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our seeing Him, rather than cause such sight. "I will come to you," Christ adds. The bodily presence was removed, to make room for His presence in and by the Spirit. I will send the comforter unto you, and I will come to you. On the day of Pentecost Christ came, and the Spirit came. "The Holy Spirit is a Present Christ." (See Dr. Joseph Cook's lecture in Tremont Temple, Boston, March 16th, 1885.)

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The Spirit then constitutes the form of Christ's presence and activity in the Church, and the medium by which he communicates Himself to His people." "Jesus Christ is the Principle of the spiritual order of existence, and the Holy Ghost is the Medium."--Dr. Nevin.

The dispensation of the Spirit is the personal reign of Christ. In 2d Corinthians 3: 17, St. Paul says: "Now the Lord is the Spirit." In other words, as Lange remarks, "The Holy Spirit is Christ's Spirit," The life of the Spirit is the continuation of Christ's activity.

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"Ye in Me, and I in you." Thus are we joined to our Saviour by His Spirit. If any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature;" and "it is the Spirit that quickeneth;" maketh alive in Christ.

The gift of the Holy Ghost lifts souls from moral death to spiritual life; and He is given in greater and greater measure to them that obey. He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. He shall abide with you forever."

USING ONE'S EYES.

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who, almost unconsciously, detects variations of temperature, color, density, &c., of his, materials which are inappreciable to the ordinary eye. The hunter, the mariner, the artist, the scientist, each needs to educate the eye to quick action in his special field of research before he can hope to become expert in it. The following story, which is quite apropos, is related of Agassiz, and it is sufficiently characteristic of this remarkably accurate observer to have the merit of probability. We are told that once upon a time the Professor had occasion to select an assistant from one of his classes. There were a number of candidates for the post of honor, and, finding himself in a quandary as to which one he should choose, the happy thought occurred to him of subjecting three of the more promising students in turn to the simple test of describing the view from his laboratory window, which over-looked the side-yard of the college. One said that he saw merely a board fence and a brick pavement; another added a stream of soapy water; a third detected the color of the paint on the fence, noted a green mold of fungus on the bricks, and evidences of "bluing" in the water, besides other details. It is needless to tell to which candidate was awarded the coveted position. Houdin, the celebrated prestidigitateur, attributed his success in his profession mainly to his quickness of perception, which, he tells us in his entertaining autobiography, he acquired by educating his eye to detect a large number of objects at a single glance. His simple plan was to select some shop window full of a miscellaneous assortment of articles, and to walk rapidly past it a number of times every day, writing down each object which impressed itself upon his mind. In this way he was able, after a time, to detect instantaneously all the articles in the window, even though they might be numbered by scores.-The Penn Monthly.

How many of us go through life without ever realizing that our eyes have to be educated to see, as well as our tongues to speak, and that only the barest outlines of the complex and ever-changing images focused on the retina ordinarily impress themselves upon the brain? That the education of the eye may be brought to a high I WILL tell you what to hate. Hate state of perfection is shown in numerous hypocrisy. Hate cant; hate indolence, ways. There are many delicate pro- oppression, injustice; hate Pharisaism; cesses of manufacture which depend for hate them as Christ hated them-with their practical success upon the nice a deep, living, godlike hatred.-F. W. visual perception of the skilled artisan, Robertson.

LESSON IX.

TRINITY SUNDAY.

May 31st, 1885.

PAUL'S CHARGE TO TIMOTHY.-2 Tim. 3: 14-17; 4: 1-8.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness :

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shal they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

GOLDEN TEXT:-The Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise

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The second letter to Timothy was written | Perfect-complete. from Rome by Paul just before his martyr

dom.

V. 1. The quick-the living. 2. Instant-urgent, pressing on. Reprove-convince, show their errors. RebukeV. 14. Continue-abide in the old truths. show them their sin. Exhort-plead with and Learned them-of his mother, grandmother, appeal to them. Long suffering-patience. and Paul (2 Tim. 1: 5). Scriptures-of the Doctrine-teaching. 3. Itching ears-desir Old Testament. 16. Inspiration-breathing in; ing to be pleased, rather than instructed in the Holy Spirit guided the writers and taught what is true. 5. An evangelist—one who goes them what to write: (1) Doctrine-teaching or from place to place and preaches. 6. Offered instruction in the truth. (2) Reproof-con--put to death for the Gospel. 8. A crownvicting the erring. (3) Correction-restoring such as victors receive. His appearing at the the erring to the right way. (4) Instruction 2d Advent. in righteousness-training in a right life. 17.

QUESTIONS.

When and where was 2d Timothy written? By whom?

V. 14-15. In what was Timothy to abide? Of whom had he learned them? How early? What Scriptures are meant? What are they able to do? What additional Scriptures have we?

16-17. What is said of Scripture? What in 2d Peter 1: 21? What is the meaning? For what is Scripture profitable? The meaning of doctrine? Of reproof? Of correction? Of instruction? Which two refer to knowledge? Which to practice? How does Scripture furnish man?

V. 1. What final charge does Paul give to

Timothy? Before whom? What will
Christ do? When? The meaning of quick
2. What is Timothy to do? When?

