June 7

Proverbs xxi.—8. The way of man is froward and strange; but as for the pure, his work is right.

9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.

19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman.

23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

24. Proud and haughty scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.

Genesis xxi.—9. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

10. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bond-woman and her son; for the son of this bond-woman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

11. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

12. And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bond-woman: in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice: for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

13. And also of the son of the bond-woman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

"Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" "Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame." This sad story of domestic strife is a picture of envy and jealousy, each kindling the other to a vehement flame. Ishmael was old enough to feel the slight that was put on him after the birth of Isaac, and no doubt was given to understand that this infant would supplant him in the household. Boy like, he showed his envy and spite by mocking at the baby upon his "birthday party," when Abraham "made a great feast" in honor of the weaning of Isaac, and Ishmael seemed of no account. Sarah, seeing this, was stirred with jealousy and anger, and demanded that Ishmael and his mother should

14. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar (putting it on her shoulder) and the child, and sent her away; and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

15. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

16. And she went and sat her down over against him, a good way off, as it were a bow-shot; for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.

17. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

18. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

19. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

20. And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

21. And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

be turned away. Abraham, who had a tender and noble heart, could not consent to such meanness and injustice. Yet something must be done for the peace of the family; and when God revealed to him, that, though Isaac should be the preferred seed, Ishmael also should be the founder of a people, he consented to the separation. What a picture of a mother's anguish is this, of Hagar weeping and wailing, with averted eyes, for her dying boy! and how tender the grace of God, that came to her relief in her dire extremity! Ah! if we but trust in him, no injustice of man can separate us from his love; no neglect nor cruelty of the world put us beyond the reach of his compassion and his help.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 53, 63.

O thou meek and holy Jesus! help us to heal the plague of our own hearts. Preserve us from anger, from strife and vainglorying. Enable us to live in peace with all men. O Thou who art the Prince of peace! keep us from envy, malice, and all uncharitableness. Give us unselfish hearts. Make us kind to all around us. May we bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ! O Saviour! may we in all things follow thy blessed example, and grow daily more like unto thee! May thy gospel be made known to all men! May the erring be reclaimed: the ignorant be enlightened; the sick, the dying, and the sorrowing be comforted! Oh, may thy grace pardon and renew the guilty, succor the perishing, save the lost!

Most merciful God, we thank thee for rest and safety in the night-season, and for the health and comfort with which we begin the day. Grant us wisdom in our affairs, success in our labors, prosperity in all lawful undertakings, the conscious guidance of thy providence, and, above all, the experience of thy grace. May this family be ever in thy holy keeping! And now, O heavenly Father! we pray thee to accept this our morning sacrifice of prayer and praise; and as thou hast promised, that, when two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests, fulfil now, O Lord! the desires and petitions of thy servants, and keep us this day and always in thy love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.