and declared to himself that he could cut it all out if he kept at it.  But he didn’t know how hard it would be to ‘keep at it.’  The next day he cut out a little more [Cut away the letter B], but the desire to smoke the deadly cigarette was still strong.  He was inclined to give up in discouragement, for he had now found that cutting out wasn’t cutting off and that he still had IT.  Not until now did he feel his helplessness, for the habit was still strong upon him.  He needed a friend—­a friend who could help him in his earnest wish to become once more true and pure.  And a friend came.  It was one who knew Christ and His power to save everyone who turns to Him for help.  Clearly this friend revealed to him the truth, that if he would master his habit he must master himself.  Boldly he took the glad step, and, like all humble followers of Jesus, he gave himself into His loving care, to guide and to direct his life.  With this step came active work for Christ, and it was then that the letter I was removed [Cut out the I] and a new vision burst on his sight, for the last remnant of his enemy faded away in the transformation of his life to Christian service. [Give the T a touch with black, converting it into a cross; then continue the drawing to complete Fig. 30.  Use black for the hill and circle; outline the cross in red; use orange in broad strokes for the rays emanating from the cross.]

[Illustration:  Fig. 30]

“This was the vision.  It can come to every boy and girl.  It has come to countless thousands.  To this boy of whom we speak it came to save him from failure and death.  No longer did the dread habit control him.  The battle was won, not by his own strength, but through Christ, who strengthened him.  Such strength will be yours every time you need it to help and to keep you.

“And let us think for a moment of the great service of the friend who led this young man to see the vision.  Are we a friend to those who need us?  ‘Brethren,’ says Paul, ’if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another’s burdens.’

“May we ever be ready to lend a helping hand.”

EASTER LILIES
    —­Easter
    —­Resurrection

Their Introduction into America has Spread Perfume and Beauty
Everywhere.

THE LESSON—­That, like the lily, Christ gave up His life that His followers should multiply in the earth.

It is difficult, as teachers of children are aware, to impart the significance of Easter to those who are too young to be acquainted with death and the hope of a resurrection.  Many teachers find it best to confine the thought to the phenomena of nature as revealed in plant life and to make such applications to the spiritual as conditions seem to permit.  Easter is the most precious day of the year, for without it there would be no Christmas, because Christmas