of the natives, who began to collect in groups, and question if a rising were imminent. Meantime the chief of the Greek band went to the stationmaster and demanded to have every carriage searched. "But the train is to start in five minutes," said he, "and if I delay it an hour I am fined a hundred pounds sterling." - "Take £200, and give us two hours. We will find the money, but the key we will have." Seeing resistance vain, he gave the key. For the harem carriages were locked up; and in the very first of these the two lost ones were found, weeping bitterly, but not daring to cry loud, for the older women and the eunuchs had all received strict charge to keep everything quiet, and to fasten the lattices well. They were dragged out in spite of these creatures' resistance, and triumphantly presented to the joyful mother, amidst the acclamations of the crowd.

The little party were conveyed to the house of one of their wealthy countrymen, and suitably entertained there for a few days while making preparations for their return to their former home in Constantinople, where all their connections lived. The consul assisted the lady in sending a formal complaint to the Egyptian Government, and, to the honour of the present Khedive and his late government, the com

plaint was fully and nobly attended to, and the culprit was sentenced to pay whatever damages the widow should desire; nor was there the least attempt to shield him; on the contrary, the heavy sum demanded was insisted on being paid to the last pound, though it necessitated the sale of his estate.

The eldest girl had been, though so young, made a wife in Turkish fashion by her master (who had, it was said, intended to marry the other sister also as soon as she was a few years older); but of course such a forced marriage with so young a creature could not be looked on for a moment as binding in law, and the Government did not make the least difficulty about her mother's claim. She returned with her daughters to Constantinople, and we know no more of them; but all who read this true tale and who know anything of the inner life of man, will surely pray that the courageous and faithful mother and her sweet young daughters may be led by God's Spirit to understand that beautiful parable which their history illustrates so well, of the shepherd seeking his lost sheep in the wilderness, and resting not till he had found it; and may they be safe at the last day in the fold of the Good Shepherd among the many, many sheep who were lost and are found!

SCHOOL AND HOME.

No. 1. THE MUSTARD SEED. (ST. MATTHEW xiii. 31, 32.)

NTRODUCTION. Four short Parables will be treated in this month's lessons. As each is contained in one or two verses, the skill of the teacher will be exercised in sustaining the interest without much reading.

Remind of last lessons-two Parables. What were they?

In Sower how often was seed fruitless? Three times for one that bore fruit! In the Tares both seemed equally mixed-good seed and tares. This might discourage disciples-make them think Word of God fail as often as succeed. So next two Parables show its growth. It does take root-does grow-does spread-does succeed.

I. THE PARABLE. All often eat mustard-can describe its appearance and hot pungent flavour; perhaps have grown it in gardens-can describe the seed -small, round, yellow, quickly growing up. Not the smallest of all seeds actually, but smallest in proportion to its large growth afterwards. In Palestine mustard tree grows to large size-flocks of birds shelter in the boughs-like the aromatic flavour of seeds, get shelter from heat of sun. May notice therefore these points :-(a) The tree has a small beginning. (b) The small seed becomes large tree. (c) The tree gives shelter.

II. THE MEANING. What is like the mustard seed? Explain Kingdom of Heaven to mean Christ's Church on earth-the people gathered in by Him-called disciples, followers, sheep, children, etc. Then follow out the above points. (a) The Church began with a few. At first four disciples only-who were they? (See Matt. iv. 18-22.) Then a few more, making twelve apostles. (Matt. x. 2.) And when Christ ascended total number only 120. (Acts i. 15.) How small and insignificant! (b) The Church has grown large. Even in times of apostles spread over Europe and Asia -now in almost every part of world-estimated number of Christians 300,000,000. Still, even these only one third of the whole population of the world (c) The Church gives shelter. (Read Acts ii. 41-47.) The new believers joined the Church-3,000 admitted by baptism in one day-continued steadfast in apostle's doctrine-joined in worship-gave of their goods to the poor.

something small growing large. No! each got its own special lesson-that, the growth without, in sight of all; this, the hidden growth within-seen only in its results.

