LESSON XVII.

TRUST.

1. Are we able to direct our own way through life? "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jeremiah x. 23.

2. To whom, then, must we commit our way? Psalm xxxvii. 5.

3.

66

I know not the way I am going,
But well do I know my guide:
With a childlike trust I give my hand
To the mighty Friend by my side.
The only thing that I say to Him,

As He takes it, is, "Hold it fast;
Suffer me not to lose my way,

And bring me home at last."

4. Can all our watchfulness protect us from harm? "Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm cxxvii. 1.

5. Under whose loving care may we rest in peace? Psalm iv. 8.

6.

As a little child relies

On a care beyond his own,
Knows beneath his Father's eyes
He is never left alone;

So would I with Thee abide,

Thou my Father, Guard, and Guide.

7. In what words does Christ teach that nothing happens to us without our Father's will? St. Matthew x. 29-31.

8. What lesson does He teach us from the ravens? St. Luke xii. 24.

9. What assurance does Paul give to those that love God?

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Romans viii. 28.

10.

Life can bring with it nothing,
But He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
Will clothe His people too.

Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.

O Lord, how happy should we be,
If we could cast our care on Thee!
If we from self could rest,
And feel at heart that One above,
In perfect wisdom, perfect love,
Is working for the best!

Could we but kneel and cast our care
Upon our God in humble prayer,
With strengthened spirits rise;
Sure that our Father, who is nigh
To hear the ravens when they cry,
Will hear our carnest cries!

Oh, may these trustless hearts of ours
The lesson learn from birds and flowers,
And learn from self to cease!

Leave all things to our Father's will,
And, on His mercy leaning still,
Find in each trial peace.

LESSON XVIII.

PRAYER.

1. What should be our first thought and act every morning? Psalm v. 3.

2.

Come at the morning hour,

Come let us kneel and pray;

Prayer is the Christian pilgrim's staff,

To walk with God all day.

3. What do we need besides prayer, if we would be kept from doing wrong during the day?

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." St. Matthew xxvi. 41.

4.

Give me on Thee to call,

Always to watch and pray,
Lest I into temptation fall,
And cast my shield away.
For each assault prepared
And ready may I be;

For ever standing on my guard,
And looking up to Thee.

5. Is it only in the morning that we should pray to God and thank Him for His goodness? Psalm xxxiv. 1.

6. What assurance have we from Christ that God hears and answers our prayers? St. Matthew vii. 7, 8.

7. Can we expect God to listen to our prayers unless we are trying to do His will? 1 Peter iii. 12.

8. Give an instance by which we may learn from our Lord's example our need of prayer. St. Luke vi. 12. Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,

9.

The Christian's native air;

His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters heaven with prayer.
O Thou by whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way,
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod!
Lord, teach us how to pray.

Ere the morning's busy ray

Call you to your work away;

Ere the silent evening close

Your wearied eyes in sweet repose,

To lift your heart and voice in prayer

Be your first and latest care.

He, to whom the prayer is due,

From heaven His throne shall smile on vou,

Angels sent by Him shall tend
Your daily labor to befriend,
And their nightly vigils keep
To guard you in the hour of sleep.

LESSON XIX.

PRAYER.

1. How are we taught to lay all our desires and feelings before our heavenly Father?

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians v. 17.

"In every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians iv. 6.

2. How does Christ warn us against merely repeating words of prayer? St. Matthew vi. 7.

3. What was the prayer of the publican, which Christ commended?

"God be merciful to me a sinner." St. Luke xviii. 13.

4. What beside humility does He enjoin upon us, if we would pray aright? St. Mark xi. 25.

5. For whom must we be ready to pray? St. Matthew v. 44.

6. In what spirit should we always pray? "Thy will be done." St. Matthew vi. 10.

7.

e prayer I have, — all prayers in one,-
When I am wholly Thine:

Thy will, my God, Thy will be done;

And let that will be mine.