"O despiser, Daniel,

Vain are all the words you say; Ponder, by the life of Bel,

What his battels every day, Every day upon his shrine Mealèd flour, and meat, and wine." "Monarch, be not led away

By the priests' audacious class. Bel has body made of clay,

With a thin veneer of brass: Mighty monarch, do not think This cold bust can eat and drink."

Then the king convoked his priests: "Bring me proof and witness due : Sharers of unhallow'd feasts,

Seventy, it is death for you;
In good truth providing Bel,
It is death for Daniel."

"Calm, O king! these seats divine

To our monarch's care we leave: Minister the meat and wine,

Tend yourself this festal eve; The great doors behind you swing, Seal them with the signet ring."

Juggling priests! the night so dark,
Helping to their secret door,
Held them that they should not mark
Ashes strewn upon the floor:
Up and down the harpy scum
Swept off every drop and crumb.
In the morn the king, who came,

With the chancellor at his side,
For apportionment of blame

Anxiously the altar eyed : "Bel, with thee is no deceit ; Thou hast gorged the wine and meat." But the chancellor hung back,

And the king's advance restrain'd: "Mark, O king, the pavement black

With the' adhesive ash engrain'd; There has bivouack'd on the floor God or ghost, and something more." So the king, in vengeance due,

The mark'd pavement where they trod

Did with those priests' blood imbrue, And as Dagon made their god : Down roll'd Bel, uprear'd in vain, And upon him fell his fane.

February 4.-A Father's Last Words. GENESIS xlix. 18: "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord."

Jacob

1. Jacob's death-bed.-When was about to die, he called his sons together about him, that he might tell them what should befall them in the days that were to come. But how should he know this? Who could tell him what was to come after his death? In those days God made known what He wished men to know and to do, by visions and by speaking, and by putting it into the minds of those whom He chose. Jacob was one of those. He had served God many years, and now God enabled him to show to his sons what was to happen in future years.

now

2. Jacob's sons.-They came around their father's bed. All were grown-up men. As they looked one upon another, and upon their aged father, they thought upon the years that were gone, and on what they had

done, and on their strange and wonderful history. Could they forget their far-off home in Canaan ? its hills, and plains, and river-sides where they used to pitch their tents and feed their flocks? Would they not think, too, of how they came to be dwellers there in Egypt? of the way in which they had caused Joseph to leave his home, and of his sorrow and their father's great grief? All were there now. Reuben, who had tried to save Joseph and take him home; Judah, who sold him, and those who took the false tidings home to their father. All came fresh to their mind, as they listened to their father's last words.

3. The last words.-Jacob had something to say to each one, and when he came to speak to Dan, he said, "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord." He had "waited" long years, now the salvation was nigh. He feared not death, for God was his salvation, and

would take him to be with Himself for ever. Trouble will come to us; it may be sorrow as bitter as Jacob's. Let us wait for God's salvation. It will surely come if we be faithful. And when death is nigh, let us look, as Jacob looked, for salvation for ever.

REVISION. Why did Jacob call his sons together before he died? How did he know what was to happen to them? What were they likely to think of as they came together? How would they feel as they thought of this? What words did Jacob say when speaking to Dan? What did he mean? How may we obtain that salvation?

Feb. 11.-Christ's Help to the Needy. MARK Vi. 42: "And they did all eat, and were filled."

66

1. Sheep without a shepherd.-Jesus once took His disciples apart, that they might rest in quiet for awhile. They had been very much among multitudes of people, and He wished them to be for a time alone with Him. So they went by ship across the Sea of Galilee, to a desert place. But the people saw them going, and ran round the shore. So when Jesus got to the place, He saw much people," even thousands, who were all gathered there, waiting, eager to see and to hear Him. Was Jesus angry with them for coming when not expected? No. When He saw them "He was moved with compassion," for He thought they were "as sheep without a shepherd;" they had none to guide and to teach them; so He healed their sick, and taught them many things.

