THE ASCENSION.

"WE have come to our last picture to-day," said Mrs. Ross next morning. "We are going to read of how Jesus went back to heaven."

Ellen and Harry looked quite grieved. "O, mamma, is it our last lesson; have you no more to tell us about Jesus?"

"Oh, my dears! you need not look so distressed. Uncle's pictures are done, but that is all. There is still a great deal more for you to learn of our blessed Lord which we have passed over, and we can read the old stories over again also; for the Bible is not like any other book, the oldest person may read it all his life, and never weary, but enjoy it more every year. Do you remember grandpapa, Harry ?"

"No, mamma.'

"But I do," said Ellen. "I remem

ber our going to see him long ago. He was a very old gentleman, and he used to take me on his knee, and was very kind. And I remember and you both cried when the letter came to say that he had gone to heaven."

papa

"Grandpapa was very old, my dears, but he began to read and to learn the Bible when he was as young as you, and he enjoyed reading it every day all the long years he lived. If we love Jesus, we shall never tire of reading and hearing of him. To-day we shall read how he left his disciples, and went back to his glory again. Look at the picture."

"It is very pretty, mamma. Jesus is going up in the clouds, and the disciples are looking after him. How sorry they would be!"

"Yes, we may be sure they were. But he had been with them a long time after he rose from the dead, for forty days, almost six weeks, and they had spent many delightful hours with him. And he had explained to them

much that they did not know before about his work as the Messiah in saving sinners, and told them what they were to do when he left them, how they were to go and preach the gospel over all the world; and that, though they did not see him, he would be always near, ready to hear their prayers, and to comfort and bless and help them; and then, when they came to die, though some of them would have to suffer very much, as he had done, from cruel men, still that would soon be over, and then they would come to be with him again for ever. He told them, too, that in a few days the Holy Spirit would come to them in a very wonderful way, and be their Comforter, and give them strength and wisdom for all they had to do; and so, though they must have grieved to part from their dear Lord for a time, still they were made willing, and their hearts were full of faith and joy. You may read now what Luke tells us about his going up to heaven."

"And he led them out as far as to

Bethany; and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."-Luke xxiv. 50-53.

"That is very beautiful, mamma. Who are the men in white in the picture, talking to the disciples?"

"They are not men, but angels. We hear about them in the book of the Acts. You may read what is said there."

"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And, while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."-Acts i. 9-11.