12. Have the wicked any real happiness ? There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. (48

Is. 22.)

13. Does God protect the righteous, and oppose the wicked?

The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (I. Pet. 3. 12.)

14. “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (I. Pet. 4. 18.)

These shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal. (25 Mt. 46.)

XV. WISDOM.

Prayers for- Its nature-Its value and advantages-Com

mands to seek.

1. How did Solomon pray for wisdom?

I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in-give, therefore, thy servant an understanding heart. (I K. 3.7, 9.)

2. Does St. James direct us to pray for wisdom?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. (1 Jas. 5.)

3. What is the beginning of wisdom?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments. (111 P. 10.)

4. Is self-conceit opposed to wisdom?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.-Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil. (3 Pr. 5,7.)

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. (26 Pr. 12.)

5. What is the wisdom of this world with God?

The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. (1 Cor. 3, 19.)

Does true wisdom promote happiness ? Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. (3 Pr. 13 to 17.)

7. Is wisdom of the utmost importance ? Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (4 Pr. 7.)

8. Do wise children promote their parents' comfort ?

A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother. (15 Pr. 20.)

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. (23 Pr. 24.)

9. Is a state of ignorance evil? That the soul be without knowledge, it is not good. (19 Pr.2.) 10. Is the “ virtuous woman" wise?

She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (31. Pr. 26.)

11. Is a poor and wise child estimable?

Better is a poor and wise child, than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. (4 Ec. 13.)

12. Are we required to blend gentleness with wisdom?

Be ye therefore wise ás serpents, and harmless as doves, (10 Mt. 16.)

13. What description of wisdom does St. Paul recommend to the Romans ?

I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. (16 Ro. 19.)

14. How are Christians required to act towards unbelievers?

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (4 Col. 5.)

XVI. THE KINGDOM OF CHRISTTHE SPREAD OF TRUE RELIGION.

Promises of-Means by which advanced—Success.

1. What did God say to Moses, as to the universal diffusion of his glory?

As truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. (14 Num. 21.)

2. What did the Psalmist prophesy?

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. (110 P.3.)

3. What did Isaiah prophesy?

Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation. (33 Is. 6.)

4. How does Habakkuk prophesy the universal diffusion of divine knowledge ?

The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (2 Hab. 14.)

5. How does Zochariah state the extent of Christ's dominion?

His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. (9 Zec. 10.)

6. Are the influences of the Holy Spirit promised to impart success to the gospel?

I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water-courses. (44 Is.3,4.)

7. What means will God render successful?

Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (12 Dan. 4.)

8. By what beautiful images does God shew the effects of his divine influences ?

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. (14 Ho.5,6,7.)

9. What vision of the gospel's extension did St.John be. hold?

And I saw another angel Ay in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (14 Rev.6.)

10. Will the spread of the gospel prevent wars ?

And they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn 'war any more. (2 Is. 4. and 4 Mic. 3.)

11. What will be the delightful results of the Divine assistance and blessing?

After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no

more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them. (31 Jer. 33, 34. and 8 Heb. 11.)

12. How will the songs of heaven record the triumphs of Christ?

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (11 Rev. 15.)

XVII. HUMILITY AND PRIDE.

Duty of humility - Warnings against pride-God the

source of every good— Our insufficiency-God's regard to the humble Evils and miseries of pride-Advantages of kumility-Common objects of pride—Humility in our conduct to others.

1. Is humility particularly required of the young?

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder : yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1. Pet.5.5, 6.)

2. How does Isaiah describe the pride of the young as a national curse?

The child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honorable. (3 Is. 5.)

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