2. In want of food.-The day passed as Jesus was speaking to them, and now evening was come. They were far from their homes, and were without food there in the wilderness. The disciples came to their Master, asking Him to send the people home, for it was late, and they were in need of food and shelter. Had Jesus forgotten this ? Did He not know their need? or care for it? Hear what He did. He told the disciples to give them food. But had they enough for such a multitude? No; neither of money nor of food. They were surprised to hear Him speak thus. Yet Jesus said to them again, "How many loaves have ye? They said "Five, and two fishes."

This

was hardly enough for one meal for themselves. What, then, could be done ?

3. Bread enough and to spare.-Jesus commanded them to make all sit down in orderly ranks on the green grass. So they sat down "by hundreds, and by fifties." How full of wonder all were as to what was to come next. Why were they all made to sit as though food was ready? They sat there looking eagerly on Jesus, "all waiting upon Him." Then He took the five loaves and the two small fishes, and looked up to heaven, and blessed, and gave to His disciples, and so divided the food among them all. "And they did all eat, and were filled," and when all had finished, the disciples "took up twelve baskets full of the fragments" of the loaves and fishes. You know by what power this was all done, and you can tell something of the kindness and the mercy of Him Who did it. It is still by His power that you are fed day by day. From Him all good comes. For those who seek Him, He will ever care, both in this life and in the life to come.

REVISION.-Why did the people seek Jesus? Where did they find Him? Why had Jesus gone to that desert place? How did He feel when He saw them? Why did the disciples wish Him to send them away? What did Jesus do for them? How did He find food enough? What does this teach us about Him? and about ourselves?

Feb. 18.-The Rescue from the Storm. MATT. xiv. 27: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."

1. Jesus alone.-After Jesus had fed the multitude, He caused His disciples to get into their little ship, and to return across the sea to the other side. Then He sent the multitude to their homes, and He was left alone. Would you like to know what Jesus did when thus alone? He went up the mountain to pray. Did Jesus, then, need to pray? How much more do we! Are we glad to have quiet times alone, that we may pray?

2. The disciples in danger.- Soon after the disciples set off in their ship, a great storm came on: the winds blew loud and fierce, and the waves tossed the little vessel, so that they were in great danger. The wind was against them; they could not reach the land, and it seemed that they must be lost. Did Jesus know their danger? Could He help them? Yes. As the night drew on, and their danger was greatest,

Jesus went towards them walking on the water. How could He do this? Because He was the Son of God, and can do whatever He will. When the disciples, looking through the storm and the darkness of the night, dimly saw something coming towards them over the water, they were full of fear. They had never seen anything like this, and they cried out in their terror.

And

3. The deliverance.-When Jesus saw their distress, He quickly comforted them, for straightway He spake unto them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." And now their wonder was as great as their fear had been. Could this really be their Master Whom they had left behind on the land? If it was, how had He come there? Peter said, "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water." Jesus said, "Come." So Peter stepped out over the side of the ship to go upon the water to Jesus. But when he saw the great waves about him, and the fierceness of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Would Jesus be able to do this? O, yes! He was ready for this also, for in a moment He stretched forth His hand and caught him, and Then they went up both saved him. together into the ship, and the wind ceased, and all danger was over. Here were wonderful lessons for the disciples to learn of the knowledge Jesus had of all their wants; of His nearness in time of danger; of His readiness and power to help. They came and worshipped Him, saying, "Of a truth Thou art the Son of God." These are lessons for us to learn too. Danger will come. Will Jesus know this? Will He give His help to us then? How are we to know that He will?

REVISION.-What did Jesus do when alone on the mountain? Where were the disciples? What danger befell them? How were they saved from it? How did Jesus know their danger? What did Peter do? What happened to him? What lessons may all this teach us?

