LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. @§ap. ©opjrigijt ]fcr* Shelf UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. PRIMARY SUNDAY-SCHOOL EXERCISES. COMPILED AND ARRANGED BY MRS. E. M.HOFFMAN. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY CHANCELLOR J. H. VINCENT, D.D. NEW YORK: i PHILLIPS & HU CINCINNA TI: CRANSTON &* STOWE \jj^h%^\"^^ Copyright, 1885, by PHILLIPS & HUNT, New York. The Library of Congress WASHINGTON LC Control Number 027856 tmp96 TO REV. B. T. VINCENT, WHOSE CHAUTAUQUA TEACHINGS HAVE BEEN SO HELPFUL AND ENCOURAGING, This little volume is Bedicated btj HIS FRIEND, E. M. HOFFMAN. PREFACE. These lessons have nearly all borne the test of actual use in the primary department of our own school. While prominence should be always given to the "International Lessons/' yet the "line upon line, here a little and there a little " system of teach- ing supplemental exercises is profitable, and will bear glorious fruit in the future of the children. E. M. H. INTRODUCTORY. The primary teacher's work is delicate and impor- tant. It is not easy to overstate its value. We can- not begin too early to influence childhood, nor plan too carefully, nor pray too fervently, nor work too diligently. By look, by gesture, by tone of voice, by conversation, by lesson given, and by recitation made, by words of prayer, by words of song, by what we put before the eye, and by what we lodge in the memory — by all these things we mold character and fashion life. There is, therefore, nothing in the pri- mary class that is unimportant. Every thing there teaches : walls, windows, carpets, chairs, stove, table, bell, blackboard, organ, pictures, atmosphere — as well as book and teacher — all exert educating influence. The author of this little volume of exercises for primary classes well understands, through long expe- rience, the things that are needed to make infant-class work both attractive and instructive ; and so well has she done her work that any apt teacher may put into 6 Introductory. practice, anywhere, the rules laid down, and secure the recitation of the lessons here prescribed. Of one thing all primary classes need to be espe- cially careful: Not to allow the form to take the place of the thought, nor the thought to be a substi- tute for the spirit. Form, Thought, and Spirit are necessary, as in the human being Body, Mind, and Heart are necessary. Therefore, work with the pro- vided appliances in the interest of Words, Truth, and Life, for in this trinity are to be found Strength and Grace. I take great pleasure in commending this volume to the use of all primary class teachers. J. H. VINCENT. New York, January 1, 1885. CONTENTS. OPENING EXERCISES. PAGE (Twenty-six in all) 13 SUPPLEMENTAL LESSONS: The Tabernacle • ^7 The High-Priest 60 The Ten Commandments 63 Bible History 6S The Bible • 69 The Book of Books 71 The Judges ^ The Kings ? 6 The Beatitudes of Jesus ? 8 Beatitudes from the Psalms 80 The Seven Beatitudes of Revelation 80 Other Beatitudes 81 The Twelve Apostles. 82 The " I ams " of Jesus 83 The Cross 81 The Decalogue of Charity 85 The Wordless Book 87 The Names of Jesus 90 The Promises of Jesus 93 A Missionary Exercise 99 A Short Lesson on the Bible 106 A Simple Exercise for the Little Ones 108 Alphabet of Texts 110 Temptation 113 A Christmas Exercise 116 An Easter Service 121 The Heavenly Arithmetic 124 Monument of Bible Time 124 Christmas Clock. 126 Chimes of the Clock, 1 127 Chimes of the Clock, II 128 The Children of the New Testament 129 8 Contents. SUPPLEMENTAL LESSONS— Continued. PAGB Bible Truths for Little Folks 134 Bible Words for Little Folks 137 The Works of God 141 The Children of the Old Testament 145 Work for the Master 150 MOTION EXERCISES: A Chant 155 The Child's Creed 156 Consecration Hymn or Recitation 157 Recitation 158 Hand Exercise 158 God's Gifts 158 The Children's Chautauqua Drill 159 Recitation and Song 159 MAP EXERCISES. (Six in all) 160 CLOSING EXERCISES. (Twenty-three in all) 178 EASTER RECITATIONS: An Easter Carol 190 Easter Eggs— a Legend 191 Easter Eggs 193 A Child's Thought 194 Spring Time 195 CHRISTMAS RECITATIONS : Shine, Herald Light ! 197 Christmas 198 Another Christmas 199 The Twilight Story 201 The Three Kings 203 A Christmas Legend .'205 The Old-New Story 207 Santa Claus's Gift 210 Little One's Christmas Eve 211 Little Timmens's Christmas 212 Merry Christmas 215 Christmas Eve 217 Merry Christmas 219 December , 220 Contents. 9 CHRISTMAS RECITATIONS— Continued. PAGB A Christmas Suggestion. 220 Telling a Story 221 Christmas 222 Christmas Carol , 224 Hang Up the Baby's Stocking 224 Seeing Santa Claus 226 Nobody's Darling 227 Christmas is Coming 229 The Watch on Christmas Eve 229 Old Santa Claus's Song 231 The Farmer's Christmas Eve 231 Piccola . , 233 A Letter to Santa Claus 234 Suffer Little Children 236 Maggie Reading her Testament 237 MISCELLANEOUS RECITATIONS: For Jesus' Little Children 239 Jesus and the Children 242 Wishes 244 Little Goldenhair 246 The Life Book 247 " I Love the Holy Angels " 249 " Whatever is Worth Doing is Worth Doing Well " 249 The Little Boy's Watch 250 Good-Morning to God 251 Which Loved Best ? 252 AllYouCan 253 The Blind Boy 254 He Careth for You 256 The Little Quaker Girl's Prayer 257 Two Fortunes 259 " Why Wont the Lord V 260 Trusting 262 " The Poor Ye Have Always With You " 263 Little Brown Hands 265 Ben Hazzard's Guests 266 Who Prayed Last Night? 269 Beautiful Things 270 The Beautiful Day 271 Where Do the Flowers Stay? 273 A Little Child's Fancies 275 I Wonder 276 Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep 278 A WHISPER TO THE PRIMARY TEACHER. " Go — speak to Jesus first, Then to the child. Go, let him speak to thee, Who taught on earth in Judah's waning days, On mountain slopes, on pebbly beach, And on the joyous billows of the sea, — Yes, in the closet hear his voice who spake As never man did speak. Ash for Ms mind. Who patiently bore the burdens of a world. Ask trustingly ; the promise is to thee : ' Thou shalt receive.' Then meet the child as one For whom the Saviour died. That ransomed soul — God knows it may be given thee to lift The little fledgeling to an angel's seat. O, touch not heedlessly the chords that thrill To gladness or to woe. Lay gentle hands On things that tell the tale in other worlds. Go, speak to Jesus ; wait his answering word, Then tell the trusting child like one who comes, Transfigured from the mount of prayer." PRIMARY SUNDAY-SCHOOL EXERCISES. ■■ ' ■ ■ »...-■ OPENING EXERCISES. No. 1. Superintendent. While I live will I praise the Lord : School. I will sing praises unto God while I have any being. Singing, Praise Gocf, from whom all blessings flow ; Praise him, all creatures here below ; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Supt. How are our gifts accepted ? Sen. If there be first a willing mind? it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Collection, with singing. We are but the pennies, pennies, From the children's, children's hands, Can we bear glad tidings, tidings, Over all the land ? Chorus. Dropping, dropping, Hear us as we fall ; Crowding in the mite-chest, Offerings great and small. 14 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Surely God will bless us, bless us, As we gently, gently fall ; Many prayers rise upward, upward, For His help they call. — Chorus. Supt. Now what shall our motto be? Sch. Ever, ever true to Jesus. Supt. Be the lips of you and me Sch. Ever, ever true to Jesus. Together. So, always firm and true In all we say and do, And all life's journey through, Ever, ever true to Jesus. MOTION RECITATION. I've two eyes 1 to look to God, I've two ears 2 to hear his word, I've two feet 3 to walk in his ways, Two hands 4 to work for him all my days. I've one tongue 6 to speak his truth, One heart 6 to give him in my youth. Take 7 them,' dear Jesus, may they be Ever, ever true to thee. Singing. No. 31, " Primary Songs." No. 2. Supt. The Lord is in his holy temple. Sch. Let all the earth keep silence before him. (Heads bowed for a few seconds.) Singing. 1 Touch the eyes with the first fingers of both hands. 2 Touch the ears in the same way. 3 Stoop a little, and point to the feet. 4 Hands— not arms- extended, palms upward. 6 Right forefinger on lower lip. 6 Right hand over heart. 7 Hands placed together and eyes closed through the two lines. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 15 Sitpt. What method of giving is laid down by the apostle Paul ? Sch. Upon the first day of the week let every one lay by him in store as God hath prospered him. Collection, with singing. Tune, " Battle Hymn." We're a band of little workers in the service of our King, Our hearts, our hands, our voices, our pennies, too, we bring; And we'll make the earth beneath us and the heavens above us ring, While we go marching on. Chorus. Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! While we go marching on. " We'll live and work for Jesus," this is our battle-cry, We'll live and work for Jesus, all the children shall reply; And we'll help the Gospel heralds in regions far and nigh, As they go marching on. — Chorus. Supt. What is our motto for the quarter ? Sch. The Good Shepherd. Supt. Who is this Good Shepherd ? Sch. Jesus said, I am the Good Shepherd. Singing. No. 86, " Gospel Bells." By permission of Prof. J. W. Bischoff. 16 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. THE WEE LAMBS OF THE FOLD. O hearken, dear Saviour, O hearken, To the tender wee lambs of the fold; Reach out thy strong arm and protect us, Lest we wander away in the cold. Chorus. O shelter the little wee lambs of the fold, Shelter them w r arm from the biting cold ; Shelter the lambs, shelter the lambs, The little wee lambs of the fold. O carry the lambs in thy bosom, Like the tender Good Shepherd of old; And guard us with care all so faithful, That no one be lost from thy fold. — Chorus, Supt. The Lord is my shepherd ; Sch. 1 shall not want. Supt. He maketli me to lie down in green past- ures : Sch. He leadeth me beside the still waters. Supt. He restoreth my soul : Sch. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness Supt. For his name's sake. Sch. [singing]. He leadeth me, he leadeth me, By his own hand he leadeth me ; His faithful follower I would be, For by his hand he leadeth me. Supt. Tea, though I walk through the valley of Jhe shadow of death, Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 17 Sch. I will fear no evil : Supt. For tliou art with me ; Sch. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Supt. Thou prepares t a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : Sch. Thou anointest my head with oil; Supt. My cup runneth over. Together. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Singing. Page 45, "Songs for Little Folks." No.3. Strike the bell three times (not loud). Children recite : The bell has struck its one, two, three ; "Be still," is what it says to me; For this is God's most holy day, And I am here to learn his way. So now I'll drop my play and seek To hear the words that he may speak. Supt. Make a joyful noise unto the God of our salvation. Sch. Serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing. 2> 18 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Singing. No. 87, " Gospel Bells." Father, bless our school to-day ; Be in all we do and say, Be in every song we sing, Every prayer to thee we bring. Chorus. Come, O come, and with us meet, And, while sitting at thy feet, May we in the lessons see Something drawing us to thee. Jesus, well-beloved Son, May thy will by us be done ; Come and meet with us to-day; Teach us, Lord, thyself, we prrjy.— Chorus. Holy Spirit, mighty power, Consecrate the Sabbath hour; Hear us, while once more we pray, Bless our Sabbath- school to-day. — Chorus. Father, Holy Spirit, Son, Sacred Triune, Three in one, Unto us thine unction give : Touch our souls, that we may live. — Chorus. By permission of Prof. J. W. Bischofl. Stjpt. Give, and it shall be given unto you. Who should give ? Sch. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of neces- sity : for God loveth a cheerful giver. Primary Sunday- School Exercises, 19 Collection, with singing. " God loveth a cheerful giver." Only a drop in the bucket, But every drop will tell ; The bucket would soon be empty Without the drops in the well. Only a poor little penny, It is all I had to give ; But as pennies make the dollars, It may help some cause to live. God loveth a cheerful giver, Though the gift be poor and small, What doth he think of the children When they never give at all ? THE APOSTLES' CREED. Repeat in concert : I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth : And in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord ; who was con- ceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead ; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and the life everlasting. Amen. Singing. Child's Creed, page 52, " Songs for Little Folks." 20 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. No. 4t. Supt. O magnify the Lord with me, and let lis exalt his name together. Sch. I will bless the Lord at all times ; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Singing. No. 69, " Primary Songs." Supt. Freely ye have received, freely give. Sch. God loveth a cheerful giver. Collection, with singing. No. 144, " "Westminster Sunday-School Hymnal." CHEERFULLY GIVE. Cheerfully give, cheerfully give, Give for the cause of the Lord ; Give from the heart, and willingly, too ; Give as the Lord hath given to you ; Something for Jesus you all may do ; Blessings will be your reward. Cheerfully give, cheerfully give, Lay up your treasures above. All that you give is written on high; Eiches beyond for you it will buy — Riches eternal in yonder sky. Give for the Master in love. Cheerfully give, cheerfully give — Give with a liberal hand. Give for the cause 'of Jesus, your Friend ; God will return you more than you lend, Blessings divine unto you will send, Give with a liberal hand. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 21 Supt, What is our motto for the quarter? Sen. The Blood of Jesus. Supt. What can wash away your sin ? Sch. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Supt. What can make you pure within ? Sch. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Together. O precious is the flow That makes us white as snow ; ISTo other help we know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Singing. No. 254, " Gospel Hymns," verses 1, 5. We're saved by the blood That was drawn from the side Of Jesus our Lord, When he languished and died. Refrain. Hallelujah to God, For redemption so free; Hallelujah, hallelujah, Dear Saviour, to thee. We're saved by the blood, Hallelujah again ; We're saved by the blood, Hallelujah, Amen. No. 5. Sch. [forming an arch with hands above their heads]. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of glory shall come in. 22 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. Who is this King of glory ? Sch. The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle [forming an arch as above]. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of glory shall come in. Supt. Who is this King of glory ? Sch. The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Singing. No. 54, " Primary Songs." Supt. Is there any rule given in the Bible as to when and how much we ought to give ? Sch. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. Supt. Have you brought a gift for Jesus to-day ? Collection, with singing. Tune, " Little Drops of Water." Hear the pennies dropping, Listen as they fall ; Every one for Jesus, He will get them all. Dropping, dropping ever From each little hand, 'Tis our gift to Jesus From his little band. It is but a penny From a little hand; Can it bear glad tidings Over all the land ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 23 Dropping, dropping, dropping, Hear us as we fall ; Dropping in the mite-box Offerings great and small. Supt. "What is our motto for the quarter? Sch. Christ our Saviour. Supt. What was Christ's mission to the earth ? Sch. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Supt. Are we all sinners ? Sch. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Supt. How can your soul be saved ? Sch. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Supt. But how about the sins you are so often committing ? Singing. No. 34, " Primary Songs." No. 6. Supt. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands. Sch. Let the people praise thee, O God ; let all the people praise thee. Singing. Supt. What is God's best gift to the world ? Sch. God so loved the world, that he gave his only 24 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Supt. What gifts have you brought to Jesus to-day ? Collection, with singing. No. 9 "Primary Songs," 1st verse. Repeat chorus. Supt. "What is our motto for the quarter? Sch. For Jesus' Sake. Supt. "What ought you to do for Jesus' sake? Sch. ' ' Do all the good we can, In all the ways we can, To all the people we can, In every place we can, At all the times we can, And as long as we can." Singing. Tune, " Jesus loves me, this I know.' 5 When the Saviour says to you This or that for him to do, If his children you would be, Then obey him cheerfully. Chorus. Do what he bids you, Do when he bids you, Do as he bids you, And do it cheerfully. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 25 No. 7. Supt. O come, let us make a joyful noise unto the God of our salvation. Sch. Let us come before his presence with thanks- giving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. All. For the Lord is a great God, and a great king above all gods. Singing. Page 9, " Songs for Little Folks." " Praise the Giver of all." CONCERT RECITATION. PSALM I. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so : but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judg- ment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : but the way of the ungodly shall perish. 26 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. No. 8. Supt. I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. Sch. O, satisfy ns early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Singing. Supt. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Sch. God loveth a cheerful giver. Collection, with singing. CONCERT RECITATION. PSALM XXIV. The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof ; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and estab- lished it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord % or who shall stand in his holy place ? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 21 Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. "Who is this King of glory ? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. "Who is this King of glory ? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. No. 9. CONCERT RECITATION. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable [stand up] for [lift left hand, raise four fingers, and point to each as you say] doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : That the man of God may be [lay hand on heart] perfect [hand from top of head down], thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Singing. Supt. What did God command Moses to build ? Sch. A tabernacle. Supt. What did God show him ? Sch. Just how, and of what to build it. Supt. What did Moses say to the people ? 28 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring an offering to the Lord. Supt. What were they to bring ? Sch. Gold, silver, brass, fine linen, goat's hair, strong skins, and the nicest of wool. Supt. What did the women bring ? Sch. They brought that which they had spun, both of blue and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair. Supt. How did they show their zeal ? Sch. They brought their bracelets, and ear-rings, and other jewels. Supt. What did the rulers bring ? Sch. Precious stones, oil, and spices. Supt. How did they all give ? Sch. The children of Israel brought a willing offering to the Lord. Supt. How does God wish us to give ? Sch. God liveth a cheerful giver. Collection, with singing. No. 10. Supt. Sing praises to God, sing praises. Sch. Sing praises unto our King, sing praises. Singing. No. 58, " Primary Songs." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 29 Supt. What should be the measure of our giving? Sch. Freely ye have received, freely give. Collection, with singing. Tune No. 50, " Primary Songs." We come to ask our Father now That eyes be made to see, And hearts to burn, and lips to say What can I give to thee? Chorus. We are a little children's band, With hearts right brave to do, We'll give to Jesus all we can, And prove our love is true. We know we're little, and our store Of pennies is but small, But then we want to give e'en these, To God, who giveth all. Supt. Does Jesus know what gifts you have brought him to-day ? Sch. Jesus sat beside the treasury, Saw the pennies as they came, Knew the hearts that loved to bring them, For the sake of His dear name. Supt. Let us bow our heads and ask a blessing on what we have given. Together. Jesus, bless the ones we brought thee, Give them something sweet to do, May they help some one to love thee ; Jesus, may we love thee, too. 30 • Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sijpt. We have taken a single word for our motto this quarter — what is it ? Sch. Believe. Supt. Whom are we to believe ? Sch. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Supt. What are we to believe ? Sch. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Supt. Why are we to believe ? Sch. He that believeth not the Son shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Singing. No. 11. Supt. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall stand in his holy place % Sch. He that hath clean hands and a pure heart [hold up hands] ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Supt. What shall he receive ? Sch. He shall receive [raise hands] the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Singing. Page 32, " Songs for Little Folks." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 31 Supt. What measure shall be given to those that give liberally ? Sch. Give, and it shall be given unto you ; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and run- ning over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Collection, with singing. Page 96, " Songs for Lit- tle Folks," verse 4. Supt. "What is our motto for the quarter ? Sch. The Fruit of the Spirit, Supt. Jesus said : I am the vine, Sch. Ye are the branches. Supt. He that abideth in me, and I in him, Sch. Bringeth forth much fruit. Supt. What fruit, do you think, children ? Sch. The fruit of the Spirit. Supt. What is the fruit of the Spirit ? Sch. Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Singing. No. 12. Supt. Let the people praise thee, O God ; let all the people praise thee. Sch. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy : 32 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. for thou slialt judge the people righteously, and gov- ern the nations upon earth. Singing. Supt. How shall we give ? Sch. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of neces- sity : for God loveth a cheerful giver. Collection, with singing. Little givers, come and bring Tribute to your heavenly King ; Lay it on the altar high, While your songs ascend the sky. Chorus. Grateful tribute will I bring Unto Christ, my Saviour King ; Jesus gave his life for me, Hallelujah ! praise the Lord. Little givers, come and pay, Willing tribute while you may ; Many offerings, though but small, Make a large one from us all. — Chorus. Supt. What word did we take for our motto this quarter? Sch. Happy. Supt. Who are happy ? Sch. 1. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom. 2. Happy is every one that retaineth her. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 33 3. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. 4. If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye. 5. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye. G. Behold, we count them happy which endure. 7. Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. 8. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. Singing. No. 69, " Primary Songs," verses 1, 2. No. 13. Supt. Let the people praise thee, O God ; let all the people praise thee. Sch. O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. Singing. Supt. Is it safe to refrain from giving? Sch. There is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Collection, with singing. " Cheerfully give, cheer- fully give." Supt. What is our motto for the quarter ? Sch. Love one another. 34 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Sitpt. What is it to love one another ? Sch. ' ' Love and kindness we may measure, By this simple rule alone ; Do we mind our neighbor's pleasure, Just as if it was our own ? " Supt. What new commandment did Jesus give his disciples ? Sch. A new commandment I give unto yon, That ye love one another ; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Singing. No. 14:. CONCERT RECITATIONS. PSALM C. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness : come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves ; we are his peo- ple, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise ; be ye thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlasting ; and his truth endureth to all generations. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 35 Collection, with singing. Only a little penny ! Yet with assurance sweet, Fearing no scorn, we lay it Down at Jesus' feet. Saving for him a portion Out of our slender store, Joyfully giving our pennies, If we can do no more. Only a band of children ! Sitting at Jesus* feet, Fitting ourselves to enter Into his service sweet. Call us thy little helpers, Glad in thy work to share, Make us thine own dear children, Worthy thy name to bear. No. 15. RESPONSIVE RECITATION. THE BEATITUDES. Supt. Blessed are the poor in spirit : Sch. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Supt. Blessed are they that mourn: Sch. For they shall be comforted. Supt. Blessed are the meek : Sch. For they shall inherit the earth. Supt. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : 36 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. For they shall be filled. Supt. Blessed are the merciful : Sch. For they shall obtain mercy. Supt. Blessed are the pure in heart : Sch. For they shall see God. Supt. Blessed are the peace-makers : Sch. For they shall be called the children of God. Supt. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake : Sch. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Supt. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. All. Bejoiee, and be exceeding glad : for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. No. 16. Supt. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Sch. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Singing. ~No. 15, "Primary Songs. 5 ' Supt. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 37 Sch. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Collection, with singing. " Hear the Pennies Drop- ping/' Supt. "What is the motto for the quarter? Sch. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. Supt. What has God given to all of us ? Sch. Two hands l for loving service given, Two feet 2 to walk the road to heaven, Two eyes 3 to read God's holy word, Two lips 4 to praise the blessed Lord. One soul 5 to serve with all its might ; So should we live in Jesus' 6 sight. Singing. No. 15, " Gospel Bells." By permission of Ttev. J. E. Rankin, D.D. Beautiful the little hands, That fulfill the Lord's commands; Beautiful the little eyes, Kindled with light from the skies. Chorus. Beautiful, beautiful little hands, That fulfill the Lord's commands; Beautiful, beautiful lifcOe eyes, Kindled with light from the skies. 1 Extend the hands forward with palms upward. 2 Bend forward and point toward the feet. 3 Place the forefinger of each hand under the eyes. 4 Place the right forefinger on the under lip. 5 Fold hands across the breast. 6 Point upward with both hands. 38 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. All the little hands were made, Jesus' precious cause to aid ; All the little hearts to beat, Warm in his service so sweet. — Chorus. All the little lips should pray To the Saviour ev'ry day ; All the little feet should go, Swift on his errands below. — Chorus. What your little hands can do, That the Lord intends for you ; Make that thing your first delight, Do it for him with your might. — Chorus. No. 17. Supt. Rejoice in the Lord always : Sen. And again I say, Rejoice. Supt. Neither murmur ye. For consider what great things he hath done for you. A song of praise. Supt. How should we give ? Sch. [recite]. When you give of your silver and gold, To help on the Lord's great cause ;. Give it not with a thoughtless spirit, But for a brief moment pause — And breathe forth a prayer that the Lord will take Your offering, and bless it for his name's sake. [Heads bowed in silent prayer for a few T seconds.] Collection song. " Only a drop in the bucket." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 39 No. 18. Supt. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Sch. I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. Singing. Supt. From whom does God accept offerings? Sch. Of every man that giveth it willingly, with his heart, ye shall take my offering. Collection hymn. RESPONSIVE RECITATION. PSALM VIII. Supt. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! Sch. Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Supt. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; Sch. What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him ? Supt. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Sch. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands ; thou hast put all things under his feet : 40 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field ; Sch. The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. All. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! No. 19. Supt. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us ! Sch. Not that we loved God, but that he loved us. Supt. The Lord, thy God, hath chosen thee unto himself. Sch. Not for thy righteousness, or for the upright- ness of thy heart. Supt. But because the Lord loved thee. Singing. Supt. What does Isaiah say of liberal people ? Sch. The liberal deviseth liberal things ; and by liberal things shall he stand. Supt. Give another promise about liberal souls? Sch. The liberal soul shall be made fat : and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Collection song. Supt. What is our motto for the quarter? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 41 Sch. Telling Jesus. Supt. What shall we tell Jesus ? Sch. "Tell him all the failures, Tell him all the sins ; He is kindly listening, Till his child begins. Tell him all the pleasures, Of our merry day ; Tell him all the treasures, Crowning all our way." Singing. No. 34, " Primary Songs." No. 20. Supt. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, Sch. And to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High : Supt. To show forth thy loving kindness in the morning, Sch. And thy faithfulness every night. Supt. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy word : Sch. I will triumph in the works of thy hands. Singing. Supt. What did the Lord Jesus say about giving? Sch. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Collection, with singing. 42 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. What is our motto for the quarter? Sch. The A, B, C, of the Gospel. Supt. What is the A of the Gospel? Sch. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Supt. What is the B of the Gospel? Sch. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Supt. What is the C of the Gospel? Sch. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Singing. No. 21. Supt. The name of the Lord is a strong tower: Sch. The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Supt. Thou art my hiding place, Sch. My high tower, my refuge, my Saviour. Singing. My faith looks up to thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine : Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, O let me from this day Be wholly thine. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 43 While life's dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, Be thou my guide ; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away, Nor let me ever stray From thee aside. Supt. How much should we give ? Sch. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God, which he hath given thee. Collection song. Page 113, "Songs for Little Folks," verses 1, 3. •RESPONSIVE RECITATION. Supt. The Lord is in his holy temple. Sch. The Lord's throne is in heaven. Supt. His eyes behold. Sch. His eyelids try the children of men. Supt. The Lord trieth the righteous. Sch. But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Supt. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord ? Sch. And bow myself before the high God ? Together. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ? 44 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. No. 22. Supt. In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust. Sch. Bow down thine ear to me, deliver me speedily. Supt. Be thou my strong rock, for a house of de- fense to save me. Sch. For thou art my rock and my fortress. Together. Therefore for thy name's sake lead me and guide me. Singing. ROCK OF AGES. Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in tliee; Let the water and the blood, From thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure. Could my tears forever flow, Could my zeal no languor know, These for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and thou alone : In my hand no price I bring ; Simply to thy cross I cling. While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyes shall close in death, When I rise to worlds unknown. And behold thee on thy throne, Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 45 Supt. How should we honor the Lord? Sch. Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase. Collection hymn. Supt. Our motto for this quarter is taken from thq Psalms. Repeat it. Sch. The Lord thinketh upon me. Supt. When Nehemiah was building the wall of Jerusalem, and bad people were watching for a chance to kill him, w^hat w T as his prayer ? Sch. Think upon me, O God. Supt. Job thought it strange that God should think of him. What did he say ? Sch. What is man that thou shouldst set thy heart upon him? Supt. David thought it very wonderful that the God who made all the stars, and takes care of all the worlds, should ever think about him. What did he sing with his beautiful harp ? Sch. What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him ? Supt. When Solomon was about to have the crown put upon his head, his dying father told him to be good even down in his heart. What reason did he give for this admonition ? 46 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Sch. The Lord understandeth all the imagination of the thoughts. Supt. And do you remember what Jesus said to some people who were thinking wicked thoughts about him, which he could see in their hearts because he was God ? Sch. Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts ? Supt. Does God know all our bad thoughts ? Sch. Thou understandest my thought afar off. Supt. God wants us to give up all our wicked thoughts for loving ones about him. What does he say ? Sch. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the un- righteous man his thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him. Supt. All who have loving thoughts about God will have their names written in his book of remem- brance. What does the Bible say about it ? Sch. A book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. Supt. Do you hope to have your name written in God's book of remembrance ? Singing. No. 18, u Gospel Bells, " 2 verses. By permission of Rev. J. E. Rankin, D.D. IS IT THERE? WRITTEN THERE? I do not ask for the pride of earth, For the pride of wealth, or the pride of birth ; Be this, the rather, my one great care, In the Book of Life, that my name is there. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 47 Chorus. In the Book of Life, on those pages fair, Do the angels see that my name is there ? In the Book of Life, on those pages fair, Is it there? Written there? I do not ask for a glorious name, That is written high on the scroll of fame, Be this the, rather, concern of mine, To insure it there in the book divine. — Chorus. Supt. The love of Christ passeth knowledge. Sch. He loved me and gave himself for me. Supt. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Sch. So have I loved you. Supt. Yea, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Sch. O the height of Jesus' love ! Higher than the heavens above, Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity. Love that found me — wondrous thought — Found me when I sought him not. Singing. JESUS LOVES EVEN ME. I am so glad that our Father in heaven Tells of his love in the book he has given; "Wonderful things in the Bible I see, This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. Chorus. I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me ; I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me. 48 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. O if there's only one song I can sing, When, in his beauty, I see the great King, This shall my soxig in eternity be, u O what a wonder that Jesus loves me! " — Chorus. Supt. What is our motto ? Sch. Touch not, Taste not, Handle not. Supt. Who hath woe ? Sch. Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink. Woe unto them that follow strong drink. Supt. Who hath sorrow ? Sch. They that tarry long at the wine. Supt. Who hath contentions? Sch. They that go to seek mixed wine. Supt. Who hath babblings ? Sch. Wine is a mocker. Supt. Who hath wounds without cause ? Sch. Strong drink is raging, and whosoever is de- ceived thereby is not wise. Supt. What advice does Solomon give in regard to wine ? Sch. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it movetli itself aright. Supt. What will it do at the last ? Sch. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and sting- eth like an adder. Singing. Page 101,* Little Pilgrim Songs." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 49 !No 23. Supt. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Sch. This is my beloved, and this is ray friend. Singing. Page 76, " Little Pilgrim Songs." THERE'S A FRIEND FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. There's a Friend for little children Above the bright blue sky, A Friend that never changes, Whose love will never die. Unlike our friends by nature, Who change with changing years, This Friend is always worthy The precious name he bears. Supt. In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you. Sch. There's a home for little children Above the bright blue sky. Where Jesus reigns in glory, A home of peace and joy. No home on earth is like it, Nor can with it compare ; For every one is happy, Nor can be happier there. Supt. And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps : and they sung as it were a new song before the throne. 4 50 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. There's a song for little children Above the bright blue sky, And harps of sweetest music, And palms of victory ; And all above is pleasure, And found in Christ alone ; O come, dear little children, That all may be your own. No 24. Supt. Make a joyful noise unto the Loiad, all ye lands. Sch. Serve the Lord with gladness : come before his presence with singing. Supt. Know ye that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves ; Sch. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Supt. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise : Sch. Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. All. For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlast- ing ; and his truth endureth to all generations. Supt. What is our motto ? Sch. Our Shepherd. Supt. Who do we mean by our Shepherd ? Sch. Our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 51 Supt. What kind of a Shepherd is Jesus ? First ? Sch. The good Shepherd. Supt. Second ? Sen. The great Shepherd. Supt. Third? Sch. The chief Shepherd. Supt. These three names tell us three things. First ? Sch. His death. Supt. Second? Sch. His resurrection. Supt. Third? Sch. His ascension. Supt. As the good Shepherd: Sch. He laid down his life for the sheep. Supt. As the great Shepherd : Sch. He was brought again from the dead. Supt. As the chief Shepherd : Sch. He is now gone up on high. Supt. Three promised crowns are linked with these three beautiful names of Jesus, who is Sch. Both our Shepherd and our King. Supt. First, he laid down his life : Sch. That he might give us a crown of life. Supt. Second, he was raised : Sch. That we might be accounted righteous before God. 52 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt, So that he might give us Son. A crown of righteousness. Supt. Third, he is coming again to give ns Sch. A crown of glory that facleth not away. CHANT. PSALM XXIII. The Lord is my Shepherd ; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they com- fort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Supt. O praise the Lord, all ye nations : Sch. Praise him, all ye people. Supt. For his merciful kindness is great to- ward us. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 53 Sch. And the truth of the Lord endureth for- ever. All. Praise ye the Lord. A song of praise. CONCERT RECITATION. JOHN I. 1-14. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him ; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shine th in darkness ; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might be- lieve. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the w T orld. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he 54 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. No. 25. A Chant. Page 63, " Silvery Echoes." By permission of Crider Bros., Pub., York, Pa. Stand up 1 and bless the Lord, Lift up your hands 2 in the sanctuary ; O clap your hands, 3 all ye people ; Let us come 4 before his presence with singing. He is my refuge 5 and my fortress ; He will not suffer thy 6 foot to be move'd ; As far as the 7 east is from the west So far* has he removed our transgression from us. His banner over me is 9 love; His word 10 have I hid in my heart; The Lord will 11 hear my prayer; Blessed 12 be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen. Singing. No. 26. I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR. I need thee every hour, Most gracious Lord ; No tender voice like thine Can peace afford. 1 Stand up. 2 Lift up hands. 3 Clap hands. 4 Step forward. 6 Look up and point upward. 6 Glance at right foot. z Point east and west. 8 Show distance, moving right hand outward. "Join fingers overhead. 10 Clasp'nands across the heart. u Folded hands uplifted. l2 Raise hands in attitude of blessing. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 55 Chorus. I need thee, O I need thee ; Every hour I need thee ; bless me now, my Saviour, I come to thee ! 1 need thee every hour ; Stay thou near by ; Temptations lose their power When thou art nigh. — Chorus. Supt. God is a spirit : and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Sch. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Supt. Blessed be the name of God, he giveth wis- dom to the wise. Sch. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. Supt. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Sch. I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. Singing. I need thee every hour ; Teach me thy will; And thy rich promises In me fulfill. — Chorus. 56 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. No. 27. In Concert. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Singing. COME TO THE SAVIOUR. Come to the Saviour, make no delay; Here in his word he's shown us the way ; Here in our midst he's standing to-day, Tenderly saying, " Come! " Chorus. Joyful, joyful, will the meeting be, When from sin our hearts are pure and free, And we shall gather, Saviour, with thee, In our eternal home. Supt. The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord. < Sch. And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice. Supt. His glory is great in thy salvation. Sch. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God. Supt. He that doeth the will of God abideth for- ever. In Concert. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Primary Sunday- School Exercises, 57 SUPPLEMENTAL LESSONS. THE TABERNACLE. Supt. Why did God wish tlie children of Israel to build the tabernacle I Sch. " Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." Supt. Of what was the tabernacle built? Sch. Of boards covered with gold. Supt. How large was it? Sch. Forty-five feet long, and fifteen feet wide. Supt. What was the inner curtain ? Sch. Fine linen embroidered in blue, purple, scarlet. Supt. What was the first covering? Sch. Curtains of goats' hair. Supt. What was the next, and of what color? Sch. Earns' skins dyed red. Supt. What was the outer covering ?' Sch. Badgers' skins. Supt. What was around the tabernacle ? Sch. A court or yard. Supt. How large was it ? Sch. One hundred and fifty feet long, and seventy- five feet broad. Supt. How was it inclosed ? Sch. By curtains. 58 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. What was in the court or yard ? Sch. The altar of burnt-offering, and the brazen laver. Supt. How many rooms were there in the taber- nacle, and what were they called ? Sch. Two, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Supt. How were they divided ? Sch. By a beautiful veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen. Supt. "What was behind the veil? Sch. A wooden box, or chest, overlaid with gold, called the Ark. Supt. What was the top called ? Sch. The Mercy-seat. Supt. What covered it ? Sch. Two golden angels. Supt. What was in the Ark ? Sch. The tables of the commandments, the golden pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded. Supt. Which way did the tabernacle always face ? Sch. The east. Supt. What was on the north side of the Holy Place ? Sch. The table of show-bread. Supt. What was on the south? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 59 Sch. The golden candlestick. Supt. What was between them ? Sen. The altar of incense. Supt. Who was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and how often ? Sch. The high-priest, once a year. Supt. Who were anointed priests ? Sch. Aaron and his sons. Supt. Whose tents were before the door of the tabernacle ? Sch. Moses, Aaron, and his sons. Supt. Who took care of the tabernacle ? Sen. The Levites. Supt. How many families of the Levites were there ? Sch. Three. Supt. What was the duty of each ? Sch. The Kohathites upon their shoulders bear The holy vessels, covered with all care; The Gershomites receive an easier charge, Two wagons full of cords and curtains large ; Merari's sons four ponderous wagons load With boards and pillars for the house of God. Supt. Where were they located ? Sen. Kohathites on the south, Gershomites on the west, and the sons of Merari on the north. Supt. Where were the other tribes encamped ? Sch. Afar off about the tabernacle. 60 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. How many camps were there? Sch. Four. Supt. What camp was on the east ? Sch. The camp of Judah. Supt. What tribes were in this camp ? Sch. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun ? Supt. What camp was on the south ? Sch. The camp of Reuben. Supt. What tribes were in this camp % Sch. Eeuben, Simeon, and Gad. Supt. What camp was on the west ? Sch. The camp of Ephraim. Supt. What tribes were in this camp ? Sch. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin? Supt. What camp was on the north ? Sch. The camp of Dan. Supt. What tribes were in this camp? Sch. Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. (Note.— A plan of the tabernacle, court, etc., is found in Chautauqua Text- book, No. 26. This plan, and a skein each of blue, purple, and scarlet worsted and one of linen, will be useful in teaching this lesson.) THE HIGH-PRIEST. (Folio ix, of " The Bible-roll," to be used in teaching this lesson. Published by Phillips & Hunt.) Supt. Who is represented by this central figure ? Sch. A high-priest ? Supt. How was he set apart for this office ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 61 Sch. By anointing with oil. Supt. What place in the tabernacle was the high- priest permitted to enter ? Sch. The Most Holy Place. Supt. How often ? Sch. Once a year. Supt. On what day ? Sch. Day of Atonement. Supt. Name the articles of his dress as I point to them : Sch. Broidered coat, robe, ephod, breastplate, girdle, miter. Supt. [pointing to each as it is described]. What color was the robe ? Sch. Blue. Supt. How was it ornamented around the bot- tom? Sch. With golden bells and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. Supt. How were these arranged ? Sch. A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. Supt. Of what was the ephod made ? Sch. Of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen. Supt. Of how many parts did it consist? 62 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Sch. Two, one covering the back and the other the front. Supt. How was it fastened on the shoulder? Sch. With two large onyx stones. Supt. What was engraven on this stone [pointing to the right] ? Sch. The names of six of the tribes of Israel. Supt. What was engraven on this stone [pointing to the left] ? Sch. The names of six of the tribes of Israel. Supt. How was the ephod fastened around the waist ? Sen. By a curious girdle of fine-twined linen, embroidered with blue and purple and scarlet. Supt. Of what was the breastplate made ? Sch. Of cunning work like the ephod, of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and iine-twined linen. Supt. What are these twelve squares on the breast- plate ? Sch. Twelve precious stones. Supt. What was engraven on them ? Sch. The names of the twelve tribes. Supt. What is this [pointing to the head]? Sen. The miter. Supt. Of what is it made ? Sch. Of fine linen. Supt. What was on the front of it ? Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 63 Sch. A plate of pure gold, on which was engraven. " Holiness to the Lord." Supt. How was it fastened ? Sch. By a blue ribbon. Supt. Did the high-priest wear this dress when he went into the Most Holy Place. Sch. He did not. Supt. What did he wear then ? Sch. The linen dress of the priests. Supt. What has he in his hand [pointing to it]? Sch. A censer. Supt. What was in the censer ? Sch. Burning coals from the altar of burnt-offering ? Supt. What did he sprinkle on the burning coals ? Sch. Incense. Supt. Of what was this incense made? Sch. Of spices and gums. Supt. Whom did God choose for high-priest ? Sch. Aaron. Supt. Who is our High-priest ? Sch. We have a great High-priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Supt. Where were the commandments given ? Sch. On Mount Sinai. Supt. To whom were they given ? 64 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. To the children of Israel. Supt. By whom were they given ? Sch. By God to Moses, and by Moses to the peojDle. Supt. On what were the commandments written ? Sch. On two tables of stone. Supt. How were they written ? Sch. By the finger of God. Supt. Where do we find them ? Sch. In the twentieth chapter of Exodus. Supt. How many commandments are on the first table? Sch. Four. Supt. What do they teach ? Sch. Our duty to God. Supt. What is the first commandment ? Sch. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Supt. What is the second commandment ? Sch. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me ; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 65 Supt. What is the third commandment ? Sch. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Supt. What is the fourth commandment? Sch. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day : wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Siting. No. 3 " Primary Songs," verses 2 and 3. . Supt. How many commandments are on the second table? Sch. Six. Supt. What do they teach ? Sch. Our duty to others. Supt. What is the fifth commandment ? Sch. Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Supt. What is the sixth commandment? 5 66 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Sch. Thou shalt not kill. Supt. What is the seventh commandment ? Sch. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Supt. What is the eighth commandment? Sch. Thou shalt not steal. Supt. What is the ninth commandment? Sch. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Supt. What is the tenth commandment ? Sch. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man- servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. Scpt. What is the sum of the commandments? Sch. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind ; and thy neighbor as thyself. Singing. Page 62, " Songs for Little Folks," verse 3. Supt. It is written : Sch. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things w T hich are written in the book of the law to do them. BIBLE HISTORY. (Picture of a building with five columns appropriately inscribed.) Supt. What do we call this building? Sch. Hall of Bible History. Supt. How many columns has it ? Primary Sunday -School Exercises. 67 Sch. Five. Sitpt. What do they represent ? Sch. Periods of Bible history. Supt. How many years in the first period ? Sch. A thousand years. Supt. How many years in the second period? Sch. A thousand years. Supt. How many years in the third period ? Sch. A thousand years. Supt. How many years in the fourth period ? Sch. A thousand years. Supt. How many years in the fifth period ? Sch. One hundred years. Supt. How many years in the whole five periods ? Sch. Four thousand one hundred years. Supt. Name the five periods ? Sch. From Adam to Enoch, one thousand years ; from Enoch to Abram, one thousand years ; from Abram to Solomon, one thousand years ; from Solo- mon to Christ, one thousand years ; from Christ to the end of Bible History, one hundred years. Supt. Name some of the principal persons in the first period. Sch. Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Seth, Enos, Jared. Supt. Name some of the principal events in the first period. Sch. A Home, Disobedience, Murder. 68 Primary Sunday- School Exercises, Supt. Name some of the principal persons in the second period. Sch. Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham, Japheth. • Supt. Name some of the principal events in the second period. Sch. Sin, Flood, Rainbow, Babel. Supt. Name some of the principal persons in the third period. Sch. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Fifteen Judges, Saul, David. Supt. Name some of the principal events in the third period. Sch. Journeys of Abraham and of Jacob, Wars. Peace, the Kings. Supt. Name some of the principal persons in the fourth period. Sch. Solomon, Nineteen Kings of Israel, Twenty Kings of Judah, Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah. Supt. Name some of the principal persons in the fifth period. Sch. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Herod, Twelve Apostles, Paul, Timothy, Luke, Stephen. Supt. Name some of the principal events in the fifth period. Sch. A "Wonderful Life, the Holy Spirit, the Church. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 69 THE BIBLE. (Chautauquan Lesson.) Supt. "Where do we get the best knowledge? Sch. In the Book of God. Supt. Give seven names by which it is known. Sch. Oracles, Word, Scriptures, Bible, Canon, Law, Testament. Supt. How did God give it to us ? Sch. By showing men what to write. Supt. How many men wrote it ? Sch. About forty. Supt. In what languages was it written ? Sch. Hebrew, Chaldee, Greek. Supt. How was the Bible kept for us ? Sch. Good men copied and took care of it. Supt. What was done that we might read it ? Sch. It was changed into English. Supt. When was the Bible written ? Sch. Between 1500 B. 0. and 100 A. D. Supt, Where, when, and by whom was it changed? Sch. In England; 1611 A. D., by order of King James I.; by forty-seven learned men. Supt. How is the Bible divided ? Sch. Into Old and New Testaments ? Supt. How many books in each Testament ? Sch. Thirty-nine in the Old, twenty-seven in the New. 10 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. What kinds of books are in the Old Tes- tament ? Sch. Five books of the law ; twelve books of his- tory ; five books of poetry ; five large books of prophecy ; twelve small books of prophecy. Supt. What kinds of books are in the New Testament? Sch. Five books about Jesus and the apostles ; four- teen letters by Paul ; seven letters by James, Peter, John, and Jude ; one book of prophecy. Supt. Name the five books of the law. Sch. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuter- onomy. Supt. Name the twelve books of history. Sch. Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I. and II. Samuel, I. and II. Kings, I. and II. Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. Supt. Name the five books of poetry. Sch. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Supt. Name the five large books of prophecy. Sch. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel,Daniel. Supt. Name the twelve small books of prophecy. Sch. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, [Ho., Jo., Am., Ob., Jo., Mi., Na., Ha., Ze., Ha., Ze., Ma.] Supt. Name the five books about Jesus and the apostles. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 11 Sch. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts. Supt. Name the fourteen letters by Paul. Sch. Romans, I. and II. Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I. and II. Thessa- lonians, I. and II. Timothy, Titus, Philemon, He- brews. Supt. Name the seven letters by James, Peter, John, and Jude. Sch. James, I. and II. Peter, I., II., and III. John, Jude. Supt. Name the one book of prophecy. Sch. Revelation. THE BOOK OF BOOKS. Supt. What numbers did I give you to remember ? Sch. 1, 2, 66, 39, 27, 1,600. Supt. To what does 1 refer ? Sch. One Holy Book, the Bible. Supt. To what does 2 refer ? Sch. The two divisions of the Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament. Supt. To what does 66 refer? Sch. Number of books in the Bible. Supt. To what does 39 refer ? Sch. Number of books in the Old Testament. Supt. To what does 27 refer? Sch. Number of books in the New Testament. 12 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. To what does 1,600 refer ? Sen. Time between the writing of Genesis and Revelation. Supt. How are the books of the Old Testament classified ? Sch. Pentateuch, Historical, Poetical, Prophetical. Supt. How many books in the Pentateuch ? Sch. Five. Supt. How many Historical books in the Old Tes- tament ? Sch. Twelve. Supt. How many Poetical books in the Old Tes- tament ? Sch. Five. Supt. How many Prophetical books in the Old Tes- tament ? Sch. Seventeen. Supt. How are these subdivided ? Sch. Into major and minor prophets. Supt. How many major prophets ? Sch. Five. Supt. How many minor prophets ? Sch. Twelve. Supt. Repeat the names of the books of the Old Testament. Sch. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuter- onomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I. Samuel, II. Samuel, Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 73 I. Kings, II. Kings, I. Chronicles, II. Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obacliah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zech- ariah, Malachi. Supt. How are the books of the New Testament classified ? Sch. Historical, Epistolary, Prophetical. Supt. How many Historical books in the New Tes- tament ? Sch. Five. Supt. How many Epistolary books in the New Tes- tament ? Sch. Twenty-one. . Scjpt. How many Prophetical books in the New Testament ? Sch. One. Supt. Name the books of the New Testament. Sch. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Eomans, I. Corinthians, II. Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I. Thessalonians, II. Thessa- lonians, I, Timothy, II. Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, I. Peter, II. Peter, I. John, II. John, III. John, Jude, Revelation. Supt. In what three languages was the Bible written ? Sch. Hebrew, Chaldee, Greek. 74 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. "What part was written in Hebrew ? Sch. Nearly all the Old Testament. Supt. What part was written inChaldee? Sch. One half of Daniel, one third of Ezra, and one verse in Jeremiah. Supt. What part was written in Greek ? Sch. The New Testament. Supt. How many different writers were employed in writing the Bible ? Sch. About forty. Supt. Under whom was the Bible we use translated ? Sch. King James I., of England. Supt. When was it begun ? Sch. In 1607. Supt. When was it finished? Sch. In 1611. Supt. By how many men ? Sch. Forty-seven. Supt. What should be our prayer as we study the Bible? Sch. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold won- drous things out of thy law. THE JUDGES. Supt. Who led the children of Israel into Canaan ? Sch. Joshua. Supt. What did they do after the death of Joshua ? Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 15 Sch. They worshiped the gods of their heathen neighbors. Supt. What was their punishment ? Sch. They were oppressed by their enemies. Supt. When they repented of their sin, what did God do ? Sch. He raised up deliverers. Supt. What were they called ? Sch. Judges. Supt. How long did they rule ? Sch. Four hundred and fifty years. Supt. How many were there ? Sch. Fifteen. Supt. Name them. Sch. Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar,, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzon, Elon, Abdon, Samson, Eli, Samuel. Supt. Who was the first judge ? Sch. Othniel. Supt. Who was left-handed ? Sch. Ehud. Supt. Who slew r six hundred Philistines with an ox- goad ? Sch. Shamgar. Supt. Which one of the Judges was a woman ? Sch. Deborah. Supt. Who was a brave, warlike man ? 76 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Sch. Gideon. Supt. Who made a rash vow ? Sch. Jephthah. Supt. "Who died suddenly when he heard his sons were slain in battle ? Sch. Eli. Supt. Who was the last judge ? Sch. Samuel. THE KINGS. Supt. Who ruled the Jews after the Judges? Sch. Kings. Supt. How did they come to have kings ? Sch. They wished to be like other nations. Supt. What is the date of the monarchy? Sch. 1095 B. C. Supt. Who was the first king ? Sch. Saul. Supt. How long did he reign ? Sch. Forty years. Supt. Who was the second king ? Sch. David. Supt. How long did he reign ? Sch. Forty years. Supt. Who was the third king ? Sch. Solomon. Supt. How long did he reign? Primary Sunday-School Exercises, 77 Sch. Forty years. Supt. What happened after the death of Solomon? Sch. The kingdom was divided. Supt. What is the date of the division ? Sch. 975 B. C. Supt. How many tribes revolted ? Sch. Ten. Supt. How many remained loyal ? Sch. Two, Jndah and Benjamin. Supt. What was the kingdom of the ten tribes called ? Sch. Israel. Supt. Where was their capital? Sch. At Samaria. Supt. How many kings had Israel ? Sch. Nineteen. Supt. How long did the kingdom of Israel last ? Sch. Two hundred and fifty-four years. Supt. By whom and when w T ere the people taken captive ? Sch. By Shalmanezer, king of Assyria, 721 B. C. Supt. Did they ever return ? Sch. They did not. Supt. What are they called ? Sch. The lost tribes. Supt. What was the kingdom of the two tribes called ? Sch. Judah. 78 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Where was their capital ? Sch. At Jerusalem. Supt. How many kings had Judah ? Sch. Twenty. Supt. How long did the kingdom of Judah last ? Sch. Three hundred and eighty-eight years. Supt. By whom and when w T ere they taken captive ? Sch. By Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, 587 B.C. Supt. How long did they remain in captivity ? Sch. Seventy years. THE BEATITUDES OF JESUS. Supt. Blessed are the poor in spirit : Sch. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Supt. Blessed are they that mourn : Sch. For they shall be comforted. Supt. Blessed are the meek : Sch. For they shall inherit the earth. Supt. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : Sch. For they shall be filled. Supt. Blessed are the merciful : Sch. For they shall obtain mercy. Supt. Blessed are the pure in heart : Sch. For they shall see God. Supt. Blessed are the peace-makers : Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 79 Sch. For they shall be called the children of God. Supt. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake : Sch. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Supt. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Together. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad : for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. [Draw nine bells on the blackboard, or manilla paper, each with the word " Blessed " on it, to repre- sent the Beatitudes, or pin to the blackboard the bells cut out of silver paper, in such a way as to give some idea of how a chime of bells looks.] Supt. "What word is on each of these bells? Sch. Blessed. Supt. How many are there, and what do they rep- resent ? Sch. Nine. They represent the Blesseds of Jesus. Supt. By what other name are they called ? Sch. The Beatitudes. Supt. What shall we call the music of these bells ? Sch. Love. Supt. Love to whom ? Sch. Love to God and love to every body. 80 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. [Superintendent pointing to each bell, assistant striking her bell, class recite the Beatitudes as the superintendent calls for each one by number. The Monastery Bells played upon the piano would make a fine accompaniment.] BEATITUDES FROM THE PSALMS. Supt. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Sch. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. Supt. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Sch. Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust. Supt. Blessed is the man whom thou chastiseth, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. Sch. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. Supt. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house. Sch. In the house of the Lord forever. THE SEVEN BEATITUDES OF REVELATION. 1. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy. 2. Blessed is he that watcheth. 3. Blessed are they that do his commandments. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 81 4. Blessed are they which are called unto the mar- riage supper of the Lamb. 5. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. 6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. 1. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. OTHER BEATITUDES. Supt. Blessed is he that considereth the poor : Sch. The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Supt. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : Sch. For when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life. Supt. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; Sch. That walketh in his ways. Supt. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, Sch. That seek him with the whole heart. Supt. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh Sch. Shall find so doing. Supt. Blessed is the man Sch. Who maketh the Lord his trust. Supt. Blessed are they that hear the word of God, Sch. And keep it. Supt. Blessed is he that cometh Soh. In the name of the Lord. 82 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. THE TWELVE APOSTLES. Supt. "What is the meaning of apostle ? Sch. One sent forth. Supt. Sent forth for what ? Sch. To preach the Gospel. Supt. How many apostles did Jesus send forth to preach the Gospel ? Sch. Twelve. Supt. Can you tell me their names ? Sch. Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother ; Philip and Bartholomew ; Thomas and Mat- thew, the publican ; Alpheus and Lebbeus, whose sur- name is Thaddeus ; Simon, the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Supt. Who was called " the disciple whom Jesus loved?" Sch. John. Supt. When the five thousand were fed in the wil- derness, which of the apostles pointed out the lad with the five barley loaves and the two fishes ? Sch. Andrew. Supt. Which one told Jesus he had left all to fol- low him, and afterward denied him % Sch. Peter. Supt. Who was called the doubting disciple ? Sch. Thomas. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 83 Supt. Who betrayed his Lord ? Sch. Judas Iscariot. Supt. Who was chosen in Judas's place? Sch. Matthias. Supt. Which of the apostles first suffered martyr- dom ? Sch. James. Supt. By whom, to whom, where, and when was the command given, " Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature ? " Sch. By our Saviour, to the apostles as they sat at meat, after his resurrection, and just before his ascension. Supt. On the foundation of the walls of what city are the names of the twelve apostles written ? Sch. The New Jerusalem. And the walls of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. THE "I AMS" OF JESUS. 1. I am the door. 2. I am the way. 3. I am the truth. 4. I am the life. 5. I am the vine. 6. I am the bread of life. 7. I am the good shepherd. 84 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 8. I am the resurrection and the life. 9. I am the light of the world. Supt. Jesus said unto them, Sen. Whom seek ye ? Supt. They answered him, Sch. Jesus of Nazareth. Supt. He said unto them, Sch. I am He. THE CROSS. [Superintendent pointing to a cross on the board]. Sch. Beautiful cross by faith I see Planted on Calvary for rne ; Cross of the suffering Lamb of God, Under thy pressing weight he trod. Supt. Of what was the cross a symbol before the resurrection ? Sch. Of death. Supt. Of what after the resurrection ? Sch. Of hope. Supt. Of what is it now a memorial ? Sch. Of life everlasting. Supt. In what alone should we glory ? Sch. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Singing. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 85 Jesus, keep me near the cross. There a precious fountain, Free to all a healing stream, Flows from Calvary's fountain. Chorus. In the cross, in the cross Be my glory ever ; Till my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river. Near the cross I'll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever, Till I reach the golden strand Just beyond the river. Supt. What is this around the cross ? Sch. A chain. Supt. How many numbered links in the chain ? Sch. Twelve. Supt. What do they represent ? Sch. The twelve lessons of the quarter. Supt. What do we take as the foundation of our lesson -cross? Sch. Jesus Christ. Supt. Why? Sch. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." THE DECALOGUE OF CHARITY. Supt. We have learned ten commandments this quarter, what do we call them ? 86 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Sch. The Decalogue of Charity. Supt. What is the Bible meaning of charity ? Sch. Love. Supt. What is the first commandment ? Sch. Thou shalt suffer and be kind. Supt. Second? Sch. Thou shalt not envy. Supt. Third? Sch. Thou shalt not vaunt thyself, nor be puffed up. Supt. Fourth ? Sch. Thou shalt not behave thyself unseemly. Supt. Fifth? Sch. Thou shalt not seek thine own. Supt. Sixth? Sch. Thou shalt not be easily provoked. Supt. Seventh? Sch. Thou shalt think no evil. Supt. Eighth? Sch. Thou shalt not rejoice in iniquity, but thou shalt rejoice in truth. Supt. Ninth? Sch. Thou shalt bear, all things, and endure all things. Supt. Tenth? Sen. Thou shalt believe all things, and hope ail things. Singing. No. 55, " Primary Songs." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 87 THE WORDLESS BOOK. Supt. [holding up a little book with the above title.] What is the name of this book ? Sch. The Wordless Book. Supt. As I open it, what do I find % Sch. Two black leaves. Supt. What do they represent ? Sen. Sin. Supt. What does God say of man's heart? First? Sch. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Supt. Second? Sch. There is none righteous ; no, not one. Supt. Third? Sch. So death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Singing. No. 19, "International Lesson Hymnal," 1879, " Lord have Mercy." Supt. [turning the page]. What do I find ? Sch. Two red leaves. Supt. What do they represent ? Sch. Blood. Supt. What do we learn from them ? Sch. God's remedy for a black heart. Supt. We learned three verses about this. First? Sch. Without shedding of blood is no remission. 88 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Second? Sch. Redeemed as with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. Supt. Third? Sch. Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. Singing. No. 254, " Gospel Hymns," " Saved by the Blood." Supt. [turning the pages again]. What do I find ? Sen. Two white leaves. Supt. What do they represent ? Sch. Righteousness. Supt. To what is righteousness likened in Revela- tion? Sch. To fine linen, clean and white. Supt. What are these which are arrayed in white robes ? and whence came they ? Sch. These are they which came out of great trib- ulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Supt. What does Isaiah say of these blood-washed ones ? Sch. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Primary Sunday- School Exercises, 89 Singing. Words written expressly for this exercise, by Miss Ellen Oliver. White Robes. I know that the Saviour, in shedding his blood, Did cleanse us from sin and from shame, In garments of righteousness, stainless and white, He clothes all who come in his name. Chorus. There are white robes, there are white robes, For all who from evil shall flee. Are there white robes, blessed white robes, In waiting for you and for me? God wants us each day to live spotless from guile, To keep our hearts tender and pure ; For only the spirits redeemed by his grace Of heavenly welcome are sure. — Chorus. Supt. What do I find on the last page? Sch. Two golden leaves. Supt. What do they represent ? Sch. The glory which Jesus shared with the white- robed ones. Supt. You learned three verses about this glory. First? Sch. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Supt. Second? Sch. The city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. Supt. Third? 90 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. The glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Singing. No. 5, " Primary Songs." Supt. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Sch. Unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Sijpt. Amen. Sing " Gloria Patri." THE NAMES OF JESUS. Singing. Page 32, " Pure Delight," "The Sweetest Name." Supt. Jesus is called by many names in the Bible. We can only talk about a few of them to-day. What did the angels say to the shepherds about him ? Sch. Ye shall find the babe lying in a manger. Supt. He was once, then, a little child. What kind of a child was he ? Sch. He was obedient, wise, and good. Supt. But every child must have a name. Who gave a name to this one ? Sch. God sent an angel down from heaven to name him. Primary Sunday- School Exercises, 91 Supt. What a wonderful name that must have been ! Can you tell me what the angel said ? Sch. Thou shalt call his name Jesus : for he shall save his people from their sins. Singing. No. 73, " Gospel Bells," " Glory be to Jesus' name." Supt. What did the prophet Isaiah say about his name ? , Sch. His name shall be called Wonderful, Coun- selor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Supt. What did Zacharias say about him ? Sch. The Day-Spring from on high hath visited us. Supt. What did John the Baptist say of him ? Sch. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Supt. God calls him My Beloved Son ; in what other way is he called Son ? Sch. He is called the Son of David, the Son of Mary, the Son of the Blessed, the Son of the Highest. Supt. What does he call himself? Sch. The Son of Man. Supt. Did he call himself by any other names ? Sch. He said, I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the Good Shepherd, I am the Bright and Morning Star. 92 Primary, Sunday- School Exercises. Singing. No. 44, " Primary Songs." Supt. What name did his enemies give him, that makes him very dear to us? Sch. They called him the Friend of Sinners. Supt. He is sometimes called a Prince ; does the Bible say any thing about that ? Sch. He is called the Prince of Peace ; he is the Prince of Life ; he is the Prince of the kings of the earth. Supt. He is also called a King, what does the Bible say about that ? Sch. He is called the King of the Jews, the King of Glory, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Supt. How does the Bible say this King was crowned ? Sch. Crowned with a crown of thorns ; Crowned with glory and honor ; Crowned with a crown of pure gold ; Crowned with many crowns. Singing. No. 2, " Gospel Bells." Crown the Saviour with your praises, Children, tune your voices sweet, Till each heart its tribute raises, Wafted to the mercy-seat. Chorus. Crown him, ye children ! cheerfully sing, Glory hallelujah ! glory hallelujah ! Crown him, ye children, Jesus is King. Jesus, Jesus is King. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 93 Crown the Saviour, children, crown him, Wake on earth responsive chords, In your happy hearts enthrone him, King of kings, and Lord of lords ! — Chorus. By permission of Rev. J. E. Rankin, D.D. Supt. Blessed be his glorious name forever, Sch. And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Supt. Amen ! Sch. And Amen ! Singing. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. THE PROMISES OF JESUS. Supt. The first commandment with promise relates to children. Repeat it. Sch. Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Supt. Eepeat another promise that the children may claim. Sch. I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. Supt. How does the Bible speak of the promises of Jesus ? Sch. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises. 94 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Do his promises ever fail ? Sch. There hath not failed one word of all his good promises. Singing. "Words by Miss Ellen Oliver. Tune, "Straub." Jesus ne'er forgets nor falters, All his words are true; Whatsoever he has promised, That he'll surely do. Chorus. Truer, sweeter, Than all words beside, Are the promises of Jesus, In them we'll abide. His unfailing, wondrous pledges, Are for every heart ; In them, though but little children, We have each a part. — Chorus. Stjpt. "We will now consider some of the promises of Jesus that are very sweet to us. What of the promise of Friendship ? [Poetry of this exercise to be repeated by one of the children.] Child. Does he promise to befriend us All along life's lonely way! Does he promise his disciples, He will ever with them stay? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 95 Does he promise he'll continue True and faithful to the end? Does he promise, does he promise, He will be our precious friend? Sch. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I com- mand you. Henceforth I call you . . . friends ; for all tilings that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Singing. Page 76, " Little Pilgrim Songs." There's a Friend for little children, Above the bright blue sky, A Friend that never changes, "Whose love will never die. Unlike our friends by nature, Who change with changing years, This Friend is always worthy The precious name he bears. Supt. What of the promise of Comfort? Child. Does he promise he will comfort, When our hearts are worn and sad? Is there any balm in Gilead, Quick to heal and make us glad? Does he promise when in trouble, He will bring us safely through? Does he promise he will surely Be a Comforter to you? Sch. Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in me. I will not leave you com- fortless : I will come to you. 96 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Singing. "Jesus Knows." Words and music by Mrs. Y. J. Kent. All our little heartaches, All our joys and woes, All our hopes and wishes, Jesus says he knows. He will always cheer us, Listen to our prayers, For the loving Saviour, For his children cares. Sttpt. What of the promise of Help ? m Child. Does he promise he will quicken, And lift up the fainting soul? Does he promise he will strengthen Pilgrim saints to reach the goal ? Does he promise strength in weakness ? Is his strength made perfect, too ? Does he promise grace sufficient For the work we have to do? Sch. My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Singing. Page 92, " Little Pilgrim Songs." Supt. What of the promise of his Presence ? Child. Does he promise that his presence Shall go with us to the end? Will our dear Lord ne'er forsake us ? Will he all our steps attend? Primary Sunday School Exercises. 97 If I listen, may his footsteps, Always near, be heard by me? Does he promise, does he promise He will always with us be? Sch. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Singing. Words by Miss Ellen Oliver. Jesus will always be with us, E'en to the end of the world; Over us al ways in mercy, His banner of love's unfurled. Chorus. "Lo, I am with you alway," This, the blest promise he sends ; "Lo, I am with you alway," Always your truest of friends. Always the Saviour is with us, Far though our footsteps may roam, Ever he's tenderly leading, Up to his heavenly home. — Chorus. Supt. What of the promise of Forgiveness ? Child. Does he promise to forgive us, If to him we humbly come? Has he promised to receive us, If in sin no more we roam? Is he merciful and gracious, Is his heart all tenderness? Is that dear heart ever open, Sinners to forgive and bless? 98 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Singing. No. 62, "Little Pilgrim's Songs," verse 1. Supt. What of the promise of Heaven? Child. Does lie promise he will bring us Safely to our home at last? Does he promise rest in heaven When life's weary toil is past? Has he gone celestial mansions For his loved ones to prepare? Does he promise his disciples Shall be with him there? Sch. In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again, and re- ceive you unto myself ; that where I am, there ye may be also. Singing. No. 5, "Primary Songs." Supt. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Sch. Unto him be glory . . . throughout all ages, world without end. Singing. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 99 MISSIONARY EXERCISE. Supt. Sing praises to God, sing praises. Sch. Sing praises unto our King, sing praises. Singing. No. 54, " Primary Songs." Supt. What should be the measure of our giving ? Sch. Freely ye have received, freely give. Collection, with singing. We come to ask our Father now, That eyes be made to see, And hearts to burn, and lips to say, What can I give to thee? Chorus. We are a little mission band, With hearts right brave to do ; We'll give to Jesus all we can And prove our love is true. We know we're little, and our store Of pennies is but small ; But then we want to give e'en these To God, who giveth all. Supt. Does Jesus know what gifts you have brought him to-day? Sch. Jesus sat beside the treasury, Saw the pennies as they came, Knew the hearts that loved to give them For the sake of his dear name. Supt. Let us bow our heads and ask a blessing on what we have given. 100 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Together. Jesus, bless the ones we brought thee, Give them something sweet to do ; May they help some one to love thee : Jesus, may we love thee, too. Singing. Missionary Music. Have you ever brought a penny To the missionary box? A penny that you might have spent, Like other little folks. And when it fell among the rest, Have you ever heard a ring, Like a pleasant sound of welcome That the other pennies sing ? This is missionary music, And it has a pleasant sound, For pennies make a shilling, And shillings make a pound, And many pounds together The Gospel news will send, Which tells the heathen children That the Saviour is their friend. Supt. What is the object of our mission band ? Sch. To help send the Gospel to the heathen. Supt. "What is a pledge ? Sch. Promising to do something, and then stick- ing to it. Supt. What is our pledge ? All together [with uplifted hand]. I promise to do all I can to help the heathen and missionaries in heathen lands by (1) praying for them, (2) work- i Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 101 ing for them, (3) giving for them, (4) learning about them, (5) trying to interest others in them. Singing. " The Children's Missionary Hymn." We are but a band of children "Working for the blessed Lord; Not too small to do his bidding, Nor to heed his glorious word, When he says: "Go, tell the people, Who have never heard my name, That to lift them out of darkness Christ, the Lord of glory, came." So we bring our pennies, asking That, like tiny grains of corn, They may yield a rich soul-harvest In the resurrection morn ; And that some poor heathen children Round the throne with us may stand, Brought there by the prayers and pennies Of our little mission band. Supt. Who are the heathen ? Sen. Those who worship idols, and have no knowl- edge of the true God. Supt. How does the Bible describe these idols ? Sch. [with appropriate motions]. They have mouths, but they speak not : eyes have they, but they see not : they have ears, but they hear not : noses have they, but they smell not : feet have they, but they walk not. 102 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Who are like them ? Sch. They that make them are like unto them ; so is every one that trusteth in them. Supt. And do they know nothing of Jesus Christ, who came into the w T orld to save sinners? Have they never heard that the Bible says, " Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved ? " Sch. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? Supt. And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? Sch. And how shall they hear without a preacher ? Supt. And how shall they preach, except they be sent ? as it is written, Together. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tid- ings of good things. Supt. What glad tidings would you send to the little ones over the sea ? Singing. Page 66, " Songs for Little Folks, 55 " Good News for Little Children. 55 Supt. What are those people called who go to teach the heathen ? Sch. Missionaries. Supt. Did Christ have any missionaries in his early Church? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 103 Sch. These twelve Jesus sent forth. After these tilings the Lord appointed seventy also. Supt. Give some of the marching orders of our King. Sch. Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gos- pel to every creature. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Supt. What promise has God given to his mis- sionaries ? Sch. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Supt. Can we who remain at home do any thing to help God's messengers in heathen lands ? Sch. We can help them by our money and by our prayers. Supt. If we are truly in earnest in serving God, w T hat more can we do ? Sch. We can tell the story of God's love wher- ever we are. Singing. No. 27, " Primary Songs," verse 3. Treasurer's report. Recitation and " The Missionary Hymn." One of the children recites : " Now let us sing," the preacher said; And, as his book he lifted, Across his patient, careworn face A bright expression drifted. 104 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Stood listening the forest trees, Around that cabin lowly ; Halted the wolf and sniffed the breeze, On which came faintly, slowly: Sch. [Singing.] From Greenland's icy mountains, From India's coral strand, Where Afric's sunny fountains Roll down their golden sand ; From many an ancient river, From many a palmy plain, They call us to deliver Their land from error's chain. Recitation. * ' Now let us sing, " and at the word, From prairie pulpit uttered, Like rustling leaves before a shower The white-winged pages fluttered; Then burst the hymn, the tall grass waved, The grouse stirred in its cover, Still stood the deer, with head erect, Up sprang the startled plover : Singing. What though the spicy breezes Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle ; Though every prospect pleases, And only man is vile? In vain with lavish kindness The gifts of God are strown; The heathen in his blindness Bows down to wood and stone. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 105 Eecitation. " Now let us sing; " the city throng, Crowding around the preacher, The tale of heathen weal and woe Had heard from earnest teacher. The breath of organ, chant of choir, In grand reverberation, Shook transept, nave, and vaulted roof With fervent deprecation : Singing. Shall we, whose souls are lighted By wisdom from on high ; Shall we to men benighted, The lamp of life deny? Salvation! O Salvation! The joyful sound proclaim, Till earth's remotest nation Has learned Messiah's name. Kecitation. Where'er is heard our English tongue, From continent to ocean, The wondrous hymn, those burning lines, Are sung with deep emotion. From distant isles, from China seas, Resolve and courage bringing ; From Saxon, Indian, African, To-day the words are ringing: Singing. Waft, waft, ye winds, his story, And you, ye waters, roll, Till, like a sea of glory, It spreads from pole to pole : 106 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Till o'er our ransomed nature, The Lamb for sinners slain, Redeemer, King, Creator, In bliss returns to reign. Recitation. O lyric grand ! thy noble words, All noble deeds suggesting, Have ever stirred the Christian heart To work and toil unresting ; And, till the Church's fight is fought, Thine utterances glorious, A battle-cry, a trumpet-call, Shall lead the host victorious. Singing. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. A SHORT LESSON ON THE BIBLE. Supt. What is the first verse in the Bible ? Sch. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Supt. What is the shortest verse in the Bible ? Sch. Jesus wept. Supt. What is the sweetest word in the Bible ? Sch. Love. Supt. The greatest word ? Sch. God. Supt. The most important word ? Sch. Now. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 107 Supt. What three words comprise the greatest command ? Sch. Love God now. Supt. What is the central thought of the Bible ? Sch. Sin, its cure. Jesus, our Saviour. Heaven, our home. Supt. What do we find in the Bible ? Sch. While with wonder and with praise On all God's works we look, His wisdom, glory, power, and praise, Shine brightest in his Book. Supt. Why should we value the Bible ? Sch. There we our choicest treasures find, There our best comfort lies ; If on our heart God's law we bind, Our want he satisfies. Supt. What do we learn from the Bible ? Sch. We learn how Jesus, God's own Son, Did take our flesh and blood ; And for our lives gave up his own, To make our peace with God. Supt. How should we prize the Bible ? Sch. As more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. Supt. What should be our prayer as we study the Bible? Sch. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 108 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. "What is the last verse of the Bible ? Sch. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Singing. No. 26, " Primary Songs." A SIMPLE EXERCISE FOR THE LITTLE ONES. Supt. Who made all things ? Sch. God made all things in earth and sky, From worms that creep to clouds that fly. Supt. Where is God ? Sch. I cannot find a lonely spot Where the Almighty God is not. Supt. What is God? Sch. God is a spirit, just and wise, We cannot see with mortal eyes. Supt. Can God see you ? Sch. He sees me in the darkest night, As well as in the noonday light. Supt. Can you hide from God ? Sch. I cannot from his presence fly, Nor hide me from his piercing eye. Supt. How long has God lived ? Sch. Before the sun : he lived always, I cannot count eternal days. Supt. Is God great ? Sch. He must be very, very great, Who could such mighty works create. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 109 Supt. Is God powerful ? Sch. He holds the lightnings in his hand, And thunders roll at his command. Supt. Is God holy % Sch. He is so holy and so pure, He can't the smallest sin endure. Supt. Is God good ? Sch. How good he is no man can tell, Nor angels, who in glory dwell. Supt. Is God merciful? Sch. If I repent, he will forgive My sinful soul, and let it live. Supt. What is the definition of God, in the Cate- chism % Sch. God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, and un- changeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Supt. Does a great and holy God care for little children \ Singing. " Primary Teachers' Hand-book," page 225. God cares for every little child, That on this large earth Uveth ; He gives him home and food and clothes, And more than these God giveth. Chorus. For he is alwavs giving, For every creature living; How can we love and praise enough The God who's ever giving ? 110 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. What else does he do ? Sch. He makes the earth all beautiful, He makes my eyes to see, And touch and hearing, taste and smell, He gives them all to me. — Chorus. Supt. What can you give him for all these bless- ings ? Sch. What can a little child give? From his bright home above The great God smiles, and reaches down, To take his children's love. — Chorus. ALPHABET OF TEXTS. A. And thou shalt call his name Jesns : for he shall save his people from their sins. Matt, i, 21. B. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Acts xvi, 31. C. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt, xi, 28. D. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James iv, 8. E. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of God. Matt, xviii, 3. F. For every one that asketh receiveth. Matt, vii, 8. G. God so loved th%world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii, 16. Primary Sunday -School Exercises. Ill H. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. John iii, 36. I. I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep. John x, 14. J. Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matt, vii, 1. Singing. No. 86, " Gospel Bells," "The Wee Lambs of the Fold." Ellen Oliver. By permission of Professor J. W. Bischoff. O hearken, dear Saviour, O hearken, To the tender wee lambs of the fold ; Reach out thy strong arm and protect us, Lest we wander away in the cold. Chorus. O shelter the little wee lambs of the fold, Shelter them warm from the biting cold. Shelter the lambs, shelter the lambs, The little wee lambs of the fold. The world is so near to our vision, And its pathways so many and wide ; We never can tread them in safety, Bless'd Saviour, unless thou wilt guide. Thy love is our only salvation, Give us early this lesson to learn; From sins and temptations of childhood To its shelter, O help us to turn. O carry the lambs in thy bosom, Like the tender good Shepherd of old ; And guard us with care all so faithful That none shall be lost from thy fold. 112 Primary Sunday- School Exercises, K. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 21. L. Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Luke vi, 27. M. Mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Luke ii, 30. N. Now the just shall live by faith. Hab. ii, 4. O. Obey your parents in all things : for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Col. iii, 20. P. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. John xiv, 27. Q. Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thess. v, 19. R. Remember now T thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Eccl. xii, 1. S. Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Luke xviii, 16. Singing. No. 53, " Primary Songs." T. Those that seek me early shall find me. Prov. viii, 17. U. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Psa. cxxiii, 1. Y. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life. John v, 24. W. Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. xxii, 17. # Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 113 X. ? Xalt ye the Lord our God and worship at his footstool ; for he is holy. Psa. xcix, 5. Y. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I com- mand you. John xv, 14. Z. Zion heard it and rejoiced. Sing " Gloria Patri." TEMPTATION. Supt. What is our motto for this quarter ? Sch. Help in Temptation. Supt. What is our prayer ? Sch. [chant]. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Supt. Was Jesus ever tempted to do wrong? Sch. He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Supt. We will now tell this w r onderful story in the w r ords found in the Bible : Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil Sch, And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. Supt. And when the tempter came to him, he said, Sch. If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 8 114 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. But he answered and said, It is written, Sch. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Supt. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, Sch. If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down : for it is written, He shall give his angels charge con- cerning thee : and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Supt. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Sch. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Supt. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them ; and saith unto him, Sch. All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Supt. Then saith Jesus unto him, Sch. Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Supt. Then the devil leaveth him, Sch. And, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Supt. To whom can you go for strength when you are tempted to do wrong ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 115 Singing. Ho. 153, "Gospel Bells," " Give me Strength." By permission of Prof. J. W. Bischotf. Give me strength when I am tempted ; Shepherd, guide my steps aright ; May thy weak and trembling lambs, Never wander from thy sight. Chorus. Give me strength, O give me strength, Give me strength when I am tempted, Give me strength when I am tempted, Give me strength, strength when I am tempted. Then when thou dost call me home, Ever in thy home above, I, thy little lamb, shall rest In the bosom of thy love. — Chorus. Supt. Does Satan ever come to us and try to make us do wrong ? Sch. He does. Supt. Can we see him when he comes? Sch. "We cannot. Supt. How then can we tell when he is near us ? Sch. He makes us feel as if we wanted to do wrono;, Supt. What should we say to him when he tries to make us do wrong ? Sch. We should say as Jesus said, " Get thee hence, Satan." Supt. What are we promised if we resist him. Sch. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 116 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Does Jesus, from his beautiful home in heaven, watch over and pity you when you are tempted to do wrong ? Singing. No. 34, "Primary Songs," verses 2, 3, 4. Supt. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; Sch. But will with the temptation also make a way to escape, Supt. That ye may be able to bear it. Singing. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. A CHRISTMAS EXERCISE. Supt. What is our motto for this Christmas time ? Sen. The Holy Child Jesus. Supt. Why did Jesus live all these child-years on earth, instead of staying in heaven till it was time to come and die for you ? Sch. One reason was that he might leave us a beau- tiful example, so that we might wish to be like him. Supt. Ought not you to be very glad of this ? Sch. [recite]. I'm glad our blessed Saviour Was once a child like me, To show how pure and holy His little ones might be. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 117 And if I try to follow His footsteps here below, He never will forget me, Because he loves me so. Singing. Page 53, " Silvery Echoes." By permission of Crider Bros., Pub., York, Pa. Saviour, thou wast once a child, Holy, harmless, undefiled; Humble was thy human birth, When thou earnest down to earth. Chorus. Praise him, little children, Praise his holy name ; O, come and join with one accord ; Praise the meek and lowly, Praise him pure and holy, Come and love and praise the Lord. Since on tender childhood's head, Once thy loving hands were laid, All the children of the race Have obtained a nobler place. — Chorus. Suffer us to come to thee, Meek and lowly, pure and free ; Little children, Lord, we come; For us all thine arms have room. — Chorus. Supt. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given : Sch. And the government shall be upon his shoul- der : Supt. And his name shall be called 118 Primary Sunday-School Exercises, Sch. Wonderful, Supt. Counselor, Sch. The mighty God, Supt. The everlasting Father, Sch. And the Prince of Peace. Singing. IsTo. 63, " Primary Songs." Supt. How did he come, with princely fame ? Sch. A little child to earth he came. Supt. Who brought the news to Bethlehem's plain ? Sch. Angels, who sang in sweetest strain. Supt. Who heard the tidings with delight? Sch. Shepherds, who watched their flocks by night. Supt. What said that wondrous, heavenly lay? Sch. To you a Saviour's born this day. Supt. Where hasted they, with willing feet? Sch. To Bethlehem, their Lord to greet. Supt. For what had Israel waited long? Sch. A King and Saviour, Christ, the strong. Supt. What tells us this from year to year ? Sch. Our Christmas day, so full of cheer. Singing. 'No. 38, "Primary Songs." S upt. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Sch. Where is he that is born King of the Jews ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 119 for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Singing. Music, page 123, " Songs for Little Folks." Silent night, peaceful night, All things sleep, shepherds keep Watch on Bethlehem's silent hill, And unseen, when all is still, Angels watch above, Ad gels watch above. Supt. And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. Sch. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Supt. And they brought unto him gifts ; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Singing. Bright the star shines afar, Guiding travelers on their way, Who, their gold and incense bring, Offerings to the promised King ; Child of David's line, Child of David's line. Supt. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him. Sch. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, 120 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. art not the least among the princes of Juda : for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my peo- ple Israel. Singing. Light around, joyous sound, Angel voices wake the air, Glory be to God in heaven, Peace on earth to you is given, Lo, the Christ is born, Lo, the Christ is born. Supt. What holiday greeting have you for the friends who have listened so patiently to these exer- cises ? Singing. " Christmas Carol," No. 3, " Lessons for Little Folks." Mrs. V. J. Kent. Sch. [facing the audience]. Merry, Merry Christmas, Hoping you may see ; And a Happy New Year Come to you and me ; Merry, Merry Christmas, Hoping you may see ; And a Happy New Year Come to you and me. May we through the coming year, All be spared to worship here. Merry, Merry Christmas, Hoping you may see, And a Happy New Year Come to you and me. By permission of Fairbanks & Palmer, Chicago, Publishers. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 121 AN EASTER SERVICE. Supt. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors ; Sch. And the King of Glory shall come in. Supt. Who is this King of Glory ? Sch. The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Supt. Lift up your* heads, O ye gates ; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors ; Sch. And the King of Glory shall come in. Supt. Who is this King of Glory ? Sch. The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory. Singing. Page 6, " Story of the Resurrection,-' " O Happy Easter Morning." Recitation. " Easter Sunday Morn." 'Twas on the Easter Sunday morn, That from the blessed skies, Came down the holy angels To see the Lord arise ; To see our dear Lord Jesus rise From death, whose bonds were riven, And give him back unto his friends Before he went to heaven. No longer must the mourners weep, Nor call departed Christians dead ; For death is hallowed into sleep, And every grave becomes a bed. 122 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Now once more Eden's door, Opened stands to mortal eyes ; For Christ hath risen, and man shall rise. Now at last, Old things past, Hope and joy and peace begin; For Christ hath won and man shall win. Supt. What is our motto for this Easter Sundaj' ? Sch. Christ is Risen. Supt. Now is Christ risen from the dead, and be- come the first-fruits of them that slept, Sch. Jesus is risen indeed. Together. I am He that liveth and was dead, and, behold, I am alive again for evermore. Singing. Page 58, " Lessons for Little Folks," " Christ is Kisen." By permission of Fairbanks & Palmer, Chicago, Publisher. Christ is risen ! Christ is risen ! He who slept within the tomb, Risen in his light and glory ; Come and shout with gladness, come. Chorus. Glory be to God our Saviour, Glory be to God our King ; He hath conquered death forever, And to us will vict'ry bring. Christ is risen, Christ is risen ! And for evermore shall be. Gur defense and our salvation, Now and in eternity. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 123 Christ is risen, Christ is risen ! Evermore to reign above, Watching over all the faithful, Filling ev'ry heart with love. Supt. In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Sch. Came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. Supt. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher. Sch. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. Supt. And it came to pass, as they were much per- plexed thereabout, Sch. Behold, two men stood by them in shining garments : Supt. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, Sch. They said unto them, "Why seek ye the liv- ing among the dead % Supt. He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he w r as yet in Gal- ilee, Sch. Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. Supt. And they remembered his words. 124 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Singing. Page 10, " Story of the Resurrection," " The Golden Gates are Lifted." Supt. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, Sch. And as the voice of many waters, Supt. And as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Together. Alleluia : for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor* to him. Singing. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. THE HEAVENLY ARITHMETIC. A Christian must have Faith. Add to Faith Virtue. Add to Virtue Knowledge. Add to Knowledge Temperance. Add to Temperance Patience. Add to Patience Godliness. Add to Godliness Brotherly Kindneyrf. Add to Brotherly Kindness Charity. All together make A True Christian. MONUMENT OF BIBLE TIME. Supt. What is this picture on the board ? Sch. A monument of Bible time. Supt. "What does this monument represent ? Primary Sunday -School Exercises, 125 Sch. The great eras of time from the creation of the world until the close of Bible history. Supt. What do the letters B. C. mean ? Sch. Before Christ. Supt. What is the date of the Creation ? Sch. 4004 B. C. Supt. The Deluge ? Sch. 2348 B. C. Supt. The call of Abraham ? Sch. 1921 B. C. Supt. The Exodus ? Sch. 1491 B. C. Supt. Passage of the Jordan ? Sch. 1451 B. C. Supt. Period of the Judges? Sch. Four hundred and fifty years. Supt. Period from the last of the Judges to David as king ? Sch. Forty years. Supt. Date of the monarchy ? Sch. 1095 B. C. Supt. Date of the Division ? Sch. 975 B. C. Supt. Date of the destruction of Jerusalem ? Sch. 587 B. C. Supt. End of Old Testament history ? Sch. About 400 B. C. 126 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Beginning of New Testament history ? Sch. 6 B. C. Supt. What does A. D. mean? Sch. Anno Domini, in the year of our Lord. Supt. Date of the end of Bible history ? Sch. 101 A. D. CHRISTMAS CLOCK. Supt. What Bible text of one word is appropriate to be said at One o'clock on Christmas morning ? Sch. Rejoice. Supt. Two words at Two ? Sch. He cometh. Supt. Three words at Three ? Sch. Awake and sing. Supt. Four words at Four ? Sch. Comfort ye my people. Supt. Five words at Five? Sch. Behold, I send my messenger. Supt. Six words at Six ? Sch. Jesus Christ the Son of God. Supt. Seven words at Seven? Sch. The government shall be upon his shoulder, Supt. Eight words at Eight ? • Sch. He shall feed his flock as a shepherd. Supt. Nine words at Nine ? Sch. LetmensayamongthenationstheLord reigneth. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 127 Supt. Ten words at Ten ? Sch. JSTot to judge the world, but to save the world. Supt. Eleven words at Eleven ? Sch. Unto us is born this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord. Supt. Twelve words at Twelve ? Sch. Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will to men. CHIMES OF THE CLOCK. I. Supt. The clock is striking One ; Sch. May God bless the work begun ! Supt. Hark ! I hear the stroke of Two : Sch. As to thyself to others do. Supt. What lesson gives the hour of Three? Sch. Be pure in heart thy God to see. Supt. Hear again the bells strike Four ; Sch. Give and thou shalt gain the more. Supt. What saith now the hour of Five? Sch. For the prize eternal strive. Supt. What warning gives the stroke of Six? ScH.*With the ungodly fear to mix. Supt. Hark once more I the stroke of Seven ; Sch. Earth is not thy home, but heaven. Supt. What word of wisdom whispereth Eight? Sch. Enter now the narrow gate. Supt. Now the clock is striking Nine ; Sch. See thou claim the right divine. Supt. What teacheth us the hour of Ten? Sch. Waste not life, ye sons of men. 128 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. The solemn church clock strikes Eleven ; Sch. Up, lest ye lose the joys of heaven. Supt. Twelve, the church's clock doth chime, Sch. Hasten to redeem the time. CHIMES OF THE CLOCK. II. Supt. What says the clock when it strikes One? Sch. Watch, says the clock, O watch, little one. Supt. What says the clock when it strikes Two? Sch. Love God, little one, for God loves you. Supt. Tell me, softly, what it whispers at Three : Sch. It is, ' 'Suffer little children to come unto me." Supt. What says the Good Shepherd when the clock is at Four? Sch. "Come, gentle lambs, come and wander no more." Supt. What is the word when the clock is at Five ? Sch. To enter the straight gate we surely must strive. Supt. What says it at Six at the close of the day? Sch. Our life is so short, 'twill soon pass away. Supt. What says the clock when it strikes Seven? Sch. Little children may enter the kingdom of heaven. Supt. What is the warning when the clock is at Eight ? Sch. Seek Jesus early, before 'tis too late. Supt. And louder, still louder, what says it at Mne? Sch. Give me, my child, that proud heart of thine. Supt. What sweet song of praise shall we echo at Ten? Sch. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna. Amen. Supt. What chorus of love shall we sing at Eleven? Sch. Praise be to the Father, the Father in heaven. Supt. And last of the hours, what says it at Twelve ? Sch. 'Tis the hour of midnight, from the darkness arise, And haste thee, O sinner, O haste to be wise." Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 129 THE CHILDREN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Supt. In the New Testament we read of a boy of whom his father, Zacharias, the priest, prophe- . sied thus : " And thou, child, slialt be called a prophet of the Highest." What reason was given for this ? Sch. For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways. Supt. What was the name of this boy prophet ? Sen. John ; afterward called John the Baptist. Supt. The people exclaimed, u What manner of child shall this be?" What is said of him? Sch. The hand of the Lord was with him. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit. Supt. And now we read of a holy child, whose birthplace was a stable, whose cradle was a manger. Who gave him his name ? Sch. God sent an angel down from heaven to name him. Supt. What did the angel say ? Sch. Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Supt. Where was Jesus born ? Sch. In Bethlehem of Judea. Supt. When was Jesus born ? Sch. In the days of Herod the king, which was eighteen hundred and eighty-five years ago. 130 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. How many times do we hear about the child Jesus ? Sch. Seven times : 1. The shepherds saw him a little babe in the man- ger. 2. Good old Simeon held him in his arms. 3. The wise men, led by a star, came a long way to bring him costly gifts. 4. Then wicked King Herod tried to kill the won- derful babe. 5. Joseph was told to carry him to Egypt. 6. After King Herod's death Joseph was told to return to the land of Israel. 7. When he was twelve years old he went to Jeru- salem to a feast. Supt. What happened on the way home ? Sch. The little boy was lost. Supt. Where was he found ? Sch. In the temple. Supt. What was he doing ? Sch. Talking with the ministers. Supt. Who had work for him to do ? Sch. His heavenly Father. Supt. What name is given him in the Book of Acts ? Sch. The holy child Jesus. Supt. Are you glad that Jesus was a child like you? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 131 Sch. I'm glad our blessed Saviour Was once a child like me, To show how pure and holy His little ones might be. And if I try to follow His footsteps here below, He never will forget me Because he loves me so. Singing. Page 53, " Silvery Echoes," " The Holy Child Jesus." Saviour, thou wast once a child, Holy, harmless, undefiled, Humble was thy human birth When thou earnest down to earth. Chorus. Praise him, little children, Praise his holy name ; O come and join with one accord ; Praise the meek and lowly, Praise him, pure and holy, Come and love and praise the Lord. Since on tender childhood's head Once thy loving hands were laid, All the children of the race Have obtained a nobler place. Suffer us to come to thee, Meek and lowly, pure and free ; Little children, Lord, we come ; For us all thine arms have room. By permission of Crider Brothers. 132 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. You remember reading about that supper by the lake, when Jesus fed so many people with so little provision. Where did he get it ? Sch. From a lad who had five barley loaves and two small fishes. Supt. You know how these were multiplied until five thousand persons had all they wanted. How many baskets of fragments were left ? Sch. Twelve. Supt. How did Jesus show his pity for poor sick children ? Sch. He healed them. Supt. Give some instances : Sch. The daughter of a Syrophenician woman. A boy who had lost his reason. The nobleman's son who was sick at Capernaum. Supt. "What little girl did he restore to life ? Sch. Jairus's daughter. Supt. How old was she ? Sch. Twelve years old. Supt. Once when Jesus was in a house he called a little child and took him in his arms. And why ? Sch. There were some men in the house who had been disputing together. Supt. "What had they been disputing about ? Sch. Who should be the greatest. Supt. How did Jesus reprove them ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 133 Sch. He set the little child in the midst of them, and said, " Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Supt. Some mothers brought their little children to Jesus. How did he receive them ? Sch. He took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Singing. I wish that his hands had been placed on my head, That his arms had been thrown around me, That I might have seen his kind look when he said, Let the little ones come unto me. Supt. Once when Jesus was in the temple the children praised him. What did they say ? Sch. Hosanna to the son of David ! Supt. Some wicked men who were in the temple were displeased at this. What did they say to Jesus ? Sch. Hearest thou what these say? Supt. What was Jesus' answer ? Sen. Yea; have ye never read, Oat of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise. Singing. Page 86, "Little Pilgrim Songs," "In the Temple Sang the Children." Supt. What did Paul say of Timothy ? Sch. From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures. 134 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. Who was his mother ? Sch. Eunice. Supt. Who was his grandmother ? Sch. Lois. BIBLE TRUTHS FOR LITTLE FOLKS. Supt. Is God in every place, seeing every thing? Sch. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, be- holding the evil and the good. Supt. Does God see you? Sch. Thou God seest me. Supt. Does God hear all you say? Sch. There is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Supt. Does God know all your thoughts? Sch. I know the thoughts that come into your mind, every one of them. Supt. Is it right to take any thing that does not be- long to you ? Sch. Thou shalt not steal. Supt. Is all falsehood forbidden ? Sch. Speak every man truth w T ith his neighbor. Supt. Is it a sin to raise a false report? Sch. Thou shalt not raise a false report. Supt. Is it safe to go into a place of temptation ? Sch. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 135 Supt. Should you be selfish ? was Christ selfish ? Sch. Even Christ pleased not himself. Supt. Is it right to be idle ? Sch. An idle soul shall suffer hunger. Supt. Ought you to control your temper ? Sch. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Supt. Must you retain angry feelings ? Sch. Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Supt. Should you be kind and polite? Sch. Be courteous. Supt. Is it proper to answer a person harshly ? Sch. A soft answer turneth away wrath. Supt. Should you return evil for evil ? Sch. Say not, 1 will do so to him as he hath done to me. Supt. How can you always know how you ought to act to others ? Sch. Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Singing. Page 35, " Gems for Little Ones," " The Golden Eule." Supt. Which would you rather have, a good char- acter, or a great deal of money ? Sch. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. 136 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Are you commanded to be charitable and generous ? Sch. To do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Supt. What does God ask you to do now in the days of your youth ? Sch. Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth ? Supt. Are you a sinner ? Sch. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Supt. What is the sentence of God's law against sinners ? Sch. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Supt. How can your soul be saved ? Sch. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Supt. For what did the Lord Jesus come down into this world ? Sch. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Supt. Is Christ the only Saviour? Sch. There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Supt. Is Christ the only Mediator ? Sch. One Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Supt. Is Christ our advocate ? Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 137 Sch. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Supt. Does Christ make intercession -for us ? Sch. Who also raaketh intercession for us. Supt. What are the Scriptures able to do for you ? Sch. The Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation. Singing. "Praise God for the Bible," "Little Pilgrim Songs." BIBLE WORDS FOR LITTLE FOLKS. Supt. Are you commanded to read the Bible ? Sch. Jesus said, Search the Scriptures. Supt. Whose words are recorded in the Bible ? Sch. God's own words. Supt. You ought to read these words attentively, saying with Samuel, — Sch. Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. Supt. Reverently, and pray with David, — Sch. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold won- drous things out of thy law. Supt. Thoughtfully, as Mary did with the words of Jesus, — Sch. She kept all these sayings in her heart. Supt. Obediently, as the apostle James says, — Sch. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only. Supt. The first commandment with promise relates to children. Eepeat it. 138 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Supt. Ought children to be very careful of their actions ? Sch, Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right. Supt. What promise does God make to little chil- dren ? Sch. Those that seek me early shall find me. Supt. Should children remember God ? Sch. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Singing. Page 35, "Silvery Echoes," "We'll Re- member our Creator." By permission of Crider Brothers. We'll remember our Creator In the early days of youth, While the pearly dews of morning Linger round the path of truth. Chorus. We'll remember our Creator, Joyfully his words obey; Follow the footsteps of Jesus, Tenderly he'll lead the way. We'll remember our Creator, He will be our truest friend ; Always in his love delighting, We will trust him to the end. — Chorus. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 139 Supt. What does the prophet Zechariah say about the boys and girls in Jerusalem ? Sch. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. Supt. Ought parents to let their children do wrong, or should they train them in the right way % Sch. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Supt. Does God command parents to punish their children when thiy do wrong ? Sch. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. Supt. What did Jesus charge his disciples in regard to children ? Sch. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones. Supt. Why? Sch. For I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. Supt. Does Jesus want little children to come to him ? Sch. Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Supt. Should children obey their parents ? 140 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Supt. Give another reason why children should obey their parents. Sch. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Supt. What does the Bible say about children who are disrespectful to their parents ? Sch. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. Supt. What should the Bible be to you ? Sch. A lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Singing. Page 25, "Gems for the Little Ones," " God's Blessed Book." What book ought I to love the best, And on its truths securely rest ? The Bible, the Bible, God's blessed book, the Bible. Chorus. It bids my spirit cease to rove, It tells me of my Saviour's love, And points me to my home above, God's blessed book, the Bible. What points me to the Lamb of God, To trust in his atoning blood? The Bible, the Bible, God's blessed book, the Bible. — Chorus. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 141 THE WORKS OF GOD. Supt. Who made this beautiful world of ours, and when ? Sch. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Supt. What name do we give this making of all tilings ? Sch. The Creation. Supt. When did this occur ? Sch. 4,004 B. C. Supt. In how many days ? Sch. In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is. Supt. How did God regard this work of creation? Sch. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. Supt. What do you little folks think of it? Sch. Beautiful ground on Which we tread, Beautiful heavens above our head, Beautiful sun that shines so bright, Beautiful stars with glittering light. Beautiful summer, beautiful spring, Beautiful birds that merrily sing; Beautiful lily, bi^utiful rose, Beautiful every flower that grows, Beautiful drops of pearly dew, Beautiful hills and vales to view ; Beautiful herbs that scent the air, Beautiful things grow every-where. 142 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Beautiful every thing around, Beautiful grass to deck the ground. Beautiful fields and woods so green, Beautiful buds and blossoms seen; Beautiful flower, beautiful leaf, Beautiful world, though full of grief. Beautiful every tiny blade, Beautiful all the Lord hath made." Singing. Page 54, " Little Pilgrim Songs," " God has Made all Things." Sttpt. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mer- cies are over all his works. Sch. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb for the service of man. Supt. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and thy paths drop fatness. Sch. The eyes of all wait upon thee, and thou givest them their meat in due season. Supt. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! Sch. In wisdom hast thou made them all : Supt. The earth is full of thy riches. Sch. Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Singing. Page 9, " Songs for Little Folkc," " Praise the Lord, the Giver of All." Supt. Truly the light is sweet, Sch. And a pleasant thing it is to see the sun, Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 143 Supt. He hath appointed the moon for seasons: Sen. The sun knoweth his going down. Supt. His throne shall endure as the sun. Sch. It shall be established forever as the moon. Supt. He made the stars also £ Sch. The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Supt. There shall come a star out of Jacob. Sch. Jesus said, I am the Bright and Morning Star. Singing. ISTo. 44, " Primary Songs," " The Bright and Morning Star." Supt. The rain cometh down from heaven, and returneth not thither, Sch. But watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, Supt. That it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. Sch. He sendeth the rain on the just and on the unjust. Supt. He maketh small the drops of water — they pour down rain. Sch. To cause the bud of the tender herb to spring. Singing. Page 50, " Little Pilgrim Songs." 144 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. The flowers appear on the earth. Sch. And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. Supt. It shall blossom abundantly, Sch. And rejoice even with joy and singing. Supt. Jesus said, Sch. I am the Rose of Sharon. Singing. Page 106, " Little Pilgrim Songs, 5 ' verse 2. Supt. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; Sch They toil not, neither do they spin : Supt. And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Sch. Jesus said, I am the Lily of the Valleys. Singing. Page 106, " Little Pilgrim Songs," verse 1. Supt. As the earth bringeth forth her bud, Sch. And as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, Supt. So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Sch. Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord. Supt. Break forth into singing, ye mountains, forest, and everv tree therein. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 145 Sch. And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. All. that man would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. Supt. Praise ye the Lord. Singing. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ; Praise him, all creatures here below ; Praise him above, ye heavenly host ; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! THE CHILDREN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Supt. There was a time long, long ago, when in this big world of ours there were but two children. "What were their names ? Sch. Cain and Abel. Supt. Noah, who made the ark we read about, had three boys. Can you give me their names ? Sch. Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Supt. There was a little boy who was called the " child of promise." What was his name ? Sch. Isaac. Supt. Do you remember the name of the boy who came near dying of thirst in the wilderness ? Sch. Ishmael. Supt. Where did his mother get water and thus saved her child's life ? 10 146 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water ; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. Supt. What further is said of Ishmael ? Sch. God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. Supt. Isaac had twin boys. What were their names ? Sch. Jacob and Esan. Supt. Jacob, yon know, had a dozen boys. Which one did he love most ? Sch. He loved Joseph more than all his children. Supt. How did he show his love for Joseph ? Sch. He made him a coat of many colors. Supt. Joseph had a younger brother. What was his name ? Sch. Benjamin. Supt. Joseph had two sons. What were their names ? Sch. Ephraim and Manasseh. Supt. You certainly remember the name of the baby boy whose cradle of rushes was placed in the flags by the river's brink ? Sch. Moses. Supt. Whom did his mother send to see what be- came of her little one? Sch. His sister Miriam. Supt. When Pharaoh's daughter looked in the little cradle what happened ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 147 Sch. The babe wept. Supt. She felt sorry for him, and what did she say? Sch. This is one of the Hebrews' children. Supt. What did Miriam say to her? Sch. May I not go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for thee ? Supt. She gave her consent, and whom did Miriam call? Sch. The mother of the baby boy. Supt. What afterward became of him ? Sch. The king's daughter took him as her own son. Supt. Moses and Miriam had a brother. What was his name ? Sch. xA.aron. Supt. There was another boy who might be called a child of promise, who grew to be a very, very strong man. What was his name ? Sch. Samson. Supt. We read about a little boy whom his mother took to live with the priest Eli. Who was he ? Sch. Samuel. Supt. What did his mother say to Eli ? Sch. For this child I prayed ; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him : There- fore also I have lent him to the Lord ; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. 148 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Do you think little Samuel's mother ever went to see him ? Sch. Yes ; every year, and she always brought him a little coat. Supt. One night something wonderful happened to him. What was it ? Sch. The Lord spoke to him three times. Supt. Who was the shepherd boy that played so sweetly on the harp ? Sch. David. Supt. After a time David went out to fight a man who was so big he was called a giant. What was his name ? Sch. Goliath. Supt. Goliath came with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield. What were David's weapons ? Sch. Five smooth stones out of the brook, and a sling. Supt. What was the result ? Sch. David overcame Goliath with a sling and a stone, and then took the giant's sword and cut off his head. Supt. David had a very dear friend. Who was it ? Sch. Jonathan. Supt. Jonathan had a son whose nurse let him fall when he was but five years old, by which he was made lame for life. Can you remember his long, hard name ? Sch. Mephibosheth. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 149 Supt. David had several children. One of them caused hi in great grief. Which one was it ? Sch. Absalom. Supt. One of his sons became a very wise king. What was his name ? Sch. Solomon. Supt. One day a little boy fell sick and died. Some one was sorry for his poor mother and brought him back to life. Who was it ? Sch. The prophet Elijah. Supt. Now we come to a sad story about some chil- dren who mocked the good prophet Elisha, for which they were terribly punished. Do you remember it ? Sch. Two bears came out of the wood and tore forty-two of them to pieces. Supt. Naaman, one of the Syrian king's captains, went to Elisha the prophet, to be cured of leprosy. What induced him to do this ? Sch. The report of a little captive Jewish girl who waited on Naaman's wife. Supt. A wicked woman wanted to be queen, #nd so she killed all her own grandsons but one. How did he escape ? Sch. His aunt hid him in the temple six years. Supt. What happened when he was seven years old ? Sch. A crown was put upon his head, and the people clapped their hands and said, " God save the king." 150 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. What was his name ? Sch. Joash. Supt. Another boy was made king when he was twelve years old. What was his name ? Sch. Manasseh. Supt. We read of another boy-king who began to reign when he was only eight years old. Do you remember his name ? Sch. Josiah. WORK FOR THE MASTER. WHAT CAN £E DONE FOR THE MASTER. Written by Miss Ellen Oliver. Recitation oy two children. 1st Child. What can we do for the Master, We who are child-like and weak? Some work in the dear Lord's vineyard Our willing hands now seek: But the purple, ripened clusters Are hanging so very high, That we cannot reach to pluck them, No matter how hard we try. 2d Child. There's work in the Saviour's vineyard For the smallest hand to do, Errands of love and of mercy Awaiting just such as you. Go gather the lowly clusters, Where the vine trails close to earth, This hidden fruit, to the Master, Is precious and full of worth. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 151 1st Child. What can we do for the Master, In his world-wide harvest field? How ever can we be- useful When he garners this golden yield? We cannot reap, nor bind the sheaves, Nor winnow the gathered grain ; What portion of helpful labor Can our youthful powers attain? 2d Child. There's work in God's great harvest field For each little hand and heart, Souls which none but a child can lead To accept that better part. Stoop low, and glean where the reapers Have wasted the wondrous seed, Enough you can always gather Some hungering soul to feed. Copyright by J. M. Black. Singing. " Work for Jesus." A harvest great, the laborers few, ' ' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Go out into the highways And hedges full of sin ; Seek out the erring wand'rers, Compel them to come in. Work for Jesus. A harvest great, the laborers few, i ' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? " Be patient, tender-hearted, Be gentle, kind, and true, Forgiving one another As Christ forgiveth you. Work for Jesus. 152 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. A harvest great, the laborers few, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? " Your bread upon the waters O cast with prayer and praise, For truly you will find it After many days. Work for Jesus. A harvest great, the laborers few, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Go visit the afflicted, The sick, and those in grief; Tell all of the Physician Whose balm affords relief. Work for Jesus. Let each one here, then, ask Him too, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" And when an answer falleth Upon you from above, Obey the voice that calleth Your hearts to deeds of love. Work for Jesus. Supt. What is the Master's word of command ? Sch. Go, work to-day in my vineyard. Supt. What question should you ask the Master ? Sch. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? Supt. How can you know what he wants you to do ? Sch. And the Lord said, It si i all be told thee what thou must do. Supt. What should be your prayer? Sch. Guide me with thy counsel. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 153 Supt. After obtaining needed help, what should you do ? Sch. Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. Supt. How should you work ? Sch. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. Supt. When should you work ? Sch. Work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work. Singing. " Work Song." Work, for the night is coming, Work through the morning hours ; Work, while the dew is sparkling, Work 'mid springing flowers ; Work, when the day grows brighter; Work in the glowing sun ; Work, for the night is coming, When man's work is done. Work, for the night is coming, Work through the sunny noon; Fill brightest hours with labor, Rest comes sure and soon. Give every flying minute Something to keep in store : Work, for the night is coming, When man works no more. Work, for the night is coming, Under the sunset skies ; While their bright tints are glowing, Work, for daylight flies ; 154 Primary Sunday -School Exercises. Work till the last beam fadeth, Fadeth to shine no more ; Work while the night is darkening, When man's work is o'er. Supt. What example did Jesus give the children when but a child himself ? Sch. He said to his mother, Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business ? Supt. How did he fulfill this commission ? Sch. He went about doing good. Supt. Whose works did he say he must do ? Sch. I must work the works of him that sent me. Supt. What example of faithfulness did he give you ? Sch. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. Supt. What kind of a workman should you try to be ? Sch. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Supt. Who is sufficient for these things ? Sch. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves ; but our sufficiency is of God. Supt. Of whose help can you be sure ? Sch. Be strong, and work : for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts. Supt. Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abound- ing in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 155 Sch. For we are laborers together with God : work- ers together with him. Singing. " Up and Doing, Little Christian." Up and doing, little Christian, Up and doing while 'tis day, Do the work your Master gives you, Do not loiter by the way. For we all have work before us, You, dear child, as well as I : Let us seek to learn our duty, And perform it manfully. Patience, patience, little Christian! No cross look or angry word ; Follow him who died to save you, Follow Jesus Christ our Lord. Help the suffering and the needy, Help the poor, whom Jesus loves; Tell the sinner of the Saviour Who still lives for us above. MOTION EXERCISES. No. 1. A CHANT. Stand l up, and bless the Lord ; Lift up your hands 2 in the sanctuary ; O clap your hands, 3 all ye people; Let us come 4 before his presence with singing. 1 Stand up ; 2 lilt up hands ; 8 clap bands ; 4 step forward. 156 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. He is my refuge l and my fortress ; He will not suffer thy foot 2 to be moved ; As far as the east 3 is from the west, So far 4 has he removed our transgressions from us. His banner over me 8 is love ; His word 6 have I hid in my heart. The Lord 7 will hear my prayer ; Blessed be the 8 Lord God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting. Amen. By permission of Crider Brothers, Publishers, York, Pa. No. 2. THE CHILD'S CREED. I believe in God the Father, 9 Who made us every one, 10 Who made the earth and heaven, 11 The moon and stars and sun. 12 All that we have each day 13 To us by him is given ; 13 We call him when we pray, 14 Our Father in the heaven. 15 I believe in Jesus Christ, 9 The Father's only Son, 9 Who came to earth from heaven, 18 And loved us every one. 10 He taught us to be holy 13 Till on the cross he died; 13 And now we call him Saviour, 14 And Christ the crucified. H 1 Look up and point upward; 2 glance at right foot ; s point east and west ; 4 show distance moving right hand outward ; 5 join fingers over head ; 6 clasp hands across the heart ; 7 folded hands uplifted ; 8 raise hands in attitude of blessing ; 9 right hand raised ; l0 hands crossed on breast ; " hands raised up- ward; ia hands raised higher, twinkling fingers; 13 hands by side; 14 hands clasped as in prayer ; 15 looking upward ; l6 hands raised, slowly dropping. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 157 I believe God's Holy Spirit ! Is with us every day, 2 And if we do not grieve him, 2 He will ne'er go away. 8 From heaven upon Jesus, 1 He descended 4 like a dove ; And he dwelleth ever with us, 5 To fill our hearts 5 with love. No. 3. CONSECRATION HYMN OR RECITATION. Take my life, 6 and let it be, Consecrated, Lord, 7 to thee; Take my hands, 8 and let them move At the impulse of thy love. 9 Take my feet, 10 and let them be Swift and beautiful for thee ; Take my voice, and let me sing, 11 Praises always to my king ; Take my lips, 12 and let them be, Filled with messages for thee. Take 13 my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold ; Take myself, M and I will be, Ever only all for thee. 1 Hands raised ; 2 hands crossed on breast ; 3 backward movement of right hand, as if moving away ; 4 hands slowly descending ; 6 right hand on heart ; 6 fold arms across breast and look up ; 7 look up ; 8 stretch out hands ; 9 move stretched-out hands from side to side ; 10 point to feet with both hands; n fold hands and sing, tune Nettleton; 12 put finger on lips ; 13 open hands and stretch them out ; 14 fold arms and look up. 158 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. No. 4r. RECITATION. Jesus, my hands 1 I. lift to thee, I look 2 above thy light to see ; I list to hear thy whisper 3 low, I wait 4 that I thy will may know ; I pray thee take me as I am, 5 And make me, Lord, thy little lamb. 5 No. 5. HAND EXERCISE. Take my hands, 6 dear Jesus, Let them work for thee; Never let them idle 4 Nor in mischief be. Let me fold 5 them softly, As thy name I speak: Let me lift l them humbly As thy grace I seek. No. 6. GOD'S GIFTS. Two hands 7 for loving labor given ; Two feet 8 to walk the road to heaven; Two eyes 9 to read God's holy w r ord, Two lips 10 to praise the«blessed Lord; One soul " to serve w r ith all its might; So should we live 12 in Jesus' sight. 1 Raise hands ; 2 look up ; 3 hand to ear in li tening attitude ; 4 drop hands at side ; 5 fold hands and look up ; 6 stretch out hands : 7 extend the hands for- ward, with palms upward ; 8 bend forward and poiut to the feet ; 9 place the forefinger of each hand under the eyes ; 10 put the same fingers on the under lip ; n fold hands across the breast ; 12 point upward with both hands. Primary Sunday- School Exercises, 159 No. 7. THE CHILDREN'S CHAUTAUQUA DRILL. Lift up your hands * in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. O clap your hands, 2 all ye people. Thy word have I hid in mine heart. 3 Stand 4 up, and bless the Lord your God. His banner over 5 me was love. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom. 6 Length of days is in her right hand. 7 And in her left 8 riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 9 Him that overcometh will I grant to sit 10 with me in my throne. No 8. RECITATION AND SONG. I've two eyes " to look to God, I've two ears 12 to hear his word ; I've two feet 13 to walk his ways, Two hands 14 to work for him all my days ; I've one tongue 15 to speak his truth, One heart 16 to give him in my youth ; Take them, 17 dear Jesus, may they be Always obedient and true to thee. 1 Both hands raised ; 2 clap hands once ; 3 fold amis ; 4 stand up ; 5 join tips of fingers over head ; 6 hands by the sides ; 7 risrht hand stretched out ; 8 left hand stretched out ; 9 clap hands three times ; 10 sit down ; 1 1 touch the eyes with the first fingers of both hands ; 12 touch the ears in the same way ; 13 stoop a little and point to the feet; 14 hands (not arms) extended, ^alms upward; 15 right forefinger on lower lip; 16 right hand on heart; 17 heads bowed and hands extended. 160 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Singing. Page 9, " Gems for Little Ones. 55 These two little eyes ■ that God has given Must always look to him, And he will show us the way to heaven, And teach us to walk therein. These two little feet 2 must be willing To walk in the narrow road ; These two little ears 3 must only listen To words that are pure and good. These two little hands 4 must be ready to labor For Jesus all my days ; This one little heart 5 must seek his favor, These lips 6 must speak his praise; That when he calls us home to heaven, The beautiful city of light, To each little head will there be given A crown of glory bright. MAP EXERCISES. No. 1. Sctpt. Where do we find our first lesson in geography ? Sch. In Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Supt. What was the earliest division of the earth's surface ? 1 Touch the eyes with the first fingers of both hands ; 2 stoop a little and point to the feet ; 3 touch the ears with the first finger of both hands ; 4 hands (not arms) extended, palms upward ; 5 right hand on heart ; 6 right forefinger on lower lip. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 161 Sch. And God called the dry land Earth ; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas. Scjpt. From Adam to Noah the principal home of the race was in a great valley. "What is its name ? Sch. The valley of the Euphrates. Supt. What does this include ? Sch. Armenia, Assyria, Media, Mesopotamia, Chal- dea, and Persia. Supt. What do you know of this valley ? Sch. It is a region of great beauty and fertil- ity. Supt. By what rivers is it watered ? Sch. Tigris and Euphrates. Supt. What seas are on the north ? Sch. Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Supt. What gulf is on the south ? Sch. Persian Gulf. Supt. What mountain is in Armenia ? Sch. Ararat. Supt. From the Flood until the dispersion at Babel the race seemed to center in a plain which has three names. What are they ? Sch. Shinar, Chaldea, and Babylonia. Supt. After the dispersion, where were the descend- ants of Noah scattered ? Soh. In Europe, Asia, and Africa. 11 162 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. Where did the descendants of Jacob make their home ? Sch. In Canaan. Supt. To whom was this land afterward given ? Sch. To Abram. Supt. Where was Abram born? Sch. In Ur of the Chaldees. Supt. Where did he afterward go % Sch. To Haran. Supt. Where did he then go ? Sch. To Canaan. Supt. What desert did he cross in going to Canaan ? Sch. The desert of Arabia. Supt. What sea is west of Canaan ? Sch. The Mediterranean Sea. Supt. What country is on the south of the Mediter- ranean Sea ? Sch. Egypt. Supt. What is the name of its principal river? Sch. The Nile. Supt. What sea is east of Egypt ? Sch. The Red Sea. Supt. Name the two arms of the Red Sea. Sch. Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Akabah. Supt. What peninsula lies between Suez and Aka- bah ? Sch. Sinai. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 163 No. 2. Sitpt. What is this country called [pointing to map] ? Sch. Palestine. Supt. What was it called in the time of Moses ? Sch. Canaan. Supt. What do we love to call it ? Sch. The Holy Land. Supt. Why do we give it that name ? Sch. Because Jesus was born there ; it was there he did his wonderful works, and there he died for us. Supt. How wide is Palestine on the extreme north ? Sch. Forty-five miles. Supt. How wide on the extreme south ? Sch. Ninety miles. Supt. How long from north to south ? Sch. One hundred and eighty miles. Supt. What sea is on the west of Palestine ? Sch. The Mediterranean Sea. Supt. What sea is in the southern part of Palestine ? Sch. The Dead Sea. Supt. What little lake is this [pointing to it] ? Sch. Lake Merom. Supt. What sea is this [pointing to it] ? Sch. Sea of Galilee. Supt. What river is this [pointing to it] ? Sch. The river Jordan. 164 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. What can you tell me about this river? Sch. It rises in the north, near Mount Hermon, runs south through the Sea of Galilee, and empties into the Dead Sea. It is very crooked, and rushes along very rapidly. Supt. Into how many parts is Palestine divided? Sch. Into three parts : Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. Supt. In which part was Jesus born ? Sch. In Judea. Supt. "Where is Judea? Sch. In the southern part of Palestine, just north of the Dead Sea. Supt. What is that part of Judea called which is near the Dead Sea? Sch. The wilderness of Judea. Supt. What part of Palestine is just north of Judea ? Sch. Samaria. Supt. What part north of Samaria ? Sch. Galilee. No. 3. Supt. Where is the country called Palestine ? Sch. In the western part of Asia, many hundred miles from our country. Supt. Into how many parts was it divided in the time of Jesus ? Sch. Into three parts. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 165 Supt. Name them. Sch. Judea on the south, Samaria in the middle, and Galilee on the north. Supt. Where was Jesus born ? Sch. In Bethlehem, of Judea. Supt. To what city was he taken to be presented to the Lord ? Sch. To Jerusalem. Supt. To what place in the city ? Sch. To the temple. Supt. Where was he taken afterward? Sch. To Egypt. Supt. What direction is Egypt from Palestine ? Sch. South-west. Supt. Where did Jesus live when a boy? Sch. At Nazareth, in Galilee. Supt. What journey did Jesus take when he was twelve years old ? Sch. From Nazareth to Jerusalem and return. Supt. How far is it from Nazareth to Jerusalem? Sch. About seventy miles. Supt. How long did Jesus live at Nazareth? Sch. Thirty years. Supt. Where did he then go ? Sch. To the river Jordan. Supt. For what purpose ? Sch. To be baptized by John the Baptist. 166 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. In what part of the Jordan was Jesus bap- tized I Sch. Near Bethabara, about twenty miles from Jerusalem. Supt. Where did Jesus perform his first miracle ? Sch. At Cana, in Galilee. Supt. What was this miracle ? Sch. He turned water into wine. Supt. Where did he afterward live ? Sch. At Capernaum, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Supt. How far is Capernaum from Nazareth ? Sch. About twenty miles. Supt. By what other name is the Sea of Galilee called ? Sch. Lake Tiberias, or Lake Gennesaret. Supt. Here is a little town of only four letters. What is its name [pointing to it]? Sch. Nain. Supt. In which of the three divisions is Nain ? Sch. In Galilee. Supt. What miracle did Jesus perform at Nain ? Sch. He raised a dead man to life. Supt. Here is a little town only two miles east of Jerusalem, where Jesus loved to go. What is its name ? Sch. Bethany. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 167 Supt. Who lived at Bethany ? Sch. The sisters Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Supt. What miracle did Jesus perform at Bethany ? Sch. He raised the dead Lazarus to life. Supt. What garden laid in a valley outside the walls of Jerusalem ? Sch. Gethsemane. Supt. When did Jesus go there ? Sch. The night before he died. Supt. What happened to him there? Sch. Being in great agony, he prayed, " Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me : nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." Supt. Who found him in the garden of Geth- semane? Sch. Judas, who betrayed him. Supt. How did Jesus die ? Sch. He was crucified. Supt. Why did he die? Sch. For our sins, that we might be saved. Supt. Where w r as Jesus crucified ? Sch. On a hill called Calvary. Supt. By what other name was it called ? Sch. Golgotha, which means the place of a skull. Supt. How long did he lie in the grave ? Sch. Three days. 168 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Supt. How long did he stay on the earth after his resurrection ? Sch. Forty days. Supt. What happened then ? Sch. He ascended to heaven. Supt. From what place did he ascend to heaven ? Sch. From Mount Olivet. No. 4=. Supt. Where did Isaac live ? Sch. At Beersheba. • Supt. Where did he go on account of a famine ? Sch. To Gerar. Supt. And afterward returned to? Sch. Beersheba. Supt. Where did Jacob go to escape the anger of Esau? Sch. To Haran. Supt. On his journey he had a wonderful dream. At what place did it occur ? Sch. At Bethel. Supt. What was another name for Bethel ? Sch. Luz. Supt. How long did he remain at Haran ? Sch. Twenty years. Supt. On his return he passed over a ford. What was its name ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 169 Sch. Jabbok. Supt. Where is it located ? Sch. Midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Supt. Where was the scene of Jacob's prevailing prayer ? Sch. Near the ford Jabbok. Supt. What did he call the place ? Sch. Peniel. • Supt. To what was his name changed ? Sch. To Israel, which means a prince of God. Supt. Where did he then go ? Sch. Across the river Jordan to Succoth. Supt. And then w r ent to ? Sch. Shechem. Supt. And afterward to \ Sch. Bethel. Supt. Thence to ? Sch. Bethlehem. Supt. What happened at Bethlehem ? Sch. His wife Rachel died and was buried. Supt. Thence he went to? Sch. Hebron, w T here his father Isaac lived. * Supt. Not long after Isaac died. What was his age? Sch. One hundred and eighty years. Supt. Jacob had twelve sons. Their names were ? 170 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Aslier, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin. Supt. His favorite son was ? Sch. Joseph, which caused his brothers to envy him. Supt. "Where did Joseph's brothers go to feed their father's flock ? Sch. To Shechem. Supt. Jacob sent Joseph to look after them. Where did he find them ? Sch. At Dothan. Supt. Soon after some Ishmaelites from ? Sch. Gilead, which is on the east side of the river Jordan, Supt. Came to ? Sch. Dothan. Supt. What did Joseph's brothers do from envy ? Sch. They sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Supt. Where did they take Joseph ? Sch. To Egypt. Supt. What happened to him there ? Sch. He was thrown into prison. Supt. What did he afterward become ? Sch. Ruler of Egypt. Supt. Where did Jacob and the rest of the family go, many years after, on account of a famine ? Sch. To Egypt. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 171 Supt. Where did Joseph make them a home ? Sch. At Goshen, where Jacob died aged one hun- dred and forty seven years. Supt. Where did Joseph die ? Sch. In Egypt, aged one hundred and ten years. No. 5. Supt. In what country was Moses born ? Sch. In Egypt. Supt. By what river's brink was he placed ? Sch. The Nile. Supt. To what place did Moses flee from Pharaoh ? Sch. To Midian. Supt. Which way from Egypt was Midian? Sch. South-east. Supt. What famous mountain was in Midian ? Sch. Mount Horeb. Supt. How long did Moses remain in Midian % Sch. Forty years. Supt. Where did God then tell him to go ? Sch. Back to Egypt. Supt. For what purpose ? Sch. To lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Supt. To what place ? Sch. To Canaan, the promised land. Supt. What does this red line on the map indicate ? 172 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. The way they went from Egypt to Canaan. Supt. From what place did they start ? Sch. From Rameses. Supt. Where did they encamp the first night? Sch. At Succoth. Supt. Their next journey brought them to this place on the edge of the wilderness. Can you tell its name ? Sch. Etham. Supt. Then they went down the western shore of this sea. What is it called ? Sch. The Eed Sea. Supt. Their next encampment was at this place with such a hard name. Can you remember it? Sch. Pi-hahiroth. Supt. You all know how they crossed the sea. They next came to a place where the waters were bitter. Name ? Sch. Marah. Supt. Their next stopping place was here, where they found twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees. Name ? Sch. Elim. Supt. And then they came to a wilderness where manna was first given. Name ? Sch. Wilderness of Sin. Supt. They then reached a place where they found no water. Name ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 173 Sch. Kephidim. Supt. Out of what rock did Moses bring water ? Sch. A rock in Horeb. Supt. Where did the battle with the Amalekites occur ? Sch. At Rephidim. Supt. They then came to this mountain, called the Mount of God. Name ? Sch. Mount Sinai. Supt. How long were they going from Egypt to Mount Sinai % Sch. Forty-six days. Supt. When were the commandments given ? Sch. Fifty days after they left Egypt. Supt. How long did they remain at Sinai ? Sch. One year, lacking two days. Supt. What important events occurred at Mount Sinai % Sch. The giving of the law and the building of the tabernacle. No. 6. A JOURNEY TO THE MOUNTAINS OF PALESTINE. Supt. Let us now take a journey from this country to Palestine. How far is Palestine from New York ? 174 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Sch. About six thousand miles. Supt. What ocean shall we cross ? Sch. The Atlantic Ocean. Supt. Through what straits shall we go ? Sch. The Straits of Gibraltar. Supt. Through what sea? Sch. The Mediterranean Sea. Supt. At what part shall we land? Sch. At Joppa. Supt. What part of Palestine shall we visit? Sch. The mountains. Supt. What may Palestine be called ? Sch. A mountain land. Supt. What is it called by Moses? Sch. A land of hills and valleys. Supt. What lofty mountain is in the north of Gal- ilee ? Sch. Mount Lebanon. Supt. A deep valley separates Lebanon from another range on the east. What is the name of that range ? Sch. Anti-Lebanon. Supt. At the south end of the Anti-Lebanon range is this noble mountain, whose top is always covered with snow. Can you name it ? Sch. Mount Hermon. Supt. Here is a mountain that pushes out boldly into the sea. Name it. Primary Sunday- /School Exercises. 175 Sch. Mount Carmel. Supt. What mountain is this on the south-east of Mount Carmel ? Sch. Mount Tabor. Supt. What mountain is near Mount Tabor? Sch. Little Hermon. Supt. And south-west of Little Hermon is the mountain where King Saul died so miserably. Can you remember its name ? Sch. Mount Gilboa. Supt. Below Gilboa, about twenty miles, are the " twin mountains." What are their names ? Sch. Mounts Ebal and Gerizim. Supt. On how many mountains did Jerusalem stand ? Sch. Five. Supt. Can you name them ? Sch. Zion, Ophel, Moriah, Acra, and Bezetha. Supt. On what mountain was the temple built ? Sch. Mount Moriah. Supt. On what mountain was David's palace built ? Sch. Mount Zion. Supt. What mount is called the "Mount of the Beatitudes ? " Sch. Tell Hattin. Supt. Where is it located ? Sch. West of the Sea of Galilee. 176 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Supt. On what mountain was Jesus when he wept over Jerusalem ? Sch. Mount Olivet. Supt. What is commonly supposed to be the Mount of Transfiguration? Sch. Mount Hermon. Supt. What mountain overlooking Jericho, the river Jordan, and the Dead Sea, is known as the Mount of Temptation? Sch. Mount Quarantania. Supt. Where was Jesus crucified ? Sch. On Mount Calvary. Supt. From what mountain did Jesus ascend into heaven ? Sch. Mount Olivet. Supt. What mountain is this on the east side of the river Jordan? Sch. Mount Gilead. Supt. From what mountain did Moses view the promised land, and then died there ? Sch. Mount Nebo. Supt. On what mountain did Aaron die? Sch. Mount Hor. Supt. Who formed the mountains ? Sch. Lo, he that formeth the mountains, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his name. Supt. How long has God existed ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 177 Sch. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Supt. What is promised to those who trust in the Lord ? Sen. They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for- ever. Supt. What promise have God's people ? Sch. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever. Supt. Who is our help in trouble ? Sch. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea ; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Supt. What allusion is there in Isaiah to the min- ister of the Gospel ? Sch. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace ; that bringeth good tidings of good, that pub- lisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth ! 12 178 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. CLOSING EXERCISES, No. 1. Supt. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Sch. Unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Together. Amen. Sing " Gloria Patri:" Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. No. 2. Supt. The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. Sch. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Supt. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Sch. Show me thy ways, O Lord ; teach me thy paths. Lead me in the way everlasting. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 179 No. 3. Singing. Jesus, the holy One ; Jesus, the lowly One, Loveth to listen when little ones pray ; What shall we say to him? What shall we pray to him? How shall we tell him our wants every day ? Supt. What did Jesus' disciples ask him? Sch. Lord, teach us to pray. Supt. What was his answer ? [School chant Lord's Prayer.] No;4. Prayer, with bowed heads. Dear Father, now before we part, Receive our humble prayer ; And fill with love each of our hearts, Go with us every-where ; O, may we ever watchful be, Keep us, O, keep us, near to thee. Together. The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. No. 5. Supt. Bow down thine ear to me, be thou my strong rock. Sch. Hold up my goings in thy paths that my foot- steps slip not. 180 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sttpt. Keep me as the apple of the eye ; hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Sch. And I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Supt. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee : Sch. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee : Supt. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Together. Amen. No. 6. Supt. O come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Together. Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me, for I am very needy. Prayer in concert. Father, now we come confessing All the wrongs that we have done, And we humbly ask thy blessing For the sake of thy dear Son. We are weak and need, O Father, Help for each to do his part ; Send thy Spirit down to teach us, Let it nevermore depart. Keep us ever, ever near thee, Close beside thy loving heart, Make us meek and holy, Father, Perfect, even as thou art, This we ask for Jesus' sake. Amen. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 181 No, 7. Supt. And it came to pass, that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray. Sch. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say — [chant Lord's Prayer.] No. 8. Sitpt. The eternal God is thy refuge, Sch. And underneath are the everlasting arms. Supt. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Sch. Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Singing. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below ; Praise him above, ye heavenly host ; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. No. 9. Supt. Is there any command to pray ? Sch. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks. 182 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. PRAYER. Loving Jesus, meek and mild, Look upon a little child ; Make me gentle, as thou art, Come and live within my heart. Take my childish hands in thine, Guide these little feet of mine, So shall all my happy days Sing their pleasant song of praise, And the world shall always see Christ, the holy child, in me. Sing " Gloria Patri." No. 10. Supt. The Lord is my shepherd ; Sch. I shall not want. Supt. He maketh me to lie down in green past- ures : Sch. He leadeth me beside the still waters. Supt. He restoreth my soul : Sch. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Supt. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Sch. I will fear no evil : Supt. For thou art with me ; Sch. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 183 Supt. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : Sch. Thou anointest my head with oil ; Supt. My cup runneth over. Together. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Chant " Gloria Patri." No. 11. Supt. O give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good : Sch. For his mercy endureth forever [sung or re- cited]. Supt. To him who alone doeth great wonders : Sch. For his mercy endureth forever. Supt. To him that by w T isdom made the heavens : Sch. For his mercy endureth forever. Supt. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters : Sch. For his mercy endureth forever. Supt. To him that made great lights : the sun to rule by day, the moon and stars to rule by night : Sch. For his mercy endureth forever. Supt. Who remembered us in our low estate : Sch. For his mercy endureth forever. Supt. Who giveth food to all flesh : 184 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. For his mercy endureth forever. Supt. O give thanks unto the God of heaven : Sch. For his mercy endureth forever. Recitation and music. Page 26, " Song Sermons," by Philip Phillip, JSTo. 12. PRAYER, WITH MOTIONS. Jesus, my hands I lift to thee, I look above thy light to see. I list to hear thy whisper low, I wait that I thy will may know. I pray thee take me as I am, And make me now thy little lamb. Chant " Gloria Patri." No. 13. Supt. To whom do we pray ? Sch. To God, our Father in heaven. Supt. What do we do before we pray ? Sch. Before our words of prayer arise, We bow our heads and shut our eyes, We fix our thoughts on heaven above, On our dear friend, the God of Love I Repeat Lord's Prayer. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 185 No. 14. Prayer, with bowed heads. Jesus, gentle Shepherd, Bless thy lambs to-day, Keep them in thy footsteps, Never let them stray. Hear the little children, Teach them how to pray, Keep their feet from straying From the narrow way. In Concert. The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. No. 15. Supt. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Sch. Who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings Supt. In heavenly places in Christ. In Concert. Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen and amen. No 16. Supt. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel Sch. From everlasting to everlasting, Supt. And let the people say Sch. Amen. In Concert. Praise the Lord. 186 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sing. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ; Praise him, all creatures here below ; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. No. 17. Supt. Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul dili- gently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life. Sch. I will delight myself in thy statutes ; I will not forget thy word. Chant Lord's Prayer. No. 18. Supt. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Sch. I will bless the Lord at all times : his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Supt. Blessed is every one that f eareth the Lord ; that walketh in his ways. Sch. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Supt. Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust. Sch. In God have I put my trust. All. Blessed are they that do his commandments, Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 187 that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Singing. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ; Praise him, all creatures here below ; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. No. 19. Supt. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Sch. O satisfy us early with thy mercy ; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Supt. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. All. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us : and establish thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Chant " Gloria Patri." No. 20. Supt. Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life. 188 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. I will delight myself in thy statutes ; I will not forget thy word. Supt. What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. All. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name, and deliver us and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. Refrain. Let thy blessing, Lord, be upon us. No. 21. Supt. Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me : for I am poor and needy. Sch. Before thee, now, O Lord, I bow, And grateful homage pay, For daily food, for ever}' good Conferred on me this day. My sins, I pray thee, wash away, That I all pure may stand Before thy face a child of grace, In thine own heavenly land. All through the day, lest I should stray, Thy Holy Spirit send My soul to feed, my footsteps lead, Until this life shall end. And then, through grace, to see thy face, My soul, O Father, take From earth set free to live with thee, I ask for Jesus' sake. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 189 No. 22. Supt. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Sch. Shall tribulation ? Supt. Or distress % Sch. Or persecution % Supt. Or famine? , Sch. Or nakedness ? Supt. Or peril ? Sch. Or sword ? Supt. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, Sch. Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, Supt. Nor things present, Sch. Nor things to come, Supt. Nor height, nor depth> Sch. Nor any other creature, Supt. Shall be able to separate us from the love of God, Sch. Which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. All. Thanks be to God, which giveth us the vic- tory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Sing " Gloria Patri." No. 23 Supt. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : Sch. He shall preserve thy soul. Supt. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. 190 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Sch. For lie shall give Iris angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways. All. The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another. EASTER RECITATIONS. AN EASTER CAROL. Sweetly the birds are singing At Easter-dawn, Sweetly the bells are ringing On Easter-morn. And the words that they say On Easter-day Are " Christ, the Lord, is risen." Birds ! forget not your singing At Easter-dawn ; Bells ! be ye ever ringing On Easter-morn. In the spring of the year, When Easter is here, Sing, " Christ, the Lord, is risen." Buds ! ye will soon be flowers, Cherry and white ; Snow-storms are changing to showers, Darkness to light. With the wakening of spring, O, sweetly sing, "Lo, Christ, the Lord, is risen." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 191 Easter buds were growing Ages ago ; Easter lilies were blowing By the water's flow. All nature was glad, Not a creature was sad, For Christ, the Lord, was risen. Emily D. Chapman, in "St. Nicholas," 1876. EASTER EGGS.-A LEGEND. Trinity bells, with their hollow lungs. And their vibrant lips and their brazen tongues, Over the roofs of the city pour Their Easter music with joyous roar, Till the soaring notes to the sun are rolled, As he swings along in his path of gold. " Dearest papa," says my boy to me, As he merrily climbed on his mother's knee, 1 ' Why are these eggs that you see me hold Colored so fine with blue and gold ? And what is the wonderful bird that lays Such beautiful eggs upon Easter days? " Tenderly shine the April skies, Like laughter and tears in my child's blue eyes, And every face in the street is gay, Why cloud this youngster's by saying nay? So I cudgel my brains for the tale he begs, And tell him the story of Easter eggs : Ye have heard, my boy, of the man who died, Crowned with keen thorns, and crucified ; And how Joseph, the wealthy, whom God reward ! Cared for the corpse of his martyred Lord, And piously tombed it within the rock, And closed the gate with a mighty block. 