3. What would come in time? How do some treat the doctrines of Scripture? Meaning of itching ears?

4. From what do they turn? To what? 5. What must the teacher do? What else? What is an evangelist?

6-8. What time had now come for Paul? The meaning of offered ? Of departure? What had he done? What else? What did he look for? What crown? Who else shall receive one? When? Do unbelievers "love His appearing?" Do you?

REVIEW QUESTIONS. (School in concert). How many Epistles did Paul write to Timothy? Who was Timothy? Give the names of his mother and grandmother. What did they teach him? What did Paul urge him to do? What does Paul say about "all Scripture?" What does Peter declare?

What

charge was given to Timothy? Do all persons endure sound doctrine? What instead? What had Paul finished? What had he kept? What did he look for? Who shall be crowned?

CATECHISM.

Ques. 42. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die?

Ans. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, but only an abolishing of sin, and a passage into eternal life.

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Paul was 64 or 65 years old when he wrote the 2d letter to Timothy, and "the time of his departure was at hand." It contains the dying counsels of an aged to a young minister: "We should read it with the interest with which we do the last words of the great and good. We feel that, having little time to express his wishes, he will select topics that lie nearest his heart, and that he deems most important. Let us sit down at such a man's feet, and listen to his parting counsels."

ABIDING IN SCRIPTURAL TRUTH is urged on Timothy. Continue in the things, v. 14. In the previous verses he had mentioned men who grew worse and worse, and departed from the truth. Follow not their example, but that of your teachers his mother, grandmother and Paul. Continue in the things that is in the truths of religion. Amid the seductions and errors of the day he should hold on to those doctrines, whoever might oppose them, or whatever consequences might follow.

15. From a child Timothy knew the Scriptures of the Old Testament. The New Testament was not in existence at that time,

Which are able to make thee wise unto salvation-because they make known to us our need of salvation, and point us to the Saviour.

"The Scriptures are not a cold, tame, dead thing. There is no book that has so much power as the Bible; none that is so efficient in moving the hearts and consciences and intellects of mankind. There is no book that has moved so many minds; none that has produced so deep and permanent effects on the world."-Barnes.

Unto salvation-(1) from Jewish and Pagan error; (2) from sin, condemnation and everlasting death.

Through faith-our part in the work of salvation. We must believe the Scriptures in order that we may be en

the dim colonnades and mysterious inscriptions in the ancient venerable temple of the old covenant."- Van Oosterzee.

THE BIBLE THE WORD OF GOD.

Vs. 16, 17. The revised version is: Every Scripture inspired of God is profitable, etc. The Bible is God's Word to man, not man's. It was written by 36 different persons during a period of 1500 years; and yet it is one Book; there is unity and agreement in all its parts. This could be only as its truths proceed from a common source-"inspired of God." The power of the Divine Spirit is the breath of life which moved the minds and hearts of the writers. "Inspiration is an extraordinary Divine agency upon teachers while giving instruction, wheth er oral or written, by which they were taught how and what they should speak or write."-Knapp.

It is profitable-yes, in all good things. The uses of Scripture are (1) to teach the ignorant, (2) to convict the evil and prejudiced, (3) to correct the fallen and erring, and (4) to train all men in right

eousness.

Perfect, thoroughly furnished-complete at all points, and completely equipped for all good works-every part of

the Christian life and service. There is nothing one-sided, narrow or defective about it; and, if rightly used by us, we will not only get rid of all sin and ignorance, but also be filled with all knowledge and goodness.

For doctrine-for teaching, " for theoretical instruction in everything in the sphere of religion, which without it would remain unknown to us."- Van Oosterzee.

For reproof-refutation, convicting the erring of their error. This includes polemical teaching, or combating error. "Doctrine and reproof" comprehend the speculative parts of theology.

Correction and instruction in rightcousness-these refer to the practical moral life.

"The Holy Scriptures have God for lightened by them, and rescued from their Author, salvation for their end, evil and its punishment. "Not every and truth, without any mixture of erone can be made wise unto salvation by ror, for their matter."-Locke. the writings of the old covenant, but only every one who believes in Christ. Faith in Christ is a torch, by whose light we can first read aright and understand

BIBLE TRUTHS ARE TO BE PREACHED.

Vs. 1-5. I charge thee. There are temptations to teach and preach man's

JOKER.

thoughts and opinions; but resist it. THE ELEPHANT AND THE PRACTICAL Teach what God has made known. The Lord Jesus will judge your words and works. Therefore preach the Wordproclaim it as a herald does, on the authority of a higher Personage.

V. 2. Be instant, or urgent, in this work. In season, out of season. Take and make opportunities.

come

V. 3. The time will come-it has in every age of the world. The first glow of enthusiasm dies out, and then there is a craving for novelties or sensations. Then hearers want to hear what will please or entertain, rather than what will profit them.

The Rev. Mr. Watson gives a very curious story in illustration of this animal's wonderful long memory of a wrong suffered. One of those pests of society," a practical joker," visited a caravan in a west of England fair and tried his stupid tricks upon an elephant there. He first doled out to it, one by one, some gingerbread nuts; and when the grateful animal was thrown off its guard, he suddenly proffered it a large parcel wrapped in paper.

