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LEADING characteristic of the Ox family is

that they are submissive to authority, and easily driven. They do not follow their master's call like sheep and goats; but to the word of command and to the goad they are obedient.

This submission to authority they show among themselves. Among a herd of cows feeding, the strongest goes where she chooses, and the others stand aside. If a new cow comes to them, the others gather round, not to hurt her, but to try their strength with her. If she can push the strongest, she is obeyed by them all. If not, she tries her strength with them, one by one, finds her place, makes way for the stronger, and drives out of her path the weaker.

There is, however, no malice in their contests; which are purely trials of strength. The victors do not pursue the conquered. That they yield is

sufficient. The animals are usually mild and gentle, innocent in a rough way, and, when young, very playful; "to skip like a calf," is an expressive scriptural phrase.

They have strong affection for one another, feeding always near together, even when they have a wide range of pasture; and, if several herds are in the same pasture, the cattle that live together and are acquainted stay together in the field. If a cow by chance is separated, she runs about, lowing, until she finds her friends.

They are easily contented. With a moderate supply of food, and room for exercise, they eat till they are satisfied, and then lie down, models of tranquil enjoyment.

Cows are remarkable among animals for attachment to their young. If the calf be carried away in sight of its mother, the cow will leave home, friends, and food, and follow as long as she can walk.

The abundance of the milk which they pour out for their offspring is, perhaps, a consequence and

Their

a manifestation of this maternal affection. milk is of so great a quantity that it affords the main supply of that kind of food for man.

Another important quality in cattle is their capacity for labor. Oxen are large and strong, and will move very heavy loads slowly. They are also patient of difficulties. A succession of obstacles, as in rough ploughing, which would exhaust the patience of a horse, and make him restive or unwilling to pull at all, have no such effect upon the ox; he will pull again and again at the word of command, the hundredth time just as patiently as the first.

We1 find an external parallel to these qualities in childhood, during the time when the love of acquiring knowledge is the ruling principle, that is, between the ages of seven and fourteen. At this period the feeling of dependence, which is a characteristic of infancy, is wearing away; but obedience is strong, — obedience to command and to rules.

1 2179, 2180, 2566, A. C., and A. R. 242.

Children of this age are very much under control of the strongest will. A group of school children behave, when a new companion comes among them, just as the cattle do. They approach cautiously, the stronger ones more confidently, and, if they are rude, they soon engage him in trials of physical strength; if of better character, they test his skill and zeal for their favorite pursuits. He soon finds his place, and is respected and treated accordingly. Though fond of rough play, such children are usually guiltless of intentional harm; and their sympathy with those who are oppressed and in trouble is always ready. It is a rare child who is not willing to pour out his own stores generously to assist the weak, and to relieve those who are suffering.

Their good-will also is patient and persevering. If it does not succeed in accomplishing its object in one way, it tries another and again another, working patiently as long as it has strength.

The heavy loads of the mind are stores of facts

and knowledge in the memory, which children carry easily, but only a little way,—not yet being able to bring remote things together.

These good qualities of childhood generally disappear in youth, and are succeeded by faculties less kindly, less patient, but of greater intellectual activity.

But as men advance in regeneration, knowing well their own difficulties in doing well, they may again become patient of the faults of others, patient too in overcoming their own natural habits of thought and misplaced facts, which, like stumps and stones, cumber the ground, and also in helping others to do the same, and to prepare their minds for better thoughts and uses.

The sincere friendliness of those who are trying together to live a good life in obedience to known truth, is rightly represented by a kind and patient ox. The affection for learning all the ways of useful life and work an affection which is innocent and glad—is represented by a calf; and the love of encouraging such affections in others,