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32X

PATRIARCHS aid PROPHETS

The Great Conflict Betwee.n
Good and Evil

(A
09

AS ILLUSTRATED IN

THE LIVES OF HOLY MEN OF OLD

"To justify the ways of God to men."

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE

TORONTO, ONT. :

REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING CO.

Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1890, Ity

MRS. E. G. WHITE,

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. (J.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

WARWICK Sl sons

Printen and Bookbinders,

TROMT ST., TORONTO.

PREFACE.

The publishers send out this work from a conviotion that it throws
light upon a subject of paramount importance and universal interest, and
one on which light is to be greatly desired ; that it presents truths too
little known, or too widely ignored. The great controversy between truth
and error, between light and darkness, between the power of God and the
attempted usurpations of the enemy of all righteousness, is the one great
spectacle which it is reasonable to suppose must engage the attention of
all worlds. That such a controversy exists as the result of sin, that it is
to pass through various stages of progress, and end at last in a manner
to redound to the glory of God, and the higher exaltation of his loyal
servants, is as certain as that the Bible is a revelation from God to men.
That word reveals the great features of this controversy, a conflict which
embraces the redemption of a world ; and there are special epochs when
these questions assume unwonted interest, and it becomes a matter of the
first importance to understand our relation thereto.

Such a time is the present ; for all things indicate that we may now
confidently cherish the hope that this long controversy is drawing near its
close. Yet many now seem disposed to relegate to the realm of fable that
portion of the record opening to our view the steps by which our world
became involved in this greut issue ; and others, though avoiding this
extreme view, seem nevertheless inclined to regard it as obsolete and
unimportant, and are thus led to treat it with neglect.

But who would not wish to look into the secret causes of so strange
a defection ; to discern its spirit, to mark its consequences, and to learn
how to avoid its results? With such themes this volume deals. It
tends to foster a living Interest in those portions of God's word most
ohen neglected. It clothes with new meaning the promises and prophe-
cies of the sacred record, vindicates the ways of God in dealing with
rebellion, and shows forth the wonderful grace of God in devising a way

PREFACE.

of salvation for sinful man. Thus we arc t»kcn down lu he history ot
this work, to a time when the plans and purposes of God had been clearly
unfolded to the chosen people.

Though dealing with themes so exalted, themes that stir the heart to
its depths, and awaken the liveliest emotions of the mind, the stylo of
the book is lucid, and the language plain and direct. We commend
this volume to all who take pleasure in studying the divine plan of
human redemption, and who feel any interest in the relation of their
own souls to Christ's atoning work; and to all others we commend it,
that it may t.ivaken in them an iat^:est in these things.

That its perusal may be blessed to tho good of those who read, and
result in turning tho feet of many into the way of life, is the earnest
prayer of the Publishers.

INTRODUCTION.

This volume treats upon the themes of 'ilLle history, themes uot
in themselvt'S new, yet iierc so presented as to give them a new sij^nifi-
canoe, revealing springs of action, showing the important bearing of cer
tain movements, and bringitig into stronger light some features that are
but briefly mentioned in the Bible. Thus the scenes have a vividness
and imporiance Miat tor. J to make ccv? and lulling impressions. Such
n light is shed upon the Scripture record as to reveal more fully the
character and purposes of God ; to make manifest the wiles of Satan,
and the means by which his power will be finally overthrown ; to bring
to view the weakness of the human heart, and show how the grace of God
has enabled men to conquer in the battle with evil. All this tends to
encourage, warn, and strengthen the followers of Christ, and is in har-
mony with what God has shown to be his purpose in unfolding to men
the truths of his word. The ageccy by which these rpvelatious have been
giver, is seen — when tested by the Scriptures — to be one of the methods
God still employs to i^jpart instruction to the children of men.

While it is not now as it was in the beginnings when man in his holi-
ness and innocero htid personal instruction from his Maker, still man is
not left without u divine teacher, which God has provided in his representa-
tive, the Holy Spirit. So we hear the apostle Paul declaring that a ce»-
tain divine " illumination " is the privilege of the followers of Christ ; and
that they are " enlightened " by being 'made " partakers of the Holy Ghost."
Heb. 10:32; 6:4. John also says, "Ye have an unction from the
Holy One." 1 John 2:20. And Christ promised the disciples, as he
was ibout to leave them, after a personal ministry with them of three
and a half years here on earth, that he would send them the Holy Spirit
as a comforter and guide to lead them into all truth. John 14 : 16, 26.

To show how this promise was to be fulfilled to the church, the apostle
Paul, in two of his epistles, presents a formal declaration that certain gifts
of the Spirit have been placed in the church for its edification and instruc-
tion to he end of time. 1 Cor. 12 ; Eph. 4 : 8-13 ; Matt. 28 : 20. Nor
is this all : a number of clear and explicit prophecies declare that in the

[vll]

VllI

INTRODUCTIoy.

last days there
that the church
JD^ itH closing

will be a special outpuuring of the Holy Spirit, and
at the time of Christ's appearing;, will have had, diir-
experience, " the testimony of Jesus,

which is
Rev. 12:

the
17;

spirit of prophecy. Acts 2:17-20, 39; 1 Cor. 1:7
19:10. In these facts we see an evidence of God's caro and love for his
people; for the presence of the Holy Spirit as a comforter, teacher, and
guide, net only in its grdinary, but in its extraordinary, methods of opera-
tion, certainly is needed by the church as it enters the perils of the last
days, more than in any other part of its experience.

The Scriptures point out various channels through which the Holy
Spirit would operate on the hearts and minds of men to enlighten their un-
derstanding and guide their steps. Among these were visions and dreams.
In this way God would still communicate with the children of men.
Here is his promise on this point : " Hear now my words : If there be a
prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a
vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." Num. 12:6. By this
means supernatural knowledge was communicated to Balaam. Thus he
says : " Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are
open hath said : he hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the
knowledge of the Most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, fall-
ing into a trance, but having his eyes open." Num. 24 : 15, 16.

It thus becomes a matter of great interest to investigate the testimony
of the Scriptures concerning the extent to which the Lord designed that
the Spirit should manifest itself in the church during the period of human
probation.

After the plan of salvation had been devised, God, as we have seen,
could still, through the ministry of his Son and the holy angels, communi-
cate with men across the gulf which sin had made. Sometimes he spoke
face to face with them, as in the case of Moses, but more frequently by
dreams and visions. Instances of such communication are everywhere
prominent upon the sacred record, covering all dispensations. Enoch, the
seventh from Adara, 'ooked forward in the spirit of prophecy to the second
advent of Christ in power and glory, and exclaimed, *' Behold, the Lord
Cometh with ten thousands of his saints." Jude 14. " Holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1 : 21. If the
operation of the spirit of prophecy has at times seemed almost to disappear,
as the spirituality of the people waned, it has nevertheless marked all the
great cri iies in the experience of the church, and the epochs which wit-
nessed the change from one dispensation to another. When the era marked
by the incarnation of Christ was reached, the father of John the Baptist
was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied. Luke 1 : 67. To Simeon

jyTJtoDi'CTioy.

it wa8 revealed that he Hhould not nee death till he hud Neon the Lord ; and
when the parentH of JeHUH brought him into the temple thut ho might ho
circumcigcd, Simeon eume by the Spirit into the temple, took him into his
arms, and blcHoed him, while ho prophesied coneernin^ him. And Anna,
a propheteHS, eoming in the Hanio instant, upuko of him to all thcni that
looked for redemption in JeruHulcm. Luke 2 : 2(*, 30.

The outpourinj^ of the Holy Spirit whieh was to attend the prcuchinj?
of the ^jospel by the followers of Christ, was announeed by the prophet in
these wurds : " And it shall come to puss uflerward, that I will pour out
my Spirit upon all flesh ; and your sons and your daugliters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions : and
also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour
out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth,
blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into dark*
ncss, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the
Lord come." Joel 2:28-31.

Peter, on the day o ' Pentecost, quoted this prophecy in explanation of
the wonderful scene which then occurred. Cloven tongues like as of fire
sat upon eucli of the disciples ; they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and
spake with other tongues. And wlicn the mockers charged that they were
filled with new wine, Peter answered, " These are not drunken, aa ye sup-
pose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day ; but this is that which was
spoken by the prophet Joel." Then he quotes the prophecy substantially
as found in Joel (quoted above), only he puts the words " in the last days,"
in the place of "afterward," making it read, " And it shall come to pass
in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit," etc.

It is evident that it was that part of the prophecy only which relates
to the outpouring of the Spirit, that began to be fulfilled on that day ;
for there were no old men there dreaming dreams, nor young men and
maidens seeing visions and prophesying ; and no wonders of blood atid
fire and pillars of smoke, then appeared ; and ihe sun was not darkened
and the moon was not turned to blood at that time ; and vet what was
there witnessed was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. It is equally
evident^ that this part of the prophecy concerning the outpouring of the
Spirit, was not exhausted in that one manifestation ; for the prophecy
covers all days from that time on to the coming of the great day of
the Lord.

But the day of Pentecost was in fulfillment of other prophecies besides
that of Joel. It fulfilled the words of Christ himself as well. In his last
discourse to his disciples before his crucifixion, he said to them : " I will
pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, . . . even the

Z INTIiODUCTION.

Spirit of truth." Juhn 14: l(i, 17. " Dut tlio Comforter, which Ih tho
Holy (ilioHt, whom thu Father will Hotid in my name, hu Hhiill tvach you till
thiogs." Ver80 2(5. " Ilowbcit when ho, tho Spirit of truth, is come, he
will guide you into ull truth." Chap. 10: 13. And after ChriHt had
riHcn from the dead, he said to tho diHciplea, " Hehold, \ nend tho promine
of my Father upon you ; but tarry yo in the city of JcruHalem, until yu be
endued with power from on high." Luke 24 : 41).

On the day of lV'iiteco«t tho di.sciploB were thus endued with ])owcr
from on high. But this promise of Christ's was not, any more than the
prophecy of Joel, confined to that occasion. For he gave tliem the same
promiso in another form by assuring them that ho would bo with them
always, even to the end of tho world. Matt. 28 : 20. Mark tells us in
what sense and what manner tho Lord was to bo with them. Ho says,
" And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with
them, and confirming tlio word with signs following." Mark 1G:20.
And Peter, on tho day of Pentecost, testified concerning tlio perpetuity of
this operation of tho Spirit which they had witnessed. When tho con
victed Jews said unto tho apostles, " What shall wo do ? " Peter answered,
"Repent, and bo baptized every one of you in the namo of Jesus Christ
for tho remission of sins, and ye shall receive tho gift of the Holy Ghost.
For tho promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as tho Lord our God shall call." Acts 2 : 37-39. This
certainly provides for tho operation of tho Holy Spirit in tho church, even
in its special manifestations, to all coming time, as long as mercy shall
invito men to accept the pardoning love of Christ.

Twenty-eight years later, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul set
before that church a formal argument on this question. He says (1 Cor.
12: 1), " Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you
ignorant " — so important did he deem it that this subject should bo un-
derstood in the Christian church. After stating that though the Spirit is
one it has diversities of operation, and explaining what those diversities
arc, he introduces tho figure of the human body, with its various mem-
bers, to show how tho church is constituted with its different offices and
gifts. And as the body has its various members, each having its particu-
lar office to fill, and all working together in unity of purpose to constitute
one harmonious whole, so the Spirit was to operate through various chau-
nels in the church to constitute a perfect religious body. Paul then con-
tinues in these words : " And God hath set some in the church, first
apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then
gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."

The declaration that God hath set some in the church, etc., implies

iNriwDUCTJoy.

Hoinething more than that tlio wuy was htft open for the giftn to nppear if
cirouiuHtaiiccH hIiouIiI chiiiice to fuvnr. 1 1 rather Hij,'iiities that they wi-ro
to ho porinatiotit partH of tho true Hpirituul nmstitutioii of the church, and
that if thcHc wcro not in active operation tiio church would bo in the con-
dition of a human hody, Homo of whose memberH had, throujih accident or
diHcaHc, become crippled and helplcHM. Having' once been Hot in the
church, there thoHO f;iftM muHt remain until they are as formally removed.
Hut there is no record that they ever liave Ijccn removed.

Five years later the same aposth; writes to the Kphesinns n lative to the
same f.'ift8, j)lainly statinj; their ol»j(;ct, and thus showinj^ indirectly that
they must continue till that object is accomplit-hed. He says (Eph. 4 : 8,
11-13) : •' Wherefore ho saith, When he ascended up on hijfh, he led cap-
tivity captive, and j,'ave gifts unto men . . . And he gave some, apostles ;
and some, prophets; and some, evanj:elists ; and some, pastors and teachers ;
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edi-
fying of the body of (.'hrist : till we all come in the unity of the faith, and
of the knowledge of the Son of Ciod, unto a perfect man, unto the meas-
ure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

The church did not reach the state of unity here contemplated, in the
apostolic age ; and very soon after that age, the gloom of the great spiritual
apostasy began to overshadow the church ; and certainly during that state
of declension, this fullness of Christ, and unity of faith, was not reached.
Nor will it bo reached till the last message of mercy shall have gathered
out of every kindred and people, every class of society, and every organiza-
tion of error, a people complete in all gospel reforms, waiting for the com-
ing of the Son of man. And truly, if ever in her experience the church
would need the benefit of every agency ordained for lier comfort and guid-
ance, encouragement and protection, it would bo amid the perils of the last
days, when the powers of evil, well-nigh perfected by experience and train-
ing for their nefarious work, would, by their masterpieces of imposture, de-
ceive if it were possible even the elect. Very appropriately, therefore, come
in the special prophecies of the outpouring of the Spirit for the benefit of
the church in the last days.

It is, however, usually taught, in the current literature of the Christian
world, that the gifts of the Spirit were only for the apostolic age ; that they
were given simply for the planting of the gospel ; and that the gospel be-
ing once established, the gifts were no longer needed, and consequently
were suffered soon to disappear from the church. But the apostle Paul
warned the Christians of his day that the "mystery of iniquity " was al-
ready at work, and that after liis departure, grievous wolves would enter
in among them, not sparing the flock, and that also of their own selves

Xll

INTRODUCTION.

men would arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after
them. Acts 20 : 29, 30. It cannot therefore be that the gifts, placed in
the church to guard against these very evils, were ready, when that time
came, to pass away as having accomplished their object ; for their presence
and help would be needed under these conditions more than when the apos-
tles themselves were on the stage of action.

We find another statement in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church,
which shows that the popular conception of the temporary continuance of
the gifts cannot be correct. It is his contrast between the present, imper-
fect state, and the glorious, immortal condition to which the Christian will
finally arrive. 1 Corinthians 13. He says (verses 9, 10), " For we know
in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come,
then that which is in part shall be done away." He further illustrates this
present state by comparing it to the period of childhood with its weakness
and immaturity of thought and action ; and •he perfect state, to the con-
dition of manhood with its clearei vision, maturity, and strength. And he
classes the gifts among those things which are needed in this present, im-
perfect condition, but which we shall have no occasion for when the perfect
state is come. *' Now," he says (verse 12), " we see through a glass, darkly ;
but then face to face : now I know in part ; but then shall I know even as
also I am known." Then he states what graces are adapted to the eternal
state, and will there exist, namely, faith, hope, and charity, or love, " these
three ; but the greatest of these is charity."

This explains the language of verse 8 : " Charity never faileth ; " that
is, charity, the heavenly grace of love, will endure forever ; it is the crown-
ing glory of man's future, immortal condition ; but " whether there be prophe-
cies, they shall fail ; " that is, the time will come when prophecies will be
no longer needed, and the gift of prophecy, as one of the helps in the church,
will no longer be exercised ; " whether there be tongues, they shall cease ; "
that is, the gift of tongues will no longer be of service ; " whether there be
knowledge, it shall vanish away ; " that is, knowledge, not in the abstract,
but as one of the special gifts of the Spirit, will be rendered unnecessary
by the perfect knowledge with which we shall be endowed in the eternal
world.

Now if we take the position that the gifts ceased with the apostolic age,
because no longer needed, we commit ourselves to the position that the
apostolic age was the weak and childish age of the church, when everything
was seen through a glass, darkly, but the age that followed, when grievous
wolves were to enter in, not sparing the flock, and men were to arise, even
in the church, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them,
was an age of perfect light and knowledge, in which the imperfect and child-

INTRODUCTION.

•••

Xlll

ish and darkened knowledge of apostolic times had passed away ! For, be
it remembered, the gifts cease only when a perfect state is reached, and be-
cause that state is reach ' which renders them no longer necessary. But
DO one, on sober though., can for a moment seek to maintain the position
that the apostolic age was inferior in spiritual elevation to any age which
has succeeded ic. And if the gifts were needed then, they certainly are
needed now.

• Among the agencies which the apostle in his letters to both the Co-
rinthians and Ephesians enumerates as " gifts " set in the church, we find
"pastors," "teachers," "helps," and "governments;" and all these are
acknowledged, on every hand, as still continuing in the church. Why not,
then, the others also, including faith, healing, prophecy, etc. ? Who is
competent to draw the line, and say what gifts have been " set out " of the
church, when all were, in the beginning, equally "set" therein?

Rev. 12:17 has been referred tf as a prophecy that the gifts would be
restored in the Inst Ays. An examination of its testimony will confirm
this view. The text speaks of the remnant of the woman's seed. The
woman being a symbol of the church, her seed would be the individual
members composing the church at any one time ; and the " remnant " of
her seed would be the last generation of Christians, or those living on the
earth at th^ second coming of Christ. The text further declares that these
" keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ; "
and the " testimony of Jesus " is explained in chapter 19 : 10 to be " the
spirit of prophecy," which must be understood as that which among the
gifts is called "the gift of prophecy." 1 Cor. 12 : 9, 10.

The setting of the gifts in the church does not imply that every indi-
vidual was to have them in exercise. On this point the apostle (1 Cor.
12:29) says, "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers?"
etc. The implied answer is, No ; not all are ; but the gifts are divided
among the members, as it pleases God. 1 Cor. 12: 7, 11. Yet these
gifts are said to be " set in the church," and if a gift is bestowed upon
even one member of the church, it may be said that that gift is " in the
church," or that the church " has " it. So the last generation was to
have, and it is believed does now have, the testimony of Jesus, or the
gift of prophecy.

Another portion of Scripture evidently written with reference to the last
days, brings the same fact plainly to view. 1 Thessalonians 5. The apostle
opens the chapter with these words : " But of the times and the seasons,
brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves 1 now per-
fectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." In
verse 4 he adds, " But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day

XIV

INTRODUCTION.

should overtake you as a thief." Then he gives them sundry admonitions
in view of that event, among which are these (verses 19-21) : "Quench
not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things ; hold fast that
which is good." And in verse 23 he prays that these very ones who were
thus to have to do with "prophesyings," may be preserved blameless unto
the coming of the Lord.

On the strength of these considerations are we not justified in believing
that the gift of prophecy will be manifested in the church in the last days,
and that through it much light will be imparted, and much timely in-
struction given ?

All things are to be treated according to the apostle's rule : " Prove all
things ; hold fast that which is good ; " and to be tested by the Saviour's
standard : ** By their fruits ye shall know them." Appealing to this stand-
ard in behalf of what claims to be a manifestation of the gift of prophecy,
we commend this voluue to the consideration of thcjse who h'lieve that the
Bible is the word of God, and that the church is the body of which Christ

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.— WHY WAS SIN PERMITTED 1

The nature of God — Christ associated with the Father — The law of love
the foundation of God's government — Happiness of God's creatures in
yielding allegiance — Inception of Lucifer's rebellion — Ripening revolt
— Why Satan was not destroyed 83-48

CHAPTER II.

THE CREATION.

The earth created — Its primeval glory — Man made in God's image — The
first marriage — The garden of Eden — The memorial of creation —
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil — Why was man tested ? —
The home of our first parents an example — Industry essential to
happiness — Students in the school of the Infinite — Allegiance to the
divine law increases capacity for knowledge and joy . . 44-51

CHAPTER III.

THE TEMPTATION AND FALL.

Satan plots ^he ruin of the human race — Angels warn man of Satan's
scheme — The serpent is Satan's medium — Eve listens to the tempter
— Becomes an agent in her husband's ruin — Sense of sin. dread of the
future — They cast blame upon God — The serpent cursed — Eve's sub-
jection — The modern Eve — Nature a witness to the effects of sin —
Man subject to death — Expulsion from Eden — Mourning over nature's
decay — How long did the garden of Eden remain on earth? — To be
restored to the new earth 52-63

XVI CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION.

The fall of man fills heaven with sorrow — Christ pleads in the sinner's
behalf — The plan of redemption — Joy among the angels — The seed
promised — Christ only is able to save — The earth itself subject to
Satan — The typical system — The plan of salvation to vindicate the
character of God — The cross proves the law immutable . 63-70

CHAPTER V.

CAIN AND ABEL TESTED.

Abel's loyalty — The two offerings — Cain and Abel represent two classes
— Fruits of true faith — The first murder — The curse upon Cain —
Eternal existence not a blessing to the sinner — Satan misrepresents
God — Satan's governmeut exemplified on the earth — God's justice
finally to be acknowledged 71-79

CHAPTER VI.

SETH AND ENOCH.

Character of Seth — Marked distinction between good and evil men — Cain
the founder of the first city — Results of intermarriage between the
sons of God and the daughters of men — Adam's life of sorrow and
repentance — The antediluvian age — Knowledge and civilization of
the ancients — Enoch's higher experience — A preacher of righteous-
ness — His translation — Enoch a type of the righteous in the last
generation 80-89

CHAPTER VII.

THE FLOOD.

A double curse — Prevailing wickedness — The ark — The coming flood
foretold — Noah called a fanatic — The world ripe for destruction —
Entering the ark — Seven days of waiting — The flood — The character
of the antediluvian world repeated in the present age . 90-104

CHAPTER VIII.

AFTER THE FLOOD.

The tempest- tossed ark — A place of rest — The dove with the olive leaf —
The angel opens the door — Noah's offering — The covenant and its
token — Ravages of the flood — More terrible destruction at the second
advent of Christ 105-110

CONTENTS. xvii

CHAPTER IX.

THE LITERAL WEEK.

The first week was measured by God — The daja of creation not indefi-
nite periods — True science in harmony with the Bible — Nature not
independent of God — The Creator preserves and upholds all his

works 111-116

CHAPTER X.

THE TOWER OF BABEL.

The repeopling of the earth — The history of the three gi-eat races foretold

— The plain of Shinar — The fl9od attributed ♦^^o natural causes — The
tower of Babel — The work of building checked — The confusion of
tongues — Tower-builders in our time .... 117-124

CHAPTER XI.

THE CALL OF ABRAHAM.

Why Abraham was chosen to be the father of the faithful — Separation
from his kindred — His unquestioning obedience — Others similarly
tested — Abraham in Canaan — Why God afflicts men — The sojourn
in Egypt — Similarity between Abraham's experience and that of his
posterity 125-131

CHAPTER XII.

ABRAHAM IN CANAAN.

Abraham's unselfish spirit — The ingratitude of Lot — Christ's teaching
in regard to courtesy — Lot chooses the vale of Siddim — Abraham
at Mamre — The promise renewed — True religion exemplified by
Abraham — Canaan invaded by the Elamites — Capture of Sodom —
Abraham recovers the prisoners and the spoil — Tithes to Melchizedek

— Abraham's vision — The rite of circumcision — The doom of "^odom
revealed to Abraham — His plea for the wicked city — Abraham's
household — A well-ordered home a testimony for God . 133-144

CHAPTER XIII.

THE TEST OF FAITH.

A lack of faith on the part of Abraham — Hagar and Ishmael — The birth
of Isaac — Sacredness of the marriage vow — Abraham's prosperity —
The terrible test — Journey to Mount Moriah — The altar of sacrifice
— The only son not withheld from God — The plan of salvation illus-
trated — Light shed on the mystery of redemption . . 145-155

xvni CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIV.

DESTRUCTION OF SODOM.

Beauty of the vale of Siddim — Divine light rejected by the cities of the
plain — Last night of Sodom — Angel visitants — Hospitality of Lot —
Violence of the Sodomites — The judgment of blindness — The angels
reveal their mission — Lot warns his kindred — Led from the city —
Zoar — The destruction of Sodom — The limit of for!)earance — The
condition of the world to-day — The Saviour's warning — Conirpst
between Lot and Abrah'im — The choice of a home — The heritage o*
God's people not in this world — The city to come . . 156-170

CHAPTER XV.

THE MARRIAGE OF ISAAC.

Character of Isaac — The ancient customs of betrothal — Eliezer's commis-
sion — His prayer for guidance — The token given — Rebekah's cour-
teay — Eliezer reveals his errand — Isaac &nd Rebekah — Marriage of
Christians with the ungodly — Character of true love . 171-176

CHAPTER XVI.

JACOB AND '''.SAU.

Difference in disposition — The right of the first-born — The conditions of
God's covenant — Jacob's desire for the blessing — His stratagem to
obtain it — Esau values it lightly — Rebekah's subterfuge — Jacob se-
cures the birthright — Results of his deception — Multitudes still sell-
ing their birthright 177-183

CHAPTER XVII.

JACOB'S FLIGHT AV^ EXILE.

Jacob a fugitive — Remorse and despair — Vision at Bethel — Christ the
mystic ladder — The pillar of commemoration — Jacob's vow — Offer-
ings for Christ — Jacob at Haran — Rachel — Seven years' service —
A cruel decei^tion — Laban's covetousness — The shepherd's life —
Christ the Chief Shepherd — Laban's envy — The departure of Jacob
— Pursued by Laban — Mizpah 183-194

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE NIGHT OF WRESTLING.

A troubled journey — The angel guard — Messengers to Esau — Threatened
hostility — Alone with God — The unknown assailant — Angel of the
covenant — Prevailing faith — Jacob's name and nature changed —
Reconciliation of the brothers — Jacob's experience typifies the final
struggle of God's people — The power of faith . . . 195-2f)3

CONTENTS.

lis

cities of the
ity of Lot —
-The angels

the city —
ranee — The
? — Conirpst

heritage o*
156-17ft

er s cominis-

lelcah's cour-

Marriage of

171-176

CHAPTER XIX.

THE RETURN TO CANAAN.

Jacob reaches Sheohera in peace — Sin and disgrace of Jacob's daughter —
Treachery of Simeon and Levi— On the way to Hebron — Bethel —
Death of Deborah— Of Rachel — Jacob and Esau at the death-bed of
their father — Election through grace — Jacob's evil traits repeated in
his children — The character of Joseph — The father's gift — Joseph's

dreams — Envied by his brothers — Sold as a slave . , 204-213

■\

CHAPTER XX.

JOSEPH IN EGYPT.

Joseph's anguish by the way — His high resolve — Sold to Potiphar — His
education in Egypt — Cast into prison — The discipline of affliction —
An interpreter of dreams — At the king's court — Tested by prosperity
— The secret of his success 213-223

onditions of
itratagem to
— Jacob Se-
les still sell-
177-182

-Christ the
ow — Offer-
s' service —
jrd's life —
Te of Jacob
183-194

Threatened

ngel of the

changed —

es the final

195-203

CHAPTER XXI.

JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS.

The famine in Canaan — Joseph's brothers in Egypt — Accused of being
spies — Three days in prison — Remorse and repentance — Second
journsy to Egypt — Joseph sees Benjamin — Joseph's plot — Anguish of
the brothers — The test of true love — Joseph makes himself known —
The invitation of Pharaoh — Jacob and his sons in Egypt — Goshen —

' Joseph's sons installed among the children of Israel — Jacob's dying
prophecy — Why inspiration records the faults of good men — Joseph's
life illustrates the life of Christ 224-240

CHAPTER XXII.

MOSES.

Royal favor to Israel — A new king — The Israelites oppressed — The birth
Jot Mdses — Adopted by Pharaoh's daughter — Education of Moses —
The mother's privilege — Civil and military training — Taught by angels
that deliverance is near — Moses refuses to be initiated into the myste-
ries of Egyptian priesthood — Visits his countrymen — The signal for
revolt— Flight to Midian — Forty years a shepherd — The call of God
— The blessing attendant upon accepting responsibilities in God's work
— On the way to Egypt — A manifestation of God's displeasure — An-
gels cannot protect the transgressor ..... 241-2.'j6

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXIII.

TliK PLAGUES OF EOYIT.

Meeting of Aaron and Moses — IJel'oro Phuruoh — Sabbath observance
restored — The ourdons of Iwael doubled— Reproaches against Moses

— Judgments threatened upon the Egyptians — Aaron's rod becomes a
serpent — Tlie magicians' enchantments — Were tlieir rods actually
changed to serpents? — Satan's object in counterfeiting the work
of Moses — The Nile turned to blood — Successive plagucd — How
Pharaoh's heart was hardened 259-273

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE PASSOVER.

The last message to Pharaoh — The Passover — Sprinkling » blood — The
paschal lamb a type of Christ — At midnight — The death of the first
born in Egypt — The Israelites entreated to depart . . 273-280

CHAPTER XXV.

THE EXODUS.

Waiting the mandate — The march begun — Prophecy fulfilled — The pillar
of cloud and of fire — To the Red Sea — Pursuit by Pharaoh — Terror
of the people — The passage through the .sea — A song of triumph

— God's providences are understood by faith — Praise due to the
Creator — God leads the way through desert and sea . 281-290

CHAPTER XXVI.

FROM THE RED SEA TO SINAI.

Marah — Murmuring — Moses reassures the people ~ Th sinfulness of dis-
trust — Food in the desert — Allotting the mauna — Preparation for
the Sabbath — God's requirement still binding — A threefold miracle

— Repbidim — The rock smitten — Attack of the Amalekites — God
proclaims their extinction — Jethro — At Sinai . . . 291-302

CHAPTER .XXVII.

THE LAW GIVEN TO ISRAEL.

Israel to be taken into peculiar relation with God — Preparation of the peo-
ple to hear the law — The heavenly glory rests upon Mount Sinai —
The voice of God — The ten precepts — Additional directions given to
Moses — Ratification of the covenant — Directions for building the
sanctuary — The presence of God to abide with his people — Prospect-
ive exaltation of Israel 303-314

CON/ENTS.

XXI

CIIAl'TKU xxviir.

IDOLATRY AT SINAI.

Israel In waiting — Tuey turn to idolatry — Wealcnoss of Aaron — Tho
g-Mden calf — Cod's covenant disannulled — Moses pleads for his peo-
ple — His descent from tlio mount — A scene of heatheu riot — Con-
trast be«ween Anron and Moses — Who is on tho Lord's side? — Tlie
slaying of the rebellious — The necessity of administering Justice —The
tabernacle removed from the camp — Prayer of Moses — God's pres-
ence revealed — Glory of the countenance of Moses . 315-880

CHAPTER XXIX.

SATAN'S ENMITY AGAINST THE LAW.

Apparent success of Satan's first effort against God's government — His
success turned to defeat — Renews l»is efforts on tlie earth — Tlie ante
diluvians and tlie descendants of Noah reject tlie law — Satan seelcs to
seduce and destroy Israel — Ills machinations at Sinai — Tho universe
witnessing tlie contrc i^ersy — Through idolatrj' Satan degrades man's
conception of God — Transgression of the fourth commandment dims
man's l<nowledge of the Creatoi* — Satan's warfare against every pre
cept of God — Tiie violation-of tho commandments in tho name of re-
ligion — Satan's object to misrepresent the character of God — The
justice of the law and the character of God to be vindicated before the
universe 331-343

CHAPTER XXX.

THE TABERNACLE AND ITS SERVICES.

Preparation for building tlie sanctuary --Liberality of the people — De-
scription of the tabernacle — The tribe of Levi set apart — The gar-
ments of the priests — " The example and shadow of heavenly things "

— The offerings to be without blemish — The dally ministration — The
day of atonement — The heavenly sanctuary — Christ our high priest

— Two places of ministration — The closing worls — Tlio final purifica-
tion of the universe . . . 345-358

CPIAPTER XXXI.

THE SIN OF NADAB AND ABIHU.

Dedication of tho priests — Nadab and Abihu offer strange fire — Result of
parental indulgence — God requires strict obedience — Effects of in-
temperance — Christians the temple of the Holy Spirit . 350-3C2

ZXii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXII.

THE LAW AND THE COVENANTS.

God's law known to Adam a -The knowledge handed down — The

Bacritlcial Hystem perverts. ^ »Vhy the decalogue was given at Sinai —
Object of the ceremonial law — Christ uttered the law on Sinai — Cere-
monial law not designed to be a wall of jjartitlon — God's people In
all ages tlie light of the world — The two covenants — Justification
througli faith — The righteousness of the law fulfilled in believers —
Plan of redemption the same In all ages .... 86B-37B

CHAPTER XXXIII.

FROM SINAI TO KADE8H.

Organization of Israel — The camp — Sanitary measures — On the march

— A difficult way — The people clamor for flesh — Why restriction
was necessary — The consuming Are — The seventy elders — Defection
of Miriam and Aaron — Why was divine guidance granted to Moses
above others? — How God regards evil speaking . . 874-886

CHAPTER XXXIV.

THE TWeVvE SPIES.

On the borders of Canaan — Magnificence of the j)romi8ed Inheritance —
The report of the spies — Difficulties and dangers magnified — Unbe-
lief of Israel — Caleb and Joshua — Mutiny of the tribes — The doom
of the murmurers — Resisting the divine prohibition — Conquere by
the Canaanites 887-394

CHAPTER XXXV.

THE REBELLION OF KORAH.

Disaffection of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram — Two hundred and fifty
princes join the conspiracy — The test of divine appointment — Accu-
sations of the rebellious — The last warning — The judgment of God

— The blossoming rod — Similarity between the rebellion of Lucifer
and that of Korah — Rejection of light hardens the heart . 895-405

CHAPTER XXXVI.

IN THE WILDERNESS.

Forty years in the desert — The Israelites under the "ebuke of God — Cir-
cumcision suspended — The Passover not observed — God's care still
over Israel — Incidents of the wilderness sojourn — Reason why their
entrance to Canaan was prohibited — Death of Miriam . 406-410

CONTESTS. XXiil

CIIAI'TKIl XXXVII.

THK SMITTKN KOCK.

Christ tho spiritual rock — The mmmftiul to pass through Edom — Why did
the miraculous supply of water cease? — In sight of the hills of Canaan

— The sin of Moses — Why so severely punlslied? — His humility and
repentance — Temptation not an excuse for sin . . 411-421

CHAITKK XXXVIII.

THE JOURNEY AROUND EDOM.

Israel denied a passage through Edom — God's directions should be
promptly heeded — Kindness toward tho Edomites enjoined — Israel
journeys southward — Death of Aaron — "That great and terrible
wilderness" — Discontent — Fiery serpents — The brazen serpent —
A symbol of Christ 422-4.32

CHAPTER XXXIX.

THE CONQUEST OF BASIIAN.

Passing toward Canaan — A friendly fnessage to Sihon — The king bent on
war — Victory to Israel — Tho kingdom of Bashan — Og the giant —
The Amorites subdued — Past experience recalled — The test repeated

— God gives the victory 483>487

CHAPTER XL.

BALAAM.

Israel preparing to enter Canaan — Forebodings of tho Moabitcs — Ambas-
sadors sent to Balaam — The prophet tested — Given up to his heart's
lust — The angel in the way — God requires kind treatment of animals

— Reception of the prophet — The prophetic blessing — A far-reaching
vision — Sublime prophecy concerning the Redeemer — Balaam's cov-
etousness provts his ruin— A diabolical scheme — Parallel between
Balaam and Judas — Danger in cherishing sin . . 438-452

CHAPTER XLI.

APOSTASY AT THE JORDAN.

The encampment beside Jordan — In view of the promised land — The
wiles of the heathen — Israel overcome by licentiousness — The inflic-
tion of judgment rou.ses to repentance — War with Midlan — The
tempters destroyed — Effects of sensual indulgence — Satan's schemes
for making vice popular — "Whatsoever things are pure " 453-461

XXIV CONTENTS.

CHAPTEH XMI.

THE LAW RKPKATKD.

The petition of Moses — Hehcarsiil of iHrnurH experience — The law re-
pouted — (Character of the law — Mohos prudictN the overthrow of
Israel — Blessings uiid curses pronounced .... 462-468

CHAPTEH XLIII.

THE DEATH OF MOHES.

The justice of Ood — The charge to .To8hua — Mosen summoned to Nebo —
A view of the land of promise — The rejection of Christ by the Jews
foreseen — Tlio gospel to be curried to the Gentiles — The rejection
of the law— The warrior rests — The unknowu sepulchcr — Resurrec-
tion of Moses — Justice and love exemplified — On the 'mount of
transfiguration — Moses a type of Christ .... 460-480

CHAPTER XLIV.

CROSSING THE JORDAN.

Mourning for Moses — Joshua the acknowledged leader of Israel — Spies
ser '; to Jer'cho — Rahab — A path through Jordan — Circumcision re-
newed — '1 ho Passover celebrated in the plains of Jericho 481-486

CHAPTER XLV.

THE FALL OF JERICHO.

Fortifications of Canaan — Angels overthrow the walls of Jericho — God
will do great things for those who trust him — Attack upon Ai — Self
exaltation — Israel defeated — Hidden i^in in the camp — One man's
sin a nation's disaster — An unavailing confession . . 487-498

CHAPTER XLVI.

THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSES.

All Israel assembled at Shechem — Renewal of the vows of loyalty —
Mounts Ebal and Gerizim — Rehearsal of the law — God makes his
requirements explicit 501-504

CHAPTER XLVII.

LEAGUE WITH THE GIBEONITES.

A strange deputation — The Israelites neglect to ask God's counsel — The
Gibeonltes' deception — Their submission to Israel — The Amorites
gather against Qibeon — Signal defeat — The sun commanded to stand
still — Nature under the control of God . . . . 505-509

coy TK NTS.

XXV

CHAITKU XLVIII.

THK DIVISION OF CANAAN.

Southern ('nnitan fiiihdiu'd — Tribes of NortbtTii PitlcHtlne leagued Hunintt
Israel — Defeat of Jahlii at Lake Merom — JohIiuh master of Canaan —
Tho liuiil divided by lot — Caleb's claim— The victory of faltli —
Appeal of Ephraiin and Manasseh — Tlic ark at 8hil«)h — Tho cities of
refuge — Christ a refuRe for sinners — Oad, Reuben, and the half tribe
of Manasseh — Tho altar beside Ji»rdan — Misunderstanding — Wis-
dom of the Heubenites — Hrotherly love .... MO-520

CHAI'TKU XMX.

THE LAST WORDS OF JOSHUA.

Iiracl slow to drive out the heathen — Joshua's appeal to tho people —
Heads of tho tribes assembled at Shechem — An uncpialitled covenant
— Obedience impussible without the aid of Christ — Joshua's work
ended 521-524

CHAPTER L.

TITHES AND OFFERINGS.

A tenth to bo devoted to Cod — The tithing system not original with the
Hebrews.— Liberality of tho Israelites — Results of withholding from
God — God's people light-bearers — Voluntary giving — Men are God's
stewards " 625-529

CHAPTER LI.

GOD'S CARE FOR THE POOR,

A tltho for the poor — Their right to a share in the produce of the soil —
The sabbatical year — Slaves set at liberty — Hire of the laborer to be
paid — The seventh year a release from debt — Prosperity follows
liberality — The jubilee — The land reverts to its original owners —
Social equality promoted by God's regulations — The poor to be always

with us

530-536

CHAPTER LII.

THE ANNUAL FEASTS.

Three great national gatherings — God cares for the obedient — The Pass-
over festival — The offering of first-fruits — Pentecost — The Feast of
Tabernacles — Social intercourse encouraged — The antltypical Feast
of Tabernacles . . . . 537-543

XXVI

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER LIII.

THE EARLIER JUDGES.

Flagging zeal — Israel to be a breastwork against evil — Eflfects of self-
indulgence — Oppression and deliverance — Othniel, Deborah, Barak
— The land invaded by the Midianites — The Covenant Angel appears
to Gideon — The miracles of the fleece — Marshaling of the enemy —
Proclamation before the battle — A test of character — But three hun-
dred chosen — Plan of attack — "The sword of Jehovah and of
Gideon " — The Midianites overthrown — The deliverer censured —
Gideon's error — Far-reaching influence of our words and acts —
Abimelech the usurper — The rule of righteous judges — Lapsing
into idolatry — Abandoned to their foes — Reminder of the day of
final judgment — Long-suCfering mercy of God — Jephthah — Evils of
conforming to the world 643-559

CHAPTER LIV.

SAMSON.

Manoah and his family — The angel's instruction — Pre-natal influences —
Temperance and self-control in childhood — The birth of Samson —
His strength — His weakness — Unwise marriages — Treachery at Tim-
nath — At "the rock Etam" — For twenty years the judge of Israel —
Delilah — Samson betrayed — Blind and in prison — The sport of the
Philistines — The feast of Dagon — Samson's revenge and death —
Satan plots to overthrow those whom God would use — God's grace
sufficient . . . ' 560-568

CHAPTER . LV.

THE CHILD SAMUEL.

Hannah — The marriage institution marred — Hannah's petition — Her
request granted — Samuel presented to the high priest — Hannah's in-
spired prayer — The mother's influence — Integrity of Samuel — Little
children may do service for God — Conscientious attention to little

. . 569-574

things

CHAPTER LVI.

ELT AND HIS SONS.

Priest and judge in Israel — Neglect of family duties — Contrast with Abra-
ham — Eli's sons — Unsanctifled service — Eli reproved — His mistake
repeated by others — Conditions of God's favor — Words of fearful
import 575-580

CONTENTS. XXVI 1

CHAPTER LVII.

THE ARK TAKEN BY THE PHILISTINES.

Another warning to Eli's liouse — Eli fails to manifest true repentance —
The Philistines war against Israel — The ark captured — Nominal faith
of no value — " Ichabod " — The ark at Ashdod — Plague among the
Philistines — The return of the ark — Sacrilege punished at Beth-
shemesh — Practical piety in the days of Samuel — The Philistine
army destroyed — The stone of help .... 581-593

CHAPTER LVIII.

THE SCHOOLS OF THE PROPHETS.

God's care for the education of his people — The homes of Israel — Exam-
ples of their influence — Idleness regarded as a crime — The schools of
the prophets — Subjects of study — The mission of music — Ancient
and modern schools compared — True object of education — The study
of science — The Bible as an educating power — True religion condu-
cive to health and happiness — Physical and mental training — Indus-
trious habits — Possibilities of man 594-602

CHAPTER LIX.

THE FIRST KING OF ISRAEL.

Principles of the theocracy — Samuel's administration — A pretext for a
change — The character of Samuel — Similarity to that of Christ —
, Saul's anointing — Not to be an absolute monarch — Prerogatives of
prince and people — A party in opposition — Saul leaves the establish-
ment of his authority to God — Defeats the Ammonites at Jabesh-
gilead — The nation gathered at Gilgal — Saul's authority confirmed —
Samuel's parting aduress as ruler 603-617

CHAPTER LX.

THE PRESUMPTION OF SAUL.

The army disbanded— Activity of the Philistines — They gather for battle

— Saul's impatence and presumption — Safety only in obedience —
Power of early wrong habits — Jonathan routs the Philistines at Mich-
mash — Saul's unreasonable requirement .... 618-626

CHAPTER LXI.

SAUL REJECTED.

Saul's errors not yet irretrievable — Commanded to utterly destroy Amalek

— God's reluctance to execute judgment — Saul subjected to the final
test — His disobedience — Tries to vindicate himself — "To obey is

XXVlll

CONTENTS.

better than sacrifice " — Why God chooses the humble — Stubbornness
is idolatry — Delusive power of Satan — Saul's character a reflection of
that of Israel 637-636

CHAPTER LXII.

THE ANOINTING OF DAVID.

The boyhood of David — A king to be anointed from* the house of Jesse —
The prophet's inspection — Man sees not as God seeth — The shepherd
boy summoned — The intimation of a high destiny — Content to await
God's providences — Nature a revelation of God — The songst of David
an inspiration to God's people 639-64^

CHAPTER LXIII.

DAVID AND GOLIATH.

Saul's despair — David called to play before him — David's courage and
faith — War with the Philistines — David moved by a divine impulse
to save Israel — Goliath's challenge — David ofifers to meet the cham-
pion — A sling and a stafif — The battle is the Lord's . 643-648

CHAPTER LXIV.

DAVID A FUGITIVE.

Friendship of David and Jonathan — David sec over the men of war —
Saul's jealousy — David escapes the king's spear — The plots against
David's life — Jonathan's faithfulness to his friend — David flees to
Ramah — Saul among the prophets — The priest assuages David's
hunger with bread from the sanctuary — Doeg — David with the king
of Gath — In the wilds of Judah — The cave of Adullam — David's
band — Saul destroys the priests ■ 649-659

CHAPTER LXV.

THE MAGNANIMITY OF DAVID.

The son of Ahimelech — Jonathan's visit — In the cave of En-gedi —
David spares Saul — Death of Samuel — David in the wilderness of
Paran — Nabal — Evil for good — Abigail — Influence of a consecrated
Christian life — Receivi.ig reproof — Among the Ziphites — Saul again
in pursuit — David and Abishai in the king's camp — The spear and
the cruse of water — David goes to Gath — His lack ot trust in God —
Tlie purpose of Achish — David true to Israel' . . . 660-673

CONTENTS. XXIX

CHAPTER LXVI.

THE DEATH OF SAUL.

War between Israel and the Philistines — The results of Saul's course —
The Lord answers him not — The sorceress of Eudor — Saul under the
control of Satan — The prediction of doom — The king's last battle —
Revenge of the Philistines — The men of Jabesh-gilead . 675-683

CHAPTER LXVII.

ANCIENT AND MODERN SORCERY.

Did Samuel appear at Endor ? — Necromancy forbidden — Ancient worship
of the dead — The corner-stone of heathenism — What are "familiar
spirits"? — Modern Spiritualism — Purpose of the message to Saul —
The teaching and fruits of Spiritualism .... 683-689

CHAPTER LXVIII.

DAVID AT ZIKLAG.

In the army of Achish — David and his band in peril — An honorable dis-
missal — Ziklag sacked by the .\malekites — Accumulated misfortunes

— Quiet trust in God — The pursuit and victory — The families re-
covered — Tidings of Israel's defeat — The stranger herald — Mourn-
ing for Saul and Jonathan 690-696

CHAPTER LXIX.

DAVID CALLED TO THE THRONE.

David repairs to Hebron — Crowned king over Judah — Ishbosheth on the
throne of Israel — Abner — Deserts to David — Fate of Abner and
Ishbosheth — The tribes resort to David — Israel's king by divine
appointment . . 697-702

CHAPTER LXX.

THE REIGN OF DAVID.

The metropolis of the kingdom — League with Hiram, king of T^-t.) —
Defeat of the Philistines at Rephaim — The ark to be removev. to
Jerusalem — Judgment upon Uzzah — The ark at the house of Obed-
edom — A second procession — Dancing before the Lord — The modern
dance — Song at the gates of Jerusalem — Michal — The service of song

— Purpose to build the temple — God's promise to David — Kindness
to the house of Saul — Prosperity of the kingdom — A vast coalition
against Israel — The Ammonites and their allies — Victory to David —
Extent of his kingdom . . . . . . . 703-716

XXX CONTENTS.

CHAPTER LXXI.

DAVID'S SIN AND REPENTANCE.

Why the Bible praises men so little — What led to David's fall — His early-
integrity as a ruler — A snare to the king — Tiie plot against Uriah

— How far are rulers to be obeyed ? — Influence of David's crime
upon Israel — It is merciful in God to rebulie sin — Reproof and
judgment — David's repentance — Why his sin was recorded — David's
history a warning — God's mercy to the penitent . . 717-726

CHAPTER LXXII.

THE REBELLION OF ABSALOM.

*'He shall restore fourfold" — The sin of Amnon — Absalom's revenge —
His alienation from his father — Wise words of the woman of Tekoah

— An evidence that the people understood the plan of salvation —
Absalom steals the hearts of Israel — The rebellion ripe — <Proclaimed
king at Hebron — David's flight from Jerusalem — Cause of Ahitho-
phel's defection — Shimei's false accusation — Patience and humility of
David — Absalom at the capital — Ahithophel's counsel thwarted —
David's trust — Refuge at Mahanaim — On the eve of baltle — "Deal
gently with the young man " — The battl<( and the victory 727-745

CHAPTER LXXIII.

THE LAST YEARS OF DAVID.

Peace restored to Israel — David's life a lesson — The numbering of the
people — Why displeasing to the Lord — The plague upon Israel —
A just judgment — The sacrifice on Mount Moriah — The rebellion
of Adoni jah — Solomon crowned king — David's last charge to Israel
— Assembly of the princes — The gifts for the temple — God the
source of all gifts — The king's last words — God's mercy to those
who keep his covenant ...... . 746-754

'Vi'

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Paoe

The Camp op Iskael at Sinai Frontispiece.

The Two Offerings TS'

On the Euphrates 89

A Scene op Re^^lry before the Flood (C

Mount Ararat ' 110

The Tower of Babel 121

Abra^iiam and Isaac 149

The Dead Sea . 163

Beejisiieba 182

Jacob's Dream 185

The Hills of Gilead 194

The River Jabbok 197

tlACHEL's Tomb 212

The Nile near Cairo 215

On the Nile 223

Moses a Shepherd 249

On the Red Sea 256

Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh 258

The Passover 275

A Bunch of Hyssop 280

Deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea 285

The Plain op Sinai 302

Moses Breaking the Tables op the Law . . . . .321

The Daily Sacrifice 344

The Tombs of Petra 386

Moses Striking the Rock in the Wilderness . . . 415

The Mountains of Moab 439

[ xxxl]

xxxil LIST OF ILL USTRA TI0N8.

Mount Hermon 469

Moses on Mount Pisqah 473

Plain of the Jordan 480

The Plain of Jericho . %..».,. 491

Ebal and Gerizim 500

Syrian Sparrows 536

Going up to tub Feast of Tabernacles 538

Looking Eastward from Jericho 542

Plain of Esdraelon 651

Sidon 559

Gaza , 56a

The Return of the Ark 689

Shiloh 593

The Mountains of Lebanon 603

Samuel Blessing Saul 611

Entrance to a Cave in Palestine 626

Bethlehem from the East ....... 63S

Saul at Endok 079

In the Plain of Jezheki 683

ZlKLAG .689

jERUSALENr 703

Modern Jerusalem by Moonlight 709

The Mount of Olives 733

"The Sweet Sixger OF Israel" ........ 746

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

WHY WAS SIN PERMITTED?

" God is love." His nature, his law, is love. It ver has been ;
it ever will be. " The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,"
" whose ways are everlasting," changeth not. With him " is no
variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of
infinite love. The sovereignty of God involves fullness of blessing
to all created beings. The psalmist says : —

" Strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
Eighteousness and judgment are the foundation of thy throne;
Mercy and truth go before thy face.
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound ;
They walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
In thy name do they rejoice all the day ;
And in thy righteousness are they exalted.
For thou art the glory of their strength, . . .
For our shield belongeth unto Jehovah,
And our King to the Holy One."*

The history of the great conflict between good and evil,
from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of
rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration
of God's unchanging love

»Ps. 89 : 13-18, Rev. Ver, [88]

PATItlARCna AND PROPHETS.

The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in his work of
beneficence. He had an associate, — a co-v/orker who could appre-
ciate his purposes, and could share his joy in giving happiness to
created beings. " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the be-
ginning with God."^ Cnrist, the Word, the only begotten of God,
was one with the eternal Father, — one in nature, in character, in
purpose, — the only being that could enter into all the counsels
and purposes of God. "His name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince
of peace."" His "goings forth have been from of old, from ever-
lasting."' And the Son of God declares concerning himself:
" The Lord jjossessed me in the beginning of his way, before his
works of old. I was set up from everlasting. . . . When he ap-
pointed the foundations of the earth, then I was by him, as one
brought up with him; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing
always before him." *

The Father wrought by his Son in the creation of all heavenly
beings. "By him were all things created, . . . whether they be
thrones, or don.inions, or principalities, or powers. All things
were created by him, and for him."* Angels are God's ministers,
radiant with the light ever flowing from his presence, and speeding
on rapid wing to execute his will. But the Son, the anointed of
God, the "express image of his person," "the brightness of his
glory," "upholding all things by the word of his power," holds
supremacy over them all. " A glorious high throne from the
beginning," was the place of his sanctuary ; " a scepter of right-
eousness," tho scepter of his kingdom.* " Honor and majesty are
before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary." Mercy
and truth go before his face.''

The law of love being the foundation of the government of God,
the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect
accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from
all his creatures the service of love, — service that springs from an
appreciation of his character. He takes no pleasure in a forced
obedience; and to all he grants freedom of will, that they may
render him voluntary service.

iJohn 1 : 1, 2.
6 Col. 1 : 16.

2 Isa. 9:6. 8 Mlcah 5 : 2.

•Heb. 1 : 3, 8 ; Jer. 17 : 12.

* Prov. 8 : 22-30.
' Ps. 96 : 6 ; 89 : 14.

INTRODUCTORY.

So long as all created boingH acknowledged the allegiance of
love, there was perfect harmony throughout the universe of God.
It was the joy of the heavenly host to fulfill the purpose of their
Creator. They delighted in reflecting his glory 'and showing forth
his i)raise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one
another was confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord
to mar the celestial harmonies. But a change came over this
happy state. There was one who i)erverted the freedom that
God had granted to his creatures. Sin originated with him,
who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God, and was
highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven.
Lucifer, "son of the morning," was first of the covering cherubs,
holy and undefiled. He stood in the presence of the great Creator,
and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God, rested
upon him. " Thus saith the Lord God : Thou sealest up the sum,
full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden,
the garden of God ; every precious stone was thy covering. . . .
Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth ; and I have set thee
so. Thou wast upon the holy mountain of God ; thou hast walked
up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect
in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity vas
found in thee." '

Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge the desire for self-
exaltation. The Scripture says : " Thine heart was lifted uj) because
of thy beauty ; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy
brightness.'-' " Thou hast said in thine heart, . . . I will exalt my
throne above the stars of God ; . . . I will be like the Most High." *
Thougli all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to
regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position,
though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet
homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God
supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it
was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself.
And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested
his Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the pre-
rogative of Christ alone.

Now the perfect harmony of heaven was broken. Lucifer's dis-
position to serve himself instead of his Creator, aroused a feeling of
apprehension when observed by those who considered that the

Eze. 28 : 12-1 5, 17.

2lsa. 14 : 13, 14.
3

PATRIARCIia AND PROPUETS.

glory of CJod nhould l)o suitrenu!. In lu-uvenly council tlui angels
plt'iuliid with Lucifer. Tho Son of (Jod presented before liini the
greatness, the goodness, and the justice of tho Creator, and tho
sacred, unchanging nature of his hnv. God himself had estab-
lished the order of heaven; and in departing from it, Lucifer
would dishonor his Maker, and bring ruin upon himself. liut tho
warning, given in infinite lovo and mercy, only aroused a spirit of
resistance. Lucifer allowed hie jealousy of Christ to nrevail. and
became tho more determined.

To dispute tho supremacy of tho Son ol' God, tlius impeaching
the wisdom and love of tho Creator, had become the purpose of
this prince of angels. To this object he was about to bend tho
energies of that master-mind, which, next to Christ's, was first
among the hosts of God. But Ho who would have the will of all
his creatures free, left none unguarded to tho bewildering sophistry
by which rebellion would seek to justify itself. Before the great
contest should open, all were to have a clear presentation of His
will, whose wisdom and goodness were the spring of all their joy*

The King of tho universe summoned tho heavenly hosts before
him, that in their i)resence he might set forth tho true position of
his Son, and show tho relation he sustained to all created beings.
The Son of God shared the Father's throne, and the glory of the
etc nal, self-existent One encircled both. About the throne gath-
ered the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng — " ten thousand
times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,"^ tho most ex-
alted angels, as ministers and subjects, rejoicing in tho light that
fell upon them from the presence of the Deity. Before the assem-
bled inhabitants of heaven, the King declared that none but Christ,
the only begotten of God, could fully enter into his purposes, and
to him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of his
will. The Son of God had wrought the Father's will in the crea-
tion of all tho hosts of heaven ; and to him, as well as to God, their
homage and allegiance were due. Christ was still to exercise
divine power, in the creation of tho earth and its inhabitants. But
in all this he would not seek power or exaltation for himself con-
trary to God's plan, but would exalt the Father's glory, and execute
his purposes of beneficence and love.

The angels joyfully acknowledged the supremacy of Christ,
and prostrating themselves before him, poured out their love and
adoration. Lucifer bowed with them ; but in his heart there was

'Rev. 5 : 11.

iNrnoDicroHY.

a strnn^'c, ficrco conflict. Tnitli, justice, and loyalty were Htrui:-
L'lintr a^aiiiMt envy and icalousv. 'I'lic iutlucncc of the linlv an^'cls
scL'incd tor a time to carry him with them. As sonars of prai.se
ancended in mclcMlious .strains, swelled hy thou.sand.s of ^ilad voices,
the spirit of evil Hcenied vamiuished ; unntteraMe love thrilled his
entire hein^'; his .soul went out, in harmony with tlu> sinless wor-
shipers, i'l love to the Father and the Son. Hut a^'ain he was tilled
with ])rido in his own jrlory. His desire for supremacy returned,
and envy of Christ was once more indulged. The high honors
conftTrcd upofi Lucifer were not appreciated as (Jod's special gift,
and theretV)ro called forth no gratitude to his Creator. He gloried
in his hrightne.ss and exaltation, and aspired to ho eijual with (Jod.
He was heloved and reverenced hy the heavenly host, angels
delighted to exeruto his connnands, and ho was clothe(l with wis-
dom and glory ahovo them all. Yet the Son of Ood was exalted
ahove hitn, as ono in power and authority with the Father. He
shared the Father's counsels, while Lucifer did not thus enter into
the jmrposes of God. " Why," (questioned this mighty angel,
"should Christ have the supremacy? Why is he honored ahove
Lucifer?"

Leaving his jdace in the immediate presence of the Father,
Lucifer went forth to <littuse the spirit of discontent among the
angels. He worked with ni^'sterious secrecy, and for a time con-
cesjled his real purpose under an a})pearance of reverence for God.
He hegan to insinuate douhts concerning the laws that governed
heavenly heings, intimating that though laws might he necessary
for the inhahitants of the worlds, angels, heing more exalted,
needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufUcient
guide. They were not heings that could hring dishonor to (tod ;
all their thoughts were holy; it was no more ])ossil)le i'or them
than for God himself to err. The exaltation of the Son of (Jod as
ciiual with the Father was rei)resented as an injustice to Lucifer,
who, it was claimed, was also entitled to reverence and honor.
If this j)rince of angels could hut attain to his true, exalted i)osi-
tion, great good would accrue to the entire host of heaven; for it
was his object to secure freedom for all. But now even the lib-
erty which they had hitherto enjoyed was at an end; for an abso-
lute ruler had been appointed them, and to his authority iill
must pay homage. Such were the subtle deceptions that through
the wiles of Lucifer were fast obtaining in the heavenly courts.

PATRTARCns AND PROPHRTS.

Tlicro hud been no chuuKo in tho poHition or authority of
Christ. Lih'itVr's envy iind niiHroprcsmitation, und his chiiius to
e(|Uaility with ("hrint, hud njado ncct'ssary a statrmcnt of tho triu;
position of th»! Son of (Jod ; hut this had hct'ii th»! same from th«!
he^'innin^. Many of tiu) anj^elH wore, however, Minded hy Lucifer'H
deceptions.

Taivin^ advantage of the loving, loyal trust reposed in him hy
the holy hein^'S under his command, ho had so artfully instille<l
into their minds Iuh own distrust and discontent that his ajioncy
was not diacerned. Lucifer had j)resented tlie purjMJses of Clod in
a false liyht, — ndsconstruinj; and distortinjj; them, to excite dissent
and dissatisfaction, lie cunninjily drew his hearers on to give ut-
terance to their feelinj.'is; then these expressions W(!ro repeated hy
him when it would serve his purpose, as evidence that the an^^els
were not fully in harmony with tho fiovernmont of (lod. While
olaiminji for himself perfect loyalty to (Jod, he ur)j;ed that chunj^es
in tho order and laws of heaven were necessary lor the stahility of
the divine government. Thus while working to excite opposition
to the law of God, and to instill his own discontent into tho minds
of the angels under him, he was ostensihly seeking to remove
dissatisfaction, and to reconcile disaffected angels to tho order of
heaven. While secretly fomenting discord and rehellion, he with
consunnnate craft caused it to appear as his sole j)urpose to pro-
mote loyalty, and to preserve harmony and peace.

The s[)irit of dissatisfaction, thus kindled, \v;is doing its haleful
work. While there was no oi)en outhreak, division of feeling im-
perceptihly grew up among the angols. There were some who
looked with favo;' upon Lucifer's insinuations against the govern-
ment of God. Although they had heretofore heen in perfect har-
mony with the order which God had established, thry were now
discontented and unhappy because they could not penetrate his
unsearchable counsels; they were dissatisfied with his purpose
in exalting Christ. These stood ready to second Lucifer's demand
for equal authority with the Son of God. But angels who were
loyal and true maintained the wisdom and justice of the divine de-
cree, and endeavored to reconcile this disaffected being to the will
of God. Christ was the Son of God ; he had been one with him
before the angels were called into existence. He had ever stood
at the right hand of the Father; his supremacy, so full of blessing
to all who came under its benignant control; had not heretofore

INTRODUCTORY.

been <jut'stiono<l. The harmony of heaven had never heen inter-
rupted ; wherefore ><houlil there now he discord? The loyal an^elrt
could Hee only terril>Uj consoiuences from this dissension, and with
earnest entreaty they connsj'led the disalfectetl oni's to renounce
their purpose, and provo themselvea loyal to Clod hy (idelity to
his government.

In ^reat mercy, according to his divine character, God hore
lonj? with Lucifer. The spirit of discontent and diaaM'ection had
never before been known in heaven. It was a new element,
strange, mysterious, unaccountable. Lucifer himself had not at
first b(>en ac<iuainte(| with the real nature of his feelings; for a
time he had feared to express the working's and imajiininj^s of
his mind; yet he <lid not dismi.ss thetn. He did not seq whither
he was driftinji. Hut such ctVorts as infinite love and wisdom only
could devise, were made to convince him of his error. His dis-
affection was proved to Ix; without cause, and he was made to
see what would be the result of persistinj; in n^volt. Lucifer was
convinced that he was in the wron^. He saw that "the Lord
is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works;"' that
the divine statutes are just, and that he ought to acknowledge
them as such before all heaven. Had he done thi.s, ho might have
saved himself and many angels. He had not at that time fully
cast off his allegiance to God. Though he had left his position as
covering cherub, yet if he had been willing to return to God,
acknowledging the Creator's wisdom, and satisfied to fill the place
appointed him in God's great i)lan, he would have been re.
instated in his office. The time had come for a final decision •
he must fully yield to the divine sovereignty, or place hin>self in
open rebellion. He nearly reached the decision to return ; })ut
pride forbade him. It was too great a sacrifice for one who had
been so highly honored to confess that he had been in error, that
his imaginings were false, and to yield to the authority which he
had been working to prove unjust.

A compassionate Creator, in yearning i)ity for Lucifer and his
followers, was seeking to draw them back from the abyss of ruin
into which they were about to plunge. But his mercy was misin-
terpreted. Lucifer pointed to the long-sufil'ering of God as an
evidence of his own superiority, an indication that the King of
the universe would yet accede to his terms. If the angels would
stand firmly with him, he declared, they could yet gain all that

1 Ps. 145 : 17.

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

they desired. He persistently defended his own course, and fully
committed himself to the great controversy against his Maker.
Thus it was that Lucifer, " the light-bearer," the sharer of God's
glory, the attendant of his throne, hy transgression became
Satan, " the adversary " of God and holy beings, and the destroyer
of those whom Heaven had committed to his guidance and
guardianshij).

Rejecting with disdain the arguments and entreaties of the loyal
angels, he denounced them as deluded slaves. The preference
shown to Christ he declared an act of injustice both to himself and
to all the heavenly host, and announced that ho Avould no longer
su))mit to this invasion of his rights and theirs. He would never
again acknowledge the supremacy of Christ. He had determined
to claim the honor which should have been given him, and take
command of all who would become his followers ; and he promised
those who would enter his ranks a new and better government,
under which all would enjoy freedom. Great numbers of the
angels signified their purpose to accept him as their leader. Flat-
tered l)y the favor with which his advances were received, he hoped
to win all the angels to his side, to become equal with God himself,
and to be obeyed by the entire host of heaven.

Still the loyal angels urged him and his sympathizers to submit
to God ; and they set before them the inevitable result should they
refuse : He who had created them could overthrow their power, and
signally punish their rebellious daring. No angel could successfully
oppose the law of God, which was as sacred as himself. They
warned all to close their ears against Lucifer's deceptive reasoning,
and urged him and his followers to seek the presence of God with-
out delay, and confess the error of questioning his wisdom and
authority.

Many were disposed to heed this counsel, to repent of their dis-
affection, and seek to be again received into favor with the Father
and his Son. But Lucifer had another deception ready. The
mighty revolter now declared that the angels who had united with
him had gone too far to return ; that he was acquainted with the
divine law, and knew that God would not forgive. He declared
that all who should submit to the authority of Heaven would ])e
stripped of their honor, degraded from their position. For him-
self, he was determined never again to acknowledge the authority

INTRODUCTORY.

lid fully
! Maker,
of God's
became
lestroyer
nee and

the loyal
reference
iself and
lo longer
lid never
terniined
and take
[)romiscd
ernnient,
8 of the
ix. Flat-
he hoped
1 himself,

o submit
>uld they
wer, and
?cessfully
f. They
3asoning,
K)d with-
lom and

their dis-
|e Father
ly. The
Ited with
Iwith the
Ideclared
^ould be
[or him-
luthoritv

of Christ. The only course remaining for him and his followers,
he said, was to assert their lil)erty, and gain by force the rights
which had not been willingly accorded them.

So far as Satan himself was concerned, it was true that he had
now gone too far to return. But not so with those who had been
blinded by his deceptions. To them the counsel and entreaties of
the loyal angels opened a door of hope ; and had they heeded the
warning, they might have broken away from the snare of Satan.
But pride, love for their leader, and the desire for unrestricted
freedom, were permitted to ])ear sway, and the pleadings of divine
love and mercy were finally rejected.

God permitted Satan to carry forward his work until the spirit
of disaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his
plans to be fully developed, that their true nature and tendency
might be seen by all. Lucifer, as the anointed cherub, had been
highly exalted ; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings,
and his influence over them was strong. God's government in-
cluded not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all the worlds
that he had created; and Lucifer had concluded that if he could
carry the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, he could carry
also all the worlds. He had artfully presented his side of the
(luestion, employing sophistry and fraud to secure his objects.
His power to deceive was very great. By disguising himself in a
cloak of falsehood, he had gained an advantage. All his acts were
so clothed with mystery, that it was difficult to disclose to the angels
the true nature cf his work. Until fully developed, it could not
be made to appear the evil thing it was; his disaffection would
not be seen to be rebellion. P^ven the loyal angels could not fully
discern his character, or see to what his work was leading.

Lucifer had at first so conducted his temptations that he him-
self stood uncommitted. The angels whom he could not bring
fully to his side, he accused of indifference to the interests of
heavenly beings. The very work vhich he himself was doing,
he charged upon the loyal angels. It was his policy to per-
plex with subtle arguments concerning the purposes of God.
Everything that was simple he shrouded in mystery, and by artful
perversion cast doubt upon the plainest statements of Jehovah.
And his high position, so closely connected with the divine
government, gave greater force to his representations.

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

I- ■J?

•

God could employ only such means as were consistent with
truth and righteousness. Satan could use what God could not, —
flattery and deceit. He had sought to falsify the word of God, and
had misrepresented his plan of government, claiming that God
was not just in imposing laws upon the angels ; that in requiring
submission and obedience from his creatures, he was seeking
merely the exaltation of himself It was therefore necessary to
demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all the
worlds, that God's government is just, his law perfect. Satan
had made it appear that he himself was seeking to promote the
good of the universe. The true character of the usurper, and
his real object, must be understood by all. He must have time
to manifest himself by his wicked works.

The discord which his own course had caused in heaven, Satan
charged upon the government of God. All evil he declared to be
the result of the divine administration. He claimed that it was
his own object to improve upon the statutes of Jehovah. There-
fore God permitted him to demonstrate the nature of his claims,
to show the working out of his proposed changes in the divine law.
His own work must condemn him. Satan had claimed from the
first that he was not in rebellion. The whole universe must see
the deceiver unmasked.

Even when he was cast out of heaven. Infinite Wisdom did
not destroy Satan. Since only the service of love can be acceptable
to God, the allegiance of his creatures mtist rest upon a conviction
of his justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of heaven and of
the worlds, being unprepared lo comprehend the nature or con-
sequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice of God in
the destruction' of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted out of
existence, some would have served God from fear rather than from
love. The influence of the deceiver would^ not have been fully
destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion have been utterly
eradicated. For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless
ages, he must more fully develop his principles, that his charges
gainst the divine government might be seen in their true light by
all created beings, and that the justice and mercy of God and the
immutability of his law might be forever placed beyond all
question.

Satan's rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all
coming ages, — a perpetual testimony to the nature of sin and its

INTRODUCTORY.

terrible results. The working out of Satan's rule, its effects upon
both men and angels, would show what must be the fruit of set-
ting aside the divine authority. It would testify that with the
existence of God's government is l)ound up the well-l)eing of all
the creatures ho has made. Thus the history of this terrible
experiment of rebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all
holy beings, to prevent them from being deceived as to the nature
of transgression, to save them from committing sin, and suffering
its penalty.

Ho that ruleth in the heavens is the one who sees the end from
the beginning, — the one before whom the mysteries of the past
and the future are alike outspread, and who, beyond the woe and
darkness and ruin that sin has wrought, beholds the accomplish-
ment of his own purposes of love and blessing. Though " clouds
and darkness are round about him, righteousness and judgment are
the foundation of his throne." ' And this the inhabitants of the
universe, both loyal and disloyal, will one day understand. " His
work is perfect ; for all his ways are judgment : a God of truth
and without iniquity, just and right is he." *

1 Ps. 97 : 2, Rev. Ver. « Deut. 32 : 4.

CHAPTER II.

THE CREATION.

" By the word of the Lord were the heavens made ; and all the
host of them by the breath of his mouth." " For he spake, and it
was ; he commanded, and it stood fast." He " laid the foundations
of the earth, that it should not be removed forever." ^

As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was ex-
ceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains,
hills, and plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes ;
but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abound-
ing in terrific steeps and frightful chasms, as they now do; the
sharp, rjigged edges of earth's rocky frame-work were buried be-
neath the fruitful soil which everywhere produced a luxuriant
growth of verdure. There were no loathsome swamps nor barren
deserts. Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at
every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more majestic
than any that now exist. The air, untainted by foul miasm, was
clear ar d healthful. The entire landscape outvied in beauty the
decorated grounds of the proudest palace. The angelic host
viewed the scene with delight, and rejoiced at the wonderful works
of God.

After the earth, with its teeming animal and vegetable life, had
been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator,
and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was
brought upon the stage of action. To him was given dominion
over all that his eye could behold ; for " God said, Let us make
man in our image, after our likeness ; and let them have dominion
over ... all the earth." " So God created man in his own image ;
. . . male and female created he them." " Here is clearly set forth
the origin of the human race ; and the divine record is so plainly
stated that there is no occasion for erroneous conclusions. God

iPs. 33 : 6, 9; 104 : 5. »Gen. 1 : 36, 2V.

[44]

THE CREATION.

4.)

created man in his own image. Here is no mystery. There is
no ground for the supposition that man was evolved, hy slow de-
grees of development, from the lower forms of animal or vegetal )le
life. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Creator to the
level of man's narrow, earthly conceptions. Men are so intent
ui)on excluding God from the sovereignty of the universe, that
they degrade man, and defraud him of the dignity of his origin.
He wlio Het the starry worlds on high, and tinted with deli-
cate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and
the heavens with the wonders of his power, when he came to
crown his glorious work, to place one in il.e midst to stand as
ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a heing worthy of
the hand that gave him life. The genealogy of our race, as given
by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developing
germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to 'the great Creator.
Though formed from the dust, Adam was " the son of God." '

He was placed, as God's representative, over the lower orders of
lieing. They cannot understand or acknowledge the sovereignty
of God, yet they were made capable of loving and serving man.
The psalmist says, " Thou madest him to have dominion over
the works of thy hands ; thou hast put all things under his feet,
. . . the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, . . . and whatso-
ever passeth through the paths of the seas."'^

M-an was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and
in character. Christ alone is " the express image " * of the Father ;
but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in
harmony Avith the will of God. His mind was capable of compre-
hending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites
and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and
happy in bearing the image of God, and in perfect obedience to
his will.

As man came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of lofty
stature and perfect symmetry. His countenance bore the ruddy
tint of health, and glowed with the light of life and joy. Adam's
height was nmch greater than that of men who now inhabit the
earth. Eve was somewhat less in stature ; yet her form was noble,
and full of beauty. The sinless pair wore no artificial garments ;
they were clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the
angels wear. So long as they lived in obedience to God, this robe
of light continued to enshroud them.

» L'lke 3 : 38.

« Ps. 8*: 6-8.

» Heb. 1 : 3.

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

After the creation of Adam, every living creature was brought
before him to reeeiv 3 its name ; he saw that to each had been given
a companion, but among them *' there was not found an help meet
for him." ' Among all the creatures that God had made on the
earth, there was not one equal to man. And " God said, It is not
good that the man should be alone ; I will make him an help meet
for him." " ]\Ian was not made to dwell in solitude ; he was to be
a social being. Without companionship, the beautiful scenes and
delightful employments of Eden would have failed to yield perfect
happiness. Even communion with angels could not have satisfied
his desir^ for sympathy and companionship. There was none of
the same nature to love, and to be loved.

