make a good scholar yet.'

One

After this he wet his books with his tears. day, after a terrible rebuke from his teacher, he felt as if something had given way in his head. Ever after, he was able to master any lesson.

A good schoolmaster minces his precepts for children to swallow, hanging clogs on the nimbleness of his own soul, that his scholars may go along with him.-Fuller.

TALK WITH THE LITTLE ONES.

Jesus went on telling the people parables, or stories, as He sat in the boat. He said, 'A lamp is not placed under a box or a bed, but on a stand where it can light the room. So these stories of mine are not to hide the truth, but to make people see it more clearly. Then He told them another parable about seed sowing. When a man drops seed into the ground he cannot make it grow; but God watches it and causes it to spring up, first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear. Thus it is man's part to sow the seed, and God's part to make it grow. Another was about the mustard-seed which was very small, but grew to be a large tree. So Christ's kingdom was small at first, but became great and mighty in the world. 1. Make sure the seed is sown in your hearts. 2. Try to sow it in other hearts. 3. Look to God to bring His blessing upon it.

CATECHISM ON THE LESSON.

To what did Christ liken the kingdom of God? To seed cast into the ground. What becomes of the seed of God's kingdom? It grows by its own power. What are the stages of its growth? The blade, the ear, and the fruit. Wherein is God's kingdom like the mustard-seed? In great growth from small beginnings.

March 5.

CHRIST STILLING THE TEMPEST.

GOLDEN TEXT.

Mark iv.

Psalm cvii. 29. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

PREFATORY REMARKS.-We may feel tolerably certain that the events recorded in this portion of the gospel history, were intended by Christ to help in the great work of educating His disciples for their calling. Не teaches by both words and deeds; and finds it difficult enough to mould men to His own mind, after He has taken all the pains He can to instruct them in His ways. These followers of His had entered upon a new life; one that was not only new to themselves, but of such a nature as no class of men had embarked in since the world began. Many of them were to go forth as apostles of the Christian faith-to preach the gospel to Jew and Gentile-to encounter bitter persecution-to toil and suffer in their calling--and to die as martyrs for Jesus. They needed special training for this work. The Saviour sought to prepare them for it in at least two ways, namely, by forewarning them, and forearming them, This midnight storm brought them face to face with danger, and might be regarded as a foreshadow and earnest of the perils they would meet with in their missionary work; while the

way in which our Lord hushed the tempest, would show His sovereign authority over nature, and teach them that so long as He was their helper, they could not perish.

EXPOSITORY NOTES.-35. And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. The Saviour and His disciples were at that time on the shore of the Galilean Sea. It is probable that He had spent a considerable portion of the day in teaching the people the word of God, and now as night was approaching, He might, one thinks, very properly have retired to His house, to seek repose. But He had something else in view. He wished to cross the lake into the country of the Gadarenes, where there was work for Him to do. So He called such as were willing to go with Him. 36. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. This statement probably means that as soon as the crowd of hearers that the Lord had been addressing from the deck of the vessel could be dismissed, the disciples at once set sail, without making any special provision for the voyage. Other small boats accompanied them, many people being wishful, it is likely, to know whither the wonderful Teacher was bound at that late hour. 37. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. It is a common thing in the case of inland seas, with mountain gorges near at hand, for hurricanes such as this to sweep down suddenly on the water, to the surprise and vexation of those who may be counting on calmer weather. This tempest must have been one of unusual violence, seeing that men who had probably been accustomed during the greater part of their lives to see the lake shaken by storms, became alarmed for their safety. Danger was imminent; for the billows were sweeping furiously over the bulwarks, and the vessel seemed likely for being swamped. Instead of the reading-‘so that it was now full' it would be more strictly accurate to say-so that it was now filling. 38. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish ? Jesus was asleep on a pillow, in the hinder part of the ship. This pillow was perhaps a couch or bed provided for an emergency, or it might be among the regular equipments of the vessel. How, it may be asked, could any one sleep in the noise, excitement, terror, and lamentation of such a hurricane as this? Well, no one, probably, but Christ could have had the sweet, untroubled sleep that He enjoyed in the tempest-tost barque. One has beautifully said, 'When Jesus fell asleep He awoke the storm.' There was no cause for Him to be afraid of either wind or sea; for they are His servants and messengers, that He holds in the hollow of His hand. No ship can founder that has Him on board. There was nothing, therefore, in that tempest to disturb Him. It was otherwise, however, with His disciples; they were filled with alarm. Their hearts were as much agitated as the lake that heaved and swelled under them, and their fears as strong as the winds that swept with such fury from the Galilean mountains. To keep still in such circumstances required a clearer and stronger faith than they, as yet, possessed. In their extremity they went and roused the Lord from His slumbers. Dark and troubled as their hearts were, there was probably a ray of hope left in them. While in their address they

