torrent of words and decision of purpose, that the sick person had rather be left alone than be made comfortable in that fashion; and that the fire should go out, rather than that all the fire-irons should come clattering down, and the kettle look as if it must tumble over to add to the commotion.

I know there are many acts of kindness done. Many a "gathering" made when the wages are paid, so that a sick mate's family might not feel the want of his week's earnings; many a drunken mother's child carefully tended because the mother proved herself incapable; many a drunken husband's heart-broken wife cheered by his being brought home earlier than she dared hope, or by some little attention to herself or the children. In many homes I have found an orphan child adopted, sometimes not even a relative, but cared for as tenderly as if it was a child of the house, because it was friendless, or its friends would only have brought it up to sin, when I knew that an additional mouth must bring a corresponding addition of anxiety and need of carefulness in making the weekly wage go as far as it would.

So I am only suggesting, that those who think they can do nothing may still find some way of taking a little from the great heap of misery in the world and putting it on to the little heap of happiness.

And you who love Jesus, think how He says, "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another: as I have done unto you, so do ye;" and remember

that parable (Matt. xxv. 34) in which our Lord shows us that though justified solely and simply by faith,— "not of works, lest any man should boast,"-yet that faith must work by love; that if it is in our hearts it must show itself in our lives. Men see not the secret spring of the action, but they see the effect, and the cause and effect in God's sight are so intimately connected that it is even as if they were the same thing. Take comfort from the thought, too, that Jesus counts the good works and kind deeds as done unto Himself: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." And notice, too, that slights done or kindnesses omitted are also counted as to Himself: "Why persecutest thon Me?" "Ye did it not to Me." So let us be very careful in this matter to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. i. 10); so that however lowly our sphere, or however little we may seem to be able to show our gratitude to Him who has done so much for us, yet with a quick eye and ready heart and hand we may seize little opportunities, that at last it may be our joy to hear those precious words of commendation: "Faithful in a very little, come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom."

THE STRANGER AND HIS FRIEND.

"A poor way-faring man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never say Him nay.
I had not power to ask His name;
Whither He went, or whence He came :
Yet there was something in His eye
That won my love, I knew not why.

"Once when my scanty meal was spread
He entered: not a word He spake,—
Just famishing for want of bread.
I gave Him all,-He blessed it, brake,
And ate,-but gave me part again :
Mine was an angel's portion then ;
For while I sped with eager haste
That crust was manna to my taste.

"I spied Him where a fountain burst
Clear from a rock: His strength was gone:
The heedless water mocked His thirst,-
He heard it, saw it hurrying on.

I ran to raise the sufferer up:

Thrice from the stream He drained my cup,
Dipt, and returned it running o'er :
I drank, and never thirsted more.

"'Twas night: the floods were out, it blew A winter hurricane aloof:

I heard His voice abroad, and flew
To bid Him welcome to my roof:
I warmed, I fed, I cheered my guest,
Laid Him on my own couch to rest;
Then made the earth my bed, and seemed
In Eden's garden while I dreamed.

"Stript, beaten, wounded nigh to death, I found Him by the highway side:

I roused His pulse, brought back His breath,
Revived His spirit, and supplied

Wine, oil, refreshment: He was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed;
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

"In prison I saw Him next, condemned
To meet a traitor's doom at morn:
The tide of lying lips I stemmed,
And honoured Him midst shame and scorn.
My friendship's utmost zeal to try,

He asked if I for Him would die?

The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill,
But the free spirit cried,-I will!

"Then in a moment to my view

The stranger started from disguise:
The tokens in His hands I knew,-
My Saviour stood before my eyes!
He spake, and my poor name He named :
'Of Me thou has not been ashamed,
These deeds shall thy memorial be :
Fear not, thou didst them unto Me.""

J. MONTGOMERY.

VIII.

LIVING TO GOD

AND FAIR-WEATHER PRAYERS.

"Not many lives, but only one have we,

One, only one;

--

How sacred should that one life ever be,
That narrow span !

Day after day filled up with blessed toil;

Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil.”

“Prayer is the key that shutteth in the night and openeth the gates of the morning.-Teach us to live for Thee on earth, fit us to live with thee in heaven."

IST ye not that I must be about my Father's

W

business?" Do you remember what Jesus said to the Jews?" Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do." (John viii. 44.) With an angry disclaimer they said Abraham was their father, and God was their Father; but Jesus goes to the root and truth of the matter, and tells them that their lives testified against them. Ye do the deeds of your father: " the children of the Wicked One cannot please God. You know God asks, "If I be a Father, where is my honour?

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