sinful intention which God bad thus manifestly seen and thwarted. It is well when the soul trembles a.ta discovery of its own wickedness. Gracious souls dread nothing more than ste.nding on the verge of sin. 3. Pathetwal,ly a,cknr.noledged. "Thy brother ea.me with subtilty, and bath taken a.way thy blessing;" and, "I ha'\'"e blessed him: yea, and he shall be blessed." It becomes parents to commiserate their children's misfortunes, and especially to sorrow if they miss the blessings of salvation. They who lack these, even when they do not wish to obtain them, are objects of profoundest pity. 4. Meeldy acquusced in. Recognising the hand of God in the remarkable transaction in which he had been an e.ctor, with true humility and faith the venerable patriarch bowed before the will of the Supreme. Neither Esau's prayers and tears, nor his own paternal affections, could stimulate so much as a wish to undo what had been done. To a truly pious heart the will of God is final. "Thy will be done " is the language of faith. II. EsAu's SINGULAB BEHAVIOUR. 1. His lntter lamentation for him8elf. Esau's 11 grea.t and exceeding bitter cry " wa.s expressive not of heartfelt grief for his sinful levity in pa.rting with the birthright, or guilefnl beha.viour in attempting to secure the blessing; but (1) of deep mortification at being over-reached by his crafty brother; (2) of remorseful chagrin at not recovering the blessing he had practically s~endered in the sale of the birthright; (3) of earnest desire to induce Isaac to revoke the words he had spoken. The repentance which he sought carefully with tears (Heb. xii. 17) was not his own change of heart, but his father's change of mind. 2. His wrathful indignation against his brother. "Is he l)Ot rightly named Jacob? for he bath supplanted me these two times." A statement not quite accurate; but nngry men are seldom remarkable for accuracy of statement; a statement a.lso expressive of hatred against Jacob, and incensed brothers often call each other bad names. Good men should be angry and sin not. Indignation, even when righteous. should be restrained. 3. His tearful request to liisfather. "Bless me, me nlso, 0 my father I " Having lost the blessing of the covennnt, be was still desirous of pos- sessing some sort of blessing. Wicked men often covet the materinl advantages of religion who have no desire to eharo in its spiritual enrichments. Ill lsilc's SOLEMN DECLARATION. 1. OJ Esau's subjection to Jacob. "Behold, I have made him thy lord." A prediction of (1) politicnl subordination, ofterwards fulfilled in the conquests of Israel; nnd (2) of possible salvation to Esau and his descendants through believing recognition of the spiritual ascendancy of Jacob and his seed. 2. Of Esau's portion from God. (1) A fat soil. God appoints to all men, individuafs and nations, the bounds of their habitation. Inhabitants of fertile regions have n specinl call to thankfulness. (2) A roving life. Though the warlike character of Esau's descendants was of God's appointment and permission, it is no just inference that savnge tribes are os useful o.s those of settled and improved ho.bits, or that God does not desire the cllifusion of civilisation and the elevation of the ro.ce. (3) Ultimo.ta independence. Though eome nntions have been plo.ced in subjection, it is God's will tho.t o.11 should aspire to freedom. Revolt, rebellion, insurrection o.ro sometimes a people's highest duty. LessO'T/,8 :-1. The blessing of the covenant is not of him that willeth or of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. 2. Those who despise God's salvation in youth cannot always obtain it in manhood or age. 3. Those who finally come short of eternal life will ha.ve no one to blame but themselves. 4. No one need sue in vain for Heo.ven's favour, since the blessing is not now for one, but for all. 5. There is a difference between l?enitence and remorse. 6. Though no man co.n hopl.l to cho.nge the mind of God, it lB within the power of a.II men to desire o.nd to effect n change upon their own heo.rts. 7. The prediction of n nation's or a person's futuru does not interfere with the free operation of the human will.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 33.-Jacob's deceit. Esau supplanted. In this familiar no.rrative the fol• lowing points mny be distinguished:- .I. Isuc's ERROR-connecting a solemn blessing with mere gratification of th~ senses, neglect of the Divine word, favouritism towards the son leFS worthy. 3H TllE BOOK OF GENEsts. Ccn. Xlt\rII, 30--40.