SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS FROM A SCENE IN JAFFA-Jaffa is now the chief landing-place for the pilgrims who visit the Holy Land. It is said that fifteen thousand pilgrims landed last year at Jaffa, on their way to Jerusalem. On the 24th of April there were thirteen steamers here waiting for the pilgrims who were returning from Jerusalem, besides several others that came and left the same day. We now descend by another street, passing down through the bazars, which are filled with a profusion of gay articles, and reach the receipt of custom, and the seat of judgment, which is near the gate of the city, where tribute is received for the produce of the surrounding country, which is brought into the city market. This is a place of general resort for public business, controversies, council, and judgment. When a person commits an offense he is brought here to be judged and punished. The heavy, arched roof affords also a pleasant shade, and many resort here to enjoy the cool breezes that pass through. Sitting in the gate seems to have been an ancient custom. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom when the angels came to him. Boaz went up to the gate and sat him down there with the "elders of the city." David said, "They that sit in the gate spake against me." Solomon says, "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." Isaiah speaks of "him that reproves in the gate." The prophet Amos says. "Hate the evil and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate." Matthew was "sitting at the receipt of customs "-in the gate-when Jesus called him. The scribes who are sitting here are distinguished, for each carries with him the writer's inkhorn at his side. This custom of wearing the inkhorn at the side was certainly as old as the prophet Ezekiel. He called to the man clothed with linen, which had a writer's inkhorn at his side." The inkhorn is a small shaft, with a receptacle for ink and a case for the reed pens, and a penknife. Here you see also the judge, with his snow-white turban and his long, white, flowing mantle, which reminds us of the words of Solomon, "Let thy garments be always white." This kind of mantle has been worn from age to age. It is a strip of cloth about three yards in length and two in width, "usually woven without seam." The wide, open sleeves are formed by tacking the upper corners. The sleeves are always thrown off when strength is to be put forth by the use of the arm, which reminds us of the beautiful figure in Isaiah, "The Lord hath made bare his holy arm."

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The white, worsted mantle is worn only by the higher classes the Fallahs wear a coarse, heavy-striped, woolen garment of the same shape; when they work

in the field they throw this over the left shoulder, fastening up the corners at the right side, leaving the right arm bare. They often use the folds of this garment to gather vegetables, as, in ancient times, Elisha sent one into the field, and he gathered "wild gourds in his lappel." This garment is also the poor man's covering at night; when in great necessity he gives this garment for a pledge, as in ancient days. The Israelites were forbidden to keep this pledge: "If you at all take thy neighbor's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by the time that the sun goeth down, for it is his covering only: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass when he crieth unto me, I will hear; for I am gracious!"

When the Arabs set out on a journey they confine this mantle around the waist with a girdle; thus Elijah girded up his loins and ran before Ahab; and thus Elisha said to Gehazi, “Gird up thy loins and go and lay my staff upon the face of the child." This girdle is of leather, about six inches in breadth, which can be loosened or drawn closer by a buckle affixed to it. The natives carry their daggers and pistols in this girdle, and swords fastened upon it. Thus "Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof." The natives carry also their money and other things which are usually carried in the pocket, in this girdle. The word translated purses, Matt. x, 9, is in the Arabic rendered girdles. The linen and silk girdles are worn by the higher class, both by men and women; they are often embroidered and beautifully adorned with ornaments of pearls and precious stones.

The girdle is frequently mentioned in the New Testament, and there is a beautiful, figurative allusion to it in Ephesians: "Girt about with truth;" denoting that as the girdle affords strength and firmness to the body, so godly sincerity affords strength to the Christian.-Sabbath Recorder.

NEGLECTING SALVATION.-"How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation !" Heb. ii, 3.

Most of the calamities of life are caused by neglect. By neglect of education, children grow up in ignorance; by neglect, a farm grows up to weeds and briers; by neglect, a house goes to decay; by neglect of sowing, a man will have no harvest; by neglect of reaping, the harvest will rot in the field. No worldly interests can prosper where there is neglect; and may it not be so in religion? There is nothing in earthly affairs that is valuable, that will not be ruined if it is not attended to; and why may it not be so with the concerns of the

QUESTIONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN.-Let us request each reader of the Repository to answer these questions to his own heart:

Are you a decided Christian? Have you been born of the Spirit? Is there no doubt upon this point? Have you made your calling and election sure? You should do so.

