Secondly, the prayer was for mercy. The publican knew what he needed. It was the first desire with him. You know that we are told to ask many things from God. "Give us this day our daily bread-lead us not into temptation deliver us from evil;" and "keep me safe," a little child at evening will say, "through the night. Bless my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all kind friends." But this publican's prayer is the most important of all. All other prayers are as it were wrapped up in it. Our "daily bread" is a mercy, every blessing we receive is a mercy, for we deserve nothing; but the greatest mercy of all is the pardon of our sins. Can we hope for this?

I answer, thirdly, that we can hope for it, as the publican's prayer also shows. He speaks to God, showing plainly his belief that God both could and would forgive.

His belief was true.

Men might hate the poor tax-gatherer, and scorn him as he passed along the streets; but God was kinder than men, and there was mercy in heaven if there was none on earth. The Pharisee might perhaps pass him as he left the temple when his proud prayer was all said, and in passing would gather his robes close around him, lest they should touch "this publican"; but the smile of

the Eternal Father was upon his repenting child, and he went down to his house justified rather than the other."

God will forgive. There is a reason for forgiveness which even the publican could not know. He saw the smoke of the sacrifice rising from the altar, and perhaps heard from afar the priest's words of prayer. We cannot stand in that temple, or look upon that sacrifice, but we have been taught to look to Jesus on his cross a greater sacrifice and to learn how faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He came to save, and therefore may sinners say, "God be merciful." Say this from the heart; and though the thought of sin may make you sad, the thought of forgiveness will gladden you. Your prayer will be turned into praise. God has been merciful! “O Lord, I will praise thee; for though thou wast angry against me, thine anger is turned away, and thou hast comforted me."

13

XIX.

JESUS BLESSES LITTLE CHILDREN.

MATT. xix. 13-15; MARK x. 13-16; LUKE xviii. 15–17.

The "Children's Gospel." - Jesus retreats from his Enemies for Gathering Multitudes cross the Jor

a while.

A Lovely Land.

Group of Parents and Children.

dan. A Message from them to the Children of all Time. - The Stern Disciples. -"Had they any Children of their own?" - Their Excuses. Christ's Displeasure at Thoughtless Unkindness. "Forbid them not," a Word to all. Hinderers changed to Helpers. - Blind Bartimeus. Who will bring the Children? - The "Kingdom of Heaven." On Earth its Child-members. In Heaven: Ransomed Little Ones.

commanded to all.

A Mother's Consolation. Childlikeness

Simple Trust. "Whose Child are You?" - "My Father's at the Helm."— The Claim of God. — The Gospel Message.

THER

HERE are no verses in the Bible, I think, which children love so dearly as these. They are truly the children's gospel. Let us think about them a little longer, and lay to our hearts the sweet lesson that they teach.

Jesus was still "on the other side of Jordan,” a calm and beautiful retreat, among the fairest pastures, beside the purest crystal streams, and alost under the shadow of the lofty mountains