Notice how the owner comprehends the whole case (ver. 28), as if, in his calculation of the possibilities and contingencies between the seed-time and the harvest, he had taken into account this very thing. His decision (ver. 29), so calm, so dignified, shewing such "a power of patience;" and his plan, commending itself as the wisest and the best, should be explained by the teacher, not only because they complete the story, but because of the incalculably important signification with which they are freighted by the Master in the interpretation He gives of them.

And so both the wheat and the tares are left to grow together in the same field, each to develop its own nature, and yield fruit "after its kind," until the harvest, which the owner is well assured shall be reaped; when the end of the sowing, though somewhat marred by the enemy, shall be realized; when the "precious sheaves" shall be brought home; the wheat gathered into his barn. Ver. 36-43.-The interpretation of these details is given by the Master; and probably the teacher should bring out point after point from his class by questioning. The Lord gathers up all the centuries into one, and represents them by one season with its seed-time, and summer, and harvest. The leading idea of the parable should be brought out distinct and clear, namely, the relation of the kingdom of Jesus to the wicked one. He is "the enemy, 66 His," that is, Christ's "enemy." The mischief that has been wrought in the field is the work of his hands; and yet, in spite of all its craft and malice, when left to grow in its own manner, its end is destruction. It should also be noticed that the Lord represents humanity as comprised in two classes, the wheat and the tares-the sons of the kingdom and the sons of the wicked one. This will admit of much elaboration, and should have an application to every heart and conscience. The teacher should notice that the closing revelation of verse 43 is given over and above the interpretation proper of the parable, and that Christ's estimate of its importance is signified by this emphatic, "Who hath ears to hear,

let him hear."

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 84.-1 Peter v. 8.

Subject to be Proved-Satan is our Enemy.

Golden Text.-"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."-1 Peter v. 8.

NOTES.-An advice and a reason. The advice twofold: be sober-i. e., first, literally sober, not intoxicated; then circumspect, or, as we should say, wide awake. But, besides, we are to be vigilant, watchful as a sentinel when the enemy is near; watchful as the outlook on a ship when near a dangerous coast. Reason: our adversary is always on the watch, always prowling about, seeking the unwary and those off their guard. The picture is very clear and graphicthe lion walking about, stealthily, quietly, pouncing on his prey when they least expect him. What need of sobriety, of vigilance!

Lesson 82.-July 27.

THE PARABLES OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND LEAVEN.-Matthew xiii. 31-35. The parables of the sower and of the tares set forth the planting of the Church. Those of the mustard seed and of the leaven set forth its growth.

1. The Mustard Seed.-This represents the outward visible growth of the Church, as seen by the world. Note, the main point to notice is the mighty result of so small a beginning. The seed-very small; the tree-large and capable of lodging the birds of the air in its branches.

Compare with this the picture given by Daniel (chap. ii. ver. 34, 35, and ver. 44, 45)—the little stone cut out of the mountains growing and overthrowing the world kingdoms, and filling the whole earth.

Compare Ezekiel's picture (chap. xlvii. 1-12). The stream of healing water issuing from the temple, growing in bulk and volume, until it becomes a river to swim in, and carrying healing along with it.

Compare David's picture (Psalm lxxii. 16-19). The handful of corn shaking with prosperous fruit.

All these set forth the same great truth. Now, compare the history of the Church-how small, how insignificant; but its end how glorious! The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.

2. The Leaven.-Only here is leaven taken as a type of what is good; in all other passages it is a type of evil. (Compare Matt. xvi. 6; 1 Cor. v. 7, 8.) Now, what is the quality of leaven that is brought prominently out? It is its secret, all-pervasive character. Once get it introduced into meal, and it will work in virtue of its own intrinsic power.

So this parable sets forth the secret, all-pervasive growth of the kingdom. Beginning from within, the leaven works outwards, touching first the particles nearest it, these then influencing those nearest, and so on until the whole is leavened.

Such is the growth of the kingdom in each individual soul. Once get it planted in the heart, and it begins to operate, almost insensibly at first, conquering now this bad habit, now that; this shortness of temper, then the too ready tongue-working even outward-renewing the whole man.

This is

But such is also the growth of the kingdom in the world. The particle of leaven touches and influences the particle next. So is Christ's kingdom to grow. Andrew findeth his brother Simon, and brings him to Jesus. the way to win the kingdom to Christ-each one laying himself alongside those nearest him, and influencing them; then they acting upon those nearest them, and so on, like the circle in the pool, ever widening in its sweep, until it breaks upon the shore of eternity.

Mustard.-Outward visible growth. Let your light shine before men.
Leaven.-Inward secret growth. The kingdom of God cometh not with

observation.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 85.-Proverbs iv. 18.

Subject to be proved-Christians should Grow in Grace.

Golden Text-"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."-Proverbs iv. 18.

NOTES.-Picture-the light in the early morning-first a few faint streaks in the east, scarcely discernible, but indicating the presence of light; then the rosy flush of dawn, appearing on the horizon, and tinging the mountain tops; then the appearance of the sun, scattering the darkness, and gradually shining unto the perfect day. A gradual growth.

