words were said,</div>
-<div class="i0">A bright cloud overshadowed them,</div>
-<div class="i1">And covered every head.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And from the cloud a voice was heard,</div>
-<div class="i1">"This is my Son beloved,</div>
-<div class="i0">In whom I am well pleased&mdash;hear Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">If ye would be approved!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When the disciples heard the voice,</div>
-<div class="i1">They fell upon their face,</div>
-<div class="i0">O'ercome by fear and sore dismay,</div>
-<div class="i1">In that most awful place.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, touching each one, said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Arise and do not fear;"</div>
-<div class="i0">And when they looked around they saw</div>
-<div class="i1">No one but Jesus near.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And as they came down from the mount,</div>
-<div class="i1">He bade them not disclose</div>
-<div class="i0">What they had seen and heard that day,</div>
-<div class="i1">Till from the dead He rose.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they obeyed, and of that scene</div>
-<div class="i1">No word to others said;</div>
-<div class="i0">But 'mongst themselves enquired what meant</div>
-<div class="i1">The rising from the dead.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>An Only Child Healed.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE next day, coming to the place</div>
-<div class="i1">Where they had left the nine,</div>
-<div class="i0">They found a crowd, glad to behold</div>
-<div class="i1">The Master's face, Divine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He asked the scribes: "What question ye</div>
-<div class="i1">With my disciples here?"</div>
-<div class="i0">When one in haste approaching Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And kneeling down in fear,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Said: "Lord, have mercy on my son&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">He is my only child;</div>
-<div class="i0">And a dumb spirit tortures him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And makes him fierce and wild.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And often in the fire he falls,</div>
-<div class="i1">And in the water too;</div>
-<div class="i0">And I spoke to Thy disciples,</div>
-<div class="i1">But they could nothing do."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "O, men perverse,</div>
-<div class="i1">Why can ye not believe?</div>
-<div class="i0">How long shall I be with you ere</div>
-<div class="i1">The faith ye will receive?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then to the father: "Bring to me</div>
-<div class="i1">Your son." The child was brought,</div>
-<div class="i0">When he fell, foaming, on the ground,</div>
-<div class="i1">By the foul spirit wrought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus asked the man: "How long</div>
-<div class="i1">Has he been troubled thus?"</div>
-<div class="i0">He answered: "From a little child;</div>
-<div class="i1">But, Lord, canst Thou help us?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus replied: "If thou hast faith,</div>
-<div class="i1">Then thou shalt have relief."</div>
-<div class="i0">The man cried out: "Lord, I believe;</div>
-<div class="i1">Help Thou mine unbelief."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus to the demon spoke:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Deaf and dumb spirit sore,</div>
-<div class="i0">I charge thee to come out of him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And enter him no more."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The spirit cried and troubled him,</div>
-<div class="i1">Till, like one dead, he fell;</div>
-<div class="i0">But Jesus took him by the hand,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, lo! the child was well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And now the Master and the twelve</div>
-<div class="i1">Into a house retired;</div>
-<div class="i0">And the nine came to Him and asked</div>
-<div class="i1">That which they most desired:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The twelve then asked: "Why could we not</div>
-<div class="i1">Cast out that spirit, pray?"</div>
-<div class="i0">He said: "Because your unbelief</div>
-<div class="i1">Stood boldly in the way.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For, verily, if ye have faith</div>
-<div class="i1">As a small, mustard grain,</div>
-<div class="i0">Then shall unto this mountain say,</div>
-<div class="i1">'Remove to yonder plain.'</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"It shall remove. Nothing shall be</div>
-<div class="i1">Impossible to you;</div>
-<div class="i0">Yet these foul spirits go not, save</div>
-<div class="i1">By prayer and fasting, too."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Jesus Teaches Humility.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">O</span>NE day while Jesus sat at rest</div>
-<div class="i1">He asked the twelve to say</div>
-<div class="i0">What was it they disputed, as</div>
-<div class="i1">They walked along the way.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But they replied not, for they had</div>
-<div class="i1">Disputed which should gain</div>
-<div class="i0">The greatest rank and power, when</div>
-<div class="i1">Their Lord should come to reign.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "If any man</div>
-<div class="i1">Desire the highest place,</div>
-<div class="i0">He shall be last, and servant, too,</div>
-<div class="i1">Within the realm of grace."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He set a child in midst of them,</div>
-<div class="i1">Then took him in His arm,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "Whoso receiveth such,</div>
-<div class="i1">And shieldeth him from harm,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Receiveth me, if, with true love,</div>
-<div class="i1">He does it in my name,</div>
-<div class="i0">And not only receiveth me,</div>
-<div class="i1">But Him from whom I came."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Young Lawyer.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now behold a lawyer rose</div>
-<div class="i1">With tempting question vain,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "Master, what must I do</div>
-<div class="i1">Eternal life to gain?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus addressed His questioner</div>
-<div class="i1">With manner frank and kind,</div>
-<div class="i0">And by a parable He taught</div>
-<div class="i1">His keen and doubting mind;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Told of the good Samaritan</div>
-<div class="i1">Who succored a poor Jew;</div>
-<div class="i0">Then, in conclusion, counseled him:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Go thou and like wise do."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>At Bethany.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND as they went, He and the twelve,</div>
-<div class="i1">Along the public road,</div>
-<div class="i0">They entered into Bethany,</div>
-<div class="i1">Where Martha, kind, abode;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Who hospitably welcomed Him</div>
-<div class="i1">Into her house to rest,</div>
-<div class="i0">Then hastened to provide for Him</div>
-<div class="i1">Refreshments of the best.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Meanwhile her sister Mary,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who long had wished to meet</div>
-<div class="i0">The gracious Lord and hear His voice</div>
-<div class="i1">Sat meekly at His feet.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Martha, cumbered and perplexed</div>
-<div class="i1">With anxious, household care,</div>
-<div class="i0">And wishing for her welcome Guest</div>
-<div class="i1">A banquet to prepare,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Entered the room where Jesus sat,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said: "Lord, dost Thou know</div>
-<div class="i0">My sister lets me serve alone?</div>
-<div class="i1">Bid her some help bestow."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus answered in a tone</div>
-<div class="i1">Of grace yet kind concern,</div>
-<div class="i0">"O, Martha, Martha, good and true,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou something hast to learn.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Thou careful art, and troubled much</div>
-<div class="i1">All good things to enjoy,</div>
-<div class="i0">And that thy friends may feast full well</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy time and means employ;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And yet there's but one needful thing,</div>
-<div class="i1">Worthy thine utmost thought,</div>
-<div class="i0">And that good part is Mary's choice,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which from her take thou not."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Lord's Prayer.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>GAIN, did Jesus journey on,</div>
-<div class="i1">When, in a certain place,</div>
-<div class="i0">He lifted up His voice in prayer</div>
-<div class="i1">With unction, power and grace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When He had ceased one of the twelve</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "Lord, teach us to pray,</div>
-<div class="i0">As John taught those who followed him,</div>
-<div class="i1">"We wish to do as they."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He taught them then that form of prayer</div>
-<div class="i1">Which pure devotion is;</div>
-<div class="i0">Known as <span class="smcap">The Lord's Prayer</span> ever since,</div>
-<div class="i1">Because the words are His.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then on He went, and preached the truth,</div>
-<div class="i1">Along each country road,</div>
-<div class="i0">And taught the people, high and low,</div>
-<div class="i1">The love and fear of God;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And told them how God answers prayer,</div>
-<div class="i1">If prayer be warm and true&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">With far more loving, swift response</div>
-<div class="i1">Than earthly parents do.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Woman with an Infirmity.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, in a synagogue, as He</div>
-<div class="i1">One Sabbath day did preach,</div>
-<div class="i0">Behold a woman, quite bowed down</div>
-<div class="i1">And listening to His speech,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">A poor, afflicted sufferer,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who bore with groans and tears,</div>
-<div class="i0">A spirit of infirmity</div>
-<div class="i1">For fully eighteen years.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Upon her Jesus laid His hand,</div>
-<div class="i1">And, suddenly made straight,</div>
-<div class="i0">She rose and glorified her God,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whose mercies are so great.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The ruler of the synagogue,</div>
-<div class="i1">Indignant that the Lord</div>
-<div class="i0">Upon the Sabbath day had wrought</div>
-<div class="i1">This healing by His word,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Unto the people said: "There are</div>
-<div class="i1">Six days in which you may</div>
-<div class="i0">Do all your works;&mdash;in them be healed&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Not on the Sabbath day."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus answered: "Hypocrite,</div>
-<div class="i1">Doth not each of you think</div>
-<div class="i0">It right, on Sabbath day, to lead</div>
-<div class="i1">His beast away to drink?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And ought not this poor woman, who</div>
-<div class="i1">Is Abraham's daughter, be</div>
-<div class="i0">Made loose from pain she bore so long</div>
-<div class="i1">Through Satan's tyranny?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And all His adversaries were</div>
-<div class="i1">Ashamed when thus He chid,</div>
-<div class="i0">While others wondered and rejoiced</div>
-<div class="i1">For all the works He did.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus190">
-<img src="images/fig329.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">FINDING OF THE LOST SHEEP.<br /> St. Matthew 18.12-14; St. Luke 15.3-7</p>
-</div>
-
-<h3>The Man Born Blind.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big4">W</span>HEN, coming near His journey's end,</div>
-<div class="i1">Jerusalem was nigh,</div>
-<div class="i0">He, one day, saw a man, born blind,</div>
-<div class="i1">As He was passing by.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And His disciples questioned Him:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Master, whose sin hath done</div>
-<div class="i0">Such evil as is this man's lot&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">His parents' or his own?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus answered: "Neither hath</div>
-<div class="i1">His parents sinned nor he,</div>
-<div class="i0">But that the works of God, in him,</div>
-<div class="i1">Might be made plain to see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"I must perform my Father's works</div>
-<div class="i1">While it is day; the night</div>
-<div class="i0">Is coming, when no man can work;</div>
-<div class="i1">But I am the world's light,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"As long as I am in the world."</div>
-<div class="i1">And when He thus did say</div>
-<div class="i0">He spat upon the ground, and made</div>
-<div class="i1">The spittle into clay;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And with it He anointed thick</div>
-<div class="i1">The eyes that ne'er had seen,</div>
-<div class="i0">Then said unto the man: "Go wash</div>
-<div class="i1">In water pure and clean."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then went the man obediently,</div>
-<div class="i1">And washed his sightless eyes,</div>
-<div class="i0">And instantly he saw all round,</div>
-<div class="i1">With grateful, glad surprise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The neighbors said: "Is this the man</div>
-<div class="i1">Who begged, and could not see?"</div>
-<div class="i0">Said others: "He is like to him."</div>
-<div class="i1">But he said: "I am he."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They asked him how he gained his sight,</div>
-<div class="i1">And he, with thankful voice,</div>
-<div class="i0">Told all about the wondrous work</div>
-<div class="i1">That made his heart rejoice.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And now unto the Pharisees</div>
-<div class="i1">The happy man they brought;</div>
-<div class="i0">And it was on the Sabbath day</div>
-<div class="i1">This miracle was wrought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Questioned by doubting Pharisees,</div>
-<div class="i1">He did to them relate</div>
-<div class="i0">The way by which he was relieved</div>
-<div class="i1">From his unhappy state.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They said the man who gave him sight</div>
-<div class="i1">A sinner, sure must be</div>
-<div class="i0">Or He would not, on such a day,</div>
-<div class="i1">Make a blind man to see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Yet others said: "How can a man</div>
-<div class="i1">Who is a sinner do</div>
-<div class="i0">Such miracles?" The healed man said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"He is a prophet true."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The Jews would not believe the man</div>
-<div class="i1">Was ever blind at all;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, to find out if it were so,</div>
-<div class="i1">They did his parents call,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And asked them: "Is this man your son,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who without sight was born?</div>
-<div class="i0">How, then, doth he now see so well,</div>
