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A PARABLE.

BY JAMES CARRUTHERS.

“It is a marvel,” remarked the youth Silas to his companion, “that, after so many years of unremitting application, favored by the combination of extraordinary advantages, I should yet have accomplished nothing.  Scholarly toil, indeed, is not without its meet reward.  But in much wisdom is much grief, when it serves not to advance the well-being of its possessor.”

“I have remarked, as thou hast,” returned the companion of Silas, “how sorely thou hast been distanced in thy life’s pursuit by those who came after with far less ability and fewer advantages; and, if thou wilt believe me, have read the marvel.  Last noon, while in attendance on the Syrian race, I observed that the untamed, high-mettled steed, that, in his daring strength and almost limitless swiftness, scorned his rider’s curb, though traveling a space far more extended than the appointed course, and, surmounting every hill, left the race to be won by the well-governed courser that obeyed the rein, and, in the track marked out for his progress, reached the goal.”

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[Illustration]

ERAS OF LIFE.

BY MRS. A.F.  LAW

(See Plate.)

BAPTISM

“We receive this child into the congregation of Christ’s flock, and do sign her with the sign of the cross—­in token that hereafter she shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully fight under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ’s faithful soldier and servant, unto her life’s end.”—­BAPTISMAL SERVICE OF P.E.C.

  In the house of prayer we enter, through its aisles our course we wend,
  And before the sacred altar on our knees we humbly bend;
  Craving, for a young immortal, God’s beneficence and grace,
  That, through Christ’s unfailing succor, she may win the victor race. 
  Water from baptismal fountain rests on a “young soldier,” sworn
  By the cross’ holy signet to defend the “Virgin-born.” 
  May she never faint or falter in the raging war of sin,
  And, encased in Faith’s tried armor, a triumphant conquest win! 
  To the Triune One our darling trustingly we now commend,
  And for full and free salvation, from our hearts pure thanks ascend.

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COMMUNION.

      “Hail! sacred feast, which Jesus makes—­
        Rich banquet of his flesh and blood: 
      Thrice happy he who here partakes
        That sacred stream, that heavenly food.”