O! thus may we in heaven above "I WILL NOT FAIL THEE." HIS is what the Lord said to Joshua, who took the place of Moses as the leader of the Israelites. The servant of God felt his inability to do the work to which he had been called, and therefore God encouraged him by this precious promise. It is a promise which belongs to every one who is trying, by God's help, to do right; and we are never to forget that it is only by His help that we can do right. No doubt there are some among our young readers who often feel their need of some great help. All ought to feel this, but some feel it more than others. Even the young are severely tried. They have temptations and sorrows, and, alas for them! bereavements. Many a young heart is bowed with a weight of woe which would be heavy even for an old person. But these gracious words ought surely to bring comfort to every troubled mind. We have read an interesting incident in the life of Stilling, which is a good illustration of this text. Stilling was a celebrated German writer who died over fifty years ago. In early life he was very poor. He wished to study medicine, but knew not where to go, nor had he money to take him anywhere. But, young as he was, he had a firm faith in God. He reasoned thus:-"God begins nothing without terminating it gloriously. He alone has ordered my present circumstances, and everything regarding me He will bring about in His own way." His friends were as poor as himself, and wondered how he would get the money he needed for his education. After raising all he could for his long journey to Strasburg, where he was to spend the winter, he started on his way, but when he reached Frankfort, which was three days' ride from Strasburg, he had only one dollar left. He said nothing, but he prayed much. While walking the streets he met a merchant belonging to his native place, who said :— "Stilling, what brought you here ?" "I am going to Strasburg to study medicine." "Where do you get your money to study with ?" "I have a rich Father in heaven." "How much money have find some way to keep His pro you on hand?" “One dollar," said Stilling. "So!" said the merchant; "well, I'm one of your Father's stewards," and he handed him thirty-three dollars. He had not been long in Strasburg when his thirty-four dollars were reduced to one. One morning his room-mate said to him, "Stilling, I believe you did not bring much money with you;" and gave him thirty dollars in gold. In a few months after this he had no money to pay his college dues. The lecturer's fee must be paid by six o'clock on Thursday evening, or he would be obliged to leave college. Five o'clock came, and still he had no money. Then, while he was in great grief, and praying to God for help, a gentleman came in and gave him forty dollars in gold. Thus it is that God never fails those who trust in Him. Some of the boys and girls who read this article may be poor, and trying to get an education. Do not be discouraged. Do all you can, and do the best you can, and God will help you. He may not send people with gold or bank-notes just at the very time you need them, but He will mise, "I will not fail thee." A simple, loving trust in God, all the way through life, will give you great happiness even in the midst of many cares. SHORT SENTENCES FOR YOUNG THINKERS. CXXXIII. That pilgrim is base who speaks ill of his staff. CXXXIV. When the barn is full, you may thresh before the door. CXXXV. As is the garden, such is the gardener. CXXXVI. Secrets are seldom longlived. CXXXVII. Do well, and doubt no man; do ill, and doubt all men. CXXXVIII. Beggars fear no rebellion. CXXXIX. The truest jests sound worst in guilty ears. CXL. Prayer should be the key CXLIII. Peace is not always found INDEX. A battle with bees, 40 A brave sailor-lad, 25 A genealogy of good books, 183 A good example, 240 A good man and his canine protector, 171 A mother's words, 230 A parable of love, 57 A repentant lion, 203 A young astronomer, 92 Anathoth, the birthplace of the prophet. Beauty and poison, 21 Bible, the, translations of, 202 Curiosity punished, 60 Desiring and choosing, 223 Eastern shepherds, 65 Flying high, 194 Four servants of Satan, 85 From the earth to the sun, 103 Good and bad apples, 73 How Indians catch eagles, 233 Praise to Jesus, 225 Prayer for our country, 190 Sowing and reaping, 53 Speak softly to the fatherless, 199 Suffer little children to come unto The Apostles' creed in verse, 194 The boy on the garden gate, 98 The flower and the willow, 181 The miraculous passage of the people of "The one talent," 166 The "river of water of life," 119 The song of the bees, 178 The summer's call, 132 The widow's tears dried, 25 Where is rest? 16 Work honourable, 59 Ragged Tom and his suretiship, 62 "Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it Sabbath, the, testimonics of great men to Scene in a mosque, 120 SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS IN RHYME, 24, 64, Selfishness, 64 SHORT SENTENCES FOR YOUNG THINKERS, Short speeches, 182 Small beginnings, 153 Telford, Thomas: "the laughing laddie of Eskdale," 174 Test of friendship, 203 The Arctic Regions, 139 The best Book in the best place, 121 The care of God: a backwoodsman's The clever sparrows, 142 The drowsy sentinel, 179 The evil of selfishness, 211 The farmer's friends; or, The birds' The old fisherman's story, 112 The persecutions of the Jews, 179 The skilled hand, 16 "The snow-prayer," 33 The stonecutter's six wishes: a Japanese The true water: an allegory, 122 The uses of hands, 108 The wallflower's mistake: a fable, 79, 99 The way to success, 103 The wonders of the corn-fields: much out FINIS. J. ROCHE, PRINTER, 25, HOXTON-SQUARE, LONDON. |