-<div class="i1">Yet blind until this morn?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The parents said: "He is our son,</div>
-<div class="i1">And was born blind, we know;</div>
-<div class="i0">But know not how he gained his sight;</div>
-<div class="i1">Himself the truth must show."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The Jews straightway recalled the man,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said: "Give God the praise,</div>
-<div class="i0">We know this man's a sinner, by</div>
-<div class="i1">His Sabbath-breaking ways."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He answered them: "I know not if</div>
-<div class="i1">This man a sinner be;</div>
-<div class="i0">One thing I know, that whereas I</div>
-<div class="i1">Was blind, yet now I see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"We know that God regardeth not</div>
-<div class="i1">A sinful man's appeal;</div>
-<div class="i0">But to obedient worshippers</div>
-<div class="i1">He will Himself reveal.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Since first the world began can ye</div>
-<div class="i1">Such wondrous power find</div>
-<div class="i0">As that a mortal man could heal</div>
-<div class="i1">The eyes of one born blind?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And if this man were not of God,</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor down from heaven came,</div>
-<div class="i0">He could do nothing in my case&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">All glory to His name!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then they answered, wrathfully:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thou, who believest thus,</div>
-<div class="i0">Wast altogether born in sin,</div>
-<div class="i1">And art thou teaching us?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They cast him out; which Jesus heard,</div>
-<div class="i1">And found him, when alone:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Believ'st thou on the Son of God?"</div>
-<div class="i1">He asked in gentle tone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The man said: "Lord who is He, that</div>
-<div class="i1">My faith to Him might bow?"</div>
-<div class="i0">Said Jesus: "Thou beholdest Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">He talketh with thee now."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then he said: "Lord, I do believe,"</div>
-<div class="i1">With fervent voice, and loud,</div>
-<div class="i0">And bending forward to the earth,</div>
-<div class="i1">In reverent worship bowed.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus191">
-<img src="images/fig330.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON.<br /> St. Luke 15.15-32</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Raising of Lazarus.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">O</span>F Martha you've already heard,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who entertained the Lord</div>
-<div class="i0">When once He passed through Bethany,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Mary heard His word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They had a brother, Lazarus,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Jesus loved the three,</div>
-<div class="i0">And now the young man was brought low,</div>
-<div class="i1">And very ill was he.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And his sisters sent a message</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto the Lord, in haste:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Behold, he whom Thou lovest well</div>
-<div class="i1">Is sick and failing fast."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus said: "This sickness</div>
-<div class="i1">Comes not that he must die,</div>
-<div class="i0">But for God's glory, that His Son</div>
-<div class="i1">Be glorified thereby.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Our friend, Lazarus, sleepeth,"</div>
-<div class="i1">Were the next words He spake:</div>
-<div class="i0">"And I go hence that I may him</div>
-<div class="i1">Out of his sleep awake."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then said they: "Lord, if Laz'rus sleep</div>
-<div class="i1">He surely shall do well"&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Thinking that it was natural rest</div>
-<div class="i1">That o'er his eyelids fell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then He said, plainly: "Lazarus</div>
-<div class="i1">Is cold and still in death.</div>
-<div class="i0">But well, for your sakes, 'tis that I</div>
-<div class="i1">Went not while he had breath.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For so your faith shall be made bright,</div>
-<div class="i1">That may be somewhat dim;</div>
-<div class="i0">But now arise and leave this place,</div>
-<div class="i1">That we may go to him."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Thomas said&mdash;called Didymus&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">To the disciples all,</div>
-<div class="i0">"Let's go, that we may die with Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">If death should Him befall."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And now all hearts are sad and still,</div>
-<div class="i1">And many throb with fear,</div>
-<div class="i0">As Jesus and His followers</div>
-<div class="i1">To Bethany draw near.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And those who meet Him tell the news</div>
-<div class="i1">Of sorrow and of gloom,</div>
-<div class="i0">That Lazarus has already lain</div>
-<div class="i1">Three days within his tomb.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now Bethany was very near</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto Jerusalem;</div>
-<div class="i0">And many to the sisters came,</div>
-<div class="i1">To see, and comfort them.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And as they sat in silence,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their hearts with grief bowed down,</div>
-<div class="i0">The word was brought that Jesus</div>
-<div class="i1">Was coming into town.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Martha went to meet the Christ,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said unto Him: "Lord,</div>
-<div class="i0">If Thou hadst been here, my brother</div>
-<div class="i1">Had recovered by Thy word."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Thy brother," thus the answer came,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Shall rise again, I say."</div>
-<div class="i0">"Yea, in the resurrection morn,"</div>
-<div class="i1">She said, "at the last day."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"I am the resurrection, and</div>
-<div class="i1">The Life," the Lord replied.</div>
-<div class="i0">"He that upon my name believes</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall live, though he had died."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Oh, Lord," she answered fervently,</div>
-<div class="i1">"I truly do believe</div>
-<div class="i0">Thou art the Christ, the Son of God,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whom this world should receive."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When Jesus saw the sisters' tears,</div>
-<div class="i1">And tears of those around,</div>
-<div class="i0">He groaned in spirit and was sad,</div>
-<div class="i1">With troubled thoughts profound.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He said to them: "Where have ye laid</div>
-<div class="i1">Your friend and mine to sleep?"</div>
-<div class="i0">They say to Him: "Lord, come and see,"</div>
-<div class="i1">Then all beheld Him weep.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then they took away the stone</div>
-<div class="i1">From where the dead was laid,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Jesus lifted up His eyes,</div>
-<div class="i1">And solemnly He said:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Father I thank Thee that Thou hast</div>
-<div class="i1">Heard my heart's secret prayer,</div>
-<div class="i0">And I know that Thou dost always</div>
-<div class="i1">Bow down to me Thine ear."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when He thus had spoken,</div>
-<div class="i1">He cried in accents loud:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Lazarus, come forth," and the dead</div>
-<div class="i1">Came forth, bound in his shroud,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And his face bound with a napkin;</div>
-<div class="i1">His movements thus were slow;</div>
-<div class="i0">But Jesus called out, with command:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Loose him and let him go."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then O, what deep and solemn joy</div>
-<div class="i1">The sisters' hearts conceived!</div>
-<div class="i0">While many of the Jews around</div>
-<div class="i1">On Jesus Christ believed.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>They Brought Little Children to Him.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">O</span>NE day the mothers, who believed,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their little children brought,</div>
-<div class="i0">And from the Master's gentle hand</div>
-<div class="i1">A gracious blessing sought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But the disciples, in their zeal,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "Take these children home,</div>
-<div class="i0">They're in the way of older ones,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who for some good have come."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus loved the little lambs,</div>
-<div class="i1">And much displeased was He,</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Suffer little children,</div>
-<div class="i1">That they may come to me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For 'tis such innocents as these</div>
-<div class="i1">That God's high kingdom win;</div>
-<div class="i0">And all must have as simple hearts</div>
-<div class="i1">Who gain a place therein."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then gently lifting in His arms,</div>
-<div class="i1">And folding to His breast,</div>
-<div class="i0">He put His hands upon their heads,</div>
-<div class="i1">And every infant blest.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Young Ruler.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, as He went forth in the way,</div>
-<div class="i1">A certain ruler came;</div>
-<div class="i0">"What shall I do," he frankly asked,</div>
-<div class="i1">"That I may heaven claim?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Why callest thou me good?" the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">Enquired in gentle tone.</div>
-<div class="i0">"There is none good in earth or heaven</div>
-<div class="i1">But God, and God alone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Thou knowest the Commandments;</div>
-<div class="i1">Keep them in deed and truth,</div>
-<div class="i0">He answered and said: "Master, I've</div>
-<div class="i1">Observed them from my youth."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus looked at the young man,</div>
-<div class="i1">And loved him in His heart,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "One thing thou lackest yet,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou with thy wealth must part.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Go sell, and give all to the poor,</div>
-<div class="i1">And stored in heaven 'twill be,</div>
-<div class="i0">Then come and cheerfully take up</div>
-<div class="i1">The cross and follow me."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But the young man was sad at heart,</div>
-<div class="i1">Unwilling to obey;</div>
-<div class="i0">His riches he would not give up,</div>
-<div class="i1">So, grieved, he went away.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then to His disciples</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord said, grave but kind:</div>
-<div class="i0">"How hardly shall the rich their way</div>
-<div class="i1">Into God's kingdom find?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"It is easier for a camel</div>
-<div class="i1">Through a needle's eye to go</div>
-<div class="i0">Than he who loves his worldly goods</div>
-<div class="i1">The bliss of heaven should know."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus192">
-<img src="images/fig331.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center sans">CHRIST BLESSING LITTLE CHILDREN<br />
-<span class="little">ST. MATTHEW 19:13-15; ST. MARK 10:13-16; ST. LUKE 18.15, 16.</span></p>
-</div>
-
-<h3>Peter Questions Him.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND Peter then began to say:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Lo! we have given up all,</div>
-<div class="i0">And followed and believed on Thee;</div>
-<div class="i1">What shall to us befall?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus answered, "Verily,</div>
-<div class="i1">I say, no man hath left</div>
-<div class="i0">Parents or brethren, wife or child,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of home or lands bereft,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"To suffer for the Gospel's sake,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who shall not find much more,</div>
-<div class="i0">Both in this world and that to come,</div>
-<div class="i1">Laid up for him in store.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But they who will be first on earth</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall be the last in heaven;</div>
-<div class="i0">And they who here take lowest seats</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall then have highest given."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Parable of the Laborers.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND Jesus taught them as they walked,</div>
-<div class="i1">By pointed parable,</div>
-<div class="i0">That all shall have an equal right</div>
-<div class="i1">Who serve the Master well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He told them of a man who hired</div>
-<div class="i1">Some laborers to work,</div>
-<div class="i0">And promised each a penny, for</div>
-<div class="i1">The day, from morn to dark.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Again at noon, and later still,</div>
-<div class="i1">He others idle found,</div>
-<div class="i0">And sent them into his vineyard</div>
-<div class="i1">To work upon the ground.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then again, and just before</div>
-<div class="i1">The closing of the day,</div>
-<div class="i0">He hired others who should get</div>
-<div class="i1">A penny for their pay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But when the eventide had come,</div>
-<div class="i1">And the day's work was done,</div>
-<div class="i0">The men were called, that each might get</div>
-<div class="i1">Whatever was his own.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The last come were paid first, and each</div>
-<div class="i1">A pleased expression wore.</div>
-<div class="i0">But when the first were paid they thought</div>
-<div class="i1">That they should get still more.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when a penny each received,</div>
-<div class="i1">They murmured at the pay,</div>
-<div class="i0">Which was the same for one hour's work</div>
-<div class="i1">As for the long, warm day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The good man answered one of them:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Friend, I do thee no wrong;</div>
-<div class="i0">A penny I agreed to give&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">That doth to thee belong.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Take that thine is and go thy way,</div>
-<div class="i1">I will to this last one</div>
-<div class="i0">Give just the same as unto thee&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Is it not all my own?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"So shall the last be as the first,</div>
-<div class="i1">And first as last to view;</div>
-<div class="i0">For many be the called of God,</div>