The unsuspicious creature accepted and swallowed the lump, but immediately began to V. 4. Turn from the truth to fables-exhibit signs of intense suffering, and "far-off speculations, scientific imagin- snatching up a bucket, handed it to the ings, teachings evolved from an inner keeper for water. This being given to consciousness." Such things cannot it, it eagerly swallowed quantities of the

save men.

V. 5. Watch thou-be on your guard. It is hard to preach sound doctrine when it is unpopular.

Endure afflictions-of all kinds, and from whatever source they may come.

Do the work of an evangelist; do not merely have fixed hours and places for teaching; go about and preach, as a traveling missionary.

V. 6. I am now ready to be offeredmy work is finished; now you must continue it.

I am being offered my life is being poured out as a libation, or peace-offering.

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Ha!" cried the delighted joker, 66 I guess those nuts were a trifle hot, old fellow." "You had better be off," exclaimed the keeper, "unless you wish the bucket at your head." The fool took the hint just in time, for the enraged animal, having finished the sixth bucketful, hurled the bucket after its tormentor with such force that had he lingered a moment longer his life might have been forfeited.

The affair had not, however, yet concluded. The following year the show re-visited the same town, and the foolish joker, like men of his genius, unable to profit by experience, thought to repeat his stupid trick on the elephant. He took two lots of nuts into the show with him-sweet nuts in the one pocket and hot in the other. The elephant had not forgotten the jest played upon him, and therefore accepted the cakes very cautiously. At last the joker proffered a hot one, but no sooner had the injured creature discovered its pungency than it seized hold of its persecutor by the coat-tails, hoisted him up by them, and held him until they gave way, when he fell to the ground. The elephant now inspected the severed coattails, which, after he had discovered and eaten all the sweet nuts, he tore to rags and flung them after their discomfited owner.-Chambers' Journal.

What wonderful condescension! God beseeches me to be reconciled to Him.

THE GUARDIAN.

VOL. XXXVI.

A LEGEND OF EPHRATA.

BY THE EDITOR.

JUNE, 1885.

[John Peter Miller, who had been in early life a Reformed minister, was for many years Prior of the Protestant convent at Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Though in many respects fanatical, his sincere piety has never been questioned. The following legend was actually related to the author on a visit to Ephrata, but has since appeared in print. It is stated in the Colonial Records that the property of Michael Widman was confiscated by the government and sold in March, 1780.]

This is the story I heard one day
In the ancient cloister at Ephrata:

Miller was Prior here, you know,
More than a hundred years ago.
Here at his summons, at dawn's early light,
Gathered the Brethren in garments of white
Singing their songs of devotion and praise,
Raising to heaven their rapturous lays,
Ere to their labor, through cold and heat,
Forth they wandered with naked feet.

Treasure of treasures, Peace of Mind !
Where can the weary spirit find,
After temptation, heavenly rest?
Where can the mourning soul be blest?
Even within the convent's walls,
Often a cloud of sorrow falls;

And the saint that is pure as the driven snow
Can never escape from his ruthless foe,
But must feel the blows of the monster grim
That is sent by Satan to buffet him.
Near the convent a tavern stood,
Kept by a Tory, a man of blood,
Michael Widman, whose dreaded name
Was known and hated for deeds of shame.
Often he stood at the convent gate,
Taunting the Brothers with words of hate.
Once he smote the Prior meek
Cruel blows on his aged cheek,

Adding the final deed of shame-
The cruel insult I need not name-

NO. 6.

Washington was at Valley Forge,
Watching the army of old King George,
But he sent one day a soldier-band
To seize the Tory that cursed the land;
And Widman was borne away to die
The shameful death of a British spy.

Some of the Brothers were glad to know
The coming fate of their wicked foe;
But the Prior said: "I cannot stay!"
And over the hills he took his way.
His limbs were weary, his feet were sore,
When he stood at last at the chieftain's door,
And prayed aloud: "O, General, save
The man who has sinned from a traitor's
grave!"

"Pray," said the chieftain, "tell me why
You ask for the life of a British spy?
Does your love to your country's foes ex-
tend?

And why have you chosen this wicked friend?

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"Friend?" cried the Prior, "It is not so;
The man, I believe, is my only foe;
But I seek to do what the Scriptures tell,
And those that hate me I love full well.
Save him! save him! 1 humbly pray,
As you hope to stand on the Judgment
Day !"

The chieftain mused: "Such love is rare,
And I cannot deny your earnest prayer.
I will spare the life of the British spy;
He must leave the country, but shall not die.
You have taught a lesson that all should
know,

That a Christian prays for his vilest foe."

Thus a way was found-and the way was best

That led the Brothers to peace and rest;
For the cruel Tories were seen no more,
Gathered around the tavern door;
And their wicked leader away was sent
To the foe, in lifelong banishment.

But the Brothers sang with the rising sun,

Which the soldiers did when they bent the And patiently toiled till the day was done,

knee

On the fearful journey to Calvary.

Till the Lord at last gave their souls release, And took them home to the realms of peace.

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