Feb. 25.-Food for Hungry Souls. JOHN vi. 35: "I am the Bread of Life." 1. Why some sought Jesus.-Our last lesson tells what happened in the night after Jesus had fed the multitude on the hill-side. On the next day the

people came again to the sea-shore. and not finding Jesus there, many of them "took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus." After a time they found Him again. They seemed glad to see Him once more. But they had come now, not to learn from His wise teaching, or to know more of His power and goodness, or to love and worship Him. How do we know this? Jesus could see into their hearts. He knew why they came. He saw that they had come, not to see His miracles or to hear His wisdom, but because they did eat of the loaves and fishes.

2. Something better than life.-Jesus now spoke to them of greater and better things than these. He told them there was something more to live and labour for than just to get the food that perisheth. This would do for the present life only, but He bade them prepare for the life that should never end. They asked Him what they should do to prepare for this. He told them to believe on Him, for that God had sent Him. They wished to know how they might be sure that God had sent Him. Moses, they said, had given their fathers manna, "bread from heaven."

But Jesus said it was not Moses that gave it, but God; and that He was the true Bread from heaven, "The Bread of Life." What could this mean?

3. Food for the soul.-Bread is food for the body: without it, or something in its stead, the body could not be kept in life; it must die and perish. The soul has life, and must be nourished and fed too. But how can a soul be fed? It is a spirit, and has not a mouth, and cannot eat Christ alone can keep the soul in life. Sin had brought death to the soul. But Jesus came to put away sin and to give life, by bearing the punishment which man must suffer if He saved it not. He is more to the soul than bread is to the body. We must trust in Him alone for life and happiness. He will then be to us "the Bread of Life."

REVISION. Where did the people find Jesus? Why did they seek Him? How do we know that? What did Jesus speak to them about? What food does the soul need? Why is Jesus "the Bread of Life?" How may the soul feed upon Jesus?

LITTLE ALICE PARKER.

ALICE GERTRUDE PARKER was born at Pentwyn, Llantilio-Grossenny, near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, on the 24th of December, 1861. Her parents spared no pains to set before their children the claims of the Gospel. From her earliest years, Alice seems to have been under the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit. When only three years of age, it was a great delight to her to go with her relatives to the Methodist preaching-place in the adjoining village. At that early age, she used to sing very sweetly several hymns, such as, "Around the throne of God in heaven; "In the Christian's home in glory," etc. As soon as she acquired the art of reading, the Bible was her favourite book, many portions of which she committed to memory, not as a task, but for the pure pleasure of being familiar with its precious histories, and precepts, and promises. The thoughtfulness with which she studied the Scriptures was evinced in the questions she would put to her parents, such as, "Mother, who was God speaking to when He said, 'Let there be light? The theme in which above all others she seemed interested, was that of the sacrificial sufferings and death of the Lord Christ. On this theme she often conversed with her friends, ever and anon pausing to admire the love of God in sending His Son to take our nature, and give His life for the salvation of poor sinners.

Many are disposed to excuse uselessness, on the ground that their influence is insignificant and their opportunities few. But "where there is a will there is a way." God has something for every one of us to do, nor need we journey far to find it; it is precisely that nearest to hand. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Alice had no notion of living to herself. But what could this little girl find to do? Every Saturday night she might be seen hugging her Bible up to bed with her. Her purpose was to have it near, so that early on Sunday morning she might select a chapter to be read and expounded to a brother and sister

younger than herself. In this interesting exercise her plan was to read a few verses and then explain the meaning, which she did so lucidly and intelligently as to astonish as much as it delighted her parents as they listened outside. The parable of the Virgins was a favourite subject with her, and she was also particularly fond of the Gospel of John.

Whatever work little Alice undertook, she did it "with her might." She was a most affectionate and thoughtful child. For the three years she had been at school her governess never had occasion to punish her, but spoke of her as being most diligent, docile, and obedient. Yet this sweet little girl was not without temptations. She had a quick, impulsive temper, which sometimes led her to speak hastily. Her mother was too judicious to be blind to this failing, and would say, when wishing her "good-night," if this had manifested itself in the course of the day, "Alice, love, you were naughty to-day." She always replied, "I know I was, mother, but I did go and pray to be forgiven.' Thus was she ever able to say at retiring to rest :

"Jesus protects; my fears, be gone!" etc.