-<div class="i1">And yet, the chosen, few."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Foretells His Death.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN Jesus took the twelve apart,</div>
-<div class="i1">And gravely said to them:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Behold, we now are on our way</div>
-<div class="i1">Up to Jerusalem,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And all things that the prophets wrote</div>
-<div class="i1">About the Son of Man,</div>
-<div class="i0">Shall be accomplished in that place,</div>
-<div class="i1">True to the ancient plan.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And He shall be betrayed unto</div>
-<div class="i1">The chief priests and the scribes,</div>
-<div class="i0">Delivered up to the Gentiles,</div>
-<div class="i1">And mocked with taunts and jibes;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And they shall scourge and spit upon,</div>
-<div class="i1">And crucify your Lord;</div>
-<div class="i0">The third day He shall rise again,</div>
-<div class="i1">According to His Word."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The apostles listened, yet these things</div>
-<div class="i1">They could not realize;</div>
-<div class="i0">The meaning of the truths they heard</div>
-<div class="i1">Was hidden from their eyes.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Request of James and John.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN came, as they were walking on,</div>
-<div class="i1">The wife of Zebedee,</div>
-<div class="i0">Who said: "Lord, what I most desire</div>
-<div class="i1">Wilt Thou grant unto me?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He said unto her: "What wilt thou?"</div>
-<div class="i1">She answered: "That my sons</div>
-<div class="i0">May at Thy right and left sit down,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy kingdom's greatest ones."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus to the young men said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Ye know not what ye ask.</div>
-<div class="i0">To drink my cup, my baptism bear,</div>
-<div class="i1">Would be too hard a task."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They answered: "We are strong enough.'</div>
-<div class="i1">Then He said: "Ye shall try</div>
-<div class="i0">To drink my cup, my baptism bear,</div>
-<div class="i1">While grace shall strength supply.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But to sit at my right and left</div>
-<div class="i1">I cannot give to you;</div>
-<div class="i0">My Father doth reserve those seats</div>
-<div class="i1">For whom He deems them due.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Be not such lords as Gentiles are,</div>
-<div class="i1">And who would highest be</div>
-<div class="i0">Let him be servant to the rest,</div>
-<div class="i1">And take a low degree.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"E'en as the Son of Man came not</div>
-<div class="i1">To take a lofty place,</div>
-<div class="i0">But to be minister, and give</div>
-<div class="i1">His life to save the race."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Blind Bartimeus.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now the Lord His way must take</div>
-<div class="i1">Through ancient Jericho.</div>
-<div class="i0">The people crowd around Him there,</div>
-<div class="i1">And make His progress slow.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Bartimeus, blind and poor,</div>
-<div class="i1">Was sitting by the way;</div>
-<div class="i0">Another beggar, sad and blind,</div>
-<div class="i1">Sat by his side that day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when they heard the tramping crowd,</div>
-<div class="i1">And asked the reason why,</div>
-<div class="i0">They learned that Christ of Nazareth</div>
-<div class="i1">Was just then passing by.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then each man cried aloud at once,</div>
-<div class="i1">In tones of earnest plea:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Jesus, Thou Son of David,</div>
-<div class="i1">Have mercy upon me."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus had compassion on</div>
-<div class="i1">Their dark and helpless plight,</div>
-<div class="i0">And gently touched their eyes and said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Your faith doth give you sight."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Immediately their eyes were healed,</div>
-<div class="i1">And both with joyful mind,</div>
-<div class="i0">Followed the Master, praising God,</div>
-<div class="i1">And all the people joined.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Zaccheus.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now, as Jesus passed along,</div>
-<div class="i1">A rich man hasting came&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">A chief among the publicans,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Zaccheus by name.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus he sought to see, as did</div>
-<div class="i1">The people, one and all,</div>
-<div class="i0">But could not overlook the crowd,</div>
-<div class="i1">His stature was so small.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">So he ran on before, and climbed</div>
-<div class="i1">Into a sycamore tree;</div>
-<div class="i0">That, perched above the surging throng,</div>
-<div class="i1">He might the better see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when the Lord came near, He raised</div>
-<div class="i1">His eyes, saw him, and said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Zaccheus, in thy house, to-day,</div>
-<div class="i1">I will take rest and bread."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then in haste the man came down,</div>
-<div class="i1">And joyfully received</div>
-<div class="i0">Into his house, which stood near by,</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord, whom He believed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when the crowd saw what was done,</div>
-<div class="i1">To murmur they began,</div>
-<div class="i0">That Jesus was content to be</div>
-<div class="i1">Guest with a sinful man.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Yet Zaccheus heeded not, but stood,</div>
-<div class="i1">And said unto the Lord:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Behold, Lord, half of all my goods</div>
-<div class="i1">I to the poor afford.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And if I aught have taken,</div>
-<div class="i1">Through falsehood to me told,</div>
-<div class="i0">More than is right from any man,</div>
-<div class="i1">I give it back fourfold."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus said: "Salvation is</div>
-<div class="i1">To this house come to-day;</div>
-<div class="i0">For this man is of Abraham's line,</div>
-<div class="i1">Though having gone astray.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For I, the Son of Man have come</div>
-<div class="i1">Into this world below,</div>
-<div class="i0">To seek the straying and the lost,</div>
-<div class="i1">And save from guilt and woe."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Parable of the Pounds.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND as the people all around</div>
-<div class="i1">Attentively did hear,</div>
-<div class="i0">Believing that God's kingdom would</div>
-<div class="i1">Without delay appear;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He taught the listening company,</div>
-<div class="i1">By parable profound,</div>
-<div class="i0">How God expects His faithful ones</div>
-<div class="i1">To occupy His ground.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And as He does commit to them</div>
-<div class="i1">Ten pounds, or five, or one,</div>
-<div class="i0">He will reward them, at the last,</div>
-<div class="i1">By what they each have done.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And having finished His discourse,</div>
-<div class="i1">Wisely instructing them,</div>
-<div class="i0">He went before them, in the way,</div>
-<div class="i1">Up to Jerusalem.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Anointing at Bethany.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">S</span>IX days before the Passover</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord appeared again</div>
-<div class="i0">In Bethany, where Lazarus dwelt,</div>
-<div class="i1">And his good sisters twain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">There, by a supper in the house,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their welcome was expressed,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Martha served, but Lazarus sat</div>
-<div class="i1">At table with the guest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Mary came and took her place</div>
-<div class="i1">Down at the Master's feet,</div>
-<div class="i0">And broke an alabaster box,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of odor very sweet.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And tenderly she did anoint</div>
-<div class="i1">The feet of Jesus there;</div>
-<div class="i0">And wiped them with the flowing locks</div>
-<div class="i1">Of her luxuriant hair.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Judas, called Iscariot,</div>
-<div class="i1">His sullen silence broke,</div>
-<div class="i0">And of the woman's costly gift</div>
-<div class="i1">Thus, with a sneer, he spoke:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For three hundred pence, in money,</div>
-<div class="i1">This ointment would have sold,</div>
-<div class="i0">And that would feed and clothe the poor,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who hungry are, and cold."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He said this, though he had no care</div>
-<div class="i1">Or pity for the poor;</div>
-<div class="i0">But was a thief, and had the bag,</div>
-<div class="i1">And coveted the store.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Jesus said: "Let her alone;</div>
-<div class="i1">Against my burial day</div>
-<div class="i0">She poured this ointment on my feet,</div>
-<div class="i1">Her last regards to pay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"The humble poor ye always have</div>
-<div class="i1">With you, to help their needs;</div>
-<div class="i0">But me ye cannot always have</div>
-<div class="i1">To show me loving deeds."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now many people of the Jews</div>
-<div class="i1">Soon knew that He was there,</div>
-<div class="i0">And crowded in, that they might see,</div>
-<div class="i1">And His discourse might hear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Yet not for Jesus' sake alone</div>
-<div class="i1">Had they the visit made,</div>
-<div class="i0">But to see Lazarus, whom He</div>
-<div class="i1">Had raised up from the dead.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Entry into Jerusalem.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE morning rose with peaceful skies,</div>
-<div class="i1">The first day of the week,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Jesus forthwith went His way,</div>
-<div class="i1">Jerusalem to seek.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He knew what waited Him&mdash;the thought</div>
-<div class="i1">His lofty spirit thrilled&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">That all His Father's' work be done,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Scripture be fulfilled.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Along the road towards Olive's mount&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">That oft-trod road&mdash;He went,</div>
-<div class="i0">Then two of His disciples</div>
-<div class="i1">Into Bethphage He sent;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And said: "Into the village go,</div>
-<div class="i1">Where straightway ye shall see</div>
-<div class="i0">An ass tied, and a colt with her;</div>
-<div class="i1">Loose them and bring to me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"If any may say aught to you,</div>
-<div class="i1">This shall be your reply:</div>
-<div class="i0">'The Lord hath need of them,' then he</div>
-<div class="i1">Will cheerfully comply."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then the disciples went their way,</div>
-<div class="i1">And found, as they were bidden,</div>
-<div class="i0">An ass tied, and a colt, whereon</div>
-<div class="i1">No man had ever ridden.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And their owners, as they loosed them,</div>
-<div class="i1">Enquired: "Why do ye so?"</div>
-<div class="i0">They said: "The Lord hath need of them."</div>
-<div class="i1">And then they let them go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they brought them unto Jesus,</div>
-<div class="i1">And put on them their clothes;</div>
-<div class="i0">And Jesus rode upon the colt,</div>
-<div class="i1">While loud Hosannahs rose.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And multitudes of people spread</div>
-<div class="i1">Their garments in the way,</div>
-<div class="i0">While others strewed palm branches where</div>
-<div class="i1">The Master rode that day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And "Hosannah, Son of David!"</div>
-<div class="i1">They cried with one accord,</div>
-<div class="i0">"Blessed is He that cometh thus</div>
-<div class="i1">In the name of the Lord!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But the Pharisees said: "Master,</div>
-<div class="i1">Rebuke this noisy shout."</div>
-<div class="i0">Said Jesus: "Should they hold their peace,</div>
-<div class="i1">The stones would then cry out."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now they descend fair Olive's Mount,</div>
-<div class="i1">Jerusalem appears,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Jesus beholds the city,</div>
-<div class="i1">And over it sheds tears,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Hadst thou but known the things</div>
-<div class="i1">Which belong to thy peace:</div>
-<div class="i0">But now from thine eyes they are hid;</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy day of hope shall cease."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The city's gate they enter now;</div>
-<div class="i1">Much moved, the people say:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Who is this?" Some answer: "Jesus,</div>
-<div class="i1">Prophet of Galilee."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then to the temple went the Lord,</div>
-<div class="i1">To clear its spacious courts</div>
-<div class="i0">Of those who bought and sold within</div>
-<div class="i1">Its sanctified resorts.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And when the chief priests and scribes saw</div>
-<div class="i1">His wondrous works and ways,</div>
-<div class="i0">And children in the temple courts</div>
-<div class="i1">Shouting these words of praise:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Hosannah to great David's Son!"</div>
-<div class="i1">They very angry were,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said to Him: "These babbling cries</div>
-<div class="i1">Around, dost thou not hear?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus saith unto them: "Yea,</div>
-<div class="i1">Have ye not read the Word:</div>
-<div class="i0">'The mouths of babes and sucklings doth</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy perfect praise accord?'"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The Pharisees, among themselves,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "Do ye not perceive</div>
-<div class="i0">That ye prevail naught while the world</div>
-<div class="i1">Doth on this man believe?"</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Barren Fig-Tree.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">B</span>UT now the eventide was come,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Jesus turned away,</div>
-<div class="i0">And with His twelve disciples went</div>
-<div class="i1">And lodged in Bethany.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Next morning, as the Lord returned,</div>
-<div class="i1">Quite early in the day,</div>
-<div class="i0">He wanted bread, and looking, saw</div>
-<div class="i1">A fig-tree in the way.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Without delay He went to it,</div>