acknowledged Him as their Master, all else that they said was a reproach to them, and can only be excused, if excused at all, on the ground that they were almost distracted, and scarcely understood what they were saying. Their words had a sound of chiding in them, and almost seemed to insinuate that He did not trouble Himself at all as to whether they were lost or saved. Such conduct was highly censurable. 39. And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. There is something very simple. and yet marvellously sublime and majestic in the conduct of the Saviour at this time. His words remind us of those uttered in the beginning of the world, when light was spoken into being. Gen. i. 3. He addressed wind and sea as if they were living persons that could hear His voice, understand His message, and yield Him ready and intelligent obedience. His hand is constantly upon all nature, and by word or touch He brings to pass whatsoever He will. 40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Having shown the groundlessness of the disciples' fears, it was meet that He should administer a word of reproof to them. Their behaviour had not been creditable either to themselves as pupils, or to Him as their instructor. On former occasions they had seen His power over nature. For some time past He had been instructing them in the objects and principles of His religion. He had also chosen them to occupy important posts in His kingdom. And yet when danger threatens their lives, they throw away their confidence, and become as weak as little children. He wants them to feel ashamed of their past conduct, and play a more manful and worthy part in the time to come. 41. And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? These disciples 'feared exceedingly.' Matthew says they 'marvelled.' Luke writes, And they being afraid wondered.' Evidently, their feeling was a mixed one. Perhaps shame and remorse for their conduct, astonishment at the greatness of the miracle just performed before their eyes, solemn dread of the Lord's anger, and reverence for one so full of majesty as He was, blended together in their souls, and made it difficult for any person to describe with exactness the feeling that predominated in their hearts. We may be sure that they were filled with admiration for Christ, and, no doubt, their faith in Him would be greatly strengthened by what had taken place.

HOMILETICAL HINTS.-It may be remarked,-I. In serving the Lord, we shall encounter storms of trial and danger This world is a sea; life is a voyage; we have to go to the other side; tempests willl meet us. 1. Some of these storms will spring from hostile elements. There are many such things abroad in the world, and are fierce as the winds, and greedy as the sea. Men and devils are opposed to the Christian voyage being taken. 2. Certain of our trials may arise from the purpose of God concerning us. He may want to prove us, as he proved Abraham by requiring him to sacrifice Isaac. In some instances, therefore, He appoints these; troubles; in others, He rather suffers them to come, unbridling, for the time being, the evil forces that are ever ready to vex us. If we have grace in our hearts, He sanctifies such visitations to our profit. 3. Not unfrequently these painful things gather intensity from attendant circumstances. We are abroad on the ocean, cut off

from human sympathy and help, and the storm happens in the night, when we are shut in on all sides by darkness. Temptations acquire a sharper point and keener edge when they are presented in connection with sickness, bereavement, poverty, or persecution.

II. The presence of the Master will amply suffice for all purposes of preservation and deliverance. 1. We may always have Him with us. He is both willing and able to help every one, no matter what the trouble. 2. He may not in every case interpose at the time or in the manner we desire. He may be asleep in the hinder part of the ship. He may wish to disclose our own weakness, that we may rouse Him by earnest supplication, or to show us His almighty power, by saving us when our case has become extreme. The stars brighten as the darkness deepens. Too often, we will not seek Christ till our affairs have grown to a crisis. 3. But He will be sure to do for us everything we need. If we cleave to Him, He will rebuke the wind, and bid the sea be still, so that instead of the storm there shall be a great calm. There shall not be a breath of disturbance in the air, or the slightest ripple in the water; and we shall ride gallantly, when the night is ended, and the morning shineth, into the golden haven on the 'OTHER SIDE.'

