II. NEHEMIAH'S PRAYER.

1. Earnest. "Sat down and wept." v. 4. "Effectual fervent prayer....righteous man." Jas. 5. 16.

2. Humble.

"Fasted and prayed." v. 4.

THOUGHTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

The Example of Nehemiah.

1. See Nehemiah's fidelity to his father's God while in a strange land, in the temptations of the palace, and the cares of public life. Let the young man away from home follow his example.

2. See his devotedness to the interests of the Church. His first inquiry was concerning it; his prayers were in its behalf; for it he was ready to make every sacrifice.

3. See his industrious, practical spirit. Read the story of his inspecting the condition of the city, his endeavor to arouse the people to action, and his labor in rebuilding the wall. What are you doing to build up Christ's Church?

4. See his self-denying liberality. He gave up much of position and wealth for the sake of God's people.

5. See his persevering spirit, not yielding to obsta. cles, but overcoming them. See in the note on the last verse of the lesson "seven hinderances " over which he triumphed.

6. See also his intense zeal for a pure Church. He led the people back to an obedience to God's law, to a solemn covenant with God, to keeping the Sabbath.

English Teacher's Notes.

I HAVE just been reading how the touch of a little girl on an electric battery has resulted in the explosion and shattering of nine acres of rock in New York harbor. A stranger to the wonderful powers of nature which man has learned to utilize might have wondered what possible connection there could be between the child on the shore and the massive rock which had so long blocked up the water-way; or how that small hand could make the slightest impression upon such an invincible barrier. But the spectators who looked upon the striking scene knew that there was a hidden power, mighty enough to do the stupendous work, and yet responsive to the gentle touch of a finger. To bring about this strange combination and its marvelous result had, however, involved a large expenditure of labor and skill. In the spiritual world the matter is far simpler. We shall see in our passage for to-day what a mighty power was set in motion by a secret touch, which produced wonderful results, visible to all. Guided by the passage, let us look at three pictures.

The first verse brings before us the capital and royal residence of the monarch of the great Per

wealth is enormous, his power undisputed, his will absolute. To him will apply the words of Solomon: "Where the word of a king is there is power, and who may say unto him, What doest thou?" Eccl. 8. 4. It would seem hopeless to attempt to influence such a sovereign outside the current of his own desires and pleasures.

Our next picture is found in vers. 2, 3. Far away from the magnificent capital of king Artaxerxes lies the conquered and vassal city of Jerusalem. For long, long years it has lain prostrate. The temple, indeed, has been rebuilt, and there are some families of Jews dwelling on the site of the old city of David. But the walls are in ruins and the whole place desolate in the extreme, while the returned exiles are scorned and persecuted by the Samaritans and other tribes round about them. Who shall build again these walls, and raise this city from the dust? Who shall obtain the great king's permission to do such a thing? And who shall carry it out in the teeth of determined hostility and opposition?

Now for our third picture. We go back to "Shushan the palace." Here is one of the great king's servants, a Jewish exile, shut up in his own room. Taking advantage, probably, of the temporary absence of Artaxerxes, he has withdrawn himself from the sight and speech of others, to spend certain days in fasting, mourning, and prayer. The weeping and fasting are expressions of his grief and his self-abasement. But the prayer is something more. It is the hand raised to touch the secret spring of power.

When the little girl was to give the impulse which should shatter the huge "Flood Rock" to fragments, She she might not stand just where she chose. had to take up such a position as should enable her to lay her finger on the spring. And she had to touch that one particular spring. She might have curiously fingered much that was round about her with no particular effect. The touch might be simple and gentle, but it must be direct.

And so, if that Jewish exile, in his lonely room, wished to bring about a great and wonderful effect, such as would seem hopeless to mere human calculations, he must get into the proper position and lay his hand on the right spring.

