Eastern custom-to avenge kinsman's death by killing the man who caused it, even if he caused it accidentally and unintentionally. No use for God to forbid this injustice, for men would not have

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.—Josн. xx.

OUR LOVING REFUGE.

DEAR Saviour, I am very sure
Thy heart is kind to me,

And that Thou wouldst my soul receive,
If I would come to Thee.

But draw me to Thy loving side,
And be my guide, I pray,
Or else my weak and sinful heart
Will miss Thy heavenly way.

Lord, what can such a weak one do,
When conflicts sore betide,

But seek the refuge of Thy love,
And in Thy strength confide?

Could a real murderer get shelter there? No: he would be delivered up to the avenger, Deut. xix. 11-13.

I. There is a Refuge for the Christian in time of trouble. Ps. xlvi. I—“God is our Refuge." Not for all. When the rejectors of God come for refuge from calamity, what will God say? Prov. i. 24-28.

II. There is a Refuge for the repenting sinner from the pursuing wrath of God. Christ is the sinner's Refuge. And here there is no distinction. We are all like the wilful murderer, and yet the gate is open for all.

"Oh, depth of mercy! can it be

That gate was left ajar for me?"

I. There is no other refuge. No other city could protect the manslayer. None but Christ can save us. "Other refuge have I none,

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee."

2. It is accessible to all. The six cities were conveniently placed, and easily reached. "Thou art near, O Lord!”

3. We must not leave it. The manslayer had no safety outside, Numb. xxxv. 25-28. Nor have we outside Christ, John xv. 6.

4. But inside the safety is complete. "Safe in the arms of Jesus." John x. 28.

A FEW Sabbaths ago a little boy who has not yet seen seven summers, but who has had the advantage of pious training, was left at home with the servant-maid in the evening during the time his mamma was attending -divine service. The maid and the little fellow were profitably employed in reading a portion of the Word of God. The sad account of the Saviour's sufferings was the chapter chosen ; and when they had finished reading the chapter,

himself. It was evident, however, that his little heart had been touched, for presently the servant observed that he was weeping, and said to him—

"What's the matter, Harry?"

"I was pitying some one," was the reply. "Whom were you pitying?"

"I thought it was so shocking for Jesus to die upon the cross."

A friend being told of this, asked the dear child if it would not have been better if Jesus had not died.

"No," was the quick reply, "it would have been worse, for then we could not go to heaven."

How very pleasing to think that one so young should have such correct views of the great plan of salvation. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS.

SAFE in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o'ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! 'tis the voice of angels,
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,

Over the jasper sea.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast, There by His love o'ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe from corroding care, Safe from the world's temptations, Sin cannot harm me there. Free from the blight of sorrow, Free from my doubts and fears;

Only a few more trials,

Only a few more tears!

Jesus, my heart's dear refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages

Ever my trust shall be.

Here let me wait with patience,
Wait till the night is o'er ;
Wait till I see the morning

Break on the golden shore.

From "Sacred Songs and Solos," sung by Mr. Sankey, published by Messrs. Morgan and Scott. The music will appear in a future No. of the Weekly Welcome.

CHRIST QUR ONLY HOPE.

A LITTLE girl, a scholar in one of the Sunday schools in Manchester, was, during her last illness, visited by a lady who asked her if she was afraid to die.

"No," replied the young girl, "I am not afraid of dying." "But," answered the lady, "where will you go when you die?"

"I shall go to heaven," said the little sufferer. "What makes you think so?" rejoined the lady. "Because," said the girl, "Jesus Christ has died for sinners, and I am a sinner!"

THE SINNER'S HIDING-PLACE.

JESUS! lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the raging billows roll,

While the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,

Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
Oh, receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none,

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, oh leave me not alone;

Still support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed; All my help from Thee I bring: Cover my defenceless head

With the shadow of Thy wing.

THOSE Who do not own the Saviour
Cannot rightly sing His praise,
Though by careful, strict behaviour
They may seem to love His ways.
'Tis the heart that GOD beholdeth,
'Tis the sinner's cry He hears;
Such His arm of grace upholdeth,
Such His word of mercy cheers.

Jesus, for the sinner dying,

Made a new and living way, Where the soul on Him relying May accepted worship pay. And when with the congregation We in outward worship join, This should be our supplication "Jesus, make me really Thine!"