language imply? That he worked the miracle by his own power.VERSE 4. Why was he to tell no man? Because Christ did not wish his fame to increase at present. Why was he to show himself to the priest? Lev. xiv. 2. What gift was this? Lev. xiv. 22, 30, 31. How was this a testimony unto them? It was a sign of respect to the law, which appointed both things to be done.

IMPROVEMENT. Dwell upon the awful nature of sin as a leprosy -and upon the power and compassion of Christ.

Afternoon Reading, Gen. vi.

Afternoon Lesson, Matt. viii. 5—13.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

What was a

VERSE 5. From what place did Jesus come? From Galilee, Matt. iv. 23, where the Mount was. Where was Capernaum? On the borders of the sea of Galilee, not far from the Mount. centurion? A captain over a hundred men in the Roman legion.VERSE 6. What did the centurion do and say?—VERSE 7. What was the reply of Jesus? Had the centurion asked him to come? No. What then did he wish Christ to do? To speak the healing word only. Did this show that he had faith? Yes, great faith.-VERSE 9. What did the centurion mean by these words? That as the centurion was obeyed by his soldiers, so Christ would be obeyed by all nature. VERSE 10. At what did Jesus marvel? At his great faith. What does "verily" mean? In very truth.-VERSE 11. Whom did our Lord mean by the "many from the east and the west?" The Gentiles. The faith of the centurion, who was a Gentile, led Christ to anticipate the day when other Gentiles should enter the kingdom. Is this prophecy fulfilled in our day? Yes-wherever the gospel is received amongst the Gentiles.-VERSE 12. Who are the children of the kingdom? The Jews. Did Christ mean that all should be cast out? No. The greater part in consequence of unbelief. What is the meaning of the whole statement? That many Gentiles should be saved, and many Jews be condemned.-VERSE 13. What did Jesus say to the centurion: was this a prayer, or a command? A command. Was it obeyed. Yes, in "the self-same hour." IMPROVEMENT. Dwell upon the value of faith in the sight of Christ-and upon the power and goodness of the Redeemer.

SEPTEMBER 10.

Morning Reading, 1 Sam. xvi.

Morning Lesson, Matt. viii. 14-17.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 14.-Where was Peter's house? At Capernaum. Verse 5. Who lived in it with Peter? Andrew. Mark. i. 29.

On what day

T

did Jesus enter the house? Mark i. 29. Did Jesus enter alone? Mark i. 29.-VERSE 15. How did Jesus heal the sick person? Did the fever leave her altogether? Yes, for " she arose," &c.-VERSE Why did they wait till even? Because then the Sabbath was

16. over.

The Sabbath commenced at sunset and ended at sunset. Mark i. 32. Let the teacher dwell upon the wonderful scene of deaf, dumb, halt, blind, &c., being brought to Christ and healed.-VERSE 17. In what part of Isaiah is this prophecy? Chap. liii. 4.

IMPROVEMENT. If Christ has such power, may we not trust him for salvation? If Christ healed the bodily diseases of men, do you not think that he is willing to heal the spiritual diseases of men.

Afternoon Reading, Gen. vii.

Afternoon Lesson, Matt. viii. 18-20.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

His

VERSE 18.-What brought the multitudes about Jesus? miracles, his wonderful manner of speaking to them, his kindness, and the curiosity of the people. What do we learn from his giving commandment? That he considered himself Master and Lord: he ordered the ship to be ready. The other side of what? Of the sea of Galilee. On which side were they when he gave the command? Verse 5. Why did Christ wish to leave the multitude? Because perhaps he saw that they came not to profit, or because he had taught them as much as they could then receive, or because he and his disciples required rest, or because he wished to prove the depth of their sincerity. Only one expressed a desire of wishing to follow him, and he was insincere.-VERSE 19. What is a scribe? An interpreter of the law and traditions. Ezra vii. 11. The word scribe means, a writer; and the scribes had to write out the law. What did he mean by this language? That he wished to become a disciple.-VERSE 20. What did Christ mean by this answer? That if the scribe followed him he would have to endure privation together with him. Why did Christ speak thus ? To try his sincerity. Did the scribe follow after this? We are not told; but probably not. Do you think he was sincere then? No! What were his motives think you? To obtain notice from Christ.

IMPROVEMENT. Dwell upon the importance of sincerity, especially in religion—and upon self-denial, as a part of a christian's character.

SEPTEMBER 17.

Morning Reading, 1 Sam. xxiv. Morning Lesson, Matt. viii. 21–22.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 21. What is meant by "another of his disciples?" The word disciple means a scholar or learner. It is used with reference

to two classes in the New Testament; 1, Those who were baptized and afterwards became learners or hearers: 2, Those who were converted in heart, and were taught by the Spirit. "Another of his disciples" means another of those who heard and followed him. What did the language of this disciple evince? 1, Want of promptness in obeying Christ: 2, Imperfect views of Christ's authority: 3, Forgetfulness of Christ's omniscience. Christ read his thoughts,

and knew that his excuse was insincere-VERSE 22. Had Jesus said "follow me" before? Yes, Luke ix. 59, and here repeats it. What does Luke make Jesus say? "Go thou, &c." Luke ix. 60. What do we learn from this? That he called this man to be one of his apostles. What did Christ mean by "let the dead bury their dead ?" Let the dead in sins, or the wicked, bury their dead. Are there any other passages in which the wicked are said to be dead? Yes. Luke xv. 32; Eph. ii. 1, 5; v. 14. Col. ii. 13; 1 Tim. v. 6. What is the idea conveyed by this language? That as the dead man can perform no natural action (can neither hear, see, speak, nor walk) so the sinful man can perform no spiritual action. Did Jesus mean by this language that good men are forbidden to bury the wicked? No. But that they are not to do this when called by Christ to a more important work.

