His dwelling-place for many a day-it was called "His own city"—and had thus been exalted to heaven; but it should be cast down to hell. Where God gives opportunities, He expects us to use them. He has given you the Bible, the Sabbath, the church, the Sabbath school, and He has denied these to many. What use do you make of these precious gifts? God will call you to account for them, and if you neglect them, the poor heathen who have them not will be better off than you. Think of this, and try and use your privileges as God would have you. To whom much is given, of them much will be required. The servant who knows the Lord's will, and does it not, will be beaten with many stripes.

II. Christ's Prayer, 26-27.-Christ thanks His Father that He has made these things known to babes, whereas He has hidden them from the wise. Who is a babe? He who is humble and lowly, and takes not his own way, but God's. Humility is the door of entrance, (Matthew xviii. 1-4.) Who is the wise? He who thinks his own way the best, and so rejects God's way. God's way is to bring a man down. This child is set for the fall of many in Israel. Man's way is the opposite; he does not like the fall, the coming down, and lying like a little child at the foot of the cross. But there is no other way of reaching heaven, for (v. 26) God himself has fixed this as the way. Even so, says Jesus, for so it seemed good in thy sight; and I know thy will, and thy way, for thou hast delivered all things unto me; and I know the Father, and the Father knoweth me. So, then, don't be ashamed of being a babe in humility. The highest in God's kingdom is the humblest.

Nearest the throne itself must be
The footstool of humility.

Be ashamed and afraid of pride,-the proud never learn, neither earthly nor heavenly wisdom. Pride will keep you from Christ-will shut the door of heaven in your face. Christ won't have the proud -He reveals all His will to the humble. Pray God to give you a lowly, humble, trusting heart, a heart willing just to be and to do what Jesus would have you to be and to do.

III. Christ's Yoke, 28-30.-Who are called? All the weary and heavy-ladenweary and heavy-laden with sin-a grievous burden, too heavy for us to bear. What does Christ say to such? Come. To what? To Himself. Not to church, not to school, not to the Bible, not to His table. These won't save us,--but to Himself. What does He promise? What every weary one wishes-rest. Oh! how the weary long for rest! How sweet it is! How precious! How the poor sick man cries for rest! All the world is crying for rest. What rest does Christ promise? Rest to the soul, rest from sin, the glad joy of forgiveness, the light step and the beaming face of him who has entered into rest through Christ's blood. How is this rest to be obtained? By entering Christ's service, taking His yoke, and learning His spirit; having the same mind as He had. What was that spirit? Emphatically the spirit of meekness and lowliness. And so we come again to the same old story, (oh that we all learned it!) that meekness and lowliness, or humility, are the doors of entrance. Seek to enter in, and you will find the service easy, and the burden light, for Christ himself will carry it. He will lead youHis rod will support you, you will lean on the arm of the Beloved. Come unto Him, and you shall obtain rest.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 38.-Paraphrase x. 2-5.
Subject to be Proved-Jesus' Patience may be Exhausted.

Text for Non-Reading Classes.

"Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you."-Matthew xi. 21, 22.

LESSON XXXIX.-SEPTEMBER 25.

JACOB RETURNS HOME.-Genesis xxxii. 1-32.

In our last Old Testament lesson we saw Jacob leaving home, and in the history accompanied him as far as to Luz. He left Luz (named by him Bethel, in remembrance of his spiritual experience at that place) a converted man, and found his way to Padan-aram, where he served his uncle Laban-first for his wives, and latterly for a share of the profits in the business of stock-farming-for a period of twenty years. Skilful and ingenious in the breeding and rearing of sheep and cattle, Jacob became very rich; and Laban, believing he had been outwitted by Jacob, he and his sons became offended, and did not hesitate to shew their displeasure at Jacob's success as opportunity presented. Receiving a Divine intimation "to return unto the land of his fathers," Jacob at once resolved to do so, and carried out his purpose unknown to his kinsmen. Laban pursued after Jacob and overtook him; but they became thoroughly reconciled, and parted from each other on most friendly terms.

