I see the "old home" yonder, With the hawthorn by its door, Where I used to sit and ponder Strange, childish mysteries o'er;See the mossy spout, "Nay, and that thou canst not," once more said the faithful witness; "for I have a Friend A in heaven, from whom thou canst not separate me. I defy thee: there is nothing thou canst do to hurt me." When the executioner went behind Jerome, of Prague, to set fire to the pile, "Come here," said the martyr, "and kindle it before my eyes; for, if I dreaded such a sight, I should never have come to this place, when I had a free opportunity to escape." The fire was kindled; and he then sang a hymn, which was soon stopped by the encircling flames. Where I used to watch, Impatient, for the flowers unclosing. But where the loving faces sunshine Not in the olden places; Than gold, or lands, more precious far, A dower of prayers, That, through earth's snares, Jehovah safe their child would bear. Lord of glory, had died to save him; and that he had the most perfect confidence in Him. Observing a small Bible under the corner of his blanket, I said:"Jack, you have a friend there." Weak as he was, he raised himself on his elbow, held it in his attenuated hand, while a smile played on his countenance, and slowly spoke in precisely the following words :— This, Sir, is my dear friend. You gave it me. For a long time I read it much, and often thought of what it told. Last year I went to see my sister at Lake Winnipeg, [about two hundred miles off,] where I remained for two months. When I was half-way back over the lake, I remembered that I had left my Bible behind me. I directly turned round, and was nine days by myself, tossing to and fro, before I could reach the house; but I found my friend, and determined that I would not part with it again: and ever since it has becz near my breast, and I hoped I should have it buried with me but I have thought since I h better give it to you; and, wh I am gone, it may do some cze else good.' He was often interrate i TEXTS ILLUSTRATED. "Verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalm xxxvii. 3.) O prince who has been honoured with the surname of "Great" has more highly deserved it than King Alfred. Many instances of his benevolence and piety are on record. One of them serves as an illustration of the doctrine, that the Lord will provide for those who trust in Him. At the age of twenty-two Alfred found himself possessed of the title of king, while the victorious Danes prevented him from enjoying its privileges. After several unfortunate actions with his enemies, he disbanded his followers, and wandered about the woods, finding shelter at last in the Isle of Athelney, in Somersetshire. While there, a beggar called at his little retreat, and requested alms. Alfred's queen assured him that they had only one small loaf remaining, which was insufficient for themselves and their friends who had gone abroad in quest of food. The king replied, "Give the poor Christian the one-half of the loaf. He that could feed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, can make that half of the loaf suffice for our necessities." The poor man was relieved; and soon after the foraging party returned to the castle loaded with provisions. Thus the king's faith was speedily honoured, and the wants of his little garrison abundantly supplied. W. A LITTLE GIRL WHO LOVED JESUS. ISITING some absent members of my class, a few days since, I called at the house of one who is a carpenter, in the employ of a railway company. One reason assigned by his wife for his absence was, that his eldest little girl had been very unwell. As the mother pointed to her, an intelligent-looking child, nearly five years old, she said,— "Even now the doctor gives no hope of her recovery, But she says she doesn't want to get better; she would rather die, and go to heaven." I was much struck with the remark, and, sitting down, took who may read this narrative, are older than this dear child; but can you with such confidence look forward to death? Do you share in this glad hope of heaven? The same Jesus that loves her, loves you; the same Spirit that has so graciously instructed her, will, in like manner, teach each of you the "way of salvation." Let this simple narrative encourage you to trust in Him; remembering that Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto With the same calmness she Me, and forbid them not: for of said, such is the kingdom of God." H. L. AFRICAN COOKING OF HE cutting up of an round the animal in dead silence, while the chief of the travelling party declares that, according to ancient law, the head and right hind-leg belong to him who killed the beast; that is, to him who inflicted the first wound; the left leg to him whe delivered the second, or first touched the animal after it fell. The meat around the eye is apportioned to the English, or chief of the travellers, and dif |