Emmy exclaimed, 'Now, mamma, may we have the cards?' I looked up with surprise painted on my countenance; she immediately observed it, and said, 'Oh, my dear Mrs. Friend, do not imagine I mean common nasty cards, mamma's are scriptural cards, having a text on each, which we must find out in the Bible, and repeat to her; and we have other cards with a verse of a hymn on each; and others we have, which I will shew you.'

She was flying off, when Arthur arrested her, by saying I am sure we repeated those so often we had better exercise our ideas with something more difficult; suppose we teach Mrs. Friend our scriptural exercises, and perhaps, as they are mamma's invention, she may be pleased with them.' All readily acceded to his wish, for they looked up to their brother as to a superior being, and Emily now winged her way to procure the necessary assistants of pen, ink and paper. He promised to explain the plan to me as simply as he could, and I readily laid down my book, in order to be taught this new method of instruction, for the old as well as the young.

Each person was supplied with a slip of papera sheet being cut into eight pieces; we all drew out our pencils, and were soon ready for action.

ARTHUR.-'We must all write a question from scripture, then fold the paper down, so as to cover the writing; now we place them in the centre of the table, then mixing them together we draw out one each, but if you get your own question, you may change it.' We did so, and I inquired what was to be done next.

ARTHUR. Answer the question that you see written, and place it again on the table.'

This was speedily done, either by memory or referring to the Bible. They were again mixed together, and again drawn out.

ARTHUR. Now be so good as to make a comment upon each question and answer, and the whole will be completed.'

After due deliberation upon the subject, this too was performed, and when all had written their thoughts and folded them up they were placed before Arthur, who with a distinct and slow voice read them aloud; even little Emmy was not backward with her ideas, and I was astonished at the readiness of her replies,-such is the force of example. I was so pleased with the utility of this recreation, which exercises the memory on serious subjects, in an amusing manner, that I begged to be allowed to possess the manuscripts, for the edification of my numerous young friends, whom I have often seen weary and yawning over their unvaried task on Sunday evenings. And if this sketch is ever the means of drawing one to serious cheerfulness, I shall be content.

I will now give a few examples, and take my leave for the present.

Question 1.-Who were the Pharisees?

Answer. A numerous sect amongst the Jews, who prided themselves upon outward observances, but had no care for the inner man.

Comment.-Few characters are more detestable than that of the hypocrite. Our blessed Saviour calls them "whited sepulchres," and declares that publicans and sinners shall enter the kingdom of heaven before them. A warning to us, to avoid the imputation of hypocrisy, since we should rather seek praise of God than of man.

Question 2.-What chapter of the Bible are the beatitudes contained in; and what is their number? Answer. In the 5th chapter of St. Matthew, and there are nine.

Comment.-Our blessed Saviour's sermon on the mount is certainly a most beautiful, as well as encouraging part of the Testament, especially when our Lord, after blessing those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, says "Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for so persecuted they the prophets before you." This is indeed consolatory, and should prove a balm to those Christians who have undergone trials and troubles in this present world without murmuring, at God's will.

Question 3.-What is that without which, if we possess every other virtue, we are nothing?

Answer.-Charity.

St. Paul saith,

66

Though I have all faith, without charity I am nothing; though I bestow all my goods on the poor, it profiteth me nothing." He also says, that charity is much greater than faith or hope; he admonished the Corinthians to follow after charity. Numerous are the passages in holy writ proving that charity is the greatest virtue.

Comment. The real and true meaning of the word is often misunderstood, for many think that if they give much to the poor, they have fulfilled the duty, and call it charity, when, alas! they will find how mistaken they have been. The only rule to guide us is the word contained in the Book of books, for numerous examples are there on this subject.

Question 4.-Where does our Saviour call himself the true vine, and what is the meaning of it?

Answer.-In the 15th chapter of St. John, where he

says, "I am the True Vine, and my Father is the husbandman." Our blessed Lord calls himself "the vine," and his disciples "the branches." "Ye abide in me, and my words abide in you; ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

Comment.-The whole of the New Testament is full of these beautiful and poetical images, so well adapted to the understanding of those who wish to learn. When we think of Christ as "the Vine," or as the " good Shepherd," we are better able to understand the character of the Lord of life, who will pity his little flock, if they will take up his cross and follow him.

Question 5.-Who was Bartimeus?

Answer." A poor blind man who begged his bread, And had not where to lay his head;

But He who first created light

Restored the wretched man to sight."

Comment.-The miracle of this man being restored to sight is related in the 10th chapter of Mark. Though he was desired by the people to "hold his peace," he took no notice of the command, but "he cried the more a great deal." His faith, and that alone, gained him the favour of our Lord, who rewarded him with the precious gift of sight. He then arose and followed his best friend, in gratitude for what he had done unto him. Let us follow his example, and praise the Lord for his goodness daily. Question 6.-What did our Saviour mean when he said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven?"

Answer. By the rich man, he meant those who put all their trust in this world's goods, and who lay

up treasures on earth, "where moth and rust do corrupt," instead of heaven; it will be as difficult for them in such a case, as the simile of the camel and the needle.

Comment. Do not suppose that because some men are rich, that they cannot be good; those who bestow their riches in a Christian-like spirit, and in the name of Jesus, considering the poor and needy, and not laying up their talents in a napkin, their riches will prove a benefit to others as well as to their own souls. And many examples we have in scripture to this effect.

Question 7.-What death did St. Stephen suffer? Answer. He was stoned to death. Acts vii.

Comment. Although this holy man suffered so dreadfully, he died very happy, being full of faith, crying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit; " and he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." I fear, in this enlightened age, there are few who, like Stephen, would pray for forgiveness of their enemies; he was called the martyr, as he was the first of the disciples who was murdered.

Question 8.-What is the meaning of the name Jeremiah?

Answer.-It means "exaltation of the Lord."

Comment.-The Hebrews had names which all conveyed their own particular meaning, many being commanded by God, through his servants, and were well calculated to remind all of their heavenly Father.

AMICA.