Lesson 120.-April 19.

THE PATTERN OF FORGIVENESS.-Matthew xviii. 15-35.

I. Forgiveness among Brethren, (ver. 15-17.)-Three stages:

(a.) Private dealing, (ver. 15.)

(b.) More public dealing, (ver. 16.)

(c.) An appeal to the Church, (ver. 17.) Only when He refuses to hear the Church, are you to cease to have dealings with Him; then He shall be unto thee as a heathen-one with whom you can have no dealings.

II. The Church can exercise Discipline; and if she does so in Christ's name He will ratify it, (ver. 18-20.)-most important verses these, investing the Church with judicial authority. But what is the Church? Read verse 20.

III. Peter's Question and our Lord's Answer, (ver. 21, 22.)-Jesus had been speaking of trespasses, and how they were to deal with them. His remarks suggest Peter's question. Note, in connection with the question, Peter's entire ignorance of the spirit of our Lord's teaching. Peter supposes that forgiveness can be reckoned up like a sum. Hence, he asks if seven times is sufficientmaking, as he imagined, a very liberal allowance. In His answer, Jesus is not to be taken literally, as if we were to cease forgiving when we reached seventy times seven. He means that there should be no limit to the forgiveness; and that there will, practically, be no limit where the spirit of forgiveness is present. In spiritual matters there must be no haggling-no asking, How much must I do to be saved? This is the essence of bondage-the spirit of a slave, and not of a son. Wherever there is the forgiving spirit, there will be no need to ask Peter's question.

IV. The Parable, (ver. 23-35.)—In which note these things:

(a.) The debt of the first servant was enormous-such that he could never pay it. He was ordered to be sold, with all that belonged to him. This was quite customary in the East, where servants were the property of their masters.

(b.) The poor servant had nothing to pay-he could simply appeal to his lord's compassion. He threw himself unreservedly on his master's pity. His lord had in him the spirit of forgiveness. He was full of compassion; loosed him, and forgave him the debt-frankly, generously, royally forgave him. We have here a picture of our Father. We have a heavy debt. We have nothing to pay. He asks nothing but an appeal to His forgiving love. If we cast ourselves on His mercy, He will save us.

"Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to thy cross I cling."

(c.) Notice the conduct of this servant, who had been forgiven so much. He went out. Like the prodigal, he left his master's presence. This was a bad beginning. His lord's presence might have reminded him how much he had been forgiven. But he went out, and soon shewed what manner of man he was. Note his conduct to his fellow-servant. His debt was insignificant-an hundred pence only-and a mere trifle compared with his own. Forgetting his own forgiveness, he uses his fellow servant roughly-he took him by the throat. He does not even ask him civilly, but in a rude, rough manner, which proves that his lord's conduct to him had not really softened him. He is as hard-hearted as ever. Then, appealed to in the very terms he himself had used, he refuses to listen, but gives orders to cast the debtor into prison, which was instantly done. Now, all this shews clearly that this man had no proper sense of what forgiveness

was.

(d.) Mark now the result. The fellow-servants were sorry for what was done, and informed their lord. His lord at once resents this conduct. He summons the servant before him, charges him with being a wicked servant, and has proof ready at hand. The proof was simple-he had been forgiven, but he refused to forgive. Pity had been shewn him, but he had shewn no pity. His lord was wroth, as well he might be, and cast him into prison until he should pay all the original debt. His lord had forgiven him conditionally. He had not fulfilled the condition, and the old debt rises up against him.

LESSON.-The lesson is given plainly and simply in verse 35, and is the answer to Peter's question. Forgiveness is not to be weighed or measured. It is a thing of the heart. "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." This is the law of the kingdom-if we forgive, we shall be forgiven; if we forgive not, we shall not be forgiven. Remember the Lord's prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us."

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechismı 16.-Psalm ciii. 18-19.

Subject to be proved-We should be ready to Forgive.

Golden Text-"Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”—Ephesians iv. 32. NOTES.-These words require only to be read to be understood. Kind-every child knows what this is, and knows perfectly when he is not kind. Tenderhearted-the source from which kindness comes. Kindness is not of much worth unless the heart be in it. Forgiving one another-passing by offences and injuries; not striking because we have been struck-which is a boy's common excuse. The mode and measure of the forgiveness-as God forgives. How is that? Freely and frankly; no casting-up of the offence, but putting it for ever away. As to the measure, how much does God forgive ?—All our

offences. So ought we; not one or two, but all.

Lesson 121.-April 26.

REVIEW-CHRIST'S LOVE FOR THE WEAK.

I. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”—Psalm lxvi. 18. The heart is what God looks to. Give also 1 Samuel xv. 22, compared with chap. xvi. 7. Hence, "Keep thy heart." The spring-the fountain-must be pure to give forth fresh, pure water.

II. The power of faith-read Matthew xxi. 21-22-no limit to its power. So this Syrophenician found-"Be it unto thee even as thou wilt."