The chapter before us gives us to see Jacob as he continues his journey toward Canaan,

1st, In company with heavenly friends, v. 1, 2.-Whether these "angels of God" whom Jacob met were discovered by him in vision or dream, we cannot say; but of their presence he was certain, for he called them "the Lord's host," and the place of meeting "Mahanaim," signifying two hosts or camps; referring, probably, on the one hand, to his own company, and on the other, to that of the angels. At Bethel Jacob saw the angels as heavenly messengers, for his edification and building up in the faith; now he sees them as an host of strength, for his protection and encouragement to go forward. God had commanded Jacob to go back to Canaan; but he is not left to face the difficulties of the journey "on his own charges." The attendance of the angels, besides being a guard of protection to Jacob, is a guard of honour; and such honour have all the saints, (see Heb. i. 14; Ps. xxxiv. 7, and xci. 11.)

2d, With Esau in Prospect, v. 3-8.-Cheered as he was by the presence of angelic friends, Jacob could not help feeling agitated in the prospect of meeting his brother. Esau, too, had become rich, and also powerful; and the feeling that he might avenge his wrongs made the heart of Jacob sink within him. So does "conscience make cowards of us all." Nor did the report of the messengers tend to allay Jacob's anxiety, for the fact of "four hundred men" accompanying Esau might indicate either warlike or friendly intentions-an intention to punish, or a mark of respect in keeping with Eastern custom. Jacob, with his natural shrewdness, prepares for the worst, by making arrangements in the way described in verses 7 and 8.

3d, In Prayer, v. 9-12.-Jacob has his heart in order as well as his house, in the view of meeting Esau, for-behold, he prayeth! The prayer before us is remarkable in various ways. Many prayers had been offered before it; but it is the first prayer, properly speaking, on record. It is a prayer uttered in distress, and bears evidence of great earnestness and faith in God. It is marked by selfdenial and self-abasement. It is special-a prayer for deliverance. Its pleas are God's covenant in Abraham and Isaac, God's command to Jacob himself, God's past and present mercies, natural affection, and, conclusively, the Divine promise. It is a prayer at once short, comprehensive, appropriate, and direct. Lord, teach us to pray.

real success.

4th, In Preparation, v. 13-23.-Planning, praying, working, are highways to "Two things make rich," says the wise man; "the blessing of God and the hand of the diligent." God helps them who help themselves in a right way. Jacob had prayed, now he prepares. He sends a reconciling gift to Esau, consisting of goats, sheep, camels, kine, and asses, to be delivered, each kind in a drove by itself. He puts words into the mouths of his servants as to how they should address his brother. And note the words: "My lord Esau." How respectful! Jacob having obtained the spiritual blessing and inheritance which Esau despised, is content to give him all outward honour. He who stole the blessing is a changed man since he left his father's house, and is ready to be his brother's "servant" in the love of peace. Humility is a lustrous gem in the crown of grace.

5th, Left Alone, v. 24-32.-Having sent his wives and sons and servants over the brood Jabbok, Jacob remained alone for the night-yet not alone, for a man wrestled with him till break of day. Here we have a mysterious conflict, a litera! wrestling with God in prayer. If this hand-to-hand combat was in vision, it is evident that the physical, as well as the mental and spiritual parts of Jacob's being were powerfully affected by it. Mental and spiritual impressions do ofttimes greatly affect the body, as instanced in our Lord's agony in the garden. This of Jacob's was a lengthened conflict, and also a very determined one; for he said, "I will not let thee go," &c. Jacob ultimately came off successful, although not without detriment; for when the man "saw," &c. This hollow of Jacob's thigh came by a kindly stroke, and remained with him, a mark of honour, a victor's scar. This conflict is physically commemorated by the offspring of Jacob till this day. Moreover, through this victorious struggle, "Jacob," the supplanter, gains for himself a new name-viz., "Israel," a prince with God. This scene and its wonderful experiences must have had a durable effect upon the mind of the patriarch, and can we wonder that he should name the place "Peniel," the face of God?

