beyond the sun; that he might live a thousand years,' &c. What nonsense, father!"

"Nonsense indeed, Harry. The Persian monarchs never admitted any one into their presence who did not perform this act of adoration. Alexander, when he had conquered Asia, was so vain of his achievements, that he too would be reverenced after the manner of the gods. His attendants, and those who came to converse with him, prostrated themselves before him. Mr. Harmer, from D'Herbelot, mentions a remarkable instance of the submission of a conquered prince to an Eastern monarch. This prince threw himself one day on the ground, and kissed the prints that his victorious enemy's horse had made there ; reciting some verses in Persian which he had composed. “The mark that the foot of your horse has left upon the dust, serves me now for a crown.

"The ring, which I wear as the badge of my slavery, is become my richest ornament.

"While I shall have the happiness to kiss the dust from your feet, I shall think, that fortune favours me with its tenderest caresses and sweetest kisses." "

"What a slave he must have been, father!"

What did the Persian monarchs exact from those admitted into their presence? What did Alexander require when he had conquered Asia? What does Mr. Harmer relate? Repeat the verses composed by the conquered prince.

"Surely he was; but much allowance must be made for the difference in our manners and theirs. It is only a few days since, that I was reading an account of an audience which the American missionaries had with the Emperor of Burmah; it strongly proves that the revolution of centuries has made but little change in the manners of the Eastern world. They took as a present to his Majesty the Bible, in six volumes, covered with gold leaf, and each volume enclosed in a rich wrapper. When they got to Ava, they petitioned to behold the golden face."

"Golden face! father!"

"Yes, the face of the Emperor is called golden-his feet are called golden, and, indeed, every thing pertaining to him is called golden. At the outer court,' say they, we were detained a long time, until the various officers were satisfied that we had a right to enter; after which we deposited a present for the private minister of state, and were ushered into his apartments in the palace yard. He received us very pleasantly, and ordered us to sit before several governors and petty kings, who were waiting at his levee. Some one now announced that the golden foot was about to adHas much change taken place in the manners of the Eastern world? What did the American missionaries take to the Emperor of Burmah? What did they ask to see? Who is said to have a golden face and golden feet? Relate the account of the presentation of the missionaries to the Emperor of Burmah.

vance; on which, the minister hastily rose up, and put on his robes of state, saying that he must seize the moment to present us to the Emperor. He conducted us through various apartments of splendour and parade, until we ascended a flight of stairs, and entered a most magnificent hall. He directed us where to sit; and taking his place on one side, had the present deposited on the other. The scene to which we were now introduced really surpassed our expectation. The spacious extent of the hall, the number and magnitude of the pillars, the height of the dome, the whole completely covered with gold, presented a most grand and imposing spectacle. Very few were present, and those evidently great officers of state. We remained about five minutes, when every one put himself into the most respectful attitude, and the chief minister whispered that his Majesty had entered. We looked through the hall, as far as the pillars would allow, and presently caught a glimpse of him. He came forward, unattended, in solitary grandeur, exhibiting the proud gait and majesty of an Eastern monarch. His dress was rich, but not distinctive; and he carried in his hand the gold-sheathed sword, which seems to have taken the place of the sceptre of ancient times. But it was his high aspect and commanding eye that chiefly riveted our attention. He strided on; every head,

excepting ours, was now in the dust. He sat down on an elevated seat, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, and his eyes intently fixed on us then the minister presented our petition; and, in a few moments said to us, ' In regard to the objects of your petition, his Majesty gives no order. In regard to your sacred books, his Majesty has no use for them; take them away.'"

"It is an interesting account, father; but the subjects of the Emperor of Burmah must be all slaves; are they not?”

"Indeed they are, Harry. Christianity, whilst it teaches us to 'fear God and to honour the king,' discountenances the idolatrous regard of one creature by another. When Peter came to visit Cornelius, he threw himself at the Apostle's feet; but Peter nobly said to him, 'Stand up; I myself also am a man !'"

"It is a delightful thought, that the greatest Being in the universe, the only Being properly so calledHe who is enthroned above all might, majesty, and dominion, by whose power all creation is upheld every moment, and by whose smile it is made happy, is infinite in His condescension; though the Heavens are

What does Christianity teach us? What does it discountenance? What did Peter say to Cornelius? What reflections are delightful with respect to the Supreme Being?

His throne, and the earth is His footstool, He has declared, that He will look to that man with complacency, and take up His abode with him, who is of a humble and of a contrite heart, and who trembleth at His word. Indeed, 'not a sparrow falleth to the ground without our Heavenly Father.” ”

SACRIFICES.

"ABEL, it is said, brought of the firstlings of his flock to God; did he sacrifice them, father ?"

"No doubt but that was the case."

"But God did not bid him do so."

"There is indeed no express command to him to this effect. But when man became a rebel against his Maker, it is evident that, by divine appointment, he was to approach Him with sacrifices. If God had not directed him to do so, it can scarcely be imagined that he would ever have thought of it himself. The skins with which the Almighty clothed our first parents, it is thought by most learned men, and with the greatest

What did Abel bring unto the Lord? Was man directed by God to offer sacrifices? What is supposed of the skins that clothed our first parents?