5.--Abide ye here with the Ass." The young men would have hindered Abraham from binding his son on the altar. Whatever would interfere with prayer, when we retire for that purpose, or with sacrifice, when we make the effort, should be left behind. Leave hinderers with the ass, they will be in congenial society! 6, 7, 8, 9.--"The Knife," "The Fire," "The Wood." Where is the lamb? Isaac's words would pierce his father's heart. How came it the young man yielded? Was there a struggle? Did Abraham bind him by force? There is no indication in the story of any resistance. Do the words of Jesus cast any light, "Abraham saw My day, and was glad?" Received him in a figure" (Heb. xi. 19.) Did father and son see what was to occur in the distance? 10.--"Took the knife to slay his son." God tries us to the full. His tests are no shams. Before the Hall-mark is put on the metal, the acid proves it genuine. 11 and 12.--"Lay not thine hand on the lad." No one spoke to God when it pleased Him to bruise His Well-beloved. 13.--"A ram caught in a thicket." God cleaves His wood, He is ready, always prepared. 14.--"Call the name of that place, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE." What would he have called it before his deliverance? Let us not be too quick to name events. It may be we shall want to alter if we do. 15-18.--"OBEYED." Obedience is the joyful mother of children,--children that are born to bless. He who can always obey will find every step leads to a throne.--Rev. iii. 21. These are a few lessons which I shall not do more than name: I.--GOD'S FRIENDSHIP DOES NOT EXCLUDE TRIAL. The man who is called the friend of God was told to slay his son. II.--GREAT JOYS CONTAIN GREAT SORROWS. The name of this son was Laughter. The more we enjoy a Gift of God, the more we shall feel it when we are called to part. Hold joys with a slack hand. III.--IN GREAT EXTREMITIES LOOK FOR GREAT DELIVERANCES. The ram is in the thicket all the time. IV.--GREAT TRIALS WILL YIELD SWEET MEMORIES. None of Abraham's journeys cost him so many tears as this, and none were so pleasant to recall. PERHAPS CALVARY IS THE SWEETEST SPOT ON EARTH TO GOD. XXVI. OIL FOR LAMPS. MATTHEW xxv. 1-13. God's kingdom is imperfect as yet, for it is not said to be like five, but ten virgins. It is worthy of our careful thought that it is to be made perfect by contraction, not expansion. The King is to say "Depart!" as well as "Come!" We do not attempt anything like exposition of this solemn and yet charming parable, but rather to notice some of the most easily perceived truths it discovers. I.--A Light is better than a Lamp.