132 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

vain and foolish to the last, his whole care seemed to be
how he could avoid having it said of him “a woman slew
him.” That this might not be said, he told his armour-
bearer to draw his sword and kill him, which the young
man did.

Marianne. But that would not prevent people saying
that a woman had killed him ?

Grandfather. No. It only made the manner of his
death better known; and this teaches us never to do
wrong to avoid disgrace, for it is a sure way of making
the disgrace more notorious. Abimelech slew his
seventy brethren upon one stone, and one stone came to
him carrying his death warrant ; so remarkably did his
sin resemble his punishment. It is sad, my children, to
think of the death of a hardened sinner like Abimelech.
We shall close this subject for to-night with a prayer
that we may not delay repentance till it be too late.

Gideon was thrashing his corn when the angel ap-
peared to him,—What does this teach us ?

Gideon did not think that could be a blessing to him
which did not also bring a blessing to all his people,—
What do we learn from this ? |

When the Lord promised to be with him, Gideon did
not shrink from the task that was before him,—Of what
does he set us an example here ?

What do we learn from the answer Gideon gave ‘to
the men of Ephraim’s accusation ?

Gideon took the power that was given him by God;