Do you indulge in any known sin, or neglect any known duty? This is a dark sign, beware of it.

How do you feel toward perishing sinners? Can you see them perish without sympathy or concern? What are you doing to convince them of their danger, and lead them to Jesus? What have you done for your relatives your near neighbors? What have you done to-day? What are you going to do?

Are you praying for grace and gifts with a view to do good? That you may watch for souls and labor for God?

Were you ever the means of converting one soul to God? Did you ever pray that you might be? Do you use the means that are likely, under the blessing of God, to convert souls?

Which has most of your thoughts, affections, and money-worldly ornaments, or the conversion and salvation of sinners?

Do you know any thing of travailing in birth for sinners, till Christ be formed in them? Is it your heart's desire and prayer to God that they may be saved?

Are you willing to make sacrifices for Christ? Can you cheerfully give up your time, your money, your ease, and your many indulgences for the good and salvation of souls?

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THE STUDY OF WORDS.-Let us a little consider the word "kind." We speak of a kind" person, and we speak of man-"kind," and, perhaps, if we think about the matter at all, we seem to ourselves to be using quite different words, or the same word in senses quite unconnected. But they are connected, and that by the closest bonds; a "kind" person is a kinned" person, one of a kin; one who acknowledges and acts upon his kinship with other men, confesses that he owes to them, as of one blood with himself, the debt of love. And so mankind is mankinned. In the word is contained a declaration of the relationship which exists between all the members of the human family; and seeing that this relationship in a race now scattered so widely, and divided so far asunder, can only be through a common head, we do in fact every time that we use the word "mankind" declare our faith in the one common descent of the whole race of man. And, beautiful before, how much more beautiful now do the words "kind" and "kindness" appear, when we apprehend the root out of which they grow; that they are the acknowledgment in loving deeds of our kinship with our brethren; and how profitable to keep in mind that a lively recognition of the bonds of blood, whether of those closer ones which unite us to those whom by the

best right we term our family, or those wider ones which knit us to the whole human family, that this is the true source out of which all genuine love and affection must spring; for so much is affirmed in our daily, hourly use of the word. And other words there are, having reference to the family and the relations of family life, which are not less full of teaching, while each may serve to remind of some duty. For example, husband" is properly "house-band," the band and bond of the house, who shall bind and hold it together. Thus, old Tusser in his "Points of Husbandry

"The name of the husband, what is it to say?

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Of wife and of household the band and the stay;"

so that the name may put him in mind of his authority, and of that which he ought to be to all the members of the house. And the name "wife" has its lesson, too, although not so deep a one as the equivalent word in some other tongues. It belongs to the family of words as 44 weave,' woof," "web," and the German "weben." It is a title given to ner who is engaged at the web and woof, these having been the most ordinary branches of female industry, of wifely employment, when the language was forming. So that in the word itself is wrapped up a hint of earnest indoor, stay-athome occupations, as being the fittest for her who bears. this name.-Rev. R. C. Trench.

ORIGIN OF "WIFE."-Trench, a high authority on the "Study of Words," page 54, remarks, that the word "belongs to the same family of words as weave, woof, web, and the German weben. It is the title given her who is engaged at the web and woof, these having been the most ordinary branches of female industry and wifely employment when the language was forming. So that in the word itself is wrapped up a hint of earnest, indoor, stay-at-home occupations, as being fittest for her who bears this name." But if this idea was necessary to constitute a wife, how many would there be in this age? So far from this being the true derivation, it comes directly from Eve, the first wife and the mother of us all. Her name is Havah, in the original; meaning life. Gen. iii 20. It comes from the verb to live, and in sounding it you imitate the act of breathing-of respiration. This corresponds to the verb of the same meaning in Greek, Bioo, and to vivo in Latin. O is merely the ending; viv is the real word: v and our w are interchangeable, and wiv is equal to wife; the v coming back in the plural wives. In the Welsh language it is wyv. It is alone through the woman-wombman-in the capacity of a wife-Saxon, wifeman-that human life is perpetuated on the earth; and that when we add to this the important truth that the "seed of the woman was to bruise the serpent's head," we see a much higher dignity in the office of a wife than to weave.