PRACTICAL LESSONS.

1st, Let our desires be toward the heavenly Canaan.

2d, In our journey through life let us seek to have a sense of God's presence and protection.

3d, Let us prove the power of prayer by seeking to become prevailing wrestlers with God.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 39.-Psalm cxxxix. 7-12.
Subject to be Proved-God is the Hearer of Prayer.

Text for Non-Reading Classes.

"And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."-Genesis xxxii. 24, 26.

LESSON XL.-OCTOBER 2.

JESUS REPROVES THE PHARISEES.-Matthew xii. 1-13.

God says in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not kill," "Thou shalt not steal." He also says, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." This Fourth Commandment is, therefore, as sacred as any of the others; and they who refuse to obey that, have just as good a right to disobey the rest. How did Jesus keep this Sabbath day?

I. Jesus, His Disciples, and the Pharisees passing through the Corn, v. 1, 2.It was the Sabbath-day. Jesus and His disciples are represented as passing through the corn fields, perhaps along a small road or pathway with the corn waving on either hand. Pharisees are also there. But we are to notice: (1.) That they were on their way to the synagogue-that is, the place of worship. This is to be inferred from the 9th verse. It was not a journey, therefore, for recreation, but a journey to the place of worship. (2.) The disciples felt hunger. We infer from this that it was morning, and they had left the house without eating. It is better, accordingly, to eat before going to public worship, for the soul is fitter for holy exercises when the body is in a right state. (3.) The plucking and eating the ears of corn was not contrary to the Law, for, in express terms, the Law of Moses (Deut. xxiii. 25) allowed of such a thing. But (4.) the Pharisees who were walking along the same roadway considered that the disciples were breaking the Sabbath,

their notion being that they were doing a kind of work-in a sort of way reaping and thrashing out the corn. This was taking an exaggerated view of the matter; but it is plain that all the parties present acknowledged the sanctity of the Sabbath.

II. The Saviour's Defence of His Disciples, v. 3-8.-They had done nothing wrong in plucking the corn ears and eating them. On the contrary, they would, perhaps, be in a better condition, in consequence, for joining in the worship of God. However, Christ rests His defence upon three grounds: (1.) The example of David. A positive commandment required the priests to eat the shew-bread, and not to allow anybody else to eat it. But the Jews all acknowledged that Abiathar had done right in allowing David and his companions to eat the shew-bread, considering the circumstances in which they were placed. If hungry, David might eat the holy bread, and for no other reason but because he was hungry; a similar reason ought to excuse the disciples for plucking and eating the ears of corn on the holy Sabbath-day. It did no harm to any one, and made them more comfortable. (2.) The priests in the Temple. The services of the Temple, even on the Sabbathday, could not be carried on without a great deal of work. The leading or driving of animals into the Temple, the killing of the victims, the skinning of them, and cutting them into pieces, the carrying of wood to keep up the altar fires, these, and many other things, involved a very great amount of labour. But if they were not done, the worship of the Temple would have had to be given up. Thus, what otherwise would have been a profanation of the Sabbath, became a matter of necessity. (3.) The permission or authority of Jesus Christ himself. The Saviour was then present. He absolutely claims a dispensing power relative to the Sabbathday. He declares himself to be "greater than the Temple," and "Lord even of the Sabbath-day." This is tantamount to saying that, let the day be as holy as the Pharisees affirmed, and let the plucking and eating the corn-ears be just as they supposed, when considered in itself, yet the sanction of Jesus Christ was sufficient to make that act holy and good. He gave permission, and that was enough. Thus we learn, that on the Sabbath-day deeds of mercy may be performed; and when God, in His providence, calls upon us to work-and this sometimes happens, as for instance, to extinguish a fire-it is our duty so to work, even on the Sabbath-day. III. The Man with the Withered Hand, v. 9-13.-Jesus and His disciples are now in the synagogue; and, either before or after public worship, a man shews himself whose hand is dried up, and utterly helpless. Here, then, was an opportunity of doing a kind action, and the place, too, was very fit to do it in; for, having come to worship God, it was very fitting that God, whom he worshipped, should deal kindly by him. But perhaps the doing of the miracle interfered a little-it must have been only a little-with the routine of the synagogue, or the Sabbath services going on there. Zealots were accordingly angry, and exclaimed that such miracles were breaking the Sabbath-day. This was not so however. Jesus had no intention to interfere with the sanctity of the Sabbath; but He wished to shew, and a very important principle it is, that whenever the opportunity occurs of doing a benevolent action-and more especially on the Sabbath-day-that opportunity ought to be carefully improved. The Sabbath is a day not only for public worship, but for doing kind and benevolent actions.*

