prayer, "speaking in his heart" to God (verse 45.) So Hannah, 1 Sam. i. 12, 13. Now this confidence in God was attended with the use of available means of grace.

every

Q. What remarkable expression in his history points to his diligence in the use of means?

66

A. In verse 27 of the chapter under consideration, he says, "I being in the way the Lord led me." Thus they who trust in God and constantly recognise His sovereign disposal of all men and things, do not (as some would have it) neglect to use the appointed means. If they wish for God's guidance they have a care to be found "in the way" of blessing. For God meets us when we remember Him in His ways, Isaiah lxiv. 5. And though He "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will," yet we must receive His promises as they be generally set forth to us in holy scripture; and in our doings that will of God is to be followed which we have expressly declared to us in the word of God." Article xvii. of the Church of England. Eliezer's career was one marked by much prayer. Meditation too was his delight. How, for example, he must have meditated on that promise set before him by Abraham in verse 7 ! For he repeated the same to Laban in verse 40; and had doubtless under God been much supported by the remembrance of this guiding angel. Again, see how he meditated upon, and observed, God's dealings and providence, in verses 15, 21, 45. Compare Psalm cvii. 43. In the next place let us see

II. THE EFFECTS OF HIS TRUST IN GOD. These were a filial fear of God, humility, fidelity, and conscientiousness.

(i) Q. How did Eliezer show that he feared God?

A. By his regard to the sacredness of the oath which he took, using every caution to clear himself of responsibility in God's sight, in case the woman would not follow him, Gen. xxiv. 5, 8. This oath he dared not to disregard; for he, as all God's servants, when Divine grace was in exercise, would tremble at the vengeance likely to ensue upon such iniquity. If therefore all believing servants, yea all saints, ought to serve God with "fear and trembling," as well as with great joy (see Ephesians vi. 5; Phil. ii. 12), how necessary that Eliezer should do so amid such tremendous responsibilities! And so he did, for he was one of those to whom the Lord looks, and who "tremble at His word," Isaiah lxvi. 2; Eccl. v. 2, 4, 6; Ps. cxix. 120.

(ii) Q. Was not HUMILITY a marked feature in his character?

A. Yes; for though very high in office (verse 2), yet he did not forget that he was a servant, and was most ready to acknowledge himself as such (verse 34.) Thus those who know what it is to rejoice in Christ Jesus are they who learn best the lesson of cheerful contentment, Philipp. iv. 11, 12, 13, 19, 4. So far is a joyful trust in free grace from encoura ging us to sin.

(iii) Q. Was Eliezer faithful as a servant?

A. Yes; he did not despise his master because he was a brother in Christ, but sought to honour him the more on that account. Thus he

fulfilled God's will, as we have it declared in 1 Tim. vi. 1, 2. His fidelity in carrying out his master's wishes is apparent in the whole of his excellent plans and arrangement, together with his diligence in executing the same. Much forethought is observable, for example, in his halting at the well. For at such a spot he was most likely to judge of the character of the woman he was seeking (verses 11, 20, 43, 44, 45.) Nor are we to overlook the fact, stated in verse 17, that he "ran" to meet Rebecca. His diligence about his work caused his feet to move swiftly. Moreover his sense of the importance of his business was manifested by his selfdenial in Rebecca's house, where we are told "he would not eat until he had related his errand" (verse 33.) Again his zeal for the furtherance of his master's interests appears in his prayers on the occasion. His earnest desire was that his master should "not be left destitute" in this matter (verse 27.) Therefore he prayed for him. And though he knew that all things were ordered of the Lord, yet was he not restrained in his prayer on that account. His language was, as it were,- "Lord let the woman whom Thou hast appointed for Isaac be industrious, kind, and hospitable, as well as faithful in Christ," see verses 14, 18, 20. Thus while he submitted to God's sovereignty, he was not by that hindered from simply expressing his own wants. Nor were these prayers mere formal utterances. They were earnest and importunate. They were prayers and supplications," joined "with thanksgivings," 1 Tim ii. 1. He prayed that God would "show kindness to his master" (verse 12); and not only so, but he must have a token from God by which to "know" that his prayer in his master's behalf was heard (verse 14.) Further, his gratitude and praise to God for his success showed how his heart was in his work (verse 27.)

66

(iv) Q. What circumstance points out his conscientiousness?

A. The fact that his master left all-silver, gold, and "precious things' "-in his hand, (verses 2, 10, 22, 53.) Indeed in his whole conduct we see a beautiful exemplification of what a Christian servant should be. The grace of God had led him to trust in the only Saviour and Substitute, Christ Jesus; and therefore he sought to "adorn the doctrine of his God and Saviour in all things, not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, living soberly (in self-denial, as we have seen above), righteously (in love to his neighbour), and godly," 1 Tim. vi. 1; Titus ii. 9-14. Such conduct, when exhibited in the name of the Lord Jesus, issues in a blessed reward—a reward in consideration, not of merit, but of converting and sanctifying grace. We come now therefore to consider— III. ELIEZER'S REWARD.