III. Those who have the mind that was in Christ Jesus will have practical sympathy with the distressed. Read James ii. 15, 16. Deeds, not words alone, are the test of character. Apply to children, who are apt to mock at the distressed and to torment the helpless. Remember the children of Bethel. IV. Self-pleasing is the greatest enemy to growth in grace. Self-denial is essential in every soldier of the cross. Christ pleased not himself. If we are His, we must not please ourselves. Give one or two practical examples of self-denial-restraining anger when greatly provoked, not answering back when abused, &c. Compare 1 Peter ii. 23.

V. Read 2 Peter i. 16-18, and learn one of the great lessons of the Transfiguration-it shewed forth the glory of Jesus. He was not only the sufferer, as in last lesson, but manifestly the Son of God-" the brightness of His Father's glory, and the express image of His person."

VI. Another example of the power of faith, and may be taken along with No. IV.

VII. Shew how children are cared for in the Bible. Read Exodus xii. 25-27; Deuteronomy xi. 19; Joshua iv. 21-24. Give also the example from the New Testament, Matthew xix. 13-15.

VIII. The spirit of forgiveness. Illustration-Christ on the cross, Luke xxiii. 34.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 17-Psalm ciii. 20-22.

Golden Text-" He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength."-Isaiah xl. 29.

NOTES.-The faint them that have no strength: both phrases mean substantially the same thing, and point to the great truth that humility-a sense of weakness or dependence-is the first step to receiving strength. He giveth grace to the humble. Before honour is humility. This is the law of the kingdom-a coming down before a rising up-a fall before a rise-a cross before a crown. All Scripture is full of this central truth. The meek, the poor in spirit, they that mourn, receive the blessing. "This child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel," (Luke ii. 34.)

Lesson 122.-May 3.

THE TABERNACLE-THE PEOPLE'S WILLING OFFERINGS.-Exodus xxxv. 20-35; xxxvi. 1-7.

The Tabernacle was to be God's palace-His dwelling-place-where He was to commune with the people by Moses or the High Priest. It was fit, therefore, that it should be worthy of God. Note, in connection with this Lesson, these things:

I. God's house and God's service should be worthy of Him. We should serve Him with our best. Here the offerings include the richest and the rarest giftsbracelets, earrings, rings, jewels of gold, and the richest material-blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, and the costliest skins-nothing could be too good for God's house. Read Matthew xxvi. 6-13, and see how Jesus valued costly gifts given to Him. Read also Galatians vi. 6, and see the apostolic injunction-" all good things: what a rebuke to our niggardliness in the support of the Gospel! II. The offerings were voluntary-free-will offerings no constraint-no compulsion-hence such phrases as Every one whom his spirit made willing;" as many as were willing-hearted;" ;""the children of Israel brought a willing offering.' This was the secret of the success of Moses' appeal to the peoplethey were willing-hearted. Now, compare with this the rule in the Christian Church,-2 Cor. viii. 12; ix. 7,-and the higher motive which we have, 2 Cor. viii. 9.

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III. There are various ways of giving. Read verses 25, 26. The women gave in work-in spinning the thread used in making the various articles required for the Tabernacle. This was work for God, which He accepted and blessed. So still, if we cannot give, we can work for God; and the kind of work is of no consequence-if we do it for Him.

IV. There is room in the Church for every variety of gift. The rich gave of their wealth-the women gave their time in spinning-the skilled workmen gave their skill. Bezaleel and Aholiab were filled with wisdom. This just means that they had great natural gifts, given them by God, which they laid out in His service. They consecrated their gifts to God. There was no miraculous bestowment of special gifts-they turned their natural gifts to God's service, and employed them in helping to adorn His dwelling-place. So still, every gift may be consecrated to God-the highest artistic skill, the greatest genius, the finest intellect, may and should be given to the promotion of God's cause in the world.

V. The result. More was given than was needed. Moses had to stop the giving. So much for a willing-hearted offering. If the heart is right—if the heart is opened the purse will be opened, and the Lord's treasury will soon be full.

Subject to be proved-God Blesses cheerful Giving.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 18-Psalm lxxxiv. 1-3. Golden Text—" And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."-Colossians iii. 23.

The

NOTES.-The true secret of doing or giving-put your heart into it. principle is applicable to natural as to spiritual things. Any work in which the heart is not interested will be more or less a drudgery. Any giving from compulsion, or because others give, will be as niggardly as decency will allow. There will be no pleasure in it. Any work not done heartily will be a drag. So Paul knew, and hence his counsel here. In all Christian work-whatsoever ye do-do it heartily, as unto the Lord. It may be very humble work-sweeping a room, going a message, anything, however small or however trifling, if done as unto the Lord, will receive the blessing; only do it heartily.

Teacher's Quiver;

The

OR, ILLUSTRATIONS

OF THE LESSONS.

LESSON 119.-THE HONOUR OF HUMILITY.-Matthew xviii. 1-14.

