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ever a happiness, though far exceeding all human understanding, yet equitably proportioned to the fruit which we have produced from His seed, in this world of trial. And let us never forget that according to the seed sown, according to the opportunities given to us of improvement, will God most justly expect that the future crop shall be that "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."1 But upon this particular subject we will take another parable to-morrow. Meantime, I hope you have understood, and will remember, what we have gone through to-day.

Mary. Yes, Mamma, thank you, I think I quite understand it now; and I am sure I never thought, when you first read the parable, that there could be so much hidden in it.

Henry. Nor I, Mamma; I shall never see them sowing in the fields now without thinking of this parable.

Mrs. B. You will do well, my dear, on all

1 Luke xii. 48.

occasions, to let your thoughts turn habitually to the goodness and mercy of God, and to His commandments: and to a mind properly disposed, there is nothing which may not suggest the idea of Him, who is at all times your surest guide, and friend, and protector. And now we will close our reading for to-day. To-morrow, if I have reason to be satisfied with you, we will begin at the same hour.

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Mrs. B. You remember, my dears, that in the parable which we read yesterday, we saw that the seed, which fell on good ground, and brought forth fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred-fold, was designed to represent those good persons, who, to use the words of the Bible, "in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience,"1

1 Luke viii. 15.

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but who do not all make an equal proficiency to carry on the same comparison, upon which part of his field do you suppose the farmer would look with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction?

Henry. On the good ground, of course.

Mrs. B. And of the good ground, upon that which produced thirty, or sixty, or a hundred-fold?

Henry. Upon that which produced a hundred.

Mrs. B. Yes, my love: and so you may be sure will the heavenly Sower of the Word look with love and mercy upon all who have served Him faithfully in this life; but with more approbation, the more we serve Him, and strive to "bring forth the fruit" of His word in this life. Nay, we are even assured that we have it in our power to add, by our conduct here, to the happiness even of the blessed angels in heaven.

Henry. Oh! Mamma; you do not mean that the angels care about what is done by such a little boy as I am!

Mrs. B. My love, our knowledge, while we

are in this life, of what passes in heaven, of the nature and feelings of its blessed inhabitants, must be very imperfect: but of this we are assured by Jesus Christ Himself, that there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need. no repentance." 1 And we cannot but believe that beings, infinitely good and holy, must delight in seeing others making advances, however slowly, towards the same state of perfection and happiness. But this has taken us a little away from the subject of our parable, which, as you remember, was to illustrate our different degrees of goodness; and which will also shew us what will be the dealings of a just and merciful God with regard to them. Bear this in mind, and I think you will understand, without much explanation, the parable of the nobleman and his servants. There are indeed two parables on this subject; one in the Gospel of St. Matthew, the other in that of St. Luke; many parts of

1 Luke xv. 7.

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