Q. With what special token of Divine approbation was Eliezer honoured? A. God granted him success in his undertaking, and gave him a manifest answer to his prayers. (Gen. xxii. 42-46.)

Reader, whether you be a servant or otherwise, above all things I pray you to seek a portion among the "saints in Christ Jesus." Take God for your Father, your only warrant for doing so being His "yea and amen promise in Christ." Eliezer ventured into communion with Him in no

other way but this. Look to Christ-His person as God-man-His blood-His obedience-His intercession-and see God's justice fully satisfied, and yourself, however weak, unworthy, and sinful," JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS" (Acts xiii. 38, 39) in Him. Thus you will, like Eliezer and the believing Colossians (Col. i. 2, 4; iii. 24) though you are a servant in the flesh, enjoy the reward of the son's inheritance hereafter. And, believer in Christ, if you be a servant, hear those instructions given you in Col. iii. 22, 23; and thus, as Eliezer, doing your work "heartily, as to the Lord," you will by grace enjoy tokens of acceptance as he did. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers." And specially does He notice faithful dutiful servants who are believers. This is evident from the special care He took of servants among the Israelites, see Deut. xv. 14. Finally, let all believers take encouragement from those blessed words in Isaiah lxv. 24, "Before they call I will answer," etc., to be much in prayer. Eliezer believed these exceeding great and precious promises in Christ, and rejoiced in experiencing the fulfilment of them. His happy testimony is,"before I had done speaking in my heart, my request was granted," Gen. xxiv. 15,45. And so, believer if our cares and wants were more frequentlyTo heaven in supplication sent,

"Our cheerful song would oftener be,-
"Hear what the Lord hath done for me."

Learn Is. lv. I.

Read Matt. xv. 32–39; Mark viii. 1–9, 13—20. 1.-Account for the multitude hungering for the bread of life? Mark v. 19, 20. How long had they been with Christ? and what may we learn from it? 2.-Show in what this miracle resembles that in vi. 35-45, and wherein they differ? Matt. xvi. 8, 9, 10.

The word "basket " used in vi. was one generally used by the Jews to carry daily food, whilst that used in viii. was a larger sort and similar to the one in Acts ix. 25. 3.-By what were the disciples guided in their answer in verse 4? By sight, not by faith. Gen. xiii. 10-13. Contrast Gen. xii. 1—4; xxii. 2, 3; Josh. vi. 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 16, 20; Judges vii. 4–8; Dan. iii. 12, 15-18; vi. 10.

4.-What do we learn from verses 14-21? Forgetfulness of past mercies. Ex. xvi. 2; Num. xi. 21, 22; 2 Tim. iv. 17; 1 Sam. xvii. 37.

5.-How did Jesus multiply food? By will and power. In what character do we see Christ here? verse 2. As Son of Man. On what other occasion was Christ's compassion drawn forth? Matt. ix. 36, and what promise does Christ here fulfil? Matt. vi. 31-33.

6.-What do we learn from Jesus giving thanks? Acts xxvii. 34; 1 Tim. iv. 4, 5; Matt. vi. 31-33; Col. iii. 17; Phil. iv. 6; Ps. c. 4; cxvi. 117. Unthankfulness mark of unholy. Rom. i. 21; 2 Tim. iii. 2.

November 11th.

THE RESTORING OF THE WOMAN WITH A SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY.
Read Luke xiii. 10-17.
Learn Heb. x. 25.

1. Describe the condition of this woman? What does it illustrate? verse 11. Psalm xxxviii. 4-6; xl. 12; xliv. 25. And what command was she obeying when the Lord saw her? verse 10, 11; Ex. 20, 8; Heb. x. 25; John vi. 45.

2.-What is God's command concerning the Sabbath? Ex. xx. 8-11; Lev. xxiii. 3; and point out the blessings attending a Gospel ministry, and keeping the Sabbath? verse 12; Rom. i. 16; Is. lvi. 4-7; lviii. 13, 14.

3.-Prove the Lord first finds His people? verse 12; Deut. xxxii. 10; John xv. 16; Is. lxv. 1; Jer. xxxi. 3; and what may we learn from verse 11, 1.c.?

4.—How are the two classes in the world here distinguished? verses 13, 14. What Scripture is illustrated by the ruler's conduct? Matt. xxiii. 24; and what is the portion of the adversaries? verse 17; Is. lxv. 13; Mark viii. 38.

5. What comfort may God's children draw from verse 16? Ex. iii. 8; Col. i. 13; and how does He deliver them? verse 13; Acts iv. 12; Eph. ii. 7; Titus iii. 5; Matt. i. 21.

6. How may we glorify God? By self consecration; Rom. xii. 1; Phil. i. 20; 1 Cor. vi. 2; x. 30. By bearing fruit. John xv. 8; Phil. i. 11. By suffering. 1 Pet. iv. 14; Rom. viii. 17.

