srmrce of temptation lies in the parent, and not in the child. "To the pure all things ru o rum; but to them that are defiled is nothing pure." 11. A GROWN WOMAN'S BUPERSTITION. " Give me of thy son's mandrakes." Rachel ohviouely shared the popular belief that Reuben's fragrant herbs would have an influence in removing her sterility. It is useless inquiring how such a notion criginated. Superstitions commonly arise from mistaking as cause and effect what are only coincident occurrences. Of more importance it is to note that Rachel wfls of mature years, had be~n born an_d nui:tured in wh~t ma)'. be regarded as a religions home, was now the wife of an mtelhgent and pious (1f also encompassed with infirmities) man, and yet she was the victim of delusive beliefs. In this Rachel was perhaps scarcely to be charged with blame. Superstition is essentially e. fault of the intellect resulting from defective information. But Rachel erred in calling superstition to her aid in her unholy rivalry with Leah ; all the more when she knew that God alone could remove her reproach. III. A JEALOUS WIFE'S BARGAIN. On the part both of Rachel and Lee.h it was a miserable compact; e.nd a pitiable spectacle it surely was, that of two rival wives contracting with one another about their husband's society. Rachel disposes of Jacob for a night in consideration of a handful of mandrakes, and Leah counts her- self entitled to Jacob's favours as a boon which she had purchased with Reuben'ii yellow apples. Not to speak of the humiliation in all this to Jacob, and the con- tinual misery to which he must have been subjected between his ardent sister-wives, think of the wretchedness it must have entailed upon the women themselves, and the dispeace it mnst have brought into the rival homes. .A more powerful condemn- ation of polygamy it will be difficult to find, or a more signal illustration of the retribution which sooner or later follows on the heels of transgression. IV. A SOVEREIGN GoD's DECISION, The two wives were seemingly uncertain whether to ascribe virtue to the mandrakes or not. God determined the problem in a way that must have fully convinced them. 1. That the mandrakes could not remove sterility he demonstrated by allowing Rnchel's barrenness to continue at least two years longer, though she had made use of Reuben's apples, and by opening Leah's womb without them. 2. That he alone could bestow offspring on married people he showed by remembering Rachel in his own time, and causing her reproach to depart. • Learn-1. That things and persons innocent and pleasant in themselves may lead astray. 2. That out of small occasions great events may spring. 3. That much infirmity may cling to good men and women. 4. That things desirable in themselves may be sought in wrong ways. 5. That God's hand should be recognised in the giving or withholding children.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vera. 22-24.-The life of faith and its reward. The Scripture teaches us to put the £nets of common life in the light of God's countennnce. The true found- ation on which family welfore rests is God's faithfulness and favour. The intense desire of the Hebrew women for children, especially sons, a testimony to the Divine covenant; the original promise pervading all the national life. I. The birth of Joseph a REWARD OF FAITH AND ANSWER TO PRAYER, God remem- bers, though we think he forgets. Reproach may lie awhile on the true believer, but is taken away at last. Syrophenicinn woman ; seeming neglect calls out stronger expression of faith. Pray without ceasing. II. BLESSINGS WAITED FOR are the more appreciated and the richer WHEN THEY COME. " Joseph" a type of him who, though he was sent after many prophets and long tarrying, was greater than all his brethren. The Rachel, the true beloved, the chosen bride, the Church in whom the true Jacob finds special delight, waits and prays. When God shall show that he has remembered and hearkened, the elect one shall be abundantly satisfied. " God hath to.ken away my reproach." III. All experience of Divine faithfulness is a great help, in looking forward, to cherish expectation. "The Lord shall add to me another son." We ask for more when we know that our prayer is heard.-R. GENESIS. II B 370 THE BOOK OF GENESIS. [OH, XXX. 25-48,