the voice of Jesus. Under that inspiration his soldiers have displayed a heroism before which the heroism of carnal warriors pales its splendours. The soldier that might face the cannon's mouth would shrink from a martyr's doom. Christ's modern soldiers not always brave because they do not constantly catch sight of his inspiring presence. Be ye also enlarged, and open to the inspiration of Jesus Christ.

Wise

IV. A good general WISELY DISPOSES. Gideon divided the three hundred men into three companies. design in this arrangment. In the darkness, with the flashing lights, the three companies looked a formidable host. Some might have said let us stick together, and our danger will not be so great. Gideon does not appear to have so thought. Lesson-Jesus wisely disposes. Not where we think, but where Christ has placed is best. If we doubt the divine appointment of our present position, let us seek for direction by prayer.

V. A good general SKILFULLY USES UNLIKELY WEAPONS. A good workman does not complain of his tools. Gideon did not complain because he had to use empty pitchers, lamps and trumpets. They might be better than thirtyeight ton guns. These may explode to the damage of the attackers. The pitchers broke to the discomfiture of the attacked. Lesson--our great General makes skilful use of unlikely material. The ram's horn of Gospel preaching more effectual than the silver trumpet of philosophy. Fishermen have beaten the savants. A tinker's the greatest name in modern literature. A cobbler a great missionary. A weaver, mightiest of explorers. VI. A good general RAISES A GOOD BATTLE-CRY. sword of the Lord and of Gideon." Its inspiration felt to-day through intervening centuries. It rolls along the

"The

great highways of time. Wonderful utterances coming from those far-off times. In moral conflicts the words stimulating. Better than Napoleon's-" Gentlemen, remember that forty centuries are looking down upon you." Lesson-Jesus Christ gives a good battle-cry by his servant Paul: "God forbid that I should glory, &c." The battle-cry of modern science will not do for the soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Such a

VII. A good general MAKES GOOD SOLDIERS. statement may go too far; for the great commander is reported to have said, that "with French officers and English soldiers he would conquer the world." There is action and re-action. The good general must have the material out of which good soldiers are made. The timid and the self-indulgent sent home. Jesus the best captain, and yet his soldiers are not always the best. The pastor cannot work one church, but obtains great success in another sphere. No difference of method, but difference of material. Like pastor, like people, must be joined with like people, like pastor. Good soldiers. Every man stood in his place round about the camp. Admirable order. Every man had his place assigned, and stuck to it without murmuring. The curate did not complain because he was not a vicar. The country pastor did not sigh for the city church. The man in poor circuits did not complain of favoritism because he was not sent to better pasturage. Lesson-If Gideon's men were brave and faithful, much more should Christ's men. Seek to get near to a personal living Christ. If we would be good soldiers, we must keep the Captain of our salvation ever in view.

VIII. A good general SECURES A GOOD ISSUE. Gideon had a good issue even from a worldly point of view.

In

The Midianites were discomfited and dispersed. material warfare victory is called the good issue; through men here the disaster of victory is nearly equal to that of defeat. However in moral warfare seeming defeat may be real victory. Moral conflicts must ultimately have good issues in the broadest sense. Our great Captain will gather up the seeming defeats of His soldiers in time, and make them contribute to His and their eternal renown. Lesson-Do not measure issues by earthly rules of measurement. Wait for the measuring rules of heaven. Wait in order to learn the mathematics of eternity. The applauded victors of earth may then be weighed in the balances and found wanting. Earth's badly done may

after all be heaven's well done.

WM. BURROWS, B.A.

Eminent Piety and Efficiency in Business not Incom

patible.

(Continued from p. 250.)

"THEN SAID THESE MEN," ETC.-Dan. vi. 5.

B

UT these sources of refreshment are not open to all. Thousands of the sons and daughters of toil find such springs of comfort sealed to them. In vain they sigh, and wait for the inspiration of the green field or for the breeze of the fresh blue sea. Nature's beauties are rarely seen by them. But there is a fountain of strength free to all. Daniel knew its power. Amid the cares of office he found relief and stimulus, doubtless in many ways, but he found it chiefly at the throne of grace; in his prayers and regular communings with his God. The prime minister of Darius must have been often occupied with harassing affairs. But at stated intervals the holy

man broke through them all, and reached a loftier, calmer region. Three times a-day with his face devoutly turned towards the sanctuary, in Jerusalem," he kneeled and prayed, and gave thanks before his God." And do you think the moments so spent in fellowship with the Father was lost time to him? Do you think that in consequence, the movements of his mind were less rapid? his perception less keen? his judgment less sound and sure? I trow not. Nay, here was the secret of his strength.

My friend, you have your cares and trials. Every day brings its punctual duties which cannot be postponed. Human life grows more artificial and intricate. In business, competition runs high. You live amid "a strife of tongues." You leave your daily avocations weary and worn. You look forward to a morrow which will be a repetition of to-day, and you know not what demands may be made on your activity, patience, sagacity, and strength. Well, murmur not. If you are a good man Daniel's God is yours. If you are a follower of Christ, you have a friend to go to. To him you may repair with your burden and your cares. From him you may get light and joy.

66

You may

You too may retire from the world, rise above its din and toil, wait upon the Lord, and renew your strengh." 66 come boldly to the throne of grace, obtain mercy, and find grace, to help in every time of need.” From these heights of calm communion you may come down into the busy world below better prepared to meet its thick coming engagements, to bear its manifold provocations, to contend with its difficulties, and successfully to manage its affairs. Our honoured 'statesman and philanthropist, William Willberforce, found not only a Sabbath once a week, but in the hour sacred to morning prayer, a Sabbath in each

day. These advantages are yours. And hence in view of them, one has a right to say to you as to a Christian, that in regard to all lawful secular engagements, while to be (in commercial phrase) below par is discreditable to any, it is almost inexcusable in you. For happily like your Lord, you "have meat to eat which others know not of." In your management and daily work there should appear at the least the average amount of efficiency and skill. Let us remember that our religion, while it is spiritual, is practical. Heaven is its origin and home, but earth must be the theatre of its operations and its victories. The common duties of our life and worldly calling furnish the ground on which its excellence and power may be displayed. We are taught here—

Fourthly, SUCH A COMBINATION REFLECTS HONOUR ON RELIGION AND MATERIALLY AIDS ITS ADVANCE. It is the misfortune of some to accumulate stumbling blocks on the high road of religion, and as they proceed in life to strew their path with inconsistencies, which become formidable obstacles in the way of upright but worldly men when invited to approach Christ and his church. Manifest discord between the religious profession and the common life, dishonours the name of Christ, creates doubt in the minds of men as to the power of his truth, fills their minds with a false and unfavourable impression of its general influence, and thus tends to strengthen those prejudices already too strong, which prevent their forming a just estimate of a true Christian life.

In this respect we have all to confess manifold deficiences. We have not placed before the world a fair sample of religion. Let us, however, remember and imitate Daniel's conduct, and we may yet render the cause of Christ important service. Combine thorough efficiency ni business with all the excercises of piety, and you will in