God himself gave Adam a companion. He provided '' an help
meet for him," — a helper corresponding to him, — one who was
fitted to be his conM)anion, and who could be one with him in love
and sympathy. Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of
Adam, signifying that she wis not to control him, as the head, nor
to be trampled under his f c as an inferior, but to stand by his side
as an equal, to be loved and protected by him. A part of man,
bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self;
showing the close union ana the affectionate attachment that
should exist in this relation. " For no man ever yet hated his
own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it." '' Therefore shall a
man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his
wife ; and they shall be one." *

God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for
its originator the Creator of the universe. " Marriage is honor-
able ; " ' it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one
of the two institutions that, after the fall, Adam brought with him
beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles are
recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing ; it
guards the purity and hapj)iness of the race, it provides for
man's social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and
the moral nature.

" And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden ; and
there he put the man whom he had formed."* Everything that
God had made was the perfection of beauty, and nothing seemed
wanting that could contribute to the happiness of the holy pair ;

Gen. 2 : 24.

» Gen. 2 : 20, 18.
SHeb. l.S:4.

8Eph. 5
*Gen. 2

THE CREATION. '7

yet the Creator gave them still another token of his love, })y i)r('-
paring a garden e.s[)ecially for their home. In this garden were
tret's of every variety, many of them laden with fragrant and de-
licious fruit. There were lovely vines, growing upright, yet pre-
senting a most graceful appearance, witli their branches drooping
under their load of tempting fruit, of the richest and most varied
hues. It was the work of Adam and Eve to train the branches of
the vine to form bowers, thus making for themselves a dwelling
from living trees covered with foliage and fruit. There were
fragrant Howcrs of every hue in rich profusion. In the midst of
the garden stood tJie tree of life, surpassing in glory all other trees.
Its fruit appeared like apples of gold and silver, and had the
jiower to perpetuate life.

The creation was now complete. " The heavens and the earth
were finished, and all the host of them." " And God saw every-
thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.-' ' Eden
bloomed on earth. Adam and Eve had free access to the tree of
life. No taint of sin, or shadow of death, marred the fair creation.
*' The K orning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted
for joy." ^

The great Jehovah had laid the foundations of the earth ; he
had dressed the whole world in the garb of beauty, and had filled
it with things useful to man ; he had created all the wonders of the
land and of the sea. In six days the great work of creation had
been accomplished. And God " rested on the seventh day from all
his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh
day, and sanctified it; because that in it ho had rested from all
his work which God created and made."' God looked with satis-
faction ui)on the work of his hands. All was per^'^ct, worthy of its
divine Author, and he rested, not as one weary, but as well pleased
with the fruits o^ his wisdom and goodness and the manifestations
of his glory.

After resting upon the seventh day, God sanctified it, or set it
apart, as a day of rest for man. Following the example of the
Creator, man Avas to rest upon this sacred day, that as he should
look upon the heavens and the earth, he might reflect upon God's
great work of creation ; and that as he should behold the evi-
dences of God's wisdom and goodness, his heart might be filled
with love and reverence for his Maker.

iQen. 2 : 1-3 ; 1 : 31. . "Job 38 : 7.

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

In Eden, God net up the nionioriul of liin work of creation, in
plaeinj^; Ids blessinj^ uj)on the seventh day. The Suhl)ath was com-
mitted to Adam, the father and representative of the whole human
family. Its observance was to l^e an act of j^rateful acknowledg-
ment, on the j)art of all who should dwell upon the earth, that
God was their cireator and their rightful sovereign that they were
the work of his hands, and the 8ul)jects of his authority. Thus
the institution was wholly (jonnnemorative, and given to all
mankind. There was nothing in it shadowy, or of restricted
application to any people.

God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise.
He needed to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for one day
of the seven, that he nught more fully contemplate the works of
God, and meditate upon his power and goodness. He needed a
Sabbath, to remind him more vividly of God, and to awaken
gratitude b^ecause all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the
beneficent hand of the Creator.

God designs that the Sabbath shall direct the minds of men to
the contemplation of his created works. Nature speaks to their
senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Su-
preme Ruler of all. '' The heavens declare the glory of God ; and
the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth
speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge."' The beauty
that clothes the earth is a token of God's love. We may l)ehold it
in the everlasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the opening Ijuds and
the delicate flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sabbath, ever
pointing to Him who made them all, bids men open the great book
of nature, and trace therein the wisdom, the power, and the love
of the Creator.

Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were not
placed beyond the possibility of wrong-doing. God made them
free moral agents, capable of appreciating the wisdom and benevo-
lence of his character and the justice of his requirements, and
with full liberty to yield or to withhold obedience. They were
to enjoy communion with God and with holy angels ; but 1)efore
they could be rendered eternally secure, their loyalty nmst be
tested. At the very beginning of man's existence a check was
placed upon the desire for self-indulgence, the fatal passion that
lay at the foundation of Satan's fall. The tree of knowledge, which
stood near the tree of life in the midst of the garden, was to

1 Ps. 19 : 1, 2.

THE CREATION.

be a test of the obedience, faith, and love of our first parents.
Whihi jXTniitted to eat freely of every other tree, they were for-
bi(hlen to taste of this, on pain of (k'ath. They were also to be
ex])osed to the tenii)tations of Satan ; but if they endured the trial,
they would finally l)e placed beyond his power, to enjoy perpetual
favor with God.

God i)laeed man under law, as an indispensable condition of
his very existence. lie was a subject of the divine {lovernnient,
and there can be no j;overnnient without law. God nii.uht have
created man without the power to transgress his law ; he might
have withheld the hand of Adam Irom touching the forbidden
fruit ; but in that case man would have been, not a free moral
agent, Init a mere automaton. Without freedom of choice, his obe-
dience would not have been voluntary, but forced. There could
have been no development of character. Such a course would
have been contrary to God's plan in dealing with the iiihabitants
of other worlds. It would have been unworthy of man as an
intelligent being, and would have sustained Satan's charge of
God's arbitrary rule. .

God made man upright ; he gave him noble traits of character,
with no bias toward evil. He endowed him with high intellectual
])OAvers, and presented before him the strongest j)ossible induce-
ments to be true to lys allegiance. Obedience, ])erfect and per-
l)etual, was the condition of eternal happiness. On this con''ition
he was to have access to the tree of life.

The home of our first parents Avas to be a pattern for other
homes as their children should go forth to occupy the earth. That
home, beautified by the hand of God himself, was not a gorgeous
l)alace. Men, in their pride, delight in magnificent and costly edi-
fices, and glory in the works of their own hands ; l)ut God placed
Adam in a garden. This was his dwelling. The blue heavens
were its dome ; the earth, with its delicate flowers and carpet of
living green, was its floor; and the leafy ])ranches of the goodly
trees were its canopy. Its walls were hung with the most mag-
nificent adornings, — the handiwork of the great Master-artist.
In the surroundings of the holy pair was a lesson for all time, —
that true happiness is found, not in the indulgence of pride and
luxury, but in communion with God through his cn^atcd works.
If men would give less attention to the artificial, and would culti-
vate greater simplicity, they would come far nearer to answering

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

the puriH^so of God in tlieir creation. Pride and ani})iti()n are
never satit-fied, but those who are truly wise will find Huhstantial
and elevatinii pleasure in the sources of enjoyment that (Jod has
placed within the reach of all.

To the dwetlers in Eden was committed the care of the f^arden,
" to dress it and to keep it." Their occupation was not wearisome,
but pleasant and invifijoratinfi. (Jod appointed labor as a blessinj?
to man, to occupy his mind, to strenjj;then his body, and to develop
his fiiculties. In mental and j)hysical ^ictivity, Adam found one
of the highest pleasures of his holy existence. And when, as a
result of his disobedience, he was driven from his beautiful home,
and forced to struj^gle with a stubborn soil to ;rain his daily bread,
that very labor, althouj^h widely dift'erent frt)m his pleasant occu-
pation in the garden, was a safeguard against temptation, and
a source of ha})i)iness. Those who regard work as a curse, at-
tended though it be with weariness and pain, are cherishing an
error. The rich often look down with contempt upon the work-
ing classes; but this is wholly at variance with God's pur])oso in
creating man. What are the j)ossessions of even the most wealthy,
in comparison with the heritage given to the lordly Adam ? Yet
Adam was not to be idle. Our Creator, who understands what is
for man's happiness, appointed Adam his work. The true joy of
life is found only by the working men and women. The angels
are diligent workers ; they are the ministers of God to the children
of men. The Creator has prepared no place for the stagnating
practice of indolence.

While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion
were to bear rule over the earth. Unlimited control was given
them over every living thing. The lion and the lamb sported
peacefully around them, or lay down together at their feet. The
hai)py birds flitted about them without fear; and as their glad
songs ascended to the praise of their Creator, Adam and Eve
united with them in thanksgiving to the Father and the Son.

The holy pair were not only children under the fatherly care
of God, but students receiving instruction from the all-wise
Creator. They were visited by angels, and were granted com-
munion with their Maker, with no ol)scuring vail between. They
were full of the vigor imparted by the tree of life, and their intel-
lectual power was but little less than that of the angels. The
mysteries of the visible universe — "the wondrous works of Him

THE CliKATtOX.

len, as a

who is jHTt'cct in knowlcdiJic'" — allnrdcd tlioin an cxhaustloss
suurco of iiistnictiou and ildi^lit. Tim laws and (»|»('ratitiiH of
naturi', which have <'n<.'a;zt'd men's study for six thousand years,
wens opened to their inhids hy the intinite Franier and rpholder
of all. They held eonverso with h'af and ilower and tree, ^'ather-
in}X iVoin eacii tho seorets of its life. \\'ith every livin;,' creature,
from the mi^dity leviathan tliat playeth amon<^ the Avaters, to tho
insect moti! that lloats in tho sunlieam, Adam was familiar. Ho
had jriven to each its name, and he was actjuainted with tlu; nature
and haliits of all. God's ;;lory in the heavens, t!io innunierahlo
worlds in their orderly revolutiens, " tho halancinjis of tho clouds,"'
the mysteries of lijiht and sound, of day and ni^dit, — all wero open
to the study of our first parents. On every leaf of tho forest or
stone of the mountains, in every shining star, in earth and air and
skv, (lod's name was writt«'n. Tlu; order and harnionv of creation
spoki' to them of inllnito wisdom and power. They were ever dis-
c()Vi'rin<; some attraction that lilli'd their hearts with doo])or love,
and called forth I'resh expressions of jrratitude.

So lon;z as they remained loyal to tho divine law, their capacity
to know, to enjoy, and to love, would continually increase. They
would lie constantly jiainin,!:!; new treasures of knowledj^o, disi'ovor-
in^' iVesh spring's of happiness, and oi»tainin<; clearer and yet clearer
conceptions of tho immoasurahle, unfailing love of CJod.

ijot)37:10. 4

CHAPTER III.

THE TKMITATION AND TALL

No longer free to stir up rebellion in heaven, Satan's enmity
af^aiiiist (lod found a new field in jilottinj; the ruin of tiie liunian
race. In tiu; happiness and ])eaee of the holy ])air in Eden, he
beheld a vision of the bliss tiiat to him was forever lost. Moved
hy envy, he determined to incite them to disobedience, and brinjr
ui)on them the guilt and penalty of sin. He would change their
love to distrust, and their songs of j)raiHe to reproaches against
their Maker. Thus ho would not only plunge these innocent
beings into the same misery which he was himself enduring, but
would cast dishonor upon God, and cause grief in heaven.

Our first parents were not left without a warning of the danger
that threatened them. Heavenly messengers opened to them the
history of Satan's fall, and his ])lots for their destruction, unfold-
ing more fully the nature of the divine government, which the
prince of evil was trying to overthrow. It was by disobedience
to the just commands of God that Satan and his host had fallen.
• How important, then, that Adam and Eve should honor that
law by which alone it was possible for order and equity to be
maintained.

The law of God is as sacred as himself. It is a revelation of
his will, a transcript of his character, the expression of divine love
and wisdom. The harmony of creation depends ujion the jierfect
conformity of all beings, of everything, animate and inanimate, to
the law of the Creator. God has ordained laws for the govern-
ment, not only of living beings, l)ut of all the operations of nature.
Everything is under fixed laws, which cannot be disregarded.
But while everything in nature is governed by natural laws, man
alone, of all that inhabits the earth, is amenable to moral law.
To man, the crowning work of creation, God has given jKiwer to
understand his requirements, to comprehend the justice and benefi-
cence of his law, and its sacred claims upon him ; and of man
unswerving obedience is required.

[53]

TUB TEMPTATIOS AXD FALL.

Like i\w [.\n]iv\n, tin* dwiUcrs in VAvw hail lucn jdaccfl u|»on
prohation; tlnir lia|i|ty estate cniild !•(■ n-taiiUMl only on cnmlition
of fiiUlity to tlic Creator's law. Tliey could (»l>ry and livo, or dis-
obey and perish. (Jod had made them the recipients of rich
blessing's; l»ut should they disre<i;ard his will, he who spareil not
the anjfels that ninneil, could not spare them; trans^iression would
forfeit his ^dfts, and hrin>r upon them misery and ruin.

The aniids warned them to he on their jiuanl a,i;ainst tho
devices of Satan; for his etloits to ensnare them would he un-
wearied. While thev weri' ohedii'iit to (iod, tlu; evil one could
not harm them ; for, if need l>e, every an<,'el in heaven would he
sent to their help. If they steadfastly repelled his first insinua-
tions, they would he as secure a.s the lieavenly messenj.'ers. IJut
should tlK'V once yield to temptation, their nature would become
so dei»rave(l that in themselves they would have no jtower, and
no disposition, to resist Satan.

The tree of knowlerljie had been made u test of their obedience
and their love to (Jxl. The Lord luid seen fit to lay upon them
but one i)rohibitioii as to the use of all that was in the garden ;
but if they should disre<;ard his will in this particular, they would
incur the jj;uilt of transtj;ression. Satan was not to fctUow them with
continual temptations; he could have access to them only at the
forbitlden tree. Should they attempt to invc.stijjate its nature,
they would bo exposed to his wiles. They were ailmonished to
f,'ive careful heed to the warning which God had sent them, and
to bo content with the instruction which he had seen fit to impart.

In order to accomplish his work iinperceived, Satan chose to
employ as his medium the seri)cnt, — a disguise well adapted for
his purpose of deception. Tho serpent was then one of tho wisesl
and most beautiful creatures on tho earth. It had wings, and
while flying through the air presented an api)earance of dazzling
l)rightness, having tho color and brilliancy of burnished gold.
Resting in tho rich-laden branches of tho forbidden tree, and
regaling itself with the delicious fruit, it was an object to arrest
the attention and delight the eye of the beholder. Thus in the
garden of i)eaje lurked the destroyer, watching for his prey.

The angels had cautioned Eve to Ijeware of separating hersell
from her husband while occupied in their daily labor in the garden ;
with him she would be in less danger from temptation than if she
were alone. But absorbed in her pleasing task, she unconsciously

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

wandered from his side. On pereeiving that .she was alone, she
felt an apprehension of danger, hut dismissed her fears, deciding
that she had sufficient wisdom and strength to discern evil and to
witli^tand it. Unmindful of the angels' caution, she soon found
herself gazing, with mingled curiosity and admiration, upon the
fori lidden tree. The fruit was very beautiful, and she questioned
with herself why Liod had withheld it irom them. Now was the
tempter's opportunity. As if ho were able to discern the workings
of her mind, ho addressed her: "Yea, hath God said. Ye shall not
eat of every tree of tlie garden ? " ^ Eve was surprised and startled
as she thus seemed to hear the echo of lier thoughts. But the ser-
pent continued, in a musical voice, with subtle praise of her sur-
passing loveliness ; and his words were not displeasing. Instead
of fleeing from ti;o spot, she lingered wonderingly to hear a serpent
speak. Had she been addressed by a being like the angels, her
fears would have been excited; but she had no thought that the
fascinating serpent could become the medium of the fallen foe.

To the tempter's ensnaring (juestion she replied : " ^\'e may eat
of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the
tree which is in the midst of the garden, (Jod hath said, Ye shall
not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent
said unto the Aoman, Ye shall not surely die; for God doth know
that in the da}- y; eat tl. )reof, then your eyes shall be opened, and
ye shall be as godr knowing good and evil."

By i)artaking of ihis tree, he declared, they would attain to a
more exalted sphere of existence, and enter a broader field of
knowledge. He himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit, and as
a result liad ac(iuired the power of speech. And he insinuated
that the Lord jealously desired to withhold it from them, lest they
should be exalted to e(;[uality with himself. It was because of its
wonderful properties, imparting wisdom and power, that he had
prohibited them from tasting or even touching it. The tempter
intimated that the divine warning was not to be actually fulfilled ;
it was designed merely to intimidati^ them. How could it be pos-
sible for them to die? Had they not eaten of the tree of life?
God had been seeking to prevent tliem from reaching a nobler
development, and finding greater hap})ines3.

Such has been Satan's work from the days of Adam to the
present, and he has ]iursued it with great success. He tem})ts men
to distrust God's love and to doubt his wistlom. He is constantly

> See Genesis 3.

)nc, she
Icciding
I and to
1 found
pon the
estioncd
was the
^'orkings
i;hall not

startled
, the ser-

her sur-

Intjtcad
[I serpent
igels, her

that the
n foe.
) may eat
lit of the

Ye shall
le serpent
jth know
ened, and

ain to a
field of
, and as
isinuated
lest they
use of its
; he had
tempter
fulfilled ;
it lie pos-
3 of life?
a nobler

in to the

ipts men

lonstantly

THE TEMPTATION AND FALL.

seeking to excite a spirit of irreverent curiosity, a restless, inquisi-
tive desire to penetrate the secrets of divine wisdom and power.
In their efforts to search out what God lias been pleased to with-
hold, multitudes overlook the truths which lie has revealed, and
which are essential to salvation. Satan tempts men to disobedi-
ence, by leading them to l)elieve they are entering a wonderful
field of knowledge. But this is all a deception. Elated with their
ideas of jirogression, they are, by trampling on God's requirements,
setting their feet in the path that leads to degradation and death.

Satan re])resented to the holy pair that they would be gainers
by breaking the laAV of God. Do we not to-day hear similar rea-
soning? Many talk of the narrowness of those who obey God's
commandments, while they themselves claim to have broader
ideas, and to enjoy greater liberty. What is this but an echo of
the voice from Eden, " In the day yo eat thereof " — transgress the
divine requirement — "ye shall be as gods"? Satan claimed to
liave received great good by eating of the forbidden fruit, but he
did not let it appear that by transgression he had become an out-
cast from heaven. Though he had found sin to result in infinite
loss, he concealed his own misery, in order to draw others into
the same position. So now the transgressor seeks to disguise his
true character; he may claim to be holy; but his exalted profes-
sion only makes him the more dangerous as a deceiver. He is on
the side of Satan, trampling upon the law of God, and leading
others to do the same, to their eternal ruin.

Eve really believed the words of Satan, but her belief did not
save her from the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the words of
God, and this was what led to her fall. ,ln the Judgment, men
will not be condemned because they conscientiously believed a lie,
but because they did not believe the truth, because they neglected
the opportunity of learning what is truth. Notwithstanding the
sophistry of Satan to the contrary, it is always disastrous to dis-
ol)ey God. "We must set our hearts to know what is truth. All
the lessons which God has caused to be placed on record in his
word are for our warning and instruction. They are given to save
us from deception. Their neglect will result in ruin to ourselves.
Whatever contradicts God's word, we may be sure proceeds from
Satan.

The serpent plucked the fruit of the forbidden tree, and placed
it in the hands of the half-reluctant Eve. Then he reminded her

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

of her own words, that God had forbidden them to touch it, lest
they die. She would receive no more harm from eating the fruit,
he declared than from touching it. Perceiving no evil results
from what sho had done, Eve grew bolder. When she " saw that
the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and
a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof,
and did eat." It was grateful to the taste, and as she ate, she
seemed to feel a vivifying power, and imagined herself entering
upon a higher state of existence. Without a fear she plucked and
ate. And now, having herself transgressed, she became the agent
of Satan in working the ruin of her husband. In a state of strange,
unnatural excitement, with her hands filled with the forbidden
fruit, she sought his presence, and related all that had occurred.

An expression of sadness came over the face of Adam. He ap-
peared astonished and alarmed. To the words of Eve he replied
that this must be the foe against whom they had been warned ;
and by the divine sentence she must die. In answer she urged
him to eat, repeating the words of the serpent, that they should
not surely die. She reasoned that this must be true, for she felt
no evidence of God's displeasure, but on the contrary realized
a delicious, exhilarating influence, thrilling every faculty with new
life, such, she imagined, as inspired the heavenly messengers.

Adam understood that his companion had transgressed the
command of God, disregarded the only prohibition laid upon
them as a test of their fidelity and love. There was a terrible
struggle in his mind. He mourned that he had permitted Eve to
wander from his side. But now the deed was done ; he must be
separated from her whose society had been his joy. How could
he have it thus? Adam had enjoyed the companionship of God
and of holy angels. He had looked upon the glory of the Creator.
He understood the high destiny opened to the human race should
they remain faithful to God. Yet all these blessings were lost
sight of in the fear of losing that one gift which in his eyes out-
valued every other. Love, gratitude, loyalty to the Creator, — all
were overborne by love to Eve. She was a part of himself, and he
could not endure the thought of separation. He did not realize
that the same Infinite Power who had from the dust of the earth
created him, a living, beautiful form, and had in love given him a
companion, could supply her place. He resolved to share her
fate ; if she must die, he would die with her. After all, he rea-

THE TEMPTATION AND FALL.

soned, might not tlu' words of the wise serpent be true? Eve was
before lum, as beautiful, and api)arently as innocent, as l)efore this
act of disobedience. 8he exi)ressed greater love for him than be-
fore. Xo sign of death api)eared in her, and he decided to brave
the consequences. He seized the fruit, and tiuickly ate.

After his transgression, Adam at first imagined himself entering
upon a higher state of existence. But soon the thought of his sin
filled him with terror. The air, which had hitherto been of a mild
and uniform temperature, seemed to chill the guilty pair. The
love and peace which had been theirs was gone, and in its place
they felt a sense of sin, a dread of the future, a nakedness of soul.
The robe of light which had enshrouded them, now disappeared,
and to supply its place they endeavored to fashi-^n for themselves
a covering ; for they could not, while unclothed, meet the eye of
God and holy angels.

They now began to see the true character of their sin. Adam
reproached his companion for her folly in leaving his side and per-
mitting herself to be deceived by the serpent; but they both flat-
tered themselves that He who had given them so many evidences
of his love, would pardon this one transgression, or that they would
not be subjected to so dire a punishment as they had feared.

Satan exulted in his success. He had tempted the woman to
distrust God's love, to doubt his wisdom, and to transgress his law,
and through her he had caused the overthrow of Adam.

But the great Lawgiver was about to make known to Adam and
Eve the consequences of their transgression. The divine presence
was manifested in the garden. In their innocence and holiness
they had joyfully welcomed the approach of their Creator ; but
now they fled in terror, and sought to hide in the deepest recesses
of the garden. But " the Lord God called unto Adam, and said
unto him. Where art thou ? And he said, I heard thy voice in
the garden, and I Avas afraid, because I was naked ; and I hid my-
self. And he said. Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast
thou eaten of the tree, Avhereof I commanded thee that thou
shouldst not eat ? "

Adam could neither deny nor excuse his sin ; but instead of
manifesting penitence, ho endeavored to cast the blame Upon his
wife, and thus upon God himself: " The woman whom thou gavcsl
to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." He who,
from love to Eve, had deliberately ciiosen to forfeit the approxal of

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

•1

? i

God, his l)onic in Pariulisc, and an otevnal life of joy, could now,
alter his fall, endeavor to make his coni])anion, and even the
Creator himself, responsil)le for the transgression. So terrible is
the power of sin.

When the woman was asked, " What is this that thou hast
done?" she answered, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."
" Why didst tliou create the serpent? Why didst thou sufier him
to enter Eden ? " — tliese av( re the questions impli d in her excuse
for her sin. Thus, like Adam, she charged (Jod \\iv\ the responsi-
bility of their fall. The spirit of self-justification originated in the
father of lies ; it was indulged by our first i)arents as soon as they
yielded to the influence of Satan, and has been exhil)ited by all
the sons and daughters of Adam. Instead of humbly confessi' ^
their sins, they try to shield themselves by casting the blame
upon others, upon circumstances, or upon God — making even
his blessings an occasion of nmrnmring against him.

The Lord then passed sentence ujion the serpent : " Because
thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above
every beast of the field ; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust
shalt thou eat all the days of thy life." Since it had been
emi)loyed as Satan's medium, the serpent was to share the visita-
tion of divine judgment. From the m.ost beautiful and admired
of the creatures of the field, it was to become the most groveling
and detested of them all, feared and hate<l by both man and l)east.
The words next addressed to the serpent ai)plied directly to Satan
himself, pointing forward to his ultimate defeat and destruction;
" I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt
braise liis heel."

Eve was told of the sorrow and pain that must henceforth be
her portion. And the Lord said, "Thy desire shall be to thy
husband, and he shall rule over thee." In the creation, God had
made her the equal of Adam. Had they remained obedient to
God — in harmony with his great law of love — tliey would ever
have been in harmony with each other; but sin had brought
discord, and now their union could be maintained and harmony
preserved only by submission on the part of the one or the other.
Eve had been the first in transgression ; and she had fallen into
temptation by separating from her companion, contrary to the
divine direction. li; was by her solicitation that Adam sinned, and

THE TEMPTATION AND FALL

she was now i)liiced in subjection to her liusband. Had tao i)rin-
ciples enjoined in the hnv of God been cherished by the fallen race,
this sentence, though growing out of the results of sin, would have
proved a blessing to them ; but man's abuse of the :mpremaoy
thus given him, has too often rendered the lot of woman very bit-
ter, and made her life a burden.

Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband's side in her
Eden home; l)Ut, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with
the hope of entering a highr- sphere than that which God had
assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original posi-
tion, she fell far below it. A similar result will bo reached by all
who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their ll fo duties in accord-
ance with God's plan. In their efforts to reach positions for which
he has not fitted them, many are le:iving vacant the place wliero
they might be a blessing. In their desire for a higi ler sphere, many
have sacrificed true womanly dignity, and nobility of character,
and have left undone the very work that Heaven appointed them.

To Adam the Lord declared : " Because thou hast hearkened
unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I
commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it ; cursed is the
ground for thy sake ; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of
thy life. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee ; and
thou shalt eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt
thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground ; for out of it wast
thou taken ; for dust thou art, and. unto dust shalt thou return.''

It was not the will of God that the sinless pair should know
aught of evil. He had freely given them the good, and had with-
held the evil. But, contrary to his command, they had eaten of
the forbidden tree, and now they would continue to eat of it —
they would have the knowledge of evil — all the days of their life.
From that time the race would be afflicted by Satan's temptations.
Instead of the happy labor heretofore appointed them, anxiety
and toil were to be their lot. They would be subject to disap-
pointment, grief, and pain, and finally to death.

Under tlie curse of sin, all nature was to witness to man of the
chara"ter and results of rebellion against G(.>d. V.'hcn God made
man, '..j made him ruler over tho earth and all living creatures.
80 long as Adam remained loyal to Heaven, all nature was in sub-
jection to him. But when he rebelled against the divine law, the
inferior creatures were in rebellion against his rule. Thus the

«■

PATRIARCHS AND rROPlIETS.

Lord, in his great mercy, would show men tlie sacredncss of his
hiw, and lead them, by their own experience, to see the danger of
setting it aside, even in the slightest degree.

And the life of toil and care which Avas henceforth to be man's
lot was appointed in love. It was a discipline rendered needful
by his sin, to place a check upon the indulgence of appetite and
passion, to develop habits of self-control. It was a part of God'a
great plan for man's recovery from the ruin and degradation
of sin.

The warning given to our first parents — " In the day that thou
eatest thereof thou shalt surely die " ' — did not imply that they
were to die on the very day when they partook of the for-
bidden fruit. But on that day the irrevocable sentence would
be pronounced. Immortality was promised them on condition of
obedience ; by transgression they would forfeit eternal life. That
very day they would be doomed to death.

In order to possess an endless existence, man must continue to
partake of the tree of life. Deprived of this, his vitality would
gradually diminish until life should become extinct. It wa»
Satan's plan that Adam and Eve should by disobedience incur
God's displeasure ; and then, if they failed to obtain forgiveness,
he hoped that they would eat of the tree of life, and thus per-
petuate an existence of sin and misery. But after man's fall, holy
angels were immediately commissioned to guard the tree of life»
Around these angels, flashed beams of light having the appearance
of a glittering sword. None of the family of Adam were permitted
to pass that barrier to partake of the life-giving fruit ; hence there
is not an immortal sinner.

The tide of woe that flowed from the transgression of our
first parents, is regarded by many as too awful a consequence
for so small a sin; and they impeach the wisdom and justice
of God in his dealings with man. But if they would look more
deeply into this question, they might discern their error. God
created man after his own likeness, free from sin. The earth was
to be peopled with beings only a little lower than the angels ; but
their obedience must be tested ; for God would not i)ermit the world
to be filled with those who Avould disregard his law. Yet, in his
great mercy, he appointed Adam no severe test. And the very light-
ness of the prohibition made the sin exceedingly great. If Adam

iGen. 2: 17.

THE TEMPTATION AND FALL.

fll

could not bear the smallest of tests, ho could not liave endured a
greater trial, had he heen intrusted witli higher responsibilities.

Had some great test been appointed Adam, then those whose
hearts incline to evil would have excused themselves by saying,
" This is a trivial matter, and Clod is not so particular about little
things." And there would be continual transgression in things
looked upon as small, and which pass unrebuked among men.
But the Lord has made it evident that sin in any degree is offen-
sive to him.

To Eve it seemed a small thing to disobey God by tasting the
fruit of the forbidden tree, and to tempt her husband also to trans-
gress ; but their sin opened the flood-gates of woe upon the world.
Who can know, in the moment of temptation, the terrible conse-
quences that will result from one wrong step?

Many who teach that the law of God is not binding upon man^
urge that it is impossible for him to obey its precepts. But if this
were true, why did Adam suffer the penalty of transgression ? The
sin of our first parents brought guilt and sorrow upon the world,
and had it not been for the goodness and mercy of God, would
have plunged the race into hopeless despair. Let none deceive
' themselves. " The wages of sin is death." The law of God can no
more be transgressed with impunity now than when sentence was
pronounced upon the father of mankind.

After their sin, Adam ana Eve were no longer to dwell in Eden.
They earnes.ly entreated that they might remain in the home of
their innocence and joy. They confessed that they had forfeited
all right to that happy abode, but pledged themselves for the
future to yield strict obedience to God. But they were told that
their nature had become depraved by sin ; they had lessened their
strength to resist evil, and had opened the way for Satan to gain
more ready access to them. In their innocence they had yielded
to temptation ; and now, in a ^tate of conscious guilt, tp.ey would
have less power to maintain their integrity.

In humility and unutterable sadness they bade farewell to tlieir
beautiful home, and went forth to dwell upon the earth, where
rested the curse of sin. The atmosphere, once so mild and uni-
form in temperature, was now subject to marked changes, and the
Lord mercifully provided them with a garment of skins as a i)ro-
tection from the extremes of lieat and cold.

PATRIARCITS AND PliOPIfETS.

As tlioy witnt'SHcd, in droopinf; flower jiiicl falling; leaf, the first
signs of decay, Adam and liin conijjanion mourned more deeply
than men now mourn over their dead. The deatli of tlie frail,
delicate flowers Avas indeed a cause of sorrow ; })Ut when the
goodly trees cast off their leaves, the Bceno brought vividly to
mind the stern fact that death is the portion of every living thing.

The garden of Eden remained, upon the earth long after man
had become an outcast from its i)leasant i)aths. The fallen race
were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their
entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-
guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither
can.'*» Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed
their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had
banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread
the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction
by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it
from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be
*' a new heaven and a ncAV earth," ' it is to be restored, more
gloriously adorned than at the lieginning.

Then they that have kept God's commandments shall breathe
in immortal vigor beneath the tree of life ; * and through unending
ages the inhabitants of sinless worlds shall behold, in that garden of
delight, a sample of the perfect work of God's creation, untouched
by the curse of sin, — a sample of what the whole earth would
have become, had man but fulfilled the Creator's glorious plan.

iRev. 21 : 1; 23 : 14.

CHAPTER IV.

THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION.

The fall of man iilled all heaven with sorrow. The world that
God had made was blighted with tlie curse of sin, and inhabited
by beings doomed to n'lisery and death. There ai)})eared no escape
for th(^se wlu) had transgressed the law. Angels ceased their
songs of i)raise. Througliout the lieavenly courts there was
mourning for the ruin tliat sin had wrought.

Tile Son of God, heaven's glorious Connnander, was touched
with i)ity for the fallen race. His heart was moved with infinite
compassion as the woes of the lost world rose up before him. But
divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be re-
deemed. The broken law of God demanded the life of the sin-
ner. In all the universe there was Ijut one who could, in l)ehalf
of man, satisfy its claims. Since the divine law is as sacred as
God himself, only one eipal witli God could make atonement for
its transgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from
the curse of the law, and bring him again into harmony with
Heaven. Christ would take upon himself the guilt and shame of
sin, — sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the
Father and Ins Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery
to rescue the ruined race.

Before the Father he pleaded in the sinner's behalf, while the
host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that
words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious com-
muning, — " the counsel of peace " ' for the fallen sons of men.
The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the
earth; for Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the
world ; " * yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe,
to yield U}) his Son to die for the guilty race. But " God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever be-
lieveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'" 0,

» Zech. 6 : 13. ^ Rev. 13 : 8. ^ John 3 : 16.

[63]

PA Tli lA It ClfS A .y/> Pll a PlfK Ts.

!'l

till' luystcrv »»f rcdc'iiiptiun ! the love of (iod for a world that did
not love him! Who can know tho depths of that love which
" passeth knowledge"? Throu;^h endless ages, immortal minds,
seekin<j; to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensihle
love, will wonder and adore.

(Iod was to he manifest in Christ, " rcooncilin;^ tho world vinto
himself."' Man had become, so dej^raded hy sin that it was
inipo.ssihle for him, in himself, to come into harmony with Ilim
whose nature is purity and goodness. But Christ, after having
redeemed man from tin; condenmation of the law, could ntipart
divine power, to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance
toward God and faith in Christ, the fallen children of Adam
might once more become "sons of (Jod."'^

The plan l)y which alone man's salvation could bo secured, in-
volved all heaven in its infinite sacrifice. The angels could not re-
joice as Christ opened before them the plan of redemption ; for
they saw tliat man's salvation nmst cost their loved Connnander
unutterable woe. In grief and wonder they listened to his words
as lie told them how he must descend from iieavcn's jmrity and
peace, its joy and glory and immortal life, and come in contact
with the degradation of earth, to endure its sorrow, shame, and
death. He Avas to stand between tho sinner and the i)enalty of
iAn ; yet few would receive him as the Son of God. He would
leave his high jiosition as the Majesty of heaven, appear upon
earth and humble himself as a man, and by his own experience
become acquainted with the sorrows and temptations which man
would have to endure. All this would be necessary in order
that he might be al)le to succor them that should be tempted.'
When his mission as a teacher should be ended, he nmst be
delivered into the hands of wicked men, and be subjected to every
insult and torture that Satan could inspire them to inflict. He
must die the cruelest of deaths, lifted up between the heavens
and the earth as a guilty sinner. He must pass long hours of
agony so terrible that angels could not look upon it, but would
vail their faces from tlie sight. He must endure anguish of soul,
the hiding of his Father's face, while the guilt of transgression —
the weight of the sins of the whole world — should be upon him.

The angels prostrated themselves at the feet of their Com-
mander, and ofi'ered to become a sacrifice for man. But an
1 2 Cor. 5:19. « 1 John 3 : 2. 3llcb. 2 : 18.

TIIK PLAN OF RKDKMl'TfOX.

('.:>

an^iiTs life could imt i»:iy tin- dclit; only Ik' who cri-atcd iiiaii
Imd power to redeem liiiu. Yet tin; nu^'els were to hiive ii part
to act ill the plan of redunii>tion. Ciirist was to he niiuU; '' a littlo
lower than the anjiels l\)r the sun'erin«r of death.'" As ho should
take human nature upon him, his strentrth would not he e(iual to
theirs, and they were to minister to him, to strenj;then and soothe
him under his sull'erin<is. They were also to he ministerin;^ sjiirits,
sent forth to minister lor them who should he heirs of sahation.'
Tlu'V would {juard the suhjects of j;raeo from the power of evil
an^iels, and from the darkness eonstantly thrown around them
hy Satan.

When the anjrels should wltne.ss the ajrony and humiliation of
their Lord, they would ])e filled with grief and indignation, and
would wish to deliver him from his murderers; hut they were not
to interpose in order to prevent anything which they should he-
hold. It was u i)art of the jdan of redemption that Christ should
suffer tlic seorn and ahuse of wicked men ; and he consented to all
this when ho hecame the redeemer of man.

Christ assured the angels that hy his death he would ransom
many, and would destroy him who had the ])ower of <l«'ath. lie
would recover the kingdom which man had lost hy transgression,
and the redeemed were to inherit it with him, and dwell th"rein
forever. Sin and sinners would he hlotted out, nevermore to disturh
the peacQ of heaven or earth. He hade the angelic host to he in
accord with the plan that his Father had accepted, and rejoice
that, through his death, fallen man coukl he reconciled to God.