Now look at Nehemiah's position. We have already seen him weeping and fasting. These are the outward signs; but what is the language of his soul? "We have sinned... both I and my father's house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly," He takes the sinner's place. And what does Scripture say of this? "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word." Isa. 66. 2. But further observe what he styles himself and those for whom he pleads, "These are thy servants and thy people,

etc.

whom thou hast redeemed." "Let thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant." He takes the servant's place. And what does Scripture say of this? "The Lord. . . will repent himself concerning his servants." Deut. 32. 36; Psa. 135. 14.

Now see where he lays his hand. First, on the character (or, more correctly speaking, the attributes) of God, ver. 5. And secondly, on the word of God, ver. 8, 9. There was his word to restore Israel, and there was his character-" that keepest covenant," etc. And so the right spring was touched, and the hidden power was roused which issued in the turning of the heart of the great Artaxerxes, and the building of the walls of Jerusalem, as related in the Book of Nehemiah.

The hand of a child may touch the same secret spring. There have been mightier things done by infants than the breaking up of the Flood Rock. But if the children in our classes would have within their reach the power which produces such mighty effects, they must follow the example of Nehemiah.

1. They must take the sinner's place. This is the first step of all. The proud, self-righteous boy or girl cannot touch the spring of power. There must be the coming of Christ for pardon, and the constant recognition and confession of unworthiness and helplessness.

2. They take the servant's place. God will not place his power at our disposal to use at our own pleasure. Supplies are given to a general that he may fight for his sovereign or his government, not that he may aggrandize himself. It was to his servants, who were going about his work, that Christ promised "power....over all the power of the enemy." Luke 10. 19.

3. They must ask according to God's word. That is, according to what he has revealed of himself, and according to his promises. With the hand on this spring, temptation may be resisted, danger escaped, the needy helped, the sorrowful comforted, and the "good fight" fought and won.

Berean Methods.

Hints for the Teachers' Meeting and the Class. In the study of this lesson do not fail to read the entire Book of Nehemiah; urge the scholars on the Sunday before the lesson to read the book, and to bring to the class their estimate of Nehemiah's character, its traits, etc....Show on the map the location of Shushan, Judea, etc., and Nehemiah's journey.... The "Thoughts for Young People" will suggest a line of treatment, presenting Nehemiah as an example in character. An interesting story could be told of his work, and the characteristics which he showed in it.... Another plan might be made on the basis of the "seven hinderances" (see notes, last verse of lesson) and how Nehemiah overcame them. Show how God's workers encounter the same hinderances now.... Still another plan is to take up the text of the lesson and show from it "how to pray." I. The circumstances under which Nehemiah prayed. II. The God to whom he prayed, and his character as shown in this lesson. III. How he prayed. See in this line the Analytical and Biblical Outline.

DIRECTIONS. Before the session of the school draw the lines that divide the board, as represented in the diagram. Write the sentence, "Nehemiah's Prayer Teaches," but leave every thing else to be written in answer to questions.

QUESTIONS. This prayer teaches, first, that I must [write] Draw Near. How? With Holy Awe. [Write, Ho. Awe.] With what else? Confidence, Humility, | Reverence, Earnestness. [Write these words as abbreviated, and have some one scholar or teacher show from Nehemiah's prayer these teachings.] This prayer teaches another thing; who can tell what it is? [Ans, We must pray confessing sin.] And yet something else? [Ans. Claiming the promises.] But that is not all; what else [Ans. Asking immediate help.] Lastly, the lesson teaches God's Mercy.

NOTE. When all the answers have been written as abbreviated on the board, then rapidly review them.

Primary and Intermediate. LESSON THOUGHT. God, Our Only Help.

(A good preparation for teaching this lesson is a thorough study of the character of Nehemiah, the simple, devout, just, God-fearing man, who so fully distrusted his own power to do any thing wise and right that he was obliged to depend upon God.) To be taught, 1.) That there was trouble in Jerusalem. 2.) That God laid this trouble upon the heart of a good man. 3.) That he taught this man where to look for help.

