of the Deity, and one on which, while we gaze with reverence, our hearts burn with love. As a husband He loves us (Is. liv. 5); as a father He guides us (Matt. xxiii. 9); as an elder brother He cheers us (John xx. 17); as a friend He comforts us (Prov. xviii. 24, John IV. 15); as a priest He makes atone. ment for us (Heb. vii. 17, ix. 11, 12, 24, 25); as our prophet He instructs us (Deut. xviii. 15); as our king He reigns within us and over us (Ps. ii. 6, xlv. 1, Rev. xvii. 14); as our shepherd He provides for and protects us (Ps. xxiii. 1, John x. 11); and as our advo

cate He pleads for us (1 John ii. 1); enabling us in these relations to men to know God through all the changes of life.

As a Judge, dear children, man will only know God under one aspect-inexorable; mercy will be hid from his eyes.

Surely, dear children, I have said enough to urge you if you have not yet found God, to seek Him while you are still young, so that, when life's changes come upon you, you may know God and be known of Him.

S. B.

[It is to be regretted that the writer of this otherwise excellent address has omitted all application of the truth illustrated by the examples of David, Joseph, and Saul-viz., the uses of those "changes" in life which led them to the knowledge of God-and has not shewn how God employs the changes in our circumstances in life-the giving or taking away of friends or relations, sickness or health, sorrow or joy-as means by which He draws us to himself, or brings us back again if we have been tempted to wander from his paths; while, on the other hand, it might have been pointed out in the address, that if all be well and prosperous with us, if there be "no changes" to try our faith and patience, we need the more caution, lest, thinking we stand, we should the more suddenly and fatally fall into transgression.-ED.]

SUGGESTIONS FOR LESSONS

ON THE LIFE

OF

ST. PETER.

I HAVE the privilege of teaching a Servant's Bible class, and lately, after we had completed a series of lessons on the life and labours of St. Paul, they begged for a similar course on the life of St. Peter, to which I readily agreed. And it has occured to me that possibly some of the thoughts which crossed my mind in preparing the lessons so far, may prove of use to other workers in the same sphere.

Two introductory remarks must be made. The first will be nothing new to experienced Students of the Divine Volume-it is this, that I have been astonished to find what a variety of truths flow naturally and easily from the comparatively brief account of this Apostle; and the inference is as important, viz., how striking a testimony we thus receive to the WISDOM which has set forth Divine Truth by means of living examples, and not only or entirely in an

abstract form. There are Sermons in the Bible, it is true, but most of them are in the characters of living men.

And secondly, I must observe that the peculiar nature of the class for which these lessons were prepared, has necessarily affected the shape of my notes, as well as the way in which the notes were used. The thoroughly catechetical method, the life of good teaching for ordinary classes, could not safely be adopted with young women of eighteen to thirty years of age and it is much even to get them. to join in conversation on various points as they arise. For this reason I am conscious that there is less of artistic regularity about the Lessons themselves, than might be expected: but the main object is undoubtedly RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE, and the means must never be confounded with the end. It is true, beyond all doubt, that every Lesson ought to be prepared with care, and on a plan ; but there is no fixed model to which all must be conformed. The real enquiry is not how to make a lesson most theoretically perfect, but how to make it most useful: and in this enquiry, the nature of the class is a necessary element.

THE INCIDENTs in the life of St. Peter spread over a series of about twenty years: and embrace directly or indirectly, most of the important events, and also most important Doctrines of our Lord's ministry, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Some of the incidents however, are too slight to form the basis of a Lesson: so in several cases I have grouped together two distinct events.

1ST. LESSON.

This, of course, was on the CALL of St. Peter: and my aim was to show what change took place in him, and how it was effected: in truth this became a LESSON ON CONVERSION, illustrated by the example of the Apostle.

The first point was to estimate his probable state of mind, when he first heard Andrew's memorable words, "We have found the Messias;" John i. 41. How was this to be ascertained? by reference to what is recorded of Simeon and Anna, and OTHERS LIKE THEM : Luke ii. 25-38, especially the last verse. The Baptist, again, came purposely to prepare the way of the Lord: Isaiah xl. 3-5. Peter, then, we may suppose was waiting and looking for Christ—a poor, humble fisherman, but IN EARNEST, seeking Him who will let no sincere one seek Him in vain.