ILLUSTRATIONS.

A storm on the Sea of Galilee.-'While gazing upon the suggestive scenery around us, our earnest conversation was suddenly disturbed by a movement among our Arab crew. All at once they pulled in their oars, stepped their mast, and began to hoist their long and very ragged lateen sail. What can the fellows mean to do with a sail in a dead calm? But they were right. There comes the breeze, rippling and roughening the lately glassy surface of the lake. It reaches us before the sail is rightly set. A few minutes more, and it is blowing hard. The bending and often-spliced yard threatens to give way, and the tattered leech of the sail seems as if it would rend right up, and go away in shreds To go upon a wind with such a craft is impossible. There is nothing for it, but to slack away, and run before it. And where are we going now?' was our first inquiry, when things had been got a little into shape. Where the wind will take us,' was the reply of the old grey beard at the helm. And away we went, the lake all now tossed into waves, and covered with foaming white heads, as if a demon had got into its lately tranquil bosom-an adventure that afforded us a fresh illustration of the reality of those events which the narratives of Scripture relate.'

A word to Sailors.-Mr. Hervey, in a sermon which he preached to sailors at Bideford, says, 'What we have mentioned of our Lord's saying 'Peace' to the raging waves, may instruct you whom I address in the hour of danger; may also teach the wisdom of securing an interest in the Lord Jesus whose Divine Word even the winds and sea obey. The hour is coming, dear sailors, when you shall hail with shouts your native land no more. Oh! then, come unto Christ; get an interest in His merits; give yourselves up to His guidance; let His word be your compass; let His grace hold the helm, and steer your course; let His blessing fill your sails; let His blood, His righteousness, His spirit be the prize of your calling; let this be the precious merchandise you court-this the pearl of price you seek.'

TALK WITH THE LITTLE ONES.

All the day Christ set in the boat telling parables. At night He was tired, and He sent the people away to their homes and said to His disciples, 'Let us sail over to the other side.' While they were crossing the sea a great storm arose, and the waves rolled and dashed into the boat. All the time Jesus was asleep; and the disciples went to awake Him, fearing they would all perish. He looked round upon the stormy sea and said, 'Peace be still.' In a moment the storm ceased and there was a great calm. From this you should learn,1. To have Jesus with you everywhere. 2. To fear no storm while He is with you. 3. To remember that He who rules the world is your friend.

CATECHISM ON THE LESSON.

What happened while Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea of Galilee? A great storm arose. What was Jesus doing at that time? He was sleeping in the boat. What did He say to the winds and the sea when His disciples awaked Him? Peace be still. What then followed? A great calm. For what did Jesus reprove His disciples at that time? For their want of faith.

March 12.

POWER OVER EVIL SPIRITS. Mark v. 1--20.

GOLDEN TEXT.

1 John iii. 8. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

PREFATORY REMARKS.-Gadara was a city of considerable importance, that stood near to the southern extremity of the Sea of Galilee. Limestone rocks abounded in the neighbourhood, in which the people dug caverns, that they used for burying their dead. These sepulchres were outside the towns, being solitary and gloomy, and in one sense fit places of resort for such unhappy creatures as the maniac spoken of in the lesson, as affording some measure of shelter from the elements, and supplying the melancholy sequestration to which, most likely, they were in part compelled, and also in part inclined.

2.

EXPOSITORY NOTES.-This narrative may be divided into three portions. 1. The description of this victim of demoniacal power. 2-5. The picture presented to us is one of extreme misery. We read it, 1. In the residence chosen. That was in the mountains, and among the tombs. Away from the comforts of home, and the care of friends. Dwelling with the dead, where darkness and silence reign. Hiding away in caverns, with their cold, hunger, gloom, and desolation. In the wild spirit of rage which possessed him. He could not be tamed. He had often been bound with fetters and chains. By chains some understand iron bonds, and by fetters strong cords. Friends would deem it needful to restrain his violence, if possible, in order to keep him at home, and prevent his injuring himself and others. But his fury was ungovernable. Lunatics, and persons under the influence of disease, sometimes shew preternatural strength when the paroxysm is upon them. Most likely, the demons in possession of this man's soul had, in some way unknown