In cities or in cot-ta-ges, Thronged haunts, or mossy dell; Fresh fountains to the wil-der-ness, And to the des-ert, spring. May check the mind's as - piring, The spir-it's peal-ing hymn!

井

The heart's a

rover, ever; And thus on wave and wild, The

Green isles are in each ocean, O'er which af- fec- tion glides; A

The heart gives life its beau-ty, Its glory and its power; 'Tis

ISAAC ON THE ALTAR.

BY REV. T. A. TAYLOR.

On many of earth's mountains have transpired scenes of the most intense interest. Moriah is a name suggestive of an exceedingly thrilling occurrence, which may be designated, Isaac upon the altar. In one of the visions by which the Almighty revealed himself to ancient patriarchs and prophets, or by some unmistakable announcement, Abraham was commanded to offer his son as a burnt offering to the Lord. The object was the trial of the father's faith; perhaps also for the exhibition of the son's meekness and piety. Obedient to the high behest, he promptly prepared to execute it. Having long been accustomed to yield prompt and strict compliance with his Lord's commands, he at once moved as he was directed. Probably the sun did not shine upon his habitation, after the edict had reached his ears, before he was actively engaged in fulfilling it. Arising early in the morning, he prepares the wood, takes fire and a knife, selects two servants and a beast of burden, and thus, with his son, goes on to the accomplishment of a service, from the thought of which human feelings have often instinctively shrunk. Not until the light of the third day was shining upon their pilgrimage, did he discover the divinely appointed locality for the sacrifice; and then it was afar off. Oh! had an angel mapped the path in which they trod, how would our eyes love to trace it!

Brevity marks the narrative. Nothing is recorded respecting the words or thoughts of the first two days. On the third, the attendants are bidden to halt, and remain as watchers with the animal, while the venerable man and his most affectionate son proceed to complete their solemn embassy. The latter carries the wood, which had been cleft for the consumption of his own flesh; the former bears the embers and the instruments of death. "And they went

both of them together." At length he, who is himself the victim, breaks the silence of their march. "My father, behold the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Did there ever go forth from the lips of a child an expression more adapted to break up the very fountains of emotion in a parent's soul? Had there not been a faith in the rectitude of God, unshaken as the

everlasting hills, could a reply have forced itself from that father?

"My son, God

Yes, thou, the

See the composing power of confidence in the Lord! will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering." Eternal One, hast power to meet every emergency. At thy word the flinty rock pours out a living stream, and the desolate wilderness blossoms as the rose. Darkness becomes day, and light is exchanged into blackness.

"So they went, both of them together." How they felt, we can only conjecture. Let us, therefore, not suppose them otherwise than full of praise to Him who giveth songs in the dreariest hour of adversity.

Behold, their journey ends! The wood, the fire, and the knife, are laid down. From the rough stones of the mountain-top is erected an altar, by him long skilled in forming such structures. An old saint is engaged in a familiar service; but never, till this hour, did he place stone upon stone, in the name of the Lord, with such a victim before him as now awaits his priestly authority. The work is finished. The fuel for the flame is laid in due order. Isaac, the son of promise, the heir of eastern wealth, the beloved of his mother, the dear child of his father, is bound and laid upon the wood; and Abraham stretches forth his hand, and takes the knife to slay him!

Behold an angel hovering over the spot. Hear his call from the skies: "Abraham, Abraham, lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him!" Peremptory orders, but welcome! The Highest utters his compassion, the patriarch's arm is arrested in the midst of its bloody endeavor, and Isaac is set at liberty. Another victim bleeds in his stead, and blessing upon blessing is pronounced upon him who withheld not his only son when required by the Most High. Having given to the place a significant name, they who had gone up for solemn sacrifice, return with exulting hearts. "I can imagine," says Saurin, "of no transports to be compared with those which Abraham felt on his descent from Mount Moriah."

We have heard of the infidel's challenge to all the divines in the world for a reconciliation of the command, requiring the sacrifice of Isaac, with the law of nature, written upon every human heart. Far is it from my present purpose to take up the gauntlet thrown down by the haters of holiness and the boastful antagonists of truth. I frankly confess that I give thanks to the Almighty for this illustrious specimen of faith, and see, neither in the requirement nor in its