At the words recorded in John i. 36, ANDREW FOLLOWS CHRIST, to learn more: graciously invited, he ABIDES with Him, and listens to that Living teaching. What is the result? He is CONVINCED that Jesus is the Christ: John i. 41. Here also came in the beau

tiful lesson on bringing others to Christ, for Andrew was NOT SATISFIED TO BE SAVED ALONE: natural affection and pious zeal go together; he first findeth his own brother Simon, and brings him to Christ, who knowing all things, addresses him by name, and gives him the well known surname, a rock or stone. The effect of this is to be learnt afterwards.

We next find Peter at his old employment, fishing, to gain his daily bread. Why had he not remained with Christ? This was talked over and it seemed reason enough, that Christ had not yet called him. But now the time is come, and the miracle related in Luke v. 1-11 completes the call. We must remember the teaching which preceded it, as our Lord sat in the boat, and preached to the multitudes who thronged the sea-shore. By it, doubtless, the work of grace in Peter's heart was carried on. At Christ's command, he lets down the empty net again, now to receive an abundant return. This striking proof of divine power acts on him as much, as if it had been a direct summons before God. Peter felt himself in God's presence; felt also that he was too sinful to be worthy of that presence, and so uttered the request which Christ would never grant to such as Peter, "Depart from me."

There is yet a third step in his conversion-for it is clear that this was not enough. Does Jesus take him at his word, and LEAVE him? ah no! Depart He will not: Peter must abide with Him: the answer is "Follow me." And Peter's reply? OBEDIENCE-He gives up his earthly possessions, (poor though they were, they formed his all), and at any cost follows Him whose presence but just now he had seemed to dread.

Let us look back on these three points: we may call them thusTHE JUDGMENT CONVINCED; THE CONSCIENCE AWAKENED ; and THE HEART WON; and in whatever way Divine grace may bring about the change from death to life in a heart, these three things are part of the work. To be convinced that Jesus is the Christ, is at the very threshold of the path of life: the sense of guilt and danger, is the moving power that urges us to a Saviour thus believed on : and how can love be withheld when we feel that He has indeed redeemed us?

The application of the Lesson flows naturally out of these three truths. "Your profession implies that you believe Jesus to be the Son of God, our Saviour; but what is the state of your hearts? Are you, like Peter, following Christ?"

2ND. LESSON.

PETER WALKING ON THE SEA formed our next Lesson, as one or two slight notices of the Apostle (such as his presence when Jairus'

daughter was raised), seemed not to furnish sufficient matter for an hour's teaching.

The first details of the narrative could not be passed over, though in this, and all the lessons, attention was purposely fixed on such parts as brought out St. Peter's character and conduct. Our Lord's desire for private prayer, and His long communion with his Heavenly Father-the unwillingness of the disciples to leave Him (He "constrained" them)-their danger when, humanly speaking, alone-His unceasing care for them, and miraculous interposition to help them together with their dread when first they saw Him on the water and especially his loving words, "It is I, be not afraid," all these were briefly noticed, supplying many home questions on the points of our own prayerfulness-on our feeling either forsaken or on the contrary supported, in difficulties, and on our faith in Jesus being always near and ready to save.

Then came the main part of the Lesson-Peter's conduct. And first arose an interesting discussion on Peter's MOTIVE for his request, "bid me come to Thee on the water."

Some of the class were disposed, on every occasion, to defend the Apostle entirely: but in this instance, when the natural enquiry arose-"What good purpose could Peter accomplish thereby ?" no satisfactory answer could be given. One suggested, certainly, that he wished to have his Faith strengthened by a miracle, but no authority could be produced for such being a lawful method. To pray "Lord increase our Faith," and leave the way of doing so to God, is a different thing from a cry for a sign and wonder; and we may suppose, far more safe and humble.

Was Peter eager to reach his Lord? That might be, but as Jesus was then coming to him, it was an eagerness that looked a little like IMPATIENCE.