Then joy, inexpressihle joy, filled heaven. The glory and
hlessedness of a world redeemed, outnieasured even the anguish
and sacrifice of the Prince of life. Througli the celestial courts
echoed the first strains of that song which was to ring out ahove
the hills of Bethlehem, — "Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men. " ■' With a deejier gladness
now^ than in the rapture of the new creation, " the morning stars
sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy."'

To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated
in the sentence pronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord
declared, " I will put enmity hetween thee and the woman, and
hetween thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and thou
shalt bruise his heel."* This sentence, uttered in the hearing of

J Ileb. 2 : 9 ; 1 : 14. « Luke 2:14. s Job 38 : T. * Gen. 3 : 1.5.

PATRiMtrirs AM) riio/'f/h'rs.

■;■

i -I

our first parents, was to tliciii ii |>roiiiisc. Wliilo it foretold war
Ix'twccii iiiiiii iiiid Satan, it (Icclarcd that tlu' power of tlic jjreat
tidvcrsary would linally be hroivcn. Adam and Mve stood aserind-
nals )t(!tore the riiihteous .Iud;re, awaiting' the seiiteiiei! which
trauHj^rifssion had incurred ; hut het'on* they heard (»(' the life of
toil and Horrow which must he their portion, or of the decree that
they must return to dust, they listened to words that could not
fail to jiive tiiem liop<'. Thou^^^h they nmst sulVer from the power
of their mi^dity foe, they could look forward to final vi<'tory.

When Satan heard that enmity should exist between himself
and the woman, and between his seed and her seed, he knew that
his work of depravin;^ human nature would be interrupted ; that
by 801UL' means man would bo enabled to resist his power. Yet
as the i»lan of salvation was mon^ fully unfolded, Satan rejoiced
with his anjrels, that, haviny; causi'd man's fall, he could brin«;
down the Son of (iod IVom his exalted position. He declared that
his plans had thus far been successful upon the earth, and that
when Christ should take \\\Hn\ himself human nature, ho also
might be overcome, and thus the redom[)tion of tho fallen race
might be i»rovented.

Heavenly angels more fully opened to our first parents the
plan that had been devised for their salvation. Adam and his
companion were assured that notwithstanding their groat sin, they
wore not to bo abandoned to the control of Satan. The Son of
God had otl'erod to atone, with his own life, for their transgression.
A period of ])rol)ation would bo granted them, and through repent-
ance, and faith in Christ, they might again become tho children
of God.

The sacrifice demanded by their transgression, revealed to
Adam and Eve the sacred character o( the law of God; and they
saw, as tlicy had never seen before, the guilt of sin, and its dire
results. In their remorse and anguish they })lea(led that the
penalty might not fall upon Him whose love had boon the source
of all their joy ; rather let it descend upon them and their posterity.

They were told that since the law of Jehovah is the foundation
of his government in heaven as well as \\\nm tho earth, oven the
life of an angel could not be accepted as a sacrifice for its trans-
gression. Not one of its precepts could be abrogated or changed
to meet man in his fallen condition; but the Son of God, who
had created man, could make an atonement for him. As Adam's

TIIK PLAN OF It ADEMPTION.

triins;.'r('.ssi<»M liinl lM(m;zlit wrctclu'dncss iiiul di-iitli, so the sao-
riru'o (»!' Christ would Wriiii: lilf iind inmiortality.

Not only man but the I'arth had hy sin conic under the power
of the wicked one, and was to he restored hy tlie plan of rcdenip-
ti»»n. At liis creation, Adam was p!aee(l in dominion over thc^
earth. But hy yielding' to temptation, he was hroUjiht under the
power of Satan. "Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is Ik;
itrou^ht in honda^e.'" When man heeame Satan's captive, the
dominion which he held, passed to his ron(|Ueror. Thus Satan
became "the jiod of this world."- lie; had usurped that dominion
over the earth which had been ori^iinally ^iv«'n to Adam. Hut
Christ, by his sacrifice payin^i the penalty of sin, would not only
redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All
that was lost by the first Adam will be; restored by the second.
Says the |»rophet, '* () Tower of the Hock, the stron;,' hold of the
dau^ditcrof Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion."''
And tlie apostle Paul points forward to the " redemption of the
j)urchased po.ssession." * (iod created tlu^ earth to be the abode of
lioly, happy bein^^><. The Lord ''formed the earth and made; it;
he hath establisluMl it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to
be inhabited."* That purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed
by the power of (Jod, and freed from sin and sorrow, it .shall be-
come the eternal abode of the redeemed. "The ri<j;hteous shall
inherit the land, and dwell therein forever." "And there shall be
no more curse; but the throne of (Jod and of the Land) shall be
in it; and his servants shall serve him.""

Adam, in his innocence, had enjoyed open communion with
his Maker; but sin brought separation between Ciod and man,
and the atonement of Christ alone could span the aby.ss, and make
possible the communication of blessing or salvation from heaven
to earth. Man was still cut off from direct api)roach to his Creator,
but God would comnmnicate with him through Christ and angels.

Thus were revealed to Adam imi)ortant events in the history of
mankind, from the time when the divine sentence was pronounced
in Eden, to the flood, and onward to the first advent of the Son of
God. He was shown that while the sacrifice of Christ would be of
sufficient value to save the whole world, many would choose
a life of sin rather than of repentance and obedience. Crime would

> 2 Peter 2:19. » 2 Cor. 4:4. » Micah 4:8. « Eph. 1 : 14.

»l8a. 45 : 18. • Ps. 37 : 29 ; Rev. 22 : 3. 5

PATRlAIiCHH ANIJ PIIOPHETS.

'j<

increase throujrh siiccessivc generations, and the curse of sin would
rest more and more lieavily upon the human race, ujion the
})easts, and upon the earth. The days of man wouhl he shortened
hy his own course of sin ; he would deteriorate in j)hysical stature
and endurance, and in moral and intellectual ])ower, until the
world would l»e lilled with misery of every ty[)e. Through the
indulgence of ap])etite and passion, men would l)ecome incapa1)le
of appreciating the great truths of the i)lan of redemi)tion. Yet
Christ, true to the jmrpose for which lie left heaven, would continue
his interest in men, and still invite them to hide their Aveakness
and deficiencies in him. He would supi)ly the needs of all who
would come unto him in faith. And there would ever he a few
who Avould ])reserve the knowledge of God, and Avould remain
unsullied amid the jjrevailing iniquity.

The sacrificial offerings were ordained hv God to he to man a
perpetual reminder and a penitential acknowledgment of his tin,
and a confession of his faith in the promised Redeemer. They were
intended to imi)ress upon the fallen race the solenm truth that it
was sin that caused death. To Adam the offering of the first sac-
rifice was a most painful ceremony. His hand must he raised to
take life, which only God could give. It was the first time he had
ever witness d death, and he knew that had he heen ohedient to
God, there would have heen no death of man or heast. As he slew
the innocent victim, he tremhleU at the thought that his sin must
ghed the hlood of the spotless Lamh of God. This scene gave him
a deeper and more vivid sense of the greatness of his transgression,
which nothing hut the death of (Jod's dear 8on could expiate.
And he marveled at the infinite goodness that would give sui'h
a ransom to save the guilty. A star of hope illumined the dark
and terril)le future, and relieved it of its utter desolation.

But the plan of redemption had a yet hroader and deeper
pur})(>se than the salvation of man. It Avas not for this alone
that Christ came to the earth ; it Avas not mereh' that the inhah-
itants of this little Avorld might regard the laAV of God as it should
be regarded; hut it Avas to \ indicate the character of God Ijefore
the universe. To this result of his great sacrifice — its influence
upon the intelligences of other Avorlds, as Avell as upon man — the
Saviour looked forAvard Avhen just before his crucifixion he said :
" Notv is the judgment of this Avorld ; noAV shall the prince of this
world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth. Avill

THE PLAX OF REDEMPTION.

•draw all unto me." ' The aet ol" Christ in dying for the salvation
of man would not o\\\y make heaven accessible to men, but l)efore
all the universe it would justify Cu)d and his Son in their dealing
witli the rel)ellion of Satan. It Avould establish the perpetuity of
tlie law of God, and would reveal the nature and the results of sin.

From tlio first, tlie great controversy had been upon the law of
CJod. Satan had sought to jirove that God was unjust, that his
law was faulty, and that the good of the universe required it to
he changed. In attacking the law, he aimed to overthrow the
authority of its Author. In the controversy it was to be shown
v^'lictlun- the divine statutes were defective and subject to change,
or perfcjct and immutable.

When Satan was thrust out of heaven, he determined to make
the earth his kingdom, ^^']len. he tempted and overcame Adam
and Eve, he thouglit that he liad gained possession of this world ;
"liecause," said he, "they have chosen me as their ruler." He
claimed that it was impossil)le that forgiveness should be granted
to the sinner, and therefore the fallen race were his rightlul suli-
jects, and the world was his. But God gave his own dear Son —
one equal with himself — to bear the })enalty of transgression,
and thus he provided a way l>y which they might be restored to
his favor, and lirought back to their Eden home. Christ undertook
to redeem man, and to rescue the world from the grasp of Satan.
The great controversy begun in heaven Avas to be decided in the
very world, on the very same field, tlat Satan claimed as his.

It was the marvel of all the universe that Christ should hum-
ble himself to save fallen man. That he who had ])assed from
star to star, from world to world, superintending all, by his provi-
dence sup})lying the needs of every order of 1)eing in his vast
creation, — that he shi)uld consent to leave his glory and take
v.\)0\\ himself human nature, Avas a mystery which the sinless
intelligences of other worlds desired to understand. When Christ
came to our Avt)rld in tlie form of humanity, all were intensely in-
terested in folloAving him as he traversed, step by step, the blood-
stained path from the manger to Calvary. Heaven marked the in-
sult and mockery that ho received, and knew that it Avas at Satan's
instigation. They marked the Avork of counter-agencies going for-
Avard; Satan constantly jircssing darkness, sorroAV, and suffering
upon the race, and Christ counteracting it. They Avatched the
battle betAveen light and darkness as it Avaxed stronger. And as

i^'

PATRIA1WH8 AND PROPHETS.

Christ in his expiring agony upon the cross cried out, " It is
finished ! " a shout of trium]>li rung througli every world, and
through lieavcn itself. The great contest that had heen so long in
progress in this world was now decided, and Christ was conqueror.
His death had answered the question Avliether the Father and the
Son had sufficient love for man to exercise self-denial and a si)irit
of sacrifice. Satan had revealed his true character as a liar and a
murderer. It was seen that the very same spirit with which he
had ru.ed the children of men who Avere under his power, he
would have manifested if permitted to control the intelligences of
heaven. With one voice the loyal universe united in extc^lling ilie
divine administnition.

If the law could be ch.nged, man might have been saved
without the sacrifice of Christ; but tlie fact that it was necessary
for Christ to give his life for the fallen race, proves that the law of
God will not release the sinner from its claims upon him. It is
demonstrated that the wages of sin is death. When Christ died,
the destruction of Satan was made certain. But if the law was
abolished at the cross, as many claim, then the agony and death
of God's dear Son were endured only to give to Satan just what he
asked; then the prince of evil triumphed, his charges against the
divine government were sustained. The very fact that Christ bore
the penalty of man's transgression, is a mighty argument to all
created intelligences, that the law is changeless ; that God is right-
eous, merciful, and self-denying; and that infinite justice and
mercy unite in the administration of his government.

CHAPTER V.

CAIX AND ABEL TESTED.

Caix and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character.
Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy in
the Creator's dealings with the fallen race, and gratefully accepted
the hope of redemption. But Cain cherished feelings of rebellion,
and murmured against God because of the curse pronounced upon
the earth and upon the human race for Adam's sin. He permitted
his mind to run in the same channel that led to Satan's fall, — in-
dulging the desire for self-exaltation, and questioning the divine
justice and authority.

These brothers were tested, as Adam had been tested before
them, to prove whether they would believe and obey the word of
God. They were acquainted with the provision made for the sal-
vation of man, and understood the system of oflerings which God
had ordained. They knew that in these offerings they were to ex-
press faith in the Saviour whom the offerings typified, and at the
same time to acknowledge their total dependence on him for pardon ;
and they knew that l\v thus conforming to the divine plan for
their redemption, they Avere giving proof of their obedience to the
will of God. Without the shedding of blood, there could be no re-
mission of sin ; and they were to show their faith in the blood of
Christ as the promised atonement, by offering the firstlings of the
flock in sacrifice. Besides this, the first-fruits of the earth were to
be jiresented before the Lord as a thank-offering.

The two brothers erected their altars alike, and each brouglit an
offering. Abel presented a sacrifice from the flock, in accordance
with the Lord's directions. '' And the Lord had respect unto Abel
and to his offering." ' Fire flashed from heaven, and consumed
the sacrifice. But Cain, disregarding the Lord's direct and explicit
command, presented only an ottering of fruit. There was no token
from heaven to show that it was accepted. Abel i)leaded with his

1 Gen. 4 : 4.

[TIJ

PATRIAIWIIS AND PROPHETS.

mr--

brotlicr to approach God in the divinely proscribed way ; but his
entreaties only made Cain the more determined to follow his own
will. As the eldest, he ielt above being admonished by his brother,
and despised his counsel.

Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his
heart in regard to the promised sacrifice and the necessity of the
sacrificial ofierings. His gift expressed no penitence for sin. He
felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgment of
weakness to ibllow the exact plan marked out by God. of trusting
his salvation wholly to the atonement of the promised Saviour.
He chose the course of self-dependence. He would come in his
own merits. He would not bring the lamb^ and mingle its blood
with his ottering, but would pres st his fruits, the products of his
labor. He presented his offering as a favor done to God, through
which he expected to secure the divine ap[)roval. Cain obeyed in
building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; l)ut he rendered
only a i)artial obedience. The essential part, the recognition of
the need of a Redeemer, was left out.

So far as birth and religious instruction were concerned, these
brothers were equal. Both Avere sinners, and both acknowledged
the claims of God to reverence and worship. To outward appear-
ance their religion was the same up to a certain point; but beyond
this the difference between the two was great.

" By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than
Cain." ' A])el grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw
himself a sinner, and he saw sin, and its penalty deatli, standing
hetAveen his soul and connnunion with God. He brought the slain
victim, the sr.crificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law
that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked
to the future sac. ifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and
trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the
witness that he was righteous, and his off'ering accepted.

Cain had the same opportuiiity of learning and accepting these
truths as had Abf^l. He was not the victim of an arbitrary purpose.
One brother was not elected to be accepted of God, and the other
to be rejected. Abel chose faith and oljedience; Cain, unbelief
and rebellion. Hero the whole matter rested.

Cain and Abel represent two classes that Avill exist in the world
till the close of time. One class a\'ail themselves of the appointed

Uleb. 11 : 4.

CAIX AXT) AliEL TESTED.

giiorifico tor sin; the other vonturo to depend \ipon their own
merits; theirs is a siicrilice Avitiiout tlie virtue of divine media-
tion, and thus it is not uhle to W\\\\x man into favor with (lod.
It is only tln-ou<ih the merits of Jesus that our trans<rressions can
be pardoned. Those v.'ho feel no need of the lilood of Christ, who
feel that without divine (^raee they can hy their own works secure
the approval of (lod, are making the same mistake as did Cain. If
they do not acc«>i)t the clcansini; bUxul, they are under condem-
nation. Tlu!re is no other jirovision made where! ly they can he
relea.sed from the tiiralldom of sin.

The class of worshipers who f(jllow the example of Cain in-
cludes l)y far the greater portior )f the world ; for nearly every
false religion has hcen based on the same princii)le, — that man
can de[)end upon his own eflfoi'ts for salvation. It is claimed by
some that the human race is in need, not of redemption, but of
developm(!nt, — that it can refine, elevate, and regenerate itself. As
Cain thought to secure the divine favor by an offering that lacked
the blood of a sacrifice, so do these expect to exalt humanity
to the divine standard, independent of the atonement. The his-
tory of Cain shows what must be the result. It shows what
man will become apart from Christ. Humanity has no power to
regenerate itself. It does not tend uj.ward, toward the divine,
but downward, toward the satanic. Christ is our only liope.
"There is -none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved." "Neither is there salvation in
any other." '

True fiuth, which relies wholly upon Christ, will be mani-
fest(Kl by obedience to all the requirements of Clod. From Adam'.s
day to the present time the great controversy has been concerning
o1»edience to God's law. In all ages there have been those who
claimed a right to the favor of God even while they were dis-
regarding some of his commands. But the Scriptures declare that
l»y works is "faith made perfect;" and that, without the works
of obedience, faith "is dead."'^ He that professes to know God,
" and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is
not in him."'

When Cain saw that his offering was rejected, he was angry
with the Lord and with Abel ; he was angry that God did n(jt ac-
cept man's substitut(.' in place of the sacrifice divinely ordained,
'Acts 4 : I'i. 2 James 2 : 23, 17. » 1 .y„],„ o : 4.

I
i 1

PAritlARCIIS AND PliOPIIKTS.

jind iiiiffry with liis brother for clioosinji: to obey God instead of
joining in rebellion ujiiiinst liini. Notwithstanding Cain's disre-
gard of the divine eomniand, (i(^d did not leave him to liimself ;
but he condescended to reason with the man who had shown him-
self so unreasonal)le. And the liord said unto Cain, "Why art
thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?"' Through an
angel messenger the divine warning was conveyed : " If thou doest
well, shalt thou not be accej)ted? And if thou doest not well, sin
lieth at the door.'" The choice lay with Cain himself. If he
would trust to the merits of the jiromised Saviour, and would obe\'
God's requirements, he wouhl enjoy his favor. Jiut should he
persist in unbelief and transgression, he would have no ground
for comi)laint because he was rejected by the Lord.

But instead of acknowledging his sin, Cain continued to com-
plain of the injustice of God, and to cherish jealousy and hatred of
Abel. lie angrily reproached his Ijrother, and attempted to draw
him into controversy concerning God's dealings with them. In
meekness, yet fearlessly and iirndy, Abel defended the justice and
goodness of God. He pointed out Cain's error, and tried to con-
vince liim that the wrong was in himself. He pointed to the com-
jiassion of God in sparing the life of their parents when he might
have punished them with instant death, and urged that God loved
them, or he would not have given his Son, innocent and holy, to
suffer the penalty Avhich they had incurred. All this caused
Cain's anger to l)urn the hotter. Reason and conscience told him
that Abel was in the right ; but he was enraged that one who had
been wont to heed his counsel should now presume to disagree
with him, and that he could gain no sympathy in his rebellion.
In the fury of his passion, he slew his brother.

Cain hated and killed his brother, not for any wrong that Abel
had done, bnt " because his own Avorks were evil, and liis brother's
righteous."'- So in all ages the Avicked have hated those who were
better than themselves. Abel's life of obedience and unswerving
faith Avas to Cain a perpetual reproof. " Every one that doeth evil
hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should
be reproved." ^ The brighter the heavenly light that is reflected
from the character of God's faithful servants, the more clearly the
sins of the ungodly are revealerl, and the more determined Avill be
their efforts to destroy those who disturlj their peace.

1 Gen. 4 : 0, T. » 1 John 3 : 12. » John '.i : 20.

•X

instead of
ill's disre-
) himself;
lown him-
" Why art
hroiigh an
tlioii doest
t well, sin
^If. If he
'ould obey
should he
no ground

ed to com-
d hatred of
cd to draw
them. In
justice and
ed to con-
]0 the com-
fi he might

God loved
nd holy, to

lis caused
told him
who had

.0 disagree
rebellion.

that Abel
l)rother's
who were
mswerving
doeth evil
ds should
s reflected
clearly the
led will be

20.

CAIN AND ABEL TESTED.

The munlt r of Alit'l \v;is tin; iirst ■■■cainplc of tlio enmity tliiit
(i()(l had ilcclarcd would exist lictweeu tho serpent and the seed t)f
the woman, — hetween Satan and hi.s suhjeets and Christ and his
followers. Throujrli man's sin, Satan had puned control of the
human race, Imt Ciirist would enable them to east o(f his yoke.
Whenever, throutrh faith in the Lamh of (iud, a soul rcnounec^s the
service of sin, Satan's wrath is kindled. TIk^ holy life of Ahel
t('stili(Ml aj,'ainst Satan's claim that it is im[)Ossil)le for man to
keep God's law. When Cain, moved Ity the spirit of the wicked
one, saw that he eould not eontrol Ahel, he was so enraged that he
destroyed his life. And wherever there are any who will stand in
\ indication of the righteousness of the law of Clod, v ) f-nnie si>irit
will l)e manifested against them. It is the si)irit th;u/ t ough all
the ages has set U|» the stake and kindk'd the huri Mg pile for the
disciples of Christ. Jiut the cruelties heai)e(l upon the follower of
Jesus are instigated by Satan and his hosts lie<'au,- they cannot
force him to submit to their control. It is t'e rage of a vaa-
(luished foe. Every martyr of Jesus has died a onqueror. Says
the i)rophet, " They overcame him [" that old serpent, called the
devil, and Satan"] by the blood of tho Lamli, and by the word of
their testimony ; and they loved not their lives unto the death." '

Cain the murderer was soon called t(j answer for his crime.
"The Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he
said, I know not; am I my brother's keeper?"'^ Cain had gone
so far in sin that he had lost a sense of the continual presence of
God and of his greatness and omniseienee. So he resorted to
falsehood to conceal his guilt.

Again the Lorl said to Cain, "What hast thou d.one? The
voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground."'
God had given Cain an opportunity to confess his sin. He had
had time to reflect. He knew the enormity of the deed he had
done, and of the falsehood he had uttered to conceal it; but he
was rebellious still, and sentence was no longer deferred. The
divine voice that had been heard in entreaty and admonition
l)ronounced tho terrible words : " And now art thou cursetl from
the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's
blood from thy hand. When thou tillest the ground, it shall not
henceforth yield unto thee her strength. A fugitive and a vag
abend shalt thou be in the earth."

1 Rev. 12 : 11, fl. 2 Gen. 4 : 0-1'^,

n\-

PATH I ARC IIS AM) I'lKH'UHTS.

Notwithstuii(lin<^ tluit Cuin luul l»y nis criiiics incritcd tlic scii-
tonce of death, ii lucrcirul ('rcator still .spared liis lite, and }z;raiitt'd
him opportunity lur n^pontanco. ]kit Cain livc'(l oidy to harden
liis heart, to cncourajio rehollion ajrainst the divinc! authority, and
to hc'conio tho liead of a lino of hohl, al)andoncd sinners. This
one apo.state, led on l)y Satan, Ix'canie a tempter to others, and
hi.s example and influence exerted their demoralizinj^' power, until
tho earth Iteeamo so corrupt and filled witii violence as to call for
its destruction.

In Hparin<i; the life of tho first murderer, God })rescnted before
the whole universe a lesson bearing U])on the great controversy.
The dark history of Cain and his descendants was an illustration of
what would haveheen the result of jjermitting the sinner to live
on forever, to carry out his rebellion against God. Tlu; forbearance
of God only rendered the wicked more IkjUI and defiant in their
ini(|uity. Fifteen centuries after the sentence pronounced upon
Cain, the universe witnessed the fruition of his influence and exam-
ple, in the crime and })ollution that flooded the earth. It was
made manifest that tho sentence of death ]»ronounced ujjon the
fallen race for the tran.sgression of God's law was both just and
merciful. The longer men lived in sin, the more abandoned they
became. The divine sentence, cutting short a career of unl)ridled
iniciuity, and freeing the world from the influence of those who
had become hardened in rebellion, was a blessing rather than a
curse.

Satan is constantly at work, with intense energy and under a
thousand disguises, to misrepresent the character and government
of God. With extensive, well-organized i)lans and marvelous
l)ower, he is working to hold the inhabitants of the W(jrld under
his decej)tions. (Jod, the One infinite and all-wise, sees the end
from tho beginning, and in dealing with evil his plans were far-
reaching and comi)rehensive. It was his purjjose, not merely to
2)ut down the rebellion, but to demonstrate to all the universe the
nature of rebellion. God's plan was unfolding, showing both his
justice and his mercy, and fully vindicating his wisdom and right-
eousness in his dcidings with evil.

The holy inhal)itants of other worlds were watching with the
deei)est interest the events taking ])laco on the earth. In the
condition of the world that existed before the flood they saw
illustrated the results of the administration which Lucifer had

Ji-^ : 1

CVl/.V AM) Alii:L THSTEIK

fiKU'MVoriMl to fstiil)lisli ill lifiivfii, ia ivjei'tiii;:; tin; uutliDrity i)t"
I'hri.'^t, and casting' asidt? tlu! law of (ind. In tlios(^ hijih-liaiidcd
sinncrrt of tho antediluvian world, tlicv siiw tho Huhiccts oviT whom
8atan held sway. TIi(> tliou;j;litH of men's lieartH wen^ only evil
continually.' Kvery emotion, every impulse! and ima^dnation,
was at war with tho divine ]>rineiples of jturity and \\v,\vv. and
love. It was an examjilo of the awful depravity resulting from
Satan's policy to remove from God's creatures i\\v restraint of his
holy law.

Hy the facts unfolded in tho profiress of tin; j^rcat controversy,
(iod will demonstrate! the principles of his rules of ^fovernment,
which have heen falsified hy Satan and hy all whom ho has
deceived. His justice will finally ht; acknowled;j:ed hy the whole
world, tliou<.di tho acknowled<:ment will ho made too late to savo
tln! rehellious. (iod carries with him the sympathy and approval
of tho whole universe as stop t»y step his j^roat plan advances to
its complete fuHillment. He will carry it with him in tho final
eradication of rehollion. It will ho seen that all who luive for-
saken the divine precepts have placed themselves on tho side of
Satan, in warfare against Christ, ^\'hen the prince t)f this world
shall ho judged, and all wdio have unite(l with him shall share his
fate, tho whole universe as witnesses to the sentence will declare,
"Just and true arc thy ways, thou King of saints."''

*Gen. G : 5. 2 Rev. 13 : 3.

»■}

'■'i

ciiArri'R VI

SI/III AND I:N()(11.

To Adam was ^ivfii another son, ti> l>r tiic inlitiitoi- i>\' tlic
(livinc |ii(>inis('. the litir of tlir spiritual liirtliri;^lit. Tlic iiaiiic
►Si'th. ^ivcn to this son, si^rnirKMl '• appoiiitcil." or '' coiiiin-iisation; "
" ior," Haid the mother, ''(lod hath a|>|ioiiit('d mr another >ivrt\

tead of Ahel, whom Cain sh'W." ' Seth was of more nohh'

«taturi' than Cain or Ahel, and resemhled Adam more ( lo

•Iv tl

lan

did I

ns o

ther

sons.

e was a w

ortli

IV character, tollowinu m tlu

^teps of i\lu'l. ^'et he iulierited no nioi-e natural ^oochu'ss than
did Cain. Concerninji tiie creation of A<lam it is said, ''In the
lii<eness of ( !od made He him ; '' hut man, after the fall, " lienat a

son 111 Ills (iirii liKeliess, a

fter /i

'//.s imaii'e,

^^'hile Adam was created

sinless, in tin' liki'iuss of (iod, Seth, like Cain, inherited the fallen
nature of his itareiits. Hut lie received also the knowled;.ie of the
lledeenier, and instruction in ri^hteousnes.s. By divine jiface he
served and honored (iod; and he lahored, as Ahel would have
done, had he lived, to turn tlu' minds of sinful men to revere and
Itey their Creator.

" To Set!', to him also there was lK)rn a son ; and he called his
ime J'hios: then heuan nu'ii to call upon the name of Jehovah."'

The faitliful had worshiped Ciod hefore; hut as men increased, the
distinction hetween the two classes heeame more marked. There
was an open jn'ofession ot' loyalty to (Iod on the ])art of one, as
theri' was of contem])t and disohedience on the i)art of the other.
Jiefore the fall, our tirst jjarents had kept the Sahhath, which
was instituted in p]den ; and alter their ex pidsion from Paradise
thev continued its ol)servance. Thev had tasted the hitter fruits
of disohedience, and had learned what eV(My one that traini)les

sooner or later learn, — that the
immutahle, and that the i)cnalty of

upon God's commandments M'ill

divine i)recepts are sacred and

truusuression will .surelv be inflicted. The Sahljath was honored bv

Gen. 4

Gi'ii.

1, 3.

[80]

sKTii Axn Kxorir.

iill tlif » liililriii of Aihiiii tliat niiiaiiMMl l(iy;il tu (loil. JJutCiiiii
:iii(l Ills (IcsccudiiiitM dill imt rr,s|H'(t tlic (l;iy U|m>ii which (Jotl h;ul
n-stcil. Thcv <'hn,«u> thfir uwii timu I'nr lahur iiml I'lir n-st, rcLMid-
\vm ol'Jclioviih'H I'Xprcss coiimiaiKl.

Ui»oii n-cciviii^f thi) curso of (iod, Cain liad withdrawn from his
father's liouschoM. \\v had first clioscii liis occupation as a tilli-rof
tlic soil, and he now founded a city, calling' it after tli(> name of his
eldest son. lli' had };one out frum the presenci' of tho Lord, cast
iiway the pnnnise of tho restored Eden, to seek Ins possessions ami
enjoyment in the earth under the curse of sin, thus standiu'i at
the head of that ^'reat class (»f men who worship the j^'d of thi.s
world. In that which pi'rtains to mere earthly and niilterial prog-
ress, his descendants hecame distin'_n:ished. iWit they were ro-
pirdless of (Iod, and in op[position to jiis )tui'p(><es for man. To
the crime of nuinler, in which Cain had led the wa.v, Lamech, the
lil'th in descent, added jiolytramy, and, hoasMully defiant, ho ue-
Unowled^'ed (tod, oidy to draw fmin the aven:_dn>z of Cain an as-
surance of his own safety. Abel had led a ]»astor;d life, dwelling
in tents or booths, and tho descendants of Seth Ibljowed the same
<'()nrse, counting thi'mselves "strangers and ])ilgrims on the earth,"
Kei'king *' a better country, tliat is, an lu-avenly." '

For some time tho two elasses romuined separate. Tho race of
Cain, spreading from tho place of their fiist settlement, dispersed
over tho plnins and valleys where tho children of Seth had dwelt;
and tho latter, in order to escai)e from their contaminating inllu-
ence, withdrew t;) tli(! mountains, and there made their home. So
long as this separation continued, thi'V maintained th« worship of
Clod in its purity. ]>ut in the lapse of time they ventured, httlo
by little, to mingle with tho inhabitants of the valleys. This associ-
ation was productive of tho worst results. ''The sons of God saw
the daughters of men that they were fair."-' Tho children of Seth,
attracted I tho beauty of tho daughters of Cain's descendants, dis-
pleased tho i<ord bv intermarrving with thorn. JNIanv of tho wor-
shi])ers of God were beguiled into sin by tho allurenuMits tliat were
now constantly before them, and they lost their jjeculiar, holy
character, IMingling with tho depraved, they became like them in
spirit and in deeds ; tho restrictions of the seventh commandment
were disregarded, " and they took them wives of all which they
chose." The children of Seth went " in tho way of Cain;"' vhey

' llfh. ll:i;{, 10. "(Icii. ('.:'J. 3,ii,jt. 11.

■

■■'a

fc I

1''

PA TJi r Aliens AX J) riiOl'IfETS.

fixed tlit'ir minds upi)ii worldly i>n).siit'nty and cnjoyinunt, and
n(.'*.dc'(t(.'d the ('(inniiandnients ot" the Lord. Men "did not like to
retain God in their knowledge ; "' they "heeame vain in their
iniauinations, and their Ibolish heart was darkened." Therefore

God

gave tneni over to a mind void of judgment."" Sin spread
abroad in the earth like a deadly leprosy.

For nearly a thousand years, Adam lived among men, a witixess
to the results of sin. Faithfully he souglit to steni the tide of evil.
He had been connnanded to instruct his }>osterity in tlie way of
the Lord; and he earefully treasured what tiod had revealed to
him, and repeated it to succeeding generations. To his children
and children's children, to the ninth generation, ho described
man's holy and happy estate in Paradise, and repeated the histoiy
of his fall, telling them of the sull'erings by which (iod had taught
him the necessity of strict adherence to his law, and explaining
to them the merciful i)rovisions for their salvation. Yet there
were but few who gave heed to his words. Glten he Avas met
with bitter reproaches for the sin that had Iirought such woe
upon his posterity.

Adam's life was one of sorrow, humility, and contrition. When
he left Eden, the thought that he must die thrilled him with
horror. He was first made ac([uainted Avith the reality of death
in the human family, when Gain, his first-born son, became the
murderer of his brother. Filled with the keenest remorse for
his own sin, and doubly bereaved in the death of Abel and the
rejection of Gain, Adam was l)owed down with anguish. He
witnessed the wide-spreading corruption that was finally to cause
the destruction of the world by a flood ; and though the sentence
of death pronounced upon him by his Maker had at first aj>})eared
terril)le, yet alter beholding for nearly a thousand years the results
of sin, he felt that it was merciful in God to bring to an end a life
of suffering and sorrow.

Notwithstanding the wickedness of the antediluvian Avorld,that
age was not, as has often been sui)posed, an era of ignorance and
barbarism. The people were granted the op])ortunity of reaching
a high standard of moral and inteh.'ctual attainment. They pos-
sessed great physical and mental strength, and their ;sdvantages
for acquiring both religious and scientific knowledge were unri-
valed. It is a mistake to sup})ose that because tliey lived to a

'Rom. 1 ; 51, 2H (margiu).

(

fiETIT AND ENOCH.

8)3

nent, and
lot like to
1 in their
Tlieretbre
■^in spread

I, a witi-.ess
ide of evil,
the way ot"
evealed to
is children

des( ril)ed
the history
had tau;zht
explaining

Vet there
e was met
, such woe

ion. When
him with
ty of death
lecame the
emorse for
»el and the
L,aiish. He
ly to eause
le sentenee
t ajtpeared
the results
1 end a life

w'orld, that
lorance and
)f reaehing
They pos-
I'dvantages
Iwere anri-
lived to a

great ago their min<ls matured late; their mental powers were
early develo[ied, and those who cherished the fear of God and
lived in harmony with his will, continued to increase in knowledge
and wisdom throughout their life. Could illustrious scholars of
our time he idaced in contrast with men of the same age who lived
hefore the Hood, they would appear as greatly inferior in mental
as in i»hysical strength. As the years of man have decreased, and
his physical strength has diminished, so his mental capacities have
lessened. There are men who now api)ly themselves to study dur-
ing a i>erio(l of from twenty to fifty years, and the world is liUed
with admiration of their attainments. But how limited are these
acquirements in comparison with those of men whose mental and
physical ]iowers were (leveloi)ing for centuries!

It is true that the people of modern times have the henefit
of the attainments of their predecessors. The men of masterly
minds, who ])lanned and studied and wrote, have left their work for
those who ioIloAV. But even in this resi)ect, and so far as merely
human knowledge is concerned, how much greater the advantages
of the men of that olden time! They had among them for hun-
dreds of years him who was formed in God's image, whom the
Creator himself ])ronounced "good,"' — the man wdiom God had
instructed in all the wisdom ])ertaining to the material Avorld.
Adam had learned from the Creator the history of creation; he
himself witnessed the events of nine centuries; and he imparted
his knowledge to his descendants. The antediluvians were without
hooks, they had no written records; hut with their great jdiysical
and mental vigor, they had strong memories, ahle to grasp and to
retain that which was conununicated to them, and in turn to
transmit it unimi>aired to their posterity. And for hundreds of
years there were seven generations living upon the earth contempo-
raneously, iuiving the opportunity of consulting together, and i^rof-
iting each hy the knowledge and experience of all.

The advantages enjoyed hy men of that age to gain a knowl-
edge of Ciod through his works have never heen eiiualcd since.
And so far from heing an era of religious darkness, that was an age
of great light. All the world had oi)2)ortunity to receive instruction
from Adam, and those who feared the Lord had also Christ and
angels for their teachers. And they had a silent witness to the
truth, in the garden of (iod, which for so many centuries remained
among men. At the cheruhim-guarded gate of Paradise the glory

ml" ^

fl:

i I.}
]■■-

PArniARCIIS AND PROPHETS.

of (lod was revealed, and hither oanio the first worsliipers. Hero
their altars were reared, and their oflerings presented. It was here
that Cain and Ahel had hrouglit their sacrifices, and that God had
condescended to comnmnicate witli them.

Skei)ticisTn could not deny the existence of Eden while it stood
just in si.uht, its entrance barred by watching angels. The order of
creation, the object of the garden, the history of its two trees so
closely connected with man's destiny, were undis})Uted facts. And
the existence and sui)reme autliority of God, the obligation of his
law, were truths which men were slow to question while Adam
was among them.

Notwithstanding the prevailing iniquity, there was a line of
holy men who, elevated and ennobled by communion with God,
lived as in the companionship of heaven. They were men of mass-
ive intellect, of wonderful attainments. They had a great and
holy mission, — to develop a character of righteousness, to teach a
lesson of godliness, not only to the men of their time, but for fut-
ure generations. Only a few of the most prominent are mentioned
in 'he Scriptures; but all through the ages, God had faithful wit-
nesses, true-hearted Avorshipers.

