reflected a tinge of fire, as a parting ray kissed them softly. The spray of the rushing fountain also caught the beam, and reflected it in the rich hues of the emerald, ruby, and amethyst; the gentler and sweeter flowers, which in some sheltered spot had closed their fair blossoms to avoid the noontide heat, now slowly unfolded and shed abroad their fragrance, whilst their timid and retiring beauty was concealed.

The sound of music issued from each grove mingled with the impassioned voices of youths and maidens; or boisterous mirth, or dances and songs in honour of those to whom those groves of earthly softness and delight were dedicated, their graven and molten images, whom they professed to worship in thus gratifying every passion of their sinful nature.

In every place scenes of impiety, of sensual excess and blasphemy against the one Almighty Sovereign of Heaven and earth, proceeded unchecked by one feeling of remorse or one fear of vengeance; for as "they did not choose to retain God in their heart, even so He gave them over to a reprobate mind, to work all manner of uncleanliness with greediness."

But even now their cup of iniquity was full, the long suffering of Jehovah was exhausted, and his bow was bent, and his glittering sword unsheathed to take vengeance. Even this night shall their souls be required of them. Jehovah has arisen and prepares to inflict punishment; and a terrible judgment shall be poured out, which shall make the ears tingle, and the strongest heart that hears thereof quail and humble itself before the Omnipotent Avenger.

It was upon this evening that two Angels (those who had eaten with faithful Abraham, unto whom the Lord who remained behind had revealed his purpose,) entered Sodom. Though these sinners saw two strangers in their streets, yet they offered not to give them water to wash their feet or food to refresh them; hospipitality was lost with every other virtue.

But another stranger was in Sodom; one who though he had long sojourned there, had been preserved free from their vices; and who still clung with his whole heart to the Lord with all his house. How different was his occupation this evening to that of the vicious Sodomites! He sat in the gate of Sodom with his wife and

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his daughters, piously recounting the mercies of Jehovah towards him, and praising Him for all His goodness, whilst he mourned and lamented over the blind madness of those with whom he sojourned, and who refused to listen to his pious exhortations or to forego even one sin.

Whilst thus engaged, he lifted up his eyes and beheld the strangers, and instantly arose to meet them, and entreated them to abide with him, but they refused; yet when he pressed them greatly, they entered the house. Then he brought water to wash their feet, and made a feast for them, remembering that as God had given him abundance, so he should freely and liberally supply those who had need.

But the Sodomites, not contented with their omission of charity and kindness to the strangers, surrounded the house and endeavoured to take them from this hospitable roof. It was in vain that Lot sent out and entreated them with earnest persuasions to let them alone, reminding them of the infamy they would incur by injuring those who were under his protection. would not regard, but cried out with rage and insolence, "This fellow came here a stranger

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and one who had no interest in our city, and he must needs set himself up as a judge and dictator to us;" and they rushed upon Lot with fury, and came near to break the door.

Yet still Lot feared not to expose himself to their rage, in protection of those who had trusted to him, and who were under the shadow of his roof. But the Angels put forth their hands and took him into the house and closed the door; they then struck the men with blindness, so that they groped about to find the door until they wearied themselves.

And now for his pious hospitality Lot is about to receive a reward. Without hope of gain he had invited these strangers into his house, and ministered to their wants, and exposed his life in their defence. He supposed them men, and unawares he had entertained Angels! "Hast thou," they enquire, "here any besides? Hast thou sons or daughters, or any one else dear to thee? Remove them instantly from this city, for the Lord will destroy it."

With fervent gratitude to God who had thus mercifully warned him to flee, Lot arose, and sought out his sons-in-law who were married

to his daughters, and informed them of the terrible judgment about to fall on the devoted city, beseeching them to flee with him to some place of refuge. But alas! they were careless, they laughed at him as one who feared without cause, and would not flee, but remained, and perished through unbelief.

The sun again returned to the regions upon which he sheds his warmest love; as brightly and beautifully as before did he step forth from his gorgeous chambers of the east, and first kissing the mountain tops that bounded the distant horizon glanced next upon the clear waters, and then came forth in all his majesty, "rejoicing as a giant to run his course." The sons-in-law of Lot beheld, and as they gazed upon the scene, fair as it ever was, they exclaimed "Does this look like destruction? Are death and desolation here? Oh! no, our Father raves! Brightness and beauty such as this can never in one moment be overwhelmed by blackness and darkness, by ruin and death!"

But Lot arose and prepared to depart; yet was his spirit grieved, and his heart yearned towards his daughters. Oh! could he not save