1. Tell that not all the Jewish captives returned to their own land; some still remained in Persia. Among these was a man named Nehemiah. He was cup-bearer to the king. But he prayed to the true God, and his heart was with his people in their work of building the temple. Tell that the Jews were not allowed to build it in peace. Enemies rose up to prevent them, so that they were a long time in building it. When it was done. they were not allowed to build the walls around Jerusalem, to keep their enemies out. This made a great deal of trouble for the Jews.

2. Tell about the visit which some of the Jews made to Nehemiah, and the sad story they told about the broken-down walls of their beloved city, and its gates burned with fire. Show that Nehemiah had a true love for God, and so any wrong done to God's house troubled him. Teach from this example that real love for God will make us sensitive to any slight put upon him. To disobey God is to slight him; to choose our way before his is to slight him. Let us be careful how we treat God.

3. Tell what Nehemiah did as soon as he heard about this trouble. Read verse 4. Ask if this was the best thing to do? Tell that Nehemiah did not know how he could help, and yet he wanted to help. Nobody could tell him what to do but God. Call for Golden Text, and tell what the last clause means. Tell some simple story illustrative of the way in which God enlightens the mind in answer to prayer, and teach that he will do it for a child as soon as for a wise man. Let this lesson strongly impress the wisdom of going straight to God in any time of trouble and waiting to see what he tells us to do, and then obeying his voice!

Lesson Word-Pictures.

Who are these approaching Nehemiah, "in Shushan the palace" of the king? They are Jews, and among them is Hanani. What a sad story they tell! It is about a ruin-heap far away, Jerusalem, the beloved. How humbled are her once goodly walls! How black and fire-ravaged her once strong gates! What a feeble remnant straying over those walls and stealing through the blackened gate-ways! One word from the great Persian king would lift prostrate Zion out of her ash-heaps; and Nehemiah is the king's cup-bearer. Will Nehemiah speak to him? Not yet. To a higher King he must go first. In some isolated room, there he weeps and fasts. There in thought he goes over the ruins of Jerusalem, from street to street choked with rubbish, from gate-way to gate-way subdued by the fire, with bowed head and clasped hands confessing Israel's sin and begging forgiveness. Will not God give him power to plead with Artaxerxes? From the presence of God he goes to the presence of the king, and there holds out the golden goblet that Artaxerxes loves.

LESSONS FOR MARCH, 1886. MARCH 7. Reading the Law. Neh. 8. 1-12. MARCH 14. Esther's Petition. Esther 4. 10-17, and 5,

1-3.

MARCH 21. Messiah's Messenger. Mal. 3. 1-6, and 4. 1-6.

MARCH 28. First Quarterly Review.

At Home.

The Sunday-school of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Chure', of Cincinnati. Ohio, prints a full progranime for every session. introducing a variety of exerrises. Thus, in the "Order of Service" for one Sunday-which is a sample of several before us-we find an essay by one of the older scholars, a vocal solo, a recitation by a boy, the lesson-story told by a little girl, an address by one of the teachers, with songs by the different departments. Yet the study of the lesson is not neglected, for it occupies a prominent place in the center of the programme.

The same church holds a prosperous Children's Hour Service, conducted by its pastor, Rev. John J. Reed, M.A. It is attended by several hundred boys and girls, weekly. In the first half of the hour, the young people take part, with recitations, readings, and music; in the latter half the pastor delivers an address on some topic relating to character. Rev. Mr. Reed has in other places, especially in New York, conducted children's meetings with great success and large results in the conversion of the young people.

Book Notices.

Metaphors in the Gospels. A Series of Short Studies. By Donald Fraser, D.D. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. The author frankly admits in his preface that his use of the word "metaphor" is strained beyond its strict meaning to include the various figures of speech used by our Lord to illustrate the truths he taught. His "studies are thoughtful and suggestive, and will

well repay a careful reading.