So with the path of the just. The beginning may be almost imperceptible; but it grows brighter and clearer, until every one can see its long line of lightthe footprints on the sands of time. First a badly written-almost illegible scrawl; then an epistle of Christ, known and read of all men. A gradual growth, but a continuous growth.

Lesson 83.-August 3.

THE PARABLES OF THE HID TREASURE, PEARLS, &C.-Matthew xiii. 44-52. The Hidden Treasure, and Pearl of Great Price, (ver. 44-46.)-1. The teacher should go over the story of each of these parables, if such a brief sentence may be called a story. The placing of the various details in order, and the clothing of them in his own language by the teacher, will invest them with an interest,

and make them assume proportions and relationships, which the simple reading of each verse might not make them do. This will also lay a basis on which to build the interpretation and application, at once interesting and instructive to every one.

1. This point of difference in the two should be pointed out,-that in the Treasure there has been no earnest search on the part of the finder; he has put forth no earnest endeavour, but makes the great discovery unexpectedly, and as if by a blessed accident. Such a case as that of the woman of Samaria has been given in illustration of this point, and may be used as such by the teacher. In the case of the Pearl the finder is "in the way;" his business is to seek goodly pearls. There is the thought of diligence, and of diligence toward a special result. His persistent search is at length crowned with success; be finds the one pearl -"the one thing needful." The case of the Ethiopian eunuch has been given as an illustration of this point, and may be used as such by the teacher.

2. Speak of the points in which there is agreement and resemblance. Taking the treasure and the pearl as representing the truth of Jesus, they both set forth,

(a.) Its Preciousness.-The names imply this- the "Hidden Treasure"-the "Pearl of great price." These names, in accordance with the symbolism of Scripture, may be opened up in many ways.

(b.) The Estimate which the Finders form of them.-In both cases they are precious beyond aught and all beside. Everything else is at once given upparted with, that the certain possession of the precious discoveries might be theirs. (See Phil. iii. 7-11; see also Matt. xix. 21, 22.)

(c.) They were both Successful.-This is clearly brought out. That special personal act was gone about which made the ownership certain, and placed the possession of them beyond dispute.

(d.) The personal application from both is easy to be found. It lies in the direction of personal appropriation.

3. The Treasure is hidden in our field of privilege and opportunity, and waits our searching; the Pearl of price is in the great storehouse of all good, and waits our purchase. Are we concerning ourselves with them? If not, we shall be poor indeed, and poor for evermore; if we are, that infinite possession will be ours which shall never be taken away.

4. The Drag Net.-The conclusion of the whole. We have had the planting of the kingdom, the growth of the kingdom, the search for the kingdom, and now the harvest, the result.

Go over the story, and note this one point-the final separation of the good and the bad. When?-At the end of the world. By whom?-Not by men, but by the angels. How?-Deliberately. When the fishermen drew their net ashore, they sat down, and examined every fish particularly by itself. No mistake. No good one shall be cast among the bad. No bad one can be smuggled in among the good. Final separation-impartial separation.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 86.-Matthew vii. 7. Subject to be proved-Christ is found by Earnest Seekers. Golden Text-"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."-Matthew vii. 7.

NOTES. A rising scale-Ask, SEEK, KNOCK. Shew the difference between these words, and give illustrations. Ask, implies a desire to have. SEEK, an earnest desire to have. KNOCK, a determination to have. Ask, Solomon asking wisdom. SEEK, Esau for the blessing. KNOCK, Jacob's "I will not let thee go except thou bless me;" or the Syrophenician woman, who would take no denial.

Then the certainty of the answer; it shall be given; ye shall find; it shall be opened. No doubt about it; no may, but shall. Hence the encouragement to ask, SEEK,

KNOCK.

The Teacher's Quiver;

OR, ILLUSTRATIONS

OF THE

LESSONS.

LESSON 80.-THE PARABLE OF THE Sower.-Matthew xiii. 1-9; 18-23. 147. We are to be not only Hearers, but Doers of the Word, (verses 4, 8, 19, 23.) -"Is the sermon done ?" was asked of one who returned from church earlier than usual. "No, not yet," was the answer; "it is preached, but it still remains to be done."

A little boy repeated the fifth commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother," and was desired to explain it. Instead of trying to do so, the little boy, with his face covered with blushes, said, almost in a whisper, "Yesterday I shewed some strange gentlemen over the mountain. The sharp stones cut my feet, and the gentlemen saw that they were bleeding, and gave me some money to buy me shoes. I gave it to my mother; for she had no shoes either, and I thought I could go barefoot better than she could."

148. Riches often Ruin the Soul, (verse 22.)-When the Washington steamer was burnt, one of the passengers, on the first alarm of fire, ran to his trunk, and took from it a large amount of gold and silver coin, and, loading his pockets, ran to the deck and jumped overboard. As a necessary consequence, he went down immediately. His treasure was his ruin. "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."