Of Enoch it is written that he lived sixty-five years, and begat
a son. After that he walked with God three hundred years.
During these earlier years, Enoch had loved and feared God, and
had kept his commandments. He was one of the holy line, the
preservers of the true faith, the })rogenitors of the promised seed.
From the lips of Adam he had learned the dark story of the fall,
and the cheering one of God's grace as seen in the promise; and
he relied upon the Redeemer to come. But after the birth of his
first son, Enoch reached a higher experience; he was drawn into
a closer relationship with God. lie realized more fully his own
ol;)ligations and responsibility as a son of God. And as he saw the
child's love for its father, its simple trust in his protection; as
he felt the deep, yearning tenderness of his own heart for that
first-l)orn son, he learned a i}recious lesson of the wonderful love
of CJod to men in the gift of his Son, and the confidence which
the children of God may repose in tiieir heavenly Father. The
infinite, unfathomable love of God through Christ, became the
subject of his meditations day and niglit ; and with all the fervor
of Ilia soul he souglit to reveal that love to the people among
whom he dwelt.

sKTH AND hjxorn.

rs. Here
, was bere
, God had

le it stood
le order of
o trees so
Lcts. And
tion of his
lile Adam

3 a Une of
. with (jod,
311 of raass-
, great and
;, to teach a
but for fut-
; mentioned
faithful wit-

s, and begat
dred years,
d God, and
y Une, the
)mis8d seed,
of the fall,
omise; and
birth of his
;lrawn into
jy his own
lie saw the
)tectiou ; as
urt for that
,derful love
jlence which
lither. The
L'came the
jlthe fervor
I) I lie among

Enoch's walk with God was not in a trance or a vision, Imt in
all the duties of his daily life lie did not become a hermit, shut-
tin^z himself entirely IVoni the world ; for be bad a work to <lo for
(uxl in the world. In tlie family and in bis intercourse with men.
as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, be was the stead-
I'ast, unwaverini:' sei'vant of the Lord.

His heart was in harmony with God's will ; for "can two walk
tojictber, except they be agreed?'" And this holy walk was con-
tinued Ibr three hundred years. There are few Christians wbo
would not Ik; far more earnest and devoted if they knew that they
had but a short time to live, or that the coming of Christ wns
aliout to take i)lace. iUit KnoclTs faith waxed the stionger, his
love became more ardent, with the lai)so of centuries.

Enoch was a man of strong and highly cultivated mind, an;i
extensive knowledge; he was honored with special revelation'^
from (\{n\\ yet being in constant conniRinion with heaven, with a
sense of the divine; greatness and perfection ever ])efore him, he
was one of the lunnblest <tf men. The closer the connection with
God, the deeper was the sense of bis own weakness and imper-
fection.

Distressed by the increasing wickedness of the ungodly, and
fearing that their intidelity nught lessen his reverence for God,
Enoeli avoided constant association with them, and sjient much
time in solitude, giving himself tt) meditation and prayer. ThU'?
be waited before fie liord, seeking a clearer knowledge of liis will,
that be might perform it. To him prayer Avas as the breath of the
soul ; he lived in the very atnios[)here of heaven.

Through holy angels, (Jod revealed to Enoch his })urpose Xr-
destroy the world 1)V a flood, and he also opened more fully 'xfC
him the i)lan of redemption. By the spirit of i)rophecv be earne'l
him down through the generations that should live after the floo<i
and showed him the great events connected with the second com-
ing of Chri.st and the end of i\\Q world.

Enoch had l)een troubled in regard to the dead. It had
seemed to him that the righteous and the wicked would go to the
dust together, and that this would bo theii end. He could not see
the life of the just beyond the grave. In prophetic vision he was
instructed concerning the death of Chri.st, and was shown his
coming in glory, attended by all the holy angels, to ransom his
people from the grave. He also saw the corrupt state of the world

'AiiK.sIMV ^

St;

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

'IK

ivsa

¥- n

when Clirist should appear tlie second time, — that there would be
:v hoastiul, iiresumptuous, f^elf-wiHed generation, denyinjx tlio only
(Jod and the Lord Jesus Christ, trampling upon the law, and de-
spising tlie atonement. He saw the righteous crowned Avith glory
and honor, and the wicked banished from the presence of the
Lord, and destroyed by lire.

p]noch became a preaclier of rigliteousness, making known to
the peoi)]e what God had revealed to him. Those Avho feared the
Lord sought out this holy man, to sliare his instruction and his
l)rayers. lie labored pul)licly also, bearing God's messages to all
wlio would liear the Avords of warning. His labors were not re-
stricted to the Setliites. In the land where Gain lind souglit to
ilce from the divine j^rescnce, the jiropliet of (Jod made known
tlie wonderful scenes that had passed before his vision. " Behold,"
ho declared, " the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are un-
godly among them of all tlieir ungodly deeds."'

Ho was a fearless rcjjrover of sin. While he preachc'l the
love of God in C!hrist to the people of his time, and pleaded with
them to forsake their evil ways, he rebuked the prevailing iniq-
uity, and warned the men of his generation that judgment would
surely bo visited \\\)0\\ the transgressor. It Avas the ■,"^])iiit of
Christ that spoke th-rough Enoch; that Spirit is manifested, not
alone in utterances of love, compassion, and entreaty; it is not
smooth things only thi)t are spoken ' y holy men. (iod puts into
the heart and lips of hi.s messengers 1 1 uths to utter that are keen
and cutting as a tAvo-edged SAVord.

The poAver of God that Avrought Avith his servant Avas felt by
those Avho heard. Some giive heed to the Avarning, and renounced
their sins; but the multitudes mocked at the solenni message, and
went on more boldly in their evil Avays. The servants of Go;l arc
to bear a similar message to the Avorld in the last days, and it Avill
also be received Avith unl)elief and mockery. The antediluvian
Avorld rejected the Avarning Avords of him avIio Avalked Avith God.
So Avill the last generation make light of the Avarnings of the
Lord's messengers.

In tlie midst of a life of active lal)or, Enoch steadfastly main-
tained his connnunion Avith God. The greater and more pressin^^
his li'.bors, the more con.stant and earnest Avero his prayers. Ho

iJude 14, 15.

I' !

^p..i

<^1f^'

SET II AND ENOCH.

woai'i l)e
ig the only
vw, and <U.'-
Avith glory
snce of the

r known to
o feared the
ion and his
ssagcs to all
vere not re-
id sou<iht to
iiadc known
. "Behold,''
jf his saints,
that are un-

preaehe'i the
pleaded with
cvailing ini<i-
|n;ni('nt would
he v^i>irit of
uiifestcd, not
• ; it is not
od puts into
that are keen

it was felt hy
Bid renounced
message, and
s of Clod are
,'8, and it Avill
antediluvian
ed with God.
Irnings of the

Idfastly main-
noro pressiuL^

h>rayers.

II.

continued to exclude himself, at certain periods, from all society.
After remaining for a time among the people, lahoring to l)enefit
them hy instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a
season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowl-
edge which (iod alone can impart. Communing thus with God,
Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. His
face was radiant with a holy light, even the liglit that shiueth in
the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine commun-
ings, even the ungodly l»eheld with awe the impress of heaven
ui)on his countenance.

I'he wiekedness of tncn had reached such a height that de-
struction w:is ])ronounced against them. As year after year
])assed on, deei)er and deeper grew the tide of human guilt,
darker and darker gathered the clouds of divine judgment. Yet
Enoch, the witness of faith, held on his way, warning, pleading,
entreating, striving to turn hack the tide of guilt, and to stay the
holts of vengeance. Though liis warnings were disregarded Ijy a
sinful, pleasure-loving ])eo[)le, he had the testimony that God ap-
])roved, and he continued to hattle faitlifully against the prevailing
cv'l, until God removed him from a world of sin to the pure joys
of heaven.

The men of that generation had mocked the folly of him who
sought not to gather gold or silver, or to huild up i)()ssessions here.
But Enoch's lieart was upon eternal treasures. He had looked
U])on the celestial city. He had seen the King in his glory in the
midst of Zion. His mind, his lieart, liis conversation, were in
heaven. The greater the existing iniquity, the more earnest was
his longing for the home of God. While still on earth, he dwelt,
by faith, in tlie realms of light.

" lilessed are the i)ure in heart; for they shall see God.'" For
three hundred years, Enoch liad been seeking ])urity of soul, that
he might Ite in liarmony with Heaven. For three centuries he
had walked witii (iod. Day hv dav he had longed for a closer
union; nearer and nearer had grown the c(unmunion, until God
took him to himself. He had stood at the threshold of the eternal
M'orld, only a step between him and the land of the blest ; and now
the portals opened, the walk with God, so long pursued on earth,
continued, and he ))assed through the gates of the holy city, —
the first from among men to enter there.

' Mutt. 5 : 8.

J'ATJil Aliens AND I'ltOPirKTS.

X :-

iN-

His loss AViis Irlt (»u I'iirth. 'V\w voice; that liad \)vv\\ heard
day alter day in warniiifji; and instruction was missed. There were
some, both ol" the ri<.dite()us and the wicked, who liad witness(Ml
his dejtarture ; and hopinj!; tliat lu; mi^ht liave been conveyecl to
someone ol" his jilaces of retirement, thos(Mvho loved him made
dili<:ent search, as afterward the sons (,)f the i»roi)hets searcheil for
Klijah; hut without avail. They rei»orted that he was not, for
Clod liad taken him.

]iy the translation of Enoch the Lord designed to teach an
important lesson. There was danger that men would yield to
discouragement, because of the fearlul results of Adam's sin.
Many were ready to exclaim, '" ^^'hat })rofit is it that we have
feared the Lord luid have kept his ordinances, since a heavy
curse is resting upon tlie race, and death is the portion of us
all?" JUit the instructions which (rod gave to Adam, and which
were repeated l)y 8eth, and exemplified by P^noeh, swept away
the gloom and darkness, and gave hope to man, that as through
Achim came death, so through the promised Redeemer would come
life and immortality. Satan was urging upon men the belief that
tliere was n > reward for the righteou. or punishment for the
wicked, and that it was iiripossible for men to obey the divine
statutes. But in the cas(^ of Enoch, God declares "that he is, and
that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."' He
shows what he Avill do for those who keep his commandments.
Men were taught that it is i)0ssible to obey the law of God ; that
even while living in the midst of the sinful and corru[)t, they were
able, by the grace of God, to resist temptation, and become jiure
and holy. They saw in his example the blessedness of such a
life; and his translation was an evidence of the truth of his
prophecy concerning the hereafter, with its aA\'ard of }(>y and
glory and in:xnortul U'e to the obedient, and of condemnation, woe,
and death to the trans^Tessor.

By faith Enoch '' \\\\> translated that ho should not see death ;
. . . for before hi" translation he had this testimony, that he pleased
God."' In the midst of a world by its iniquity doomed to de-
struction, Enoch lived a life of such close connnunion Avith God
that he was not permitted to fall under the ])0wer of death. The
godly ciiaractcr of this prophet represents the state of holiness
which muot be attained by those A\ho shall l)e "redeemed from

I Hfb 11 : 6, 5.

SHTII A\/> KXOCir.

tlic ciirtli

at the tiiiK

Clii'ist's second advent. Then, as ii

tlio world liet'ore ilie llnod, ini(|nity will jirevail. l''ollowin<i the
j>r()ni|»tin^fs of tlii'ii- eoiTU|it hearts and the teaehin;^s of a decep-
tive {vlulosoiihy, men will rehel a,i:ainst the authority of Heaven.
lUit Hke Enoch, (lod's |ieo|ile will seek for purity of lieart, and
eonfornnty to his will, until they shall relleet the likeness of
Clirist. Like I'jux h they will warn the world of the Lord's sec-
ond eoniin^f, and of the jud,Lrnients to ht.' visited upon ti'ansirres-
sion, and hy their holy conversation and example they will
condemn thi> sins of the ungodly. As ImiocIi Avas translated to
lieaven hefore the destruction of the world hy water, so the living
ri;j;hteous will lie translated iVom the earth hefore its destrvictlon
by lire. 8ays the apostle: '" ^^'e shall not all sleep, hut we shall
all he chanjied, in a, moment, in tlu; twiaklinj,' of an eye, at the
last trump." "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven
with a shout, with the voice of the archaniiel, and with the trump
of Clod;" "the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall he raised
incorru])tihle, and wc shall he chanjred." "The dead in Christ

e Avhich are alive and remain shall be

en w

shall rise first; th
caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore
comfort one another with these Avords.'"^

J Rev. 14 :;3.

• 1 Cor. IT) : 51, .52 ; 1 Thess. 4 : 10-18.

tion, woe.

tii'!

t'r'

Iji ■:-^

V^ ' is.

lli

?■(

t r

CIlAPTliR VII

Till': I'LOOD.

I\ tlm (lays of Noali a (l()ul)l(' curse was rcstinu upon the
cartli, in coust'ciucnct'of Adam's transgrt'ssion and of tlic murder
oonnuittcd liy Cain. Yet this had not jireatly chauiicd the lace ol'
natui'c. There wen; evident tokens of di'cay, hut the earth was
still ricli and l)eautiful in the gilts ol" (Jod's providence. The
hills were; crowne<l with majestic trees suj) porting the I'ruit-laden
hranches ol' the vine. The vast, garden-liki' j»lains wei'e clothe(l
with verdure, and sweet witli the Iragrance oF a thousand tlowei's.
The fruits of the eartii were in great variety, and almost without
limit. TIh; tree»' far surpassed in size, heaiity. and ))erft!ct pro-
|>ortion, any now to be found ; their wood was of line grain and
hard suhstauce, closely resenihling stone, and hardly less enduring.
Gold, silver, and i)reeious stones I'xisted in ahundance.

The human race yet retained much of its early vigor. But a
few generations had jjassi'd since Adam had access to the tree
which was io prolong life; and man's existence was still measured
hy centuries. Had that long-lived people, with their r'ln; powers
to plan and execute, devoted themselves to the service of (lod, they
would have made their Creator's name a [)raise in the earth, and
would have answered the pur])ose for which he gave them life.
Hut they failed to do this. There Avore many giants, men of great
stature and strength, renowned for wisdom, skillful in devising the
most cunning and wonderful Avorks; hut their guilt in giving loose
rein to inicjuity was in proportion to their skill and mental al)ility.

fiod hestowed Upon these antediluvians manv and rich iiifts:
hut they used his bounties to glorify themselves, and turned them
into a curse hy fixing their affections U[K)n the gifts instead of the
Giver, They employed the gold and silver, the pri'cious stones
and the choice wood, in the construction of hal)itations for them-
selves, and endeavored to excel one another in beautifying their
dwellings with the most skillful workmanship. They sought only

I '••" 1

-i

! »

77/ A' F/JfOD.

to frratlfy the dcsims of their own proud lirnrts, and reveled in
Hci-ncs of pleasure and wickedness. Not desirin-,' to retain (lod in
their knowled<re, they soon eauie to deny his existence. They
adored nature in i»hiee of the (lo<l of natun

lev

Ion

lied

human ^a;nius, worshiped th

wor

ks of their own liands, and

taught their children to l«o\v down to j^raven nna;j:es.

In the urecn iields, and under the shadow of the «:oodly trees,
thiv set up the altars of their idols. Extensive irroves. that
retaineil their folia;i(' t limuiihout the yt'ar, were dedicated to the
worsjiip of false '^oiU. With these «rroves wer(> connected heautiful

•lardcn.-

ti'ees ot .'dl descni

icu' lon'i, windin;; a

veiuu'S overhuntr with fru if -hearing,
itiiins. adnrned with statuary, and furnished with
all that could delight the senses or minister to the voluptuous de-
sires of the people, and thus allure them to participate in the idol-
atrous worship.

Men i»ut (iod out of their knowle<l,L'e, and worshiped the
creatures of their own imagination ; and as the result, they l)eeanie
more and more dehased. T\w psalmist descri))ea the effect pro-
duced upon the worshijjer hy tlx; adoration of idols. lie says,
"Th(y that make them <aro like unto them ; so is every one
that trusteth in them.'" It in a hiw of the human nnnd that

by Ix'holding we ])ecome changed. Man will rise no lughcr
thai! his conceptions of truth, purity, and holiness. If the mind
is never exalted aho\'e the level of humanity, if it is not up-
lifted hy faith to contem|)late infinite wisdom and love, the
man will he constantly sinking lower and lower. The worship-
ers of false gods clothed their deities with luiman attributes
and ])assions, and thus their standard of character was degraded
to the likeness of sinful humanity. They were defded in con-
secjuence. "God saw that the wickedness of man was great
in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of liis
heart was oidy evil continually. .
before God, and the earth was tilled with violtMi

The cilrtli'aLso was corrupt

God liad

?) 2

given men Ids conunandnients as a rule of life, but his law was
transgressed, and every conceivable sin was the result. The
wickedness of men Avas o))en and daring, justice was trampled
in the dust, and the cries of the oj)pressed reached unto heaven.
Polvsxamv had been earlv introduccMl, contrarv to the divine

arrauiiement at the bei

nnnni:'.

The lA)rd uave to Ad;

im one

IV 115 : S.

'■'( it'll.

11,

!■ ••>

PATIi/ARCJIS A.\J> I'laH'IlETS,

Avifc, sliowiiifT liiH order in that nspcct. iJut aftfr the fall, men
chose to lollow their own siiilul desires; iuid as the result, crime
and Avnlchedness rapidly increased. Neither the niarria^^c rela-
tion nor the rights of ])ro|terty were respected, ^\'hoever coVete(l

thewives or the possessions of his nei'_ddior, tool< tlii'iu hv force,

and nien (

CM I

dest:

•ovniLT

xult

th.' 1

their deeijs of \iolei
1 th

ice

lev (Ic

lie ol animals; and the use of 1

li-ht.
h for

ren(h're(I tliem still more cruel and blood-thirsty, until they cm
to refxard human lil'e with astonishing; inditlerence.

lie

'i'l

le wor

as in its infancy; yet ini(iuity had lieconie so

deep mid w ide-spre;id that (iod could iio loiiLicr hear with it;
and he said, '• I will destroy man whom I have crcateil, iVom
the face of the earth.''' He declared that his Spirit should not

alwav

-triv^

th tl

le liU

iltv race. If thev did not cease to

jiollute with their sins the world and its I'ich treasures, he
■\vouhl hlot them from his creation, and would destroy the
thin<f.s Avith whi<'li he hail deli;.dite(l to Mess them; he would
swee|» away the heasts of the field, and the veiietatiou wdiich
furnished such an ahundant supply of food, and would trans-

in.

1 ru

urni the fair earth into one vast scene of desolation an<

Amid the )irevailin;r corruption, Methuselah, Noali, and many
others, labored to keep alive the knowledu'e of the true; (Jod, and
to .'itay the tide of mcral evil. A hundred and twenty years
before tlu^ flood, the Lord by a holy anj^el declared to Noah his
]iuri>ose, and directeil him to build an ark. ^^'hile buildinti the
to preach that (Iod would brinu a Hood of water

k 1

le was

upon the earth to destroy the wicked. Those wdio would believe
the niessa<i'e, and would jjrejtare for that event by re|)entance and
reformation, should find pardon and be saved. Knoch had re-
])eated to his children what (iod had shown him in repird to
the flood, and Methuselah and his sons, who lived to heai- the

jireacliinu' o

f Noah, assisted in Imildiny; the ark

(io<l ,i:ave Noah the exact dimensions of the ark, and explicit
directions in rejrard to its constiiiction in every particular. TTu-
man wisdom could not have deviseil a structure of so j^reat
streniith and durability. (Iod was the desi,u;ner, and Noah the
ma.ster-builder. Jt was constructc<l like the hull of a .shij), that it
might float upon the water, Imf in some respects it nioi'c nearly

"e.scmlilcM a liouse

was three stories liiirh, with but

one dool",

1 Gen. 6 : 7 ; see Appendi.x, Note 1.

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33 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. M5«0

(716)S72-4S03

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THE FLOOD.

which was in tlie side. The light was admitted at the top, and
the different apartments were so arranged that all were lighted.
The material employed in the construction of the ark was the
cypress, or gopher wood, which would be untouched by decay for
hundreds of years. The building of this immense structure was a
slow and lal)orious process. On account of the great size of the
trees, and the nature of the wood, much more labor was required
then than now to prepare timber, even Avith the greater strength
which men then possessed. All that man could do was done to
render the Avork perfect, yet the ark could not of itself have witli-
stood tlie storm which was to come upon the earth. God alone
could preserve his servants upon the tempestuous paters.

" By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as
yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house ;
by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the
righteousness which is by faith.'" While Noah was giving his
warning message to the world, his vorks testified of his sincerity.
It Avas thus that his faith was perltj^tf d and made evident. He
gave the world an example of believing just Avhat God says. All
that he possessed, he invested in the ark. As he began to con-
struct that immense boat on dry ground, multitudes came from
every direction to see the strange sight, and to hear the earnest,
fervent Avords of the singular preacher. Every blow struck upon
the ark Avas a Avitness to the people.

Many at first appeared to receive the warning ; yet they did
not turn to God Avith true repentance. They were unwilling to
renounce their sins. During the time that elapsed before the
coming of the flood, their faith Avas tested, and they failed to
endure the trial. Overcome by the prevailing unbelief, they
finally joined their former associates in rejecting the solemn mes-
sage. Some were deeply convicted, and would have heeded the
Avords of warning ; but there Avere so many to jest and ridicule,
that they partook of the same spirit, resisted the invitations of
mercy, and were soon among the boldest and most defiant scof-
fers ; for none are so reckless and go to such lengths in sin as do
those Avho have once had light but have resisted the convicting
Spirit of God.

The men of that generation were not all, in the fullest accepta-
tion of the term, idolaters. Many professed to be Avorshipers of

iHeb. 11:7.

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

God. They claimed that their idols were representation.s of the
Deity, and that through them the people could obtain a dearer
conception of" the <livine lieinj;. This class Avere foremost in re-
jecting the preaching of Noah. As they endeavore<l to represent
Clod hy material objects, their minds were blinded to his majesty
and power; they ceased to realize the holiness of his character, or
the sacred, unchanging nature of his reciuirernents. As sin became
general, it apjjcared less and less sinful, and they finally declared
that the divine law was no longer in force; that it was contrary to
the character of God to punish transgression ; and they denied
that his judgments were to be visited upon the earth. Had the
men of that generation obeyed tiie divine law, they would have
recognized the voice of God in the warning of his servant; l)Ut
their minds had become so blinded by rejection of light that they
really l)elieved Noah's message to be a delusion.

It was not multitudes or majorities 'that were on the side of
right. The world was arrayed against God's justice and his laws,
and Noah was regarded as a fanatic. Hatan, when tempting Eve
to disobey God, said to her, "Ye shall not surely die.'" Great
men, worldly, honored, and wise men, repeated the same. " The
tbreatenings of God,"' they said, "are for the purpose of intimidat-
ing, and will never bo verified. You need not be alarmed. Such
an event as the destruction of the world by the God who made it,
and the punishment of the beings he has created, will never take
place. Be at peace; fear not. Noah is a wild fanatic." The
world made merry at the folly of the deluded old man. Instead
of humbling the heart before God, they continued their dis-
obedience and wickedness, the same as though God had not
spoken to them through his servant.

But Noah stood like a rock amid the tempest. Surrounded by
popular contemjit and ridicule, he distinguished himself by his
holy integrity and unwavering faithfulness. A jjower attendeil
his words ; for it was the voice of God to man through his servant.
Connection with. God made him strong in the strength of infinite
power, while for one hundred and twenty years his solenm voico
fell upon the ears of that generation in regard to events, which, so
far as human wisdom could judge, were impossible.

The world before the flood reasoned that for centuries the laws
of nature had been fixed. The recurring seasons had come in
their order. Heretofore rain had never fallen ; the earth had been

» Gen. 3 : 4.

THE FLOOD.

t»7

•watered bv a mist or dew. Tlie rivers had never yet passed tlieir
Ixmndaries, but had Itorno their waters safely to tl:e sea. Fixed
decrees lia<l kei)t the waters fnjui overHowinji tlieir l)anks. lUit
these reastiners did not recognize the hand of ilini who had stayed
the waters, sayinjr, " Hithei-to shalt thou come, hut no further.'"

As time i»assed on, with no apparent change in nature, men
whose hearts had at times trend >led with fear, liegan to he
re-assured. They reasoned, as many reason now, that nature
is above the (lod of nature, and that her laws are so firndy
established that (lod himself could not change them. Reasoning
that if the message of Noah were correct, nature would be turned
out of her course, they made that mes.sage, in the niinds of the
world, a delusion, — a grand deception. They manifested their
contempt for the warning of C»od by doing just as they ha<l done
before the Avarning was given. They continued their festivities and
their gluttonous feasts; they ate and drank, planted and budded,
laying their jdans in reference to. advantages they hoped to gain
in the future; and they went tt) greater lengths in wickedness,
and in defiant disregard of Ciod's re(iuirements, to testify that they
had no fear of the Infinite One. They asserted that if there were
any truth in what Noah had said, the men of renown, — the wise,
the prudent, the great njen, — would understand the matter.

Had the antediluvians l)elieved the warning, and repented of
their evil deeds, the Lord would have turned aside his wrath, as
he afterward did from Nineveh. Rut by their obstinate resistance
to the reproofs of conscience and the warnings of God's proj)het,
that generation filled up the measure of their iniciuity, and became
ripe for destruction.

The period of their probation was about to exi)ire. Noah had
faithfully foFowed the instructions which he had received from
God. The ark was finished in every part as the Lord had di-
rected, and was stored with food for man and beast. And now
the servant of God made his last solemn appeal to the i)eople.
With an agony of desire that words cannot express, he entreated
them to seek a refuge while it )night be found. Again they
rejected his words, and raised their voices in jest and .scoffing.
Suddenly a silence fell upon the mocking throng. Reasts of every
description, the fiercest as well as the most gentle, were seen
coming from mountain and forest, and ([uietly making their way
toward the ark. A noise as of a rushing wind was heard, and lo,

Mob 38 : 11.

PA Tin. 1 /if IIS A NJ) I'lUIPIIE TS.

birds wore flocking.' from all directions, their nuinhers darkeninji^
the hoaveiiH, and in ])ertect order they jiassed to the ark. Animals
obeyed the command ot" (fod, while men were diso1>edient.
Guided by holy an<j[els, " they went in, two and two, unto Noah
into the ark,'" and the clean beasts by S(!vens. The world looked
on in Avonder, some in lear. Philosoi)hers were called upon to ac-
count lor the singular occurrence, but in vain. It was a p.iystery
which they could not fathom. But men had become so hardened
by their i)ersistent rejection of light, that even this scene pro-
duced l)Ut a momentary impression. As the doomed race beheld
the sun shining in its glory, and tlie earth clad in almost Eden
beauty, tlu'y l)anishcd their rising fears l>y boisterous merriment,
and by their deeds of violence they seemed to invite upon them-
selves the visitation of the already awakened wrath of God.

God commanded Noah, " Come thou and all thy house into the
ark ; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." '
Noah's warnings had been rejected by the world, but his influence
and example resulted in blessings to his family. As a reward for
his faithfulness and integrity, God saved all the members of his
family with him. What an encouragement to parental fidelity !

Mercy had ceased its pleadings for the guilty race. The
beasts of the field and the birds of the air had entered the place
of refuge. Noah and his household were Avithin the ark ; " and
the Lord shut him in." A flash of dazzling light was seen, and
a cloud of glory, jiiore vivid than the lightning, descended from
heaven, and hovered before the entrance of the ark. The massive
door, which it was impossible for those within to close, Avas sloAA'ly
SAvung to its place by unseen hands. Noah AA'as shut in, and the
rejecters of God's mercy AA'cre shut out. The seal of Heaven Avas
on that door; God had shut it, and God alone could open it. So
AA'hen Christ shall cease his intercession for guilty men, before his
coming in the clouds of heaven, the door of mercy Avill be shut.
Then divine grace Avill no longer restrain the Avicked, and Satan
Avill have full control of those who have rejected mercy. They
AA'ill endeavor to destroy God's people ; but as Noah Avas shut into
the ark, so the righteous Avill be shielded by divine power.

For seven days after Noah and his family entered the ark, there
appeared no sign of the coming storm. During this period their
faith was tested. It Avas a time of triumph to the world Avithout.
The apparent delay confirmed them in the belief that Noah's mes-

»Gen. 7: 9, 1.

THE FLOOD.

sago was a delusion, and that the flood would never come. Not-
withstanding the solemn scenes which they had witnessed, — the
heasts and hirds entering the ark, and the -.ugel of God closing the
tloor, — they still continued their sport and revelry, even making a
jest of these signal manifestations of God's power. They gathered
in crowds ahout the ark, deriding its inmates with a daring vio-
lence which they had never ventured upon before.

But upon the eighth day, dark clouds ovi^rspread the heavens.
There followed the muttering of thunder and the flash of lightning.
Soon large drops of rain liegan to fall. The world had never wit-
nessed anything like this, and the hearts of men were struck with
fear. All were secretly inquiring, "Can it be that Noah Avas
in tlie riglit, and that the world is doomed to destruction?"
Darker and darker grew the heavens, and faster came the falling
rain. The beasts were roaming about in the wildest terror, and
their discordant cries seemed to moan out their own destiny and
the fate of man. Then "the fountains of the great dee]) were
broken up, and tlie windows of hea:\'en were opened." Water ap-
l)eared to come from the clouds in mighty cataracts. Rivers broke
awav from their 1>oandaries, and overflowed the vallevs. Jets of
Avater l»urst from the earth with indescribable force, throwing mass-
ive rocks hundreds of feet into the air, and these, in falling, buried
themselves deej) in the ground.

The peo[)le first l)eheld the destruction of the works of their
own hands. Their splendid buildings, and the beautiful gardens
and groves where tiiey had i)laced their idols, were destroyed by
lightning from heaven, and the ruins were scattered far and wide.
The altars on Avhich human sacrifices had been oflered were torn
down, and the worshipers were made to tremble at the power of
the living God, and to know that it was their corruption and
idolatry which had called down tlieir destruction.

As the violence of the storm increased, trees, buildings, rocks,
and earth were hurled in every direction. The terror of man and
beast was beyond description. Above the roar of the tempest was
heard the wailing of a people that had despised the authority of
God. Satan himself, who was compelled to remain in the midst
of the warring elements, feared for his own existence. He had
delighted to v^ontrol so powerful a race, and desired them to live
to practice their abominations, and continue their rebellion against

the Ruler of heaven. He now uttered imprecations against God,

100

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS

(•liarji;ing liiiii with injustice and cruelty. Many of the people, like
Satan, }>laHphernc(l (Jod, and had the} heen able, they would have
torn him from the throne of jjower. Others were frantic with
fear, stretching their hands toward the ark, and pleading for
admittance. But their entreaties were in vain. Conscience was
at last aroused to know that there is a God who ruleth in the
heavens. They called ui)on him earnestly, but his car was not
open to their cry. In that terrible hour they saw that the trans-
gression of (iod's law had caused their ruin. Yet while, through
fear of i)unishment, they acknowledged their sin, they felt no true
contritioi , no abhorrence of evil. They would have returned
to their defiance of Heaven, had the judgment been removed. So
when God's judgments shall fall upon the earth before its delugo
by fire, the impenitent will know just where and what their sin
is, — the despising of his holy law. Yet they will have no more
true repentance than did the old-world sinners.

Some in their desperation endeavorod to break into the ark;
but the firm-made structure withstood their efforts. Some clung
to the ark until they were borne away by the surging waters, or
their hold was broken by collision with rocks and trees. The
massive ark trembled in every fiber as it was beaten by the
merciless winds, and ilung from billow to billow. The cries of
the beasts within expressed their fear and pain. But amid the
warring elements it continued to ride safely. Angels that excel
in strength were corimiissioned to preserve it.

The beasts, exposed to the tempest, rushed toward man, as
though expecting help from him. Some of the people bound their
children and themselves upon powerful animals, knowing that
these were tenacious of life, and would climb to the highest points
to escape the rising waters. Some fastened themselves to lofty
trees on the summit of hills or mountains; but the trees were
uprooted, and with their burden of living beings were hurled into
the seething billows. One spot after another that promised safety
was abandoned. As the wate/: rose higher and higher, the people
fled for refuge to the loftiest mountains. Often man and beast
would struggle together for a foot-'iold until both were swept away.

From the highest peaks, men looked abroad upon a shoreless
ocean. The solemn warnings of God's servant no longer seemed a
subject for ridicule and scorning. How those doomed sinners
longed for the opportunities which they had slighted ! How they

rilK FLOOD.

Jul

plfudcd for ono hour's proljatioii, ono nioro privilege ol' mercy, one
call from the lip!^ of Noiih ! But the jweet voice of men y was no
more to he heard hy them. lA)ve, no less than justice, demanded
that God's judgments shouW i)Ut a check, on 8in. The avenging
>Natcrs Hvv(4)t over the last retreat, and the despisers of tlod per-
isheil in the hlaek de|)ths.

" By the word of flod . . . the won<l that then was, heing over-
Hdwed with water, peris led. But the heaviVi« and the earth
which are now, hy the sane word are kept in store, reserved unto
fire against the day of judgment an<l perdition of ungodly men."*
Another storm is coming. The earth will again he swept hy the
desolating wrath of (lod, and sin and siimers v. ill he destroyed.

The sins that c'llcd f^r vengeance upo»- ^he antediluvian
world, exist to-day. The fear of (Jod is hani.shed from the hearts
of men, and his law is treated Avith indiflerence and contempt.
The intense worldliness of that generation is equaled hy that of the
generation now living. Said C'hri.st, ." As in the days that were
hefore the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and
giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so
shall also the coming of the Son of man he."* God did not con-
denm the antediluvittns for eating and drinking; he had given
them the fruits of the e-irth in great al)Undan<'e to supply their
physical wants. Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without
gratitude to the Gi\"r, and dehasing themselves hy indulging
appetite without restraint. It was lawful for them to marry.
Marriage was in God's order; it was one of the first in.stitutions
which he e.stahlishcd. He gave special directions concerning this
ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and heauty ; hut these (Jirec-
ti'Mis were frr-'rotten, and marriage was perverted, and made to
minister to ])assion.

A simi'ar condition of things exists now. That which is law-
ful in itself is carried to excess. Appetite is indulged without
restraint. Professed followers of (Jhrist are to-day eating and
drinking with the drunken, while their names stand in honored
church records. Intenqjerance henumhs the moral and spiritual
powers, and i)rei)ares the way for indulgence of the lower passions.
Multitudes feel under no moral oldigation to curh their sensual
desires, and they hecome the slaves of lust. Men are living for
' 2 Peter 3 : 5-7. « Matt. 24 : 88, 39.

102

PATIilAnfl/S AND NtOPIIKTS

the i)lea8Uie8 of sense; for this world and this life alono. Extrav-
agance pervades all circles of society. Integrity is sacrificed for
luxury and display. They that make haste to be rich pen'ert
justice, and oppress the poor ; and " slaves and souls of men " are
still bought and sold. Fraud and bribery and theft stalk unre-
buked in high places and in low. The issues of the press teem with
records of murder, — crimes so cold-blooded and causeless that it
seems as though every instinct of humanity were blotted out.
And these atrocities have become of so common occurrence that
they hardly elicit a comment or awaken surprise. The spirit of
anarchy is permeating all nations, and the outbreaks that from
time to time excite the horror of the world are but indications
of the pent-uj) fires of passion and lawlessness that, having once
escaped control, will fill the earth Avith woe and desolation. The
picture which inspiration has given of the antediluvian world,
represents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast
hastening. Even now, in this nineteenth century, and in profess-
edly Christian lands, there are crimes daily i)erpetrated, as black
and terrible as those for which the old-world sinners were destroyed.

Before the flood, God sent Noah to warn the world, that the
people might be led to repentance, and thu^ escape the threatened
destruction. As the time of Christ's second aj^pearing draws near,
the Lord sends his servants with a warning to the world to pre-
pare for that great event. Multitudes have been living in trans-
gression of God's law, and now he in mercy calls them to obey its
sacred precepts. All who will ])ut away their sins by repentance
toward God and faith in Christ, are offered pardon. But many
feel that it requires too great a sacrifice to put away sin. Because
their life does not harmonize with the puro ])rinciples of God's
moral government, they reject his warnings, and deny the author-
itv of his law.

