WATCH AND PRAY.
Mark xiii. 33.

THIS text teaches us two things; 1st, that we are to "watch," that is, to be very watchful and observant of our conduct, to take great care that we do nothing wrong, and to use our earnest endeavours to do what is right; to consider the sort of disposition and behaviour which God approves, and which he requires as a preparation for the happiness of heaven, and to exert ourselves that we may be in a state of preparation to meet our God, whenever he may see fit to call us out of this world. 2ndly, we are to "pray;" we are to beg for the gift of God's Holy Spirit, to give us a love for what is good, and an anxious desire to do it, and also strength to enable us to resist every temptation to sin, and to practise what we know to be good, and acceptable in the sight of God.

THIS is a very old building, and stands at the north end of King-street, Cheapside, in London. It is used for holding courts, and transacting the business of the city. Most people have

H

heard of "Whittington, Lord Mayor of London" in former days. This building was begun in the year 1411, and was ten years in building. The executors of Whittington gave a handsome pavement to the hall, and glazed some of the windows; and Whittington's arms are painted upon them. There was, however, a hall here long before the present one, but it had fallen to decay, which was the cause of a new one being built. The present hall was much damaged by the fire of London in the year 1666, but was repaired and beautified two years afterwards; and in the year 1789, a new Gothic front was added. Four stone statues, under the portico, escaped the fire of London; there are different opinions about these very ancient curiosities, but it is not known whom they were intended to represent. Some say they are the fi gures of the four great, or cardinal, virtues, namely, Justice, Prudence, Temperance, and Fortitude; but others think that those names were cunningly given to them to prevent the people From breaking them to pieces, at the me when every appearance of an image

was derided as a relic of popish superstition. Some people think that they represent four ladies of the different nations, which, at different times, were masters of England, viz. a Roman, a Saxon, a Dane, and a Norman. There are other different opinions, which it is not worth our while to enter upon.

The hall is 153 feet long, 48 feet wide, and 55 feet high.

Here are several pictures of the different kings and queens of England; as well as of many judges, and lord mayors, and other great men.

Here are also the figures of two great giants, commonly called Gog and Magog. There are different opinions about whom these strange figures were intended to represent; but I should think they could not represent any body, as nobody ever could be like these frightful creatures. They are about fourteen feet high. On the 9th of November, the lord mayor's day, there is a grand show by land and by water, and, afterwards, a great dinner at Guildhall.

QUESTIONS from the HIS

TORY OF ENGLAND.

(See our last No. P. 81.)

In what year did Edward the Second come to the throne?

How old was he when he began to reign?

What name was he known by?

How did he get that name?
What was his appearance?

What was his disposition?

Did he go on in his war against the Scotch?

Was he successful?

In what battle was he completely beaten?

Did he govern his own subjects well?

How did they treat him?

Was he taken prisoner?

To what prison did they first send him?

To what, afterwards?

Who were appointed to guard him? Which of these noblemen treated him kindly?

What did the others do?