216. We can shew our Love to Jesus by our Kindness to His_Children, (verse 5.)-"Mother," asked little Phoebe Cary, "have you nothing I can carry to poor Aunt Molly?" Phoebe's mother was poor, and her cupboard was empty that morning. "I wish I had, Phoebe," said she. "Can you think of anything?" Phoebe thought a moment, and then said, "I've only a flower; I will take her a sweet-pea?" Now Phoebe had a sweet-pea which she had planted under the window, and as it grew and flowered, both mother and daughter enjoyed it. Phoebe picked a fine blossom, and ran down the lane to poor Aunt Molly's cottage. This was a poor old sick woman, who for a whole year had lain on her bed, suffering great pain. In the afternoon a lady called to see Aunt Molly, and noticed the sweet-pea in a cracked tumbler near the poor woman's bed. "That pretty posy," said Aunt Molly, looking up with a grateful smile, " was brought to me this morning by a little girl, who said it was all she had to bring; and as I look at it, it brings up the image of green fields and the posies used to pick when I was young; yes, and it makes me think what a wonderful God we have! If this little flower is not beneath His making and His care, He won't overlook a poor creature like me!" Tears came into the lady's eyes, and she thought, "If you have only a flower to give, give that; and remember, too, the Saviour's words, that even a cup of cold water, given in a Christian spirit, shall not lose its reward."

217. If thy Hand offend thee, cut it off, (verse 8.)-Archbishop Cranmer, in an unguarded moment, was prevailed upon to sign a deed in which he denied the Protestant faith. He was afterwards greatly distressed about it, and determined to retract his error publicly, and make what atonement lay in his power. When led to the stake, amidst the insults of the Papists, he bore their scorn, as well as the torture of his punishment, with singular fortitude. He stretched out his hand, and without betraying, either by his countenance or motions, the least sign of weakness, or even of feeling, he held it in the flames till it was entirely consumed, several times exclaiming, "This hand has offended! this unworthy hand!"

LESSON 120.-THE PATTERN OF FORGIVENESS.-Matthew xviii. 15-35.

218. Jesus is Present at the Smallest Prayer-meeting, (verses 19, 20.)-A good woman, when it was decided to close the prayer-meeting in a certain village, declared that it should not be, for she would be there if no one else She was there to her word, and the next morning, when some one said

was.

CHRIST

to her, rather jestingly, "Did you have a prayer-meeting last night?"- Ah, that we did," she replied. "How many were present?"-"Four," she said. "Why," said he, "I heard that you were there all alone."-"No," she said, "I was the only one visible, but the Father was there, and the Son was there, and the Holy Spirit was there, and we were all agreed in prayer." Before long others took shame to themselves at the earnest perseverance of a poor old woman, and soon there was a revived prayer-meeting and a prospering church.

219. We must Forgive if we expect to be Forgiven, (verses 23-35.)—When Mr. Wesley was on his voyage to Georgia with General Oglethorpe, the General threatened to take revenge upon an offending servant, saying, "I never forgive." -"Then I hope, sir," said Mr. Wesley, "you never sin." The General felt the force of the rebuke, and, remembering the text, (verse 35,) "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses," he modified his action towards the servant.

LESSON 121.-REVIEW-CHRIST'S LOVE FOR THE WEAK,

LESSON 122.-THE TABERNACLE-THE PEOPLE'S WILLING Offerings.Exodus xxxv. 20-35; xxxvi. 1-7.

220. We must first Give Ourselves to the Lord, (verses 21, 22, 25, 26, 29.)—At a missionary meeting, after some addresses had been given, a plate was passed round for contributions. When it came to a little boy, he asked the one in charge of it to hold it a little lower. When it was lowered he asked that it should be lowered farther, and repeated his request till the plate was placed on the floor. He then stepped into the plate himself, thereby intimating that he wished to give himself to the Lord. This is what the Lord desires; for His earnest entreaty is, "My son, give Me thine heart.”

221. The Willing Heart will find some Means of Expressing itself, (verses 21-29.)-A little girl who had attended a missionary meeting was very anxious to do something for the advancement of Christ's kingdom. But she had no money of her own. After much consideration, she asked her father whether he would buy oranges from her. He said he would be very glad. About a fortnight after, she presented him with a trayful of oranges and asked for payment. This was cheerfully given. But when, about a fortnight afterwards, she came with a second trayful, his suspicions were aroused, and he asked her somewhat angrily where she had got them. The girl, being much taken aback, burst into tears. He then sent for her mother, told her about the bargain he had made, and expressed his fears that their daughter had not come by the oranges honestly. The mother stated that the girl, being anxious to do something for Jesus, had, with her consent, laid aside all the oranges she had been in the habit of receiving for herself, and had re-sold them to him. On receiving this explanation, the father took the child in his arms, paid her for the oranges, and told her how pleased he was that she was willing to make some sacrifice for their dear Saviour.