Wearied out with her wanderings, the dove returns at length to the ark as her only resting-place. Noah has been looking out for his dove all day long, and is ready to receive her. She has just strength to reach the edge of the ark, when Noah puts forth his hand and pulls her in unto him. She did not

fly right in herself, but was too fearful, or too weary, to do so. She flew as far as she could, and then he put forth his hand and pulled her in unto him. Just as she was she was pulled into the ark. So you, seeking sinner, with all your sin, will be received. "Only return"—these are God's two gracious words—"only return."

Let all men beware of the tyranny of carnal passions, for! no despots are so exacting as the appetites of the flesh. Suicide by one's own teeth is the meanest of deaths, and involves a man in everlasting contempt; the cruellest of tyrants have not demanded

this of their victims. By all that we value for time and for eternity, let us conquer fleshly appetites lest they conquer us. O Lord, be you our helper.