"The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their-houses in the rocks" (Prov. 30:26).

The wisdom of the four creatures named in Prov. 30:24-28 provides against future wretchedness, secures protection from enemies, insures harmony of action, and appreciates a good home.

What is emphasized in the conies is the wisdom that makes "their houses in the rocks," since they are incapable of defending themselves from enemies.

Many an animal develops ferocious fighting qualities", when attacked. Even a cornered deer has been known-to slay its assailant. A hare may escape imminent peril' by its speed. A skunk can baffle a dog by the offensive odor it rejects from its glands. And there is a fish that escapes the devourer by emitting a sepia fluid which darkens the water and conceals it from its pursuer. But a coney has no such means of protection as these.

The people of God are like the conies; they have no' inherent powers of defense. Were they left unguarded they could not escape him who goeth about "as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." They are dependent upon the Rock of Ages as their abiding place. And their instinct in all ages leads each one to say:"Lead' me to the rock that is higher than I" (Ps. 61:2).

In his epistle James says:"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (1:5). But when one makes this request, how does God grant it? He calls attention to His Son, for He is "the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24). It is possible to have Bible knowledge, and even ability to expound it; but, good as that is, more is needed:for if we do not habitually hold the truth in intimacy with Him who is the truth, we become prone to use it in the energy of our fleshly minds and are liable to satanic influence.

How indispensable is Christ as His people's support! "The name of the Lord is a strong tower:the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Prov. 18:10). No imagined valor of ours will avail in the kind of warfare we are called to wage. And if, while combating the flesh in others, we allow it in ourselves, we will surely not have the guidance of Him who invites our trust, and will fail to recognize His purpose in the place of trust He accords His people. In this place, if simply accepted, He encompasses us with all that His name signifies. What He is, He is for His own. God has arranged this. "Of God" He is made unto us "wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:30). Of course this is ever true, irrespective of the measure of our apprehension of it. Nevertheless it must be apprehended if it is to affect us in a practical way. This can only be done as we hold it in communion with the One in whom it is set forth.

In every question that arises to perplex and entangle the Lord's people, He presents Himself, saying:I am unto you Wisdom; use Me! As a friend shows himself friendly, so the Friend who "sticketh closer than a brother" is with us in adversity, that we may find in Him succor for the need of the moment. He asks us to use Him.

Thirty-four years ago an acquaintance of the writer paid a visit to England, his native land. When there he called upon C. H. Mackintosh. After conversation, the author of the "Notes" directed attention to a table in the room whereon lay an assortment of books and pamphlets, urging the visitor to take all he desired. As he helped himself to a selection half an inch thick, C. H. M. said:"Love provides, faith appropriates; your faith must be very small!" The visitor felt the force of our venerable brother's remark, and took a larger supply of the wholesome literature lying before him.

Let us apply this to ourselves. Our Lord is available to us in every circumstance. And no stress nor danger can arise which will find Him lacking in the qualities necessary to our guidance and protection. Since He has sent us into the world, even as the Father sent Him into it, since we are called to live on His account, even as He lived on the Father account, it is evident that the purpose of our sojourn here is the promotion of His interests in a hostile world. Engaged in this we shall find Him our safeguard. R. J. Reid