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MORNING AND AFTERNOON LESSONS FOR EVERY SUNDAY IN THE MONTH.

AUGUST 4.

Morning Reading, 2 Kings ii.

Morning Lesson, Matt. xxv. 14-23.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 14. Who is represented by this man's going into a far country? Jesus Christ going to heaven. What are goods? Property. What do these goods signify? The abilities or opportunities God has given us for improvement. Ephesians iv. 8.VERSE 15. How much was a talent? A talent of gold was worth £5,475; a talent of silver £375. What does the sum of five talents denote? The highest abilities given to men. All have not the same, or equal opportunities for doing good.

1 Cor. iv. 7.—

VERSE 16. How did they make "other five?" By employing their master's money in trade. This represents those who make a good improvement of their time and talents.-VERSE 18. Was it expected that the man with one talent should gain as much as the others? No; he had not the same opportunities; but it teaches us, that however poor and humble we may be, God requires us to do some good to others, and for Him. 2 Corinthians viii. 12.-VERSE 19. How did he "reckon" with them? By inquiring how they had used his money. When will Christ reckon with us? At the judgment day. Romans xiv. 12; 2 Corinthians v. 10; Acts xvii. 31.— VERSE 21. What is meant by being a ruler over many things? Being promoted to greater honour. What "joy' was referred to here? Rejoicing at his return, or at the rewards which had been prepared for him.-VERSE 23. What are the rewards which Christ will bestow upon his faithful people? The joys of heaven, and the delight of being for ever with him, &c. Verse 34. Revelation vii. 13—17. IMPROVEMENT.-Show that however high or humble our situation in the world may be, Jesus Christ expects us to do something for him and his cause,-Luke xii. 43, 44.

Afternoon Reading, Exodus xiii.

Afternoon Lesson, Matt. xxv. 24-30.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 24. What is the meaning of "a hard man?" Cruel and hard-hearted-oppressing the poor, &c. What do we understand by

reaping where he had not sown, &c.? Compelling the poor to sow for him, and reaping all the benefit himself. What does the word

"straw mean? To scatter.-VERSE 25. What does his answer represent? The excuses which sinners make for their own idleness

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and neglect of God. Is God really hard and unjust? No; he is a God of justice and mercy; but all men are naturally evil, and, therefore, hate God. Romans iii. 10-18.-VERSE 26. What is meant by "slothful?" Idle. Do we infer from this that God is like this hard master? No; it is only intended to convict the idle servant of his own sin and folly, in acting thus, if he knew his master would require a hard service. Will God judge men for doing nothing as well as for doing wrong? Yes; see verse 45.-VERSE 27. What is an exchanger? One who borrows money, and returns it with interest. What is "usury?" Interest or gain. What do we understand from this verse? That whoever rightly improves his privileges, shall have them increased, and be rewarded; but those who neglect them, shall have them taken away, and be punished. See Matthew xiii. 12; Mark iv. 25; Luke viii. 18, xv. 26.VERSE 30. What does gnashing of teeth represent? Hopeless agony and remorse. Matthew viii. 12, xxiv. 51.

IMPROVEMENT.-Show the necessity of being very active in God's service, and dwell upon the fearful punishment of the idle and careless.

Morning Reading, 2 Kings iii.

VERSE 31.

is one of us.

AUGUST 11.

Morning Lesson, Matt. xxv. 31-46.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

