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PIPHANY means "Manifestation, or Showing forth.' On this festival we are reminded of the visit of the wise men to the Infant Saviour at Bethlehem, when He was shown forth to them, and through them to the Gentile world.

Under the old covenant the Jews were God's chosen people, who had the keeping of the Law and the Scriptures. And to them first the birth of the Redeemer was made known, when an angel brought the news to the shepherds who were watching their flocks.*

But the Gentiles-the heathen nations -also must be saved. So God guided certain learned men from an Eastern country, by the leading of a star, to the birthplace of the holy child. These men, when they saw the Lord, believed, and made costly offerings as they worshipped Him.†

The Epiphany is a glad day for us, for we are of the Gentile world; and if Christ had never been manifested to the Gentiles, we should never have known Him. Why should not we, like the wise men, make our offerings to our dear Saviour? Why should not we offer something which will help to send the good news of salvation to other lands?

Little children can put their pence into the missionary box, and pray, 'O God, do Thou manifest Thy Son Jesus Christ to all lands. Where now there is heathen darkness, let the true Light shine.' E. L.

pleasant, genial nature which endeared him to all.

When the rules of the Court allowed it, Frederick would often secure him as his neighbour at table, sure then of some higher pleasure beyond the dainty fare.

One Good Friday the old General received an invitation to the royal table, but he respectfully declined it, on the ground that on that day he always received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and spent the remaining hours of the day in his chamber meditating upon the Saviour's death.

The King took no notice of his refusal at the time, but on his next appearance at Court he asked him lightly, how his Good Friday meal had agreed with him?

The old General rose from his seat, bowed low before his Majesty, and, regardless of who might be within hearing, said in a clear, impressive voice,

"Your Majesty knows I have risked my life on the battle-field for you, and were it necessary, or did you command, I would willingly lay my grey head now at your feet; but I cannot forget there is One greater and mightier than you-our God and Saviour, Who died for both of us, and shed His blood for our sakes. This High and Holy One I may not permit to be

lightly spoken of or scorned in my presence, for in Him is my trust and hope, living or dying. In the power of this faith your people have fought for you, and were you by any means to undermine it you would shake the very foundations of your State. Pardon my words, your Majesty, for they come from the heart.'

The King was deeply moved by the speech. He raised the bowed form of the brave old man, and pressing his hand said earnestly, Happy Ziethen! if I had only your faith! But be satisfied, for the future I will respect it if I do no more. Hold it fast, and believe that what has occurred to-day shall never distress you again.' H. A. F.

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE EAST.

MARRIAGE.

IN the East, when there was going to be

a marriage, the bridegroom went with his friends in the evening, to the house of the bride. As they drew near, some one, who was set to watch, gave notice of his coming, when all who were in the house of the bride came out to meet him, some with lamps in their hands, and some playing music. Then all went into the house, the door was locked, and no one else could get in. A feast was got ready, and the guests sat down to a supper, at which those of the highest rank sat nearest to the upper end of the room. All were dressed in wedding clothes given to them by the bride's father. If any one was found there, who had not on a wedding dress, he was made to go out. The person who took charge of the supper and saw that the guests had enough to eat and drink, was called the governor of the feast.'

stone

The philosopher's would have been a very pleasant thing to possess. It was said to have the power of turning whatever it touched into gold. Only think how rich it would make the man who owned it!

Some few silly people spent their whole lives in hunting after the philosopher's stone. One thought to find it here, and another looked for it there. But, alas! it all came to the same thing in the end. No one ever found it, or ever will. There is no such stone in the world. People fancied that the philosopher's stone would make them very happy. But I doubt whether it would, even if they had found it. It might have turned everything to gold, but gold is not happiness. O no! very far from it, 1 indeed! And the philosopher's stone never professed to turn everything to happiness.

I can tell you of something that will do so-something that has brought happiness everywhere, and at all times. Whatever it touches, it turns to happiness. It is 'godliness with contentment,' which the Bible tells us is great gain' (1 Tim. vi. 6).

The contented Christian has more happiness than the philosopher's stone could ever have given him. His wishes never reach beyond what God has bestowed upon. him. He is satisfied with his lot, be it

what it may. His heart is at peace; and

the heart is the fountain of happiness or

misery. If the heart is at peace, all is at peace; but if the heart cannot rest, it is like the troubled sea, and there would be no happiness for that man if he sat upon a throne.

Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come' (1 Tim. iv. 8). And the godly man has in him a well of peace and joy that will spring up to everlasting life.

A PRESENT FOR GRANNY.

O

And mother meanwhile had been busy within,

Had furnished the basket with care; Sweet honey had brought from the hives of her bees,

And eggs from her hens, fresh and fair.

Then kissed the small damsel and bid her God-speed,

And mind well the way that she took Along the green lane, and to tread with due

care

The stepping-stones over the brook.

G°

'Tis only just four by the sun;

Go nestle again on the pillows so white,

To rest for the work to be done.'

O mother dear, please! let me up and dress quick;

If I don't, I shall sure be too late: I've the basket to find, and the flowers to pick.

Granny breakfasts at half-past eight.'

So Nelly she hastened and donned her best. frock,

And brushed smooth her pretty bright hair,

Then knelt by her bedside with fast-closed

blue eyes

And whispered her morning prayer.

She asked our great Father to bless her that day

And make her a dutiful child;

To bless, too, poor Granny, so sick and so old,

Kind father, and mother so mild.

Then into the garden she ran bright and gay

And picked of her flowers the best,White lilies, sweet roses, all covered with dew,

Dark pansies to mix with the rest.

send,

But it comes from a heart full of love: May it please the good God, I shall see her again,

If not, may I meet her above.'

And so little Nelly, that lovely spring morn, Set forth fresh and bright on her quest; 'Her bonnie young face and kind words,' Granny said,

"Of all the kind gifts were the best.'

My good little reader, whoever you be, Don't pass by my story so small, Without giving one little thought as you

read

To the lesson that lies under all.

You may only be young, you may only be poor,

Have nothing of value to give; But he who from love gives kind words or kind deeds

Gives his best, and reward shall receive.

And WHOSE are the sick, and the sad, and the poor?

WHO their anguish and sorrow can see? WHO notes well each kind, tender deed, spent on them,

And counts it-all done unto ME?'