But the request is granted: (WHY appeared from the subsequent points of the Lesson) Peter treads on the water, to go to Jesus: thus the triumph of the Lord, and his sovereignty over the elements were doubly manifest: supported by his permission even the foot of man could rest on the angry waters. (WHERE then, as a passing application, are his people NOT SAFE? so long as they have his permission. If He says "come," they will not sink.)

But Peter has his lesson to learn. As long as he looked only on Jesus he was safe: but he looks off-his eye rests on the stormy sea-his ear loses the Lord's words and hears instead the howling of the tempest, and the bold (even presumptuous) man loses his courage. That moment he begins to sink, and has only time to cry to the Lord, whose hand preserves him.

In forming an opinion, however, of the Apostle's conduct, we must

not forget, that when our Lord rebuked him, it was not for his request, but for his want of faith: not "wherefore didst thou ask?" but "wherefore didst thou doubt ?" This must make us cautious how far we blame him as forward, thrusting himself into a place he was not equal to: but at any rate we learn that the safer wiser plan for the child of God is simply TO GO WHERE CHRIST CALLS, rather than ASK LEAVE to go here or there. The promise in Ps. xxxii. 8 is ample and clear enough.

But now turn to our Lord's conduct, and note the mingled wisdom and love He displayed. He does not check or angrily rebuke his disciple-the lessons are to be given kindly and compassionately. WHAT LESSONS? HUMAN WEAKNESS-and DIVINE MERCY. Peter, perishing, was rescued by a Saviour's hand. The danger was one he had brought on himself, but even then he was not forsaken, "Jesus caught him by the hand," and he could not perish.

Let us walk humbly with our God: (Jeremiah xlv. 5, is a widely useful warning) but let us not fear that He will ever fail to hold us up. I. 6. F.

NOTES FOR A LESSON ON THE COLLECT FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY.

TITLE OF GOD. "King of Glory." As applied to the Father.-1 Chron. xxix. 11, reference, and Eph. i. 17.

To the Son.-Ps. xxiv. 7-10; 1 Cor. ii. 8; Jas. ii. 1.

To the Spirit.-1 Peter iv. 14; Isaiah xi. 2 (implying all that is truly excellent.)

EXALTATION OF CHRIST. "Exalted thine only Son, &c."-Acts v. 31; Phil. ii. 9-11; Eph. i. 20-22; Heb. ii. 7; and ch. xii. 2.

Foretold Is. lii. 13.

THIS DOMINION TO BE EVERLASTING. "Liveth and reigneth world without end."-Dan. vii. 13, 14; Luke i. 32, 33; Rev. i. 18 (see ref.); Hebrews vii. 24, 25.

His people shall hereafter share his glory. "The same place whither," &c. -Heb. vi. 19, 20; John xiv. 2, 3, and 19, and xvii. 22; Dan. vii. 18, 22, 24; Dan vii. 18, 22; Rev. iii. 21; v. 10, and Luke ix, 26.

"Jesus! and shall it ever be

A mortal man ashamed of thee?

Ashamed of thee whom angels praise,

Whose glory shines thro' endless days!"'

TITLE AND OFFICE OF THE SPIRIT. "Thine Holy Ghost to comfort and exalt."-John vi. 63, and ch.xvi. 13, 14 ; Rom. viii. 2, 14; 2 Cor. iii. 6, 17, 18; Gal. v. 22; 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14.

THE PRAYER. "We beseech thee," &c. For corresponding prayers in Scripture see Ps. xxv. 4, 5; Ps. xxviii. 9 (margin); see Te Deum; Ps. xliii. 3-5; Ps. cxix. 25; Ps. cxliii. 7-11; 2 Cor. xiii. 14.

For answers to these, see Ps. lxxxiv. 11; Ps. lxxiii. 24; Ps. xvi. 11; Luke xi. 13; John xiv. 16, and xvi. 7.

Examples-Acts i. 14 with Acts ii 1, 4, 33, and ch. iv. 31-33.

Question for application-Is the Spirit of God our guide? do we follow his guidance? If so, we are children of grace, heirs of glory, and travellers to a home of endless joy.

It will be obvious that much neces sary explanation given in the lesson will render it more interesting and instruc tive than it appears on a bare reference to the texts.