Because he

When fore

Why is Jesus called "the Son of man?" John i. 14; Hebrews ii. 11, 12, 14, 16. telling the final judgment, did our Lord frequently call himself "the Son of man.' See Matt. xvi. 27, xix. 28, xxvi. 64; John i. 51, v. 27. What is the meaning of the phrase "the throne of his glory?" It is the Hebrew mode of expressing "his glorious throne." As a throne is the emblem of regal authority and power, so the decisions of the judge will be authoritative and irresistible. John v. 27; Hebrews i. 8.-VERSE 32. Into how many classes will all nations be separated? Into two classes, and the separation will be as particular and obvious as that of sheep from goats by the shepherd. Matt. xiii. 30, 42, 43; 2 Cor. v. 10.-VERSE 33. Where will these classes be respectively placed? The righteous on the right hand of the judge, the place of honour, and the wicked on his left hand, the place of dishonour. The Jewish writers affirm that there were always two notaries belonging to the court, one of whom stood on the right hand of the judge, and wrote the sentence of acquittal, and the other on his left hand, who wrote the sentence of condemnation.-VERSE 34. What is meant by being "blessed of

the Father?" Highly favoured and dearly beloved of the Father. Luke i. 28, 42. How does the kingdom of heaven become an inheritance to the righteous? By adoption. They are the children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Romans viii, 17; 1 John iii. 1, 2.-VERSES 35, 36. What has been the outward condition of many of Christ's followers? See Matt. xxiv.-VERSE 40. Our Lord participates in the sufferings of his people; he remembers and will acknowledge the kindness shown to them in affliction, as shown to himself. Acts ix. 4; Matt. x. 41, 42.-VERSE 41. Who are cursed? Those against whom evil is denounced. Gen. iii. 14, 17; Gen. xii. 3. What is meant by the words "everlasting fire?" Endless degradation and wretchedness. The figure is borrowed from the fire in the valley of Hinnom, which was continually kept up to consume the carcases of animals and the dead bodies of malefactors there deposited. Matt. v. 22. With whom will the wicked be eternally associated? With the devil and his angels.-VERSE 45. Why will the wicked be condemned? Because in not assisting and comforting the afflicted friends of Christ they neglected and despised Christ himself.-VERSE 46. Will the punishment of the wicked be as lasting as the blessedness of the righteous? The same term is used to express the duration of each.

IMPROVEMENT. -Dwell upon the greatness, condescension, and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Seriously look forward to the day of judgment, and prayerfully engage in such pursuits as will then be approved of by the judge. Ever be ready to comfort and help afflicted Christians. Gal. vi. 10.

Afternoon Reading, Ex. xiv.

Afternoon Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 6-13.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 6. Where was Bethany? It was a town in Judea, fifteen furlongs east from Jerusalem, on the way to Jericho, and was situated on the retired and shady side of Mount Olivet. It was a place of resort to our Lord. Matt. xxi. 17; Mark xi. 1, xiv. 3; Luke xxiv. 50. Though Simon is called the Leper, is it not probable that he had been cleansed by Christ? Yes; since lepers were separated from society. Lev. xiii. xiv. In receiving Jesus into his house, Simon shows his gratitude.-VERSE 7. Who was she? She is thought to have been Mary, the sister of Lazarus, who lived at Bethany. John xii. 3. What is alabaster? A polished gyplike white marble, but not so hard. Was the ointment valuable? It was very precious. What induced Mary thus to act? To show her grateful love and respect.-VERSE 8. Did the disciples approve of her conduct? No; they were indignant, and thought

sum,

the ointment might have been sold, and the money devoted to charitable purposes. John xii. 4, 5.-VERSE 10. How did Jesus act towards the woman? He commended her. What did Jesus say to the disciples? He reproved them for their ungenerous remark; and assured them that they would always be able to assist the poor, whilst the time of showing respect and love to him personally and exclusively was exceedingly limited. Luke vii. 46, 47.-VERSE 12. How did our Lord regard this anointing? As a preparation for his burial, which would soon take place.-VERSE 13. In what way did he show his approval of Mary's conduct, and his control over future events? By causing it to be recorded for a memorial of her wherever the gospel would be preached. Psalm cxii. 5; Mal. iii. 16.

IMPROVEMENT.-Seriously urge upon ourselves the following inquiries:-Are we cleansed by Christ from the leprosy of sin? Do we show our gratitude for mercies conferred upon us and our kindred? Do we esteem any offering to Christ too costly? Will our conduct be held in grateful remembrance? Proverbs x. 7.

