A LESSON OF
HUMILITY.

NE day the disciples came to

Jesus and asked

Him, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Instead of answering their question directly, Jesus took

a young child in His arms, and placing him in the midst of them, said, that unless they became as little children—in having a child-like spirit of humility and docility -they should not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus also said, "Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

ESUS loved Martha, and her sister
Mary, and Lazarus.

Once Mary was sitting at His feet, hearing His words, when Martha asked Jesus to bid her sister go and help her. But Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

THE PRODIGAL SON.

OD'S great love to sinners was beautifully taught by Jesus in the parable of "The Prodigal Son."

A certain man had two sons, the younger of whom said, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.' His father did so, and this son went away to a far country, and there foolishly and sinfully spent all that he had. Then, finding himself in want, he became servant to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine.

In that far country, hungry and ill-clad, this young man thought of the happy home he had left, and saw how sinful he had been. Then he said, "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son."

He arose and went on his homeward His father had been long watching way.

But his father was overjoyed to receive his son back in safety, and freely forgave him all his sin.

So God freely forgives all those that truly repent and return to Him.

THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN.

T another time Jesus spake a parable to certain proud men, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and looked down with scorn upon others.

Jesus said: "Two men went up into the Temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican" (or tax-gatherer).

The Pharisee in proud spirit stood near to the Holy Place, and prayed, telling God what a very good man he was; and boastfully thanking God that he was not sinful like others, who were extortioners, unjust, or led wicked lives. And with a feeling of contempt for the publican, standing some distance away, he added, "Or even as this publican." Then he told God of how he fasted and gave tithes of all that he possessed.

But the publican, who felt how unworthy he was to stand in God's sight, stood afar off, and for shame and sorrow