My Sermon-Notes. A Selection from Outlines of Discourses delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, with Anecdotes and Illustrations. By C. H. Spurgeon. From Ecclesiastes to Malachi, lxv to cxxix. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. Another volume from the prolific pen of the great English preacher. How he can think and say and do so much and do it so well is a marvel. These outlines will do for preachers to study, but not to copy.

A Larger History of the United States of America. to the Close of President Jackson's Administration. By Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Illustrated by Maps, Plans, Portraits, and other Engravings. New York: Harper & Brothers. This square volume of nearly five hundred pages is put out in the best style of the Harpers. From "The First Americans" to "Old Hickory" there is a long period of time included, and this period is treated by the author in eighteen chapters, in his usual felicitous style. The illustrations aid greatly in understanding the text, and a copious index finishes all.

The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper's Guide. By Mrs. Washington. New York: Harper & Brothers. It is evident that "Mrs. Washington " is a typical name rather than real. The recipes, however, are real, and the writer seems to have cross-questioned cooks in all the civilized countries of the world, for she has them all represented here. With true patriotic pride, however, she maintains that American cookery is the best in the world.

The Cyclopedia of Universal History. By Prof. John Clark Ridpath. Three vols. New York: Phillips & Hunt. A comprehensive history of the world has long been needed. Most of the works on this subject are either too elaborate or too brief. This work seems to meet the requirement for popular use, better than any other that we have seen. It is accurate according to the latest authorities, especially in the subjects of Oriental history, upon which recent discoveries have thrown great light. It is systematic, without being a mere skeleton, as are many universal histories. It is interesting and smooth in style. Its type is large and legible. Its pages are ample, but not so great as to make the volumes cumbrous. The large number of its engravings of places, manners, customs, and historic scenes make it attractive to all, and especially to young people, who will be led by the pictures to read the story. Those who purchase the work, not for a philosophic discussion of causes and events, but for a clear statement of the facts of history, will not be disappointed.

The Life and Times of Levi Scott, D.D., One of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By James Mitchell, D.D. With Preface by Rev. D. P. Kidder, D.D., LL.D. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. Every pure and godly life is held in remembrance; and none in more loving memory than that of Bishop Scott. This volume is largely composed of his own letters and journals, and therefore is next-door to an autobiography, a fact which gives it all the greater value. The record is most interesting, and carries with it that true breath of earnest, simple piety which was characteristic of the man.

The Lost Silver of Briffault. By Amelia E. Barr. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. This is a story of life in Texas just after the close of the late war. Every detail of the narrative and every shadow in the landscape shows a personal acquaintance with the locality and the life of that time. This writer knows how to write a story brimful of interesting incidents, and at the same time warm with the spirit of the Gospel. We commend this book as just what the Sunday-school library needs.

An Original Belle. By Rev. E. P. Roe. New York: Dodd. Mead, & Co. Driven Back to Eden. By Rev. E. P. Roe. New York; Dodd, Mead, & Co. Though Mr. Roe's works are generally love stories, they are something more. They always have a moral purpose, sometimes a religious aim, and they present the development of character. Not all of them are adapted to the Sunday-school library, but all of them will benefit the reader. The first of the above-named stories be⚫longs to the epoch of the War for the Union, though it is not a war-story, and it inculcates patriotism, intelligence, and a worthy character. The second is Mr. Roe's first attempt to write for young people, a line in which we hope that he will persevere. It tells with considerable interest to the reader the story of a family who move from a city-flat to freedom in the country. Let us have more stories like this, if they will bring the unfortunates crowded in our cities to appreciate the privileges of field and forest.

Short Talks to Young Christians on the Evidences. By Rev. C. O. Brown. Chicago: F. H. Revell. A series of popular discourses, in which the evidences of the Bible are well presented. The typographical execution of the book might be improved.

