The sceptre was the third token of sovereignty. The word originally signified a staff of wood of the length of a man's height. Later, it was smaller in form, and often plated with gold, and enriched with various decorations. Inclining, or holding out the sceptre was a mark of royal favor; and kissing it by another, a sign of submission. Jehovah's rule is mentioned frequently in the inspired record, under this figure. "His sceptre is a right sceptre," in one of the declarations, which even the wicked and most wretched on account of transgression, dare not deny. Under its wide dominion are Heaven, Earth, and Hell, not only, but a universe whose boundaries neither man nor angel can ever reach. "He is God over all, and blessed forever!" How amazing the truth of such a king and kingdom! Under the unsleeping eye of the Sovereign, the planet wheels on its axis with startling velocity, and the insect creeps on the grain of sand. A Russian poet beautifully sung: Oh, thou Eternal One! whose presence bright, All space doth occupy, all motion guide! Unchanged through time's all devastating flight, Thou only God, there is no God beside! Being above all beings! mighty one, Whom none can comprehend, and none explore! Who filled existence with thyself alone; Embracing all, supporting, ruling o'er! Being, whom we call God, and know no more! Thou art! directing, guiding all. Thou art! Direct my understanding then to thee; Control my spirit, guide my wandering heart, Though but an atom 'mid immensity. Still I am something fashioned by thy hand! I hold a middle rank 'twixt heaven and earth, On the last verge of mortal being stand, Close to the realms where angels have their birth, Just on the boundaries of the spirit land. Oh, thoughts ineffable! Oh, visions blest! Though worthless our conceptions all of thee; Yet shall thy shadowed image fill our breasts, And waft its homage to thy Deity. God! thus alone my lowly thoughts can soar; Thus seek thy presence--Being wise and good! 'Midst thy best works admire, obey, adore! And when the tongue is eloquent no more, The soul shall speak in tears of gratitude. [Illustration: Ascent of Elijah.] [Illustration: Elisha on His Death Bed.] THE BIBLE AND THE HOLY LAND PATRIARCHS, KINGS, AND KINGDOMS. HEBREW CAPTIVES; OR, MORDECAI AND ESTHER. The next pictured scene is in the Court of Persia. It will not be forgotten that Daniel was a captive in Babylon under the last kings, and probably died there after the city was taken by Cyrus. Of this great man's history as a captive we shall learn more when we go with the prophets of God in their peculiar mission. Nabonadrius, the son of Darius, usurped the throne after his father's death; and after reigning several years, Cyrus, a nephew of Darius, a Persian general who was occupied in foreign wars, turned his attention to the reigning monarch.