which would take account of his

servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.1

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

NOTE.

1 In those days they counted money by Talents, as we do by Pounds and Shillings.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all

E

that debt, because thou desiredst

me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

LESSON XIX. QUESTIONS.

WILL God forgive us our sins, if we do not forgive those that have injured us?

How do you know this?

In the Parable you have just read, How much money did the servant owe to the king?

Was he able to pay it?

Did the king force him to pay it? Was the servant as compassionate to others as the king had been to him?

In what did he shew an unforgiving temper? What did the king do to him, when he heard of it?

In what respect is God like the king in this Parable?

What is there in the Lord's Prayer which teaches us to forgive others as we hope to be forgiven?

LESSON XX.

From the 12th Chapter of Saint Luke.

BE not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which, after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear

him.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

therefore:

Fear not

ye are of more value

than many sparrows.