The trail of a word through Scripture is sometimes I like the wake of a ship through phosphorescent seas. It gleams. When, like King Arthur's knight of old, we follow "the gleam," we find in every sparkle on our way some thought gem, bright with the glory of Him who gave it, and we are glad.

There is a constellation of sayings in the 13th to the 17th chapters of the fourth Gospel, which, found within the circle of the Heavenly Family, forms a delightful picture of the ideal home. They all center about the word "give," and, falling from the lips of our blessed Lord and Master, gleam with the light of a heavenly revelation. What after all is a home but the place of glad mutual giving between relatives, whether of service or what not? Let us follow the trail.

"I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you." Here the lesson is of purity maintained as the basis of communion. This is the rock-foundation of all true home-life. Apart from it even love will fail.

"A new commandment I have given unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you." Commandment and example here emphasize the importance of "love's sweet tie." This rightly comes second. A home with a love like Christ's in it brings us near to heaven's gates.

"My peace I give unto you." This, from the "Father-chapter" of the Bible should banish all carking care from the home. Outside, fears!-here all is rest:"Let not your hearts be troubled." Then in natural sequence comes a large check on the heavenly bank:"Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my Name, He shall give it you." Ah, regal giving-this is a home with resources!

"Power to give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him." The shadow of death over a home is a dreadful thing. Who is there that knows not its meaning! The very preciousness of the ties blackens the shadow. But the life He imparts will never fail.

"I have given unto them the words that Thou gavest Me." Themes for thought infinitely deep, infinitely broad, are here. Rich is the household where fruitful thinking leads to fruitful living.

"The glory which Thou hast given Me, I have given them!" Is not CHRIST A PRINCELY GIVER? F. C. G.