-<div class="i1">To get some figs to eat;</div>
-<div class="i0">But He found only leaves thereon,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which are not good for meat.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then the Master spoke to it&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Spoke to the useless tree&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "Henceforth, forevermore</div>
-<div class="i1">Let no fruit grow on thee."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Into the city then He went,</div>
-<div class="i1">And in the temple taught,</div>
-<div class="i0">And preached to all who thronged around</div>
-<div class="i1">And His instructions sought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But the chief priests and elders came,</div>
-<div class="i1">And asked Him: "Who gave thee</div>
-<div class="i0">Authority to do these things</div>
-<div class="i1">That we both hear and see?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus answered: "I, also,</div>
-<div class="i1">Will ask one thing of you,</div>
-<div class="i0">Which, if you tell me, I will tell</div>
-<div class="i1">Who prompts the things I do.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"The baptism of John, whence was it,</div>
-<div class="i1">From heaven, or of men?"</div>
-<div class="i0">This question, which He asked of them,</div>
-<div class="i1">They could not answer then.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">For thus they reasoned with themselves:</div>
-<div class="i1">"If we shall say from heaven,</div>
-<div class="i0">He will say: 'Why not, then, to him</div>
-<div class="i1">Was your attention given?'</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But yet, if we shall say of men,</div>
-<div class="i1">The people's wrath we fear;</div>
-<div class="i0">For all hold John a prophet true,</div>
-<div class="i1">And his name they revere."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And so they said: "We cannot tell."</div>
-<div class="i1">He answered: "Nor to thee</div>
-<div class="i0">Tell I by what authority</div>
-<div class="i1">I do the things you see."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then, as evening fell, the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">With His disciples went</div>
-<div class="i0">Unto the mount of Olives, where</div>
-<div class="i1">The night they often spent.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And in the morning they returned,</div>
-<div class="i1">And lo! as they passed by,</div>
-<div class="i0">They saw the fig-tree in the way,</div>
-<div class="i1">All withered up and dry.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Peter then remembered well:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Master, behold," he said,</div>
-<div class="i0">"The fruitless tree which Thou didst curse</div>
-<div class="i1">Is withered all and dead."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Jesus, answering, said to them:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Verily, I say to you,</div>
-<div class="i0">Have faith in God and doubt Him not,</div>
-<div class="i1">And ye shall such things do.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And who shall to this mountain say,</div>
-<div class="i1">In firm, believing faith,</div>
-<div class="i0">'Be thou cast forth into the sea,'</div>
-<div class="i1">It shall be as he saith.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And whatsoever ye desire</div>
-<div class="i1">And ask for when ye pray,</div>
-<div class="i0">Believe that ye receive the gift;</div>
-<div class="i1">It shall be yours straightway.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And when you pray forgive all those</div>
-<div class="i1">Who have offended you,</div>
-<div class="i0">That so your Heavenly Father may</div>
-<div class="i1">Forgive the wrongs you do."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Law of Love.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, "Master," said a Pharisee,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thus tempting Him again:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Which commandment is the greatest</div>
-<div class="i1">That the law doth contain?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus said: "Thou shalt love the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy God with all thy heart,</div>
-<div class="i0">And all thy soul and all thy mind&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">This is the first great part.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And the second is like to it:</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou shalt thy neighbor love</div>
-<div class="i0">In the same way thou lov'st thyself;</div>
-<div class="i1">By deeds this new law prove.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Upon these two commandments&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Within the spirit wrought&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Hang all the law that Moses wrote,</div>
-<div class="i1">And all the prophets taught."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Widow's Mites.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now the Lord was sitting where</div>
-<div class="i1">He could the people see</div>
-<div class="i0">As they cast their gifts of money</div>
-<div class="i1">Into the treasury.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And many rich cast in large sums;</div>
-<div class="i1">Then came a widow, poor,</div>
-<div class="i0">And she threw in two mites, which make</div>
-<div class="i1">One farthing, and no more.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then the Lord called His disciples</div>
-<div class="i1">And said to them: "Verily,</div>
-<div class="i0">This poor widow has cast the most</div>
-<div class="i1">Into the treasury.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For all they, of their abundance,</div>
-<div class="i1">Offered, some less, some more,</div>
-<div class="i0">But she, of want and penury,</div>
-<div class="i1">Did cast in all her store."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus193">
-<img src="images/fig332.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS.<br /> St. Matthew 25:1-13</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Hypocrites.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big2">J</span>ESUS spoke to the multitude,</div>
-<div class="i1">That gathered at His feet:</div>
-<div class="i0">"The scribes and Pharisees do sit</div>
-<div class="i1">In Moses' sacred seat.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Do, therefore, what they bid you do,</div>
-<div class="i1">But follow not their way;</div>
-<div class="i0">For they, themselves, keep not the law,</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor do they what they say.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For they bind heavy burdens</div>
-<div class="i1">For other men to bear;</div>
-<div class="i0">But will not give a helping hand</div>
-<div class="i1">To ease another's care.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And all they do is to be seen</div>
-<div class="i1">Of men they daily meet;</div>
-<div class="i0">Their outward garments they adorn,</div>
-<div class="i1">Down to their very feet;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And love the upper rooms at feasts,</div>
-<div class="i1">And greetings in the crowd;</div>
-<div class="i0">And the chief seats in synagogues</div>
-<div class="i1">And titles make them proud.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But be not ye called 'Rabbi,' for</div>
-<div class="i1">To Christ that name is given;</div>
-<div class="i0">And call no man father on earth;</div>
-<div class="i1">Your Father is in heaven.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Nor be ye masters called, for One,</div>
-<div class="i1">Even Christ, your Master is,</div>
-<div class="i0">And he that would be greatest, let</div>
-<div class="i1">The servant's place be his.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And whoso shall exalt himself</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall be low and abased,</div>
-<div class="i0">And he that humbles himself shall</div>
-<div class="i1">To lofty seat be raised."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>He Weeps Over Jerusalem.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND then, His gentle spirit grieved</div>
-<div class="i1">For Israel's sin and pride,</div>
-<div class="i0">With tender pity in His voice,</div>
-<div class="i1">He sorrowfully cried:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!</div>
-<div class="i1">Which doth the prophets kill,</div>
-<div class="i0">And stonest them sent unto thee,</div>
-<div class="i1">The promise to fulfil;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"How oft would I have gathered</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy children to my breast,</div>
-<div class="i0">As a hen her brood doth gather</div>
-<div class="i1">Beneath her wings to rest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And ye would not. And now, alas!</div>
-<div class="i1">Behold your sad estate,</div>
-<div class="i0">Your doom is nigh, your house is left</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto you desolate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Moreover, ye shall not see me</div>
-<div class="i1">Until ye say the word:</div>
-<div class="i0">'Blessed is He that cometh in</div>
-<div class="i1">The name of Israel's Lord.'"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And His disciples then He warned</div>
-<div class="i1">To watch, and faithful be,</div>
-<div class="i0">Not knowing at what hour they</div>
-<div class="i1">The Son of Man should see.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Parables of the Virgins and Talents.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND then He pictured to their minds,</div>
-<div class="i1">In parables most clear,</div>
-<div class="i0">What should take place before the throne</div>
-<div class="i1">When the Lord should appear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The fate of the ten virgins,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of whom but five were wise,</div>
-<div class="i0">And five were foolish, without grace,</div>
-<div class="i1">He placed before their eyes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And of the nobleman who went</div>
-<div class="i1">To travel far away,</div>
-<div class="i0">And to his servants talents gave,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their wisdom to display.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And two their talents used in trade,</div>
-<div class="i1">And brought their master gain,</div>
-<div class="i0">Which pleased him so he raised them up</div>
-<div class="i1">O'er cities fair to reign;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">While one was slothful, loving ease,</div>
-<div class="i1">His talent hid away,</div>
-<div class="i0">And brought with it a vain excuse</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon the reck'ning day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But his lord answered wrathfully,</div>
-<div class="i1">He no excuse would take,</div>
-<div class="i0">But told him what he should have done,</div>
-<div class="i1">A lawful gain to make.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then ordered that they take and cast</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor pity him, nor spare&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The unprofitable servant</div>
-<div class="i1">Out into dark despair.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Corn of Wheat.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND while He taught the people all,</div>
-<div class="i1">From highest to the least,</div>
-<div class="i0">Some Greeks appeared, who had come up</div>
-<div class="i1">To worship at the feast.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The same approached to Philip, who</div>
-<div class="i1">Was of Bethsaida,</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Sir, we would the Master see,</div>
-<div class="i1">And from Him knowledge draw."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Philip and Andrew went apart,</div>
-<div class="i1">And they informed the Lord</div>
-<div class="i0">That polished strangers, standing near,</div>
-<div class="i1">Desired to hear His word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"The hour&mdash;the long-approaching hour&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Is come," the Lord replied,</div>
-<div class="i0">"When I should close my earthly work,</div>
-<div class="i1">And should be glorified.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Verily, I say unto you,</div>
-<div class="i1">Except a corn of wheat</div>
-<div class="i0">Sink in the ground and die, it will</div>
-<div class="i1">Alone produce no meat.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But if it die, it brings forth fruit;</div>
-<div class="i1">And he that life doth love</div>
-<div class="i0">Shall lose it: he that hates it gains</div>
-<div class="i1">Eternal life above.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"If any man will serve me, then</div>
-<div class="i1">Let him come after me;</div>
-<div class="i0">And where I am, there, also, shall</div>
-<div class="i1">My faithful servant be.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Now is my soul in agony,</div>
-<div class="i1">And what more shall I say?</div>
-<div class="i0">Father, save me from this sad hour,</div>
-<div class="i1">My human heart would pray,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But for this cause&mdash;that I might die&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Unto this hour I came,</div>
-<div class="i0">So in my heart I cry: "Father,</div>
-<div class="i1">Glorify thine own name!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then came there a voice from heaven,</div>
-<div class="i1">Saying, in clearest strain:</div>
-<div class="i0">"I have glorified it, and I</div>
-<div class="i1">Will glorify it again."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The people standing by were sure</div>
-<div class="i1">That thunder shook the air;</div>
-<div class="i0">But others said: "Not so, it is</div>
-<div class="i1">An angel's voice we hear."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus answered, and said: "This voice</div>
-<div class="i1">Came not because of me,</div>
-<div class="i0">But that ye all might understand</div>
-<div class="i1">The power of Deity.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Now is the judgment of this world;</div>
-<div class="i1">Its prince cast out shall be;</div>
-<div class="i0">And I, if I be lifted up,</div>
-<div class="i1">Will draw all men to me."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Traitor Judas.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW Satan to the carnal heart</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Judas entered in&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">He that was called Iscariot,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who money loved to win.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And he went unto the chief priests,</div>
-<div class="i1">And bargained to betray</div>
-<div class="i0">His Master to their evil power</div>
-<div class="i1">If they would give him pay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And his base scheme these men were glad</div>
-<div class="i1">To hear and understand,</div>
-<div class="i0">And thirty shining silver coins</div>
-<div class="i1">They weighed into his hand.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And from that time he sought a way</div>
-<div class="i1">He could, by sign or word,</div>
-<div class="i0">In absence of the multitude,</div>
-<div class="i1">Deliver up his Lord.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Upper Room.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW came the first day of the feast&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Day of unleavened bread&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">When the Passover must be killed;</div>
-<div class="i1">And the disciples said:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Where wilt Thou, Lord, that we shall go</div>
