July 6

Matthew xiii. — 44. Again, The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which, when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

45. Again, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant-man seeking goodly pearls;

46. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

47. Again, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind;

48. Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

49. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

50. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

51. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yes, Lord.

The burying of treasure was common in Palestine, where our modern methods of investment were unknown, and where the frequency of wars, and the depredations of organized bands of robbers, rendered all property insecure. A few years ago, some workmen, digging over a garden in Sidon, found several copper pots, which contained over eight thousand gold coins, worth, in all, about fifty thousand dollars. As these coins were of the time of Alexander and his father Philip, the presumption is that the treasure was hidden by one of Alexander's officers, with a view to his own advantage after the death of his master. Such findings are by no means uncommon, and treasure-hunting is a passion of the people. In the bazaars of the East one sees the merchant of jewels with his portable cases, which he has stocked in travelling from market to

52. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

53. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

54. And, when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom and these mighty works?

55. Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James and Joses and Simon and Judas?

56. And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence, then, hath this man all these things?

57. And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country and in his own house.

58. And he did not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

market. A single gem, or a pearl of uncommon size and purity, may be a fortune in itself. These two parables represent different individuals finding the grace of the gospel: the first coming upon it unexpectedly, but discerning its value and making sure of it; the other going in quest of truth and peace, and finding this inestimable treasure. The third parable describes the promiscuous results of preaching the gospel, and the mixed elements that are gathered into the Church. But while some seek the gospel, and prize its blessed truths above all possessions, others reject the teachings of Christ, cavil at his doctrine, thrust aside his grace, and, by unbelief, fail utterly of the great salvation which he hath wrought, and which he offers freely to whoever will receive him. To every one of us is offered the heavenly treasure, the priceless pearl.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 1, 97, 202.

Thou only, O Lord! makest us to dwell in safety. We lie down at night under the shadow of thy wings; we awake in the morning to the light of thy love. We thank thee for another night of rest and comfort; for another day of life, health, and hope. We praise thee that thou didst create us with powers of knowing and of loving, and hast made this world so full of wonders and beauties to feed our minds with knowledge, and to stir our hearts with love and joy. May the glory of the heavens, the richness and bounty of the earth, as adapted to our wants, fill us with admiration of thy power, thy wisdom, thy goodness! and may the voices of gladness with which all Nature celebrates thy praise move our souls to bless and praise thee also! O Lord! may we be found faithful to thee in the duties of this day! and, amid its temptations and its trials, do thou sustain us, comfort us, keep us, and grant us grace in all we do to seek thy glory. May this household, which thou hast so

blessed, serve thee, not at this altar only, but in all the walks of life! As we engage in the business of the world, as we go into society, wherever we are, and whatever we do, may we remember thee, and do thy will! Oh! grant that every member of this family may be a child of God, a humble, faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bless all dear to us who are absent from us. Do thou, O Lord! dwell by thy Spirit in the hearts and the minds of all our friends. We supplicate thy mercy for the needy, the afflicted, the bereaved, and sorrowing. Oh! grant to all the consolations of thy gospel.

Build up thy Church, O Lord! Fill our land with pure religion. Bless the industry of the people; and may its fruit be consecrated to the good of men! And we beseech thee to bring all lands under the power and glory of thy kingdom. In thy great mercy, O Lord! forgive our sins, and bring us unto thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.