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 40.-Paraphrase lvi. 2-5.
Subject to be Proved-Jesus knows our Thoughts.

Text for Non-Reading Classes.

"But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto Him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbathday. But He said unto them, Have you not read what David did?"-Matthew xii. 2, 3.

*

Extracted from the Manual for Sabbath School Teachers, by Rev. James Cochrane, A.M.

LESSON XLI.-OCTOBER 9.

JACOB AND ESAU RECONCILED.-Genesis xxxiii. 1-20.

Verse 1.-As we saw in the last lesson in this book, Jacob was now on his way home. He had wrestled with the angel and prevailed, and was now nerved for the meeting with his brother Esau, and prepared for whatever might happen. He had taken all the means in his power to soothe and pacify his brother by sending a present, and now, on looking, he saw Esau with four hundred men approaching. Verse 3.-Bowing to the ground seven times was the manner in which one approached any one greater, and so Jacob manifested the greatest humility. Verse 4.-What beautiful and touching meeting! God can restrain man's wrath, and make peace and happiness reign.

Verse 5.-Jacob's reply to Esau's question is worthy of notice. He gives God all the glory. He felt that it is God that lifts our comforts high, that all the blessings we receive are from a kind and gracious Father, whose tender mercies are over all His works.

Verse 11.-Esau's accepting the present proved the completeness of the reconciliation.

Verses 12-15.-It was better that the two brothers should live separately, their manner of living was so different.

Verse 20.-Jacob's example should be imitated. We should ever raise our altar to God, our Ebenezer, in token of His goodness.

PRACTICAL LESSONS.

1. The conduct of Jacob plainly teaches that it is the duty of every one to use all proper means to appease any one whom we may have offended, while we implore the help and support of the God of Jacob. It is ours to use the means; it is God's to make them effectual.

2. God has the hearts of all men in His hands, and can turn them when and how He pleaseth. He can allay the most bitter animosities, and unite in the bonds of friendship those who for years have been living in hatred and strife.

3. A brother offended (as Solomon writes) is harder to be won than a strong city. Let us not give place unto wrath, but forgive, and we shall be forgiven. How much better it is to forgive and forget a wrong than to harbour and revenge it. It is indeed a glorious thing to forgive; better even than being forgiven. He who forgives freely, kindly, lovingly, is like God himself; and it is only such that can expect his pardoning mercy, for Christ has taught us to forgive those that trespass against us, and we should follow the example of Him who was meek, loving, and forgiving, even while receiving the most cruel treatment and shame.

4. Make it our duty to live at peace; and remember, that the way to recover it when it has been broken, is to act always as if it had never been broken; for it is the remembering and repeating of matters, and casting them up, that separates friends, and perpetuates the separation. A humble, submissive, and gentle manner goes a great way towards the turning away of wrath. Let not, therefore, the sun go down on your wrath.

5. Let us feel that it is not vain to trust in God, and to call upon Him in the day of trouble, for they that do so, like Jacob, will find that their trust is not in an arm of flesh, but in Him who can do for us above what we can ask or think of, and who can make our enemies to be at peace with us. And let us also bear in mind the truth, that God blesseth the peacemaker.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 41.-Psalm cxxxiii. 1-5.
Subject to be Proved-God blesses the Peacemaker.

Text for Non-Reading Classes.

"Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.”—Gen. xxxiii 11.