-<div class="i1">And preparation make</div>
-<div class="i0">For Thee to eat the Passover,</div>
-<div class="i1">And we, with Thee, partake?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Peter and John He then sent forth,</div>
-<div class="i1">Saying: "As ye walk the street,</div>
-<div class="i0">A man, bearing a pitcher</div>
-<div class="i1">Of water, ye shall meet.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Then follow him into the house,</div>
-<div class="i1">And to the good man say:</div>
-<div class="i0">The Master needs the guest-chamber</div>
-<div class="i1">To keep the feast to-day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And a large, furnished, upper room</div>
-<div class="i1">He unto you will show."</div>
-<div class="i0">Then the disciples went and found,</div>
-<div class="i1">As the Lord said, 'twas so.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now, at the evening hour, the Lord</div>
-<div class="i1">With His disciples came,</div>
-<div class="i0">And sat down round the table where</div>
-<div class="i1">Was served the paschal lamb.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And He said unto them: "I have</div>
-<div class="i1">Desired with every breath</div>
-<div class="i0">To eat this Passover with you,</div>
-<div class="i1">Before I suffer death."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Washing the Disciples' Feet.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HIS being over, Jesus rose,</div>
-<div class="i1">And laid His robe aside,</div>
-<div class="i0">And a towel girded round Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">So free was He from pride;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And with water in a basin</div>
-<div class="i1">Washed the disciples' feet.</div>
-<div class="i0">O, lowly Master! loving Lord!</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy meekness is complete!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Simon Peter would refuse,</div>
-<div class="i1">With love and high esteem,</div>
-<div class="i0">This humble office should be done</div>
-<div class="i1">By Jesus unto him;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Till Jesus, checking his proud will,</div>
-<div class="i1">Answered decidedly,</div>
-<div class="i0">By saying: "If I wash thee not,</div>
-<div class="i1">Thou hast no part with me."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Peter cried: "Lord, not my feet</div>
-<div class="i1">Only from stain be free;</div>
-<div class="i0">But also let my hands and head</div>
-<div class="i1">Be purified by Thee."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus said: "He whose feet are washed</div>
-<div class="i1">Is every whit made clean;</div>
-<div class="i0">And ye are clean, but not you all&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">He Judas, false, did mean.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">So, when the Lord had washed their feet,</div>
-<div class="i1">And had His robe put on,</div>
-<div class="i0">And took His seat, He said: "Know ye</div>
-<div class="i1">What I to you have done?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then taught them that if He, their Lord,</div>
-<div class="i1">Had washed their feet, then so</div>
-<div class="i0">Should they to one another</div>
-<div class="i1">Such act of grace bestow;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">That they to His example</div>
-<div class="i1">Should prompt respect accord,</div>
-<div class="i0">Well knowing that the servant is</div>
-<div class="i1">Not greater than his Lord.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Jesus is Betrayed.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW, after this, was Jesus sad,</div>
-<div class="i1">And trouble did display;</div>
-<div class="i0">For one of them who sat with Him</div>
-<div class="i1">He said should Him betray.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then, all being sorrowful,</div>
-<div class="i1">Said: "Is it I?" in turn.</div>
-<div class="i0">But He said: "'Twere good for that man</div>
-<div class="i1">If he had ne'er been born."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now the disciple Jesus loved,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who next His bosom lay,</div>
-<div class="i0">At sign from Peter asked: "Who, Lord,</div>
-<div class="i1">Would vilely Thee betray?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus said: "When I dip the sop</div>
-<div class="i1">It shall be that man's lot."</div>
-<div class="i0">And when He dipped He gave it to</div>
-<div class="i1">Judas Iscariot.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Yet upon Judas' callous heart</div>
-<div class="i1">No softening touch it gave:</div>
-<div class="i0">But Satan entered into him,</div>
-<div class="i1">To harden and enslave.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus said: "What thou do'st, do now."</div>
-<div class="i1">None knew what this did mean;</div>
-<div class="i0">But Judas rose and left the room,</div>
-<div class="i1">And sought a different scene.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Last Supper.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now the evening shades had closed,</div>
-<div class="i1">And night was o'er the sky;</div>
-<div class="i0">Supper was ended and lamps lit</div>
-<div class="i1">Within that chamber high.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The Lord took bread, and, blessing it,</div>
-<div class="i1">He brake in pieces small;</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Take, eat, this is my body,</div>
-<div class="i1">Once broken for you all."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then took the cup, and, giving thanks,</div>
-<div class="i1">He gave it to them, too;</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Drink ye, for this is my blood,</div>
-<div class="i1">Which is poured out for you.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And eat this bread, and drink this cup,</div>
-<div class="i1">For memory of me.</div>
-<div class="i0">But I'll not taste the wine till I</div>
-<div class="i1">My Father's kingdom see."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Peter's Warning.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HEN Peter cried out in alarm:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Lord, whither goest Thou?</div>
-<div class="i0">I will go with Thee unto death,</div>
-<div class="i1">Or unto prison now."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Jesus said to him: "Verily,</div>
-<div class="i1">Before the cock shall crow,</div>
-<div class="i0">This day thou wilt deny full thrice</div>
-<div class="i1">That thou the Lord dost know."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Promise of the Comforter.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>GAIN the Master's voice arose</div>
-<div class="i1">In precious converse sweet,</div>
-<div class="i0">The last and richest lessons,</div>
-<div class="i1">With wisdom most replete:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Let not your heart be troubled,</div>
-<div class="i1">Believe in me, most true,</div>
-<div class="i0">For in my Father's house I shall</div>
-<div class="i1">Prepare a place for you."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And on, in soothing accents, flowed</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon their listening ears</div>
-<div class="i0">Words which, while they increased their love,</div>
-<div class="i1">Excited still their fears.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">For He talked of going from them,</div>
-<div class="i1">Yet being with them still,</div>
-<div class="i0">And giving them what they should ask,</div>
-<div class="i1">If they would do His will;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And said He would pray the Father</div>
-<div class="i1">The Comforter to send&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The Holy Ghost&mdash;who, teaching them,</div>
-<div class="i1">Would lead them to the end.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And again He said unto them,</div>
-<div class="i1">As He, at first, had said:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Let not your heart be troubled,</div>
-<div class="i1">Nor let it be afraid."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Parable of the Vine.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big4">W</span>HEN it was time to go, He said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Arise, let us go hence,"</div>
-<div class="i0">And they all stood and sung a hymn</div>
-<div class="i1">Ere they departed thence.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then out into the shadowed street,</div>
-<div class="i1">After the close of day,</div>
-<div class="i0">The Lord and His eleven friends</div>
-<div class="i1">Walked slowly on their way;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">On towards the mount of Olives, where</div>
-<div class="i1">His custom was to go,</div>
-<div class="i0">Along the well-known path which crossed</div>
-<div class="i1">Where Kedron's waters flow.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And still the Master, as His wont</div>
-<div class="i1">When walking with His friends,</div>
-<div class="i0">Continued teaching golden truth</div>
-<div class="i1">The which to glory tends.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He likened Himself to a vine,</div>
-<div class="i1">While they the branches were;</div>
-<div class="i0">His Father was the husbandman,</div>
-<div class="i1">Who of the plant had care;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And charged them that they must bear fruit,</div>
-<div class="i1">And never barren prove;</div>
-<div class="i0">His Father should be glorified</div>
-<div class="i1">Through faith that works by love.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And charged them to abide in Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And thus much fruit return;</div>
-<div class="i0">And warned them 'gainst the dreadful fire,</div>
-<div class="i1">Where barren branches burn.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He then unfolded to their view</div>
-<div class="i1">The things that should be done,</div>
-<div class="i0">When He, their Head, should go away,</div>
-<div class="i1">And they be left alone;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And told them if they asked of God,</div>
-<div class="i1">In His name, any thing,</div>
-<div class="i0">Such prayer would quickly rise to heaven,</div>
-<div class="i1">And joyful answer bring.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Again He spoke to them of love,</div>
-<div class="i1">And of His blessed peace,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said, as He had overcome,</div>
-<div class="i1">So should their warfare cease.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>His Prayer for His Disciples.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND then He stood and raised His eyes</div>
-<div class="i1">To heaven's transparent dome;</div>
-<div class="i0">And in the same clear voice He said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Father, the hour is come."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then followed such a solemn prayer,</div>
-<div class="i1">With holy nearness filled,</div>
-<div class="i0">As human lips ne'er breathed before,</div>
-<div class="i1">By faith however thrilled.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The prayer ended, then Jesus crossed</div>
-<div class="i1">Over the Kedron brook,</div>
-<div class="i0">And the last walk, in silence calm,</div>
-<div class="i1">With His disciples took.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Christ in Gethsemane.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">O</span>N Olivet a garden grew&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Gethsemane its name&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And here, in that portentous hour,</div>
-<div class="i1">The "Man of Sorrows" came.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">The shadows of the midnight fell,</div>
-<div class="i1">And silence reigned around,</div>
-<div class="i0">As He and His eleven friends</div>
-<div class="i1">Trod the familiar ground.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then, Oh! such heavy agony</div>
-<div class="i1">Descended on His soul,</div>
-<div class="i0">That even His strong spirit was</div>
-<div class="i1">Unable to control.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He said to them: "Exceeding woe,</div>
-<div class="i1">Beyond all mortal grief,</div>
-<div class="i0">O'erwhelms my soul; watch here while I</div>
-<div class="i1">In prayer shall seek relief."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then went a little farther off,</div>
-<div class="i1">And on His face He fell,</div>
-<div class="i0">And offered up this earnest prayer:</div>
-<div class="i1">"If it be possible,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"My Father&mdash;Oh! My Father!&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Let this cup pass from me.</div>
-<div class="i0">Nevertheless, Thy holy will,</div>
-<div class="i1">And not my will shall be."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then, coming back to those He left,</div>
-<div class="i1">A mournful watch to keep,</div>
-<div class="i0">He found them prone upon the ground,</div>
-<div class="i1">And wrapped in heavy sleep.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus said: "Sleep now and rest,</div>
-<div class="i1">The hour is close at hand.</div>
-<div class="i0">Behold the Son of Man betrayed</div>
-<div class="i1">To an ungodly band."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>At the Palace of the High Priest.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND as He spake, behold a crowd</div>
-<div class="i1">With lanterns and with swords;</div>
-<div class="i0">And Judas, traitor, came before,</div>
-<div class="i1">With kiss and guileful words.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But He who reads all hearts, and points</div>
-<div class="i1">To what He finds amiss,</div>
-<div class="i0">Said: "Judas, dost thou thus betray</div>
-<div class="i1">Thy Master with a kiss?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then gently turning to the crowd,</div>
-<div class="i1">He asked them: "Whom seek ye?"</div>
-<div class="i0">They said: "Jesus of Nazareth."</div>
-<div class="i1">He answered: "I am he."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the armed band led Jesus</div>
-<div class="i1">Along the city road,</div>
-<div class="i0">Up to the high priest's palace&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Caiaphas' abode.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Meanwhile sat Peter by the fire,</div>
-<div class="i1">Wondering how this would end,</div>
-<div class="i0">And feeling wholly powerless</div>
-<div class="i1">His Master to defend.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">A servant, passing, said to him:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thou with this man hast been."</div>
-<div class="i0">But Peter in great fear replied:</div>
-<div class="i1">"I know not what you mean."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And soon another said he had</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Jesus' friends been one,</div>
-<div class="i0">But Peter cursed and swore that he</div>
-<div class="i1">Had never Jesus known.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Just then the cock crew, shrill and clear,</div>
-<div class="i1">And Jesus turned His face,</div>
-<div class="i0">And full on Peter cast a look</div>
-<div class="i1">Of love, reproach and grace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then over Peter's aching heart</div>
-<div class="i1">Repentant anguish swept,</div>
-<div class="i0">And he rushed out into the dawn,</div>
-<div class="i1">And bitterly he wept.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Christ before Pilate.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>ND now the morning beams appeared</div>
-<div class="i1">The council of the Jews</div>
-<div class="i0">Led Jesus to the judgment hall,</div>
