patience inherit the promises.' Isaac rose EARLY RISING. early to make his treaty with the Philistine LITTLE child once observed, kings. Moses at the same hour brought that in the Bible the good the Divine messages to Pharaoh. Nehemiah people always got up early laboured from the rising of morning till when God sent them on mes- the stars appeared.' Jeremiah prophesied sages.' It was a quaint state- rising early and speaking.' Such are ment of the truth that meets some of the examples set before us in Holy us everywhere in the perusal Scripture, and any of us who have hitherto of those grand old lives that sinned by sloth should consider the subject, are the world's examples. and redeem the time' which belongs to One of the most remark- Him Who gave it for our use and improve able of the early risers of ment. An old poet says: Scripture was the military commander, • When first thine eyes unveil, give thy soul leave Joshua. Before he did any of his great To do the like. Our bodies but forerun works, we are told of his early rising The spirit's duty: true hearts spread and heave in the morning. When Israel's host re- Unto their God, as flowers do the sun; moved from Shittim ; when Jericho was Give Him thy first thoughts, then-so shalt thou keep Him company all day, and in Him sleep.' compassed with the army; when the town of Ai was to be taken, and the victory regained for Israel ;-on all these occasions A BROTHER'S CHARGE. • Joshua rose up early,' and girded himself betimes to the work which God laid upon NE day a little boy asked his him to do. So we read of Abraham, and mother to let him lead his of Job, and of David. My voice shalt little sister out on the green Thou hear in the morning, O Lord! in the grass. She had just begun morning will I direct my prayer unto to run alone, and could not Thee,' says the Psalmist. step over anything that lay With reverence also we may refer to the His mother life of our Saviour. In the morning, told him he might lead out rising up a great while before day, He went the little girl, and charged out, and departed into a solitary place, and him not to let her fall. I found them at there prayed.' And not only in prayer, but play, very happy, in the field. in action, did the Divine Master in this I said, “You seem very happy, George. respect set us an example. Early in the Is this your sister?' morning He came again into the Temple, “Yes, sir. and taught the people.' Can she walk alone?' Surely every motive has been urged by Yes, sir, on smooth ground.' the advocates of early rising. Health and * And how did she get over these stones enjoyment are linked with it, as philoso- which lie between us and the house?' I phers and poets have set forth in number- asked. less writings. To the Christian the most Oh, sir, mother charged me to be careful powerful will be, 'Be not slothful, but that she did not fall, so I put my hands followers of them who through faith and under her arms, and lifted her up when she in the way. 6 6 came to a stone, so that she need not hit by words at the same time firm and en- treating. He told them that, as a Protest- tals: did they wish to reward his devotion God granted the pastor the favour of allowed themselves to be touched by his IN GOD. sergeant in particular, who was directing said Paris was one of the will not set fire to your house,' and he or- of the Legion of eyes, ' Ah! sir, if you only knew! They have just sent me a new order from head- J. F. C. 6 |