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AN

SONG BIRDS.

N old legend tells us that when St. Francis was passing through the Venetian lagoon, vast numbers of birds were singing; and he said to his companion,

Our sisters, the birds, are praising their Creator; let us sing with them.' And he began the sacred service. But the warbling of the birds interrupted them; therefore St. Francis said to them, 'Be silent till we also have praised God.' And they ceased their song, and did not resume it till he had given them permission.

On another occasion, as he was sitting with his disciple Leo, he felt himself penetrated with joy and consolation by the song of the nightingale; and he desired his friend Leo to raise his voice, and sing the praises of God in company with the bird. But as Leo objected, because his voice was bad, St. Francis began to sing himself. When he stopped, the nightingale took up the strain, and thus they sang alternately, until the night was far advanced, and St. Francis was obliged to stop, for his voice

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'Sweet birds that breathe the spirit of song,
And surround heaven's gate in melodious throng,
Who rise with the earliest beams of day,
Your morning tribute of thanks to pay;
You remind us that we should likewise raise
The voice of devotion, and song of praise:
There's something about you that points on high,
Ye beautiful tenants of earth and sky.'

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto His name; to shew forth His loving-kindness in the morning, and His faithfulness every night. When the winter is past, and the time of the singing of birds is come, surely we

PRIZE SCRIPTURE ACROSTICS AND QUESTIONS.

should join with all nature in offering the tribute of praise to our great Creator and Redeemer.

Songs of praise are a sacrifice wellpleasing to the Lord. When powerful enemies came against Jehoshaphat, he prayed to the Lord; but as soon as a promise of deliverance was given, the Levites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel. And when Jehoshaphat had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for His mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against them; and they were smitten. (2 Chron. xx. 21, 22.)

Songs of praise have power to still the enemy. It was when Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, that the prison doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. It is God who giveth songs in the night.

In the late American war a battle was fought at a place called Shiloh, in Tennesee. A captain, who had been mortally wounded, lay on the battle-field, suffering greatly from his wounds and from thirst. He said, 'The stars shone out clear and beautiful above the dark field; and I began to think of that great God who had given His Son to die a death of agony for me; and that He was up there, up above the scene of suffering, and above these glorious stars; and I felt that I was going home to meet Him, and praise Him there; and I felt that I ought to praise God even wounded, and

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With what gracious words did Jesus begin His sermon on the mount?

How many times did He pronounce the word blessed?

What blessing did He pronounce on the poor in spirit?

Why are those who mourn for sin called 'Blessed'?

What blessing belongs specially to the meek? Why is it a blessed thing to hunger and thirst after righteousness?

What strong obligation to be merciful is here pointed out? Mat. 18. 32, 33.

Who alone shall see God? Psa. 51. 10. What special blessing does Jesus confer on the peacemakers?

What class of sufferers does Jesus pronounce blessed?

What striking emblem here describes the utter worthlessness of mere profession?

By what two emblems are true believers described?

What motive should impel them to let their light shine?

[These are NOT Prize Questions; but intended solely to encourage the study of the Scriptures at home.]

on the battle-field. I could not help Prize Scripture Acrostics and Questions.

singing that beautiful hymn, 'When I can read my title clear.' And there was a Christian brother in the bush near me. I could not see him, but I could hear him. He took up the strain; and beyond him, another and another caught it up, all over the terrible battle-field of Shiloh. That night the echo was resounding, and we made the field of battle ring with hymns of praise to God.'

Competitors will please observe to address their answers now to Rev. JOHN KAY, Edinburgh.

4 Where is the fate of one who acquires wealth unjustly, illustrated by an ornithological fact? 5 Quote a verse to shew that sincerity and conscientiousness are not sufficient to keep us out of fatally dangerous paths?

6 Where, in the epistles, are we warned in four words; and where, in three, against breaking the first commandment?

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FOUR NEW MISSIONARIES FOR AFRICA.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

I.

WHAT if the way be rough for thy

small feet?

I'll lull thee low,

And carry thee where pleasant waters meet
So tender, slow;

Come close, my love, my little one, my sweet,
Nor tremble so.'

It was a moorland way, and very long;

Two little stars or more

Had risen, throbbing like a voiceless song
Against the heaven-door.

One little face, blue-eyed, was lifted faint;
And then soft, glad blue eyes-
Blue, tired eyes, yet with no sorrow taint-
Closed, faint, against the skies.

And 'neath these lids, an almost baby cheek
Against one warm, kind breast,

Lay dimpled into smiles, which could not speak Their own delicious rest.

'O sleep, O sleep, my little folded one; There comes no fear, no harm, Unto thee, nestling,-storm, nor wind, nor

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Thus the Good Shepherd found the little lamb Out in the night;

And thus, with many a soft caress, began The road to light.

Far through the foggy fen, and cross the moor, And o'er the sea,

And O, His arm was strong, His step was sure, His love was free!

Still deep, the tender touch of that strong hand A cradle made

So warm, and safe the child crossed all the land, Yet not afraid;

For when the harshest voices sounded near, He listened low,

And heard the Shepherd whisper in his ear, 'I love, I know.'

The voice was full of calm, so gentle, strong, The child close leant,

And with soft half-shut eyelids breathed a song Of low content.

And thus, o'er many a strange and rugged scar,
He still was borne,

Until, upon his soul, there broke from far
Heaven's early morn.

And opening wide his joyful, wondering eyes,
He heard One say-

'Dear child, behold the gate of Paradise! I am the Way.'

"Twas the Good Shepherd that had borne him thus,

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