-<div class="i1">That they might Him accuse.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Pilate gathered to his aid</div>
-<div class="i1">Chief priests and rulers all,</div>
-<div class="i0">And Jesus stood before him in</div>
-<div class="i1">The royal judgment hall.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And Pilate said unto them: "Ye</div>
-<div class="i1">Have brought this man to me,</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying, 'He perverts the people,'</div>
-<div class="i1">But no fault in Him I see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Nor yet Herod; for I sent you</div>
-<div class="i1">With your prisoner to the king;</div>
-<div class="i0">But no offence to Roman law</div>
-<div class="i1">Could you against Him bring.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"I, therefore, will chastise Him</div>
-<div class="i1">And order Him released;"</div>
-<div class="i0">For 'twas custom he should free to them</div>
-<div class="i1">A prisoner at the feast.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But they exclaimed: "Away with Him,"</div>
-<div class="i1">And cried, with one accord,</div>
-<div class="i0">That he release Barabbas,</div>
-<div class="i1">And crucify the Lord.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Now Barabbas was a robber,</div>
-<div class="i1">And they knew his record well;</div>
-<div class="i0">He for murder and sedition</div>
-<div class="i1">Lay in a prison cell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Why, what great evil hath He done?"</div>
-<div class="i1">Pilate, the third time saith;</div>
-<div class="i0">For he knew it was for envy</div>
-<div class="i1">That they desired His death.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Pilate's Wife's Dream.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">A</span>GAIN upon the judgment seat,</div>
-<div class="i1">To end this cruel strife,</div>
-<div class="i0">Sat Pilate, when a servant came</div>
-<div class="i1">With message from his wife.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Beware"&mdash;the word the lady sent&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">"That thou no evil do</div>
-<div class="i0">To Him who stands before thee now&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">That man so just and true.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For I while sleeping on my bed,</div>
-<div class="i1">Have suffered, in a dream,</div>
-<div class="i0">Much anguish and distress of mind,</div>
-<div class="i1">This day, because of Him."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Pilate saith to Jesus:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Art thou the very king</div>
-<div class="i0">The Jews expected should appear,</div>
-<div class="i1">And their salvation bring?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"My kingdom," Jesus answered,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Is not beneath the skies,</div>
-<div class="i0">Else to protect me from the Jews</div>
-<div class="i1">My servants would arise."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Art thou a king, then?" Pilate asked.</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thou sayest it," the reply;</div>
-<div class="i0">"For I was born, and hither came,</div>
-<div class="i1">The truth to testify."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Pilate said to Him: "What is truth?"</div>
-<div class="i1">Then left the judgment hall,</div>
-<div class="i0">And said unto the Jews: "I find</div>
-<div class="i1">In Him no fault at all."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then Pilate, taking water, washed</div>
-<div class="i1">His hands before them all;</div>
-<div class="i0">And said: "This just man's blood on me</div>
-<div class="i1">Shall not in judgment fall."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then answered all the people:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Let this man's blood be shed;</div>
-<div class="i0">And let it fall on each of us,</div>
-<div class="i1">And on our children's head."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus194">
-<img src="images/fig333.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">THE CRUCIFIXION<br /> St. Matthew 27:35-38; St. Mark 15:24-28; St. Luke 23:33, 34; St. John 19:18-24</p>
-</div>
-
-<h3>The Crucifixion.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big2">I</span>T was outside the city wall</div>
-<div class="i1">Of proud Jerusalem,</div>
-<div class="i0">That Roman soldiers crucified</div>
-<div class="i1">Whom Pilate dared condemn.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But from the suffering Nazarene</div>
-<div class="i1">No word of murmur came;</div>
-<div class="i0">Patience appeared through keenest wrong,</div>
-<div class="i1">And dignity through shame.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Only this kind and earnest plea</div>
-<div class="i1">Their malice from Him drew:</div>
-<div class="i0">"Father, I pray, forgive them now,</div>
-<div class="i1">They know not what they do."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Mother of Jesus.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW there stood by that dreadful cross</div>
-<div class="i1">The mother of the Lord,</div>
-<div class="i0">Whose soul with sharpest agony</div>
-<div class="i1">Was pierced, as with a sword.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">When Jesus therefore saw her near,</div>
-<div class="i1">And His disciple, John,</div>
-<div class="i0">The man whom He loved best, He said:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Woman, behold thy son."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then said to the disciple:</div>
-<div class="i1">"Thy mother here behold!"</div>
-<div class="i0">And John thenceforth his loving care</div>
-<div class="i1">Around her did enfold.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Darkened Sun.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW 'tis high noon and, solemn sight,</div>
-<div class="i1">The sun withdraws his face,</div>
-<div class="i0">And shadows, over all the land,</div>
-<div class="i1">The beams of day replace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">All nature, wrapped in solemn awe,</div>
-<div class="i1">Stood shuddering in dismay,</div>
-<div class="i0">As hours of stern, Almighty wrath,</div>
-<div class="i1">Passed tediously away.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Once, from the cross, an anguished voice</div>
-<div class="i1">Came languidly: "I thirst,"</div>
-<div class="i0">And then a cry, as though the heart,</div>
-<div class="i1">So full of love, had burst.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"Eli, Eli," these were the words,</div>
-<div class="i1">"Lama Sabachthani?"</div>
-<div class="i0">Oh! what acutest agony</div>
-<div class="i1">Wrung forth that mournful cry!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Meanwhile a sponge, in vinegar,</div>
-<div class="i1">One standing near Him dips;</div>
-<div class="i0">And, putting it upon a reed,</div>
-<div class="i1">He lifts it to His lips.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He then, with exclamation loud,</div>
-<div class="i1">His voice aloft doth send,</div>
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Father, now into Thy hands</div>
-<div class="i1">"My spirit I commend!"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And, then, behold! the temple vail</div>
-<div class="i1">From top to bottom rent;</div>
-<div class="i0">An earthquake shook the city's walls,</div>
-<div class="i1">The rocks to pieces went.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And the centurian, with his guard,</div>
-<div class="i1">Seeing these signs abroad,</div>
-<div class="i0">Exclaimed in fear: "Now, of a truth,</div>
-<div class="i1">"This was the Son of God."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Burial.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">N</span>OW a good man, Joseph by name,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of wealth and high renown,</div>
-<div class="i0">In secret a disciple true,</div>
-<div class="i1">Of Rama's ancient town,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Besought that Pilate grant to him</div>
-<div class="i1">Permission to remove</div>
-<div class="i0">The body of the Crucified,</div>
-<div class="i1">Whom he had learned to love.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then came Nicodemus,</div>
-<div class="i1">With aloes and with myrrh&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">Another who had been of Christ</div>
-<div class="i1">A secret worshipper.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And these two men, who ne'er had made</div>
-<div class="i1">Profession, great or small,</div>
-<div class="i0">Prepared the sacred body for</div>
-<div class="i1">An honored burial.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">They wrapped it, with the spices,</div>
-<div class="i1">In clean, white linen clothes;</div>
-<div class="i0">According to the way in which</div>
-<div class="i1">The Jews their dead dispose.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Then reverently laid it down</div>
-<div class="i1">In Joseph's tomb&mdash;quite new,</div>
-<div class="i0">Which he had hewn from out the rock,</div>
-<div class="i1">His own last sleep in view.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>The Resurrection.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big3">T</span>HE Sabbath passed in sullen calm</div>
-<div class="i1">The Lord of all things slept,</div>
-<div class="i0">And some exulted in their crime,</div>
-<div class="i1">While others mourned and wept.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">It passed, it ended, and, behold!</div>
-<div class="i1">While darkness veiled the sky,</div>
-<div class="i0">Midst shock of earthquake, there came down</div>
-<div class="i1">An angel from on high.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He sought the silent sepulchre,</div>
-<div class="i1">And rolled away the stone&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">The heavy stone that filled the door&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">And took his seat thereon.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">His features shone with lightning glow,</div>
-<div class="i1">His robes were snowy white;</div>
-<div class="i0">With solemn awe the keepers shook,</div>
-<div class="i1">And fell, as dead, with fright.</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<h3>Women at the Tomb.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big4">M</span>EANWHILE the day began to dawn&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">The first day of the week&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i0">And sorrowing women early came,</div>
-<div class="i1">The sacred tomb to seek;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">With spices and with ointments sweet,</div>
-<div class="i1">To preserve the precious clay;</div>
-<div class="i0">And saying: "Who shall roll for us</div>
-<div class="i1">That heavy stone away?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But when they reached the sepulchre,</div>
-<div class="i1">They saw the stone removed,</div>
-<div class="i0">And, entering in, they also missed</div>
-<div class="i1">The form of Him they loved.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Instead, they saw a strange young man,</div>
-<div class="i1">Sitting up on the right,</div>
-<div class="i0">Clothed in a long, white flowing robe,</div>
-<div class="i1">And they were filled with fright.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And he said unto them: "Fear not,</div>
-<div class="i1">Ye seek Him who was slain.</div>
-<div class="i0">He is not here. He's risen indeed,</div>
-<div class="i1">Come, see where He has lain."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" id="illus195">
-<img src="images/fig334.jpg" alt="" />
-<p class="caption center little">"THEY CAST THE NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SHIP AND WERE NOT ABLE<br />
-TO DRAW IT FOR THE MULTITUDE OF FISHES." St. John 21. 6</p>
-</div>
-
-<h3>The Ascension.</h3>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0"><span class="big">O</span>N sacred Olivet, once more,</div>
-<div class="i1">The apostles met their Lord,</div>
-<div class="i0">And looked with rapture on His face,</div>
-<div class="i1">And heard with joy His word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">He spake with old-time gentleness,</div>
-<div class="i1">And dignity, and love,</div>
-<div class="i0">Commanding that they should not from</div>
-<div class="i1">Jerusalem remove.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But wait there till the promise of</div>
-<div class="i1">My Father come," He said,</div>
-<div class="i0">"Of which you heard me plainly speak</div>
-<div class="i1">The night I was betrayed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"For John baptised with water,</div>
-<div class="i1">But ye shall feel the glow</div>
-<div class="i0">Of baptism with the Holy Ghost,</div>
-<div class="i1">Not many days from now."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And as He talked He led them on</div>
-<div class="i1">As far as Bethany,</div>
-<div class="i0">When they, together, forward came</div>
-<div class="i1">And asked Him earnestly,</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Saying: "Lord, wilt thou at this time</div>
-<div class="i1">To Israel restore</div>
-<div class="i0">The kingdom in such splendor</div>
-<div class="i1">As it enjoyed of yore?"</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">But Jesus said unto them all:</div>
-<div class="i1">"'Tis not for you to know</div>
-<div class="i0">That which the Father doth intend</div>
-<div class="i1">Respecting things below.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"But ye shall be endued with power,</div>
-<div class="i1">And strength, and majesty,</div>
-<div class="i0">After the Holy Ghost has come</div>
-<div class="i1">Upon you from on high.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"And ye shall witness unto Me</div>
-<div class="i1">Both in Jerusalem,</div>
-<div class="i0">Judea and Samaria,</div>
-<div class="i1">And lands ye now condemn."</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And then He lifted up His hands,</div>
-<div class="i1">And blessed them as they stood,</div>
-<div class="i0">While He ascended from their sight,</div>
-<div class="i1">Their Master, great and good.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And they beheld Him rise aloft</div>
-<div class="i1">Into the ether bright,</div>
-<div class="i0">Until a cloud enveloped Him,</div>
-<div class="i1">And bore Him from their sight.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">And while they looked up after Him</div>
-<div class="i1">Toward heaven, amazed and sad,</div>
-<div class="i0">Behold two angels stood by them,</div>
-<div class="i1">In white apparel clad;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">Which said: "Ye men of Galilee,</div>
-<div class="i1">Why stand ye, gazing up,</div>
-<div class="i0">As though the Lord had gone away,</div>
-<div class="i1">And left you without hope?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="i0">"As ye have seen Him rise to heaven</div>
-<div class="i1">In majesty sublime,</div>
-<div class="i0">So, in like manner, shall He come,</div>
-<div class="i1">In the allotted time."</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<div class="transnote">
-
-<p class="c">Transcriber's Notes:</p>
-
-<p>In the list of illustrations Return of the Prodigal Son 278 has been corrected to 378.</p>
-
-<p>Illustrations have been moved out of mid-paragraph.</p>
-
-<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation are retained.</p>
-
-<p>Punctuation has been retained as published.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
-End of Project Gutenberg's Captivating Bible Stories, by Charlotte Mary Yonge
-
-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTIVATING BIBLE STORIES ***
-
-***** This file should be named 62126-h.htm or 62126-h.zip *****
-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
-        http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/1/2/62126/
-
-Produced by Richard Hulse, Alan and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will
-be renamed.
