JERICHO TAKEN. AND Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord. And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the Lord. And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the Lord, and blew with the trumpets and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them. And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. So the ark of the Lord compassed the city, going about it once and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the Lord, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times only on that day they compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the 'seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord. So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and 2. It may stand for our besetting sins, which must be subdued selfishness, vanity, idleness, irritability, sensuality, frivolity, covetousness, discontent, over-anxiety about earthly things, forgetfulness of God. Look at your own Jericho. What strong and high walls it has! How can they be broken down? How make the selfish boy unselfish-the vain girl lowly-the idle diligent— the discontented thankful? Does it not seem hopeless? So it seemed hopeless to conquer Jericho. II. How can the spiritual Jericho be taken ? Just as the city of Jericho was taken-by faith (G. Text). Why had Israel to walk round and round? That they might more and more feel how powerless they were. Why does God let you fail when you try to conquer your sins? To show us the truth of John xv. 5, "Without Me ye can do nothing.” "When I am weak, then I am strong"-this is the secret. Look to Christ only-then, no need to struggle-the sin has lost its power-the walls have fallen down without your touching them! But beware! If you get away from Christ, those great walls will stand up again! TOPICS FOR HOME STUDY. 1 John v. 4, 5. Gal. v. 6. Col. i. 23. 2 Thess. i. 3. James ii. 17. WHAT CAN I DO FOR JESUS? JESSIE was at Sabbath-school, where she dearly loved to be. Her teacher, Miss Green, was there, and not one of her little girls was absent. The lesson was about the wonderful love of our dear Saviour, and the way in which we ought to show our gratitude for this love. But Jessie looked unhappy and troubled, and did not answer very promptly the questions that came to her. What ailed her? Did her head ache? Was her mother sick? Why did she not join the other scholars in singing the closing hymn? As she left the schoolroom, Miss Green whispered, "Jessie, will you wait a minute, and walk along with me?" Miss Green took her hand, and said gently, "What is the matter, my child? I am sure something troubles [you." Jessie's eyes were full of tears, and her face flushed, but she did not speak. "Dear Jessie, will you not tell me what it is? What can I do to help and comfort you?" At last the answer came: "Miss Green, I don't think I do much for Jesus." Ah! that was it. Jessie believed that the Lord Jesus loved her and had forgiven her sins, and that He had given her many blessings; but what had she ever done for Him? If she were a man she could be a minister, and preach about Christ; or if a woman, she could teach in the Sabbath-school, and visit sick people and poor people and do good in many ways; but what could she, a poor, sinful little girl, do for the Lord Jesus? What did Miss Green tell her? "Jessie, you can love Him; you are old enough for that, and Jesus wants you to love Him. And you can show your love by trying to please Him. Remember that He does not expect you to do a man's work, and your work for Christ this week will be the every-day work in your own home. When your mother calls you to help about her sewing, that is something to do for Jesus. When she asks you to take care of the baby, that is something to do for Him. When you have to sweep and dust the room, that is work for Jesus. When you are diligent and faithful, that will please your Saviour. Learn your lessons carefully, because Jesus has given them you to learn. Keep from cross and fretful words, because Jesus wants His children to be like Himself, meek and lowly in heart. if others treat you unkindly. others very happy." Be kind and patient, even Do all you can to make And now they had come to the gate of Miss Green's house, and before opening it, she waited to say one thing more. "Don't forget, my dear child, to ask Jesus to help you to do something for Him, and He will accept the smallest thing you do for His sake, even if it is only to give a cup of cold water to one of His disciples. We are taught in the blessed Bible that whatsoever we do, to do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.— Col. iii. 23. A GOOD RECOMMENDATION. YEARS ago a youth, seeking employment, came to this city, and on inquiring at a certain counting-house if they wished a clerk, was told that they did not. On mentioning the recommendations that he had, one of which was from a highly respected citizen, the merchant desired to see them. In turning over the carpet-bag to find his letters, a book rolled out on the floor. "What book is that?" said the merchant. "It is the Bible, sir," was the reply. "And what are you going to do with that Book in this city?" The lad looked seriously into the merchant's face, and replied, "I promised my mother I would read it, sir, every day, and I shall do it," and burst into tears. The merchant immediately engaged the youth. He proved himself to be clever, industrious, and God-fearing, and is now a partner in the firm-one of the most eminent in the city. WASHINGTON AND HIS MOTHER. AFTER the great American struggle for independence, George Washington returned in triumph to his mother's home. Everybody was honouring him, as the saviour of his country and the greatest man of the age. When he reached the place of his mother's abode, a large concourse of people was there to greet him and welcome him to his home. In the centre of the assembled crowd stood his mother; and, pushing his way through the people around him, he hastened to pay her his respects; and as she threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him, she said to some who were congratulating her upon having so noble George always was an obedient child." a son A WISE ANSWER. "Is there any place where God is not?" asked a teacher. "Yes," answered her little scholar, "He is not in the heart of a sinner; for, you know, the Bible says, 'God is not in all his thoughts."" To Sunday and Day-school Teachers, &c. THE WEEKLY WELCOME. With Engraving, Letter-press, and Music, in BOTH notations, with special reference to the "International Series of Sunday-school Lessons for 1875." Four pages. Price 28. 6d. per 100. Published every Tuesday. It is hoped that Sunday-school Teachers will present these papers weekly to their scholars. A specimen Packet containing one dozen copies of No. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 will be sent post free by the publishers to any address on receipt of five penny stamps, but it is particularly requested that the weekly orders be given through local booksellers. Natural History Stories for my Juvenile Friends. |