subjects I was to illustrate are those which have been for ages the themes of comment among Christians, from the pulpit and the press; while many of them, in their sublime simplicity, neither need nor can receive adornment. What can be added, in beauty or in tenderness, to the parable of the Prodigal Son? In treating such a subject, all to which I could aspire was to repeat the words of the Saviour in as simple verse as possible, so as not to obscure and deform what I could not beautify.

The view given, in the verses numbered xxvII, of the feelings of our Lord's hearers on the Mount, is not only not original with me, but was expressed in a poetical form by another writer, some years since, in the Christian Disciple or Christian Examiner. I am not aware that there is any other instance in which the ideas of another have been used, in such a manner as to render it suitable to state the fact.

I have freely availed myself of the common poetical privilege of apostrophe, in direct address to the Saviour; and have used such language with regard to demoniacs, the* personal return of Christ to judge the earth, and similar subjects, as was authorized by the usage of the New Testament, without feeling bound to the literal construction of that language.

Whatever may be the estimate formed of the poetical merit of this volume, the hope is entertained that it may be useful to those who read it for the purpose of religious improvement. Should these pages present to any a new attraction to the study of the Saviour's life and character, should they be instrumental in giving an impulse to Christian benevolence, or to pure devotion in any heart, the labor of their preparation will not have been in vain.

Nov. 30, 1844.

S. G. B.

SUGGESTIONS,

BY THE AUTHOR OF "LAYS OF THE GOSPEL," FOR THE USE OF THIS VOLUME IN SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

As it has been thought by some that this little book might be made useful in the instruction of Bible Classes, and of the more advanced pupils in Sunday Schools, the Author presents a few suggestions, with regard to the manner in which it may be employed for that purpose, together with some forms of prayer suitable to be used in the same connection.

Let the exercises of the class begin, with the reading of one of the annexed Introductory Prayers, by the teacher or one of the pupils.

The section from scripture will then be read, by one or more of the members of the class. For instance, the lesson being the sixth, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the section to be read is the one designated in the title of those verses, Luke ii. 22-38. The teacher will, during or after the reading, ask the different members of the class, questions respecting the time, place and circumstances of the occurrence, and its connection, if any is traceable, with the subject of the preceding section.

Let the poetical illustration now be read, by the pupils in turn, each being requested, after reading a

verse, to give the meaning of it in other words. This will ensure the understanding of the poetry; the necessary explanations and corrections being of course supplied by the teacher.

Questions may now be asked, of such a description as those in the following examples. Many such will naturally occur to any attentive teacher, in going through the careful analysis which has been just recommended. Let the questions of the pupils too be encouraged; and every effort be made to engage their feelings as well as their understanding, in the subject of their examination.

Let the exercise be terminated by the reading of one of the annexed Concluding Prayers, by the teacher, or by one of the pupils, the others joining as far as possible.

It need scarcely be said, that such an exercise is not intended for young children; but it is hoped that it may be advantageous to that description of pupils, who, having been through the common manuals, stand less in need of instruction in knowledge, than of some influence which may engage the ripening powers of the imagination and the heart, on the side of religion.

EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS.

SECTION I.

Repeat the two sentences of St. John's Gospel which make the motto of this piece. In the first verse of the

piece, what is God's Word said to be? When was the Word or Wisdom with God? Repeat the verse in Proverbs referred to. What do you understand by eternity? What is meant by saying that the Word or Wisdom was God? (Answer. That it was not a different person from God, but only an attribute or part of his nature, though here it has been spoken of figuratively as if it were a person.)

How does

Verse 2. What objects can you name in the heavens that display the wisdom of God? Can you mention any particular facts with regard to the heavenly bodies, that illustrate this? With regard to the clouds? Repeat Psalm xix. 1. How do the ebb and flow of the ocean show the wisdom of the Creator? a beautiful sunset show his wisdom and goodness? Which of God's works appears to you to show these attributes most remarkably? (This question may be addressed to the whole class, and their different opinions collected.)

Verse 3. How many years had passed between the creation of man, and the birth of Jesus? In what respect can it be said that the world lay in silence at the birth of Christ? Do you remember the hymn beginning, "No war or battle's sound?" What prophecies are thought to mark the time of Christ's coming? Repeat Gen. xlix. 10; Daniel ix. 24. How was the wisdom of God manifested in the person and character of Christ? How in sending him to save mankind? We have seen the divine perfections displayed in nature; how else have they been displayed to us? What are

the great lessons that natural religion teaches? are those which revelation teaches?

What

Verse 4. Can you think of any ways in which Christ resembled the Father? Where is he called the image of God? (See 2 Cor. iv. 4; Col. i. 15; Heb. i. 3.) How can the influence of Christ come upon our souls? Name the various ways in which this influence is exerted.

Verse 5. What meaning can you give to the expression, to do anything in the name of Christ?

Verses 6,7. On what does the efficacy of our religious means and privileges depend? When can we hope for the aid of God's holy spirit? If we would derive improvement from our present exercises, with what spirit must we pursue them? What means do you think of, that we can adopt, for strengthening a right spirit? Let us pray.

SECTION V.

Birth of Jesus.

Repeat the motto.

words?

Who praised God with these

Verse 1. What was there in the birth of Jesus for which glory should be ascribed to God? Is it more glorious to save or to destroy? Which class have had most glory among men, those who have saved others, or those who have destroyed them? Are men's ideas of glory generally correct; and if not, what is the error?