AUGUST 18.

Morning Reading, 2 Kings iv. 1-37. Morning Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 14-25.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 14. Who was Judas Iscariot? One of the twelve apostles. Matt. x. 4. Who were the Chief Priests? They are supposed to have been presidents of the various courses of priests appointed by David. They formed part of the Sanhedrim, or ruling court of the Jews. 1 Chron. xxiv. 19.-VERSE 15. What was the sin of Judas? Avarice, or love of money. Matt. xix. 23; Mark x. 23; Luke xviii. 24; 1 Tim. vi. 10. What is a covenant? An agreement or bargain between two parties. Gen. xvii. 4; Psalm lxxxix. 28; Jer. 1. 5. What was the value of thirty pieces of silver? About three pounds fifteen shillings; the sum appointed by law to be paid for a slave who had been accidentally slain. Ex. xxi. 32; Zech. xi. 12.-VERSE 16. He sought a convenient time to put him in their power.-VERSE 17. What is unleavened bread? Unfermented bread. What feast is here referred to? The feast of passover. Ex. xii. 15. It consisted of the paschal lamb, which was eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Ex. 3; Deut. xvi. 3; Numbers ix. 11. What does the inquiry of the disciples indicate? Their humility and desire to serve their master. At this feast the houses at Jerusalem were open, and a selection was all that was necessary.-VERSE 18. What did Christ mean by saying "My time is at hand?" His time

of suffering and deatn. John vii. 30, xiii. 1.-VERSE 21. Did our Lord know who would betray him? Yes; he was acquainted with the base intentions of Judas. John ii. 25.-VERSE 22. What effect did the announcement produce? The disciples were painfully grieved, and for themselves anxiously appealed to their Lord.--VERSE 23. How did Christ disclose the traitor? By referring to him, whilst dipping his hand into the dish.-VERSE 24. What is meant by "goeth?" Is hurried to death. Were the sufferings of Christ foretold? Psalm xxii.; Isaiah liii.; Zech. xii. 10. What is woe? Misery, wretchedness. Did the office of Judas exempt him from blame and punishment? No; the curse of Christ was denounced upon him : his very existence was an evil to him. -VERSE 25. What is meant by "thou hast said?" Thou hast said what is true. Matt. xxvi. 64.

IMPROVEMENT.-Pray for grace to be kept from evil desires, evil purposes, and evil deeds. Observe the institutions of Christseek his direction-remember his omniscience-submit to his inspection-and dread his displeasure.

Afternoon Reading, Exod. xv. Afternoon Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 26-30.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 26. When was the Lord's Supper instituted? When the paschal lamb had been eaten. Mark xiv. 22. What is meant by blessing the bread? It was set apart to a sacred use. Gen. ii. 3. In what sense could the bread be the body of Christ? It was merely a representation of his body, which was broken.-VERSE 27. What did the cup contain? Wine. Did our Lord acknowledge God's goodness? Yes; he gave thanks. In telling his disciples to drink all the wine, he wished them to enjoy all the benefits of his atonement.-VERSE 28. What did the wine represent? The blood of Christ. What is a testament? A will or covenant. What is the New Testament? The covenant of the gospel, as distinguished from the old covenant of God with the Jews. Blood was shed to con firm a covenant. Hebrews x. 16, ix. 20. What is remission? A putting away and remission of sins means forgiveness of sins. Eph. i. 7; Heb. ix. 22; Rev. vii. 14.-VERSE 29. What was this kingdom? The state of things he was about to establish. John xviii. 36, 37. What is meant by drinking with Christ in his kingdom? It signifies the mutual joy of Christ and his disciples, occasioned by his atonement. This joy would not be experienced till the kingdom was established. Luke xxii. 29, 30.-VERSE 30. How did they conclude this solemn feast? By singing a hymn expressing their joy in Christ. It was customary to sing a hymn at