Rebecca.

REBECCA is not without fame in sacred story. She was grand-daughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and sister of Laban, the father of the wives of her son Jacob. She was highly beautiful in person; and to this were added much simplicity and loveliness of manners, a sprightly action, a graceful hospitality, and, with some important exceptions, a pious trust in the God of providence. On the arrival of Abraham's messenger, sent to procure a wife for Isaac, Rebecca was divinely designated to him as the suitable person for so distinguished a connection; and with the approbation and blessing of her father's house, and accompanied by her nurse and waitingmaids, she cheerfully bid adieu to her home, was conducted to Hebron, the residence of Isaac, and became his wife. This marriage, we may infer, was eminently happy; for Isaac was thus consoled after his mother's death; and such was his love for Rebecca, that, during her life, we do not hear of him, as of Abraham and Jacob, that he allied himself to any other wife. As a companion, she was probably devoted, capable, and answering, in an eminent degree, all the wishes of her husband; and "living faithfully together," no reason existed for any of those matrimonial difficul

ties which arose so naturally in the families of his father and his son. The whole history of Isaac, indeed, impresses us that he was a man of a gentle, meditative, and quiet spirit; seeking to cultivate peace with all men. At the same time, the Lord of providence gave him great prosperity; endowing him with princely possessions inherited from his illustrious father, while, from the genial influences of an eastern soil and clime, there were added to him the brilliant harvests of an hundredfold. Amid all his sources of happiness, his beautiful and accomplished Rebecca was, we may believe, the crowning gem,-adding a charm unutterable to all the walks of his earthly pilgrimage, and contributing her quiet, yet powerful influence, in promoting the dignity and peace of a long and tranquil life.

When, or at what age she died, is not recorded. We do not hear of her in life after the departure of Jacob to Haran; at which time her husband was at least a hundred years of age. As Isaac survived eighty years beyond that period, and as there is no record of his being married a second time, it may be presumed that Rebecca also lived to a good old age. Her sepulchre was in the field of Machpelah, purchased by Abraham as a burying-place. "There they buried Isaac and

Rebecca his wife."

As we review the history of Rebecca, there is much in the picture that interests and captivates us. We love to think that she was beautiful, and

are we.

very fair to look upon." This was doubtless so, however difficult it may be to realize the glory that so long since passed away. We need not doubt that graceful and attractive forms were moving here in old and buried years; and there is sadness in the thought that they have drooped and faded, while the admiration and love which they inspired are also hushed forever. Yet such The fashion of this world, as the everchanging scenery of the opera, passeth away. So beauty, now blooming as Rebecca's bloomed, will, like hers, decay, and, long before this passing century shall be finished, will have disappeared as the glorious bow upon the cloud of yesterday. A dear and loved possession is that of personal beauty-the perfection of material excellence-if, indeed, it be lawful to call that material, with which the intellectual and the spiritual are so sublimely blended. Yet it tarries not. The "human face divine" puts off its brilliancy, and fades, that it may bloom elsewhere in immortal loveliness.

Beauty of form and feature is more than doubly beautiful, when associated with gracefulness of mind and character. Such were Rebecca's charms. Nothing can surpass the delicious pencilings of that first interview between Abraham's servant and the blooming Syrian maid. As the messenger prays, a damsel is in his thoughts. While yet speaking, a damsel, as if lighting down from above during his prayer, appears before him,

and the sign he asked is given. She has filled her pitcher with water, and is returning from the well. "Give me to drink, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher!" "Drink, my lord, and I will draw water for thy camels also." Such was the respectful and sweet response of the maid, as with equal promptitude and grace she suited the action to the word. Meanwhile the stranger, in wonder and in silence, ponders the scene before him ;and He who had just now heard his prayer, assured him that the being, concerning whom that prayer was offered, was moving before his eyes. Inquiries and explanations proceed; hospitalities are proffered in the house of Laban; the important message is opened; all arrangements are considered and finished; all, save one. "Rebecca," said they, "wilt thou go with this man?" "I will go," she answered, and thus decided her earthly destinies.

What indescribable beauty and simplicity are here! What implicit trusting in the God of providence! How prelusive is this whole scene, of singular and illustrious consequences! How indicative of a Heaven-appointed and Heaven-approved happiness!

We should note here, too, the sublimity that may be attached to any hour of human history. One day, a sweet and artless girl is rejoicing within one of the dwellings of the city of Nahor. At evening, she goes out, as was customary with the daughters of the city, to bring water from the

neighboring fountain. The sun is sinking gradually into the great western sea, and soft airs are breathing along the far-reaching plains of Padan-aram. A stranger is near the fountain, and God is listening there; and his great hand is leading, step by step, and in every accent of her lips, that beautiful and happy maid. In all that day, she dreamed not of the evening colloquy; and as she drew those cooling waters for the refreshment of the stranger, it occurred not once to her how that her very acts and words were all pointing her to forthcoming and distinguished happiness. This evening, she is cheerfully acting her part in the duties of her father's house. Yet, as she moves, an unseen hand is upon her, touching the springs of great and sublime events, and moving the keys of untold destinies. To-morrow, Rebecca is on her way to become the wife of Isaac-a mother in Israel-a link in the golden chain that should reach to the Messiah of God. Gentle reader, walk softly! Place thy frail hand within the hand that is almighty. Thine own prayer, and the prayer of the stranger, despise not; for God is the great Arbiter—and he is listening!

Would there were no shade upon the history of Rebecca! Would that she had never withdrawn her eye from the Divine pointing, nor ventured, with rash step, to tread unhallowed ground! Her favorite son seems likely to lose the principal blessing within the gift of his father. How shall