The Ark in Battle.

N reading the first five books of Moses, we find frequent mention is made of the Ark and much importance attached to it. It was a small chest made of shittim wood and covered with plates of gold; about three feet nine inches in length and two feet three inches in width and height. The lid of the Ark had at each end a gol

den image representing cherubim facing inwards and bending over the Ark. It was carried by two poles placed one at each side through rings.

The Ark contained-1, a golden pot in which the three quarts of manna were preserved; 2, Aaron's rod, which miraculously budded and blossomed and yielded fruit ; and 3, the tables of stone with the ten commandments written by the finger of God. It was kept in the most Holy place, and upon it the Shechina shone testifying of the presence of

the Lord.

It was looked upon as the representative of God or as denoting his presence, and thus whenever the people of Israel went to fight against their enemies, they took the Ark with them, feeling while it was in their midst a sense of security, but when it was absent, the contrary sensation of weakness and incompetence to withstand their foes.

The Israelites in this teach us a useful lesson. That we should be careful to have God with us in all circumstances and at all times? Are there not words spoken and actions performed by us showing that we would prevent God from hearing and seeing if that were possible? Yet we know His is always upon us and His ear is always mindful of our words, and that He has knowledge of our every thought. How careful then should we be, so to think, speak, and act, that God shall not be grieved, but be pleased and satisfied.

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Again are there not many of us who profess to love and serve God, knowing we cannot do anything aright without him, who yet are often, very often, careless as to whether we have God with us or not?

Let us take this lesson from the Israelites, as illustrated in our picture, and be careful always to have the presence of God our Father with us and His smile resting upon us, and then, and only then, can we expect and look for a blessing upon all we do or say.

T. J. B.

A Wonderful Deliverance.

"And the Lord Shall Stand by Them and Save Them."

HERE is no help for us. If we turn back

to the village we have passed, we shall be recognized, and the officers of the Prefect will instantly seize and drag us to danger and death. The forest of the Cebenna is dark and gloomy-it is said to be filled with ravenous wild beasts; but our trust is in the Lord; he will not let us be confounded. He can hide us did his people

in "the hollow of his hand," as he of old, when the Egyptians were behind, the Red Sea before, and the mountains on either hand."

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Thus said the leader and guide of the little band of Christians who were fleeing from murderous persecution and death six souls, all told-three able men, brave and tried one crippled boy of sixteen, and two young girls. Cruel and unrelating persecution had been waged against their faith. Fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends were daily passing through terrible ordeals, giving life, hope, every

thing for the cause of their Master, in the city of Arles, from whence they had escaped barely with their lives, and not knowing where they might lay their heads, with the broad heaven for a covering overhead, and the snow of winter beneath their feet.

The dark winter night was falling upon them, the storm was increasing, and the snow came faster as they entered. the dark forest, leaving behind the abodes of men. The strength of the cripple was nearly exhausted, and with difficulty he dragged himself on, with the assistance of his companions, who endeavered to keep slow and sympathizing footsteps with the wearied boy, whose spirit, far more willing than the weak flesh, now quailed before the dismal night and dark prospect, in which there seemed no ray of light or hope; and, as they went in the dark forest, he exclaimed with bitterness:

"Would that I had glorified my God before his enemies in the city; better far than having my bones picked by the wild beasts of this dreadful forest !"

"Our Father in heaven has not so willed it," said their leader, kindly, to the heart-sick weary boy. "He has rescued us thus far from great dangers. My poor child, still believe that His will alone is for our eternal good, and cling to the promise He has left for His followers- I am with you always.

"Yes," murinured the boy," I can believe it, 'to the end, to the bitter end.''

Darkness was coming on, and as the party were casting about in their minds for the best and safest way of spending the night, they came unexpectedly upon a clearing in the forest. Several logs of trees that had been felled by woodmen were lying on the ground near an oak of immense size and of great age; few boughs were living, but the trunk was hollow, and contained an entrance large enough to admit one person, though the cavity could have contained a dozen persons with ease. It had been used as a

sleeping-place by the woodmen when night had overtaken them engaged in their work. There it had been left standing, untouched for centuries, a magnificent monarch of the forest, glorious in old age and decay.

"This is Cæsar's Oak," said one.

"I have often heard

of this famous tree. It is said he slept under it one night, on his way to Gaul."

"Now, God be praised," said the leader; "here will we pass the night. This will give us both shelter and protection from the storm. Let us be thankful for this tent pre

pared for us in the wilderness."

They crept through the opening, and disposed themselves comfortably for the night, with grateful hearts, and, for further protection, some loose planks that were lying near the tree were fastened firmly across the entrance. A few snow-flakes drifted through the crevices of the trunk, showing that the storm was raging without; but comfortably sheltered, their hearts were filled with thankfulness, and they thought little of the cold and storm, and dreary, dark night. Listen," said one, "I heard a shout. Do you not hear voices ?"

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They heard distinctly. The sounds came nearer, and they could see the flash of torches. They had been tracked and discovered, and were at the who surrounded the oak.

mercy of six soldiers,

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"Shall we drag out the vermin?" asked one. They have caught themselves in a trap of their own making it

seems."

"We could not guard them here until morning,” said another.

"No! No! Leave them quiet as they are; they are safe enough for to-night. We will build a fire, and take our comfort, if possible, until daylight; then we can carry our prisoners safe back to Arles."

They made their preparations for spending the night around the tree. Worn out with the fatigues of the day,