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months in the hospital, in order that by actual experience he may acquire skill in dealing with the various forms of disease.

He

In like manner Jesus, the Good Physician, had to prepare for His work. He could not step at once from His throne in glory to the cross on Calvary. He required a body, for before He came into this world He was a spirit invisible: and so He said, 'a body hast Thou prepared Me.' required to have a personal acquaintance with the sufferings of men in order that He might sympathise with them; and so for three and thirty years He trod this vale of woe. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief'; for

'In every pang that rends the heart
The man of sorrows had a part';

but His sorrows and trials prepared Him for His great work as the world's Healer.

2. Like them He had to be appointed to the work. In this country, no one is allowed to practise without what is called a diploma. The diploma gives the person whose name it bears authority to practise, and it is also a guarantee to those employing him that he is competent to treat the sick. In like manner, the Good Physician was appointed, or as the Bible word is anointed,' for His work. He came into this world with authority to forgive men their sins and save them from death. Nor did He come with authority only; He came also with power, 'He is able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.' The Father has declared Him to be competent, and multitudes whom He has healed have found Him to be so. Yes; the earthly physician may often be at a loss what to do, but this good Physician has never been baffled. You may safely trust Him. Listen then to the voice of mercy.

'Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of pity joined with power;
He is able,

He is willing; doubt no more.'

3. Like them He has to lay Himself out for the work. Many have studied medicine and

qualified themselves who do not practice They have not laid themselves out for it When a doctor sets up in practice, he endeavours to let it be known that he is at the service of those who wish his advice. The brass name-plate on his door, and coloured lamp above it, indicate that he only needs to be called, in order to attend the sick.

In like manner, the Good Physician has made it known that He is at the service of every sick and wounded soul, and only waits to be called. When Jairus went to Him on behalf of his little daughter, Jesus at once went with him, not because the ruler of the synagogue was a man to be considered, but because His way was to help every sufferer who sought His aid. Are you sick?-soul-sick?—then go to the Good Physician. He has only to be called, and He will come to you, to heal all your backslidings and love you freely.

4. Like them He prescribes for His patients. When the doctor is called in, he examines the sick person-feels the pulse, looks at the tongue, and then prescribes the remedy which he thinks most suitable. So when we apply to the Good Physician He prescribes for us. Are we weary and heavy laden?-His prescription is, 'come unto me.' Are we anxious and troubled in regard to the things of this life?-His prescription is, be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.' Have we been indulging in sinful pleasures?-'His instructions are, 'cease to do evil; learn to do well.'

6

But remember, that to obtain a cure the doctor's instructions must be obeyed. To know what will cure you is not enough, you must apply it. The dose may be bitter, the blister may be painful, but we must submit to the bitterness and the pain, if we wish to regain our lost health. So with the instructions of the Good Physician. To know that Jesus can cure you, and that His gospel is the remedy, is not enough, you must obey the gospel; you must apply the remedy.

Have you applied it? Have you ever felt your need of it? Have you yet discovered that you are covered with the leprosy of sin? If you have not, then you can have no interest in reading about Jesus the Good Physician; but if you have, then you will rejoice to learn that— "The Great Physician now is nearThe sympathising Jesus,

He stoops, the drooping heart to cheer;
Oh! hear the voice of Jesus.'

What is the matter? Is the sun dead that you all look so cheerless and illtempered?'

Then began a long story. Bertie had offended Katie for the hundredth time, they said, by making pencil marks in one of her best books. She had punished him by scribbling over his last drawing. Mother

never said much to her children:

'Sit down, and let me tell you a story—' she requested.

'In a large boys' school there was one boy who seemed as if he could not keep out of mischief. Again and again he had to appear before the principal of the school for punishment. One day he was called up for an offence-something he had often done before and been punished for it.

'Here he is, sir,' said the usher, who had to complain. 'Again!' exclaimed the principal-flogging, confinement, disgrace, everything that could be done to reform him, and he is before me again!

The usher suggested, very respectfully, in an undertone ;

'Sir, there is one thing you have not yet tried on him,'

'And what is that?' demanded the principal.

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'He has never been forgiven, sir,' said the usher.

'Forgiven!' This was new to the principal he thought for a moment or two, and then he asked::

'What do you say to this charge, Monson?'

'I'm very sorry, sir' -was the culprit's reply.

With a kind smile, full of pity for the boy's weakness, the principal addressed him, saying:

'Well, Monson, we have tried every thing with you without effect, and now we have decided to-forgive you.'

The boy had expected double punishment for his repeated fault, but to be forgiven was almost too much. He wepthe was thoroughly humbled, and he retired with confused, grateful thanks. Do you think he ever transgressed in the same manner again? No! He was completely changed. From that day he began to mend, and ultimately became a pattern to the whole school. I leave you, children, to think over my story. I need say no more.

Of course Katie forgave Bertie on the spot, and Bertie has never scribbled over Katie's books again, nor has Katie taken the punishment into her own hands, but said: 'I forgive you, Bertie-remember Mamma's story.' We often grieve God by the many disobedient and sinful actions we commit, and does He say, I cannot forgive you'? No; He sent Jesus, His Son, to bear the punishment for us, and when we receive Him into our hearts as the Substitute-the One who suffered for our sin, when we love Him as our Saviour from sin past and to come, our Redeemer from a merited death-God says, 'Thy sins will I remember no more' and 'Thy sins be forgiven thee.' You may have offended many times. He waits to forgive you, for God is love' as He is also the Just.' The way to win and the way to be won are on the same road, and it is paved with love, and over the gate that admits into its paths of Peace is the one word: FORGIVEN.'

M. B. GERDS.

The duds may hang dirty and torn,
The cupboard stan bare to the wa',
New books for the schule may be wanted,
And naething to buy them ava. [them?
And whaur gangs the cash that should buy
It gangs tae swell public-house gains.
And sae the auld story comes true-
The loss ay fa's on the weans.
Come, then, a' ye girls and boys,
And don the Ribbon o' Blue;
Of a' the folks that should join,

There's nane has a title like you.
For yours are the heaviest losses,

Whaever may share the gainsThe faither and mither may beat ye, But try to save the weans!

Robert had been seeking a situation for almost a week; and, now that he had at last met with something that promised success, he was as nervous as boy can be. His hand went down in his jacket pocket— a handkerchief, a strap, but no recommendation. He emptied another pocket and another and another without success.

Ah, there it is, I suppose: you have dropped it on the floor,' said the gentleman. 'No, sir: that's only my pledge,' Robert answered, stooping to pick up the paper. Your pledge?

Yes, sir. My temperance pledge,' 'May I see it?'

Robert handed it to him, and continued his search for the missing paper, growing more nervous as the search proceeded.

'Never mind, my boy. I don't need any further reference,' said the gentleman, after reading the pledge. 'I am willing to trust a boy who puts his name to a promise like this. That boy is his own reference.'

Easy Questions on Bible Antiquities.

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In connection with these Questions a first and second prize is offered to girls for the two best Essays on the Various kinds of food mentioned in the Bible.' Also a first and second Prize to Boys for the two best Essays on 'The Education of the young as presented in the Bible.' Competitors not to be above 15 years of age. In both Essays reference to passages of Scripture to be given. Each Essay to be signed with a motto onlyno name. Essays to be sent to the Editor of the Dayspring-Rev. Dr. KAY, 7 Argyll Place, Edinburgh -accompanied with a sealed envelope containing the motto and name and address of the writer, on or before 1st September, 1883.

150. When was the child circumcised? When he was eight days old.

151. What did he receive at circumcision? His name.

152. How many names did a child bear? Only one.