Cin

The Thread of Gold. By Mrs. C. E. Wilbur. cinnati Cranston & Stowe. New York: Phillips & Hunt. This book contains, in story-form, the experiences of a pastor's wife and widow; her joys and sorrows, and especially her labors among the intemperate and the lost. There is an air of sincerity in the recital which gives the impression that it is, at least, "founded upon fact."

A Summer in the Rockies. By Anna E. Woodbridge. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. New York: Phillips & Hunt. This brings before us some friends in a former story, "Jessie and Ray," who now travel in new fields. Upon an interesting thread of narrative are fastened many facts about life and nature in the Rocky Mountains. A good book for the boys' and girls' department of the Sunday-school library.

Loyal to the King. By E. A. W. New York: T. Y. Crowell & Co. A young French girl while living with relatives in Scotland gains strength of character and a personal salvation. Then called home to Brittany she becomes the means of leading her parents into the same Christian life. The story is quite interesting.

Strange Stories from History for Young People. By George Cary Eggleston. New York: Harper & Brothers. We must fight fire with fire, and the wild tales which fascinate young people can be matched with as remarkable incidents in real life. Some interesting stories are contained in this volume which will be sure to interest the boys.

The Boy Travelers in South America. By Thomas W. Knox. The readers of Mr. Knox's former books, taking his boys through Asia and Africa, will welcome this book, which relates their adventures in a new field, from Panama to Terra del Fuego. The story would be interesting, even without the four hundred and more pictures which adorn its pages. This book is one of the best of the "Boy Traveler" series.

Pepper and Salt; or, Seasoning for Young Folk. Prepared by Howard Pyle. New York: Harper & Brothers. No childhood of a former generation enjoyed such a literature as is lavished upon the little people of today, written by the sharpest pens and illustrated by the brightest pencils. They ought to grow up very wise under such opportunities. This is a large quarto of pictures and stories, of just such nonsense blended with sense as children delight in.

Questions for Classical Students on the First Book of Casar's Gallic War and Xenophon's Anabasis. By E. C. Ferguson, Ph.D. Boston: Ginn & Co. A useful. book for a teacher, or for the student who is seeking to educate himself, as its questions will supply a teacher's place.

Up-the-Ladder Club. Round Two, School. The School in the Light-House. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. This second round needs no recommendation to those who have followed the fortunes of Charlie Macomber and his Aunt Stanshy in "Round One." The same boys are presented to us a year or two later, and we trace the growth of their character toward young manhood. A thoroughly healthful book, which will have an uplifting influence upon every boy who reads it.

Daisy Plains. By the author of "The Wide, Wide World." New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. A · second generation of young people are now reading books written by this author, whose first book was altogether her best, and has been more or less repeated in the characteristics of her works since. Still there are few Sunday-school books of to-day purer, more elevating, or on the whole better written than those by Miss Warner. We can recommend this as an excellent story.

History of Christian Doctrine. By Henry C. Sheldon, Professor of Historical Theology in Boston University. Two vols. New York: Harper and Brothers. Professor Sheldon divides his subject into five historic periods, beginning with the year 70 and closing with 1885. While the Bible is, among Protestants, the acknowledged source of all doctrine, a history of the teaching of doctrines, of the opposition offered to true doctrine, and of false doctrines taught, is of great interest and value to the student. These two volumes will furnish the thoughtful reader with a scholarly guide in his researches after the truth.

The Fall of Constantinople; Being the Story of the Fourth Crusade. By Edwin Pears, LL.B. New York: Harper & Brothers. The varied controversies as to the Fourth Crusade are here admirably set forth. The part taken by the different eminent personages concerned in "the plot" is graphically portrayed, and the final fall of the great Oriental city, and the plunder to which it was subjected are vividly described.

