precedent; meanwhile time sped on, but not the sun.

As the hours went by, blanched faces peered from lowly cottages and princely palaces. Had God's purpose changed? Should the bright orb of day henceforth dart down his fierce rays on the parched landscape, evermore, without intermission or change? Should morning mists, and evening dews, and night's repose never more refresh the earth? Let us turn to the chapter:

We read that after Israel's people had avenged themselves on their enemies, and the kings of the allied cities had been led from their hiding-place and executed, then resuming its majestic course-slow descending to the western gates, mid the gold and crimson, and all the glorious blendings of an Oriental setting, the sun went down. Could he who had power thus to command, have known naught of that system which obeyed his behest?

THE SUN TURNS BACK.

Passing over a period of more than seven

hundred years of the world's history, we come to another event, very similar, in the conclusions it offers, to the one just noticed; though differing widely, both in detail and in general characteristics. You will find it recorded in the 20th chapter of 2d. Kings, also in the 38th chapter of Isaiah. The two records agreeing substantially, while each serves to elucidate and confirm the other.

Jerusalem had already been for several centuries in Israel's possession, and had become its chief city and seat of government. The wicked and idolatrous reign of Ahaz, king of Judah, was ended by his death, and Prince Hezekiah, an upright, pious young man of twenty five, ascended his deceased father's throne.

Though all the other tribes of Israel were later given over to their common enemy, the Assyrians, for their idolatrous practices, and though Judah was also resting under God's displeasure for the same offence, yet thro' the wise counsels of this noble young king, the remnant of Israel was spared.

Devoutly fearing, and intent on himself

and people honoring and serving the true God, he caused all the accessories to false worship to be destroyed; even to the brazen serpent which Moses had made for Israel centuries before. And God's wrath was turned aside, and Judah once more restored to favor.

Prospering in their civil and domestic affairs, they were also successful in repelling invasions of their foes by force of arms, but their humane and pious king preferred the gentle arts of peace; and when, in the fourteenth year of his reign, the Assyrians came up and seized some of the outlying cities of Judah, Hezekiah, instead of resorting to violence, purchased their release by a ransom of fabulous amount.

But Assyria's king was not content. He knew full well that yet there reigned within Jerusalem's walls a king who despised and rejected the heathen rites and practices of Assyria, and who taught his people to honor and serve one high and ever-living God; and in defiance of that god, King Sennacherib sent a mighty host against the Holy City,

under the leadership of able advocates, who sought first by specious argument; finally by threat and bombast, to draw Hezekiahı and his people from their allegiance to the Most High.

In this dilemma, Hezekiah went up to the Temple, and laid his case before the Lord; praying for deliverance from his enemies.. And now behold again the power of a prayer hearing, and a prayer answering God:

"And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the Assyrians, one hundred four score and five thousand; and when arose the morning, behold they were all dead."

Thus, substantially, reads the 35th verse of the 19th chapter of 2d. Kings.- A most wonderful intercession of Divine Providence! One hundred and eighty five thousand slain in one night, in direct answer to Hezekiah's prayer for deliverance.

This sketch may seem a digression; but I have presented it for the purpose of introducing King Hezekiah in his true character, and to show what wonders the Lord was

ready to perform in answer to his petitions; that we may be better prepared to accept the miracle which was wrought later, by his request, and which we will now proceed to consider:

Some time after, was the King sick with a grievous boil; and the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came and said to him: "Hezekiah! thus saith the Lord! 'Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live.'

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What a message was this to a man of only thirty nine years;-- just entering his prime, and in the height of his glory and usefulness. The King of Judah! revered and beloved by his subjects, and invincible, through divine favor, in the presence of his foes. His future a dream of peace, rosetinted with bright anticipations. Was it

strange that the king wept?

Oh! how the stricken heart must quiver and recoil at such a summons! How must the poor dazed intellect roam the confines of human possibilities, seeking an outlet! and oh! the agony, the horror! when at last baffled and bewildered, the despairing cry