PETER'S WIFE'S MOTHER CURED. After Jesus had left the Centurion He went to the house of his disciple Peter, and there He saw Peter's wife's mother, laid on a bed, sick with fever. And He took her by the hand and lifted her up. The fever left her and she was cured. She rose up from her bed and attended upon them. That evening, when the sun was setting, they brought to Jesus all those that were ill, and many that were possessed with devils. And He cast out the devils by His word, and healed all those that were sick. * * * * * "At even, ere the sun had set, The sick, O Lord, around Thee lay; Oh, in what divers pains they met, Oh, with what joy they went away!" [Illustration: PETER'S WIFE'S MOTHER.] THE UNJUST STEWARD. See where the steward, worldly wise, With wicked cunning in his eyes, Shows his lord's debtors how to cheat His master of his oil and wheat. "A hundred measures dost thou owe Of oil? My friend, 'tis scarcely so: Here, take thy bill and quick indite Fifty: that puts the matter right." "A hundred measures is _thy_ debt Of corn? My friend, thou dost forget: Here, take thy bill, and write fourscore; Surely thou owest nothing more." Thus wickedly he would provide Houses in which he might abide, When for his former acts unjust He from his stewardship was thrust. And when his master heard, he smiled, Though of his goods he was beguiled: Nor did he e'en forbear to praise The crafty foresight of his ways. The children of this world, alas! The children of the light surpass, In planning methods to provide For ills from which they cannot hide. And so our Master bids us take The money which He gives, and make Friends with our riches for the day When earthly treasures flee away. That when we leave our house below, And into unknown regions go, Through Jesus, we may find above An everlasting home of love. Do I my little store expend For such a wise and prudent end; Or only think of my own gain, And not of others' want and pain? Lord, by Thy Spirit, make me wise Above my selfishness to rise, And something daily give away To find again in Thy great day! RICHARD WILTON, M.A. [Illustration: THE UNJUST STEWARD.] THE RICH MAN AND THE BEGGAR. There was a certain rich man who was clothed in rich silks and fine linen, and feasted on costly food each day. There was also a poor beggar, who was ragged and hungry, and covered with sores. His name was Lazarus, and they laid him at the rich man's gate, for he desired to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the well-supplied table. And even the dogs had pity on him, for they came and licked his sores.