great wonders and miracles among the people." We cannot do that, nor is it now needed; but may we get "power" with God? Yes. May we be "full of faith?" Yes. May we be "full of the Holy Ghost?" Yes, even that also; for Jesus has said that the Spirit shall dwell in them that love Him and keep His words. How this can be we may not know; but we may know and feel that it is so.

2. Why men hated him.-Stephen worked with all his might for the Lord Jesus; many believed what he said, and became servants and disciples of Jesus. But many evil men rose up against him, and "disputed" with him, saying what he said was not true. But

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they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." How came he to have this wisdom? This made these bad men angry, and they "stirred up the people" against him. This is how the enemies of Jesus have ever done; when they could not resist the truth, they have tried to destroy those who spake it. But could they destroy the truth? No, that can never perish. Still these men seized Stephen, and took him, a prisoner, before the rulers. They charged him with doing what was wrong. But he feared not. Why was this? Because he knew he was doing right, and that God was with him.

3. Before the High Priest.-The High Priest asked Stephen whether what they said was true. He then told them what the Lord had done for their nation in long years past; how they had lived in Egypt, and how God had taken them out, and all that He had done by Moses in the long journey, to Canaan, and of what happened there. Then he told them of the coming of Jesus, and of their sin in putting Him to death. "When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart," and looked upon him with fury. But he feared not even for this, and God helped him in a strange and wonderful way. For he "looked up..into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing" there. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on, the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice,..and ran upon him, ..and cast him out of the city, and stoned him" to death!

4. How Stephen died.-In that dreadful hour, how did Stephen feel? Was he angry at these wicked enemies of his? No, he prayed for them, that God would forgive them for their evil to him. Was he in terror at the pain of the stoning, or at the fear of death? No; he said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "fell asleep." So calmly and peacefully did he die. Would you wish so to live and to die? Then you must love and serve the Lord Jesus as he did. The friends of Stephen were full of sorrow at his death. But as they "carried him to his burial," they thought of his wisdom, and his faith, and his love to Jesus and to all men, and prayed and strove that they might be like him.

REVISION. Who was Stephen? What sort of man was he? Why did people hate him? Why did they put him to death? How did they do this? What is said of his death? For whom did he pray? How may we be like him?

March 15.-Seeking for the Truth. ACTS viii. 30: "Understandest thou what thou readest?"

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1. Philip's errand.-Philip was servant of the Lord Jesus. Of whom did our last Lesson tell us? The great work of the Apostles was to teach others what they had learned of Christ. Who set them their work? Who fitted them for it? One day, "the angel of the Lord" bade Philip go a long journey from Jerusalem to the desert land which lay on the way to Egypt. "He arose and went," not knowing why, nor asking questions, but just doing his Master's will. When he got there, he saw a stranger travelling towards Egypt. He was not alone, and Philip could see at once he was not a poor man. He was "sitting in his chariot;" servants were about him, and his dress and manner showed him to be great in wealth and power. Who was this stranger? An officer of the great Queen of Ethiopia. Let us see now where he had been, and what he was doing.

2. Looking for Jesus.-This officer had come from Ethiopia up to Jerusalem "to worship." It was a long journey to take for this purpose. And he did not know much about the God Whom he had come to worship. But he

sought to know more. And God, Who had seen him, and Who knew all that was in his heart, now bade Philip "go near and join" him. Philip ran till he overtook the chariot, and found him reading the Scriptures. This was a blessed way of passing the time on his journey. Philip heard him as he read aloud out of the Prophet Isaiah, and he said to him, "Understandest thou what thou readest?" It is easy to read when once we have learned, but who shall teach us to understand what we read? He only Who bade Philip go to this man. The officer said, How can I, except some man should guide me ?" And he asked Philip to "come up and sit with him" in his chariot.

3. Finding the Saviour.-So they read together of One Who " was led as a sheep to the slaughter," Who was to die a painful death; and the stranger asked Philip of Whom the prophet spake this. Then Philip "preached

unto him Jesus." For it was of Jesus the Scripture spoke, though the man knew it not. God helped him now to understand.

His heart was opened,

and he earnestly wished to become a servant and follower of Christ. The outward sign or mark of this was "to be baptized." So he asked Philip to baptize him. Philip told him this might be if he believed in Jesus with all his heart. And he said, "I believe, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So they went down into the water, and he was baptized. And after they were come out of the water, "the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip." So he "saw him no more," but "he went on his way rejoicing." Why did he rejoice? Because he had given his heart to Jesus. But why did this give him joy? Because it made him feel safe and happy. The love of Jesus does this for every one who has it. Would you wish to get it? Seek it as the eunuch sought it, and the Spirit of God will guide you to it.

REVISION. Where was Philip sent? Whom did he see? What was he doing? What question did Philip ask? What was the answer? How did he find what he sought? Why was he baptized? What did he say of Jesus? What difference did it make to him? Why did he rejoice?

March 22.-A Stone with a Name.

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1 SAMUEL vii. 12: "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."

