Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 1.pdf/128

 creation, and he is alike universally good to all. describes the One sun in the centre of its system, diffusing impartially light and heat to all planets for their nourishment and support. Here Astronomy, like a true fish, yields up the tribute-money, and serves obediently the interests of religion. The same is true of every science! The tribute-money, spiritually, is still to be found in the fish's mouth; for every living science, signified by a fish, is in connection with the truth denoted by the money; and when we have opened its mouth, or explored its doctrine, we have only to be obedient to the Lord's command—"That take and give unto them for me and thee."

HIS parable is, in a spiritual or religious sense, as instructive and important as any contained in Holy Scripture. The Israelites, for their sin and idolatry, were sorely oppressed by the Midianites; but having repented of their evils, Gideon was raised up by the Lord, who delivered Israel from their enemies, so that the country was in quietness and peace. Upon the death of Gideon, the people lost all gratitude for their deliverer; they listened to the artifice of Abimelech, who treacherously slew all the sons of Gideon, except Jotham, who saved himself by flight. Upon Abimelech being made king, in preference to the true heirs of Gideon, Jotham thus addressed the people