IMPROVEMENT. Dwell upon, 1, The sin of making false excuses: 2, The importance of promptly obeying Christ: 3, The folly of letting anything hinder us from following the Redeemer.

What sea was this?

waiting for him? Mark iii. 9.-VERSE 24. What is meant by the ship's being covered with the waves? Mark iv. 37. Was it not remarkable that the tempest should arise when Jesus was in the ship? Yes. How was it and what should it teach us? It was by his permission, for the purpose of trying the faith of the disciples, and of showing his power. It should teach us to trust in Jesus amidst the storms of life. What made Jesus sleep? The fatigues of the day. In what part of the ship and on what did he sleep? Mark iv. 38. How could he sleep in a storm? He had no fear.-VERSE 25. Ought the disciples to have feared? not with Jesus near. Was the language of Jesus reproving? What did he say to the sea? Mark. iv. 39. Could the sea understand him? No, but his word could control it.-VERSE 27. What

No,

was the cause of their marvelling? The miracle wrought. Was it a remarkable miracle? Yes. Let the teacher dwell on the wonder. What manner of man was Jesus? Unlike all other men in wisdom

and power.

IMPROVEMENT. Dwell upon, 1, The importance of having Christ as our friend 2, The duty of prayer, especially in every period of trouble.

SEPTEMBER 24.

Morning Reading, 1 Sam. xxviii. Afternoon Lesson, Matt. viii. 28-34.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 28. Where was the country of the Gergesenes? Opposite Galilee. Into what part of the country did Jesus come? The regions of Gadara. Mark v. 1. How many "possessed do Mark and Luke mention. Mark v. 2; Luke viii. 27. How do you account for this difference of statement. Mark and Luke mention the most remarkable case only. What made these persons so fierce, and what else is said about them in Mark and Luke? Their being possessed. Mark v. 3-5; Luke viii. 27-29. What made them come out of the tombs? They dwelt there. Mark v. 3.-Verse 29. What did their crying out in this manner prove? That they knew Jesus. What did they fear? That he was coming to judge them. What do we learn from this? That evil spirits have not yet received the just and full punishment of their sins. Give their language as recorded by Mark and Luke. Mark v. 7; Luke viii. 28.-VERSE 30. Where did they feed and to whom did they belong? Was it lawful for Jews to keep swine? Lev. xi. 7, 8.-VERSE 31. Why did the devils ask for this? They knew he would dispossess them, and wished to remain in the country. Mark v. 10. Had Jesus commanded them to come out? Yes. Mark v. 8.-Verse 32. Why did Jesus permit the devils to cause this loss? 1, To convince the Sadducees of the existence of evil spirits: 2, To show them that they sinned in keeping swine: 3, To remove a great temptation from them. How many swine were there? Mark v. 13.-VERSE 33. Why did the keepers flee? In fear and to tell the news. VERSE 34. Was not this a foolish and unkind request? Yes. They ought to have rejoiced. 1, They were selfish; preferring swine to their fellow-men's happiness: 2, They were ungrateful : they ought to have adored him who gave such proofs of his power: 3, They were infatuated; they ought to have asked Christ to stay with them.

IMPROVEMENT. Dwell upon the folly of preferring worldly possessions to the presence and favour of Christ.

Afternoon Reading, Gen. ix. 1—19.

Afternoon Lesson, Mark v. 15, 18-20.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

Luke viii. 36.

VERSE 15. Where was the dispossessed sitting? What did this posture denote ? Acknowledgment of Christ's power in casting out the devil, gratitude, and reverence. Who clothed him? Probably Christ's disciples. Ought the multitude to have been afraid? No. If they had known more about Christ they would have rejoiced in his great power.-VERSE 18. Was the dispossessed in the ship when this request was made? The ship (which was small) touched the shore; and when Christ entered the dispossessed may be supposed to move as if to enter also, when Christ forbad him, and the request was made. Why was the request made? 1, From a sense of gratitude: 2, From affection for Christ: 3, From a feeling of confidence in Christ's protection.-VERSE 19. Was not this a trial to the man? Undoubtedly. What is the account in Luke? "God" instead of " Lord" Luke viii. 39. What do we learn from this? That Christ is God.--VERSE 20. What did this prompt obedience show? Sincere gratitude. Anything more? Yes; great faith. In leaving the presence and protection of his best friend, that he might do his will. What is meant by Decapolis? The region of ten cities. Some were on one side, some on the other, of the sea of Galilee. Decapolis means "" ten cities." What is meant by all men ? All to whom he spake of his

cure.

IMPROVEMENT. Dwell upon the similarity between those who were possessed, and all sinners-on the power of Christ to remove evil influences from our hearts—and on the importance of telling others of the cures he is able to effect.

POVERTY OF MEN OF GENIUS.

Many of the most celebrated writers have had neither hereditary dignity, nor yet been favoured by fortune with numerous and noble patrons and friends, enjoyed any peculiar privileges, or found strewed in their path any advantageous opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge, but such as their own genius invented and plied. The mine has been opened and worked by themselves alone. Edmund Halley was the son of a soap-boiler of Shoreditch, Dr. Mountain of a beggar, and Milton of a money-scrivener. Cervantes, the great Spanish writer, served as a common soldier. Voltaire was the son of a