world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." Psalms, 19:4,5,6.

This is indeed strong language. No one could desire more positive declarations as to the belief of those inspired men in the sun's circuitous movement. But leaving now the expressions quoted, for your consideration, we will again give our attention to some of the memorable events recorded in Sacred History, which have claimed the interest of the student and philosopher in all ages.

In the 10th chapter of the Book of Joshua we find record of a most wonderful instance of God's care of his chosen people, Israel, which is also in direct support of Moses' history of the creation.

THE SUN STANDS STILL.

Moses was dead. After leading forth his people from bondage, and through many

perils, to the borders of the Promised Land, he was called-up higher; and Joshua, a man of force and valor, vet devout and Godfearing, was chosen leader of Israel. Enjoying divine favor and help, he carried ruin and defeat into the camp of his enemies, and hostile cities were either scattered like chaff before him, or forced to capitulate.

Of the latter, was the proud and populous city of Gibeon. The king of Jerusalem, (it was then a city of the Amorites,) fearing this important acquisition to Israel's standard, consummated an alliance with the cities of Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon, and Hebron, for Gibeon's conquest.

Marching against the doomed city with all the panoply of war, calmly confident of superior strength, they deliberately pitched their camp, and prepared for battle.

The men of Gibeon promptly dispatched swift messengers to Joshua, encamped at Gilgal, saying: "Slack not thy hand from thy servants! Come up unto us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains, are

gathered together against us!" (6th verse.) It was the hour of slumber. But quick the trumpet's call To arms! aroused the sleeping host; the line of march was taken up, and 'neath the silent stars, Israel went forth again to victory! For did not the Lord say to Joshua on that midnight march, "Fear them not, for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee."

Gray morning dawned in the east. As its first beams kissed the battlements of Gibeon, the reveille was heard in the allies' camp, and the silence of repose soon gave place to the hum and bustle of activity and preparation, the eventful day had begun.

The marshalled hosts encompassed that fair city, whose spires now glittered in the morning sun. The trumpet's call to charge was taken up along the line, and like an avalanche they hurled themselves against its walls. Fiercly the battle raged-higher climbed the sun- and as the day advanced, anxious watchers on the towers strained their gaze toward Gilgal, in quest of the

summoned relief. At length, above the din of battle, rang the glad shout, They come ! they come! Israel's host advances!

Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, that valiant band fell on the heathen host: shout answered shout, steel clanged to steel, while fell the foe on every hand. Soon the tide of battle turned-the besiegers were routed, and Israel was in victorious pursuit of the vanquished legions.

And now, behold the power of God, and his care of his people!-great hailstones were rained down on the flying foe, so that they who fell beneath them, were more than they who perished by the sword. In the midst of the fearful carnage, Joshua stood forth and gave his memorable command, to the end that the day might be prolonged, so that the enemy's destruction could be made complete. These were his words:

"In the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still on Gibeon! And thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon!"

Was that command honored? The two verses following it in the chapter, tell us

that it was;— they read thus: "So the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, till the people had avenged themselves on their enemies. Is not this written in the Book of Jasher? 'So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.'

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O, sublime and awe-inspiring spectacle! The Sun! which through thousands and thousands of successive journeyings, had never swerved from its appointed course in the heavens-had never before forgotten its fixed periods of rising and setting; whose progress across the celestial arch had ever been marked by a constancy and steadiness surpassing all other movement, that daystood still over Gibeon!

The humble peasant turned again and again to his hour-glass, shaded his eyes and gazed at the sun; the man of wealth anxiously consulted the astrologer, who eagerly scanned the record, in a vain search for a