I. THE PARABLE. All have seen bread made. Flour put in pan-leaven (or yeast) put in-placed near fire-the mixture begins to swell-process goes on till whole of flour is pervaded by leaven.

In other places in Bible, leaven used of what is bad -e.g., leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Cor. v. 8) ; but here only used as example of internal spreading. May notice therefore three things:-(a) Leaven begins small. (b) Leaven spreads inwardly. (c) Leaven pervades the whole.

II. THE MEANING. What is meant by the leaven? God's grace working in man's heart, and God's grace working in the world; reforming, purifying, cleansing.

(a) It is at first small. Take as an example Nicodemus. How did he come at first? At night, timidly, just beginning to think about Christ. (John iii. 2.) Next hear of him no longer afraid-speaking for Christ in the Council of Jews. (John vii. 50.) And third time, when Christ died, forsaken by all, even by Apostles, he came boldly forward and helped Joseph to bury Christ. (John xix. 39.) So does God's grace begin in heart. Spirit of God shows us our sin, makes us long to go to God like Prodigal Son in distant land. (Luke xv. 13.) Like St. Peter when had denied Christ, and the Lord turned and looked at him. (Luke xxii. 61.)

(Read Acts xvi. 27—34.)

(b) God's grace spreads. What a wonderful growth of grace! Gaoler a heathen --hears of Jesus Christ-believes-at once does all he can for apostles, and also wins his whole family over in one night. Or remind of story of penitent thief. Began by seeing Christ suffer patiently- -was convinced He was King of Jews-asked forgiveness -showed anxiety for soul of other thief-did all he could to convert him. (Luke xxiii. 40.)

(c) It pervades the whole. Man's nature of two parts-soul and body. Must glorify God in both. (1 Cor. vi. 20.) The soul by prayer, faith, worship; the body by living to God's glory. Take St. Paul as noble example, full of love to Christ (2 Cor. v. 14), and devoting whole life to His service. So the Apostles too gave up all to follow Christ. We not called to do that, but are called to serve God truly all the days of our life-by doing all as in His sight.

LESSONS. Let each ask himself two questions. Is God's grace working in my heart, changing its nature, making it holy? And, am I doing all I can to leaven-i.e., influence-these around me?

No. 3. THE HIDDEN TREASURE AND PEARL OF GREAT PRICE. (ST. MATT. xiii. 44—46.)

INTRODUCTION. Tell the children that the four previous parables-Sower, Tares, Mustard-seed, and Leaven-were spoken to the multitude on the seashore; these were spoken to the disciples alone in the house.

I. THE PARABLE. In time of Christ no banks in Palestine for safe care of money; common to hide treasure in a field; often done in England in past days of war, etc. Describe the man digging-knocking against something hard-uncovering the boxcarefully taking it out-opening it-finding the treasure-hastily hiding it again, so that no one may know then getting together all the money he can— buying the whole field, hoping to find still more treasure-at last securing it-none can take it from him. Can notice three points:-(a) The treasure was valuable. (b) It was found accidentally. (c) It

was kept.

II. THE MEANING. What is the treasure? May call it God's grace, or true religion. All that is included in believing on Jesus Christ and serving God.

(a) It is valuable. (Read Prov. iii. 13-18.) Why is it better than money, honour, fame, etc.? Because it concerns the soul-the most precious part of man; because also of all it gives-pardon, peace, happiness for this world and the next.

The

(b) It is found (sometimes) unexpectedly. man was going about his usual occupation, and alighted on this treasure. So, too, often, men find God when not seeking Him, and in midst of ordinary life. For example, shepherds of Bethlehem are bid to go and see Christ, the Good Shepherd. (Lukeii.16.) Peter the fisherman is found by Christ-bidden to leave his nets and become fisher of men. (Matt. iv. 19.) Remind also of woman of Samaria coming to draw water-a stranger asks for drink-a conversation begins-she hears of the Water of Life-is convinced of sin--believes on Jesus Christ. (John iv. 29.) Same thing happens still. Some word, book, tract, sermon, carries truth home to a man's heart, and leads him to God.

