took bread, and gave them, and fish likewise. So, when they had dined, Jesus said unto Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than "Yea, Lord, thou Jesus said unto him, these?" Peter answered, knowest that I love thee." "Feed my lambs." Three times did Jesus ask him the same question, and each time Peter answered, that indeed he did love his Lord. Jesus told him to feed his sheep and lambs; that is, he was to be employed in preaching the Gos pel. Perhaps poor Peter had thought that, after his dreadful sin, he never would be allowed to preach again to others. See how kindly Jesus showed that all was forgiven! He then told Peter that he would die a cruel and painful death. And we read that, in the reign of the wicked Emperor Nero, Peter was condemned to be crucified. We read too, that Peter thought it too great an honor to die exactly as his Lord died. He was therefore crucified with his head downward, CHAPTER XXXIV. JESUS ASCENDING INTO HEAVEN. FORTY days Jesus remained on earth after He rose from the dead. During that time He show. ed himself to his disciples several times, speaking to them of heavenly things. (Acts i. 8.) At last one day He led them out as far as to Bethany. There He talked with them. He told them to remain at Jerusalem until the Holy Ghost, which He had promised to send to them, should descend upon them. Then, laying his hands on them, He blessed them, and, while they still beheld, He was parted from them, and ascended into heaven. There they stood gazing up after Him, scarcely believing that they should see Him no more. While they were still straining there eyes and looking stedfastly up, two angels stood by them. "Ye men of Galilee," they said, "why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Then they returned to Jersalem, not mourning, but rejoicing with great joy. Do you wonder that they could rejoice? No doubt they could now remember all the sweet and comforting words which Jesus had spoken to them before his death-how He had said, "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you." (John xiv. 2.) Again; "If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.' (John xvi. 7.) They were now constantly in the Temple, praising and blessing God, and waiting for these precious promises to be fulfilled. Perhaps another time I may go on to tell you some of the things which happened to the apostles after Jesus left them. We have now ended the history of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; but I have one very serious question to ask you before I close. Do you think that these "Lessons about Jesus "have been blessed to you? You have heard a great deal about Jesus, and perhaps you say, "I like very much to hear about Him." Yes, dear children, but that is not enough. Do you not remember in the Parable of the Sower there were some who heard the word" with gladness" (Mark iv. 16), but who never bore any fruit? Do you ask me how you are to know whether the precious seed which has now been sown is bearing fruit in you? I will tell you. If God's Spirit has written on your hearts the blessed things you have heard, you are striving to be every day more like Jesus-you are earnestly praying that all your naughty tempers and evil passions may be changed into meekness and gentleness and patience, like his. You will have learnt, too, what an evil and bitter thing sin is, when nothing but the blood, of God's own dear and perfectly holy Son could atone for it. You will feel the mercy of being able to take all your sins to Jesus, that they may be washed away in his most precious blood. Your hearts will be more and more filled with love to |