56 The Brothers.

 

man’s blood, by man should his blood be
shed.

“And then the Lord God was so merciful
that He’ gave Noah and his sons a sign that
there should be no more floods to destroy the
earth. This sign was the beautiful rainbow
that we see in the clouds. When rain had
fallen, and they began to be afraid, the sun
would shine upon the clouds, and they should
see the lovely coloured arch, and remember
God’s promise, and all His mercy and love.”

“How glad they must have been to see it!
And oh! how pleased they must have been
to get out upon the land again after all that
time in the ark!”

“Yes, indeed! And the sight of the rain-
bow might remind us often of Noah’s long,
patient waiting, till in God’s good time he
was allowed to begin his life again. The
rainbow might preach us a little sermon
every time it comes, and say, ‘Be patient, and
trust in God. He will keep you safely in the
midst of troubles. You will not get good all
at once, or wise all at once; you will have to
wait as Noah waited till the waters went
down, but in God’s good time your patience
shall have its reward. Begin again. Begin
again.’ ”