-
-Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
-law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
-so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
-States without permission and without paying copyright
-royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
-of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
-concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
-and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive
-specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this
-eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook
-for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports,
-performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given
-away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks
-not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the
-trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.
-
-START: FULL LICENSE
-
-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
-
-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
-Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
-www.gutenberg.org/license.
-
-Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-
-1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
-(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
-destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your
-possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
-Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
-by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the
-person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph
-1.E.8.
-
-1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
-paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this
-agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
-
-1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the
-Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
-of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual
-works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
-States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
-United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
-claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
-displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
-all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
-that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting
-free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm
-works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
-Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily
-comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
-same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when
-you share it without charge with others.
-
-1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
-what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
-in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
-check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
-agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
-distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
-other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no
-representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
-country outside the United States.
-
-1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
-
-1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
-immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear
-prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work
-on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the
-phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed,
-performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
-
-  This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-  most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
-  restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
-  under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this
-  eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the
-  United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you
-  are located before using this ebook.
-
-1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is
-derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
-contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
-copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
-the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
-redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
-either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
-obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm
-trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
-additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
-will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works
-posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
-beginning of this work.
-
-1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
-
-1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm License.
-
-1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
-any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
-to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format
-other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official
-version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site
-(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
-to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
-of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain
-Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the
-full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
-
-1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-provided that
-
-* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
-  the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
-  you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
-  to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has
-  agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
-  within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
-  legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
-  payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
-  Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
-  Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
-  Literary Archive Foundation."
-
-* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
-  you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
-  does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-  License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
-  copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
-  all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm
-  works.
-
-* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
-  any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
-  electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
-  receipt of the work.
-
-* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
-  distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than
-are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
-from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The
-Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm
-trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
-
-1.F.
-
-1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
-works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
-Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
-contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
-or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
-intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
-other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
-cannot be read by your equipment.
-
-1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
-fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
-DAMAGE.
-
-1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
-written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
-with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
-with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
-lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
-or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
-opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
-the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
-without further opportunities to fix the problem.
-
-1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO
-OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
-LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
-
-1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
-damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
-violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
-agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
-limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
-unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
-remaining provisions.
-
-1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in
-accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
-production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
-including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
-the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
-or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or
-additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any
-Defect you cause.
-
-Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
-computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
-exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
-from people in all walks of life.
-
-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
-remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future
-generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
-Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at
-www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-
-Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
-
-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
-Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
-number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
-U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
-
-The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the
-mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its
-volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous
-locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt
-Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to
-date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and
-official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
-
-For additional contact information:
-
-    Dr. Gregory B. Newby
-    Chief Executive and Director
-    gbnewby@pglaf.org
-
-Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
-array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
-status with the IRS.
-
-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
-States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
-with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
-DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
-state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
-approach us with offers to donate.
-
-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
-outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
-
-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
-methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
-donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works.
-
-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be
-freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
-distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of
-volunteer support.
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
-editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
-the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
-necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
-edition.
-
-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search
-facility: www.gutenberg.org
-
-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-</body>
-</html>
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/cover.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index af2b71e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/cover.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig1.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig1.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 465bf00..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig1.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig10.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig10.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e4fe7fe..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig10.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig100.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig100.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ff1a26c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig100.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig101.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig101.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e9e60b0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig101.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig102.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig102.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index baef316..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig102.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig103.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig103.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0b5fb06..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig103.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig104.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig104.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3acbb5a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig104.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig105.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig105.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 82443a0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig105.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig106.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig106.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 81929f8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig106.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig108.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig108.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index b325cb7..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig108.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig109.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig109.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index da1491e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig109.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig11.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig11.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0cb31fb..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig11.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig110.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig110.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 1951ebe..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig110.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig111.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig111.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4d89080..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig111.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig112.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig112.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 58da099..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig112.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig113.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig113.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4cb5383..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig113.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig114.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig114.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6f0c2a6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig114.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig115.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig115.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e4f1d32..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig115.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig116.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig116.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c5a8827..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig116.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig117.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig117.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index cddcbdc..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig117.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig118.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig118.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6bcef81..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig118.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig119.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig119.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c5f4be8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig119.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig12.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig12.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5cab72d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig12.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig120.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig120.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 63af74e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig120.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig121.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig121.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 86bc80b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig121.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig122.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig122.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index bfed300..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig122.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig123.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig123.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 623b83a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig123.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig124.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig124.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a8c1e2c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig124.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig125.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig125.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e36f3c8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig125.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig126.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig126.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 08715dd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig126.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig127.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig127.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f6b8e5f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig127.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig128.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig128.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e17e69d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig128.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig129.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig129.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e5b0b97..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig129.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig13.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig13.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 01a2aee..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig13.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig130.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig130.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 99b680c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig130.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig131.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig131.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9974103..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig131.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig132.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig132.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 10a4ef9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig132.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig133.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig133.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c9f4314..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig133.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig134.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig134.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a64eedb..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig134.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig135.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig135.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 156aa1b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig135.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig136.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig136.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 505544f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig136.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig137.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig137.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c0e9e9c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig137.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig138.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig138.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 17fe5fe..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig138.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig139.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig139.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 68d31f0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig139.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig14.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig14.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a409025..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig14.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig140.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig140.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c6a493a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig140.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig141.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig141.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e622d41..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig141.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig142.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig142.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fef9df2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig142.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig143.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig143.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4b0565d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig143.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig144.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig144.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c0698f1..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig144.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig145.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig145.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 1a1eb0a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig145.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig146.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig146.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 23cab01..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig146.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig147.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig147.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 968cf2b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig147.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig148.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig148.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index bb407d2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig148.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig149.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig149.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 1f408a5..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig149.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig15.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig15.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 2798010..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig15.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig150.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig150.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c4f16e7..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig150.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig151.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig151.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c425fd2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig151.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig152.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig152.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index b722385..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig152.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig153.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig153.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e022991..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig153.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig154.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig154.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ee6bd2d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig154.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig156.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig156.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 095edb0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig156.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig157.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig157.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0d25043..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig157.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig158.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig158.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f4efa25..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig158.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig159.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig159.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9753cc2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig159.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig16.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig16.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6a68133..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig16.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig160.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig160.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5879cbf..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig160.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig161.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig161.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5cf3673..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig161.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig162.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig162.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7bfa0b1..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig162.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig163.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig163.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f3a5b01..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig163.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig164.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig164.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fba25a8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig164.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig165.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig165.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a0ec245..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig165.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig166.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig166.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c267ef0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig166.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig167.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig167.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 021469d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig167.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig168.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig168.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 2008fb2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig168.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig169.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig169.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6de604e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig169.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig17.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig17.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index aa2d411..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig17.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig170.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig170.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6d9200d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig170.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig171.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig171.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e894c98..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig171.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig172.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig172.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a5bc3a3..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig172.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig173.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig173.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 961f053..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig173.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig174.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig174.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6565243..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig174.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig175.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig175.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a11f759..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig175.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig176.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig176.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 19e0dae..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig176.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig177.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig177.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 206b806..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig177.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig178.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig178.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8168885..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig178.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig179.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig179.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index af1f05c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig179.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig18.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig18.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 60a0270..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig18.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig180.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig180.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a8f752f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig180.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig181.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig181.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 26d6bb2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig181.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig182.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig182.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 1df3205..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig182.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig183.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig183.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 69cc494..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig183.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig184.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig184.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index da87b86..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig184.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig185.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig185.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index d5bca52..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig185.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig186.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig186.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5f4541e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig186.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig187.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig187.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index eae840a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig187.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig188.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig188.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7883363..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig188.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig189.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig189.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 23f8acc..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig189.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig19.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig19.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index dcb6abd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig19.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig190.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig190.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 181babf..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig190.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig191.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig191.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index bc43a37..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig191.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig192.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig192.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8a8678d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig192.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig193.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig193.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 301c998..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig193.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig194.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig194.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 36ac8da..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig194.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig195.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig195.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 74830c0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig195.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig196.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig196.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index dff0bf0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig196.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig197.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig197.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4ff4dd4..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig197.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig198.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig198.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ebc177f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig198.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig199.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig199.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 2460fbf..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig199.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig2.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig2.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7267332..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig2.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig20.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig20.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0d953f6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig20.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig200.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig200.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 77bfb21..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig200.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig201.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig201.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ee6908b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig201.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig202.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig202.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8c28644..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig202.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig203.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig203.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a8d2a9a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig203.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig204.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig204.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3a576ef..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig204.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig204big.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig204big.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f382cdb..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig204big.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig205.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig205.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index eb61f59..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig205.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig206.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig206.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9b65bc1..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig206.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig207.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig207.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index cdf4dff..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig207.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig208.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig208.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 740d209..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig208.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig209.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig209.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f5736c7..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig209.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig21.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig21.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 99b55c9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig21.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig210.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig210.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index b011644..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig210.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig211.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig211.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9bb1fb5..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig211.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig212.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig212.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 711f69f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig212.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig213.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig213.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 07c28c4..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig213.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig214.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig214.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 014fa31..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig214.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig215.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig215.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e8ce69b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig215.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig216.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig216.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 75ff087..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig216.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig217.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig217.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 55889f6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig217.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig218.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig218.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fdddb33..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig218.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig219.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig219.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7bb0009..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig219.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig22.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig22.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ffbad12..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig22.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig220.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig220.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 366127f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig220.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig221.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig221.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6c45840..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig221.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig222.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig222.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0ebcc42..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig222.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig223.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig223.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a168c5d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig223.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig224.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig224.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fadaac6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig224.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig225.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig225.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6f0a12e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig225.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig226.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig226.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 77106c8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig226.