LESSONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT.

I. THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS.

THE parents of JESUS went to Jerusalem, every year, at the feast of the passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the Feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child JESUS tarried behind, in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother knew not of it. But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

And when they found Him not, they returned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the Doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

And when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said unto Him, "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."

And He said unto them, "How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about

my Father's business?" And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them.

And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

II. CHRIST'S ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM.

When they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage,* unto the mount of Olives, then sent JESUS two disciples, saying unto them, "Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them."

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold! thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt, the foal of an ass."

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set Him thereon.

* Pronounced Béthfajee.

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the LORD: Hosanna in the highest!"

And when He was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" And the multitude said, "This is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."

III. FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.

Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children of GOD.

LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS.*

I. PRAISE.

BLESS the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the LORD, Q my soul; and forget not all His benefits, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies!

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my GoD, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honour and majesty; who coverest thyself with light, as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain; who layeth the beams of His chambers in the waters; who maketh the clouds His chariot; who walketh upon the wings of the wind; who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever.

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man; that He may bring forth food out of the earth.

* These passages may be used daily, in limited portions, for simultaneous devotional readings, at the opening and closing of the school.

O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches.

Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise Him in the heights. Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts. Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him all ye stars of light. Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

He hath also established them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass.

Praise the Lord from the earth, fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars; beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl.

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth; both young men, and maidens; old men, and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD: for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven.