n learning this lesson, as well as
safety and success.

David says, when speaking of God's commands, "In keeping of them
there is _great reward,"_ Ps. xix: 11. This is true of all God's
commands; and it is especially true of the command we are now
considering--"Hear him."

Samuel obeyed this command, and it made him a blessing and an honor
to the nation of Israel. David obeyed it, and it made him one of the
greatest and most successful kings. Daniel obeyed it, and it covered
him with honor, and made him a blessing to his own nation, and to the
church of Christ in every age.

"The Reward of Obedience." Here is an Eastern story which illustrates
this point of our subject. The story says there was once an enchanted
hill. On the top of this hill a great treasure was hidden. This
treasure was put there to be the reward of any one who should reach
the top of the hill without looking behind him. The command and the
promise given to every young person who set out to climb that hill,
were--do not look behind you, and that treasure shall be yours. But
there was a threat added to the command and promise. The threat was,
if you look behind, you will be turned into a stone. Many young
persons started, to try and gain the prize. But the way to the top of
the hill led them through beautiful groves, which covered the side of
the hill. In these groves were birds singing sweetly, and sounds of
music were heard, and melodious voices inviting those who passed by
to stop and rest awhile. One after another of those who set out for
the prize at the top of the hill would stop, and look round to see
where the voices came from; and immediately they were turned into
stones. "Hence," says the story, "in a little while the hillside was
covered with stones, into which those had been turned who neglected
the command given them when they started."

Of course there never was such a hill as this. But the story gives us
a good illustration. Our life may well be compared to such a hill.
The treasure, on the top of it, represents the reward that awaits us
in heaven, if we serve God faithfully. The songs, and the voices,
from the groves, on the hillside, represent the temptations that
surround us in our daily paths. The lesson of duty that comes to us
from the Transfiguration scene--"Hear him"--is the only thing that
can preserve us from these temptations. If we hear Jesus when he says
to us--"follow me;" if we give him our hearts and walk in his way,