they might teach it to a few of their poor neighbours who were unable to see to read. This was a plan suited to those who could not undertake a regular district as Bible collectors; besides, their friends very properly objected to their engaging in a work which required some experience, both of religion and of the characters among whom they might be thrown. It is not the mere gathering of money for societies that is needed; there must be prudence and discretion to find out the talents that God has bestowed upon us, for there are " 'many members, and all have not the same office." Only let us commit our way unto the Lord, he will direct our paths, and we shall be found in the right way.

The impressions produced at the Bible meeting did not soon pass away. Miss Stone had frequently told her scholars that in early days she had united with her companions in what they called a "twig," or small branch Bible Association, subscribing a small sum, which was laid out in materials for work, which they sold among their friends so as to double the original fund. Harriet Benson and her schoolfellows wished to do the same now; but after consulting their governess, she advised them rather to sell any articles they could make for a society to support female schools, by the sale of such, abroad, which is always more wanted there than in our own country, while they continued to put by their own pence from time to time in their little knitted jugs or purses, for the British and Foreign Bible Society, which they felt to have the highest claim upon their attention. What better purpose could there be than to give the Holy

Scriptures to the world, without note or comment, at

the smallest possible expense?

Shall we, whose souls are lighted

By wisdom from on high,
Shall we to men benighted
The lamp of life deny ?

Salvation, oh! salvation,
The joyful sound proclaim,
Till each remotest nation
Has learned Messiah's name.

INFANT'S PRAYER.

JESUS, see a little child

Humbly at thy footstool stay;
Thou who art so meek and mild,
Stoop and teach me what to say.
Though thou art so great and high,
Thou dost see, with smiling face,
Little children when they cry,
"Saviour, guide us by thy grace."

Show me what I ought to be,

Make me every evil shun;
Thee in all things may I see,
In thy holy footsteps run.

Jesus, all my sins forgive,

Make me lowly, pure in heart;

For thy glory may I live,

Then be with thee where thou art.

QUESTIONS ON THE PARABLES OF OUR

LORD.

UNJUST JUDGE.-PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE.
Luke xviii. 1-14.

1. To whom was this parable spoken ?-Is prayer to be constant, or incessant ?-What is here meant by fainting ?-What is written in Gal. vi. 9?

2. Was this man destitute of principle, or humanity, or both ?

3. Did the widow seek for protection, or revenge ? -What directions did God give about widows? See Exod. xxii. 22, 23.

4. Why did the judge refuse her request ?-Why did he conceal his thoughts?

5. Was the act resolved on right or wrong ?-Who detected and exposed the motive ?

6. What is the import of this exhortation P-What is said about effectual, fervent prayer? James v. 16.

7. Is a contrast or comparison here introduced ?— Wherein does it consist P-What is the import of the last clause ?

8. How do you understand "speedily ?"-Is prayer always answered immediately ?—What faith does our Lord refer to ?—To what period does he here allude ? How do perseverance and importunity differ ?-Which is the duty taught in the parable ?

9. What class of men was this ?—In what did they trust P

10. Where was this temple P-Which was the hour of prayer? Acts iii. 1.-Who were the publicans ?

242 QUESTIONS ON THE PARABLES OF OUR LORD.

11. Was he standing apart, or using silent prayer ? -Was the manner, matter, or motive wrong P-Why was the publican named last ?

Is. lviii. 6, 7.—

12. What is it to fast aright? Wherein were these duties defective ? 11-42.-How did the Pharisees and most of the Jews perform these duties so as to make them displeasing to the Lord ?——— What did the Lord say to them by his prophet in Zech. vii. 5, 6 ?—What did the Lord Jesus say to the Pharisees about giving tithes, in Matt. xxiii. 23 P-Why should we not take merit to ourselves, even for the right performance of any duty ?

13. What position is meant by "afar off? "-What characteristic is here exhibited P-What did smiting upon his breast signify? Jer. xxxi. 19.-Can you tell how the prayer of the publican differed from that of the Pharisee ?-How must sinners look for mercy from God? Eph. i. 6, 7.

14. By whom was the publican justified P-What is the instruction of this parable? Is. lxvi. 2.-What is the meaning of abased?-What promise is made to him who, like the publican, confesses his sins ? Prov. xxviii. 13.-What do you learn respecting prayer from the first of these parables P-What does the second parable teach you of the kind of prayer which is acceptable to God, and of the disposition with which it should be offered P-How does God regard those who have the spirit of the Pharisee ? James iv. 6.