Of the vast population of the earth before the flood, only eight
souls believed and obeyed God's word through Noah. For a hun-
dred and tAventy years the preacher of righteousness warned the
wcrld of the coming destruction ; but liis message was rejected and
despised. So it will be now. Before the Lawgiver shall come to
punish the disobedient, transgressors are warned to repent, and
retuvn to their allegiance ; but with the majority these warnings
will be in vain. Says the apostle Peter, "There shall come in
the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying,

TIIK Fl.OOIi

lo:{

le. Extrav-
acrificcd for
rich pervert
of men " are
, stalk unre-
!88 teem with
i8clc88 that it
blotted out.
•urrence that
The spirit of
«8 that from
it indications
, having once
olation. The
iuvian world,
society is fast
»d in profess-
ited, as l)la(;k
ere destroyed,
prld, that the
le threatened
g draws near,
world to pro-
ving in trans-
m to obey its
)y repentance
. But many
Isin. Because
pies of God's
\y the author-
ed, only eight
For a hun-
^s warned the
rejected and
khall come to
repent, and
lese warnings
thall come in
and saying,

Whore is i\w promise of liis coming'? for sIiul' the fatlicrs fcli
ashcp, ail things continue as they wore from the bejiinnini:."'
Do wo not iiear tlieso very wonls repeated, not merely by the
openly un^'odly, but by many \vh»» o<'(U|>y the jiulpits of our
land? "There is no eauso for alarm," they cry. " Before Christ
shall come, all tluMvorM is to be converted, and ri<rhteousness is
to rei^'U for a thousand years. IVaee, peace! all thing's contiiuie
as they were from the l>e-ri>mini.'. Let none be disturlied by the
excitinj; message of these alarmists."' Hut this doctrine of the
millennium do«'s not harmouizo with the teachings of Chri.st and
his apostles. Jesus asked the .significant (piestion, "When the
Son of man cometh, shall ho find faith on the earth?'" And, as
we have seen, ho declares that the state of the world will be as in
the days of Noah. Paul warns us that we may look for wicked-
ness to increase as the end draws near: "The Spirit speaketh
exjtrossiy, that in the latter times some shall depaii from the
faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, , and doctrines of devils.'"
The apostle says that " in the last days perilous times shall
come."* And he gives a .startling li.st of sins that will be found
among those who have a form of godliness.

As the time of their probation was closing, the antediluvians
gave themselves ui) to exciting anmsements and festivities. Those
who possessed influence and power were bent on keeping the
minds of the i>eople engrossed with mirth and pleasure, lest any
should be im[)resscd by the last solenm warning. Do wo not see
the same repeated in our day? While God's servants are giving
the message that the end of all things is at hand, the world is ab-
sorbed in anmsements and jjleasure-seeking. There is a constant
round of excitement that causes indifference to God, and prevents
the j)eoplo from being impressed by the truths which alone can
save them from the coming destruction.

In Noah's day, pliilosophers declared that it was impossible for
the world to be destroyed by water; sc iiow there are men of
science who endeavor to show that the world cannot be destroyed
by fire, — that this would be inconsistent with the laws of natViC.
But the God of nature, the maker and controller of her laws, can
use the works of his hands to serve his own purpose.

When great and wise men had proved to their satisfaction that
it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by water, when the
1 2 Peter 3 : 3, 4. « Luke 18 : 8. s I Tim. 4:1. * 2 Tim. 3:1. •

104

I'ATHl.MtCtiS AND I'liOPUKTS

IViirs oi" tlio iK'0|)lo wcro (jUit'ttMl, wlun nil ri%'iir(U'(l Noiih'.s propli-
eoy ns iv dcluHion, aiK". looked upon liim ns ii fiinatic, — then it was
tlmt CmmI's tiino had come. "Thn lountaiiis of tho f^n-at deep were
broken up, and tlie windows of heaven were opene<l," ' and the
seoflerH were ovj-rwhelined in tht; waters of the flood. With all
their ))oaKted philosophy, men found too lati^ that their wisdom
was foolishness, that the Lawgiver is greater than the laws of nat-
ure, and that Oinnipoti'iieo is at no loss for means to neeomplish
his purp<)ses. " As it was in the days of Noah," "even thus shall
it bo in tho day when tlu^ Son of man is revealed."' " The day of
the Lord will eome as a thief in the night; in tho which the
heavens shall pass away with ji great noise, and tho elements shall
melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are
therein shall he hurned up.'"' When the reasoning of philosophy
has banished the fear of (Jod's judgments; when religious toaohors
are pointing forward to long ages of peaee and pros|)erity, and the
world aro absorbed in their rounds of business and pleasure, plant-
ing and building, feasting and merry-making, rejecting CJod's
warnings and mocking his messengers, — then it is that sudden
destruction cometii upon them, and they shall not escape.*
> Geu. 7:11. "Luke 17 : 3fl, .30. 3 3 IVtor 3 : 10. M Thesa. Tt : 3.

CHAPTER VIII.

Al- TKR THl*: FLOOD.

The waters rose fifteen cubitH above the liighcst mountains. It
t)t'ten seemed to the liuuily within the iirk that fu-y nm«t i)erish,
as for five lona nionth.s their boat wa.s t»)ss«'(l aixmt, apparently at
the mercy of wind and wave. It was a trying ordeal ; but Noah'a
faith did not waver, for he had the assurance that the divine hand
was upon the helm.

As the waters began to subside, the Lord caused the ark to drift
into a spot protected by a group of mountains that had been
preserved by his power. These mountains were but a little dis-
tance a])art, and the ark moved about in this quiet haven, and
was no longer driven upon the boundless ocean. This gave great
relief to the weary, tempest-tossed voyagers.

Noah and his family anxiously waited for the decrease of the
waters ; for they longed to go forth again upon the earth. Forty
days after the tops of the mountains became visible, they sent
out a raven, a binl of quick scent, to discover whether the earth
had become dry. This bird, finding nothing but water, continued
to lly to and from the ark. Seven days later a dove was sent
forth, which, finding no footing, returned to the ark. Noah waited
seven days longer, and again sent forth the dove. When she re-
turned at evening with an olive leaf in her mouth, there was great
rejoicing. Later " Noah removed the covering of the ark, and
looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was <lry." ' Still he
waited patiently within the ark. As lie had entered at God's com-
mand, he waited for special directions to depart.

At last an angel descended from heaven, opened the massive
door, and l)ado the patriarch and his household go forth upon the
earth, and take with them every living thing. In the joy of
their release, Noah did not forget Him by whose gracious care
they had been preserved. His first act after leaving the ark was

'Gen. 8 : 13.

106

PATltlARCHS AND PROPHETS.

to build an altar, and offer from every kind of clean l)east and
fowl a sacrifice, thus manifestin}i; his gratitude to God for
deliverance, and his faith in Christ, the great sacrifice. This
offering was pleasing to the Lord ; and a blessing resulted, not
only to the patriarch and his family, but to all who should live
upon the earth. '" The Lord smelled a sweet savor; and the Lord
said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for
man's sake. . . . "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest,
and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night,
sludl not cease." ' Here was a lesson for all succeeding generations.
Noah had come forth upon a desolate earth ; but l)efore pre})aring
a house for himself, he built an altar to God. His stock of cattle
was small, and had been preserved at great expense; yet he
cheerfully gave a pait to the Lorvi, as an acknowledgment that
all was his. In like manner it should be our first care to render
our free-will offerings to God. Every manifestation of his mercy
and love toward us should be gratefully acknowledged, both by
acts of devotion and by gifts to his cause.

Lest the gathering clouds and falling rain should fill men with
constant terror, from fear of another flood, the Lord encouraged
the family of Noah by a promise: "I will establish my covenant
with you ; . . . neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy
the earth. ... I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for
a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall
come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow
shall be seen in the cloud ; . . . and I will look upon it, that 1
may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every
living creature."*

How great the condescension of God, and his compassion for
his erring creatures, in thus placing the beautiful rainbow in the
clouds as a token of his covenant with men ! The Lord declares
tliat when he looks upon the bow, he will remember his covenant.
This does not imply that he would ever forget ; l)ut he speaks to
us in our own language, that we may better understand him. It
was God's purpose that as the children of after-generations should
ask the meaning of the glorious arch which s])ans the heavens,
their parents should repeat the story of the flood, and tell them
that the Most High had bended the 1)0W, and placed it in the
clouds as an assurance that the waters should never again ovorflow
»Gen. 8 : 21, 22. ^Oen. 9 : 11-16.

AFTER THE FLOOD.

lot

the earth. Thus from gone- ition to gcnorution it woukl testify of
divine love to niun, and W(' ad strengthen his contidcnce in God.

In heaven the send)lanee of a rainl)ow eneirek's the throi\e,
and overarches the head of Christ. The jjrophet says, " As the
appcaranee of the how tiiat i^ in the cloud in the day of rain, so
was the ai)i)earanee of the hri.uiitness round ahoiit [the throne].
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah." ^
The Rcvelator declares, " liehold, a throne was set in heaven, and
One sat on the throne. . . . There was a rainhow rornd aV)out the
throne, in sight like unto an emerald."^ ' When man hy his great
wickedness invites tlu' divine iudgments, the Saviour, interceding
with the Fatlier in his heliali", points to the l)ow in the clouds, io
the rainhow around the tlirone and , .hove his own head, as a token
of the mercy of Go.i toward the repentant sinner.

With the assurance given to Noah concerning the flood, God
himself has linked one of the most precious jjromises of his grace;
"As I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go
over the earth, so have I sworn that I would not he wroth with
thee, nor rehuke thee. For the mountains shall dei)art, and the
hills be removed ; hut my kindness shall not depart from thee,
neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith Jehovah
that hath mercy on thee."^

As Noah looked upon the powerful beasts of prey that came
forth with him from the ark, he feared that his fainily, numbering
only cighi persons, would ho destroyed by them. But the Lord
sent an angel to his servant with the assuring message : '.' The fear
of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of thecartli,
and upon every fowl of the air, U})on all that movcth upon the
earth, and upon all the lishesof the sea; into your hand are they
delivered. p]very moving thing that livetli shall Ijo meat for you ;
even as the green herb have I given you all things."* Before this
time God had given man no permission to eat animal food ; ho in-
tended that the race should subsist Avholly upon the productions
of tlic earth; but now that every green thing had l)cen destroyed,
he allowed them to eat the flesh of the clean beasts that had Ijeen
preserved in the ark.

The entire surface of the earth was changed at the flood. A
third dreadful curse rested U])on it in consequence of sin. As the
Avater began to subside, the hills and mountains were surrounded
1 Eze. 1 : 28. « Rev. 4 : 2, [5. 3 Isa. TA : 9, 10. < Geu. 9 : '2, .3.

Kis

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

by a vast, turbid sea. Everywhere were strewn the dead bodies
of men and beasts. The Lord would not permit these to re-
main to decompose and pollute the air, therefore he made of the
earth a vast burial-ground. A violent wind which was caused to
])low for the i)urpose of drying up the waters, moved them with
great force, in some instances even carrying away the tops of the
mountains, and heaping up trees, rocks, and earth above the
bodies of the dead. By the same means the silver and gold, the
choice wood and i)recibus stones, which had enriched and adorned
the world before the flood, and which the inhabitants had idolized,
were concealed from the sight and search of men, the violent
action of the waters piling earth and rocks upon these treasures,
and in some cases even forming mountains above them. God saw
that the more he enriched and prospered sinful men, the more
they would corrupt their ways before him. The treasures that
should have led them to glorify the bountiful Giver had been
worshiped, while God had been dishonored and despised.

The earth presented an appearance of confusion and desolation
impossible to describe. The mountains, once so beautiful in their
perfect symmetry, had become broken and irregular. Stones,
ledges, and ragged rocks were now scattered upon the surface of
the earth. In many places, hills and mountains had disappeared,
leaving no trace where they once stood ; and plains had given place
to mountain ranges. These changes were more marked in some
places than in others. Where once had been earth's richest treas-
ures of gold, silver, and precious stones, were seen the heaviest
marks of the curse. And upon countries that were not inhabited,
and those where there had been the least crime, the curse rested
more lightly.

At this time immense forests were buried. These have since
been changed to coal, forming the extensive coal beds that now
exist, and also yielding large quantities of oil. The coal and oil
frequently ignite and l)urn l)eneatli the surface of the earth. Thus
rocks are heated, limestone is burned, and iron ore melted. The
action of tlie water upon the lime adds fury to the intense heat.
As the fire and water come in contact Avith ledges of rock and ore,
there are loud explosions, and volcanic eruptions follow. These
often fiiil of giving sufficient vent to the heated elements, and the
earth itself is convulsed, the ground opens, and villages, cities, and
burning mountains n''e swallowed up.

AFTER THE FLOOD.

100

The depths of the earth are the Lord'ri arsenal, whence were
drawn weapons to be eni[)loyed in the destruction of the old
v.orld. Waters ^fushinjf from the earth united with the waters
from heaven to accomplish the work of desolation. Since the
flood, fire as well as water has been God's agent to destroy very
wicked cities. These judgments are sent, that those who lightly
regard God's law and trample upon his authority, may be led to
tremble before his i)Ower, and to confess his just sovereignty. As
men have beheld l)urning mountains pouring forth fire and
flames, and torrents of melted ore, drying uj) rivers, overwhelming
populous cities, and everywhere spreading ruin and desolation, the
stoutest heart has been filled with terror, and infidels and blasphe-
mers have been constrained to acknowledge the infinite power of
God.

8aid the prophets of old, referring to scenes like these : " O
that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come
down, that the mountains might flpw down at thy presence, as
when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil,
to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations
may tremble at thy presence! When thou didst terrible things
which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed
down at thy presence.'" "The Lord hath his way in the whirl-
wind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the
rivers." *

More terrible manifestations than the world has ever yet be-
held, will be witnessed :it the second advent of Christ. "The
mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is
burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
Who can stand before his indignation ? and who can abide in the
fierceness of his anger? "^ "Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come
down ; touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. Cast forth
lightning, and scatter them ; shoot out thine arrows, and destroy
them."'^

" I will sliow wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth
beneath ; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke." * " And tiiere
were voices, and thunders, and lightnings ; and there was a great
earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, st>
mighty an earthquake, and so great." " And every island fled

ilsa. 64 : 1-3. ^jjah. 1 : IMi. 3Ps. 144 : 5, 6. * Acts 2 : 19.

110

p. 1 Till . I R ens A ND PR OPIIE T8.

away, and the mountains were not found. And thero foil upon
men a great hail out of heaven, every ntone about the weight of a
talent.'"

As lightnings from heaven unite with the fire in the earth, the
mountains will burn like a furnace, and will pour forth terrific
streams of lava, <nerwhelnnng gardens and fields, villages and
cities. Seething molten masses thrown into the rivers will cause
the waters to boil, sending forth massive rocks with indescribable
violence, and scattering their broken fragments upon the land.
Rivers will be dried up. The earth will be convulsed; every-
where there will be dreadful earth(<uakes and eruptions.

Thus God will destroy the wicked from off the earth. But the
righteous will be preserved in the midst of these conmiotions, as
Noah was preserved in the ark. (iod will be their refuge, and
under his wings shall tiny trust. Says the psalmist: "Because
thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even tlie Most High,
thy hal)itation, there shall no evil "befall tliee." " In the time of
troul)le he shall hide mo in his pavilion; in the secret of his tab-
ernacle shall he hide me." God's i)romise is, " Because he hath
set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him ; I will set him
on high, because lie hath known my name."'^

Mii'V. 10 : IS, -JO, -Jl. 2Ps. '.(1 : it, 10, 14; 27 : 5.

CHAPTERIX.

THE LITERAL WEEK.

Like the Sabbath, the week originated at creation, and it has
been preserved and brought down to us through Bible history.
God himself measured off the first week as a sample for successive
weeks to the close of time. Like every other, it consisted of seven
literal days. Six days were employed in the work of creation ;
upon the seventh, God rested, and he then blessed this day, and
set it apart as a day of rest for man.

In the law given from Sinai, God recognized the week, and the
facts upon which it is based. After giving the command, " Re-
member the Sabbath day, to keep it hoi}'," and specifying what
shall be done on the six days, and what shall not be done on the
seventh, he states the reason for thus obser\'ing the week, by
pointing back to his own example : " For in six days the Lord
made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested
the seventh day ; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day,
and hallowed it."^ This reason appears beautiful and forcible
when we understand the days of creation to be literal. The first
six days of each week are given to man for labor, because God
employed the same period of the first week in the work of creation.
On the seventh day man is to refrain from labor, in commemo-
ration of the Creator's rest.

But the assumption that the events of the first week required
thousands upon thousands of years, strikes directly at the founda-
tion of the fourth commandment. It represents the Creator as
commanding men to observe the week of literal days in cc.iimem-
oration of vast, indefinite periods. This is unlike his method of
dealing with his creatures. It makes indefinite and obscure that
which he has made very plain. It is infidelity in its most insidi-
ous and hence most dangerous form ; its real character is so dis-
guised that it is held and taught by many who profess to believe
the Bible.

>Ex. 20 : S-11.

I 111]

112

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

" By the word of the Lord were the lieavens luado ; and all tiic
Lost of them by the breath of his mouth." '' P'or lie spake, and
it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast."' The Bilde rec-
ognizes no long ages in which the earth was slowly evolved from
chaos. Of each successive day of creation, the sacred record de-
clares that it consisted of the evening and the morning, like all
other days that have followed. At the close of each day is given
the result of the Creator's work. The statement is made at the
close of the first week's record, "These are the generations of the
heavens and of the earth when they were created."^ But this does
not convey the idea that the days of creation were other than
literal days. Each day was called a generation, because that in it
God generatc'l, or i)roduced, some new portion of his work.

Geologists claim to find evidence from the earth itself that it is
very much older than the Mosaic record teaches. Bones of men
and animals, as well as instruments of warfare, i)etrified trees, etc.,
much larger than any that now exist, oi that have existed for
thousands of years, have been discovered, ai.d from this it is in-
ferred that the earth was populated long before the time brought
to view in the record of creation, and by a race of beings vastly
superior in size to any men now living. Such reasoning has led
many professed Bible-believers to adopt the position that the days
of creation were vast, indefinite periods.

But apart from Bible history, geology can prove nothing.
Those who reason S(^ confidently upon its discoveries, have no ad-
equate conception of the size of men, animals, and trees before the
flood, or of the great changes which then took place. Relics found
in the earth do give evidence of conditions differing in mariy
respects from the present; but the time when these conditions
existed can be learned only from the Inspired Record. In the
history of the flood, inspiration has explained that which geology
alone could never fathom. In the days of Noah, men, animals,
and trees, many times larger than now exist, were buried, and
thus preserved as an evidence to later generations that the ante-
diluvians perished by a flood. God designed that the discovery
of these things should establish faith in inspired history ; but
men, with their vain reasoning, fall into the same error as did the
people before the flood, — the things which God gave them as a
benefit, they turn into a curse by making a wrong use of them.

» Ps. 33 : 6, 9. « Gen. 2 . 4.

THE LITERAL WEEK.

11:5

It is one of Sutuirs tlevicos to lead tho people to aecc^pt the
fal»l(!S of infidelity; for he can thus obseiire the law of God, in
itself very plain, and embolden men to rel)el against the divine
government. His efforts are especially directed a<,'ainst the fourth
commandment, because it so clearly points to the living God, the
Maker of the heavens and the earth.

There is a constant effort made to explain tho work of creation
as tiie result of natural causes; and human reasoning is accepted
even by j)rofessed Christians, in opposition to plain Scripture facts.
There arc many who oppose the investigation of the prophecies,
especially those of Daniel and the Revelation, declaring them to
be so obscure that we cannot understand them ; yet tiiese very per-
sons eagerly receive tho supi)ositions of geologists, in contradiction
of the Mosaic record. Tiut if that wiiich God has revealed is so
difficult to understand, how inconsistent it is to accept mere su})-
positions in regard to that which ho has not revealed I

" The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but.tlio.se
things which arc revealed belong unto us iind to our children for-
ever."' Just how God accomplished tiie work of creation he has
never revealed to men ; human science cannot search out the
secrets of the Most High. His creative power is as incomprehen-
sible as his exi.jtence.

God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the
world, in both science and art; but when jtrofessedly .scientific
men treat upon these sulyects from a merely human point of view,
they will assuredly come to wrong conclusions. It may be inno-
cent to speculate beyond what God's word has revealed, if our
theories do not contradict facts found in the Scriptures ; Init those
who leave the word of God, and seek to account for h^s cre-
ated works upon scientific principles, are drifting, without chart or
compass, upon an unknown ocean. The greatest minds, if not
guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered
in their attempts to trace the relations of science and revelation.
Because the Creator and his works are so far beyond their compre-
hension that they are unable to ex})lain them by natural laws,
they re,;ard Bible history as unreliable. Those who doubt tlie
reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments, will l)e
led to go a step further, and doul)t the existence of God ; and then,
having lost their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks
of infidelitv. » Dcut. 29 .- 29.

114

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

These i)crHons liavo lost the sirapiioity of faith. There sliould
be a settled helie^ in the divine authority of God's holy word.
The Bil)le is not to })e tested hy men's ideas of science. Human
knowledge is an unreliable guide. Skeptics who read the Biljle
for the sake of caviling, may,, through an imncrfect comprehension
of either science or revelation, claim to find contradictions between
them ; but rightly anderstood, they are in perfect harmony. Moses
wrote under the guidance of the Spirit of God ; and a coirect theory
of geology will never claim discoveries that cannot be reconciled
with his statements. All truth, whethe;' in natuie or in revelation,
is consistent with itself in ail its manifestations.

In the word of God many queries are raised t! .t the most
profound s(;holars can never answer. Attention is called to tliese
subjects to show us how nmch there is, even among the (ommon
things of every-day life, that finite minds, with all their boasted
Avisdom, can never fully understand.

Yet men of science think that they can comprehend the wis-
dom of God, that which he has done or can do. The idea largely
prevails that he is restricted by his own laws. Men either deny
or ignore his existence, or think to explain everything, 3ven the
operation of his Spirit upon the human heart ; and they no longer
reverence his name, or fear his i)0wer. They do not believe in the
supernatural, not understanding God's laws, or his infinite power
to work his will through them. As commonlv used, the term " laws
of nature " comprises what men have been able to discover with
^•egard to the laws that govern the piiysical t, irld; but how
/imited is their knowledge, and iiow vast the field in which the
Creator can work, in harmony with his own laws, and yet wholly
beyond the comprehension of finite beings !

Many teach that matter i)ossesses vital power, — that certain
properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left to act through
its own inherent energy ; and that the operations of nature are
conducted in harmony with fixed laws, with which God himself
cannot interfere. This is false science, and is not sustained by
the word of God. Nature is the servant of her Creator. God does
not annul his laws, or work contrary to them ; but he is continually
using them as his instruments. Nature testifies of an intelligence,
a presence, an active energy, that works in and thi-ough her laws.
There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the
Son. Christ says, " My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."^

» John 5 : 17.

TlIK IJTEIiM. WEEK.

115

The 'icvitcs, in tlit'ir liyiiin recorded l)y Neheniiuh, HUn}<,
*'Tli()U, even thou, art Lord idoiie ; tliou liiist luado heaven, the
heaven of heavens, with all their host, the eartli, and all thinj^s
therein, . . . and ti'ou 2<rwc/7T.s< tlienj all.'" As reganls this world,
Cnxl's At'ork of creation is completed. For " the works were finished
from the foundation of the world."* Hut his enerjiy is still ex-
erteil in uplioldin*;- the ohjects of his creation. It is not l)ccause
the mechanism that 'las once l»een .set in motion continues to act
liy its own inherent er;Tgy, that the pulse heats, and hreath fol-
lows breath ; hut every breath, every pulsation of the heart, is an
eviden.co of the all-pervading care of Ilim in whom "we live, and
move, and have our l»eing.'"' Tt is not because of inherent power
that year by year the earth produces her bounties, and continues
her motion around the sun. The hand of God guides the i)lanets,
an<l keeps them in ])osition in their orderly march through the
heavens, lie " bringeih out their host by number; he calleth
them all by names by the greatness of. his might, for that ho is
strong in power ; not one faileth."* It is through his power that
vegetation flourishes, thnt the leaves appear and the flowers l)loom.
He '' maketii grass to grow upon the mountains," and by him the
valleys are made fruitful. All the beasts of the forest seek
their meat from God,^ and every living creature, from the small-
est insect lip to man, is daily dependent upon his providential
care. In the l)eautiful words of the psalmist, " These wait all
ujjon thee. . . . That thou givest them they gather; thou openest
thine hand, they arc filled with good."" His word controls the
elements, he ct)vers the heavens with clouds, and prepares rain for
the earth. " He giveth snow like wool ; lie scattereth the hoar
frost like ashes." " V/hen he uttereth his voice, there is a mul-
titude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to
ascend from the ends of the earth ; he maketh lightnings with
rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures."^

God is the foundation of everything. All true science is in
harmony with his 'vorks ; all true education leads to obedience to
his government. Science opens new wonders to our view'; she
soars high, and explores new depths ; but she brings nothing from
her research that conflicts with divine revelation. Ignorance may
seek to support false views of God by appeals to science ; but the
book of nature and the written word shed light upon each other.

' Nch. 9:6. « Ileb. 4 : 3. 8 Acts 17 : 28. Msa. 40 : 26.

5Ps. 147 : 8 ; 104 : 20, 21. sps. 104 : 27, 28. ^Ps. 147 : 16 ; Jcr. 10 : 13.

116

PA Tin Aliens AND PliOPllKTS.

We lire thus l(!(l tt) mloro the Creator, and t«> have an intelligent
trust ill liis word.

No finite mind can fully eo»»^ ' >nd t!ie exintence, the j)owor,
the wisdom, or the works of infinite One. Says the sacred

writer; ''Canst thou hy searching find out God? canst tiiou find
out the AImi}ihty unto perfection? It is as \\'\\:}\ as heaven; what
canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The
measun; tiierecjf is longer than the earth, and hroader than the
sea.'" The mightiest intellects of earth cannot com])r(!hend (lod.
^Icn may he ever searching, ever learning, and still there is an in-
finity heyond.

Yet the works of creation testify of God's j)ower and greatness.
'• The heavens dechint the glory of Go<l ; and the firmament show-
eth his handiwork."' Those who take the written wonl as their
counselor will find in science an aid to untlerstand God. "The
invisible things of Ilim from tlie creation of tho world arc clearly
s(.'cn, being understood by tlie tilings that are made, even his eter-
nal power and Godhead."'

Mob 11 : 7-9. " Ps. 19 : 1. »Rom. 1 : 20.

CHAPTKR X.

Till'; lOWT. K ol" liAHKL.

To ro-iKM)i»lo tlio (U'Holato oartli, whicli tlic flood had so Isitoly
swojit frotii its moral <onu|»ti<»n, CJod had prcsorvcd hut one
family, the lioiiscliold of Noah, to wliom ho luid (h'darcd, " Thee
havo J Hvvn ri^rhtcous licfon* me in tld.s generation.'" Yet in the
tliree sonn of Noah was s|M'r(lily dcveloj>ed thi; .same ^^reat distinc-
tion seen in tiu^ world before the Hood. In Shem, Ham, and
Japheth, who were to he the fonnders of the human race, wutj
foreshadowed tlu! character of their posterity.

Noah, speakinj^ hy divine inspiration, foretold the history of
the thret; }i;reat races to sprin<j from these fathers of manUin<h
Tracini^f tlu; descendants of Ham, throujzh the son rather than the
father, lie declared, "Cursed he Canaan ; a st-rvant of servants
shall he he unto his brethren."* The unnat' d crime of Ham
declared that (dial reverei\ce liad hmji before hv en cast from his
soul; and it revealed the impiety and vik'ness of liis character.
Tiiese evil characteristics were ]>erpetuated in Canaan and his
posterity, whose continued ;.'uilt called upon them the judgments
of (k»d.

On the other liand, the reverence manifested by Shem and
Ja]»heth for their father, and thus for the divine statutes, i)rom-
ised a brighter I'uture fo.- \'heir descendants. Concerning these
sons it was (U'clared : "lilesred l>e Jehovah, God of Shem; and
Canaan shall lie his servar.t. God shall enlarge Japheth, and
he shall dwell in the tents of Shem ; and Canaan shall be his
servant."'^ The line of Shem was to be that of the chosen people,
of God's covenant, of the jyromised Redeemer. Jehovah was the
God of Shem. From him would descend Abraham, and the
people of Israel, through whom Christ was to come. "Happy
is that people whose God is tiie Lord."' And Japlieth "shall
*Gen. 7 • 1. HJen. 9 : 25-27. ^V». 144 : 1.5.

[1171

118

rATIifAllClfS ASI) riiOP/fKTS.

(iwfll ill tlic tents of Slicm." In tin? ItU'SMin^rs of the f;o8|n'l tlio
(U).scrn(lants of .laplntli wcit; crtitcciiiUy to sliiiri%

The poHtcrity of Caimiin flcMcciuU'd to the inont dc^'radln^
forms of licathcnisni. TIioukIi the jiroplictic curso luul dooinrd
tlu;ni to nlavi TV, tli(! doom was witldu'ld for «'('nturu'H. (Jod l>ore
with their impiety and corruption until they passed tht) limits of
divine forhearanee. Tlien they wero dirtpossossecl, and heeamo
bondmen to tho descenduntH of Shem and Japheth.

The prophecy of Noah was no arbitrary (h'nunciation of wrath
or (h'claration of favor. It <lid not fix the character and destiny
of liis Hons. Hut it showed what would hi; the result of the course
of life they had severally chosen, and the cliaracter thoy had de-
veloped. It WU8 nn expression of fJod's purpose toward them
and their postt!rity in view of their own character und conduct.
As a rule, children inherit the dis|>ositions and tendencies of their
parents, and imitate their example; so that the sins of tlu; i)arents
are practiced l»y the children frt»m ^'cneration to )j;eneration. Thus
the vileness and irreverence of Ilam Avere rejjroduced in liis pos-
terity, bringing a curse upon them for many generations. "One
sinner destr« yeth ' uch good."'

On the other liand, how richly rewarded was Shem's respect
for his fatluT; and Avhat an illustrious line of holy men appears in
his posterity ! " The Lord knowetli the days of the upriglit," " and
his seed is blessed."'' " Know therefore that tho Lord thy (lod he
is Clod, the faithful God, which kcepeth covenant and mercy with
them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand
generations.""

For a time, the descendants of Noali continued to dwell among
the mountains where the ark had rested. As their numbers in-
creased, apostasy soon led to division. Those who desired to for-
get their Creator, and to cast otl" the restraint of his law, felt a
constant annoyance from the teaching and example of their God-
fearing associates; and after a time they decided to se})arate from
the worshipers of God. Accordingly they journeyed to the plain
of Shinar, on the banks of the river Euphrates. They were at-
tracted by the beauty of the situation and the fertility of the soil ;
and upon this plain they determined to make their home.

Here they decided to build a city, and in it a tower of such
stupendous lieight as should render it the wonder of the world.
lEccl. 9 : 18. «P8. 37 : 18, 20. 'Deut. 7 : 9.

rilK TOW Kit OF It Alt HI..

I|!»

Thtie entrrprixos wiTf dt'si^iirfl to provrnt tlu' pcopli* from stat-
tcrinjj aUroinl in cohtnirH. (lod lia<l (lircctcd mm to (linpcrsn
tlirou^'liout tilt' earth, to nplcnish and sul»dui' it; Imt tlu-sc
Halu'l-liuildc rs drt«TmiiH'd to keep tlirir conmiunity united in oni;
IhhIv. an<l to lound a monardiv that shouhl eventually emhraeo
tlje wholiMMirth. ThuK their city would heeonie the metropoln ot
a universal empire; its jflory \v«)uld eonunand the admiration and
homage of tlu' world, and render the founders illustrious. The
ma^nilieent tower, reaching' to the heavens, was intendetl to stand
as a monument of the j)ower and wisdom of its huilders, ptTpetu-
atin^' tlu'ir fame to the latest ^'enerations.

The dwellers on the jdain of Shinar dishelieved (lod's covenant
that h(! would not a^ain hrinj^ a Hood upon the t-arth. Many of
them denied the existeiieo of (lod, and attrihuted the Mood to tho
operation of natural causes. Others helieved in a supreme heinj;,
and that it was \w who had destroyi'(l the antediluvian world;
and their hearts, like that of Cain, ros(! up in rehellion a^^ain.^
liitn. One ohjeet hefore them in tho erection of the tow'cr was to
secure their own safety in case of another delude. Hy carrying;
the structure to a nuich ^'reater height than was reached hy the
waters of the Hood, they thou<;ht to place them.selves heyond all
possihility of danjjer. And as they would he ahle to ascend to tlu;
rejxion of the clouds, they hojted to ascertain the caus(! of the flood.
Th«! wholi' undertakinjf was desi<.jned to exalt still further the
pride of its projectors, and to turn tlu; minds of future ffonerations
away from CJod, and lead them into idolatry.

When the tower liad l)een partially completed, a portion of it
was occupied as a dwelling-place for the huilders; other apart-
ments, splendidly furnished and adorned, were devoted to their
idols. Tho people rejoiced in their success, and praised the gods
of silver and gold, and set themselves against tho Ruler of heaven
and earth. Suddenly the work that had been advancing so
prosperously was cheeked. Angels were sent to bring to naught
the purpose of the builders. The tower had reached a lofty
height, and it was impossible for the workmen at the to}) to com-
municate directly with those at the base; therefore men were
stationed at different points, each to receive and report to tho one
next l)elow him the orders for needed material, or other directions
concerning the work. As messages were thus passing from one. to
another, the language was confounded, so that material was called

120

PA Tin A R CHS A Nl) PR OPIIK TS.

Is,

lor wliicli was not nct'dcd, and the directions delivered were often
thcrcvcr.se of those that had been jiiven. Confusion and dismay
followed. All work came to a stand-still. There could he no
further harmony or co-operation. The l»uil(lei's wen; wholly un-
nhle to account for the straULre misundcrstandinufs amon^i;- them,
jind ill tlieir ra^^e and disa[)])ointment they reproached one an-
othi r. Their confederacy ended in strife and Moodshe(l. liight-
nin;;s from heaven, as an evidence of (lod's dis]>lcasurc, hrokc off
the upper portion of the tower, and cast it to the ground. Men
wt-rc made to feel that there is a God Avho ruleth in the heavcMis,

U}) ti> this time, all men had spoken th(> same language; now
those that could understand one another's si)eech united in com-
panies ; some went one Avay, and some another. "Tlie Lord
scattered them al)road from thence U})on the face of all the
earth.'" This disi»er.sion was the means of }>eopling the earth;
and thus tiie liord's i)urpose was accomplished through the very
means that men had cmi)loyed to prevent its fulfillment.

But at what a loss to those who had set themselves against
CJod! It was his i)uri)Ose, that, as men should go forth to found
nations in dill'erent parts of tlic earth, they should carry with
them a knowledge of his will, tliat the light of truth might shine
undimmed to succeeding generations. Noah, the faithful preacher
of righteousness, lived i'or three hundred and fifty years after the
flood, 8hem for five hundred years, and thus their descendants
had an op}>ortunity to become acquainted with the requirements
of Clod and the history of his dealings with their fathers. But
they were unM'illing to listen to these unpalatal)le truths; they
had no desire to retain God in their knowledge; and by the
confusion of tongues they were, in a great measure, shut out from
intercourse Avith those who might have given them light.

The Babel-builders had indulged the spirit of murmuring
against God. Instead of gratefully remembering his mercy to
Adam, and his gracious covenant with Noah, they had complained
of his severity in expelling the first i)air from Eden, and destroy-
ing the world by a flood. But while they murmured against
God as arbitrary and severe, they were accepting the rule of tlie
crudest of t^'rants. >Satan was seeking to Ijring contem})t upon
the sacrificial ofierings that i)refigured the death of Christ; and as
the minds of the people were darkened l)y idolatry, he led them
to counterfeit these ofierings, and sacrifice their own children

' (ii'ii. 11:8. i

Till", T()Wi-:r of bahel.

THE TOWER OF BABEL.

12S

upon the altars of their gods. As men turner! away from God, the
divine attributes— justice, purity, and love— were supplanted
by oppression, violence, and brutality.

The men of Babel had determined to establish a government
that should be independent of God. There were some among
them, however, who feared the Lord, but who had been deceived
by the pretensions of the ungodly, and drawn into their schemes.
For the sake of these faithful ones, the Lord delayed his judg-
ments, and gave the people time to reveal their true character.
As this was developed, the sons of God labored to turn them from
their purpose ; but the people wore fully united in their Heaven-
daring undertaking. Had they gone on unchecked, they would
have demoralized the world in its infancy. Their confederacy
was founded in rebellion ; a kingdom established for self-exalta-
tion, but in which God was to have no rule or honor. Had this
confederacy been permitted, a mighty power would have borne
sway to banish righteousness — and with it peace, happiness, and
security — from the earth. For thrs divine statutes, which are
"holy and just and good,"' men were endeavoring to substitute
laws to suit the purpose of their own selfish and cruel hearts.

Those that feared the Lord cried unto him to interi)ose.
" And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which
the children of men Imilded." * In mercy to the world he defeated
the purpose of the tower-builders, and overthrew the memorial of
their daring. In mercy he confounded their speech, thus putting
a check on their purposes of rebellion. God bears long with the
perversity of men, giving them ample opportunity for repentance ;
but he marks all their devices to resist the authority of his just
and holy law. From time to time the unseen hand that holds the
scepter of government is stretched out to restrain iniquity. Un-
mistakable evidence is given that the Creator of the universe, the
One infinite in wisdom and love and truth, is the supreme ruler of
heaven and earth, and that none can with impunity defy his power.

The schemes of the Babel-builders ended in shame and defeat.
The monument to their pride became the memorial of their folly.
Yet men are continually pursuing the same course, — depending
upon self, and rejecting God's law. It is the principle that Satan
tried to carry out in heaven; the same that governed Cain in
presenting his offering.

There are tower-ouilders in our time. Infidels construct their
iRom. 7 : 12. 2 Gen. 11:5.

124

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

theories from the supjiosed deductions of soieiice, and reject the
reveale.d word of (iod. They presume to jiass sentence upon God's
moral government; tliey despise Ids law, and hoast of the suf-
ficiency of Imman reason. Tlien, " l)ccause sentence auainst an
evil work is not executed speedily, tlierefore the lieart of the
sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." '

In the professedly Christian world, many turn awa}' from the
plain teach inus of the Bihle, and huild uj) a creed from human
speculations and pleasing fahles; and they point to their tower as
a way to climb up to heaven. A[en hang with admiration U{)on
the lips of ehxiuence while it teaches that the transgressor shall
not die, that salvation may he secured without obedience to the
law of God. If the ])rofessed followers of Christ Avould accept
God's standard, it would bring them into unity; but so long as
human wisdom is exalted above his holy word, there will be divis-
ions and dissension. The existing confusion of conflicting creeds
and sects is fitly represented by the term " Babylon," which })roph-
ecy "^ api)lies to the world-loving churches of the last days.

Many seek to make a heaven for themselves by obtaining
riches and power. They " si)eak wickedly concerning oi)pression,
they speak loftily,"^ trampling upon human rights, and disregard-
ing divine authority. The proud may l)e for a time in great
power, and may see success in all that they undertake; but in the
end they will find only disappointment and wretchedness.

The time of God's investigation is at hand. The Most High
will come down to see that which the children of men have
builded. His sovereign power will be revealed ; the works of
human pride will l)e laid low. " The Lord looketh from heaven;
he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his hab-
itation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth." " The
Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to naught ; he maketh
the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord
standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."^
lEccl. 8 ; 11. 2Rev_ 14 : 8 ; IS : 2. spg. 73 . s; 33 : 13, 14, 10, 11.

CHAPTER XI.

THE CALL OF ABRAHAM.

After tlie di.sper.sion from IJabcl, idolatry again l»ccanie ■well-
nigh iiuiversal, and tlic Lord linally loft the hardened tran.sgre.<.-;or.-s
to follow their evil ways, while he ehose Al»rahani, of the line of
Shem, and made him the keejjer of his law for future generations.
Abraham had grown up in the midst of suiterstition and heathen-
ism. Kven his father's household, hy Avhou) the knowledge of
God had been i)reserved, were yielding to the sediU'tive influ-
ences surrounding them, and they "served other gods'" than
Jehovah. But the true faith was nwt to hecome extinct. God
has ever i)reserved a renniant to serve him. Adam, Seth, ]']noch,
Methuselah, Noah, Shem,'^ in unbroken line, had preserved from
age to age the precious revealings of his will. The son of Terah
became the inheritor of this holy trust. Idolatr}' invited him on
every side, l)ut in vain. Faithful among the faithless, uncor-
ru})ted by the prevailing apostasy, he steadfastly adhered to the
worship of the one true God. " The Lord is nigh unto all them
that call ui)on him, to all that call U[)on him in truth." ^ He
connnunicated his will to Abraham, and gave him a distinct
knowledge of the requirements of his law, and of the salvation
that would be accomplished through Christ.

There was given to Abraham the i)romise, csjiecially dear to
the people of that age, of a numerous posterity and of national
greatness : " I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless
thee, and make thy name great ; and thou shalt be a blessing."
And to this was added the assurance, precious above every other
to the inheritor of faith, that of his line the Redeemer of the
world should come: "In thee shall all families of the earth be
blessed."* Yet, as the first ccmdition of fulfillment, there was to
be a test of faith ; a sacrifice was demanded.

1 Joshua 24 : 3. ^St^e Appemlix, Note 2. »Ps. 145 : IS.

*Geu. 12 : 3.

[125]

126

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

The message of God came to Abraham, " Get thee out of thy
country, and i\\>n\ tliy kindred, and from thy father's liouse, unto
a hind that I will show thee." ' In order that God might qualify
him for his great work, as the keeper of the sacred oracles,
Ahraham must be separated from the associations of his early
life. The inHuence of kindred and friends would interfere with
the training which the Lord purposed to give his servant. Now
that Abraham was, in a special sense, connected with licaven, he
must dwell among strangers. His character must be peculiar,
din'ering from all the world. He could not even explain his
course of action so as to be understood by his friends. 8})iritual
things are spiritually discerned, and his motives and actions were
not comprehended by his idolatrous kindred.

" By faith Abraham, wiien he was called to go out into a place
which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed ; and he
went out, not knowing whither he went." '^ Aliraham's unquestion-
ing obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith to be
found in all the Bible. To him, faith was "the substance of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."'' Relying
upon the divine promise, without the least outward assurance of
its fulfillment, he abandoned home and kindred and native land,
and went forth, he knew not whither, to follow where God should
lead. " By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise as
in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the
heirs with him of the same promise."^

It was no light tost that was thus brought upon Abraham,
no small sacrifice that was required of him. There w^ere strong
ties to bind him to his country, his kindred, and his home. But
he did not hesitate to obey the call. He had no question to ask
concerning the land of promise, — whether the soil was fertile, and
tlie climate healthful ; whether the country offered agreeable sur-
roundings, and would afford oijj^ortunities for amassing wealth.
God had spoken, and his servant nuist obey ; the happiest place
on earth for him was the place where God would have him to be.

Many are still tested as was Abraham. They do not hear the
voice of God speaking directly from the heavens, but he calls them
by the teachings of his word and the events of his i)rovidence.
They may be recjuired to abandon a career that promises wealth
and honor, to leave congenial and profitable associations, and sep-
1 Gen. 13 : 1. 2 Heb. 11 : S, 1. ^ jjcb. 11:9, Rev. Ver.

THE CALL OF ABRAHAM.

1-27

arato from kindred, to enter upon what appear?) to he only a path
of self-denial, hardsliip, and sacrifice. God has a work for them
to do; hut a life of ease and the influence of friends and kindred
would hinder the development of the very traits essential for its
accomplishment. He calls them away from human inliuences and
aid, and leads them to feel the need of his help, and to depend upon
him alone, that he may reveal himself to them. Who is ready at the
call of Providence to renounce cherished plans and familiar asso-
ciations? Who will accept new duties and enter untried fields.
doin<r Clod's work with firm and willinjr heart, for Christ's sake
counting his losses gain? He who will do this has the faith of
Ahraham, and will share with him that "far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory," with which "the suHerings of this i»resent
time are not worthy to he compared." '

The call from heaven first came to Ahraham while he dwelt
in " Ur of the Chaldees,'" and in ohedience to it he removed to
Haran. Thus far his father's family accompanied him ; for with
their idolatry they united the worship of the true iioA.. Here
Ahraham remamed till the death of Terah. But froin his father's
grave the divine voice bade him go forward. His brother Nahor
with his household clung to their home and their idols. Besides
Sarah, the wife of Abraham, only Lot, the son of Haran long since
dead, chose to share the patriarch's pilgrim life. Yet it was a
large company that set out from Mesopotamia. Aljraham already
l)0ssessed extensive flocks and herds, the riches of the East, and
he was surrounded by a numerous l)ody of servants and retainers.
He was departing from the land of his fathers, never to return,
and he took with him all that he had, " their substance that they
had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran." ^
Among these were many led by higher considerations tlian tliose
of service and self-interest. During their stay in Haran, both
Abraham and Sarah had led others to the worsliip and service
of the true God. These attached themselves to the patriarch's
household, and accom})anied him to the land of promise. " And
they went forth to go into the land of Canaan ; and into the land of
Canaan they came."^

The place where they first tarried was Shechem. Under the
shade of the oaks of Moreh, in a wide, grassy valley, witli its olive
groves and gushing springs, between Mount Ebal on the one side
^2 Cor. 4 : 17 ; Rom. 8 : 18. ^Oen. U : 31. 3 Gen. 13 : 5.

128

PATRIARCHS AND PROPIIRTS.

iiiid Mount Gtiriziiii on tho other, Ahnilmm made liis enfani)*-
ment. It was a fair and fioodly country that the patriarch had
entered, — "a land of hrooks of water, of fountains and dejtths
tliiit s|)rinf; out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat, and barley,
and vines, and fijr-trees, and ))onie^ranatos; a land of oil olive, and
honey.'" lUit to the -.vorshiper of Jehovah, a heavy shadow rested
Upon wooded hill and fruitful jdain. " The Canaanite was then in
the land." Abraham had reached the jjjoal of his hopes to find a
country occui)ie(l by an alien race, and overspread with idolatry.
In the groves were set up the altars of false gods, and human
sacrifices were offered upon the neighboring hciglits. While he
clung to tbe divine jiromise, it was not without distressful forelxxl-
ings that he j)itched his tent. Then *'the Lord appeared unto
Abram, and said. Unto thy seed will I give this land."'^ His faith
was strengthened by this assurance that the divine presence was
with him, that he was not left to the mercy of the Avicked. " And
there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto
liim." "^ Still a wayfarer, he soon removed to a spt)t near Bethel,
and again erected an altar, and called upon the name of the Lord.

Abraham, "the friend of God," set us a worthy example. His
was a life of prayer. Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it
was set up his altar, calling all within his encampment to the
morning and the evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed,
the altar remained. In following years, there were those among
the roving Canaanites who received instruction from Abraham,
and whenever one of these came to that altnr, he knew who had
been there before him ; and when he had piiched his tent, he re-
paired the altar, autl there worshiped the living God.

Abraham continued to journey southward; and again his faith
was tested. The heavens withheld their rain, the l)rooks ceased to
flow in the valleys, and the grass withered on the plains. The
flocks and herds found no pasture, and starvation threatened the
whole encampment. Did not the patriarch noAV question the
leadings of Pn>vidence? Did he not look back with longing to
the i)lenty of the Chaldean plains? All were eagerly watching to
see what Abraham would do, as trouble after trouble came upon
hinio So long as his confidence appeared unshaken, they felt that
there was hope ; they were assured that God was his friend, and
that he was still guiding him.

'Deut. 8 ! 7, 8. «Gpn. 12 : 7.

THE CALL OB' ABHAIIaM.

129

Ahnihiim could not explain the leadinjrs of Providence; he
had not realized his expectations; hut ho held fast the promise,
" I will hless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt he a
hlessing." With earnest prayer he considered how to preserve the
life of his people and his tiocks, hut he would not allow circum-
stances to shake his faith in God's word. To escape the famine he
went down into Egypt. He did not forsake Canaan, or in his ex-
tremity turn hack to the Chaldean land from which he came,
where there was no scarcity of hread ; hut he sought a temporary
refuge as near as i)ossil>le to the land of promise, intending shortly
to return where God had jtlaced him.

The Lord in his i)rovidence had brought this trial upon Abra-
ham to teach him lessons of submission, i)atience, and faith, — ■
lessons that were to be placed on record for the l)enefit of all
who should afterward ])e called to endure affliction. Ciod leads
his children by a way that they know not; but he does not forget
or cast off those who put their trust in him. He permitted afflic-
tion to come upon Job, but he did not forsake him. He allowed
the beloved John to be exiled to lonelv Patmos, but the Son of
God met him there, and his vision was filled with scenes of
innnortal glory. God permits trials to assail his people, that by
their constancy and obedience they themselves may be S[)iritually
enriched, and that their example may l)e a source of strength to
others. " I know the thoughts that I think toward vou, saith tlie
Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.'" The very trials that
task our faith most severely, and make it seem that God has for-
saken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our
burdens at his feet, and experience the peace which he will give
us in exchange.

God has always tried his people in the furnace of affliction.
It is in the heat of the furnace that the dross is separated from the
true gold of the Christian character. Jesus watches the test; he
knows what is needed to purify the precious metal, that it may re-
flect the radiance of his love. It is by close, testing trials that
God disciplines his servants. He sees that some have powers
which may be used in the advancement of his work, and he puts
these persons upon trial; in his providence he brings them into
positions that test their character, and reveal defects and weak-
nesses that have been hidden from their own knowledge. He

iJer. 29 : 11.

l,*{0

PATRfAliCI/S AXD PROPHETS.

gives tlieni opportunity to corroct those dofocts, and to fit tlicni-
sclvos i'or hi.s Horvico. II(! hIiows tlicin their own wciikncss, and
teaches them to lean upon liiin ; for he is their only help an<l sat'e-
^'uard. Thus his ohject is attained, 'riuy an; ('(hieated, trained,
and diseiplincid, prepared to I'uKill the <frand purjiost! lor which
their j)owers were j^iven them. Wheii (Jod calls them to action,
they are ready, and heavenly anjiols can unite with them in the
work tt) he aceon)| dished on the earth.

Durinff hi.s stay in E^ypt, Ahrahani gave evidence that lie was
not free from human weakni'ss and imperfection. In concealing
the fact that Sarah was his wife, he hetrayed a distrust of the
divine care, a lack of that lofty faith and coura^^e so often and
nohly exemj)li(ied in his life. Sarah Avas " fair to look upon," and
he douhted not that the dusky E^fyjjtians would covet the heauti-
ful stranj^er, and that in order to secun! her, they would not
scruple to slay her husl)and. lie reasoned that he was not guilty
of falsehood in representing Sarah as his sister; for sluMvas the
daughter of liis father, though not of his mother. But this con-
cealment of the real relation ])etween them was deception. No
deviation from strict integrity can raoet God's ai)proval. Through
Ahraham's lack of faith, Sarah was i)laced in great peril. The
king f Egy[)t, heing informed of her heauty, caused her to Ix;
taken to his j)alace, intending to make her his wife. But the
Lord, in his great mercy, i)rotected Sarah l)y sending judgments
uj)on the royal household. By this means the monarch learned
the truth in the matter, and, indignant at the deception practiced
ujion him, he rcproA-ed Ahraham, and restored to him his wdfe,
saying, "What is this that thou hast done unto me? . . . Why
saidst thou. She is my sister? So I might have taken her to me
to wife. Now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy

5) 1

way

Aljraham had been greatly favored by the king; even now
Pharaoh would permit no harm to be done him or his company,
but ordered a guard to conduct them in safety out of his domin-
ions. At this time, laws were made prohibiting the Egyi)tians
from intercourse with foreign sheplierds in any such familiarity
as eating or drinking with them. Pharaoh's dismissal of Abraham
was kind and generous; but he bade him leave Egypt, for
he dared not permit him to remain. He had ignorantly been

JQeu. 12 : 18, 19.

77/ A' CALL OF A /Hi A 1/ AM.

i:u

jihout to <1(» liiiii ii serious injury; l»ut (mmI hiiil interposed, and
siive(l the Mioiiiirtli tVoiii eomiiiittini: so j.'reat ii sin. I'liaraoli saw
ill this straM<.'er a man whom tho Clotl ot* heaven honored, and ho
feared to liave in liis l<in;xdoni one who was ho evidently under
divine t;iv(»r. Should Altraham remain in I'Vypt, his inereasin;^
wealth and honor would l>e likely to excite tho envy or eovetous-
ness ot" till' is^fyptiaiis, ami .>ome injury niitrht he done him lor
which the nnuiarcli would he lu'ld respoiisihle. ami which mifxlit
a<rain l»rin;r ju<h_Miients upon the royal house.

The WiirninL' that had heeii jiiven to I'liaraoli proved a protection
to Ahraham in his alter-intercourse with heathen peoples; for tho
matti'r could not he kept secret, and it was seen that the (lod whom
Ahraham worshiped would jirotect ins servant, and that any injury
<lono liim would he aven<icd. It is a dan^ferous thin«; to wron^'ono
of tho children of tlu' Kinu of heaven. The psalnnst refers to this
chapter in Ahraham's experience when he says, in sp«'akin<,' of tho
chosen people, that (iod "reproved kinjjjs for their sakes, sayin;.?,

» 1

Touch n(jt mine anointed, and do my pi'ophets no liarm,

There is an interesting; similarity hetween Ahraham's experience
in E<:ypt and that of his po.sterity, centuries hiter. Both went down
into P^j-'ypt on account of a famine, and hoth sojourned there.
Throutfh the manifestation of divine judj^ments in their hehah,
the fear of them fell upon the Kiryptians; and, enriched hy tho
gifts of the heathen, they went out with great suhstanee.

M's. 10,5 : 14, 15.

CHAPTER XII.

ABRAHAM I\ CANAAN.

AnHAHAM rcturiu'd to Canaan "very rich in cattle, in silver,
and in jjold."' Lot was still with him, and a<j;ain tiiey came to
liethel, and ])itched their tents by the altar which they liud heforo
enrted. They soon found that increased possi'ssions l>roUjj;ht in-
crease<l trouble. In the midst of hardships and trials they had
dwelt to;,'ether in harmony, l)Ut in their prosperity there was
dan^'cr of strife between them. The pastura<,'e was not sufficient
for the flocks and herds of both, and the frequent disputes among
the herdsmen were broULrht for settlement to their masters. It
was evident that they must separate, Abraham was Lot's senior
in years, and his superi(»r in relation, in wealth, and in posi-
tion; yet he was the first to proj)ose i)lans for ])reserving ])eace.
AlthoujJih the whole lan<l had Ih-cu given him by God himself, he
courteously waived this right.

* " Tict there be no .strife," ho said, 'M)etwecn mc and thee, and
between my herdmen and thyherdmen; for we bo 1)rethren. Is
not the whole land before thee? Sei)arate thyself, I pray thee,
from me. If thou wilt take the left 1 and, then I will go to the
right; or if thou dejmrt to the right hand, then I will^go to the
left."

Here the noble, unselfish spirit of Abraham was displayed.
How many, under similar circumstances, would, at all hazards,
cling to their individual rights and preferences! How many
households have thus been rent asunder! How many churches
have been divided, making the cause of truth a by-word and a
rej^roach among the wicked ! " Let there ]>e no strife between
me and thee," said Abraham, " for wo 1)0 brethren ; " not only
by natural relationshij), but as worshi})ers of the true God. The
children of God, the world over, are one family, and the sam«
:-:;)irit of love and conciliation should govern them. "Be kindly

1 Oen. 13 : 1-9.
[133]

A /I II A 11 AM jy CA.yAAN.

\:\:\

in silver,
y came to
hiul before
rou^'lit in-

tliey Iwul
then' was
: Huiru'ieut
itc'S among
I asters. It
liOt's senior
id in posi-
L'ing i^eaee.
limself, he

I thee, and
"thren. Is
pray tliee,
go to the
ll\go to the

(displayed.
11 hazards,
fow many
churches
lord and a
fe between
not only
&od. The
[the sam«
Be kindly

nn'cctionod one to another with brotlit ily love ; in honor |»ri'fcr-
ring oMc another."* is the teaching of our Saviour. The cultiva-
tion of a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do to others as we
would wish them to do to us, would annihilate half the ills of
lifi'. Th(! spirit of Hclf-aggrandizement is the s|)irit of Satan ; l>ut
the heart in which the love of Chri.^^t is cherished, will pos.sess that
cliarity which seeketh not her own. Such will heed the divine
injunction, " Look not every man on his own things, but e\cry
man also on the things of others."^

.Mthough hot owed his prosperity to his connection with
vMiraham, he manifested no gratitude to his benefactor. Courtesy
would have dictated that he yield the choice to Abraham; but
instead of this, he selfishly endeavored to grasp all its advantages,
lie "lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that
it was Well waterecl everywhere, . . . even as the garden of the
Lord, like the land of Kgyi)t, as tliou coinest unto Zoar." ' The
most fertUe region in all Palestine was the Jordan valley, remind-
ing the behoMcrs t)f the lost Paradise, and ecpialing the beauty
and productiveness of the Nile-enriched pLuns tlu-y had so lately
left. There Were cities also, wealthy and beautiful, inviting to
profitable traffic in their crowded marts. Dazzled with visions
of Worldly gain. Lot overlooked the moral and spiritual evils
that would be encountered there. The inhabitants of the plain
were "sinivrs before the Lord exceedingly;" l>ut of this lie was
ignorant, or, knowing, gave it but little weight. lie "chose him
all the ])lain of Jordan," and "pitched his tent toward Sodom."''
How little did he foresee the terrible results of that sellish choices!

After the separation from Lot, Al>raliam again received from
the Lord a promise of tlus whole country. Soon after this, he
removed to Hebron, ])itching his tent under tlu' oaks of Manire,
and erecting beside it an altar to the Lord. Li the free air of
those upland i)lains, with their olive groves and vineyards, their
lii'lds of waving grain, and the wide pasture grounds of the encir-
cling hills, ho dwelt, well content Avith his simple, j)atriarclial life,
and leaving to Lot the ])erilous luxury of the vale of Soih^n.

Al)raham was honored by the surrounding nations as a mighty

prince and a wise and al»le chief. He did not shut away his in-

lluence from his neighbors. His life and character, in their

marked contrast to those of the worshipers of idols, exerted a

1 Rom. 13 : 10. ^pyj o . ^_ s^jju, 13 . 10-1.3.

134

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

\>h

telling influence in favor of the true faith. His allegiance to God
was unswerving, while his affability and benevolence inspired
confidence and friendship, and his unaffected greatness com-
manded respect and honor.

His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously
guarded, and enjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion can-
not be thus held ; for such a spirit is contrary to the principles of
the gospel. While Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible
to conceal the light of his presence, or for that light to grow dim.
On tlic contrary, it will grow brighter and brighter as day by day
the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled
by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.

The people of God are his representatives upon the earth, and
he intends that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this
world. Scattered all over the country, in the towns, cities, and
villages, they are God's witnesses, the channels through which
he will communicate to an unbelieving world the knowledge of
his will and the wonders of his grace. It is his plan that all who
are partakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for him.
The piety of the Christian constitutes the standard by which
worldlings judge the gospel. Trials patiently borne, blessings
gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitu-
ally exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the character
before the world, revealing the contrast with the darkness that
comes of the selfishness of the natural heart.

Rich in faith, noble in generosity, unfaltering in obedience,
and humble in the simplicity of his pilgrim life, Abraham was
also wise in diplomacy, and brave and skillful in war. Notwith-
standing he was known as the teacher of a new religion, three
royal brothers, rulers of the Amorite plains in which he dwelt,
manifested their friendship by inviting him to enter into an alli-
ance with them for greater security ; for the country was filled
with violence and oppression. An occasion soon arose for him to
avail himself of this alliance.

Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, had invaded Canaan fourteen
years before, and made it tributary to him. Several of the princes
now revolted, and the Elamite king, with four allies, again marched
into the country to reduce them to submission. Five kings of Ca-
naan joined their forces, and met the invaders in the vale of Sid-
dim, but only to be completely o\crthrown. A large part of the

ABRAHAM IN CANAAN.

135

army was cut to pieces, and those who escaped fled for safety to
the mountains. The victors i)lundered the cities of the i)lain, and
departed with rich spoil and many captives, among whom were
Lot and his family.

Abraham, dwelling in peace in the oak groves at Mamre,
learned from one of the fugitives the story of the battle, and the
calamity that had befallen his nephew. He had cherished no un-
kind memory of Lot's ingratitude. All his affection for him was
awakened, and he determined that he should be rescued. Seeking,
first of all, divine counsel, Abraham prepared for war. From his
own encampment he summoned three hundred and eighteen
trained servants, men trained in the fear of God, in the service of
their master, and in the practice of arras. His confederates,
Mamre, Eschol, and Aner, joined him with their bands, and to-
gether they started in pursuit of the invaders. The Elamites and
their allies had encamped at Dan, on the northern border of
Canaan. Flushed with victory, and having no fear of an assault
from tlieir vanquished foes, they had given themselves up to revel-
ing. The patriarch divided his force so as to approach from dif-
ferent directions, and came upon the encampment by night. His
attack, so vigorous and unexpected, resulted in speedy victory. The
king of Elam was slain, and his panic-stricken forces were utterly
routed. Lot and his family, with all the prisoners and their goods,
were recovered, and a rich booty fell into the hands of the victors.
To Abraham, under God, the triumph was due. The worshiper
of Jehovah had not only rendered a great service to the country,
but had proved himself a man of valor. It was seen that right-
eousness is not cowardice, and that Abraham's religion made him
courageous in maintaining the right and defending the oppressed.
His heroic act gave him a wide-spread influence among the
surrounding tribes. On his return, the king of Sodom came
out with his retinue to honor the conoueror. He bade him take
the goods, begging only that the prisoners should be restored.
By the usage of Avar, the spoils Ijclonged to the conquerors ; but
Abraham had undertaken this expedition with no purpose of gain,
and he refused to take advantage of the unfortunate, only stipu-
lating that his confederates should receive the portion to which
they were entitled.

Few, if su1)jccted to such a test, would have shown themselves
as nol)lo as did Abraham. Few would have resisted the tempta-

136

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

tion to secure so rich a booty. His example is a rebuke to self-
seeking, mercenary spirits. Abraham regarded the claims of jus-
tice and humanity. His conduct illustrates the inspired maxim,
" Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." * " I have lifted up
mine hand," he said, " unto the Lord, the most high God, the
possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread
even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take anj'thing that is
thine, lest thou shouldst say, I have made Abram rich." ^ He
would give them no occasion to think that he had engaged in Avar-
fare for the sake of gain, or to attribute his prosperity to their
gifts or favor. God had promised to bless Abraham, and to him
the glory should be ascribed.

Another who came out to welcome the victorious patriarch,
was Melchizedek, king of Salem, who brought forth bread and
wine for the refreshment of his army. As " priest of the most
high God," he pronounced a blessing upon Abraham, and gave
thanks to the Lord, who had wrought so great a deliverance by
his servant. And Abraham " gave him tithes of all."

Abraham gladly returned to his tents and his flocks ; but his
mind was disturbed by harassing thoughts. He had been a man
of peace, so far as possible shunning enmity and strife ; and with
horror he recalled the scene of carnage he had witnessed. But
the nations whose forces he had defeated would doubtless renew
the invasion of Canaan, and make him the special object of their
vengeance. Becoming thus involved in national quarrels, the
peaceful quiet of his life would be broken. Furthermore, he
had not entered upon the possession of Canaan, nor could he now
hope for an heir, to whom the promise might be fulfilled.

In a vision of the night the divine voice was again heard.
"Fear not, Abram," were the words of the Prince of princes;
" I am thy shield, and tliy exceeding great reward." ' But his
mind was so oppressed by forebodings that ho could not now grasp
the promise Avith unquestioning confidence as heretofore. He
prayed for some tangible evidence that it Avould be fulfilled. And
how was the covenant promise to l^e realized, while the gift of a
son Avas withheld ? " What Avilt thou give me," he said, "seeing
I go childless? " " And, lo, one born in my house is mine heir."* ,
He proposed to make his trusty servant Eliezer his son by adop-
tion, and tlio inheritor of liis i)()s.sessions. But he was assured

1 Lt'v. 19 : IS. 8 Gen. 14 : ir--24. ^Qgn. 15 . i_5.

ABRAHAM IN CANAAN.

isr

that a child of his own was to be his lieir. Then he was led
outside his tent, and told to look up to the unnumbered stars
glittering in the heavens; and as he did so, the words were spoken,
" So shall thy seed be." " Abraham believed God, and it was
counted unto him for righteousness." *

Still the patriarch begged for some visible token as a confir-
mation of his faith, and as an evidence to after-generations that
God's gracious puri)oses toward them would bo accomplished.
The Lord condescended to enter into a covenant with his servant,
employing such forms as were customary among men for the rati-
fication of a solemn engagement. By divine direction, Abraham
sacrificed a heifer, a she-goat, and a ram, each tliree years old,
dividing tlie bodies, and laying the pieces a little distance apart.
To these he added a turtle-dove and a young pigeon, which, how-
ever, were not divided. This being done, ho reverently i)assed
between the parts of the sacrifice, making a solemn vow to God
of perpetual obedience. Watchful and steadfast, ho remained
beside the carcasses till the going down of the sun, to guard
them from being defiled or devoured by birds of i)rey. About
sunset he sank into a deep sleep; and, "lo, a horror of great
darknets fell upon him."^ And the voice of God was heard,
bidding him not to expect immediate possession of the promised
land, and pointing forward to the sufferings of his posterity before
their establishment in Canaan. The plan of redemption was here
opened to him, in the death of Christ, the great sacrifice, and his
coming in glory. Abraham saw also the earth restored to its Eden
beauty, to be given him for an everlasting possession, as the final
and complete fulfillment of the promise.

As a pledge of this covenant of God with men, a smoking fur-
nace and a burning lamp, symbols of the divine jiresence, passed
between the severed victims, totally consuming them. And again
a voice was heard by Abraham, confirming the gift of the land of
Canaan to his descendants, " from the river of Egypt unto the great
river, the river Euphrates."

^^^^en Abraham had been nearly twenty-five years in Canaan,
the Lord appeared unto liim, and said, " I am the Almighty God ;
walk before me, and be tliou perfect." ^ In awe, the patriarch fell
upon his face, and the message continued ; " Behold, my covenant
is with tliee, and tliou slialt be a father of many nntions." In
'Rom. 4 : 3. ~Ctm. 15 : 7-18. ^Oen. 17 : l-lti.

138

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

token of the fulfillniont of tliis covenant, his name, heretofore
called Abram, was clianjied to Abraham, which signifies, " father
of a great multitude. " Sarai's name became Sarah, — " princess ; "
" for," said the divine voice, " she shall be a mother of nations ;
kings of i)eople shall be of her."

At this time the rite of circumcision was given to Abraham as
*' a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being
uncircumcised." ^ It was to be observed by the patriarch and his
descendants as a token that they were devoted to the service of God
and thus separated from idolaters, and that God accepted them as
his peculiar treasure. By this rite they Avere pledged to fulfill, on
their i)ai't, the conditions of the covenant made with Abraham.
They were not to ct)ntra('t marriages with the heathen ; for by so
doing they would lose their reverence for God and his holy law ;
they would be tempted to engage in the sinful practices of other
nations, and would be seduced into idolatry.

God conferred great honor u})()n Al)raham. Angels of heaven
walked and talked with him as friend with friend. When judg-
ments were about to be visited U])on Sodom, the fact was not
hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sin-
ners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful
example of hosi)itality.

In the hot sunmier noontide the patriarch was sitting in his
tent door, looking out over the quiet landscape, when he saw in
the distance three travelers approaching. Before reaching his
tent, the strangers halted, as if consulting as to their course.
Without waiting for them to solicit favors, Abraham rose quickly,
and as they were apparently turning in another direction, he
hastened after them, and with the utmost courtesy urged them to
honor him by tarrying for refreshment. With his own hands he
brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their
feet. He himself selected their food, and while they were at rest
under the cooling shade, an entertainment was made ready, and
he stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his hospi-
tality. This act of courtesy God regarded of sufficient importance
to record in his word ; and a thousand years later, it Avas referred
to by an inspired apostle : " Be not forgetful to entertain strangers ;
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." '

Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers,
little thinking that among them was One whom he might worship

iRoin. 4 : 11. «H.I>. 13 : 2.

ABRAHAM IN CANAAN.

139

without sin. But the true charaeter of the lieavenlv messen<jerH
was now revealed. Though thev Avere on tlieir wav as ministers
of wratli, yet to Abraham, tlie man of faitli, they spoke first of
blessings. Though God is strict to mark iniijuity, and to punish
transgression, he takes no delight in vengeance. The work of
destruction is a " strange work " to Him who is infinite in love.

" The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him." ' Abraham
had honored God, and the Lonl honored him, taking him into his
counsels, and revealing to him his purposes. " Shall I hide from
Abraham tliat thing wliich I do?" said the Lord. "The cry of
Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very
grievous, I will go down now, and see whether they have done
altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me. And
if not, I will know." 2 God knew well the measure of Sodom's
guilt; but he expressed himself after the manner of men, that the
justice of Ids dealings might be understood. Before bringing
judgment upon the transgressors, he would go himself, to institute
an examination of their course; if they had not jiassed the limits
of divine mercy, he would still grant them space for repentanc-e.

Two of tlie heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham
alone with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God. And
the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he
had saved them by his sw'ord ; now he endeavored to save them
by prayer. Lot and his household were still dwellers there ; and
the unselfish love that jjrompted Abraham to their rescue from
the Elamites, now sought to save them, if it were God's will, from
the storm of divine judgment.

With deep reverence and humility he urged his plea ; " I have
taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and
ashes." There was no self-confidence, no boasting of his own
righteousness. He did not claim favor on the ground of his
obetlience, or of the sacrifices he had made in doing God's will.
Himself a sinner, he pleaded in the sinner's behalf. Such a spirit
all who approach God should possess. Yet Abraliam manifested
the confidence of a child pleading with a loved father. He came
close to the heavenly messenger, and fervently urged his petition.
Though Lot had become a dweller in Sodom, he did not ])artake
in the iniquity of its inhalntants. Abraham thought that in
that ])opulous city there must 1)e other worshipers of the true God.
And in view of this he pleaded, " That be far from thee, to do after
iPs. 25:14. 8Gen. 18 :17-.33.

140

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked ; . . . that be far
from thee. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
Abraham asked not once merely, but many times. Waxing bolder
as his requests were granted, he continued until he gained the
assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be found in it,
the city would be spared.

Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham's prayer. While he
loathed the sins of that corrupt city, he desired that the sinners
might be saved. His deep interest for Sodom shows the anxiety
that we should feel for the impenitent. We should cherish hatred
of sin, but pity and love for the sinner. All around us are souls
going down to ruin as hopeless, as terrible, as that which befell
Sodom. Every day the probation of some is closing. Every hour
some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. And where are the
voices of warning and entreaty to bid the sinner flee from this
fearful doom ? Where are the hands stretched out to draw him
back from death? Where ar> those who with humility and
persevering faith are pleading with God for him ?

The spirit of Abraham was the spirit of Christ. The Son of
God is himself the great intercessor ii.. the sinner's behalf. He who
has paid the price for its redemption knows the worth of the
human soul. With an antagonism to evil, such as can exist only
in a nature spotlessly pure, Christ manifested toward the sinner a
love which infinite goodness alone could conceive. In the agonies
of the crucifixion, himself burdened with the awful weight of the
sins of the whole world, he prayed for his revilers and murderers,
" Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do." ^

Of Abraham it is written that " he was called the friend of
God," "the father of all them that believe."^ The testimony of
God concerning this faithful patriarch is, " Abraham obeyed my
voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and
my laws." And again, " I know him, that he will command his
children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way
of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring
upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." ^ It was a
high honor to which Abraham was called, that of being the father
''f the people who for centuries were the guardians and preservers
of the truth of God for the world, — of that people through whom

'Luke 23 : 34. ^james 2:23; Rom. 4 : 11. 3 Gen. 26 : 5; 18 : 19,

ABRAHAM ly CANAAN^.

141

all tlie nations of the earth should he Itlessed in the advent of the
proniised Messiah. But He who called the })atriarch judged him
worthy. It is God that speaks. He who understands the thoughts
afar off, and places the right estimate U|)on men, says, " I know
him " There would he, on the part of Ahraham, no l)etraying of
the truth for selfish purposes. He would keep the law, and deal
justly and righteously. And he would not only fear the Lord him-
self, hut would cultivate religion in his home. He would instruct
his family in righteousness. The law of God would he the rule in
his household.

Abraham's household comprised more than a thousand souls.
Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God,
found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they
received such instruction as would prepare them to be representa-
tives of the true faith. Thus a great responsibility rested upon
him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of gov-
ernment would be carried out in the households over which they
should preside.

In eariy times the father was the ruler and priest of his own
family, and he exercised authority over his children, even after
they had families of their own. His descendants were taught to
look up to him as their head, in both religious and secular matters.
This patriarchal system of government Abraham endeavored to
perpetuate, as it tended to preserve the knowledge of God. It was
necessary to bind the members of the household together, in order
to build up a barrier against the idolatry that had become so wide-
spread and so deep-seated. Abraham souglit, by every means,
in his power, to guard the inmates of his encampment against min-
gling with the heathen and witnessing their idola^.-ous practices >
for he knew that familiarity with evil would insensibly corrupt
the principles. T' 3 greatest care was exercised to shut out every
form of false religion, and to impress the mind with the majesty
and glory of the living God as the true ol)ject of worship.

It was a wise arrangement, which God himself had made, to
cut off his people, so far as possible, from connection with the
heathen, making them a people dwelling alone, and not reckoned
among the nations. He had separated Abraham from his "dola-
trous kindred, that the patriarch might train and educate his
family apart from the seductive influences which would have sur-

142

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

rounded them in Mesopotamia, and that the true faith might be
I)rescrvetl in its i)urity by his descendants, from generation to
generation.

Abraham's affection for his children and his household led him
to guard their religious faith, to impart to them a knowlecige of
the divine statutes, as the most precious legacy he could trunsmit
to them, and through them to the world. All were taught that
they were under the rule of the God of lieaven. There was to be
no oj)i)ression on the })art of parents, and no disobedience on the
])art of children. God's law had appointed to each his duties, and
only in obedience to it could any secure happiness or prosperity.

His own example, the silent influence of his daily life, was a
constant lesson. The unswerving integrity, the benevolence and
unselfish courtesy, which had won the admiration of kings, were
disijlayed in the home. There was a fragrance about the life, a
nobility and loveliness of character, which revealed to all that he
was connected with Heaven. He did not neglect tlie soul of the
humblest servant. In his household there was not one law for the
master, and another for the servant ; a royal way for the rich, and
another for the i)oor. All were treated with justice and compas-
sion, as inlieritors with him of the grace of life.