The Lund and the Book; or, Biblical Illustrations drawn from the Manners and Customs, the Scenes and Scenery of the Holy Land. Lebanon, Damascus, and Beyond Jordan. By William M. Thomson, D.D. New York: Harper & Brothers. More than twenty-five years ago we bought the first edition of Dr. Thomson's work in two modest volumes. Here we have the last of the three volumes of the new edition, the two former volumes of which have been previously noticed. The original edition was fully up to its day in typographical execution, and the superior beauty of the present edition only shows the advance of typographic and pictorial art. These three volumes are unexcelled in beauty, and stand in the first rank of authoritative works

on "the Land" and "the Book" we all love to study. They should be in every Sunday-school teachers' library, as well as in the library of every Sunday-school teacher. For ministers' use they are invaluable. The numerous illustrations are not only superior specimens of woodengraving, but accurate representations of the scenes they represent.

Parables of the Lakes; or, The Seven Stories of Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. A Sunday Book for Young Readers. By J. R. Macduff, D.D. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. In vivid description Dr. Macduff excels. He places before his readers the scenery, the company of listeners, and the Great Teacher, in a most attractive manner. Not only “young readers," but older ones as well, may find in this book interesting and instructive reading.

By

Beauties of Tennyson. Twenty Illustrations. Frederick B. Schell. Philadelphia: Porter & Coates The poems and illustrations are alike "beauties." All lovers of poetry and of art will be glad to get this really beautiful book. The artist has caught the spirit of the poet in his attempts to depict his meaning.

The Chautauquan. Meadville, Pa.: T. L. Flood Publishing Company. With the January number of this useful monthly periodical there came a new typographical dress. Dr. Flood, the editor, promises new attractions for the year, in articles by new contributors, as well as by old ones.

The Great Poets as Religious Teachers. By John H. Morison. New York: Harper & Brothers. The office of the imagination in religion is beautifully exemplified in this work. Though we cannot fully agree with the writer in all bis modes of interpretation, we are impressed with the deep reverence he brings to the discussion of his theme. The book may be read with profit.

Beyond the Grave. By Dr. Herman Cremer. Translated from the German by the Rev. Samuel T. Lowrie, D.D. With an Introduction by the Rev. A. A. Hodge, D.D. New York: Harper & Brothers. Somebody must have been napping when the title of this book was copyrighted, inasmuch as a copyright was given to the same title in 1879, in the work written by Bishop Foster. It

is strange that neither the translator nor the writer of the Introduction, to say nothing of the publishers, seem to have ever heard of Bishop Foster's book. Leaving the question of the title to be settled by others, we are glad to commend this volume to the careful attention of our readers as a careful discussion of the doctrines involved.

Harper's Young People. New York: Harper and Brothers. This elegant volume contains all the numbers of this excellent weekly for 1885. We consider it one of the best of its class, and worthy of a place upon the family table. Yet it is an open question whether the young people prefer to have so much space taken from valuable articles by engravings, fine as they are. We know of a boy who voluntarily changed his subscription to a paper of the same size, but containing more reading matter because without pictures.

The Children's Museum. A Collection of Sketches, Stories, and Poems. Illustrated with Numerous En gravings. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Grown people, and especially grown people of literary taste, are apt to have a prejudice they have passed through an experience of reading to against books made up of short extracts. But where children, they are apt to change their views, and to regard a book of short stories, any one of which can be read at a sitting, as a useful volume to have in the family. Such a book is this, and all who read it will find it attractive to children.

Miss Belinda's Friends. By Mary Dwinnell Chellis. New York: National Temperance Society and Publishing House. The temperance stories of this writer would make a respectable library by their number. This, like its predecessors, is a well written and interesting book, and may be helpful in staying the tide of intemperance.

The Sixth and Seventh Books of Thucydides. With an Introductory Essay, Explanatory Notes, and Indexes. By W. A. Lamberton. New York: Harper & Brothers. A good edition for students of an important work by one of the greatest of ancient historians. The introduction gives an interesting account of the period to which the work belongs.