(c) It is kept. Not enough to find the treasure— must also keep it. (Luke xi. 28.) If necessary, must part with all else. Remind of rich young ruler whose riches kept him back from Christ; never hear of his coming forward again. Religion must hold first place in our hearts. Must keep it all our life.

LESSONS. Let each ask, Do I value God's grace? Is it as a treasure to me? Have I ever really felt it? It is to be had as a free gift without money or price. (Isa. lv. 1.)

III. THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE. A few words will be enough for this parable. The teaching is the same as the last, only it describes a person seeking truth, and finding it, as St. Paul, who was trying to win God's favour by persecuting the Christians. All who diligently seek God will find. (Heb. xi. 6.)

No. 4. THE NET CAST INTO THE SEA. (MATT. xiii, 47–50.) INTRODUCTION. The parable having been read, let the children see how fitly it closes the six previous parables. Sower and Tares showed the first planting of the Gospel in the heart, and in the world, with the difficulties and enemies around it.

Mustard-seed and Leaven showed its extent in growth and power-last two show its priceless value to those who find; and now we are to see the end.

I. THE PARABLE. Most have seen the sea, full of every kind of fish-millions of every size, colour, value. Describe the fishing-vessels going out at night, the nets all mended, the nets spread out, carefully watched-drawn in; the fish sorted, small useless kinds thrown back into the sea, the rest gathered into vessels-source of profit. Notice three points :(a) The fish were of various kinds. (b) The net was full. (c) The fish were separated.

Peter

II. THE MEANING. Have we not had another parable similar to this? yes, but tares and wheat described the present state of the Church, evil mingled with the good; the draw-net describes the future separation at the Judgment Day. Now the net is being cast-i.e., Word of God taught to men. was bidden to become fisher of men. (Luke v. 10.) At his first sermon three thousand were converted. (Acts ii. 41.) These were the first beginning of Christ's Church. Now notice :-(a) The Gathering. All sorts and conditions of men were brought to believe in Christ-Ananias and Sapphira, who told a lie to get credit for liberality (Acts v. 3); Simon Magus, whose heart was not right (Acts viii. 3); Demas, who forsook St. Paul (2 Tim. iv. 10); but also Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened (Acts xvi. 14, 15, 40), and multitudes of other saints. So the Church keeps gathering in. Some are caught by excitement, some by quiet influence, etc. Still work going on everywhere, in all kinds of ways. Sunday-schools, Mission Services, etc. (b) The net full. This not yet, not till the number of God's people made upnot till the Gospel has been preached to all nations. (Matt. xxiv. 14.) Then will come the end. (c) The Separation. This described in many parables and other places. Who is the Judge? Christ will decide, and at once, who are worthy of a place in His home. By what will He judge us? By our works, whether they be good or bad. By our words, whether they be in the language of heaven. By our thoughts, whether

the heart be given to God. Who will be employed to carry out the sentence? Christ will come with the holy angels. (Luke ix. 26; 2 Thes. i. 7.) They will come forth and visibly execute God's judgments.

LESSON. This separation hereafter is certainam I prepared for it?

A NEW YEAR'S LESSON. CHRIST UNCHANGEABLE. Scripture to be read-Hebrews 1. INTRODUCTION. New Year once more-1883 since birth of Christ-6,887 since Adam-what a long time! How few years of these can we look back upon! How many more will there be? Can we look forward to any? Look back for minute at past year-can recall some days of care, sorrow, trial. Some also of joy, brightness, happiness.

