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came upon them with great fury. We in this country can know little of how dreadful it was. The poor lady and her child were shut up in a small cabin, expecting every moment that the next might be their last in this world. The husband had to be useful on deck; but every now and then he came below, and encouraged her to trust in God when the help of man was vain.

"Hour after hour passed; the lightnings flashed and the thunders roared around them, till, as it is said of the storm Paul met with on his way to Rome," All hope that they should be saved was taken away.” The barometer was falling, falling; oh how anxiously the sailors looked at it, and how their hearts began to fail them when they saw how it was going down! At last Mr. C- was so long away that his wife almost sank in despair, and thought he must have been drowned. The child was crying bitterly, and she had nothing to give it, for all provision had been washed overboard. She was nearly dead with fear and distress, when her husband came into the cabin once more; and though it was almost dark, she saw there was a look in his face different from the last time.

"She could hardly ask, 'Is there any hope ?' "Yes, my dear, the barometer is rising !

"Oh the joy these few words gave! The storm seemed still as wild as ever; but they knew by that simple sign that the worst must be passed; and, as their little vessel had lived through it so long, they felt hope now that, by the mercy of God, they might yet be saved. And, though they were willing to die then, if he so pleased, yet they had much to make them rather desire to live longer, and serve him in this

world.

So they lifted up their hearts to him in prayer for help, with more hope than they had felt before.

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"Then Mr. C- went on deck again. When he next returned, the lady's first question was, What of the barometer ?'

66 6 "It is broken.' It was wonderful that this had not happened long before; but it seemed as if God had kept the precious instrument from accident just till it could give them a token to take hope and courage. They felt it in this way; and though they had still to suffer much, for many hours passed before the storm abated, so as to let them get into harbour, yet their hopes never failed again. And long afterwards our friend said, if she was tempted in any time of trial to forget that the Lord was watching over her and those she loved, she recollected the broken barometer, and felt reproved for want of trust, and then hoped anew." "What a nice story, father!"

66 Yes; and it is a true one. You must learn lessons from it-the value of the barometer, and, better still, the kind care of our heavenly Father over his people and all that concerns them. Learn, like this pious lady, to observe his hand in all that befalls you, and you shall find every day bring new proofs of his tender care and love. He who gave his own Son to die for sinners, gives, besides this greatest blessing, other blessings every day and every hour to those who put their trust in him; and along with all trials and afflictions they will find mercies also, till they come to that happy place where no sorrows or danger can ever reach them more."

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THE SLOW-PACED LORIS.

MONKEYS are among the most lively and active of animals. In their native woods they are ever restless, jumping from tree to tree: now seen holding a bough, and then, in a moment, they are out of sight. But there is one of this tribe which has not the nimble habits of the rest. It is the slow-paced loris.

The size of this creature is only that of a small cat. It is covered with a fine and thick fur of a brown colour. The forests of Ceylon and India are its home, where it sleeps out the day, and rouses up at night, and goes forth in search of small birds. Softly and slowly it moves, glaring about with its large round eyes, and in an instant it seizes its prey with its long arms, before danger is suspected by the bird.

The loris has been caught and kept in a house; but when confined it is very shy and timid. During the day it sleeps, hanging with its head downwards, and its claws holding fast by the roof of its cage. On waking it begins to lick and smooth its fur like a cat. But little is known of its habits in its wild state.

QUESTIONS ON THE PARABLES OF OUR LORD.

THE FAITHFUL STEWARD.

Luke xii. 32-48.

32. WHAT persons are here addressed ?-What evil were they not to fear ?-What kingdom is promised to them P Matt. xxv. 34.

122 QUESTIONS ON THE PARABLES OF OUR LORD.

33. What were they directed to sell? Matt. xix. 21. -How were they to dispose of the proceeds?-How could they obtain heavenly treasures ?

34. How do you explain this application?

35. What was the use of a girdle ?-With what were they to be girded? Eph. vi. 14.-What "lights" were here spoken of?

36. To what custom is allusion here made ?—In what respect should this example be followed?

37. What is here intended by the coming of the Lord ?--How will he serve them that watch ?

38. What were the watches of the night ?* 39. Who is meant by the goodman of the house ?— Is his example to be followed, or avoided ?

40. For what were they exhorted to be ready?

41. What Peter was this ?-Whom did he mean by us? Mark xiii. 37.

42. Who is here called a steward? 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2. -Who is intended by his Lord ? John xiii. 13, 14. -What is meant by "due season ?"

43. In what doings will he be blessed? Acts xx. 28. -To whom had he been speaking? 32.-How was

Peter's question answered? 41.

44. When and how would this servant be rewarded? 45. What character is here exhibited ?-Who are meant by the men-servants and maidens ?

46. What surprise awaits the unfaithful steward ?What is the portion of unbelievers ?

47. What other servant is here spoken of ?-Was

*The twelve hours of the night were divided into four parts, or watches.

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