1. How the ark was lost.-The people of Israel had been in great trouble. This was because they had sinned greatly. Sin ever brings trouble. The Philistines, their fierce enemies, had come upon them, spoiled them of their goods, and killed many of them, and, worst of all, they had taken away "the ark of the Lord." This was a great grief to them. But in time they

sent it back to the Israelites, for God would not allow it to remain long from His people. They were so glad to have it, that they forgot how sacred a thing it was, and "they looked into" it, as though it were not "the ark of the Lord." For this God's anger was raised against them, and many of the people died. They had lost the fear of the Lord, and forgot His command, that the priests only should deal with the ark. Now they feared very much, and were even afraid to bring the ark up to its place. It was left in Kirjathjearim for many years in the house of a good man, whom the Lord greatly blessed.

2. How it was restored.-The people often longed to get the ark put again into its own place. For it was the sign of God's presence with them. And they all lamented after the Lord." But why had the Lord departed from them? Because they had done evil in His sight. We cannot look for God's blessing upon us, if we keep not His word. Samuel knew this, and he told them if they wished the presence and help and blessing of God, they must put away evil from amongst them, and turn to Him with all their heart. They did this, and Samuel bade the people gather together to Mizpeh, and he would pray to the Lord to return to their help. They greatly needed this, for their enemies the Philistines were pressing sore against them.

3. The cry, and the answer.-The people came together as Samuel bade them in great numbers, and fasted and prayed, and worshipped the Lord. While they were doing this, the Philistines came up fierce and strong against them, for they had heard that the Israelites were all gathered there. When the men of Israel knew it, they

were very much afraid, for they were not strong enough to drive the Philistines back. What could they do? They said to Samuel, "Cry unto the Lord our God for us, that He will save us out of the hand of the Philistines." It might have been better for them if they could have prayed for themselves, but it was indeed well to have Samuel to pray for them; "and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him." For while he prayed, "the Lord thundered....upon the Philistines,..and they were smitten before Israel." Are we in trouble? Let us pray. Do we need One to pray for us? We have a Greater than Samuel. Who is He?

4. The sign of God's mercy.-Samuel did not wish to let this great mercy pass without something to keep it in mind. So he "took a stone, and set it" up in the place, and "called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' This was what the name meant. There it stood, with its wonderful name. And in years after, the stone and the name brought to the mind of the people who saw it, how great and how many the mercies of the Lord had been to them, and thus put hope and courage and comfort in the hearts of those who feared Him. Has the Lord helped us? Let us think and speak of it, and make it known to others.

REVISION.-Why did God allow the Philistines to take the ark? How did the Israelites get it back? Why did they want it? What did Samuel tell them to do? How did the Lord help them? How did Samuel keep it in mind? What did he call the stone? What does the name mean?

March 29.-About True Comfort.

ACTS ix. 31: "Walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost."

1. A time of trouble.-Do you remember our Lesson about Stephen? That told us how a good man died; today we are to learn how good men lived. They had passed through much trouble, yet out of all the Lord had brought them, and now they were "in comfort." In the days of trouble, rulers had set themselves against them, men spoke ill of them, they were put in prison, beaten, and hurt in many ways, and one of them was even stoned

to death. Then, too, Saul of Tarsus rose against them, and his hatred seemed worst of all. He went from house to house, dragging forth men and women, and casting them into prison. To save themselves, these friends and servants of the Lord Jesus went forth from their homes, and were "scattered abroad." Still they ceased not to love their Master; nothing could take His love from their hearts. Had He not forgotten them? Did He see and care for the harm which befell them? Yes, and now after the days of trouble

came,

2. A time of rest.—First, Saul was changed. How was he changed? The Lord turned his heart. So that from hating Jesus, he began to love and serve Him. This was a great wonder to all who knew him. None but God could have done this. He was just in the midst of his cruel and evil work, on his way to do greater wrong than ever to the people of God, when a great light from heaven shone upon him, and the voice of Jesus came to him, and he saw in a moment how wrong his life had been. He prayed to the Lord Whom he had hated, and sought forgiveness of his sin. Jesus forgive him. Yes, He never refuses a prayer like that. Saul's heart was changed; he became the great apostle Paul, and preached the faith which he had tried to destroy. Other enemies ceased their wicked and cruel ways, and so the disciples of Jesus had

rest.

-

Did

3. How these people lived. They walked in "the fear of the Lord." They thought of Him at all times, and sought to do only what would please Him; they spoke of Him, spreading the knowledge of his Word and of His Gospel; their fear of Him kept them from evil ways; and thus they walked in "the comfort of the Holy Ghost." There are many ways and means in which men seek comfort; the comfort of health, the pleasure which riches may bring to the homes and the senses of men. Yet these may all be had, and no true comfort with them. Where is it that comfort must be felt? In the heart only. If there be no peace there, there is no comfort. But the comfort of the Holy Ghost brings joy and peace to the heart, which nothing can destroy. He will

give this comfort to you, if you walk in His fear. Will you not seek this great blessing?

REVISION.-What trouble did the servants

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of Jesus suffer? Who made the trouble worse? How was Saul changed? How did rest come? How did they then live? What comfort does the Holy Ghost give? How may this comfort be got?