When but eight years of age, she began also to lead her younger brother and sister, then respectively six and five, into an upper room, that she might converse about heavenly things, and pray with them. She continued this practice as long as her health permitted, pleading with an especial earnestness for the early conversion of her little brother, and that, should he be spared, he might be made a Minister of the Gospel, and be useful in winning souls to Jesus.

Dear Alice has since passed away, but who will say that the influence of those solicitudes and prayers has perished? Little Frank will not forget them; God will remember them; and Alice herself may witness from above that her desires had not been winged to heaven in vain. The veil between the "militant embodied host," and the spirits of the just "made perfect," is transparent to them. "Where

fore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith." (Heb. xii. 1, 2.)

Unlike children in general, who seem reserved, particularly to their relatives, respecting spiritual things, Alice lovingly confided to her mother the most sacred desires and workings of her heart. Many precious hours, which are now remembered with grateful joy, did Mrs. Parker spend with her little darling after the younger children had been put to bed, talking of the things of God. On these occasions, the child would recount the victories she had gained over temptation, earnestly and devoutly expressing her desire ever to remain the child of God. Her favourite hymn at such times would be, "I want to be like Jesus." During the day, as well as upon rising in the morning, and retiring to rest, she had her seasons for retirement and prayer. Every way she manifested a gracious passion for the purest and noblest of all services.

Little Alice Parker's zeal was not confined to her efforts to benefit her brothers and sisters; she also loved to look after poor children to do them good. We may instance a case. She saw a child begging in the street, who said her mother was ill, and had nothing to eat. This tale went to Alice's heart immediately. She had in her pocket three-half-pence, which she gave to the child, and told her with it to buy some bread for her mother. She then asked her if she ever went to chapel or Sunday-school, or if she had a Bible. The child told her she had no clothes fit to wear at chapel; to which Alice replied, with singular good sense, 66 never mind your clothes. Wash yourself clean, and come here next Sunday, and I will take you." This advice was not the thought of the moment, but the result of previous reflection. She had a strong sense of the vanity of extravagant dressing, and particularly disliked to observe it in teachers in the Sunday-school. Her own teacher was greatly esteemed by her, for her many amiable and excellent qualities,

Iwith which Alice had observed that the neatness of her attire was in pleasing harmony.

There are few who could not follow Alice's advice, "wash yourself clean." Good men will respect cleanliness quite as much as fine clothes, and "the Lord looketh not upon the outward appearance," otherwise than as it is an expression of the state of the heart.

Doing something for God was the delight of Alice's soul, and therefore she had much pleasure in collecting for the Missions. Her reverence in the sanctuary and at family worship was marked. Under no circumstances would she sit during prayer. Even in her last illness, as long as she could sit up, she would kneel to pray. While she loved to sing hymns, secular music was distasteful to her; many of her hours were spent in singing or repeating sacred poetry to her little sisters. When at any time she had a few pence given her as a reward for any service she might have rendered at home, she invariably reserved a part to give to the cause of God. The Sabbath before taking to her bed, being too poorly to be present at chapel, and hearing there was to be a "Lovefeast" and a collection for the poor, she took a penny from her pocket, and handing it to her parent, said, "father, give this to the collection for me."

She was confined to her bed nearly five weeks, during the greater part of which time her sufferings were very great; but she bore all with patience and sweet submission, being not only reconciled, but quite willing to suffer, since it was God's appointment. After recovering from severe paroxysms of pain, her pretty little face would be radiant with heavenly joy. When asked by her parents, "Do you wish to stay with us, Alice?" she said, "I have no wish to live, but if it is the will of God, then I would like to live." From the commencement of her illness, she appeared to be conscious that her end was near. About ten days before her death, she sent for her father, and said, "Father, I want to tell you that I am quite ready to die. I am going to Ellen," [alluding to a baby sister