is opened up to us here. Angelic ministry in human affairs is a fact to which Old an_d_ New 'festa.ments_ a.like bear abundant witnes~.. "Are_ they not all ministering spmts?" &c. (Heh. 1. 14). Every age has had its "heirs of salvation," whose history, if we knew all its secrets, would illustrate this truth. Here, too, the super- natural wonders of the past inspire faith in the enduring reality. ¥lhy not believe that between us and the Infinite there is a glorious gradation of pure, personal 6).)irit-life linked in kindly interest and helpful service with our own? The rela- tion of Christ, however, to the angels is chiefly indicated. In what way these earlier manifestations of the Son of God, and His after assumption of our nature, may have affected the interests of their being, we know not. But their personal subjection to Him is made evident. "When he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him" (Heh. i. 6). The gospel and apostolic histories are full of proof of their subordination to his redeem- ing purpose. He leads the heavenly host-leads them in the great conflict w:ith the foes of God and man. If our eyes were opened, as were the eyes of Elisha's servant, we should see that we are not so much alone as we sometimes suppose. The angels that " ascend and descend upon the Son of man" are powers that He sways by the impulse of His sovereign will and makes the instruments of His almighty love. Shall our hearts yield to fear when we know that such forces as these are fighting on our side ? Sha.II we hesitate to follow the leading and obey the behests of the great "Captain of salvation," who has such armies as these at His co=and? . III. THE SANCTITY THAT BELONGS TO SCENES OF SPECIAL DIVINE MANIFESTATIOY. "Loose thy shoe," &c. The incarnation of Christ has consecrated all the earth and made every part ofit hallowed gronnd. He has withdrawn again behind the veil, only to come more near to us, to fill all places with ~he energy of His viewless Spirit. But there are times when tue veil seems to be uplifted ; states of con- sciousness in which the Divine Presence is intensely real ; manifestations that " Dissolve the son! in ecstasies, And bring all heaven before our eyes." Shall we tread with thoughtless or irreverent feet the spots hallowed even by the memory of seasons such as these ? - W.
Vera. 13-15.-A aoldier's interview· with his captain. It adds much to the general power of the Bible as an ethical handbook, that great part of its instruction is conveyed in the pleasing form of history, political and individual. I. J OSHUA's ANXIETY. Gil gal, where the ceremonies related in preceding verses were celebrated, was not far from Jericho, the great stronghold which protected the eastern district of Palestine aud which it was necessary for the Israelites to capture before they could advance iuto the country with safety. The opening words of the 13th verse imply that Joshua had gone out alone to view Jericho, to survey its defences, and to form plans of Assault. He was deeply concerned for the success of the siege. It was his first conflict in the promised land, and the Israelites were inexperienced in attacking fortified cities. We can well believe that this thoughtful leader was deep in meclitntiou, pondering over the past promise of God, and praying that it might bA fulfilled in his hour of need. Unworthy are those men of high places in God's Church who are not concerned for the welfare of the Divine pur- poses committed to tlieir charge, who do not "watch a.s they that must give o.n a,ccount." In some sphere or .other we are a,ll musters or captains; let us endeaYour to realise the responsibility resting upon us. We are informed how Joshua's anxiety waa relieved. "He lifted up his eyes an~ saw," _&c. In the season ~f exigency J ehovo.h (vi. 2) appeared. He could not v10late ~-1s wo~d. and leav~, His servant alone. Here is comfort for the careworn and despainng. Se.ul Jesus, Lo, I am with you a,lwe.ys." Whilst we forget not to use diligently our talents and resources, let our eyes be lifted from the earth that ~e may see Him who stands by ua as He did by Paul in the cell at Jerusalem, sayrng, "Be of good chen" (Acts 06 THE BOOK OF JOSHUA. (en. v, 18-1/j,