At this time we are thinking of Jesus Christ's coming into the world. Story well known. Re

mind of events of His childhood. His life at Nazareth, subject to His parents. (Luke ii. 41.) His visit to the Temple to worship God, and learn His will. Lived on earth holy, happy, useful life-died a cruel death for us, and then ascended to glory. Let us think of Him there. On earth was God as well as Man-worked miracles-forgave sins. In heaven is Man as well as God-is touched with feeling of our infirmities, etc. (Heb. iv. 15.) Is ever the

same.

I. CHRIST EVER THE SAVIOUR. (Read 1-7.) How did God make known His will in past times? By Dreams, as to Joseph, Pharaoh, Abraham, etc. By His Voice-as when talked to Abraham (Gen. xvii. 1); Samuel in night; Elijah in wilderness (1 Kings xix. 12), etc. By Angels, as when reproved Israelites at Bochim for idolatry (Judges ii. 1), but especially by His Prophets. Remind of Elijah warning Israel on Mount Carmel-Jonah going to Nineveh, and many others. Still the world unsaved. At last sent His Son-better than the prophets, because God as well as man (verse 3), better than the angels, because won the glorious name of Saviour. (Phil. ii. 9-11.) Did His work-purged (ie., cleansed) our sins-is honoured as Son-loved as Saviour worshipped as God (verse 6).

ness.

This Christ-God-Man, lives for ever. What does He do for us? How is He our Saviour now? He pleads before God His death, thus making intercession (Heb. vii. 25); He puts Holy Spirit into hearts, thus inclining us to what is right; He hears our prayers-He fills us with love, joy, peace, holiHe is same to us-are we same to Him? II. CHRIST EVER THE KING. (Read 8-14.) Passage speaks of Kingdom as given to Christ because of His work. Jews often used to try and make Him a king. What did He always say? (John xviii. 36.) He is King over people's hearts. He demands their love, their service. Do we always give it? Notice about His Kingdom :-It is a righteous one. Earthly kings sometimes make mistakes-rule unjustly-even become harsh and oppres sive-e.g., Pharaoh to Israelites. Never so with Christ. All He does is perfectly just and right. May not seem so now always. His doings to us may seem hardstill are ordered by love. Illustrate by child being required to take nauseous medicine for its good. Must say with Eli, when his sons were punished, "It is the Lord." Also His Kingdom is (b) lasting. Earthly kings die (Isa. vi. 1), but the Lord is always on His throne. What a comforting thought! No change, or uncertainty with Him. Can always go to Him in prayer-sure of being heard-sure of getting justice. He is ever the same.

PRACTICAL. (1) Love Christ as Saviour. Come to Him this year, if never before; His heart, full of mercy on cross to thief, is ready to forgive your sin. (2) Honour Christ as King. Trust Him in all concerns of life. Then, when comes again with angels and saints, can look up cheerfully to meet Him in glory.

COME years ago a benevolent lady in one of our large seaport towns, on the east coast, started the idea of giving a supper once a year, when the bustle of the season was over, to the the boys and men engaged in driving donkeys on the sands. Perhaps a short account of one of these suppers, at which I was present last year, may be interesting to some of our readers. Our Mission School House, which is situated in the low part of the town, and in the very centre of the donkey boys' quarters, was the place chosen for the supper. It was a fine large airy room, with plenty of gay pictures on the walls; one kind

BOYS.

friend sent down quantities of flowers, and the two long tables were gay with lovely bouquets of asters and scarlet geraniums. One of our choirmen's wives looked after the tea-making in the little class-room, and the smoking joints and plum puddings were cooked at an adjoining eating-house.

Eight o'clock was the hour fixed upon for opening the doors, but long before that time the boys could be heard surging and shouting in the streets, "I'm hungry. I want my dinner!" "Ain't the puddin' cooked yet?" with various other small pleasantries. Two of our Sundayschool teachers were stationed at the door, to see them come in quietly, boys to one table, men to the other; fifty in all we had, of all ages, from tiny lads of eight years old, to grey-bearded men.

Most of the boys were bright pleasant openfaced lads, not yet spoiled by their rough life.