the truth as it is in Jesus. He should spcak according to the word of God, and should prove what he says by Scripture. And what should his hearers do? If he says anything contrary to Scripture, it is their solemn duty not to receive it. They are told (1 Thess. v. 21,) to "prove all things, and hold fast that which is good." But whatever is in accordance with Scripture they should receive, as the Thessalonians did (1 Ep. ii. 13) "not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God;" and in meekness, as St. James says (i. 21,) "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." But those, whom curiosity leads to wander about to listen to eloquence, or hear some new thing, soon lose all humility and meekness. They get to think more of fine words, and of the manner of the minister, than of the truth which he preaches; they go to hear the voice of man, and they do hear it, but not the voice of God. Dear young friend, come to the house of God now in a spirit of prayer.

Come to meet Jesus.

Come to listen to

God's voice; and when you are older, value the truth as it is in Jesus above everything else, and do not fall into the snare so common in these days, of wandering about to hear eloquent words or new doctrines.

There is one more kind of wrong curiosity, which must not be left out; it is curiosity about the concerns of others. A spirit which leads people to find out all they can about their neighbours. St. Paul condemns this kind of curiosity (2 Thess. ii. 11,) "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." And once more, (1 Tim. v. 13,) "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." This kind of curiosity leads persons to talk almost entirely about others. It generally shows an empty mind, and seems, when in

dulged, to make the mind more empty. The best cure for this is to be earnest in seeking your own salvation; to pray much to God, and to gain useful knowledge. If you, dear child, are ever tempted to be inquisitive about the concerns of others, and to talk of them, remember the words of Jesus, "What is that to thee, follow thou me." Yes, what does Jesus say to you, dear young friend? Do you not hear His voice? He says, "Follow thou me." He says to the youngest reader of this book, as well as to the eldest, "Follow thou me."

Oh, then, follow Jesus. Follow Him now, without any delay. Do not say in your hearts, "I will follow Him to-morrow." No, turn to (2 Cor. vi. 2) "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Follow Him by faith; follow Him by obedience; follow Him in prayer; follow Him with all your heart; follow Him all your life; follow Him in all places-whilst you are at your studies, and

whilst you are taking exercise-when you are alone, and when you are in company. If some bosom-sin wishes to be indulged, say, "No, I must follow Jesus." If any companion or friend tries to keep you back, say, "No, I am resolved to follow Jesus." Follow Him, because He is so gentle, because He is so faithful, because He is so full of love. Follow Him, because His precious blood can wash away all your sins, and His Spirit can make you holy. Follow Him on earth, and then in Heaven you will be permitted to "follow the Lamb, whithersoever He goeth."

4

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA:

Or, the wish to be thought better than we are.

WE have considered already some bad wishes. There is another bad wish, which we ought to keep out of our hearts: the wish to appear better than we really are. Do you know what happened on the day of Pentecost? God poured out His promised Spirit upon the disciples. Then Peter began to preach at once to others, and God gave the Spirit to many, who heard him, so that in one day, three thousand souls were added to the church. What did those Jews feel, when the Spirit

first came into their hearts? If you will refer to (Acts ii. 37), you will see. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in