THE OLD MONK AND HIS WORK.



NEARLY twelve hundred years ago, There lived in England a learned monk of saintly character, who spent his life in trying to do good to others. He wrote very many books on religious subjects, and toward the close of his life translated into the Saxon language the Gospel according to St. John. 

Over sixty years of age, he was desirous of completing this work before he should die. As the work proceeded he found that disease was rapidly bringing him to the grave, so that, as he neared the closing chapter of the Gospel, he felt the need of haste. He dictated the translation to a young man named Wilberch, who faithfully wrote all that the old monk told him.

The day before his death he suffered very much from pain and difficulty of breathing, but continued cheerfully at his work, saying to Wilberch, "Go on quickly. I know not how long I shall hold out." 

The next day the young man told him that there was but one chapter left, and asked him if he thought he could get through with that. The monk replied, "Yes; take your pen, mend it, and write fast."

Thus they worked together until evening, when Wilberch said, "Dear master, there is yet one sentence not written."

"Write quickly, then," he replied, as he gave him the translation of the last–sentence.  When it was done the young man said, "Now it is finished."

"It is well," said the old man. "You have said the truth. It is finished. Receive my head into your hands. I wish to sit facing the place where I have been accustomed to pray, that I may again call upon the Father."

Thus, seated on the pavement of his little cell, he sung, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost." As he uttered the last word, he fell asleep in Jesus.

Was not that a beautiful way to die, working to the very last, and praising God with the expiring breath?

The name of this good man was Bede, one of the most eminent fathers of the English Church. He is commonly known in history as the Venerable Bede. He was born in the county of Durham, England, in the year 672 or 673, and died in 735. 

This is many years ago, yet his name and his piety are still cherished by Christian people. 



Sel.



ONLY ONE DOOR.



IT is said that the ancient city of Troy had but one entrance, and all who would enter the city must enter by this gate. A man might go round the walls as much as he pleased, but he would find no other entrance. It is just so with that glorious and beautiful city, the heavenly Jerusalem. Only one way leads to it, and it can be entered only by one door; and that way, that door, is the Lord Jesus. He alone is the way. No one can enter there, unless he goes by this way and enters by this door. Reader, would you be a citizen of the New Jerusalem? Then you must enter by this way.