November 18th.

Place-Near Tyre.

THE HEALING OF THE DAUGHTER OF THE SYROPHENICIAN WOMAN. PART I.

Read Mark vii. 24-30. Learn Is. xxxiii. 16. 1.-What led Christ to the borders of Tyre and Sidon? Mark vii. 24. Prove also that there was a needs be, and give other instances? John iv. 4; Luke vii. 11, 12.

2. Show the distinguishing and preventing grace of God here? Jer. iii. 14; Luke iv. 26-29; Matt. xxiv. 40, 41.

3.-What are the effects of the Lord's teaching; John vi. 45; Is. liv. 13. How did the woman address Christ? Luke i. 31, 32. And what does it show? Heb. xi. 6; John xx. 28.

4.-To what did Christ compare the blessings of the Gospel? verse 26; Psalm cxxxii. 15; Is. xxxiii. 16; Luke xv. 17; xi. 3.

5.-Give passages to show that the Gentiles were to share in these blessings! Is. xlix. 6; Acts xiii. 46, 47; xxvi. 17, 18; xxviii. 28; Gal. iii. 28, 29; John x. 15, 16; and give instances? Josh. vi. 23; Ruth ii. 12; Matt. viii. 5; Luke xvii. 16, 18; Acts x. 1; viii. 27; xvi. 14.

6.-Where do we have dog used as word of contempt? 1 Sam. xvii. 43; xxiv. 14; and where are the wicked spoken of as dogs? Ps. lix. 6; Is. lvi. 10, 11; Phil. iii. 2; Rev. xxii. 15.

November 25th.

Read Matt. xv. 21-28.

PART II.

Learn Is. xlix. 6.

1. What led this woman to Christ? Affliction; Hos. v. 15; and give similar instances from the Old Testament. Ps. lxxviii. 34; xxv. 16; 2 Chr. xxxiii. 12. 2.-What sign of blessing was seen in her? Drawn out in prayer. Gen. xxxii. 26; 2 Kings xviii. 42-45. Show how the spirit of prayer is a forerunner of blessing? Acts i. 14; iv. 31-33; xii. 5; Phil. iv. 6, 7; and that delays are not denials? Mark v. 35; Matt. xx. 29-34; John xi. 6, 39-43; Luke xvii. 7; Hab. ii. 3; Lam. iii. 26.

3.-What impression must the words to the disciples in verse 24 have had upon her? Matt. x. 6; and in what must her faith have rested? Is. xlii. 1-7; Psalm cxix. 49. (Christ's personal ministry was for the most part confined to the Jews.) 4.-To whom did the children refer? In what respect was she a true daughter of Abraham? Rom. iv. 18, f.c.; Gal. iii. 29; and what words of Christ are verified? Matt. viii. 11, 12.

5.-What two words in verse 27 show her deep humility and strong faith? Truth-Yet.

6. Give the threefold trial of her faith? verses 23, 24, 26. What was the effect? James i. 3. How did Christ commend it? verse 28. Whence is faith? Eph. ii. 8; Gal. v. 22; Luke xi. 13. If His gift, why did Christ call it hers? Because she had obtained it from Him; 2 Pet. i, 1. What was the reward of faith?

LESSONS FROM THE BARREN FIG-TREE.

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it :

And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.-St. Luke xiii. 6-9.

HE Preacher or Teacher of the Gospel has to utter words of comfort and words of warning. Words of comfort, for the Lord's command runs-" Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem." And words of warning too, for men must be warned of the wages of sin, of the judgment to come, and must be plainly told that he that being often reproved, hardens his heart, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. -Pharaoh, Balaam, Saul, Herod, Judas: Sodom, Nineveh, Jerusalem, all had warnings. And sinners, too, have warnings now. We may write over this Parable those solemn words, “EVERY PLANT, WHICH MY HEAVENLY FATHER HATH NOT PLANTED, SHALL BE ROOTED UP.”

"A certain man." The "man" represents Christ, the Owner of the vineyard.

"Had a fig-tree* planted in his vineyard." The fig-tree means the Jewish people, and all professed Christians. The vineyard means the Jewish Nation, or visible Church. (Isaiah v. 7.)

"And he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none." To this Vineyard of His Christ came. "He came unto His own," the Greek here is neuter, it therefore means, "He came unto His own possessions or parts, and His own (people i.e. the Jews: not in the strict sense, His own elect-but His own countrymen and

*In countries where the vine is cultivated, not by a few wealthy proprietors with a view to an export trade, but by each family on a small scale with a view to the food of the household, to plant some fruit trees of other kinds within the same enclosure is the rule rather than the exception. The vineyard is not the luxury of the few, but a common necessity of life with the many. It becomes the most cherished possession of the permanent rural population. Its aspect is sunward, its soil is good, its fences are in order. Within this favored spot the owner is willing to make room for one or more fig-trees, for the sake of the fruit which in such favorable circumstances he expects them to bear. Arnot.

VOL. VIII.

12