is present there. The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Study the life of Christ. Imitate his example, in his obedience and regard to his parents-his zeal for the worship of God-his humility and meekness-his love to the bodies and souls of men. He went about doing good. May you know him and love him. Endeavour to follow his example here below, that you may dwell with him in heaven for ever. Amen.

A HYMN ON CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE.

To his own temple Jesus went,
Obedient at his Father's side;

Lo! what a wond'rous sight, that God
Should deign to take a human guide!
Twelve years his age, divinely led,
He came to do his Father's will;
Though God himself for ever blest,
He would his Father's law fulfil.

There clad like us, Jehovah sat,
Among the tribes of Israel's race;
Each doctor wonder'd where he learn'd
Such words of wisdom and of grace.

For more than man, though yet a child,
His Deity divinely shone ;.

He fill'd his Father's temple well,
And well he fills his Father's throne.

Then Holy Saviour, may we seek,
As we in years and stature grow,
To follow thee, the living way,
And do thy Father's will below.
To Sion as thy parents led,
Thine infant footsteps in the way:
So may our parents lead us on,
While we with willing feet obey.

LECTURE IX.

THE CHILDREN'S BEST FRIEND.

PROV. xviii. 24.—There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

PERHAPS you may think that no one can be a better friend to you than your parents. Indeed they are your best, your dearest earthly friends. It is possible that your brother may be a friend, should his life be spared, after you are deprived of your parents by death; he may then perform a double duty, that of a tender parent and an affectionate brother. But Solomon tells us that there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

In sacred history we read of the intimate friendship that there was between David and Jonathan. In profane history there is a very remarkable account given us of the exalted friendship that marked the characters of Damon and Pythias. As many of you may not have read this interesting story, and as it will also be a suitable introduction to the subject of this Lecture, I will relate it to you. It is perhaps the most striking example of sincere friendship, that you ever heard or read. ❤

"Dionysius, the emperor of Syracuse, had passed sentence of death upon Damon; and the day for his execution was fixed. The poor man requested but one favour from the tyrant, which was, that he might be permitted to visit his family, who were at that time a considerable distance from him, promising faithfully to return on the day appointed.

*The outline of this account may be found in Murray's English Reader.

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"This Dionysius refused, unless some person could be found who would consent to suffer death in his stead, if he did not perform his promise. The thing appeared so improbable, that Damon gave up all hopes of ever seeing his family again.

"It so happened, that Pythias, the friend of Damon, heard of the emperor's proposal; and, unknown to Damon, offered himself as a surety for his friend. Dionysius accepted him; Damon was liberated, and Pythias was put in prison in his stead.

"Various unfavourable circumstances occurred to prevent the return of Damon at the appointed time. The very morning of the day of the proposed execution had dawned upon Syracuse before his arrival.

"Dionysius had the curiosity to visit Pythias in the prison, as the day of the intended execution drew near, that he might learn from him what he now thought of his folly in becoming surety for a man who had already broken his promise. He found the generous man full of joy at the prospect of death, that he might thereby save a life abundantly more valuable than his own. At the same time he expressed his hopes, that unfavourable winds might prevent his friend's re

turn.

"When the hour arrived, Pythias was led forth to the place of execution. Dionysius was present to feast his eyes with the sight. In a short speech he told the surrounding multitude, that his dear friend Damon would soon arrive; but he hoped not before his death had saved a life so valuable as Damon's was to his family, his friends, and his country. He begged them to consider, that from contrary winds which had blown from one point for many days past, it was impossible for his friend to have returned. But since yesterday, he observed, the wind has changed, and Damon will soon be here. Make haste, therefore, said he to the executioner, and do your office.

"At that moment a voice was heard from among the crowd, Stop, stop the execution!'

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"The people joined in the cry, and it was soon echoed from all quarters. It was Damon. He was mounted on a horse, covered with foam, from the rapidity with which he had rode. He leaped from his horse, and was on the scaffold in a moment. He could say no more, but you are safe; you are safe, my friend, and I am happy.' Pythias, on the other hand, said, 'Oh! fatal haste, that hath brought you here too soon.'

"Dyonisius, who was a cruel and hard-hearted man, saw what passed between these two friends, and for the first time in his life, he felt the force of generous friendship. He descended from his throne of state, mounted the platform, and from a conviction not to be resisted, cried out, Live, ye generous friends, both of you, and form my mind by such an example of friendship, to imitate a virtue so truly noble.' Surely you will admire the sincerity of friendship that there was between Damon and Pythias. There is one who hath said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."

Where shall such a friend be found? Such a friend, my dear children, is the person to whom the words of the text refer. He is a most interesting character. He is the only person in the world, of whom it can be said, "that he is a friend that loveth at all times." We have related the highest possible instance of mere human friendship: but," there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother," and this friend "laid down his life for his enemies!"

Let us,

I. Inquire who this friend is?

1. Let me tell you his name.

It is Jesus, the eternal Son of God, "the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person; whom God hath appointed heir of all things, and by whom also he made the worlds." The prophet Isaiah says, that his name shall be called "Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.' The name of

Jesus was given by the angel who announced his birth to Mary his mother: "Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins."

Jesus signifies a Saviour. Both his parents descended from David, the king of Israel. This, my dear children, is the name of your best friend.

Jesus to multitudes unknown,

O name divinely sweet;

Jesus! in thee, and thee alone,
Wealth, honour, pleasure meet,

2. Let me remind you of the place where he was born. It was at Bethlehem of Judea, the city of David. Bethlehem signifies the house of bread; and Jesus is not only the children's best friend, and the friend of poor sinners, but he was the bread of life, which came down from heaven. The