n,
And serve the Saviour with delight,
They are most precious in His sight:
Such grace to mine be given.
--_Fabin_.

{241}

HOW GENTLE GOD'S COMMANDS

How gentle God's commands,
How kind His precepts are!
Come cast your burdens on the Lord,
And trust His constant care.

While Providence supports,
Let saints securely dwell;
That hand which bears all nature up
Shall guide His children well.

Why should this anxious load
Press down your weary mind?
Haste to your heavenly Father's throne,
And sweet refreshment find.

His goodness stands approved,
Down to the present day;
I'll drop my burden at His feet,
And bear a song away.
--_Philip Doddridge_.

{242}

ABOVE THE CLEAR BLUE SKY

Above the clear blue sky,
In heaven's bright abode,
The angel host on high
Sing praises to their God:
Alleluia!
They love to sing
To God their King
Alleluia!

But God from children's tongues
On earth receiveth praise;
We then our cheerful songs
In sweet accord will raise:
Alleluia!
We, too, will sing
To God our King
Alleluia!

O blessed Lord, Thy truth
To all Thy flock impart,
And teach us in our youth
To know Thee as Thou art.
Alleluia!
Then shall we sing
To God our King
Alleluia!
--_John Chandler_.

{243}

BEDTIME STORIES

{244}

{245}

THE STORY OF THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

Once there were two little children who lived in a large, red brick
house, on a quiet street in the city. The names of these little
children were Margaret and Harold. Margaret was five years old, and
Harold was eight. Margaret and Harold used to have the best of times
together. They played with their dog Sport and their cat Spot. They
built houses of blocks. They colored pictures with their crayons. In
winter, Harold drew Margaret on his sled, and in summer they played in
the garden. But, better than all else, they loved to hear their mamma
tell stories. Every night, before they went to bed, she told them a
story.

"What shall it be to-night?" said mamma, as they sat before the fire
after a cold winter's day.

"A Bible story," said Margaret.

"Very well," replied mamma. "It shall be a Bible story to-night, and
since it is almost Christmas-time, I will tell you about the dear
lit