April 5

Genesis xiv.—14. And, when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

15. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

16. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

17. And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chederlaomer and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

18. And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine; and he was the priest of the most high God.

19. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be

Lot's choice soon brought him into trouble. The district where he had settled was a tempting prize to the border tribes of the wilderness, and also to the kings of Assyria, as an important route to Egypt. These last formed an alliance, and, coming down suddenly upon the princes of Sodom and Gomorrah, took their cities, and carried away much spoil. Lot was taken with all his family and possessions. A fugitive brought word of this to Abram, who was then living at Mamre, near Hebron. Overlooking the disrespect of his nephew in taking the first choice of the land, and his folly in settling among such an ungodly people, Abram set out at once for his rescue. It is evident that Abram's servants were not bond-slaves, but retainers, who were bound to him by fealty, and whom he was willing to trust with arms. Having

Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth;

20. And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

21. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

22. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

23. That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldst say, I have made Abram rich:

24. Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Auer, Esheol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

routed the enemy, delivered the captives, and brought back Lot and his household, Abram would have returned quietly to his own home. But on the way he was met by a venerable man, who combined in himself the offices of king and priest, —the king of Salem, or Peace, and a worshipper of the true God. This Melchizedek brought refreshment to Abram, blessed him, and blessed God for his victories. Abram consecrated his victory by paying tithes for the service of religion, and thus, as we afterwards learn, rendering homage, in the person of Melchizedek, to Christ, the true Prince of peace, the one High Priest. In striking contrast to this, with unselfish dignity, he refused to accept any portion of the spoil. This noble man served others without cost; desired nothing from the world; offered freely to the Lord.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 53, 86, 145.

O Almighty God, who art the King of kings, and Lord of lords, and who art also the gracious Father of thy people! we beseech thee to hear our praises and our supplications. We are not worthy to approach thee, or to take thy name into our lips. We are not worthy to be called thy children; for we have offended thee in thought, word, and deed. Pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life. As we shall go forth into the world this day, oh! give us grace that we may put off the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light. Grant that we may both perceive and know what things we ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same. May our life be a daily preparation for heaven! May we live now by faith, and have hereafter the fruition of thy glorious Godhead! And since thou hast exalted thy Son Jesus Christ into thy kingdom in heaven, so may we in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell.

Whilst we are in the world, O Lord! do thou keep us from the evil. Let nothing turn us from

the narrow path that leads to heaven. Grant that we may be ever ready when thou shalt call us hence; so that, amidst all our occupations and engagements, our minds may be kept in perfect peace, being stayed upon thee. O Lord! be thou our portion now, and prepare us for thy presence hereafter.

We bless thee that thou hast provided for us a merciful and faithful High Priest: to him would we consecrate our persons and possessions, praying that we may receive his benediction of peace. And may that peace be given to all who are in any tribulation! Have mercy upon any who are made desolate by war. Be with all who are travelling by land or by sea, with all sick persons, especially with any who are suffering in our own parish. Draw near to them in the hour of trouble, and give them a happy issue out of all their afflictions.

Bless each one of us who are now kneeling before thee; be with all our dear kindred and friends; and grant an answer of peace to these our prayers, which we offer up in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.