r,"
"Boot and Shoe Maker," fancy the sign-board that would have to be put
over the house of the "strange woman." Here is a suitable inscription,
which we take from the Bible.--Prov. ii. 19:--

"NONE THAT GO UNTO HER RETURN AGAIN."

This is putting a Red Lamp over her door, is it not? Will you heed the
warning? Or do you mean to be one of those of whom the Bible speaks,

"AND THOU SHALT MOURN AT THE LAST, WHEN THY FLESH AND THY BODY ARE
CONSUMED, AND SAY, 'HOW HAVE I HATED INSTRUCTION AND MY HEART DESPISED
REPROOF?'"

XXI. A SERMON ON THE BOAT RACE.

In finding illustrations for our teaching at the river-side, we shall be
in good company, for that manly preacher, Paul, had seen wrestlers and
race-runners. It is true that then, athletics had not been disgraced by
betting; and it is only of very late years that the struggle on the
Thames has been polluted by gamblers.

There are not a few who read our paper, who will be on the lookout to
know as soon as possible, whether

DARK OR LIGHT BLUE

has won. For ourselves we care not, but we are anxious to make use of
the contest as a parable, before the race is forgotten.

If you would row as to obtain, you must mind certain things, and these
are pictures of what we must do, would we gain the heavenly prize.

I.--WE MUST KEEP THE BODY UNDER.

So thought Paul.--See 1st Cor. ix, 25 and 27. Those sixteen young
fellows who will pull the oars in the race, have, for months, been
undergoing strict physical training. This means abstinence from all that
could be said to weaken the frame, or lower the action of the heart.
There are only certain things they may eat and drink. They must have the
right amount of sleep, and no more. Exercise of the most bracing kind
they must take every day, and eschew every practice that could weaken the
nerves or muscles in the slightest degree.

And he that would win the heavenly race must say "No," to self, and "flee
youthful lusts," and "endure hardness." He whose soul can be mastered by
his body has lost the bridle, and cannot wonder if he lose the prize.

II.--WE MUST SECURE A GOOD START.

Just before the Starter gives the word to go, the men paddle till the
cord which the coxswain holds at arm's length is tight, and every man has
his oar ready for the dash into the water and away. To lose time at the
start is to find that a chance has been thrown away.

"Remember thy Creator in the days of thy