ruddy countenances of the ploughmen. There were old men, wearing broad blue bonnets over their silvery hairs, and old women with round linen caps instead of bonnets; blooming girls, too, with modest beauty, meeting together with earnest faces to hear the word. Children peopled the outside of the assembly, generally occupying elevated positions.

Mrs Fraser and Donald pressed forward, endeavouring to get as near the speaker's stand as possible. Mrs Fraser was far from strong, and, being everywhere respected and beloved, a large stone was secured for her to sit on. The shepherd's plaid, which they carried with them, when folded made an excellent cushion. Donald stood by her side, occasionally leaning on his mother for support. A solemn stillness pervaded that great audience as the preacher began. He gave out a psalm in a clear, distinct voice, and all that multitude joined in singing it to the good old Scottish tune of "Coleshill." A solemn and somewhat lengthy prayer followed, after which another psalm was sung. The preacher now announced his text: "They spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Straightway the minds of the large throng are transported to

the top of Tabor,—a loftier hill than any in sight, -and their hearts begin to burn within them as they see their Lord talking to the celestial messengers on that memorable transfiguration morn. The preacher is not imaginative in thought, or refined in language; but he is earnest, and, as his voice rises with his subject, and his eye kindles, every heart in the audience is softened, and not a few tears are seen stealing down the cheeks of old and young.

When he closes, part of the audience, and among others, Mrs Fraser, repair to the church, where the communion services proper were conducted. But preacher after preacher occupied the stand, and with little interruption the services continued through the day. A kind neighbour, not far from the scene of the out-door preaching, invited Donald and his mother to go home with him at noon and have some bread and cheese.

The sun was near its setting as our two friends were on the road homeward.

They conversed together by the way of the Lamb slain-of Him whose death had that day been commemorated by so many of His loving followers. The services had been long, yet full

of interest. It had been a day of much spiritual refreshment to that sorrowing child of God.

When they had eaten supper, and the dishes had been cleared away, Donald said, "This morning, mother, we left off our conversation at a very interesting place; we were talking about Hobab."

'Well, you may read the account, which you will find in the 10th chapter of Numbers, verses 29, 30, and 31."

Donald read them.

"And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you come thou with us, and we will do thee good for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel. And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred. And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.'

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'Mother, why did Moses want Hobab to go with him?"

"Because he was a near relative, and because,

says Hobab could be of much use to them unde."

at had they not God for a guide, in the u of tire by night, and the pillar of cloud by

"Yes, my son; but these tokens of God's preace and guidance only extended to the general dnection, when they were to march, and when they were to halt. Besides, every good man is guided by God. All things work together for good to him that loves God;' but this only increases his activity to make wise preparation for every emergency. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you.' Any other course would be to do as the devil wished the Saviour to do, Matthew iv. 6. It would be of the highest importance to the Israelites to have a native sheikh or chief with them, who was familiar with the routes, who would know where pasture might be found for the flocks, and fuel for their fires,— one who would know the tribes hostile to their march, who could understand the signs of the weather, and a great many other things, that only oh a man could know."

do you think he went with them, mother?"

"Yes, my son, I think he did; for see by the 32d verse what strong inducements Moses held out to him to go."

Donald read the verse: "And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will he do unto thee.""

"And now, my son, I want you to notice that this promise meant all and only good to Hobab, including a share in the blessings of Israel, freedom from their wars as well as their burdensome ritual, and liberty, while not owning the land, to use its pasturage at their pleasure. We will see in the sequel how fully these promises were made good to Hobab and his descendants."

"But still, mother, it does not say that he went."

"That is true; it does not say so here, but if you will turn to the first chapter of Judges, verse 16th, you will see that his descendants were in the promised land soon after the time of its settlement."

Donald read: "And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up out of the city of the palm-trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the