192 Primary Sunday- School Ifaercises* Now close by the tomb a fair tree grew, With pendulous leaves and blossoms of blue, And deep in the green tree's shadowy breast A beautiful singing bird sat on her nest, Which was bordered with moss like a malachite, And held four eggs of ivory white. Now when the bird, from her dim recess, Beheld the Lord in his burial dress, And looked on the heavenly face so pale, And the dear feet pierced with the cruel nail, Her heart nigh broke with a sudden pang, And out of the depths of her sorrow she sang. All night long, till the moon was up, She sat and sang in her moss-wreathed cup, A song of sorrow as wild and shrill As the homeless wind when it roams on the hill, So full of tears, so loud and long, That the grief of the world seems turned to song. But soon there came through the weeping night A glittering angel clothed in white ; And he rolled the stone from the tomb away Where the Lord of the earth and the heavens lay; And Christ arose in the cavern's gloom, And in living luster came from the tomb. Now the bird that sat in the heart of the tree Beheld this celestial mystery, And its heart was filled with a sweet delight, And it poured a song on the throbbing night — Notes climbing notes, till higher, higher, They shoot to heaven like sparks of fire. When the glittering, white-robed angel heard The sorrowing note of the grieving bird, 13 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 193 And heard the following chant of mirth, And hailed the Christ risen again on earth, He said, " Sweet bird, be forever blest, Thyself, .thy eggs, and moss- wreathed nest ! n And ever, my child, since that blessed night, When Death bowed down to the Lord of Light, The eggs of that sweet bird change their hue, And burn with red and gold and blue, Reminding mankind in their simple way, Of the holy marvel of Easter day. EASTER EGGS. Dear Grandpa Lee, with little Grace, Followed the pathway to the mill; Bright daisies starred the shady lane, And now and then a bird would trill. Once, when a bird ling spread its wings, She said, ' ' All things are fair and gay — The sky so blue, where birdie sings ! " Said grandpa, "This is Easter day." Thus happily they onward went, Till Grace cried, "There is little Kate, And Frank, and Nellie, too — and O ! Nell's swinging on the garden gate ! " As Grace and grandpa came in sight, The little ones to meet them sped — Their eager, prattling lips apart, Eyes flashing bright, and cheeks rose -red. " O, grandpa! in the hedge we've found Four Easter eggs, all colored blue ; They're in the sweetest little nest; We want to show our prize to youl n 194 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Said grandpa, " Touch them not, my dears; Those eggs God dyed with colors rare ; The mother-bird will soon come back, And guard her nest with loving care. 11 These Easter eggs, in leaf -hid nests, Imprison countless song-birds bright, That soon will break the tinted shell And rise and sing in joyous flight." Clara T. Raymond, in "St. Nicholas," 1878. A CHILD'S THOUGHT. Mamma says Easter means " arisen," And just as flowers rise from the snows, And just as suns rise on the night, So the Lord Jesus Christ arose, And made the dark earth fair and bright. It is the new year of the soul, And Christian folk, so mother said, Should feel new life in heart and limb; For Christ has risen from the dead, And all the world should rise with him. But I was sorry when I thought How deep and cold the snow-drifts lay On grass and field and garden-bed — No buds or birds for Easter day, And all the pretty flowers are dead. Then mother pointed out a spot, A little warm and sunny place, Where all the snow was melted quite, And there one Crocus raised its face, Just like a beam of yellow light. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 195 " It is an Easter flower! " I cried. " Will the Lord see ? It is so small ! " " Yes," mother said; "the dear Lord's eyes Nothing escapes. He notes it all. The less, the larger sacrifice. "No tiniest creature is forgot, The spent bird in the upper air He sees, and heals its broken wing ; He listens to a baby's prayer, Though loud and clear the angels sing. "And when my darling tries her best Obedient and good to be, Unselfish, loving, true, and mild, The kind Lord does not fail to see, But marks and helps his little child." How nice, and yet how strange, that is, That the great God should really mind Such little, foolish things as I ! How kind it is — how very kind ! And O ! how hard I ought to try. Perhaps to-morrow, if I seek To be a loving child and good, And please him perfectly, it may Count, like the yellow crocus bud, As a wee flower for Easter day. Susan Coolidge. SPRING TIME. " O the spring has come!" chirped the dear little birds, As they opened their drowsy eyes, And shook out the fans in their pretty tails, And turned up their heads to the skies. 196 Primary Sunday -School Exercises. " Tis time now to look for a place to build" — So Robin engaged an elm-tree ; The black Crow she spoke for a tall pine's top, Where high in the world she might be. The Sparrow took lease of an old ox-track, With grasses to thatch it all o'er ; " I like a low cottage," she said to herself, " With a daisy to nod by the door." The Swallow she fancied the corner lot Of the barn, 'neath the sloping eaves ; The Oriole sought for a graceful twig, Where her cradle could rock with the breeze. ' ' The spring has come, " said each little flower, As she stirred in her damp brown bed ; First, Snow-drop peeped in her neat white cap, Then modestly hung down her head. 44 Do I hear Sir Robin? " said Crocus white; " I am certainly late," cried she, Then popped out her head from under the clothes, And looked straight into the tree. The May-flower woke, and she drew from the moss On which she had pillowed her head, Her small waxen vials of odorous scent, To perfume her soft, lowly bed. " 'Tis darksome down here," moaned Violet blue, But when she crept out to the sky, She had to slip back just behind a green leaf, 'Twas so bright for her tender young eye. ""These rich, golden beams," said Buttercup gay, " I will take to my dairy brown, And churn them and pat them in bright little balls, The green of my young buds to crown. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 197 " O, there is a bee ! " cried Miss Clover so red, "He's buzzing because I'm not up; " So she sprang into sight, with her sweet honey jars, And asked Mr, Bee to sup. A busy time is this fresh, bright spring For Birdie and Bee and for Flower ; There's work for each in its own little world, And joy just the same as in ours. Mary Gordon, in "St. Nicholas, 1 ' April, 1880. CHRISTMAS RECITATIONS. SHINE, HERALD LIGHT! O stars of God, what did ye see That holy night when Christ was born? What stranger clad in panoply Rode with your host from eve till morn, — Whose helmet was a diadem, Who bore a fiery pennon high, And when ye came o'er Bethlehem, Paused, while your wondering host went by? CTwrus. Shine, herald light, Ye angels sing; Shepherds to-night Go seek the King! The Lord of all Lies in this stall. O, wonder passing mortal ken! Glory to God! Good-will toward men! 198 Primary Sunday- School Exercised* O, Angel of the living God, Did ever nobler errand bring Thy rapid feet, with lightning shod, Forth from the presence of the King, Than that which brought thee, with the cry To sinful, weary, wond'ring men, a All glory be to God on high ! And on the earth be peace again? " — CJwrus. O shepherds, heard ye e'er before Such music as that winsome strain That stole your vanished senses o'er, The night ye watched upon the plain, When angels, in a mighty choir, Stood round the gate of heaven above, And chanted with their lips of fire, The canticle of holy love? — Chorus. Alexander R. Thompson, D.D. CHRISTMAS. O, the dawn of the Christmas morning! O, the ring of the Christmas bells ! O, the joy and the loving gladness Which the song of the steeple tells ! O, the laugh of the happy children ! O, the shine of their sparkling eyes ! Opening out of the night-time's shadow Into the light of the Christinas skies. O, the rows of the stockings hanging, Brimming full of the dainty toys ! O, the hurry, the rush, the scramble, Here and there of the girls and boys Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 199 Dear old Santa ! a thousand welcomes Greet thee ever throughout the land ; Thou, who goest with mirth and gladness, Song and merriment, hand in hand. O, ye steeples ! be ever ringing Your glad song of the Christmas time ; And the music of children's voices Soft and sweet with the bells shall chime. " Peace on earth and good- will ! " ay, tell it Loud and clear, from the steeple's height, Till all hearts shall have caught the message Born with the Christmas dawn so bright. ANOTHER CHRISTMAS. " Glory to God in the Highest!" Again returns the joyful time, The dearest flay in every clime Where Christians sing the song sublime, Caught from the angel's ancient rhyme, Glory to God in the Highest ! The day where rapture never tires The upper or the lower choirs ; The day that fills with new desires To give, as heavenly love inspires, Glory to God in the Highest ! The day that cheers the most forlorn, That calms the heart by sorrow torn ; When bells ring in the long-loved morn, And through the star-lit air is borne, Glory to God in the Highest ! 200 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. The day the children love the best, They think the Christ-child is their guest — The Holy Babe in cradled rest — And yet the King of kings confessed, Glory to God in the Highest ! Homage *D Christ the children bring; The least, the youngest, lisping thing, All love their Christmas song to sing, For choruses and carols ring, Glory to God in the Highest ! The old men listen with delight, And mothers' eyes are glistening bright, For near are children in his sight, Who will their loving praise requite. Glory to God in the Highest ! This is the day that sinners bless ; The manger cradle they caress That held the Lord their righteousness, Born for their ransom, their redress. Glory to God in the Highest ! This is the day the poor men claim, When he, the Lord of Glory, came To be of no repute, no fame, Sharing the poor man's guiltless shame. Glory to God in the Highest ! This is the day the rich men hail, Giving rich gifts that cannot fail To bring from homes where sad hearts quail, From lips with pain and anguish pale, Glory to God in the Highest ! Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 201 This is the day that seems to be The fount of love and charity ; From land to land, from sea to sea, Flows on the Christ-born melody, Glory to God in the Highest ! Caroline May. THE TWILIGHT STORY. "Tell us our twilight story," Said tired little Ted, As close against me in the dark He leaned his nestling head. He and his sister Edith, Who, through the live-long day, Think little in their giddy heads Of any thing but play, Seem, as the twilight passes Out of the darkening nest, To like, of all the tales I know, The Bible stories best. And more than any other This one I tell to them, Of how the shepherds watched their flocks At night in Bethlehem. And while their little children In sheltered safety slept, Under Judea's tender stars Their lonely vigil kept. No doubt the dews were heavy, And wet their garments through, No doubt when wind swept over them They shivered as it blew ; 202 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. But, ah ! one night a splendor, Such as a sun had made, Shone over all the stony place, And they grew sore afraid; Until the Lord's bright angel, With wings illumining The night, came toward them, saying, "Fear not," Tidings of joy I bring. "Tidings to all the people — The dear Christ-child is born! " The radiance that was round them there Was brighter than the morn ; And a full host of angels Burst into praises then; " Glory to God in the Highest, peace On earth, good-will toward men ! " Blest were the lonely shepherds To whom such sights were given, Even though the angels, while they watched, Went back again to heaven ! When the white throng had vanished, And dark fell utterly, They each to each, with breathless awe, Said : " Let us go and see ! " They left their flocks untended, And, hastening on their way, Found where the holy, new-born Babe Within the manger lay. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 203 Before him, bowed in worship, Were wise men from afar, Who carried gifts of gold and myrrh, Led thither by a star. And side by side the shepherds Knelt down to pray with them, The child was Saviour of the world Jesus, of Bethlehem. Mrs. Clara Doty Bates. THE THREE KINGS. Three kings came riding from far away, Melchior and Gaspar and Balthazar; Three wise men out of the East were they, And they traveled by night and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star. The star was so beautiful, large, and clear, That all the other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere, And the wise men knew that the coming was near, Of the Prince foretold in the prophecy. Three caskets they bore on their saddle-bows, Three caskets of gold with golden keys ; Their robes were of crimson silk, with rows Of bells and pomegranates and furbelows, Their turbans like blossoming almond trees. And so the three kings rode into the West, Through dust of night over hills and dells, And sometimes they nodded with beard on breast, And sometimes talked as they paused to rest, With the people they met at the way-side wells, 204 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. "Of the child that is born," said Balthazar, " Good people, I pray you, tell us the news, For we in the East have seen his star, And have ridden fast, and have ridden far, To find and worship the King of the Jews." And the people answered : " You ask in vain, We know of no king but Herod the Great. n They thought the wise men were men insane, As they spurred their horses across the plain Like riders in haste who cannot wait. And when they came to Jerusalem, Herod the Great, who had heard this thing, Sent for the wise men and questioned them; And said: u Go down into Bethlehem, And bring me tidings of this new king. " So they rode away, and the star stood still, The only one in the gray of morn ; Yes, it stopped, it stood still of its own free-will, Right over Bethlehem on the hill, The city of David where Christ was born. And the three kings rode through the gate and the guard, Through the silent street, till their horses turned And neighed as they entered the great inn- yard ; But the windows were closed, and the doors were barred, And only a light in the stable burned. And cradled there in the scented hay, In the air made sweet by the breath of kine, The little child in the manger lay. The child that would be king one day Of a kingdom not human, but divine. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 205 His mother, Mary of Nazareth, Sat watching beside his place of rest, Watching the even flow of his breath, For the joy of life and the terror of death Were mingled together in her breast. They laid their offerings at his feet ; The gold was their tribute to a king; The frankincense, with its odor sweet, Was for the priest, the Paraclete, The myrrh for the body's burying. And the mother wondered and bowed her head, And sat as still as a statue of stone ; Her heart was troubled, yet comforted, Remembering what the angel had said Of an endless reign, and of David's throne. Then the kings rode out of the city gate, With the clatter of hoofs in proud array ; But they went not back to Herod the Great, For they knew his malice and feared his hate, And returned to their homes by another way. Henry W. Longfellow, in " St. Nicholas." A CHRISTMAS LEGEND. There's a German legend That they tell to-night, To the little children In the Christmas light. Thus the legend runneth : In a wintry storm Came a little stranger To a dwelling warm. 206 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. And two little children, Very fair and sweet, Welcomed in the wanderer, Warmed his frozen feet ; Placed him at their table When their board was spread, And with hearty pleasure Gave the stranger bread. Then, when very weary, Covered up the child, In their bed they placed him, While the storm raged wild. Then they slept so sweetly On the naked floor, Thinking that the tired one Wandered cold no more. Wakened from their slumber, . In the starry night, Came a glorious vision Of the angels bright. As they sung around them, There stood their little guest, Clad in golden garments Like the crowned and blest. Thus he spake unto them : ' ' I was wandering lone, You shall have my blessing For the kindness shown." Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 20 J There stood a lovely fir-tree By their home of light, He took one of the branches And planted in their sight. " This," said he, " shall flourish, And bear its fruit for you, " Then the Christ-child and the angels Had vanished from their view. But every year at Christmas, In the fir-tree's branches green, Are many golden apples And nuts of silver seen, Ah ! little Christian children, A Bible lesson see ; i t As ye did it unto others, Ye have done it unto me." Marion A. Bigelow. THE OLD-NEW STORY. "Tell me a story, mamma, A story that is new ; Of the very first Christmas, and Christmas toy, That was ever given a baby boy, — Please tell me a story true." It was my darling baby, That had climbed to his mamma's breast, Leaving Christmas toys in the hearth's bright glow, Excepting a lamb, with a fleece like snow, That he begged might with him rest. 208 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. So, I told him an old, old story, That yet is ever new ; As I rocked him to sleep in the warm fire-light, My baby that papa calls u Eye-bright," I told him a story true. The Story. Away in the Land of the Morning, Over the seas away, Where the lilies dotted the meadow green, And the starlight made a silver sheen, That was almost like the day, Were gathered the little lambkins, That, like you, tired of play, By their mamma's side had cuddled to sleep, While the gentle shepherds their watch did keep Over them till the day. When, lo ! there came unto them An angel of the Lord; And his glorious shining, as noonday bright, They feared, till they heard the angel of light Speak this peaceable word, "To you is born in the city, A Saviour, a Christ, a King ; If ye seek, ye shall find him in swaddling clothes- In a manger laid,' 7 and then arose A song that made heaven ring: " Glory to God in the highest, Earth peace; to men good- will." Then the angel singers w T ent out of their sight, And the stars came trembling into the night, The lambs by their mothers lay still. Primary Sunday- School Exercises, 209 As the angel said, the shepherds In a manger found him laid, Who the very first Christmas brought, and joy To all who live, to my darling boy ; Yes, presents to him were made. Three shepherds, kings in the East- land, Who loved the starry skies, Saw a new star break through the clouds of night, It drew them on with its wondrous light, For they said, < ' 'Tis the Star that should rise." As they followed it on toward the sunset, — They had read the prophets well, — Till they came to the court of Herod the king; Though they had not heard the angels sing, They asked his seers to tell. " Where is He who is born to the kingdom, To David's throne and state? We have followed his star from the farthest East, To the city that no more is the least, To worship the only Great." But Herod the king was wicked, He hated the baby boy, It was well that his seers could not tell the way, But the wise men sought and found where He lay, For the star led them on full of joy Till it rested above the manger, And shone on the face of the boy ; Then the kings low knelt to the infant King, They opened their treasures and forth did bring — " Mamma! a Christmas toy." 14 210 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Most precious gifts and royal, Myrrh, frankincense, and gold ; 'Twas the very first Christmas, and Christmas toy, That ever came to a baby boy. " Night, mamma! my lammie I'll hold." He was fast asleep, my darling ! Holding his lamb to his breast, Holding mine, of the Christmas Giver I pray, But gifts for my darling through all life's day, And after, eternal rest. Mary L. Sherman, in " Work and Play." SANTA CLAUS'S GIFT. "'Twas the night before Christmas," so hallowed in song, And Boreas festooned his snow-wreaths along On the roofs of the houses, with pendants of ice, Till they gleamed like a necklace of some strange device. So soft w T as the carpet he laid on the roof, All woven of crystals of magical woof, No sound echoed back on the voice of the night, As good old St. Nicholas drove into sight. His steeds were as fiery as in younger days, And the saint seemed as jolly as when, in amaze, We have lain wide-awake in the nights long ago, To catch but a glimpse of the face we loved so. Without any clatter, the chimney he neared, That over the house like a sentinel reared Its massive proportions, and oft as before Descends through its portals, and bounds to the floor. The good-natured twinkle that danced in his eye, Pen- pictured in legends of days long passed by, Is fading out slowly, and there in its place, The tear-drops are coursing a-down his old face, Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 211 His dimples, so many, have vanished from sight, For Santa Claus's heart it is saddened to-night ; For up by the chimney beside the old door, Three stockings were hung, where last Christmas were four. Three little red stockings each larger than when He filled them last year for the three little men. But he misses the tiny one white as the snow, And soft as the eider that hung just below, For Christmases three had he filled to the brim The dainty soft stocking there waiting for him. And laughed to himself in a voice soft and low, As he crammed in the sugar-plums clear to the toe. He misses the baby, the lamb of the fold, The wee, tender, little one out in the cold ; And wiping the tears from his eyes as they flow, He goes to the little mound under the snow, And what he has left there the morning will show. The Christmas bells ring on the bright Christmas morn, While thousands rejoice that a Saviour was born, As a mother was mournfully wending her way, Where her baby was laid on a fair autumn day; Not helpless, nor hopeless, but full of firm trust, Her child will be raised from the moldering dust; She kneels on the grave, and sees there below, A Christmas rose blossoming out from the snow. Anna Hagg Halliday, in " Evening Post. 1 " LITTLE ONE'S CHRISTMAS EVE. Mother, wash me clean to-night, Wash my little hands all white; Lay in curls my soft, brown hair, See my cheeks are rosy fair ; Make me pure and sweet to sight, For the Christ-child comes to-night. 212 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Wash me clean from head to feet, Snowy night-dress fresh and sweet; I will say my prayers and rest, With my hands crossed on my breast. Perhaps the Christ-child, on his way, By my little bed will stay. Mother, pardon me, I ask, Naughty words and slighted task; Let me go to bed to-night, Pure and sweet and sunny white, Then the Christ-child, on his way, By my little bed may stay. Lillie E. Barr. LITTLE TIMMENS'S CHRISTMAS. It was Christmas night on savage Washita ; It was night-fall, and bitter and black ; The winds were abroad, on the mountains A w r olfish and ravenous pack ! They snarled at the walls of the cabin, They clamored at w T indow T and door, Till the sparks from the yule-log w r ent flying Up chimney with crackle and roar! Aloft, in the infinite spaces, The snow-peaks hung, awful and lone, And the moon, like a pale, warning beacon, O'er the crest of the glacier shone ; It checkered w T ith shadows fantastic, The trestle-bridge, ghastly and tall, Where the railway crept over the chasm, And around the cyclopean wall. From the rude cabin's one grimy window, Little Tim mens looked out with a sigh, At the black gorge — the w T hite, seething torrent, And the stars in the keen winter sky ; Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 213 Far away, up the tortuous cauyon, A shrill wailing whistle arose, And here and there danger-lights glimmered In the wastes of the limitless snows ; For the winds, those assiduous builders, Were toiling with might and with main ; Hurling up the great drifts of the canyon In the teeth of the incoming train ! All the force were away at the blockade, And the winter night, lonesome and drear, Drew around the great solitudes slowly, Like the shadow of danger and fear. Little Timmens looked out at the window, With a wistful, disconsolate glance ; "I aint had no Christmas; a fellow All alone, somehow, hasn't a chance ! Father told me to stick to the cabin " (And Timmens looked ready to cry), "I've a Chinese red-light and a rocket — I wish it was Fourth of July ! Hark! What is that racket out yonder? " As a din in the silence arose, And the mountain-side seemed to be rushing Eight down with its forests and snows! "The snow-slide! " gasped Timmens, in terror, As he saw the huge piers sway and rock, And into the fathomless blackness The trestle went down with the shock ! Half- dazed with affright for a moment, He stared through the wild flying rack, Then, snatching at red-light and rocket, He sped like a deer up the track ; And his face, in the moonlight, was awful With a ghastly, soul-sickening fear, 214 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. For beyond the sharp curve of the canyon, A whistle rose thrilling and clear ! "The eastward bound express," he panted, As he set his teeth grimly and hard, And drew in his breath like a race ; 4 * The bridge down, and father off guard ! n On the shuddering verge of the chasm, He paused but a moment, but, lo ! One slender plank, swaying and creaking, Still spanned the hoarse torrent ; and so, With a glance at the cabin behind him, And one at the blackness beneath, He dropt to the plank, and went creeping Along that frail footway of death! Like a reed, that is shaken by tempest, The rent timbers quiver and sway — But inch by inch, faster and bolder, He toils on his perilous way ; Thank God! Little Timmens, safe over! His dizzy brain surges and reels, For around the curve, nearer and nearer, Come the clatter and thunder of wheels ! 11 Down brakes! " The black mouth of the canyon Flamed suddenly, lurid and red, As a rocket whizzed out of the shadows — "Down brakes! There's danger ahead! w And the train men, tumult uously crowding The track, with a thrill of surprise, Saw the queer little figure of Timmens, Like an imp from the darkness arise ! There was hearty hand-shaking and cheering, When Timmens his story had told, And a generous, spontaneous donation Of greenbacks and silver and gold; Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 215 And Timmens, half-laughing, half-crying, In a sort of bewildered content, Declared it the ' ' very best Christmas — The j oiliest ever he'd spent." Emma Alice Browne. MERRY CHRISTMAS. Lo ! the day is waking In the east afar ; Dawn is faintly breaking, Sunk is every star. Christmas eve has vanished, With its shadows gray ; All its griefs are banished By bright Christmas day. Joyful chimes are ringing O'er the land and seas, And th$re comes glad singing, Borne on every breeze. Little ones so merry. Bed-clothes coyly lift, And, in such a hurry, Prattle, " Christmas gift ! " Little heads so curly, Knowing Christmas laws, Peep out very early For old Santa Claus. Little eyes are laughing O'er their Christmas toys, Older ones are quaffing Cups of Christmas joys. 216 Primary Sunday- School Exercises* Hearts are joyous, cheerful, Faces all are gay; None are sad and tearful On bright Christmas day. Hearts are bright and bounding, All from care are free ; Homes are all resounding With the sounds of glee. Feet with feet are meeting, Bent on pleasure's way ; Souls to souls give greeting, Warm on Christmas day. Gifts are kept a-going, Fast from hand to hand ; Blessings are a-flowing Over every land. One vast wave of gladness, Sweeps its world-wide way, Drowning every sadness, On this Christmas day. Merry, merry Christmas, Haste around the earth; Merry, merry Christmas, Scatter smiles and mirth. Merry, merry Christmas, Be to one and all! Merry, merry Christmas, Enter hut and hall. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 217 Merry, Merry Christmas, Be to rich and poor ! Merry, merry Christmas, Stop at every door. Merry, merry Christmas, Fill each heart with joy ! Merry, merry Christmas, To each girl and boy. Merry, merry Christmas, Better gifts than gold ; Merry, merry Christmas, To the young and old. Merry, merry Christmas, May the coming year, Bring as merry a Christmas, And as bright a cheer ! CHRISTMAS EVE. Dear Mr. Santa Claus, are you there? I want to whisper to you ; Jack says you do not care for girls, But I'm pretty sure you do. O, this has been the awfullest day That ever a girl could know ! For Jack went off with another boy, About an hour ago. Mamma and sister are both up stairs, They've got a secret from me ; And nurse does nothing but look so wise, I'm lonely as lonely can be. 218 Primary Sunday -School Exercises. They say you are listening all the time To the little girls and boys, And those who quarrel, and scold, and fret, Never get Christmas toys. But, Mr. Santa Glaus, please forget The naughty things I do, For O ! there are lots and lots of things I'm going to ask of you. I want a doll — a real boy doll, The nicest in your pack, With jacket and pants, and cap and all, And I'm going to call him Jack. And I want a sled that'll beat the rest Of the boys, when I slide down hill, For Jack '11 teach me to make it go, I'm very sure he will. And I want a pony to ride about, Next summer, at grandma's farm; For Jack will go on the old white horse, And keep me safe from harm. Are you listening still, dear Santa Claus, Inside of the register? Mamma may keep her secret now, Since I've got one from her. And, please, will you bring to Brother Jack The best things you can buy? We're the nicest children you can find, My dear old Jack and I. Mary D. Brine, in " Youth's Companion.'' Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 219 I MERRY CHRISTMAS. / / In the rush of early morning, When the red burns through the gray, And the wintry world lies waiting For the glory of the day. Then we hear a fitful rustling Just without upon the stair, See two small white phantoms coming, Catch the gleam of sunny hair. Are they Christmas fairies stealing Rows of little socks to fill ? Are they angels floating hither With their message of goo.d-will? What sweet spell are these elves weaving, As like larks they chirp and sing? Are these palms of peace from heaven, That these lovely spirits bring? Rosy feet upon the threshold, Eager faces peeping through, With the first bright ray of sunshine, Chanting cherubs come in view : Mistletoe and gleaming holly, Symbols of a blessed day, In their chubby hands they carry Streaming all along the way. Well we know them, never weary Of this innocent surprise ; Waiting, watching, listening always With full hearts and tender eyes, While our little household angels, White and golden in the sun, Greet us with the sweet old welcome, " Merry Christmas, every one!" 220 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. DECEMBER. Dear month that gave us Christ ! King sweet, ring strong, O bells of Christmas ! Quickened by your chime, Our eager wishes, like swift birds that climb Far-reaching heights, soar up to catch the song The wandering shepherds heard. Will it be long Before the sweetness of that strain sublime Shall set itself to earth? poor, rugged rhyme To mate such music! Shepherd-thoughts that throng Beneath the starry silence, keeping guard, Tending our patient hopes, like flocks by night, Do ye not, sometimes, from yon heavenly height Catch faintest wiiisper of that advent word, Heralding Christ once more, Ki Peace and good-will, Peace upon earth? " O shepherds, keep watch still. Caroline A. Mason, in " Christian Union." A CHRISTMAS SUGGESTION Ye merry hearts that meet to laugh and dance the hours away, Ye gentle hearts that better love in sheltered homes to pray, Think on the homes whose Christmas guests are only want and care, Think on the hearts too sad for mirth, too sad, perchance, for prayer. O, sad and short the wintry days ! O, sad and long the night, When in the heart there is no hope, and in the house no light; No fire, no food! Yet goodly gifts, yet words of Christmas cheer Can make the grave seem farther off, can make the heavens more near. Primary Sunday- School Mcercises. 221 TELLING A STORY. Little Blue-eyes is sleepy, Come here and be rocked to sleep, What shall I tell you, darling? The story of Little Bo Peep? Or of the Cows in the Garden, Or the children who ran away? If I'm to be story-teller, What shall I tell you, pray? " Tell me" — the blue eyes opened Like pansies when they blow — " Of the baby in the manger, The little child-Christ, you know, I like to hear that 'tory The best of all you tell," And my four-year-old nestled closer As the twilight shadows fell. And I told my darling over The old, old tale again, Of the baby born in the manger, And the Christ who died for men. Of the great warm heart of Jesus, And the children whom he blest, Like the blue-eyed boy who listened As he lay upon my breast. And I prayed, as my darling slumbered, That my child, with eyes so sweet, Might learn from his Saviour's lessons, And sit at the Master's feet. Pray God he may never forget it, But always love to hear The tender and touching story That now he holds so dear. 222 Primary Sunday-School JExercises. CHRISTMAS. The dearest day of all the year, The children's happiest day, The day when aged men appear To throw their cares away, We welcome in, with hearty cheer, And carols sweet and gay. O blessed Christmas ! Hail to thee ! No other day we find, That holds in hand the magic key To open hearts and mind, And fill them with rich sympathy, And love for all mankind. For Christmas, on thy honored morn, We see again, and hear, The star that did the East adorn, The anthems full and clear That angels sang, when Christ war* born, In Bethlehem of Judea. What joyful tidings from heaven's height, When suddenly came down, And thrilled the shepherds of the night, The watchers in the town, Who saw and heard with strange delight These wonders of renown ! For He who in his new-born sleep, Within a manger lay — To whom wise men, with reverence deep, Their kneeling homage pay, And bring from far, with rare gifts, keep The youug Child's natal-day. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 223 This Child was King of kings, they knew ; Jesus, the Christ — foretold; And in his sacred face they view The prophecies unfold, Which were by inspiration true, Given to the seers of old. He came, O comforting belief, Acceptable and sweet, To save poor sinners, e'en the chief, Who, mercy to entreat, Bring every sin and every grief, And cast them at his feet. And never, never is denied That pardon, love, and grace, The poorest outcast never cried For a safe hiding-place, But speedy succor was supplied, And pity came apace. O could we praise him with each thought, With every energy — O could we love him as we ought, How happy should we be ; Until, life over, we are brought Our Saviour's face to see. Till then, our Christmas morns shall break The happiest of the year ; To poor and sorrowful, we'll take Kind gifts and loving cheer; To all "good-will," for Christ's sweet sake, Most blessed and most dear. Caroline May. 224 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. CHRISTMAS CAROL. There's a song in the air ! There's a star in the sky ! There's a mother's deep prayer And a baby's low cry, And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a king ! There's a tumult of joy O'er the wonderful birth, For the Virgin's sweet boy Is the Lord of the earth. Ay, the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a king ! In the light of that star Lie the ages impearled ; And tli at song from afar Has swept over the world. Every hearth is aflame, and the beautiful sing, In the home of the nations that Jesus is king. We rejoice in the light, And we echo the song, That comes through the night From the heavenly throng. Ay, we shout to the lovely evangel they bring, And we greet in his cradle our Saviour and King ! J. G. Holland. HANG UP THE BABY'S STOCKING. Hang up the baby's stocking, Be sure you don't forget, The dear little dimpled darling, She never saw Christmas yet; 15 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 225 But I've told her all about it, And she opened her big blue eyes, And I'm sure she understood it, She looked so funny and wise. Dear ! what a tiny stocking ! It doesn't take much to hold Such little pink toes as baby's Away from the frost and cold, But then for baby's Christmas It will never do at all, Why Santa wouldn't be looking For any thing half as small. I know what will do for the baby, I've thought of the very best plan — I'll borrow a stocking of grandma, The longest that ever I can : And you'll hang it by mine, dear mother, Eight here in the corner, so ! And write a letter to Santa, And fasten it on to the toe. Write : ' i This is the baby's stocking, That hangs in the corner here ; You have never seen her, Santa, For she only came this year ; But she's just the blessedest baby, And now, before you go, Just cram her stockings with goodies, From the top clean down to the toe. 14 Little Corporal." 226 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. SEEING SANTA CLAUS. Halloo ! what's the matter? Who's this that I see? Two forms on the roof! Who on earth can they be? It is time that the young ones were tucked in their beds, With visions of Christmas afloat in their heads. Now, bother these boys ! What the mischief, I say, Has brought them up here, just to be in my way? But stop ! a thought strikes me. Aha ! now I see ; They are waiting, the rogues, for a good look at me. They're getting too old; they are beginning to doubt; They think there's something they'd like to find out; The very same passion that wrecked Mother Eve, Has entered the souls of these boys, I believe ; And thirsting for knowledge, they're here on the roof; The stories about me they'll put to the proof ; Young children I love, with their sweet cunning ways, But who doesn't hate boys in their roundabout days? O, dear, how they stare? What on earth shall I do? Do you think, you young scamps, I'll be conquered by you? You seem very bright, with your wide-open eyes, And you'd think it so smart to take me by surprise. It's a very fine plan, my young rascals, but pause Ere you get up a trap to catch old Santa Claus. And then, I'm afraid, if I let you succeed, O, it would never do ; you'd regret it, indeed. 'Tis a wonderful ^fision you see in your dreams: Like a king in his glory old Santa Claus seems; With a coat of white ermine as pure as the snow. You think me a gorgeous old gray-beard, I know. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 227 You fancy my eyes are as bright as your own ; That I dwell in a palace and sit on a throne ; That I own a vast kingdom 'way up in the north, And only the night before Christmas come forth ; That I've nothing to do but to pack up my toys. And call once a year on the girls and the boys ; That my reindeers are harnessed and ready to fly Quick, quick o'er the roofs and the chimneys so high. Ah, what would you say could you know the sad truth, Long ago in your service I wore out my youth ; Just think of the burdens I've borne on my back, And the terrible weight of old Santa Claus' pack. The sprite that you love is all blackened with soot, Poor Santa Claus' coat is as black as your boot ; In a shriveled-up elf with a phiz old and grim, And a hump on his back, would you recognize him? It is better, my boys, that you never should know How far from the truth your bright fancies go. It is all for your good ; in the shadows I'll stay, Up here in the chimney till you go away. " Harper's Weekly." NOBODY'S DARLING. A CHRISTMAS STORY. " And they shall be mine, saith the LorS of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels." Mght fell on a great city ; a busy, anxious throng Of feet, that seemed unwearied, passed eagerly along ; Some breasts, I ween, were breaking, and some were light as air; On all the moonlight glistened, and Christmas stars shone fair. 228 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. In one palatial dwelling, that towered in royal pride, Of marble richly carven, a structure broad and wide, There met the mortal vision, a scene of festal mirth, So fairy-like and wondrous, it seeme'd not of earth. Across the glowing portal in troops fair children strayed, And one, their Queen they called her, grand salutations made; She bade her subjects enter, and in their robes of lace, Their snowy, fleece-like garments, each fairy sought her place. Then came the clash of music, and the dance of tiny feet ; The lilies paled and trembled, and the roses grew more sweet ; The heliotrope and myrtle entwined in mute embrace, And the holly by the Christmas hearth looked on with quiet grace. But 'neath the window casement lay a little weary head, "With the moonlight for a pillow and the pavement for a bed ; The snows of just eight winters had touched the rippling hair, That fell in sunny ringlets o'er the child so young and fair. Her eyes, then veiled and tearless, had watched that bitter night, The frolic and the Christmas cheer, the yule-log sparkling bright ; Had watched the merry dancers, an uninvited guest; Then gazing on her tatters, sank drearily to rest. " Ah! God, is this thy creature, so lonely and forlorn?" I questioned, and the answer came on wings of angels borne; "I lent the little stranger," said he, the King of men, 61 And when I make my jewels up, she shall be mine again." She died, Nobody's Darling, on that night long years ago, But her sisters live by thousands in wretchedness and woe ; "Within our crowded cities we can meet them anywhere : O, little tear- wet faces ! God bless you is my prayer ! Mary Secor Meserole, in " Intelligencer." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 229 CHRISTMAS IS COMING. " Christmas is coming! " the children cry, Counting the days that are hurrying by, Dear little children, who live at home, And do not guess what it is to roam From morn till night, with stockingless feet, Up and down, through the ice and sleet. That wonderful fellow, old Santa Claus, Who never is idle a moment, because He is kept so busy with putting the toys Into the stockings of girls and boys ; No wonder he sometimes forgets, you know, Into the homes of the poor to go ! But, dear little children, you understand That the rich and the poor all over the land Have one dear Father who watches you, And grieves or smiles at the things you do, And some of the children are poor and sad, And some are always merry and glad. The Christmas bells will sweetly ring The song that the angels love to sing, The song that came with the Saviour's birth: " Peace, good- will, and love on earth! " Dear little children, ring, I pray, Sweet bells in some lonely heart to-day. Mary D. Brine. THE WATCH ON CHRISTMAS EVE. Close by the chimney, on Christmas eve, Are huddled two tiny forms; The rafters creak and the windows shriek, And the night is wild with storms ; 230 Primary Sunday- School Mcercises. 'Tis a lonely watch, for the specter doubt Has entered a childish breast, And faith to-night must be lost in sight, And the spirit laid to rest. 11 Are you sure he'll come? " says a tiny voice, "O, say, are you certain, quite? O, what could we do if it shouldn't be true, And nobody came to-night?" But the sweet tone of a childish trust, Broke in on the other's doubt; O, never you fear, you'll see him here " When the midnight bells ring out." ' ' Perhaps they have told us a story ! though — You see we're such little boys ; I should feel so bad if I thought they had, That I'd hate the Christmas toys. Do you think he'll care for the wind and rain — They say he is getting old — With that heavy pack on his poor hump back, And the night so very cold? " "I tell you the reindeers will bring him here, And the load of toys is light, His coat is warm and he laughs at storms, I know he'll come to-night; There never can be a doubt, I say, Or never a cause to fear ; Our watch we'll keep while others sleep, And we're sure to see him here." . But the minutes drag and the small heads droop, When soft through the parlor door, Two shadows creep while the bright eyes sleep, For the bold night watch is o'er. Primary Sunday-School Exercises, 231 They cram the stockings with loads of toys, And then with stealthy tread, They lift each form in night-gown warm, And put the watchers to bed. OLD SANTA CLAUS'S SONG. Over the mountains and over the plain, Here I come ladened with goodies again ; Over the house-tops, all covered with snow, Stopping to look down the chimneys, you know; Listening to find if the children are sleeping, Then cautiously down to the fire-place creeping, Then peering around at the wee trundle-bed, Where softly is pillowed each sweet little head. O, oft do I hear them talk out in their sleep, Of the dolls they will get, and the nice woolly sheep, Of the guns, of the soldiers, the skates and the sleighs, That will give them such fun in the gay holidays. Then, as quick as a flash, I drop down on one knee, And open my pack, and then trim up the tree; And before pretty doll in her cradle stops rocking, I fill to the top every little one's stocking. But one thing I hope is by all understood — That I only pay visits to those who are good ; Then bidding adieu to my dear little friends, My work in each house very pleasantly ends, When up through the chimney, and out in the snow, Away o'er the houses I merrily go. THE FARMER'S CHRISTMAS EVE. Well, another year has rolled around, and Christmas eve is here ; Take down the Bible, Mary, your eyes are young and clear, And read about the shepherds, how the angels came to them, And told them the great Christ was born in lowly Bethlehem. 232 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Somehow, I cannot help it, I feel my boy is there Among the angels, looking down upon his vacant chair; Somehow, I cannot help it, I try my thoughts to check, 1 feel his face against my cheek, his arms around my neck. There, wife, brush off those starting tears ! Our angel boy to- night Enjoys a brighter Christmas eve among the saints in light ; We shall not hear his voice below, we shall ne'er speak to him; But we shall see him, by and by, with eyes no longer dim. I see you've found the place, my child ; so I'll be still and smoke; While you read about the chorus that all Bethlehem awoke. While you were reading, Mary, about the Saviour's birth, Although I did not hear the song, I felt the " peace on earth; " And should the heavenly choir come down to earth again, I'd join my feeble voice to theirs, and sing, "good- will to men." Ah ! got the stockings all hung up along the kitchen wall ! You think, no doubt, that Santa Claus will give our house a call; Well, shouldn't wonder if he did ! he's rather old, you know, And loves to please the children, though his path is through the snow. Now, I've been thinkin' all the while that I've been smoking here, That if God gives us such good gifts, and fills our home with cheer, We ought to do for others — the Book says — I believe, "It is more blessed for to give than it is to receive." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 233 So, John, get up to-morrow, at the earliest morning beam, And hitch up Bob and Jimmy, our strongest workin' team ; Then get a load of body-wood and provisions on the sleigh, And take them to the cot of afflicted widow Gray. For what's the use of wishing that the poor were warmed and fed, And not give fuel to warm them, and without the loaves of bread? If all Christians would with noble deeds their lives adorn, There'd be happiness among the poor each Christmas morn. PICCOLA. A CHRISTMAS STORY. Poor, sweet Piccola ! Did you hear What happened to Piccola, children dear? 'Tis seldom fortune such favor grants, As fell to this little maid of France. 'Twas Christmas time, and her parents, poor, Could Jiardly drive the wolf from the door; Striving with poverty's patient pain, Only to live till summer again. No gifts for Piccola ! Sad were they When dawned the morning of Christmas day ; Their little darling no joy might stir, St. Nicholas nothing would bring to her. But Piccola never doubted at all, That something beautiful must befall Every child on Christmas day, And so she slept till the dawn was gray. 234 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. And full of faith, when at last she woke, She stole to her shoe when the morning broke ; Such sounds of gladness filled the air, 'Twas plain Saint Nicholas had been there. In rushed Piccola, sweet, half wild — Never was seen such a joyful child ; 11 See what the good saint brought ! " she cried, And mother and father must peep inside. Now, such a story, who ever heard? There was a little, shivering bird ! A sparrow, that in at the window flew, Had crept in Piccola's tiny shoe ! * ' How good poor Piccola must have been ! " She cried, as happy as any queen, While the starving sparrow she fed and warmed, And danced with rapture, she was so charmed. Children, this story I tell to you, Of Piccola, sweet, and her bird, is tr*ie. In the far-off land of France they say, Still do they live to this very day. Celia Tbaxter, in "St. Nicholas." A LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS. Blessed old Santa Claus ! King of delights ! What are you doing these long winter nights? Filling your budgets with trinkets and toys — Wonderful gifts for the girls and the boys? While you are planning for every thing nice, Pray let me give you a bit of advice. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 235 Don't take it hard, if I say in your ear, Santa, I think you were partial last year ; Loading the rich folks with every thing gay, Snubbing the poor ones who came in your way ; Now, of all times in the year, I am sure This is the time to remember the poor. Plenty of children tbere are in our city, Who have no fathers or mothers to pity; Plenty of people whose working and heeding, Scarcely can keep all their dear ones from needing. Now, if I came every year in December, They are the ones I should surely remember. Little red hands that are aching and cold, You should have mittens your lingers to hold ; Poor little feet, with your frost-bitten toes, You should be clothed in the warmest of hose; On the dark hearth I would kindle a light, Till the sad faces were happy and bright. Don't you think, Santa, if all your life through, Some one had always been caring for you, Watching, to guard you by night and by day, Giving you gifts you could never repay, Sometimes, at least, you would sigh to recall How many children have nothing at all? Safe in your own quiet chamber at night, Cozy and warm, in your blankets so white, Wouldn't you think of the shivering forms Out in the cold and the wind and the storms? Wouldn't you think of the babies who cry, Pining in hunger and cold till they die? 236 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Once, on a beautiful Christmas, you know, Jesus, our Saviour, was born here below; Patiently stooping to hunger and pain, So he might save us, his lost ones, from shame. Now, if we love him, he bids us to feed All his poor brothers and sisters who need. Blessed old Nick ! I was sure if you knew it, You would remember, and certainly do it ; This year, at least, when you open your pack, Pray give a portion to all who may lack ; Then, if you chance to have any thing over, Bring a small gift to your friend — Kitty Clover. Emily Huntington Miller. SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN. Two little girls had chanced to meet ; Their eyes were blue, and gold their hair; One richly clad, one poor and neat ; One bright and glad, one sad and sweet; Both pure as the angels are. They stopped and looked, as children will, From timid hearts, with glances bold ; One saw blue eyes with joy-light thrill — One saw blue eyes with tear-drops fill, — And all the tale was told. Plenty and Want stood side by side, Beneath the winter's cold, gray sky ; The child of Plenty gently tried To tell the tale of Christ, who died For men on Calvary. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 237 The child of Want, with bended head, Wept o'er that story, old and rare, And lisped, " Will He who thousands fed, Give to my mother ' daily bread, ' If I but ask in prayer? " With trustful faith both knelt to pray — Unburdened all their childish care To Christ, who, throned above the day, Bade white-robed angels haste away, And bring an answer there. And while the pleading voices trilled To heaven through the silent air. The giving hand that Christ had willed, The home of want with comfort filled, Till no more want was there. 'Twas Christmas — and the chilly light Grew soft with radiance from above, As morning from the summer night, Through crimson rays grows softly bright, With sunshine of God's love. Elisha P. Thurston, in the " Advance." MAGGIE READING HER TESTAMENT. Mamma, when our Lord was a dear little child, Did his mother love him as you love me? Do you think that he played and prattled and smiled, And loved to clamber upon her knee? Did she clasp him close, and hold him long, And call him her own, her heavenly boy, And softly humming, sing over the song That the angel sang on that night of joy? 238 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Did he say his prayers when he went to sleep, Asking God's care for his mother dear? Did he ever grieve, did he ever weep? Did he ever wish ? did he ever fear ? Did he always think, I wonder, of God? Was he always praying, and never gay ? Was he always reading the Holy Word? Was he not ready sometimes to play ? His playmates, too, I wonder about, What were their games when altogether ? I cannot think he would run and shout As other boys do in the pleasant weather. Who taught him, I wonder, his letters to know, Those letters that look so strange and hard ; I wonder if he to school did go, And how early he learned to read the Word. Did he understand what the prophets meant ? Did he always feel sure that he was the Lord? Did he always know that he had been sent To open the straight and narrow road ? He had brothers and sisters, the Bible says ; James and Joses and Simon and Jude. I suppose when they quarreled one look of his Would make them ashamed, and make them good. How did he look ? I sometimes say, And would he have spoken had I been there ? Spoken, and not have sent me away? Of his notice allowed me a little share ? Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 239 At night, I suppose, when all were asleep, The angels came and talked with him long, Bade him his faith and his courage keep, Sang him to sleep with a heavenly song. He lived at Nazareth, under the hill : Do you think he gazed at the sunset glow, And sighed at the glory so bright and still; And the toil in the carpenter's shop below? Thirty long years he waited apart, Thirty to wait, and three to teach ! All of this time was he searching his heart ? So long getting ready to heal and to preach ? I shall sometime know, for now above, Where the golden gates in splendor shine, The Lord of Light, and the Lord of Love, He sits in a glory all divine. All divine with naught of earth, Save the glorious form which he took away ; Yet I'm sure he remembers his lowly birth, And I know that he hears when children pray. MISCELLANEOUS RECITATIONS. ■ FOR JESUS'S LITTLE CHILDREN. BY MISS SARAH BROWN. When first onr eyes awake to sight, And day from darkness frees us, We'll turn to him, our Lord, our Light, Our Sun, our Saviour, Jesus. 240 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. Teacher. Then spake Jesus, saying, Class. I am the light of the world : he that f ol- loweth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. And there shall be no night there ; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun ; for the Lord God giveth them light." Chorus : Sweetest note in seraph song, Sweetest name on mortal tongue, Sweetest carol ever sung, Jesus, blessed Jesus. When loving hands our bodies dress, And fitting garments please us, We'll think of Christ, our righteousness, Our snow-white Robe, our Jesus. Class. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, for he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. And after this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before tie Lamb, clothed with white robes, These are they which have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Repeat chorus. When welcome food our spirits cheer, And thirst and hunger leave us, We'll thank the " Bread of Life " so dear. The "LiviDg Water" — Jesus. Teacher. And Jesus said unto them, Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 241 Class. I am the bread of life : he that cometh un- to me shall never hunger ; and he that belie veth on me shall never thirst. Eepeat chorus. In active work, in healthful play, When all things smile and please us, We'll find him near, our Strength and Stay, Our loving Friend, our Jesus. Class. The Lord is my strength and my shield. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Repeat chorus. When friends are few, and dark the way, When troubles sorely grieve us, There still is One who'll near us stay, Our elder brother, Jesus. Class. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Repeat chorus. When wearied out our eyes grow dim, And evening slumbers seize us, We'll breathe our songs of praise to him, And find our rest in Jesus. Class. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. He giveth his beloved sleep. Tune and chorus in " Gospel Hymns," No. 1, page 56. 16 242 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. JESUS AND THE CHILDREN. A Recitation for Four Children. 1st Child. I know just the sweetest story That any one ever heard ; How Jesus, our own dear Saviour^ Said such a beautiful word. And this is how it all happened (I can say every word by heart) ; They brought unto him young children, The twelve said they must depart ; But Jesus, who sees and hears all things, Was displeased at these his twelve friends, And said (I beg you to listen, For my hope on these words depends) : " Suffer the little children to come unto me, and for- bid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." 2d Child. I know one almost as pretty, And I will tell it to you ; One day the twelve were disputing, (As e'en they sometimes would do), About who should be greatest, And would not be reconciled ; Then Jesus, their Lord and Master, Taking a dear little child, Set him amidst the disciples With manners so gentle and sweet. Then, lifting him into his arms, Said the words which now I repeat : " Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 243 3d Child. It surely should make us happy, That such things as these should be, That the Lord, the King of Glory, Loves little ones such as we. But you've not told all the story Of the day when the little child Taught the disciples this lesson, They must be humble and mild. I'm so glad I can tell you The very words that he said, Lest some one else should despise us When we want to him be led : " And whoso receiveth one such little child in my name, receiveth me." 4th Child. No matter when little children, Unto the dear Saviour came, He always gave them a blessing, And now it is just the same. But I want you all to listen, While I my story repeat, Of when they cut off green branches, And cast them down at his feet ; Singing the while glad hosannas To Christ, their dear Lord and King ; Then still again in the temple, Loudly their praises did ring. Some people cried in their anger, " Hearest thou what these children say? " This is the beautiful answer Jesus made to them that day : " Yea, have ye never read, Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise." Mrs. M. G. Kennedy. 244 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. WISHES. An Anniversary Recitation for Seven Children. 1st Child [holding a gilt star]. I wish I were a little star, I'd shine, I'd shine for Jesus ; E'en little rays can reach afar, And some one seeing it might try- To gain the heavenly home on high, And then there'd be another star To shine, to shine for Jesus. 2d Child [holding candle or little lamp]. I'd like to be a little light, To glow, to glow for Jesus ; Perhaps he'd make me shine so bright, Some little friend might see the way That leads to Christ and endless day, And be himself a little light, And burn so bright for Jesus. 3d Child [holding stuffed bird]. I wish I were a little oird, I'd sing, I'd sing for Jesus, The sweetest things ear ever heard ; I'd sing of all his, loving ways, My voice I'd raise in songs of praise, Sure never yet did little bird Thus sing, thus sing for Jesus. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 245 4th Child [holding flower]. I wish I were a little flower, To bloom, to bloom for Jesus ; I'd cheer some sad heart every hour; For though I grow so near the ground, I could shed sweetness all around, For thus it is a little flower May bloom, may bloom for Jesus. 5th Child [with branch of evergreen]. I wish I were a tall green tree, To bear good fruit for Jesus; Hooted in love I'd like to be, Then leaf and branch and blossom fair, And ripened fruit both rich and rare, And rest and shelter 'neath my tree, All these I'd give for Jesus. 6th Child [a little girl]. I'd rather be a little girl, And work, and work for Jesus ; Sure, he who made the little pearl To gleam unseen beneath the sea, Would welcome e'en a child like me, Or any other little girl, To work, to work for Jesus. 7th Child [a little boy]. I'm glad I am a little boy, To try to grow like Jesus ; I wish you all could know the joy Of serving him who for us died, Who for our sins was crucified ; Come, every girl and every boy, And live, and live for Jesus. 246 Primary jSwiday-School JSxercises. All [in concert]. To be a child is better far, Than bird, or flower, or tree, or star; We have undying souls to save, Which birds and trees and flowers don't have. 1st Child. And yet for Jesus I may shine, 4th Child. A flower's sweetness may be mine, 2d Child. And I can show some friend the way, 3d Child. While I can sing Ids praise each day, 5th Child. Eipe fruit of love for him I'll bear, 6th Child. Whate'er I can shall be my share, 7th Child. And thus we all will do our part, All. With ready hand and willing heart, To show our love for Jesus. Mrs. M. G. Kennedy. LITTLE GOLDENHAIR. Goldenhair climbed upon grandpapa's knee ; Dear little Goldenhair, tired was she, All the day busy as busy can be. Up in the morning as soon as 'twas light, Out with the birds and butterflies bright, Skipping about till the coming of night. Grandpapa toyed with the curls on her head, " What has my darling been doing," he said, " Since she rose with the sun from her bed? n "Pitty much," answered the sweet little one, "I cannot tell, so much things I have done — Played with my dolly and feeded my bun ; " And then I jumped with my little jump-rope, And I made out of some water and soap, Bootif ul worlds — mamma's castles of hope. Primary Sunday- School Exercises, 247 " Then I have readed in my picture-book, And Bella and I, we went to look For the smooth little stones by the side of the brook. " And then I corned home and eated my tea. And I climbed up on grandpapa's knee, And I jis as tired as tired can be." Lower and lower the little head pressed, Until it dropped upon grandpapa's breast ; Dear little Goldenhair, sweet be thy rest ! We are but children; things that we do, Are as sports of a babe to the infinite view, That marks all our weakness, and pities it, too. God grant that when night overshadows our way, And we shall be called to account for our day, He shall find us as guiltless as Goldenhair's lay. And, O, when weary, may we be so blest, And sink, like the innocent child, to our rest, And feel ourselves clasped to the Infinite breast. THE LIFE BOOK. "Mamma, if I were a woman — If I knew as much as you, I would write a book, " said Lilly, " And I'd write it good and true. "I would make it just like talking- Like you talked to me last night— So that every one who read it, Would love Jesus, and do right." 248 Primary Sunday- School ^Exercises. ' ( Every one, my love, " said mamma, 4 ' Must at least one book compose ; Each must write his own life-story, From its dawning to the close. ' ' On a new unwritten volume, Pure r'iid spotless to the sight, Loving ones confer a title — Baby hands begin to write. " All through babyhood and childhood, Youth, mid-life, and trembling age, Still those hands are writing, writing— Never lifting from the page. 1 i Every word and every action, Hude or gentle, wrong or right, In ugliness or beauty, Lives upon those pages white. " Every deed of love and mercy Shines upon those leaflets fair, And if one has loved the Saviour, All his love is written there. " And when death comes, all his kindred Weeping 'round his couch attend, Just below the last words written, Angel hands will trace ' The End.' " Angel hands will clasp the volume, And will bear it up to God; But its teachings will be scattered O'er the earth, where'er he's trod." *' Children's Friend." Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 249 "I LOVE THE HOLY ANGELS." I love the holy angels, So beautiful and bright, And though I cannot see them, They're with me day and night ; They watch around my bedside, They see me at my play, They know my every action, They hear the words I say. 'Tis God, our heavenly Father, Who doth the angels send, To guard his little children, Until their life shall end. When we are cross or naughty, The holy angels grieve, For they are sad when children, The way of goodness leave. And when I die, the angels Will bear my soul away, While here my body resteth Until the Judgment-day; They'll bear me gently, softly, With loving care most sweet, And lay me down in safety At my Redeemer's feet. "WHATEVER'S WORTH DOING, IS WORTH DOING WELL." Come, boys, and come, girls, please list to my rhyme, And I'll give you a maxim of olden time ; 'Tis worthy of practice, and practice will tell, " Whatever's worth doing, is worth doing well." 250 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. Is a house to be built, or string to be tied, A nail to be driven, or a million to guide ; A question to answer, or a word you must spell, u Whatever's worth doing, is worth doing well." Is a stone to be picked, or a field to be hoed, Reproof to be uttered, or rent to be sewed ; Be it preaching a sermon, or hanging a bell, " Whatever' s worth doing, is worth doing well." Be it tending an engine, or wiping a dish, Be it writing a book, or catching a fish ; Embroidering a flower, or selecting a shell, " Whatever's worth doing, is worth doing well." Be it making our law r s, or printing our papers, Or watching the babe while he cuts up his capers ; Or guarding the cows away down in the dell, " Whatever's w r orth doing, is w T orth doing well." And so of all actions, from peasant to queen, . Be it something unnoticed, or something that's seen ; So large or so small, the same story I'll tell, " Whatever's worth doing, is w 7 orth doing well." Be earnest, and thorough; let "make do" alone, Then o'er useless labor you seldom will groan ; Take this for a motto, great hurry to quell, 44 Whatever's worth doing, is w 7 orth doing well." THE LITTLE BOY'S WATCH. Dear little Dick, curled up by the fire, Sat watching the shadows come and go. As the dancing flames leaped higher and higher, Flooding the room with mellow glow. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 251 His chubby hand on his side was pressed, And he turned for a moment a listening ear; "Mother,"' he cried, "I've got a watch! I can feel it ticking right under here." "Yes, Dick, 'tis a watch that God has made, To mark your hours as they fly away; He holds the key in his mighty hand, And keeps it in order night and day. Should he put aside the mystic key, Or lay his hand on the tiny spring. The wheels would stop, and your watch run down, And lie in your bosom a lifeless thing." He crept to my side and whispered soft, While his baby voice had an awe-struck sound, "I wish you would ask him, mother dear, To be sure and remember to keep it wound." GOOD-MORNING TO GOD. " O, I am so happy! " the little girl said, As she sprang like a lark from her low trundle-bed! "'Tis morning, bright morning! Good-morning, papa! O give me one kiss for good-morning, mamma! Only just look at my pretty canary, Chirping his sweet ' Good-morning to Mary ; ' The sunshine is peeping straight into my eyes — Good morning to you, Mr. Sun, for you rise Early, to wake up my birdie and me, And make us as happy as happy can be. " " Happy you may be, my dear little girl; " And the mother struck softly a clustering curl — " Happy as can be — but think of the One Who wakened, this morning, both you and the sun." 252 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. The little one turned her bright eyes with a nod, — " Mamma, may I say Good-morning to God? " ' ' Yes, little darling one, surely you may — Kneel as you kneel every morning to pray." Mary knelt solemnly down, with her eyes Looking up earnestly into the skies, And two little hands that were folded together, Softly she laid on the lap of her mother : " Good-morning, dear Father in heaven," she said, "I thank thee for watching my snug little bed, For taking good care of me all the dark night, And waking me up with the beautiful light ; O, keep me from naughtiness all the long day, Blest Jesus, who taught little children to pray." An angel looked down in the sunshine and smiled; But she saw not the angel — that beautiful child. "N. Y. Observer.' WHICH LOVED BEST? . "I love you, mother," said little John; Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on, And he was off to the garden swing, And left her the water and wood to bring. " I love you, mother," said rosy Nell; " I love you better than tongue can tell." Then she teased and pouted full half the day, Till her mother rejoiced when she went out to play. "I love you, mother," said little Fan; " To-day I'll help you all I can ; • How glad I am school doesn't keep ; " So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 253 Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom, And swept the floor and tidied the room ; Busy and happy all day was she, Helpful and happy as child could be. "I love you, mother," again they said, Three little children going to bed; How do you think that mother guessed, Which of them really loved her best? ALL YOU CAN. "I cannot do much," said a little star, * ' To render the dark world bright ; My silvery beams will not struggle far, Through the folding gloom of night; But I'm only a part of God's great plan, So I'll cheerfully do the best I can. " What can be the use " said a fleecy cloud, Of these few drops that I hold? They will scarcely bend the lily proud If caught in her cup of gold ; But I, too, am part of God's great plan, So my treasures I'll give as well as I can." A child went merrily forth to play, But a thought, like a silver thread, Kept winding in and out all day Through the happy golden head ; Mother said, " Darling, do all you can, For you are part of God's great plan." 254 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. She knew no more than the glancing star, Or the cloud with its chalice full, How, why, or for what all strange things were, She was only a child at school ; But she thought " It is part of God's great plan, That even I should do all that I can." So she helped another child along When the road was rough to the feet, And she sang from her heart a little song, That we all thought passing sweet : And her father, a weary, toil-worn man, Said, " I, too, will do the best I can." Our best ! O children, the best of us all Must hide our faces away, When the Lord of the vineyard comes to look At our task at the close of the day ; But for strength from above ('tis the Master's plan) We'll pray and we'll do the best that w r e can. Selected. THE BLIND BOY. It was a blessed summer day, The flowers bloomed, the air was mild, The little birds poured forth their lay, And every thing in Nature smiled. In pleasant thoughts I wandered on, Beneath the deep w T ood's ample shade, Till suddenly I came upon Two children who had thither strayed. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 255 Just at an aged birch-tree's foot, A little boy and girl reclined, His hand in hers she kindly put, And then I saw the boy was blind. The children knew not I was near A tree concealed me from their view — But all they said I well could hear, And I could see all they might do. " Dear Mary," said the poor blind boy, " That little bird sings very long; Say, do you see him in his joy? And is he pretty as his song? " " Yes, Edward, yes," replied the maid, I see the bird on yonder tree," The poor boy sighed, and gently said, " Sister, I wish that I could see." " The flowers, you say, are very fair, And bright green leaves are on the trees, And pretty birds are singing there, How beautiful for one who sees. " Yet I the fragrant flowers can smell, And I can feel the green leaf's shade, And I can hear the notes that swell From those dear birds that God has made. " So, sister, God to me is kind, Though sight, alas I he has not given ; But tell me, are there any blind Among the children up in heaven ) " 256 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. " No, dearest Edward, there all see — But why ask me a thing so odd? " " O, Mary, he's so good to me, I thought I'd like to look at God." Ere long, disease his hands had laid On that dear boy, so meek and mild ; His widow'd mother wept and prayed That God would spare her sightless child. He felt her warm tears on his face And said, " O, never weep for me, I'm going to a bright, bright place, Where Mary says I God shall see. " And you'll be there, dear Mary, too; But, mother, when you get up there, Tell Edward, mother, that 'tis you, You know I never saw you here." He spoke no more, but sweetly smiled, Until the final blow was given, When God took up that poor blind child, And opened first his eyes in heaven. Rt. Rev. Bishop Hawkes. HE CARETH FOR YOU. A dear little prattler came asking one day, " Dear mamma, does Jesus want children to pray? And would he look down from the beautiful sky, To love and to bless one so little as I? " " yes, my dear child; when he came from above, His heart toward the little ones kindled with love. " Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 257 " But then 'twas so long, long ago that he came, I cannot think now that he feels just the same; He was here upon earth and could see them, you know, But he's so far, far away from us now." "No, darling, he is not 'way off in the sky; Though you cannot see him, he's always close by." ' ' O mamma, is Jesus here all through the day, And can he hear every word that we say? Does he look at us kindly, although we can't see, And will he care, really, for just little me? " II Our Saviour loves every dear little child Who is truthful and loving, gentle and mild, And if you are trying to follow him, too, Be sure, little Gracie, 'he careth for you.' " Church and State. THE LITTLE QUAKER GIRL'S PRAYER. Said a little child just waked from sleeping, Eyes brim full of morning glow, Eyes the angels had been keeping In sweet sleep with music low. "Mother, is it Jesus w r akes me In the morning with the light? Seems to me as if he takes me Right in his soft lap all night." Then with heart of sunny lightness, Springing from her little bed, In her robes of snowy whiteness, Kneeling, this sweet prayer she said, 17 258 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. While her eyes with love-light glistened, As she lisped in Jesus' ear, And the guardian angel listened Pleased such simple prayer to hear : " Please, dear Jesus, bless dear mother, 'Cause she is so nice and good, And she makes for me and brother Such nice things and such nice food. Bless, dear father, too, and Kitty, — Darling puss, with three white toes, And my little bird so pretty, Sings so very sweet, thee knows. " Help us to be quiet, playing With our little blocks and toys; And to mind what mother's saying When she bids us make less noise. 'Cause we always are so sorry, And we know thee's sorry, too, When we make dear mother worry, She has got so much to do. 11 Thanks for such a dear good mother, And my pretty doll and things ; Thanks for father, puss, and brother, And my little bird that sings. Now, dear Jesus, please to make me Good as I can be, and then, "When thee wants me, please to take me Up to live with thee. Amen." E. Johnson, in " Sunday-School Times.' Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 259 TWO FORTUNES. " Be not among wine-bibbers ; among riotous eaters of flesh : for the drunk- ard and the glutton shall come to poverty : and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags." Prov. xxiii, 20, 21. I'll tell you two fortunes, my fine little lad, For you to accept or refuse — The one of them good, the other one bad ; Now hear them, and say which you choose. I see, by my gift, within reach of your hand, A fortune right fair to behold, A house and a hundred good acres of land, With harvest fields yellow as gold. I see a great orchard, the boughs hanging down With apples of russet and red ; I see droves of cattle, some white and some brown, But all of them sleek and well-fed. I see doves and swallows about the barn doors, See the fanning-mill whirling so fast, See men that are threshing the wheat on the floors; And now the bright picture is past ! And I see, rising dismally up in the place Of the beautiful house and the land, A man with a fire-red nose on his face, And a little brown jug in his hand ! O ! if you behold him, my lad, you would wish That he were less wretched to see ; For his boot-toes, they gap like the mouth of a fish, And his trousers are out at the knee ! 260 Primary Sunday-School Exercises. In walking he staggers now this way, now that, And his eyes they stand out like a bug's; And he wears an old coat and a battered- in hat, And I think the fault is the jug's ! For our text says the drunkard shall come to be poor, And drowsiness clothes men with rags; And he does't look much like a man, I am sure, Who has honest hard cash in his bags. Now which will you choose? to be thrifty and snug, And to be right side up with your dish ; Or to go with your eyes like the eyes of a bug, And your shoes like the mouth of a fish? Alice Cary. "WHY WONT THE LORD?" The snow-flakes were waltzing and whirling down, And scattering beauty all over the town, Frosting the fences and powdering the pines, Robing in ermine the old brown vines; It was New Year's Day, And Frank was as gay As the flakes he was watching in merry play. " Only think, dear father," he cried, with glee, " Of a whole year's pleasure in store for me! In the spring, the fair, with its stalls and tents, Its cakes and its toys for our jingling pence ; . In the summer, the farm, With its endless charm, Where we can eat, climb, and tumble without harm. Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 261 " And then your birthday comes in the fall, Then mother's and mine to crown it all ; Then follows the Christmas-time so gay, And only a week till New Year's Day. With the day begun A year of fun! " Said his father, " If the Lord will, my son. 1 ' " And why wont the Lord ?" said Frank, in play; i i Why wont the Lord give us joy each day ? O, the happy year that is just before ! I can hardly wait for the joy in store ! " Yet the w r ords came still With a little thrill, Like the voice of an echo — "If the Lord will." The bright spring came with its blossoms sweet, And the fair was threaded by busy feet ; But lonely Frank through its bright hours wept, For his brother beneath the new sod slept. Little Gerhart gay 'Neath the bloom laid away ! The home at the farm, where he longed to stay In summer, by fire was swept away; When his father's birthday came he was ill, And other losses awaited him still, Till at last the whole year, which had looked so bright, Showed many a sorrow to mark its flight. On the next New Year Frank said, with a sigh, "Like Gerhart, this year I, too, may die; Our home, like the farm-house, will burn, I fear — We all may be gone by the end of the year ! " The father smiled, but repeated still, As he said before, only — " If the Lord will. 262 Primary Sunday- School Exercises, ' i He kno weth best, and our lot shall be Ordered in love for you and for me; If we only trust him for all the way, He will give us light in the darkest day, And bring us at last, when, like Gerhart, we sleep, With him to awake where our joys we may keep ! " And Frank looked up, at his father's word, And thoughtfully whispered, "Why wont the Lord ?" Mrs. J. T. Ballard, in " Congregationalist. v TRUSTING. Daylight's sun was slowly dropping Into coming night, And the twilight shadows falling, Hid the world from sight. Waiting by the busy crossing, Stood a little one ; Golden curls and eyes of azure, W T aiting all alone. Listening oft to catch a footstep Strained the little mind ; But the blue eyes ne'er glanced upward, For the boy was blind. " Shall I help you o'er the crossing ? " Spoke a passer-by — "Come, I'll bear you safely over In my arms so high." 1 ' I am waiting for my father " — Said the child — " to come; He will take my hand in his, And lead me safely home." Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 261 "But, perchance, my boy, your father's Stopped along the way, And forgets his child is waiting Here, at close of day." Softly came the earnest answer, Lisped so sweet and low : " Ah! I know he'll come; I'll trust him, For he told me so." O, the earnest childish trusting To a father's care — Knowing, though all 'round is darkness, That his hand is there. Would that we could have this simple, Child-like trust in God ; Would that we, by faith, could lean Upon his every word. Trust our Father's hand to lead us Where we cannot see — Trust his gentle voice to call us, " Come, blind child, with me." Flora Lane. "THE POOR YE HAVE ALWAYS WITH YOU." As white as the soft wool blankets Upon little Gold-Lock's bed, A covering for the bare, cold earth All day the sky has shed. As thread upon thread unvarying The weaver his web must make, So this, like a wide-spread quilt of down, Has fallen flake upon flake. 264 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. And now as the twilight gathers And the earliest lamps are lit, Gold-Locks, at the parlor window stands, Thoughtfully watching it. The streets were yet untrodden, The v> alks are clogged with white, But now and then, with a spark of red, Twinkles some glad home light. What is it upon the sidewalk That she strains her eyes to see, Making a tardy, struggling path, And lagging wearily ? Two puny and ragged children, No doubt both hungry and cold, Striving about their half- clad limbs Their fluttering rags to fold. Beggars they must be, weary And helpless in all this snow; In the near night, with its cold and dark, Where can such wanderers go ? I watch Gold-Locks, and a quiver Troubles her sweet lip and chin; II Will God take care of them ? " she cries, " O, let me call them in! " But before the wish can be granted She is down the snowy walk, And has won the hearts of the frightened things With tender, coaxing talk. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 265 They are brought to the cozy fire, They are warmed and cheered and fed, And with clothes of her own, so thick and soft, Their limbs are comforted. And when at last they are going, She bids them a cheery good-bye ; But peers without at their chilly path With motherly, wistful eye. One of life's chiefest lessons, She has learned by doing thus, That God, though he watches over all, Has given his poor to us. Mrs. Clara Doty Bates, in tk Congregationalist. ,, LITTLE BROWN HANDS. They drive home the cows from the pasture, Up through the long, shady lane, Where the quail whistles loud in the w T heat-field That is yellow with ripening grain. They find in the thick w r aving grasses, Where the scarlet-lipped strawberry grows ; They gather the earliest snow-drops, And the first crimson buds of the rose. They toss the hay in the meadow, They gather the elder-bloom white ; They find where the dusky grapes purple In the soft-tinted October light. They know where the apples hang ripest, And are sweeter than Italy's wines; They know where the fruit hangs the thickest On the long, thorny blackberry vines. 266 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. They gather the delicate sea- weeds, And build tiny castles of sand ; They pick up the beautiful sea-shells — Fairy hands that have drifted to land. They wave from the tall, rocking tree-tops, Where the oriole's hammock-nest swings, And at night-time are folded in slumber By a song that a fond mother sings. Those who toil bravely are strongest ; The humble and poor become great ; And from those brow T n-handed children Shall grow mighty rulers of State. The pen of the author and statesman, The noble and w T ise of the land, The sword and chisel and palette, Shall be held in the little brown hand. Mary H. Krout. BEN HAZZARD'S GUESTS. Ben Hazzard's hut w r as smoky and cold, Ben Hazzard, half blind, was black and old, And he cobbled shoes for his scanty gold. Sometimes he sighed for a larger store, Wherewith to bless the wandering poor ; For he was not wise in worldly lore, The poor were Christ's ; he knew no more. 'Twas very little that Ben could do, But he pegged his prayers in many a shoe, And only himself and the dear Lord knew. Meanwhile, he must cobble with all his might Till, the Lord knew when — it would all be right, For he walked by faith, and not by sight. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 267 One night a cry from the window came — Ben Hazzard was sleepy and tired and lame^- " Ben Hazzard, open," it seemed to say, "Give shelter and food, I humbly pray." Ben Hazzard lifted his w r oolly head To listen, "Tis awful cold," he said, And his old bones shook in his ragged bed ; "But the wanderer must be comforted." Out from his straw he painfully crept, And over the frosty floor he stepped, While under the door the snow wreath swept. "Come in, in the name of the Lord," he cried, As he opened the door and held it wide, A milk-white kitten was all he spied, Trembling and crying there at his feet, Ready to die in the bitter sleet. Ben Hazzard, amazed, stared up and down ; The candles were out, in all the town; The stout house-doors were carefully shut, Safe bolted w T ere all but old Ben's hut. "I thought that somebody called," he said, " Some dream or other got into my head, Come, then, poor pussy, and share my bed." But first he sought for a rusty cup, And gave his guest a generous sup, Then out from the storm, the wind, and the sleet, Pussy joyfully lay at old Ben's feet. Truly, it was a terrible storm ; Ben feared he should nevermore be warm, But just as he began to be dozy, And pussy was purring soft and cozy, A voice called faintly before his door: "Ben Hazzard, Ben Hazzard, help, I implore! Give drink and a crust from out your store." Ben Hazzard opened his sleepy eyes, 268 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. And his full-moon face showed great surprise. Out from his bed he tumbled again, Teeth chattering with neuralgic pain, Caught at the door in the frozen rain: "Come in, in the name of the Lord," he said, " With such as I have thou shalt be fed." Only a little black dog he saw, Whining and shaking a broken paw. u Well, well," cried Ben Hazzard, "I must have dreamed ; But very like a voice it seemed." "Poor creature," he added, with a husky tone, His feet so cold they seemed like stone, "Thou shalt have the whole of my marrow bone. " He went to the cupboard, and took from the shelf The bone he had saved for his very self; Then, after binding the broken paw, Half dead with cold, w r ent back to his straw. Under the ancient blue bed-quilt he crept, His conscience w r as white, and again he slept; But again a voice called, both loud and clear : 1 ' Ben Hazzard, for Christ's sweet sake, come here ! " Once more he stood at the open door, And looked abroad, as he looked before. This time, full sure, 'twas a voice he heard, But all that he saw w~as a storm-tossed bird, With w^eary pinion and beaten crest, And a red blood-stain on its snowy breast. " Come in, in the name of the Lord," he said, . Tenderly raising the drooping head, And, tearing his tattered robe apart, Laid the cold bird on his own warm heart. The sunrise flashed on the snowy thatch, As an angel lifted the wooden latch, Ben woke in a flood of golden light, Primary Sunday-School Exercises. 269 And knew the voice that had called at night, \ And steadfastly gazing without a word, Beheld the messenger from the Lord. He said to Ben, with a wondrous smile, The three guests sleeping all the while : " Thrice happy is he that blesseth the poor, The humblest creature that sought thy door, For Christ's sweet sake thou hast comforted." " Nay, 'twas not so much," Ben himself humbly said, With a rueful shake of his old gray head ; i ' Who giveth all his scanty store In Christ's dear name, can do no more." Behold, the Master, who waiteth for thee, Saith: " Giving to them, thou hast given to me." Then, with heaven's light white on his face, " Amen. I come in the name of the Lord," said Ben. i 'Frozen to death," the watchman said, When at last he found him in his bed, With a smile on his face so strange and bright, He wondered what old Ben saw that night. Ben's lips were silent, and never told; He has gone up higher to find his gold. Anna P. Marshall, in " Congregationalist." WHO PRAYED LAST NIGHT? Day after day the sun shone out, Till the earth was choking with dust and drought, And millions of blossoms on hill and plain Were almost dead for want of rain. All through the meadows the heads of wheat Bent low with the continued heat ; And the farmer murmured: "No crop of grain Shall I harvest this year if it doesn't rain." 270 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. The clouds hung heavy in hearts that knew How much depended on rain and dew, And tears were plenty as days went by ; But clouds and tears were not in the sky. Our Willie noticed the frown that lay On his father's forehead from day to day ; And longed to banish, with loving art, The fears that troubled the farmer's heart. " Mamma, do you think God would hear If I prayed for rain? " u Why, of course, my dear," Was the mother's earnest and prompt reply, " Well, then," said Willie, "I mean to try." At bed-time, Willie, o'ercome with play, Forgot the prayer he meant to say ; But the angels, watching his slumbers, guessed The thought that quivered in his breast. Next morn all over the thirsty plain Was heard the steady drip of rain ; And Willie, o'erjoyed at the welcome sight, Exclaimed, u Why, mamma, who prayed last night? " BEAUTIFUL THINGS. Beautiful faces are those that wear — It matters little if dark or fair- Whole-souled honesty printed there. Beautiful eyes are those that show, Like crystal panes, where hearth-fires glow, Beautiful thoughts that burn below, Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 271 Beautiful lips are those whose words Leap from the heart, like songs of birds, Yet whose utterance prudence girds. Beautiful hands are those that do Work that is earnest and brave and true, Moment by moment, the long day through. Beautiful feet are those that go On kindly ministries to and fro, Down lowliest ways, if God wills it so. Beautiful shoulders are those that bear Ceaseless burdens of homely care With patient grace and daily prayer. Beautiful lives are those that bless Silent rivers of happiness, Whose hidden fountains few may guess. Beautiful twilight, at set of sun; Beautiful goal, with race well run ; Beautiful rest, with work well done. Beautiful graves where grasses creep, Where brown leaves fall, where drifts lie deep Over worn-out hands — O, beautiful sleep ! Ellen P. Allerton. THE BEAUTIFUL DAY. " We did not mean to do wrong," she said, With a mist in her eyes of tears unshed, Like the haze of midsummer weather. We thought you would all be as happy as we ; But something 'most always goes wrong, you see, When we have our play-time together. 272 Primary Sunday- School Exercises* Before the dew on the grass was dry We were out this morning, Reuben and I, And truly, I think that never— For all that you and mamma may say — Will there be again such a happy day In all the days of forever ! The sunshine was y?Hlow as gold, and the skies Were as sleepy and blue as baby's eyes, And a soft little wind was blowing And rocking the daisy-buds to and fro ; We played that the meadows were white with snow, Where the crowding blossoms were growing. The birds and the bees flew about in the sun, And there was not a thing that was sorry — not one— That dear morning down in the meadow. But we could not bear to think — Reuben and I — That our beautiful day would be done by and by, And our sunshiny world dark with shadow. So into the hall we quietly stepped, It was cool and still, and a sunbeam crept Through the door, and the birds were singing. We stole as softly as we could go To the clock at the foot of the stairs, you know. With its big, bright pendulum swinging. We knew that the sun dropped out of heaven And brought the night when the clock struck seven — For so I had heard mamma saying — And we turned back the hands till they pointed to ten, And our beautiful day began o'er again, And then ran away to our plajing. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 273 "I'm afraid I can't tell you the rest," she said, With a sorrowful droop of the fair little head, And the misty brown eyes overflowing. " We had only been out such a few minutes more, When, just as it always had happened before, We found that our dear day was going. The shadows grew long and the blue skies were gray, And the bees and the butterflies all flew away, And the dew on the grasses w T as falling. The sun did not shine in the sky any more, And the birds did not sing, and away by the door We heard mamma's voice to us calling. But the night will be done, I suppose, by and by ; And we have been thinking — Reuben and I — That perhaps (and she smiled through her sorrow), Perhaps it may be, after all, better so; For if to-day lasted forever, you know, There would never be any to-morrow ! " Margaret Johnson in '* St. Nicholas. 1 WHERE DO THE FLOWERS STAY? " Where are the flowers gone, Auntie? " Asked a little girl one day; When all the world is white and cold, Where do the blossoms stay?" My darling, they are sleeping Under the fleecy snow; Safe 'neath their pure soft blanket, They're dreaming that they grow. 18 274 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. "And do they stay all winter There in the dark and sleep, And never cry for morning, Nor watch for it to peep? " Flowers are God's patient children, My precious little pet; And when he takes away the light They do not cry and fret. The winter is their bed-time, A long, long, chilly night; But fast asleep, they do not mind The North Wind's stinging bite. But by and by the spring-time Will melt the snows away; Then God will whisper-gently, u Come, blossoms, it is day. i 1 ' Spring from your lowly couches ! Open your drowsy eyes! Bathe every bud and leaflet In dew-drops from the skies ! ' ' In flower-world's fairest fashion, Be each one quickly drest, To cheer and charm and honor Some wayworn, mortal guest ! " Grow in the gladsome sunshine, Till its very joy you seize, And send the fragrant message Far on each truant breeze. Primary Sunday- School Exercises. 275 "And so, my little blossom, When summer days are here, You'll find your precious playmates Who've slept through half the year. Ellen Oliver. A LITTLE CHILD'S FANCIES. I think that the world was finished at night, Or the stars would not have been made, For they wouldn't have thought of having the light If they hadn't seen the shade. And then again I alter my mind, And I think, perhaps, it was day, And the starry night was only designed For a little child tired of play. And I think that an angel, when nobody knew. With a window pushed up very high, Let some of the seeds of the flowers fall through From the gardens they have in the sky. For they couldn't think here of lilies so white, And such beautiful roses, I know ; But I wonder, when falling from such a height, The dear little seeds should grow. And then when the face of an angel was turned, I think that the birds flew by, And are singing to us the songs they learned On the opposite side of the sky. And a rainbow must be the shining below Of a place in heaven's floor that is thin, Right close to the door where the children go When the dear Lord let's them in. 276 Primary Sunday -School Exercises. And I think that the clouds that float in the skies Are the curtains that they drop down, For fear when we look we should dazzle our eyes As they each of them put on their crown. I do not know why the water was sent, Unless, perhaps, it might be, God wanted us all to know what it meant When we read of the u Jasper Sea." O the world where we live is a lovely place! But it oftentimes make me sigh, For I am always trying causes to trace, And keep thinking " Wherefore? " and " Why? " Ah ! dear little child, the longing you feel Is the stir of immortal wings; But infinite love one day will reveal The most hidden and puzzling things. You have only your duty to try to do, To be happy and rest content, For by being good, and by being true, You will find out all that is meant. I WONDER. I wonder how the little stars Know when it's time to shine ! They open their eyes and smile on me While I am closing mine. Do angels light their tiny lamps To make it bright and fair? Now I could see just how it is If only I were there. Primary Sunday-School Miercises. 277 I wonder how the birdie knows The way to build her nest. Did some one teach her? I am sure She never could have guessed. But birds, I s'pose, are very wise, I'm sure they seem to be ! They tell my mamma funny things, But never talk to me ! I wonder how the tiny drops Of rain can come so far, And how the little bubbling brooks Know where the rivers are ! I wonder why the pretty flowers Were made with so much care, To bloom for just a day or two, So frail, and yet so fair! My pussy found her tail one day, She never dreamed 'twas there, Till tumbling upside down in play She spied it in the air. I wonder what the pussy thought ! She wasn't scared at all; But catching it in both her paws Rolled over like a ball. Why wasn't I like pussy made, That I no want would find? I don't mean pussy's furry tail, But her contented mind ! I'd laugh and play the livelong day, Nor ask one why or what ; I wonder now if I were puss, Would puss be me, or not ! 278 Primary Sunday- School Exercises. NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP. M Now I lay me down to sleep," And the blue eyes, dark and deep, Let their snowy curtains down, Edged with fringes golden brown. 14 All day long the angels fair, I've been watching over there; Heaven's not far, 'tis just in sight, Now they're calling me, good-night. Kiss me, mother, do not weep, Now I lay me down to sleep. Over there, just over there, I shall say my morning prayer; Kiss me, mother, do not weep, Now I lay me down to sleep." Tangled ringlets all smooth now, Looped back from the waxen brow, Little hands so dimpled, white, Clasped together, cold, to-night. Where the mossy daisied sod, Brought sweet messages from God, Two pale lips with kisses pressed, Tli ere we left her to her rest. And the dews of evening weep, Where we laid her down to sleep. Over there, just over there, List the angel's morning prayer ; Lispings low through fancy creep, " Now I lay me down to sleep." INDEX. PAGE All you Can 253 Alphabet of Texts 110 Another Christmas 199 A Whisper to the Primary Teacher 11 Beatitudes of Jesus, The 78 Beatitudes from the Psalms 80 Beautiful Day, The 271 Beautiful Things 270 Ben Hazzard's Guests 266 Bible, The 69 Bible History 66 Bible Truths for Little Folks 134 Bible Words for Little Folks , 137 Blind Boy, The 254 Book of Books, The 71 Chant, A 155 Child's Creed, The 156 Child's Thought, A 194 Children's Chautauqua Drill, The 159 Children of the New Testament, The 129 Children of the Old Testament, The 145 Chimes of the Clock. 1 127 Chimes of the Clock. II 128 Christmas 198 Christmas 222 Christmas Carol 224 Christmas Clock 126 Christmas Exercise, A , . . 116 280 Index. PAGE Christmas Eve 217 Christmas is Coming 229 Christmas Legend, A 205 Christmas Recitations 197 Christmas Suggestion, A 220 Closing Exercises (twenty-three in all) 178 Consecration Hymn or Recitation 157 Cross, The 84 Decalogue of Charity, The 85 December 220 Easter Carol, An 190 Easter Eggs — A Legend 191 Easter Eggs 193 Easter Recitations 190 Easter Service, An 121 Farmer's Christmas Eve, The 231 God's Gifts . . 158 Good-Morning to God 251 Hand Exercise 158 Heavenly Arithmetic, The 124 Hang Up the Baby's Stocking. 224 He Careth for You 256 High-Priest, The 60 U I Ams " of Jesus, The 83 " I Love the Holy Angels" 249 I Wonder 276 Jesus and the Children. A Recitation for Four Children. 242 Jesus' Little Children, For 239 Judges, The 74 Kings, The 76 Index. 281 PAGE Letter to Santa Claus, A 234 Life Book, The 247 Little Boy's Watch, The 250 Little Brown Hands 265 Little Child's Fancies, A 275 Little Goldenhair 24fr Little One's Christmas Eve 211 Little Quaker Girl's Prayer, The. 257 Little Timmens's Christmas 212 Maggie Reading her Testament 237 Map Exercises (six in all) 160 Merry Christmas 215 Merry Christmas 219 Miscellaneous Recitations 239 Missionary Exercise, A 99 Monument of Bible Time 124 Motion Exercises 155 Names of Jesus, The 90 Nobody 's Darling. A Christmas Story 227 Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep 278 Old-New Story, The 207 Old Santa Claus's Song 231 Opening Exercises (twenty-six in all) 13 Other Beatitudes 81 Piccola. A Christmas Story 233 Poor Ye Have Always With You, The 263 Promises of Jesus, The 93 Recitation 153 Recitation and Song 159 Santa Claus's Gift 210 Seeing Santa Claus 226 282 Index. PAGE Seven Beatitudes of Revelation, The 80 Shine, Herald Light 197 Short Lesson on the Bible, A 106 Simple Exercise for the Little Ones, A 1-08 Spring Time 195 Suffer Little Children 236 Supplemental Lessons 57 Tabernacle, The 57 Telling a Story 221 Temptation 113 Ten Commandments, The ..•.....,. 63 Three Kings, The 203 Trusting 262 Twelve Apostles, The 82 Twilight Story, The 201 Two Fortunes. 259 Watch on Christmas Eve, The 229 i ' Whatever's Worth Doing, is Worth Doing Well "...... 249 Where Do the Flowers Stay ? 273 Which Loved Best? 252 Who Prayed Last Night ? 269 Why Wont The Lord ? , 260 Wishes. An Anniversary Recitation for Seven Children . . 244 Wordless Book, The 87 Work for the Master 150 Works of God, The 141