pure white marble, carpeted with shawls and cloth of gold, on which the king sat in the fashion of his country, his back supported by a large cushion, encased in a network of pearls. The spacious apartment in which it was erected was open in front, and supported by two columns, twisted white marble, and fluted gold. The interior was profusely decorated with carving, gilding, arabesque, painting, and looking-glass. This throne was erected in the 17th century for Shah Abbas the Great in Ispahan. Towards the close of the 18th century, Teheran became the capital of Persia, and thither the throne was removed.

But, to pass on, and notice the Scriptural references to thrones. The first mention of a throne is in Genesis xli. 40. When Pharaoh was investing Joseph as prime minister of Egypt, B.C. 1715, he said, "Only in the throne will I be greater than thou." The finest and most beautiful throne (earthly), described in the Bible, is that of King Solomon. (1 Kings x. 20.) It was made of pure ivory, or tusks of the elephant, overlaid or plated with pure gold. To ascend it, six steps had to be mounted; the back was round; and two arms, decorated with lions, supported the seat. The principal ornaments were twelve golden lions, two on each step. Apparently there was a canopy attached to it.

Daniel, in his visions, frequently saw thrones. The principal was that recorded in chapter vii. 9,10. The vision was of God's kingdom, following that of the four beasts. On that throne was seated "The Ancient of days." The interpretation of these visions is given at the close of the same chapter. St. John, when on the Isle of Patmos, in vision also, saw a Great White Throne, and Him that sat on it. (Rev. xx. 11-15.) May there not be a similarity in these visions of these holy men, although Daniel saw his B.C. 553 years, and John A.D. 96. If you look through your marginal references, you will find appended to each the chapter and verse of the other.

"Heaven is God's throne, the earth is his footstool." Isaiah tells us this glorious news. There, in your highest

St. Paul,

Heaven, the Almighty manifests his power and glory, and shews himself in his majesty. Yet, though so great, so holy, and so high, he will be served in humble sincerity. His promise is, "to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." The sweet singer of Israel, in praising God for his wonderful power, says, "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne." What grand poetical pictures! also, paints us another with the pencil of inspiration. When writing to the Hebrews, and exhorting them to constant faith and patience, he bids them look to Jesus, "who is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." What a glorified position Jesus now holds! Contrast it to the time when he exclaims, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head."

Another Scriptural reference to thrones, to comfort those who mourn and who are longing for rest, is Luke xxii. 24th to 30th. What a touching scene! How the words of Jesus would calm the troubled minds of the eleven disciples! He would not have them to be ambitious, or seeking for worldly honor; but to help them on, cheer their spirits, he expresses the happiness the saints of God would enjoy throughout eternity. Jesus tells them that they should eat and drink at his table, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Finally, there is a promise to all who come by faith and prayer to Jesus, and who live by faith on the Son of God. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Rev. iii. 22.) May we individually

"Go to shine before the throne;

Deck the Mediator's crown;

Go, his triumphs to adorn ;

Made for God, to God return."

Aylesbury.

ANNIE E. PORTNALL.

THE IDIOT AND HIS DOG.

My dear Edith, where have you been at this early hour?', said her mamma; "what could have enticed you out before breakfast, this cold morning ?"

"Why, mamma, nurse has been telling me about the new people who have come to live at the lodge," replied Edith. "She says they have a little boy about nine years old, who is an idiot. I wanted so much to see him. I tried to get a peep by going round the shrubbery. Have you seen him, mamma ?"

"Yes, my dear," replied Mrs. Dallas, "he is a handsome little fellow with curly hair and large black eyes; but there is a vacant look about them which at once convinces you of the sad truth."

"Poor boy!" said little Edith. "Could nothing be done for him, mamma ?"

"I fear not, my child; his mother cannot bear parting with him. I strongly advised her trying to get him into an idiot asylum, for that is his only chance; but I cannot wonder at her wishing to keep him under her own eye, he is very delicate, and an only child."

Not many days after this conversation, Mrs. Dallas came into the schoolroom and asked the governess if she could spare Edith from her lessons, for she was going to the lodge, and knew her little daughter would be delighted to accompany her. Now it happened about this time that Edith had a young Newfoundland puppy, of which she was very fond. "Mamma, may not Nero come with us ?" she said, "I have sent him away twice, but he seems determined to come." Mrs. Dallas made no objection, so Nero followed them to the lodge. Willie took a great fancy to him; he seldom spoke or noticed anything; but, strange to say, he took the dog in his arms and sat quietly nursing it.

"Do you love the pretty dog?" Edith ventured to ask; but he only stared vacantly at her, repeating slowly and sorrowfully, "Poor dog-poor dog!"

"He has taken a strange fancy to it, miss," said his mother; "I never saw him take so much notice of anything."

The next time Edith went to the lodge it was with her governess, and great was their surprise on seeing the little boy sitting on a low stool outside the door with Nero lying gracefully in his lap. He looked up as they drew near and smiled, exclaiming, "Willie's dog."

"Poor little fellow!" said Edith, "he does seem fond of it; do you think, Miss Burnard, mamma would let me give it to him for his own, to keep always? it would make him so happy; I will run and ask her." And away bounded Edith in search of her mother. Mrs. Dallas did not give her consent at first; she was afraid after a little time Edith would want her pet back again; but when she saw she had quite made up her mind she agreed.

"Oh! Miss Burnard," exclaimed Edith, as she reached the lodge quite out of breath, "mamma has given her full consent; how glad I am! I am sure it will make Willie happy."

Mrs. Brown thanked her many times for her kindness. “I am so pleased my poor boy should have some pleasure," she said, stroking his curly head; how can I ever thank you enough!" After this Edith often went to see Willie, and was always welcomed warmly by his mother.. The child did not, of course, understand who had given him his dog, but he had learnt to be very fond of Edith, who often made him a present of a new toy or book, and sometimes carried him fruit or flowers from her own little garden; in short, almost everything she had she divided with Willie; they became great friends, and the poor little boy began to look forward to her visits with pleasure. He would play with her curls, and stroke her face, as he did his mother's, which was a token of love. One day when she had not been there for some little time she was surprised at not see

ing him on his usual seat. After waiting a little, Mrs. Brown opened the door.

"Oh, Miss Edith, I am so glad you are come! My poor Willie is in such distress-we have lost Nero-wa have seen nothing of him since yesterday at four o'clock, and the poor laddie takes it so to heart, we can't get him to eat or do anything; nothing seems to amuse him, he pushes everything aside, exclaiming, in a piteous tone, 'Poor dog!"

Edith was truly sorry to hear Nero was lost, and her mamma offered a reward to any one who should bring him home safely. Brown went in search of him again that evening, but came back empty-handed. In the middle of the night they were much frightened at hearing some one unbolting the front door. On striking a light Mrs. Brown found Willie missing from his bed, and, hurrying down, was just in time to see him open the door; and there stood poor Nero, panting and covered with blood. The dog was found to be more frightened than hurt, and soon recovered, to the great delight of the poor boy, who was more fond of him than ever, and could not bear to lose sight of him for a minute. I do not know what Willie would have done without him. He grew to be a fize, useful dog. Mrs. Brown would trust her little boy anywhere with him; they used to wander about the lanes together, and when Willie was very tired Nero would carry him home on his back. Sometimes they stayed out for hours together, and Mrs. Brown would begin to feel anxious, but Nero never by any chauce made his appearance without his young master.

Sent by E. Neale.