form nor visible colour. Noither can the Infinite Spirit be seen hy om finite sense. When he is reprosonfed 11s manifesting himself to man (Gen. xii. 7; xvii. 1 ; xviii. 1), It does not mean that the essence or substance of God was seen by human eye, but that he assumed some visible form in which he communicated with man. When Jacob is said to" have seen God face to face" (Gen. xxxii. 30), and a statement of similar import is made of Moses (Exod. xxxiii. 11), we must understand thereby that be drew near to them in a very remarkable theophany, that be granted to them some full and clear manifestation of the Divine, and a.t the same time admitted them to intimate spiritual communion with him. To Moses himself the Lord said, "Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live" (Exod. xxxiii. 20). "No man bath seen God at any time," etc. (John i.18). He is" the King eternal, immortal, invisible;" "dwellini!': in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man bath seen, nor can see" (1 Tim. i. 17; vi. 16). We infer the unlawfulness of any attempt to represent God to the senses. "Thou sha.lt not make unto thee any graven image," etc. (Exod. xx. 4, 5); "To whom will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?" (Isa. xl. 18). II. THAT Goo MAY DE PEROEIVED BY THE SOUL. Moses "endureda.s seeing him who is invisible." The Infinite Spirit cannot be sensuously apprehended, but he may be spiritually apprehended. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." 'l'he pure heart is the organ by which the invisible One may be seen. "There is another vision beside the vision of the body; faith itself is sight; and where faith is complete, there is a consciousness of God's presence throughout our life and service which amounts to a distinct vision of God's persona.I presence and government." Thus may we blessedly realize his presence in our hearts and lives. 'l'hus did Enoch, as he "walked with God." And David," I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." ''I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." And Paul, "The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me." III. THA'l' THE VISION OF Goo SUPPLIES THE SOUL WITH ITS STRONGEST AND SUBLDIEST INSPIRATIONS. "He endured, as seeing him who is invisible.'' This realization of the Divine presence : 1. Daises the soul above the fear of man. By faith Moses did "not fear the wrath of the king; for he· endured," etc. 'fhis enabled the psalmist to utter the triumphant challenge, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do unto me?" (see also Dan. iii. 13-18; Acts iv.18-20; v. 27-29). 2. Inspires the soul with patience in the trials of life. It enables the Christian to say even of severe sufferings, "Our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while wo look not a.t the things which are seen," etc. (2 Cor. iv. 17, 18). 3. Inspires the soul with energy and perseverance foi· the difficult duties of life. Sometimes the sympathetic presence of a fri,•nd is very c11couragiug and helpful in arduous and dispiriting labour. Bnt the consciousness of God's presence and approbation always imparts courage to the heart, resolution to the will, and energy to the arm of his faithful servants. 4. Exalts the tone and spirit of the entire life. "Seeing him who is invisible," a life of unworthy aims or sinful practices will be impossible. Realizing his presence, both character and conduct must grow in purity and power, in piety and usefulness.-W. J.
Ver. 30.-Unquestioning faith expressed and vindicated. "By faith the walls ?f Jericho fell down," etc. Let us endeavour to exhibit the principal features of this example of the exercise of faith. I. FAITH IN THE DIVINE WORD OF DIRECTION AND PROMISE. Directions were given by the Lord to Joshua for the taking of Jericho, with the promise that on their fulfil- ment the walls of that city should fall to the ground (Josh. vi. 2-5). ~'his ~om- munication Joshua conveyed to the people; and they believed it, the;v received it as a message from God. They exercised faith (1) in his righteous authority over them; (2) in his power to fulfil his promises; and (3) in his fidelity t~ bis wor~. In_ these respects their faith is oxerupla.ry; for his authority is supreme, his power 1s a.lm1ghty, and his faithfulness infinite. II. FAITH IN THE DIVINE WORD WHEN THERE WAS NO NECESSA.RY RELATION BETWE~:N THE DIRECTIONS GIVEN AND THE RESULT PROMISED. Generally speaking, in the Divine arrangements the means ordained nre wisely adapterl to accomplish the ends for whicil they are employed. But it is q11ite the oppoilite in the case now before us. 'l'he course UEIHl~Wa. S 338 THE EPISTLE '1'0 THE HEBHEWS. [CR, :U, 1-40,