June 13

Genesis xxiv.—50. Then Laban and Bethuel answered, and said, The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

51. Behold, Rebekah is before thee: take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the Lord hath spoken. 52. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. 53. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah. He gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. 54. And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master. 55. And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten: after that she shall go. 56. And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way: send me away, that I may go to my master. 57. And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth. 58. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

The gifts to Rebekah were her dower; those to her kindred were a sort of purchase-money, according to the marriage-customs of the times. Her brother Laban, both here and in later transactions with Jacob, evidently had an eye to his own advantage. In fixing the time of parting, there is a quite natural contrast of brotherly tenderness and girlish eagerness. The confidence of Rebekah appears beautiful in its simplicity: but it was warranted by all that she had heard of her unknown suitor; and custom led her to acquiesce in the judgment and desire of her natural protectors. Her retinue of maidens were the guard of her modesty upon the way, and the promise of society in her future home.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Thou only, O Lord! makest us to dwell in safety. We lie down at night under the shadow of thy wings; we awake in the morning to the light of thy love. We thank thee for another night of rest and comfort, for another day of life, health, and hope. O Lord! may we be found faithful to thee in the duties of this day! and amid its temptations and its trials do thou sustain us, comfort us, keep us, and grant us grace in all we do to seek thy glory. May this household, which thou hast so blessed, serve thee, not at this altar only, but in all the walks of life! As we engage in the business of the world, as we go into society, wherever we are, and whatever we do, may we remember thee, and do thy will! Oh! grant that every member of this family may be a child of God, a humble, faithful

59. And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men. 60. And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister: be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. 61. And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man; and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. 62. And Isaac came from the way of the well Labai-roi; for he dwelt in the south country. 63. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the even-tide; and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming. 64. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes; and, when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. 65. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself. 66. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. 67. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

Who can estimate the effect upon Isaac of his being bound upon the altar for sacrifice? He seems to have been reticent, passive, docile, fond of solitude. Just now, as he was expecting the great event of his life, he went out, as was his habit, to meditate at even-tide; and so the joy of his earthly life came to be blended with his religious devotions. Descending from her camel, just as an Arab woman would do to-day to meet her lord, with maidenly modesty Rebekah veiled her beauty. Isaac met her with a courtly grace; and these two affamated strangers soon felt the bloom of love more fragrant than that of the fields.

Prayer.

[Nos. 59, 83, 96.

follower of the Lord Jesus Christ! Bless all dear to us who are absent from us. Do thou, O Lord! dwell by thy Spirit in the hearts and the minds of all our friends. We supplicate thy mercy for the needy, the afflicted, the bereaved, and sorrowing. Oh! grant to all the consolations of thy gospel.

Build up thy Church, O Lord! Fill our land with pure religion. Bless the industry of the people; and may its fruit be consecrated to the good of men! May our rulers be faithful and just, walking in thy fear! And we beseech thee to bring all lands under the power and glory of thy kingdom. In thy great mercy, O Lord! forgive our sins, and bring us unto thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.