LESSON 81.-THE PARABLE OF THE TARES.-Matthew xiii. 24-30; 36-43. 149. Satan comes when we are off our Guard, (verse 25.)-A hawk was observed haunting the neighbourhood of a house where a young goat was sheltered. One day, when the family were absent, the falcon flew against the window-pane, broke and passed through it. He at once buried his talons in the goat's back. Satan watches his chance to seize every soul of man for his prey. We must watch against surprise.

150. God knows the Good from the Bad, (verses 29, 30, 41-43.)-There is a machine in the Bank of England which receives sovereigns as a mill receives grain, for the purpose of determining whether they are of full weight. As they pass through, the machinery, by unerring laws, throws all that are light to one side, and all that are of full weight to another. That process is a silent, but solemn parable. Founded as it is upon the laws of nature, it affords the most vivid similitude which characterizes the judgment of the great day. There are no mistakes or partialities to which the light may trust; the only hope lies in being of standard weight before they go in.

LESSON 82.-THE PARABLES OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND LEAVEN.

-Matthew xiii. 31-35.

151. In the Kingdom of Grace great Results have very Small Beginnings, (verses 31 and 32.)-The one copy of the Scriptures which had been brought away from the ship "Bounty," and which at last changed into a Christian community the mutineers and their children, was a mustard seed. So was the Gospel which Columba and his companions brought from Ireland to Iona, and which, transferred to the mainland, became a mighty tree, so that the hills of Caledonia are now covered with its shade. The little text, "The just shall live by faith," in the mind of Martin Luther, was the mustard seed from which shot up the glorious Reformation.

152. Grace Grows Silently, but Surely, (verse 33.)-Christian, in the "Pilgrim's Progress," is represented as being led by the Interpreter into a place where was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it always casting much water upon it to quench it, yet did the fire burn higher and hotter. "Then," said Christian, "what means this ?" The Interpreter answered, "This fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he that casts water upon it, to extinguish and put it out, is the devil; but in that thou seest the fire, notwith

standing, burns higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. So he had him about to the back of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, of which he did also continually cast, but secretly, into the fire. "Then," said Christian, "what means this?" The Interpreter answered, "This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of His grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart, by means of which, notwithstanding what the devil can do, the souls of His people prove gracious still. And in that thou sawest that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire, this is to teach thee that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul."

66

LESSON 83.-THE PARABLES OF THE HID TREASURE, PEARLS, &c.

-Matthew xiii. 44-52.

153. Christ is Found by Earnest Seekers, (verses 45, 46.)-A farmer who had long neglected the house of God, and indulged in the use of profane language, one day lost a bank note in his barn. He searched for it in vain. At length he said, That note is in the barn, and I will search for it until I find it." Accordingly he went to the barn and carefully moved the hay and straw, hour after hour, until he found the note. A few weeks before this he had been awakened to a sense of his need of a Saviour, and had earnestly sought to lead a better life. His anxiety, however, increased. A few weeks after he lost the note he sat by the fire musing on the state of his soul, when he turned to his wife and asked, "What must one do to become a Christian ?"-" You must seek for it," she replied, "as you sought for the bank note." It was 66 a word fitly spoken." He sought and found.

154. Christ is the Most Precious Treasure, (verses 44-46.)-A wealthy lady of Java, having been married to an English merchant, came to reside in England. Being unacquainted with the language, the customs, and manners of the country, nearly the whole of her time was spent in playing with her children, of whom she was very fond, and decking herself in her jewels and pearls, of which she had a large and costly collection. She often called for her treasure-box, and amused herself by first looking at a fine necklace, then at a beautiful pair of earrings, and held them up to glitter in the sun. Her treasure and her heart were in these precious stones. One day she said to her Scotch nurse in her broken English," Nurse, this poor place-poor place! Why, madam?" asked the nurse.- "Me look out of the window," replied the lady, "and see no woman in the street with jewels on-no jewels to be seen. In my country, all covered with diamonds and pearls. We dig into hills in our country, and we get gold and silver and precious jewels; you dig into your hills and get nothing but stones." The nurse replied-"Oh yes, madam, we have a pearl in our country-a pearl of great price." The Javanese lady caught her words with great eagerness and surprise. "Pearl of great price! Have you, indeed? Oh that my husband was come home! He buy me this pearl; me part with all my pearls when he comes home, to get this pearl of so great price." "Oh," said the nurse, "this pearl is not to wear. It is not to be had in the way you think. It is a precious pearl indeed, and they who have it cannot lose it. They who have it are at peace, and have all they wish for." "Indeed!" said the astonished lady," what can this pearl be ?". -"The pearl," said the nurse, "is the Lord Jesus; and the saying, that He 'came into the world to save sinners.' All who truly receive this saying, and have Christ in their hearts as the hope of glory, have that which makes them rich and happy, whatever else they want. And so precious is Jesus to them that they 'count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Him."" It pleased God to bless the nurse's words. Her mistress got s believing view of Christ, in whom are bid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and this world's gems ceased to shine and attract, just as the stars lose their brightness before the morning sun. Some time after the lady died, and on her deathbed she desired that her jewels might be sold, and the produce go towards sending the knowledge of the PEARL OF GREAT PRICE to those in far countries who have it not. She felt its value, and she wished that all the world might feel it too.