Now it is quite dark; Bunyan is quite alone. A rude lamp glimmers on the little table, and two books keep each other company in the corner, while one more lies open before him. The open book is the Bible, the closed ones are a Concordance and Stories of the Martyrs. The prisoner has pen and ink, and paper too. How happy he looks! he writes, he smiles, he claps his hands and looks upwards; he has forgotten the prison cell; he is writing your "Pilgrim's Progress."

On the 17th of May, 1672, John Bunyan left Bedford jail, for the king had granted his release. With great joy the people hurried to hear him preach once more. He was chosen pastor of a congregation in Bedford, and passed the next sixteen years there or in London, labouring earnestly and lovingly in the cause of the Saviour he loved; sometimes preaching, sometimes writing one of his many books, but always working for Christ. Though the brave workman did not complain of fatigue, rest was near. In the autumn of 1688 he left home on an errand of love, and after it was done he was about to return, when he was seized by fever, and, after a few days' illness, died in London.

What has made the difference between the swearing tinker boy of Elstow, and the bright spirit of Bunyan before the throne in heaven? The love of God the Father, the grace of God the Son, and the fellowship of God the Holy Ghost.

WHENEVER God gives us an opportunity of being useful to others, he expects we should improve it ac cording to our capacity and ability.

QUESTIONS ON THE PARABLES OF OUR

LORD.

FORGIVENESS TAUGHT IN A PARABLE.

Matt. xviii. 23-35.

23. WHAT is here meant by the kingdom of heaven ? -Who are called the king's servants ?

24. Did this debtor come voluntarily, or involuntarily ?-How much did he owe in our money?

25. Was he unable, or unwilling to pay ?-What law or custom is referred to ? Lev. xxv. 39-46.

26. Why did the servants assume this posture ?— What is meant by "worshipped him ?"-Was forbearance, or remission, sought for ?

27. What moved the compassion of the king ?-Is a reprieve, or pardon here expressed ?*

28. How much was this debt P-What disposition was here exhibited P-Was this a common, or unusual instance ?

29. How does this request differ from the other ? 26. 30. What law or custom was this ?

v. 25. 31. Why were the fellow-servants sorry? 32. What great rule had this servant violated ?— What other obligation had he broken? Matt. v. 7. 33. To what principle is this appeal made?

r

34. What excited the king's displeasure ?-Who

*The original word in this and in the 32nd verse, rendered forgave," is variously used in the New Testament, according to its connection with other words. In this connection, it may be translated suspended, which renders the parable consistent with itself. The request of the debtor was forbearance merely; and this it seems, by the 32nd verse, was the thing granted.

were the tormentors ?-Had this debt been suspended, or extinguished ?

35. To whom was Jesus speaking ?-In what does this forgiveness consist P-To whom belongs the redress of injuries? Rom. xii. 19.

SEEK THE LORD.

My son, know thou the Lord,
Thy father's God obey;
Seek his protecting care by night,
His guardian hand by day.

Call while he may be found,

And seek him while he's near;

Serve him with all thy heart and mind,
And worship him with fear.

If thou wilt seek his face,

His ear will hear thy cry;

Then shalt thou find his mercy sure,

His grace for ever nigh.

But if thou leave thy God,

Nor choose the path to heaven,
Then shalt thou perish in thy sins,
And never be forgiven.

THE TABLES OF STONE.

“THESE words the Lord spake in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice; and he added no more: and he wrote them on two tables of stone."

These words are called the ten commandments, given to Moses on mount Sinai, and which were written by God himself on two tables or tablets of stone. See what the Lord charged upon his people. "And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

From the very first, the religion of the Bible is a home religion. It not only is an out-door religion; it not only addresses itself to the ministers and men and women, but it is a religion for the children. It not only concerns itself about the idolatries of India, and wickedness in high places, but it loves to walk with us by the way, and drop its heavenly blessings upon all the commonest doings of our household.

And in order for it to dwell in our homes, it must be first in our hearts. God well knew that when he said, “Let these words be in thy heart:" unless children have a heart to mind their parents, and to love God, they will not love to think about him, or talk of his goodness; for children cannot long pretend to what they do not really possess.

Oh, it is so sweet to have God's rule in our family, and God's love in our hearts! "This is the love of