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig227.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig227.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e57439d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig227.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig228.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig228.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index da72726..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig228.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig229.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig229.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e98c927..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig229.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig23.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig23.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9e5d4b5..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig23.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig230.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig230.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 39534ab..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig230.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig231.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig231.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f7374b1..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig231.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig232.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig232.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ba2ed4f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig232.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig233.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig233.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 660091e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig233.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig234.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig234.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 89df6a6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig234.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig235.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig235.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 074179a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig235.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig236.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig236.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6fdd60b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig236.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig237.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig237.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 63fa728..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig237.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig238.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig238.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 20fed10..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig238.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig239.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig239.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4ae2795..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig239.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig24.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig24.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fb26d3b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig24.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig240.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig240.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5dfd9e2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig240.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig241.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig241.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index af2bdd3..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig241.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig242.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig242.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6cfafea..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig242.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig243.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig243.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3bf2f7d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig243.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig244.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig244.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index bdfa05b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig244.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig245.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig245.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index cc2d679..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig245.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig246.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig246.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c6a7b12..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig246.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig247.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig247.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c561516..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig247.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig248.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig248.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0d4bdba..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig248.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig249.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig249.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a650c2a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig249.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig25.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig25.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ada6824..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig25.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig250.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig250.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7203727..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig250.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig251.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig251.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5e65ad8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig251.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig252.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig252.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 07e490a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig252.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig253.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig253.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 34e3e93..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig253.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig254.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig254.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 65209ba..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig254.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig255.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig255.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e9e243e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig255.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig256.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig256.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 56f9a60..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig256.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig257.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig257.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 12112bb..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig257.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig258.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig258.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ef53fa7..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig258.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig259.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig259.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 948a39b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig259.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig26.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig26.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 113a912..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig26.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig260.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig260.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ac793dd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig260.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig261.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig261.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8e29e14..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig261.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig262.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig262.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 723cf42..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig262.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig263.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig263.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index d1edd44..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig263.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig264.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig264.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7a72db3..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig264.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig265.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig265.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5c18ffa..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig265.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig266.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig266.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 605db92..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig266.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig267.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig267.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4863a96..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig267.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig268.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig268.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 66742b5..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig268.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig269.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig269.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 08c428c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig269.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig27.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig27.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8c28c21..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig27.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig270.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig270.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 01846b4..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig270.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig271.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig271.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 21f6fb9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig271.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig272.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig272.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7bc23b5..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig272.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig273.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig273.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6cfdd5e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig273.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig274.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig274.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 06db521..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig274.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig275.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig275.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e1381f6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig275.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig276.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig276.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a4f200f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig276.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig277.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig277.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f72e66f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig277.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig278.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig278.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index d0f730e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig278.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig279.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig279.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e817202..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig279.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig28.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig28.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3515506..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig28.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig280.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig280.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a4ca587..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig280.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig281.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig281.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index eb6344e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig281.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig282.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig282.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5393382..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig282.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig283.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig283.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c9b6f48..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig283.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig284.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig284.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 89c905a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig284.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig285.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig285.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 1a213e7..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig285.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig286.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig286.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 358ee27..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig286.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig287.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig287.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index eca689c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig287.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig288.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig288.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f92b86a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig288.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig289.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig289.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0535dff..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig289.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig29.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig29.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6727716..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig29.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig290.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig290.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8b33cbd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig290.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig291.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig291.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ebb4590..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig291.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig292.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig292.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fd5c687..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig292.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig293.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig293.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 48ec2a9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig293.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig294.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig294.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index cdfb8e4..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig294.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig295.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig295.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 754dd2f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig295.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig296.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig296.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 752cb74..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig296.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig297.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig297.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index efd49ce..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig297.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig298.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig298.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6de6539..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig298.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig299.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig299.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c1c4762..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig299.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig3.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig3.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0bee501..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig3.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig30.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig30.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index db5006e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig30.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig300.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig300.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3172871..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig300.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig301.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig301.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index d791ccd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig301.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig302.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig302.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6600d4f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig302.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig303.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig303.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 88d9f8e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig303.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig304.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig304.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e12dc5e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig304.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig305.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig305.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6e5cb0e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig305.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig306.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig306.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0463186..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig306.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig307.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig307.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 36c3b5f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig307.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig308.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig308.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index aab7c78..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig308.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig309.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig309.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a7ee693..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig309.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig31.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig31.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e304ba2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig31.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig310.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig310.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7f66fba..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig310.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig311.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig311.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8e5bb79..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig311.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig312.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig312.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f4da8ba..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig312.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig313.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig313.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index b7e531b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig313.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig314.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig314.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c3c275b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig314.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig315.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig315.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 33e05c9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig315.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig316.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig316.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 324424f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig316.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig317.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig317.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index e48410b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig317.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig318.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig318.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fa4afd4..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig318.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig319.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig319.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index eda0090..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig319.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig32.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig32.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5c7c65d..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig32.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig320.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig320.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6c9a0a5..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig320.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig321.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig321.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 43ecb34..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig321.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig322.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig322.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0058494..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig322.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig323.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig323.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 928db61..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig323.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig324.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig324.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 38fbf30..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig324.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig325.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig325.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index cb02ee8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig325.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig326.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig326.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index d08a4fe..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig326.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig327.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig327.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9759284..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig327.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig328.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig328.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 2b36bee..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig328.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig329.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig329.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 85fa7ec..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig329.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig33.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig33.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f06cdb9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig33.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig330.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig330.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 1972ddf..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig330.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig331.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig331.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a3bbd62..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig331.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig332.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig332.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a448a9c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig332.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig333.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig333.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index b55395a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig333.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig334.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig334.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 67f8d78..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig334.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig34.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig34.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 8711145..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig34.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig35.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig35.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 5942950..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig35.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig36.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig36.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ec008f6..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig36.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig37.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig37.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 546b09b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig37.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig38.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig38.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7f9d874..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig38.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig39.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig39.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f95b5da..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig39.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig4.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig4.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ff67f49..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig4.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig40.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig40.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c575827..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig40.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig41.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig41.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 704eca3..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig41.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig42.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig42.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 88a0e3a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig42.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig43.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig43.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a93ceae..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig43.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig44.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig44.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fa71f16..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig44.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig45.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig45.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index c664059..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig45.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig46.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig46.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index be0afea..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig46.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig47.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig47.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index af24c1f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig47.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig48.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig48.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a1249b8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig48.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig49.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig49.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3be5cdc..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig49.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig5.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig5.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index d2e1c11..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig5.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig50.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig50.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 50b8fc3..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig50.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig51.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig51.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9a2fbb9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig51.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig52.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig52.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 09abfc2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig52.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig53.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig53.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0dd46ba..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig53.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig54.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig54.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 857fb3c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig54.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig55.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig55.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3ce4158..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig55.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig56.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig56.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 493cf1f..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig56.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig57.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig57.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 58a529a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig57.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig58.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig58.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 193d3fd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig58.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig59.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig59.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 214692e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig59.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig6.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig6.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 13fcfbd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig6.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig60.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig60.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 7ae5054..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig60.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig61.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig61.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ec44ab2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig61.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig62.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig62.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 03798ba..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig62.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig63.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig63.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 257c401..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig63.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig64.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig64.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 950ecca..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig64.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig65.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig65.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9f0b89e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig65.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig66.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig66.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 83e4b79..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig66.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig67.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig67.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 797a71b..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig67.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig68.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig68.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 764b288..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig68.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig69.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig69.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 83f96e9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig69.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig7.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig7.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index fc43073..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig7.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig70.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig70.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index b4edc01..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig70.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig71.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig71.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 45c50a9..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig71.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig72.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig72.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4504622..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig72.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig73.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig73.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a92e308..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig73.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig74.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig74.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 0ae6b8e..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig74.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig75.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig75.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 327c8c4..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig75.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig76.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig76.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 2809d10..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig76.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig77.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig77.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 1e847e1..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig77.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig78.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig78.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 3fc7597..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig78.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig79.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig79.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 193f88c..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig79.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig8.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig8.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 932a155..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig8.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig80.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig80.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 99d09f2..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig80.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig81.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig81.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 43d4070..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig81.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig82.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig82.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ef2d307..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig82.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig83.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig83.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 2234c7a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig83.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig84.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig84.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 2145686..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig84.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig85.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig85.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index d0669c0..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig85.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig86.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig86.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4ade5a3..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig86.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig87.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig87.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f338438..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig87.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig88.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig88.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 27cfe53..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig88.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig89.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig89.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 4fc8e4a..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig89.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig9.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig9.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index ee3f845..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig9.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig90.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig90.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index f9c18fb..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig90.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig91.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig91.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 66d05dd..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig91.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig92.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig92.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 099bdb5..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig92.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig93.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig93.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index aef91d7..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig93.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig94.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig94.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 9e25b03..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig94.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig95.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig95.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index cd83cf8..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig95.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig96.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig96.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6799796..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig96.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig97.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig97.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 36d8097..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig97.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig98.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig98.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index a33ba59..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig98.jpg
+++ /dev/null
diff --git a/old/62126-h/images/fig99.jpg b/old/62126-h/images/fig99.jpg
deleted file mode 100644
index 6d74edb..0000000
--- a/old/62126-h/images/fig99.jpg
+++ /dev/null