Webster, in his Dictionary under the word Eve, quotes from Adair, that, "in the Chickasaw language of America a wife is called awah," which is almost exactly the Hebrew word for Eve. E. F. R.

"EXPRESS DENNETT."

BY MRS. N. M'CONAUGHY. "COME, Will Dennett, take a hand at base-ball," said one of a group of boys running up to a companion, who was coming down the street. "We want to beat this club from Mr. Randall's school," he added in a lower voice, "and you are the best player we have. Come, it's holiday afternoon, and you might take the time."

"Can't do it, Lewis," said the other, keeping steadily on. "I am going on an errand for my mother."

"O, but she won't mind, I know, if you stop fifteen or twenty minutes! If it was for a business man, who was going to pay you for it, you ought to hurry, of Is she really in a hurry?"

course.

So the lad kept on his way as steady as clock-work, and, though he did not run or hurry, had his errand done and was home again in half the time a common boy would have done it. He did not waste any time by the way. That is the great secret of dispatch. He was a prompt boy, and every body learned to consider him as such. There was not a boy in school but knew that William could never be beguiled into going "down to the old mill," or the "chestnut ridge," or over to winter-green hill," if he had any work to be done. He liked to fish and gather chestnuts and winter-greens as well as any body; but he had early learned the old maxim of "do up your work and then play." His mother was a widow, and he had two little sisters at home he loved dearly, and whom he hoped to educate some day as their father would have done if he had lived. It did not look much like it now, they were all so poor; but William had a disposition worth more than a great bag of gold to him. He had formed good habits, too, that would be sure to advance his interests in the world more than the richest and most influential friends. It depends more on a boy's self than on all his helpers what he will be and do in the world.

"Do you know of a good, reliable lad I can get?" asked a merchant of his friend, the school-teacher. "You know all about the boys here, I suppose. I want one who is active, obliging, and trustworthy, and I will do well by him."

"I know of one who has all these qualifications, and many other good ones. Widow Dennett's son is just the boy for you. He is remarkable for his promptness in performing every duty, and is an excellent boy at home, as well as at school."

What a fine thing it is, boys, to have your teacher speak well of you! He never can recommend a boy who is full of tricks, and who gives him trouble con

name.

So the widow's son got a good situation by a good Was it not worth taking some pains to win such a reputation?

William soon made his mark in the gentleman's large establishment. He was always on hand, and so exact and prompt the clerks gave him the title of "Express Dennett." If a letter was late, which it was important to get off by that day's mail, it was confided to "Express" rather than any one else. If it could reach the office in time the writer knew that it surely would. Young Dennett valued his title, and neither gain nor pleasure could ever tempt him to forfeit his right

to it.

I would not have you suppose that he had no tempt ations like other boys; that all was smooth sailing with him in his efforts to do his duty.

His employer gave him some copying to do one afternoon, which he was to take home and do in the evening. He was always glad to do it, as he felt he was gaining ground, both in business and in the confidence of the merchant, and both these considerations give great satisfaction to every right-minded boy.

Now, it happened that on the same evening there was to be a fine "panorama of a tour through Europe" exhibited at the public hall of the town, and all the young folks were in a fever of anticipation to go. Such opportunities did not come to them very often, and William was as anxious to go as any body. "I am going to take Nelly," said his friend Harry Cole. Mother says she can think and talk of nothing else, and father says he does not doubt but we can learn a great deal from it."

Will looked really troubled, for he had a dear little sister too, who never saw such a sight in her life, and would be as delighted as Nelly Cole. He could afford the half dollar, but he could not afford the time.

"How I wish he had given me these papers to-morrow!" he said quite discontentedly.

"O, do n't stop for them!" said Harry. "You will not have another chance like it these five years. One day can not make much difference with the copying, and you are such an express about every thing else, I am sure such a trifle would be overlooked."

An old porter standing by had listened to the boys' conversation, and gave his opinion decidedly in favor of the copying.

come and go. I never knew one who prospered well who was not faithful in all his little duties."