ALICE ANN BRADBURY was born in a humble but tidy little cottage in Spotland-road, on the 9th of March, 1860. She was blessed with parents who were ready at every point to do anything that lay in their power for the good of their child. At about the age of four she was sent to a Methodist Sundayschool situated in Spotland, about a mile from the place where she lived. While she remained in the school she was very regular in her attendance, and paid great attention to her teacher's instructions. At about the age of nine she sustained the loss of her affectionate father. She being the oldest of three children, was sent at that early age to earn her own livelihood in the mill. But she had a good mother, who took great interest in her welfare.

At the death of her father she was removed from the school at Spotland, and joined the Wesleyan-Methodist Sunday-school, Cinnamon-street, Spotland-road, it having been just opened, and much nearer to her home. She was very attentive to her teacher, and appeared to have a longing desire to obtain all the knowledge she could about her blessed Saviour. Whenever her teacher was speaking about Jesus and His sufferings, tears of gratitude might have been seen to trickle down her cheeks.

She was a lovely, bright-eyed girl, and seemed almost too good to breathe amid the wickedness with which she was daily surrounded.

At the early age of twelve, her Heavenly Father saw fit in His all-wise providence to lay her on a bed of affliction, on which she remained some

ten weeks, at the end of which He removed her from a world of sin and sorrow, and took her to the mansions above.

During her sickness she was very calm and reserved; but when spoken to by any of her friends, she would express a longing desire to be with Jesus. The scholars, teachers, and friends with whom she had been accustomed to mingle, would often visit her, and sing for her some beautiful hymn. On one occasion she requested that they should sing the hymn beginning,

"I want to be an angel."

Whilst it was being sung, she was observed to be absorbed in prayer. After the hymn was finished, her teacher asked her if she loved Jesus, to which she answered, "Yes;" adding, that she was going to Him in heaven, and that she should see in heaven her late teacher, Miss Gregson, who a few months before had passed away. She often made mention of this dearly-beloved teacher. Whilst prayer was made at her request, many of her schoolmates wept bitterly.

One of the hymns to which she was much attached, and would often have sung to her, was,

"Jesu, Lover of my soul," etc.

During her affliction she fully manifested the Christian's calmness, and seemed quite ready for her dear Saviour's call, Come up hither. The night but one before she passed away, one of the teachers visited her, but she was too weak to speak, and could only just muster strength enough to ask the teacher to pray with her. May God grant that her fellow scholars may take her as an example, and try to meet her in heaven! J. W. BELLARBY.

were very much afraid, for they were not strong enough to drive the Philistines back. What could they do? They said to Samuel," Cry unto the Lord our God for us, that He will save us out of the hand of the Philistines." It might have been better for them if they could have prayed for themselves, but it was indeed well to have Samuel to pray for them; "and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him." For while he prayed, "the Lord thundered....upon the Philistines,..and they were smitten before Israel." Are we in trouble? Let us pray. Do we need One to pray for us? We have a Greater than Samuel. Who is He?

4. The sign of God's mercy.-Samuel did not wish to let this great mercy pass without something to keep it in mind. So he "took a stone, and set it" up in the place, and "called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' This was what the name meant. There it stood, with its wonderful name. And in years after, the stone and the name brought to the mind of the people who saw it, how great and how many the mercies of the Lord had been to them, and thus put hope and courage and comfort in the hearts of those who feared Him. Has the Lord helped us? Let us think and speak of it, and make it known to others.

REVISION.-Why did God allow the Philistines to take the ark? How did the Israelites get it back? Why did they want it? What did Samuel tell them to do? How did the Lord help them? How did Samuel keep it in mind? What did he call the stone? What does the name mean?

March 29.-About True Comfort. ACTS ix. 31: "Walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost."

1. A time of trouble.-Do you remember our Lesson about Stephen ? That told us how a good man died; today we are to learn how good lived. They had passed throu trouble, yet out of all th brought them, and now **

comfort." In the da

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to death. Then, too, Saul of Tarsus rose against them, and his hatred seemed worst of all. He went from house to house, dragging forth men and women, and casting them into prison. To save themselves, these friends and servants of the Lord Jesus went forth from their homes, and were "scattered abroad." Still they ceased not to love their Master; nothing could take His love from their hearts. Had He not forgotten them? Did He see and care for the harm which befell them? Yes, and now after the days of trouble

came,

2. A time of rest.-First, Saul was changed. How was he changed? The Lord turned his heart. So that from hating Jesus, he began to love and serve Him. This was a great wonder to all who knew him. None but Go! could have done this. He was just the midst of his cruel and evil work on his way to do greater wrong the ever to the people of God, wher great light from heaven shone a him, and the voice of Jesus cai him, and he saw in a momen wrong his life had been. H to the Lord Whom he had 1 sought forgiveness of his Jesus forgive him. Yes, refuses a prayer like that. was changed; he beca: apostle Paul, and prea which he had tried to enemies ceased their ways, and so the dis rest.

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