We cannot be too thankful that the law of the land and the customs of the countries in which we live give us the Lord's Day free from the ordinary business of the week. While not under the law of the Sabbath (if we were, we should have most rigidly to observe the seventh day, Saturday, not the first), there is an evident necessity for a period of rest, one day out of the seven, needed by all alike, and doubly prized by the child of God as affording a cessation from that constant strain of business which is racking to nerves, mind and heart alike.

"The Lord's Day"-what hallowed associations, what precious privileges, what memories of happy enjoyment, cluster around it! Although it has been greatly misunderstood by our fathers, and something of the rigor of the Jewish Sabbath imposed upon it, yet even so we are sure it was far better than the lawlessness which is now coming in like a flood and wiping away every vestige of reverence. Thank God for the day set apart to His worship. Even broad-minded statesmen cannot fail to see the menace there lies in turning this day into one of mere recreation and amusement. The loss of the fear of God is felt by the State, sooner or later; and it is to the best interests of government, looked at in purely this secular way, when by the individual, the family, and the community, there is a wholesome regard for the proprieties and responsibilities of the first day of the week.

But our concern is not directly with all this:only let us see to it that we do not use our liberty and freedom from the law as an occasion to the flesh, and .spend this precious day in idleness, or worse, and set such an example that the world thinks of us as careless as themselves.

The Lord's Day then will be one of special enjoyment. The careful housekeeper will begin to provide for it in advance, by seeing that all possible work is got out of the way, while the members of the family endeavor to clear up as much as possible all necessary duties, so that they can rise fresh and bright and ready for the joys of the Day. Saturday night will not be made a time for all sorts of things
that rob of necessary sleep, so that there is an excuse for sleeping late on Lord's Day morning. We may be pardoned for speaking in this plain way, but are persuaded that most of our readers will see the cause. With all of us, perhaps, there is a tendency to rob the Lord of His due by treating His day as one of mere family repose. We do not, of course, speak of the necessity, perhaps, for a little season of rest for those who have to rise up easily and sit up late all through the week:but let it not be overdone ; and large numbers, without doubt, can rise as early on this day as throughout the week.-From '' How to Study the Bible." By S. R.