had not on a wedding garment, were in the same condemnation. We have all, whether we know it or not, some peculiar propensity which must be subdued. The avaricious, the self-indulgent, the prodigal, the penurious, the ostentatious, are all equally worldly. And we are told of only one principle which can be victorious over the world; namely, our faith; (1 John v. 4;) which some of us account to be a very easy thing. We waive all dispute on that point; but allowing that to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is quite easy, yet we must all agree that the finished work of our Redeemer, in which he causes his people to rest, was not easy. He dwelt in close association with every form of human depravity and wretchedness. How much his sinless humanity endured from day to day, who can know? "Temptation, sorrow, bitter scorn, The life of pain, the mean abode, We should not dare to mention in conjunction here, that scene wherein his soul was made an offering for sin, had not inspiration taught us, that it is by contemplation of the cross alone, that the world becomes itself a crucified thing to the believer. (Gal. vi. 14.) Now, instead of arguing the question, whether such and such things are worldly, let us ask ourselves this question: Is my faith in the Lord Jesus so real that it makes the world a dead thing to me? I can enjoy all things only as the gifts of Christ. If he take them away, I can enjoy all things in him, the apprehension of the glories of the place where he displays the same watchful care of his people as when a Man of Sorrows, withdraws our affections to the temple not made with hands, where he ministers a Priest upon his throne. And shall we ask, Is there anything worthy to be compared or mentioned as a form of sacrifice of this vain world which ought for a moment to be put in competition with this one word,-Glory? But there are many other reflections which naturally arise out of this subject, which I must reserve until next month. H. F. E. A. THE BEAVER Is a very curious animal, of astonishing industry and foresight. In order to procure lodgings and provisions during the winter, the beavers live in a state of society which resembles the civil compact of man, rather than the mere instinctive habits of other animals. As they must live near the water, and frequently in it, they build dams across running brooks, to create an artificial lake; and in order to accomplish so great an object, they are obliged to labour in concert. The ingenuity with which they construct their dams, and build apartments or lodgings, is truly astonishing. Their principal objects seem to be a dry bed to lie on, and security. The walls, and particularly the roofs, are often more than five feet thick; and they never give them the last coat of mud-plaster until the frost sets in, which presses it so hard that the wolverene, the greatest enemy of their tribe, cannot easily break through. Some of the large houses have several apartments; but it appears that each is occupied by a whole family. There is no passage into them from the land-side; and they have vaults on the banks of the river to retreat to when they apprehend danger. They drag pieces of wood with their teeth; the mud and small stones they carry between their fore-paws and their throats. They execute their work wholly in the night. When the increase of their numbers makes it necessary to build other apartments, or when they shift to another situation, they begin to cut down the wood early in summer, and begin building in August; but do not complete their work until the cold weather sets in. They feed on the bark of trees, preferring that of the poplar and willow, and float down the wood which they cut in summer to their habitations, for winter provision: but their principal article of food is a thick root that grows on the bottoms of rivers and lakes. In summer, they feed on herbs, berries, &c., &c. SABBATH EXERCISES. ON THE SABBATH. D. VERSE 23. Where did Jesus go? When? What is said of his disciples? Describe the ears of corn? Ver. 24. Who spoke to Jesus? What did they ask? Who were the Pharisees? Ver. 25. What did Jesus say in reply? Who was David? In what condition was David and those who were with him, at the time alluded to? Ver. 26. Where did David enter? When? What did he eat? What was unlawful? Ver. 27. Who said? What did he say? For whom was the Sabbath made? Ver. 28. Who is Lord? Of what is the Son of Man, Lord? Who is the Son of Man? EXPLANATIONS.-Ver. 23. Ears of corn. Heads containing the seeds.-Ver. 24. Pharisees. A sect who esteemed themselves the most religious among the Jews, and despised others.-Ver. 25. David. King of Israel. Hungred. Hungry, in want of food.-Ver. 26. Shew-bread. Holy bread placed before God in the holy place. (1 Sam. xxi. 6.)—Ver. 27. Made. Appointed.-Ver. 28. The Son of Man. The Lord Jesus Christ. LESSONS.-1. Jesus did not disapprove of his disciples eating ears of corn on the Sabbath; and we are thus taught that works of very great necessity may be done on that day. 2. We may learn from the conduct of the Pharisees that self-righteous people are very fond of finding fault with others. 3. As the Sabbath-day was appointed for man, we should employ it for our religious good, and the glory of God, by keeping it holy. EXERCISE XIX.-MAY 17th. THE WITHERED HAND HEALED. Ver. 9. Who departed? Whither did they go? Ver. 10. What man was in the synagogue? Who asked Jesus a question? Ver. 14. What was the question? What reason is given for their asking this question? Ver. 11. What reply did Jesus give them? What may happen to a sheep? When? What ought a humane man to do in that case? Ver. 12. What does Jesus say of a man? What is the meaning of better? What does Jesus say is lawful to be done on the Sabbath? What is it to do well? Ver. 13. What did Jesus command the afflicted man to do? Did he obey? And what followed? What is the meaning of "stretch forth?" EXPLANATIONS.-Ver. 9. Departed thence. Gone from that place. Synagogue. A house for public worship belonging to the Jews.-Ver. 10. Withered. |