William was a sensible boy about taking good advice, so he thanked the old porter and told his friend that his mind was made up; he could not go to the exhibition. Then he hurried off home that he might be out of the way of further temptation.

The crowd were just hurrying home, talking and laughing very merrily, as Will Dennett finished the last line of his task.

"I did dislike to do this, mother, when I sat down, but I am glad enough I did, now it is all over. I took extra pains with it, too. Don't you think this sheet looks rather better than common?"

"It looks very neatly, Willie, and it has given your mother a great deal of pleasure. It has tested her boy's strength of character, and he has stood the test well. Such triumphs over self are worth more than a great deal of silver and gold."

William went to sleep that night with a quiet, approving voice in his bosom that was more delightful than the remembrance of the most beautiful pictures.

"I did not expect you would get these done last night," said the merchant with a pleased expression, as he took the papers from his hand. "I supposed you would go to see the panorama with the rest of the young folks." "I was afraid you would want the papers, sir." "O, that was it! Well, the showman made out so well he will exhibit this evening also. There is a ticket for yourself and one to give away, and hope you may enjoy it. I need not tell you to be sure and go in season," he added with a smile.

William must have been a very dull boy not to have felt a thrill of pleasure at the high compliment which the words and look of the gentleman implied. But only a modest smile lighted his honest blue eyes, as, with a bow, he walked away to attend to his daily duties.

"That boy shall be made head clerk as soon as he is familiar enough with business," was the mental comment of the merchant. "We do not find his like every

day."

What a pity it is that faithful boys are so scarce, that it is rather a matter of surprise when one is found! Yet there is not a lad but can make for himself just such a good name, if he will only make it a rule to set duty before pleasure at all times. It is the surest road to happiness, too. I doubt if any one enjoyed the beautiful views of the panorama half as much as Will Dennett. He had fairly earned his right to the enjoy

ment.

And so as the years passed on he grew in favor with all who associated with him. His good principles and correct habits always insured the respect of all whose good opinion was worth having. While yet a young man he was received as partner into the firm where he had first begun his career as an errand boy.

Good principles and good habits are the foundations of success with all those men who have risen from a lowly position to the most exalted stations in public and private life.

So if any boy is conscious that he is lazy, or unpunctual, always a little behind time in every thing, let him "right-about face," and begin this minute to form good habits. You will find most excellent max

Without all was beautiful-the green fields, the sweet flowers, and the singing of the birds, were as lovely as ever, but this young man could enjoy none of theseno, never again could he go out, for he was condemned to death! Yes, he had killed a man, and now he himself must die. Think of it! only twenty years old, and yet a murderer.

I sat down beside him and talked with him. "O," said he, as the tears rolled down his cheeks, "I did not mean to do it, but I was drunk; then I got angry, and before I knew what I was about I killed him. O, if I had minded what my Sabbath school teacher said, if I had minded my mother, I should never have come to this! I should never have been here!"

It would have made your heart sore, as it did mine, to see and talk with him. Once he was a happy, playful child like you; now he is a poor condemned young man. He did not mind his mother, did not govern his temper, and as he grew older he went with bad boys, who taught him bad habits; and he became worse and worse, till, as he said, when drunk he killed a man; and now, after a few weeks, he must suffer the dreadful penalty. As I left him he said:

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Will you pray for me?" and he added, "O! tell boys every-where to mind their mothers, and keep away from bad companions!"

A DISAPPOINTMENT.-A lady who had boasted highly at a dinner party of the good manners of her little darling, addressed him with-" Charley, will you have some more beans?" "No," was the ill-mannered reply. "No!" exclaimed the astonished mother. "No what?" "No beans, ma," said the child.

OUR friend, Lucius Hart, tells a capital story of the ingenuity exercised by a little boy, in calling attention to his first pair of new boots:

The little fellow would draw up his pantaloons and display the whole of his boots; then walk up and down the room, with eyes now on the shining leather, and now upon a friend of his father's, who was present. But it was a bootless effort. At length, however, he succeeded. Sitting in front of both, he exclaimed

"Father, an't three times two six ?" "Yes, my son."

“Well, then,” said he, pointing to each of their feet, "if three times two is six, there's just six boots in this room !"