He " will command his household." There would be no sinful
neglect to restrain the evil i)ropensities of his children, no weak,
unwise, indulgent favoritism ; no yielding of his conviction of duty
to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give
right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and
righteous laws.

How few there are in our day who follow this example ! On
the i)art of too many parents there is a blind and selfish senti-
mentalism, miscalled love, which is manifested in leaving children,
with their unformed judgment and undisciplined passions, to the
control of their own will. This is the veriest cruelty to the youth,
and a great wrong to the world. Parental indulgence causes
disorder in families and in society. It confirms in the young the
desire to follow inclinrtion, instead of submitting to the divine
requirements. Thus they grow up with a heart averse to doing
God's will, and they transmit their irreligious, insubordinate
spirit to their children, and children's children. Like Abraham,
parents should command their households after them. Let

ABRAHAM IN CANAAN.

148

ol)(»(lienco to parental authority be taught and enforced as the fir.-t
step in obedience to the authority of God.

The light esteem in which the law of God i.s held, even by
religious leaders, has been productive of great evil. The teaching
which has become so wide-8i)read, that the divine statutes are no
longer l)inding upon men, is the same as idolatry in its effect
upon the morals of the i)eople. Those who seek to lessen the
claims of God's holy law are striking directly at the foundation of
the government of families and nations. Religious parents, failing
to walk in his statutes, do not command their household to keep
the way of the Lord. The law of God is not made the rule of life.
The children, as they make homes of their own, feel under no
obligation to teach their children what they themselves have never
been taught. And this is why there are so many godless families ;
this is why depravity is so deep and wide-spread.

Not until parents themselves walk in the law of the Lord with
perfect hearts, will they be prepared to command their children
after them. A reformation in this respect is needed, — a reforma-
tion which shall be deep and broad. Parents need to reform;
ministers need to reform ; they need God in their households. If
they would see a different state of things, they must bring his
word into their families, and must make it their counselor. They
must teach their children that it is the voice of God addressed to
them, and is to be implicitly ol)eyed. They should pati .itly
instruct their children, kindly and untiringly teach them how to
live in order to please God. The children of such a household are
prepared to meet the sophistries of infidelity. They have accepted
the Bible as the basis of their faith, and they have a foundation
that cannot be swept away by the incoming tide of skepticism.

In too many households, prayer is neglected. Parents feel
that they have no time for morning and evening worship. They
cannot spare a few moments to be spent in thanksgiving to God for
his abundant mercies, — for the blessed sunshine and the showers
of rain, which cause vegetation to flourish, and for the guardianship
of holy angels. They have no time to offer prayer for divine help
and guidance, and for the abiding presence of Jesus in the house-
hold. They go forth to labor as the ox or the horse goes, without
one thought of God or heaven. They have souls so precious that
rather than permit them to be hopelessly lost, the Son of God

144

PA TJil Aliens AND PR0PUET8.

^'jivc his life to ransom thoin; l)ut they luivo little more apprecia-
tion of his jrreat ^'oodnefs than have the }»ea»tH that perish.

Like the patriarchs of old, those who profess to love God
siiould erect an altar to the Lord wherever they pitcii their tent.
If ever there was a time when every house should he a house of
prayer, it is now. Fathers and mothers should often lift up their
hearts to CJod in hundde supplication for themselves and their
children. Let the father, as priest of the household, lay upon the
altar of God the morninj; and eveninjij .sacrifice, while the wife and
children unite in prayer and praise. In sucli a household, Jesus
will love to tarry.

From every Christian home a holy liiiht should shine forth.
Love should he revealed in action. It should How out in all home
intercourse, showinjj; itself in thoughtful kindness, in gentle, un-
selfish courtesy. There are homes where this i)rinciple is carried
out, — homes wliere God is worshiped, and truest love reigns.
From these homes, morning and evening i)rayer ascends to God as
sweet incense, and his mercies and blessings descend u[)on the
suppliants like the morning dew.

A well-ordered Christian household is a powerful argument in
favor of the reality of the Christian religion, — an argument that
the infidel cannot gainsav. All can see that there i.s an influence
at work in the family that affects the children, and that the God
of Abraham is with them. If the homes of professed Christians
had a right religious mould, they would exert a mighty influence
for good. They would indeed be the " light of the world." The
God of heaven speaks to every faithful i)arent in the words
addressed to Abraham : " I know him, that he will command his
children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way
of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring
upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."

CHAPTER XIII.

THE TKST OF FAITH.

AnuAHAM had accoptod ^vitlu)Ut (|uestion the promise of a son,
but lie tlid not wait for Ciod to iultill his word in his own time
and way. A dehiy was permitted, to test liis faith in the power of
God; but ho failed to endure the trial. Thinking; it impossible
that a child should bo jjiven her in her old age, Sarah suggested, as
a plan by which the divine purpose might be fulfilled, that one of
her handmaidens should be taken by Abraham as a secondary
wife. Polygamy had l)CCome so wide-spread that it had ceased to
be regarded as a sin, but it was no less .a violation of the law of
God, and was fatal to the sacredness and peace of tlie family re-
lation. Abraham's marriage with llagar resulted in evil, not onjy
to his own household, but to future generations.

Flattered Avith the honor of her new position as Abraham's
wife, and hoping to bo the mother of the great nation to descend
from him, Hagar became })roud and boastful, and treated her mis-
tress with contempt. Mutual jealousies disturbed the peace of the
once happy home. Forced to listen to the complaints of both,
Abraham vainly endeavored to restore harmony. Though it was
at Sarah's earnest entreaty that he had married Hagar, she now
reproached him as the one at fault. She desired to banish her
rival; but Abraham refused to permit this; for Hagar was to be
the mother of his child, as he fondly hoped, the son of promise.
She was Sarah's servant, howcA ?r, and he still left her to the con-
trol of her mistress. Hagar's haughty si)irit would not l)rook the
harshness which her insolence had provoked. " When Sarai dealt
hardly with her, she fled from her face." '

She made her way to the desert, and as she rested beside a
fountain, lonely and friendless, an angel of the Lord, in human
form, appeared to her. Addressing her as " Hagar, Sarai's maid,"
to remind her of her position and her duty, he bade her, " Return

» Gen. 16 : 6-13.

L145]

Ui\

I'ATHLUIUIIS AND Pliorilh'TS.

to thy niistrcsH, and sulmiit tliysclf under her ImndH." Yet with
tho reproof thiTc Were niintilcd words otCoujIoi-t. "Th(! liurd hath
heard thy nUliction." " I will multiply tliy .se«'d exceedingly, that
it nhall not bo nunihered for multitude.'' And as a perpetual re-
ndnder of IjIh mercy, she was hidden to cull her child Ishniael,
" God Hhall hear."

When Al)rahani was nearly one hun<lrod yearn old, the promise
of a son was repeated to him, with tlu* assurance that tho future
heir should he the child of Sarah. Hut Abraham did not yet un-
derstand the promise. Ilis mind at onci! turned to Ishmael, cling-
ing to the belief that through him God's gracious jmrposes wore to
bo accomplished. In bis aflection for his son be exclaimed, "0
that Ishmael might live befi»re theel"' Again the promise was
given, in words that could not be mistaken : " Sarah thy wife shall
bear thee a son indeed ; and thou shalt call his name Isaac ; and I
will establish my covenant with him." Yet God was not un-
mindful of the father's prayer. " As for Ishmael," he said, " I have
heard thee. Behold, I have blessed him, . . . and I will make
him a great nation."*

. The birth of Isaac, bringing, after a life-long waiting, the fulfill-
ment of their dearest hopes, filled the tents of Abraham and Sarah
with gladness. But to Hagar this event was the overthrow of her
fondly cherished ambitions. Ishmael, now a youth, had been
regarded by all in the encampment as the heir of Abraham's
wealth, and the inheritor of the blessings promised to his descend-
ants. Now he was suddenly set aside; and in their disappoint-
ment, mother and son hated the child of Sarah. The general
rejoicing increased their jealousy, until Ishmael dared openly to
mock the heir of God's promise. Sarah saw in Ishmael's turbulent
disposition a perpetual source of discord, and she appealed to
Abraham, urging that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away from the
encampment. The jtatriarch Avas thrown into great distress. How
could he banish Ishmael his son, still dearly beloved? In his
perplexity he pleaded for divine guidance. The Lord, through a
holy angel, directed him to grant Sarah's desire ; his love for
Ishmael or Hagar ought not to stand in the way, for only thus
could he restore harmony and happiness to his f^imily. And the
angel gave him the consoling promise that though separated from
his father's home, Ishmael should not 1)0 forsaken by God ; his life
should be preserved, and he should become the father of a great

^Gen. 17 : 18-20.

THE TEST OF FMTIT.

nation. Ahmlmni olu'vt'd tlir iinncrH word, l>ut. it w«h not without
kt'cn HuflTcrin^'. Tln) father's heart was heavy with unspoken grief
aH In* sent away Hagar and his son.

Tho instruction given to Ahrahain, touching the sacre<hu'ss of
the marriage rehition, was to ho a h-sson for all ages. It (h-chire.s
that the rights an<l happiness of this relation are to \n\ carefully
guardiid, even at a great sacrifice. Sarah was the only tru»! wif«i of
Ahralmnj. Her rights as a wif«( and mother, no other person was
entitled to share. 8ho n^verenced her hushand, and in this slie is
])re8ented in tho New Testanient as a worthy example. But she was*
unwilling tiuit Ahraham's affections shouhl he given to another;
and the Lord did not rejirove her for re(iuiring tho hanishment oj'
her rival. Both Ahraluun and Sarah distruste<l tho power of (rod,
and it was this error that led to tho marriage with Ilagar.

God had called Ahrahani to ho tho father of tho faithful, and
his life was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding genera-
tions, liut his faith had not heen perfect. lie had shown distrust
of (lod in concealing lno fact that Sarah ^ras his wife, and again in
his marriage with Ilagar. That he might reach the highest stand-
ard, God subjected him to another test, tho closest which, man was
ever called t(» endure. In a vision of tho night he was directed to
repair to tho land of Moriah,an(l there offer up his son as a hurnt-
oflering upon a mountain that should ho shown him.

At the time of receiving this command, Ahraham had reached
the age of a hundred an<l twenty years. Ho was regarded as an
old man, even in his generation. In his earlier years ho had been
strong to endure hardship and to brave danger; but now the ardor
of his youth had passed away. One in tho vigor of manhood may
with courage meet difficulties and afflictions that would cause his
heart to fail later in life, when his feet are faltering toward tho
grave. But God had reserved his last, most trying test for Abra-
ham until the burden of years was heavy upon him, and ho
longed for rest from anxiety and toil.

The patriarch was dwelling at Beershel)a, surrounded l)y pros-
perity and honor. He was very rich, and was honored as a
mighty prince by the rulers of the land. Thousands of sheep ami
cattle covered the plains that spread out beyond his encamjjment.
On every side were the tents of his retainers, the homo of hun-
dreds of fjiithful servants. The son of promise had grown up to
manhood by his side. Heaven seemed to have crowned with its

14s

rATlilAUCIIS AND PliOPIlKTS.

blessing- a lite of .sacrifice in i)atient endurance ot" huj)e deierred.

h\ the ()))cdience ot" faith, A1)rahani had forsaken his native
country, — had turned away from the jiraves of his fathers and the
home of his kindred. He had wandered as a stranger in the land
of his inheritance. He had waited lonjjj for the i)irth of the prom-
is(;d heir. At the coim.i.ind of (iod he liad sent away his son Ish-
mael. And now, when the child so lon^ desired was entering upon
manhood, and the ])atriarcli seemed al)le to di.scern the fruition ot
his hopes, a trial ,!j;reater than all others was hetbre him.

The command was expressed in words that must have wrun<r
with ans-uish that father's heart: '"Take now thv son, thine onlv
son Isaac, whom thou lovi'st, . . . and oder him for a hurnt-olTer-
ing.'" Lsaac was tlu liiiht of his home, the .><olace of his old age,
;d)ove all el.se the inh' ritor of the ])romise(l blessing. The loss of
such a son l>y ac-ident or disease would have been heart-rending
to the fond father; it would have bowed down his Avhitened head
with grief; but he was commanded to shed the blood of that sou
with his own liavid. It seemed to him a fearful impossibility.

Satan Avas at Icmd to suggest that ho must be deceived, for
the divine law commands, "Thou shalt not kill," and God would
not re(|uirc what be had once forbidden. Going outside his tent,
Abraham looked \\\ t" the ^alm brightness of the unclouded
heavens, and recalle 1 tl-<o promise made nearly titty y(!ars l)efure,
that his seed should 1>e innumeral)le as the stars. If this promise
was to be fulfilled through Ii-aac, bow could he be ]»ut to death?
Abraham Avas tempted to believe; that he might be under a
delusion. \n his doubt and anguish he bowed upon the earth,
and prayed, as he had never j)rayed before, for some confirmation
of the command if he must perlbrm this terrible duty. He
remembered the angels sent to reveal to him (Jod's purj)0se to
destroy Sodom, and who boi'c to him the i)romise of this .same
•son Isaac, and he went to the i)lacc where he had .several times
met the heavenly messengers, hoping to meet them again, and
receive some further direction ; but none came to his relief.
Darkness seemed to shut him in; but the command of God was
sounding in his cars, "Take now thy son, thine o\\\y son Isaac,
whom thou lovest." That connnand nmst be obeyed, and he dared
not delay. Day Avas approaching, and he must be on his journey.

Returning to his tent, lie Avent to the place Avhere Isaac lay
sleejjing the deep, untroubled sleep of youth and innocence. For

' Gen. 1-i : 3.

tor

THE TEST OF FAITH.

151

a moment the lather looked upon the dear face of his 8on, tlien
turned tremblingly away. He went to the side of Sarah, who was
also sleeping. Should he awaken her, that she might once more
embrace her child? Should he tell her of God's requirement?
He longed to unburden his heart to her, and share with her this
terrible responsibility ; but ,he was restrained by the fear that she
might hinder him. Isaac was her joy and pride ; her life was
bound up in him, and the mother's love might refuse the sacrifice.

Abraham at last summoned his son, telling him of the
conniiand to offer sacrifice upon a distant mountain. Isaac had
often gone with his father to worsliip at some one of the various
altars that marked his wanderings, and this sunmions excited no
suri>rise. The preparations for the journey were (juickly com-
pleted. The wood was made ready, and i)ut upon the ass, and
Avith two men-servants they set forth.

Side l)y side +he father and the son journeyed in silence. The
patriarch, pondering his heavy secret, had no heart for words.
His thoughts Avere of the i)roud, fond mother, and the day when
he should return to her alone. Well he knew that the knife would
pierce her heart when it took the life of her son.

That day — the longest that Al)raham had ever experienced —
dragged slowly to its close. While his son and the young men
were sleeping, he si)ent the night in prayer, still hoi)ing tliat some
lieavenly messenger might come to say that the trial was enough,
that the youth might return unharmed to his mother. But no
relief came to his tortured soul. Another long day, another night
of humiliation and ])rayer, while ever the command that was to
leave him childless was ringing in his ears. Satan was near to
whisper doubts and unbelief; l)Ut Abraham resisted his sugges-
tions. As they were about to begin the journey of the third day,
the ])atriarch, looking northward, saw the })romised sign, a cloud
of glory hovering over Mount ]N[oriah, and he knew that the voice
which had spoken to him was from heaven.

Even now he did not murnmr against God, but strengthened
his soul l)y dwelling U})on the evidences of the Lord's goodness
and faithfulness. This son had been unexpectedly given ; and
had not He who bestowed the precious gift a right to recall his
own? Then faith repeated the jjromise, "In Isaac shall thy
seed be called," ' — a seed numberless as the grains of sand
upon the shore. Isaac was the child of a miracle, and could not

>r.cii. 21 : 12.

152

I'ATJilAIWJIS AXD PliOI'lIETS.

tlio power tluit {iiivo him life restore it? Looking beyond that
which was seen, Abraham grasped the divine word, "accounting
that Clod was able to raise liim up, even from the dead.'"

Yet none but (lod could understand how great wis the latiicr's
sacrifice in yielding up liis son to death; Abraham desired that
none but (lod should Avitness the parting scene. He l)ade his
servants remain behind, sayiiv'-, "I and the lad Avill go yonder
and worshi}), and come again to you."'^ The W(. 1 was laid
ui)on Isaac, the one to be offered, the father took the knife and
the fire, and together tluy ascended toward the mountain sunnnit,
the young man silently wondering Avhence, so far from folds and
Hocks, the offering was to coi'.u'. At last he spoke, ''My father."'
" behold the fijH! and tlu^ wood ; but where is the lamb for a burnt-
offering?" 0, Avhat a test was this! How the endearing words,
'' my father/' i)iorced Abraham's heart! Not yet — he could not
tell him now, "Mysson,"' he said, ''God will i)rovide himself a
land> for a burnt-offering."

At the ap})ointcd place they built the altar, and laid the wood
upon it. Then, with treml)ling voice, Abraham unfolded to his
son the (Uvinc message. It Avas Avith terror and amazement that
Isaac learned his I'ati' ; but he olfered no resistance. He could
have escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so; the grief-stricken
old man, exhausted Avith the struggle of those three terrible days,
could nttt have o])posed th(! Avill of the vigorous youth. But Isaac
had been trained from childhood to ready, trusting obedience,
and as the pur])ose of (lod was opened before him, he yielded a
Avilling submission. He Avas a sharer in .Vbraham's faith, and he
felt that he Avas honored in being called to give his life as an oH'cr-
ing to (lod. He tcndei'ly seeks* to lighten the father's grief, and
encourages his nerveless hands to bind the cords tliat confine him
to the altar.

And noAV the last Avords of love are spoken, the last tears are
shed, the last end)race is given. The father liits tlie knife to slay
his son, Avhen suddenly his arm is stayed. An angel of God calls to
the ])atriarcli out of heaven, "Abraham, Abraham! " He quickly
ansAvers, "Here am I." And again the voice is heard, "Lay not
thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him; i'or
noAV I knoAV that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not Avithhcld
tin' son, thine onlv son, from me."''

nicl). 11 : lit.

• (icil. \i'.:.

5-S.

•■'(icii. 'J'i ; 11-lS.

THE TEST OF FAITH.

151^

Then Al)rahaia saw "a rain caught in a thickot," antl (luickly
bringing the now victim, he offered it " in the stead of liis son."
In his joy and gratitude, Al)rahani gave a new name to the sacred
spot, — " Jehovah-jireh," " the Lord will provide."

On jNIount Moriali, God again renewed liis covenant, confirming
with a solemn oath the blessing to Abraham and to his seed
through all coming generations : " Jiy myself have I sworn, saith
Jehovah, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not with-
held thy son, thine only son, +bat in blessing I will bless thee,
and in nmlti plying I will nmltiply thy seed as the stars of tiie
heaven, and as the sand which is U])onthe sea-shore; and thy seed
shall i)ossess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the
nations of the earth be blessed ; because thou hast obeyed my voice."

Al)rahani's great act of faith stands like a pillar of light, illu-
minating the i)athway of Ciod's servants in all succeeding ages,
Abraham did not seek to excuse himself from doing tlie will of
God. During that three days' journey he had suHicient time to
reason, and to doubt God, if ho was disposed to doubt. lb; might
have reasoned that the slaying of his son would cause him to be
looked upon as a nmrderor, a second (!ain ; that it would cause his
teaching to be rejected and despised, and thus destroy his power
to do good to his fellow-men. lie miglit have pleaded that age
should excuse him from obedience. Jiut the patriarch did not take
refuge in any of these excuses. Abraham was liuman ; his passions
and attachments wore like ours; but ho did not stop to ([Uestion
how the promise could 1)0 fulfilled if Isaac- should be slain. lie
(lid not stay to reason with his aching heart. lie knew that God
is just and. righteous in all his re(iuirements, and he obeyed the
command to the very letter.

"Al)raham believed (lod, and it was imi)utod unto him for
righteousness ; and he was called the friend of (iod."' And Paul
says, " They which are of faith, the same are the children of Al)ra-
ham."^ l)Ut Abraham's faith was macb; manifest l)y his works.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he ha<l

offered Isaac his son

upon

the altar? Sei'st thou 1

low

faith

> "' 1

wrou}.'it Avith his works, and by works was faith iiado perfect
There are many who ^ail to understand the relation of faith and
works. They say, "Only believe iu Christ, and you are safe.
You have nothing to do with keeping the law." Jiut gen-

» James 2 ; 23, 21. 22.

=«Gal. 3 : 7.

154

PATlilARCHS AND PROPHETS.

uiiu' faith will be inanifoHt in obedience. Said Christ to the unbc
lievinjj Jews, " If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do tht.
works of Abraham." ' And concerning the father of the faithful
the Lord declares, " Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept iL,y
charjie, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws."'' Suys
the a|)ostle James, " Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone." ' And John, who dwells so fully upon love, tellti us,
" This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." *

Through tyi)e and promise, God " preached before the gospel
unto Abraham."^ And the patriarch's faith was fixed upon the
Redeemer to come. Said Christ to the Jews, " Your father Abra-
ham rejoiced that he should see my day ; and he saw it, and was
glad." " The ram offered in the place of Isaac represented the Son
of God, who was to be sacrificed in our stead. When man was
doomed to death by transgression of the law of God, the Father,
looking upon his Son, said to the sinner, " Live : I have found a
ransom."

It was to impress Abraham's mind with the reality of the gos-
pel, as well as to test his faith, that God commanded him to slay
his son. The agony which he endured during the dark days of
that fearful trial, was permitted that he might understand from
his own experience something of the greatness of the sacrifice made
by the infinite God for man's redemption. No other test could
have caused Abraham such torture of soul as did the offering of
his son. God gave his Son to a death of agony and shame. The
angels who Avitnesscd the humiliation and soul-anguish of the Son
of God were not i)ermitted to interpose, as in the case of Isaac.
There was no voice to cr}'^, " It is enough." To save the fallen
race, the King of glory yielded u^) his life. What stronger proof
can be given of the infinite compassion and love of God? " He
that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things ? " '

The sacrifice required of Abraham was not alone for his own
good, nor solely for the benefit of succeeding generations ; but it
was also for the instruction of the sinless intelligences of heaven
and of other worlds. The field of the controversy between Christ
and Satan, — the field on which the plan of redemption is wrought
out, — is the lesson-book of the universe. Because Abraham had

» John 8 : 39.
5 Gal. 3 : 8.

"Gen. 26 : 5. » James 3 : 17.
" John 8 : 56, Rev. Ver. (margin).

* 1 John 5 : 3.
7 Rom. 8 : 32.

THK TEST OF FAITH.

15r>

shown a lack of faith in God'H promises, Satan ha<l accunecl him
before the angels and before God of having failed to comply with
the conditions of the covenant, and as unworthy of its blessings.
God desired to prove the loyalty of his servant before all heaven,
to demonstrate that nothing less than perfect obedience can be
accepted, and to open more fully before them the plan of salvation.

Heavenly beings wero witnesses of the scene as the faith of
Abraham and the submission of Isaac were tested. The trial
was far more severe than that which had been brought ui)on
Adam. Compliance with the prohi))ition laid ujum our first
parents involved no sufl'ering; but the connnand to Abraham
demanded the most agonizing sacrifice. All heaven beheld with
wonder and admiration Abraham's unfaltering obedience. All
heaven applauded his fidelity. Satan's accusations were shown
to be false. God declared to his servant, " Now I know that
thou fearest God [notwithstanding Satan's charges], seeing thou
hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me." God's
covenant, confirmed to Abraham by an oath before the intel-
ligences of other worlds, testified that ol)edience will be rewarded.

It had been difficult even for the angels to grasj) the mystery of
redemi)tion. — to comprehend that the Commander of heaven, the
Son of God, must die for guilty man. When the command was
given to Abraham to ofi'er up his son, the interest of all heavenly
beings was enlisted. With "ntense earnestness they watched each
step in the lilfillment of this command. When to Isaac's ques-
tion, "Where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?" Abraham made
answer, " God will provide himself a lamb ; " and when the
father's hand was stayed as he was about to slay his son, and
the ram whicii God had jirovided was offered in the place of
Isaac, — then light was shed upon the mystery of redemption,
and even tiie angels understood more clearly the wonderful pro-
vision that (rod had made for man's salvation.

CHAPTER XIV.

DESTRUCTION OK SODOM.

Fairest iunon^ the cities of tlio Jordan valk'v was Sodom, !?ct
ill a plain which was " as the <;arden of the Lord '" ' in its fcrtihty
and beauty. Ilcro the luxuriant vejietation of tiie tropics nour-
ished. Here was the home of the palm-tree, the olive, and the
vine; and llowers shed their fragrance throughout the year. Rich
harvests clothed tlie fields, and tlocks and herds covered the
encircling hills. Art and connnerce contributed to enrich the
l)roud city of the [)lain. The treasures of the East adorned her
palaces, and the caravans of the desert brought their stores of
precious things to supply her marts of trade. Witli little thought
or labor, every want of life could be supi)lied, and the whole year
seemed one rountl of festivity.

The profusion reigning everywhere gave birth to luxury and
pride. Idleness and riches make the heart hard that has never
been oi)|)ressed by want or burdened by sorrow. The love of
])leasure was fostered by wealth and leisure, and the ])eople gave
themselves up to sensual indulgence. " Behold," says the propliet.
"this was the ini(piity of thy sister Sodom, })ride, fullness of
bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters,
neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And
they were haughty, and conmiitted al)omination -Ijcfore me;
therefore I took tiiem away as I saw good."'^ There is nothing
more <lesired among men than riches and leisure, and yet these
gave bii-tli to the sins that brought destruction U[)on the cities of
the i)lain. Their useless, idle life made them a prey to Satan's
temptations, and they defaced the image of God, and l)ecame
Satanic rather than divine. Idleness is the greatest curse that can
fall upon man ; for vice and crime follow in its train. It enfeebles
the mind, i)erverts the understanding, and debases the soul.
Satan lies in aml)ush, ready to destroy those who are unguarded,

1 (iou. 1.3 : 10. ''Ezc. 16 : 49, 50.

DESrUVCTION OF SODOM.

]r>7

wlioHo leisure ffiven hiin oiiportunity to insinuate himself under
some attriutive disf^uise. He is never more suecessful than wlien
he comes to men in their idle houi-s.

In Sodom there was mirth an<l revelry, I'eastinii; and drunken-
ness. The vilest and most hrutal passions were unrestrained.
The ])eo]»le openly defietl (uxl and his law, and deli<.dited in deeds
of violence. Though they ha<l l»efon^ them the example of the
antediluvian world, and knew how the wrath of God had l>een
manifested in their destruction, yet they followed the same ctmrse
of wickedness.

At the time of Lot's removal to Sodom, corruption had not
become universal, and (rod in his mercy permitted rays of light to
shine amid the moral darkness. When Abraham rescued the ca|)-
tives from the Elamites, the attention of the j)eoi»le was culled to
the true faith. Abraham was not a stranger to the peojde of
Sodom, and his worship of the unseen (iod liad been a inatter of
ridicule among them; but his victory over greatly superior forces,
and his magnanimous disposition of 'the prisoners and spoil,
excited wonder and admiration. While his skill and valor were
extolled, none could avoid the conviction that a divine power had
made him comiueror. And his noble and unselfish spirit, so
foreign to the self-seeking inhaljitants of Sodom, was another
evidence of the sui)eriority of the religion which he had honored
by his courage and fidelity.

Melchizedek, in bestowing the benediction upon Aliraham, had
acknowledged Jehovah as the source of his strength and the
author of the victory: '" lilessed l)e Abram of the most high
(iod, possessor of heaven and earth ; and l>lessed b" the most hiirh
God, which hath deliveretl thine (Miemies into tliy hand.''^ (iod
was speaking to that peoi)le by his })rovidence, l)Ut the last ray of
light was rejected as all before had l)een.

And now the last night of Sodom was api)roaching. Already
the clouds of vengeance cast their shadows over the devoted city.
But men perceived it not. While angels drew near on their mis-
sion of destruction, men were dreaming of prosperity and j)leasure.
The last day was like every other that had come and gone.
Evening fell upon a scene of loveliness and security. A landsca])e
of unrivaled beauty Avas bathed in the rays of the declining sun.
The coolness of eventide had called forth the inhaljitants of the

1 Gen. 14 ; li). 20.

15S

PATHIMWHS AND PROPHETS.

city, and i\\v pleji.sun'-scfkinj; tlmni^s were passing to and fro,
intent upon tlie enjoyment of the liour.

In the tu'ilij^lit, two HtranjxerH drew near to the eity gate.
They were ap[)arently travek'rs coming in to tarry for the niglit.
None could discern in those liumhie wayfarers the miglity herahls
of divine judgment, and little dreamed the gay, careless multitude
that in their treatment of these heavenly n)essengers that very
night they would reach the climax of the guilt which doomed
their })roud city, liut there was one man who manifested kindly
atti'ution toward the strangers, and invited them to his home.
Lot did not know their true character, hut ])oliteness and hospi-
tality were hal)itual with him ; they were a part of his religion, —
lessons that he had learned from the example of Ahraham. Had
he not cultivated a spirit of courtesy, he might liave heen left to
jxrish with the rest of Sodom. Many a household, in closing
its doors against a stranger, has shut out God's messenger, who
would have brought blessing and hope and ])eace

p]verv act of life, however small, has its hearing for good or
for evil. Faithfulness or neglect in what are api)arently the
smallest duties may open the door for life's richest blessings or
its greatest calamities. It is little things that test the character.
It is the unpretending acts of daily self-denial, performed with a
cheerful, Avilling heart, that God smiles upon. We are not to live
ibr self, but for others. And it is only by self-forgetfulness, by
cherishing a loving, heli)ful .si)irit, that we can make our life a
blessing. The little attenticms, the small, simjde courtesies, go
far to make up the sum of life's happiness, and the neglect of
these constitutes no small share of human wretchedness.

Seeing the abuse to which strangers were exposed in Sodom,
Lot made it one of his duties to guard them at their entrance, by
offering them entertainment at his oAvn lujuse. He was sitting at
the gate as the travelers approached, and upon observing them, he
rose from his i)lacc to meet them, and bowing courteously, said,
" Behold now, my lords, turn in, I i)ray you, into your servant's
house, and tarry all night.'" They seemed to decline his hospi-
tality, saying, " Nay ; but we will abide in the street." Their
ol>ject in this answer was twofold, — to test the sincerity of Lot,
and also to appear ignorant of the character of the men of Sodom,
as if they sup])osed it safe to remain in the street at night. Their

1 See Genesis 19.

DEsriiucrroN of so do .v.

i:.!»

answtT iiuulo F.ot tlic^ nioro (Ictoniiiiu'd not to Inivo them to the
mercy of tlie riihhh'. He jiressed his invitation until they yielded,
und iiecoinpanied him to his house.

Ho hud lioped to conceal his intention from the idlers at the
gate Itv hrin^inj^ tlu! stran<;i'rs to his homo l»y a circuitous route;
but their hesitation and delay, and his persistent ur^dnj;, caused
them to ho observed, and before^ they had retired for the ni^ht, a
lawless crowd gathered about the house. It was un immense
company, youth and aj^ed men alike inflamed by the vilest pas-
sions. The stranjrers had been makinj; in(|uiry in rejrard to the
character of the city, and T^ot had warned them not to venture
out of his door that nijfht, wheji the hootinji and jeers of the mob
were heard, demanding that the men bo brought out to them.

Knowing that if ))rovoked to violence they could easily break
into his house, Lot went out to try the effect of i)ersuasion upon
them, " I i)ray you, brethren," ho said, " do not so wickedly,"
using the term " l)rethren " in the sense of neighbors, and hoping to
conciliate them, and mak(! them ashamod of their vile i)urposes.
But his Avords were like oil upon the flames. Their rage became
like the roaring of a tempest. They mocked Lot as making himself
a judge over them, and threatened to deal worse with him than
they had purposed toward his guests. They rushed upon him,
and would have torn him in pieces had ho not been rescued by
the angels of God. The heavenly messengers " i>ut forth their
hand, ami pulled Jiot into the house to them, and shut to the
door." The events that followed, revealed the character of the
guests ho had entertained. " They smote tho men that were at
the door of tho house with ])lindness, both small and great; so
that they wearied themselves to find the door." Had they not
been visited with double blindness, being given up to hardness of
heart, the stroke of CJod upon them would have caused them to
fear, and to desist from their evil work. That last night was
marked by no greater sins than many others before it ; but mercy,
so long slighted, had at last ceased its i)leading. Tho inhabitants
of Sodom had i)assed tho limits of divine forbearance, — "the hid-
den boundary between God's ]>atience and his wrath." The fires
of his vengeance were about to bo kindled in tho vale of Siddim.

The angels revealed to Lot the object of their mission : " We
will destroy this jdace, because the cry of them is waxen great be-
fore tho face of tho Lord ; and tlu; Lord hath sent us to destroy it."'

J'A TUlMti lis . I M) I'lWl'IlK Tti.

Tlic stnin^rcrs whom Lot had ciKh'sivorcd to protect, now proinisod
ti> protect him, and to nave alsoidl the mcmhcrH of his family who
woulfl lice with him from the wicked city. 'V\n' moh had W(>aried
themselves out and d(!parted, and Lot went out to warn his chil-
dren. \\i) repeated the words of the an;j;els, "Up, net you out of
this jdace ; for the Lord will destroy this city." Mut he secerned to
them as one that mocked. They lau<ihed at what they called his
superstitious fears. His dau<i;hters wen? inlhu^nced hy their lius-
l>an<ls. They were well enoujih oil' where they were. They
could see no evidence of dan<,'er. Everythinji was just as it had
heen. They had }j;reat ])()ssessi()ns, and they could not helievt; it
possible that heautiful Sodom would ho destroyed.

Lot returned sorrowfully to his home, and told the story of
his I'ailure. Then tho an<jels hade him arise, and take his wife and
the two dau;j:hters who were yet in his house, and leave the city.
Hut Lot delayed. Thou}ih daily distressed at beholding? deeds of
violence, he had no true con(!eption of the debasing and ahomina-
ble ini(|uity jtracticed in that vile city. lie did not realize the
terril>le ne(!essity for (iod's jud>i;inents to put a chock on sin. Some
of his children clun;; to Sodom, and his wife refused to depart
without them. The thou^dit of leavinf; those whom ho held
•learcst on earth seemed more than he could bear. It was hard to
forsake his luxurious home, and all tho wealth acicpiircd by tho
labors of his whole life, to ^'o forth a destitute wanderer. Stupefied
with sorrow, he lin.uored, loth to depart, liut for the angels of
God, th(>y would all have perished in tho ruin of Sodom. Tho
heavenly messen<iers took him and his wife and daughters l)y tho
hand, and led them out of tho city.

Hero tho angels left them, and turned back to Sodom to
accomplish their work oi destruction. Another — IIo with whom
Abraham had ])leade(l — drew near to Lot. In all tho cities of
the jdain, even ten righteous persons had not been found; but in
answer to the patriarch's prayer, tho one man who feared God was
snatched from destruction. The command was given with start-
ling vehemence: "Escape for thy life; look not behind thee,
neither stay thou in all tho plain; escape to the mountain, lost
thou bo consumed." Hesitancy or delay now would be fatal. To
east one lingering look upon the devoted city, to tarry for one
moment, from regret to leave so beautiful a home, would have cost

nKf^TRUCTWS OF SODOM.

lUL

their lifi-. Tlu< f<t(trm of diviiic judj^'iMcnt was only waiting tliiit
tlicHc poor I'li^iitivcM mi<;lit iiiukc their ('.hc:i|»('.

lint liot, confused iind terrilled, phaded that he eould not do
as he was required, lest some evil should overtake him, and he
should die Livin;^' in that wicked city, in the midst of unltelief,
his faith had irrown dim. Th(> Prince of heaven was hv his si<h;,
yt't he pleaded for his own life as thou^di (iod. who had manifested
such care and love for inm, would not still preserve him. Me
should have trusted himself wholly to the divine Messeniier, j^ivin^
his will ami his Ui'v. into the Lord's hands without u <loui»t or
u (piestion. Hut like so many others, he endeavored to plan for
himself: '* Hehold now, this city is near t<) lice unt(t, and it is a
little one. () let me I'scape thither, (is it not u little one?) and my
soul shall live.-' Tho city liere mcntione(l was Heia, attcrward
(•ailed Zoar. It was l)Ut a few miles from Sodom, and like it was
corrupt, and doomed to destructioiu Hut iiot askcMJ that it mi<;ht
ho spared, ur^inj; that this was hut a small request; and his desire
was j,'ranted. The Lord assured him, " 1- have accepted thee con-
ci!rnin<^ this thin<i also, that 1 will not overtiirow this city, for the
which thou hast spoken." O, how great the mercy of (lod toward
his erring creatures !

Again the solenm connnand was given to ha.sten, for the fiery
storm would he delayed l»ut little longer. But one of the fugitives
ventured to cast a look hackward to the doomed city, and she
hecanie a monument of (Jod's judgment. If Lot himself had man-
ifested no hesitancy to ohey the angels' warning, hut had earnestly
fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or
remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The
influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that
scaled her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to
lightly regard the divine warning. While her hody was upon the
plain, her heart clung to Sodom, and she jjcrished with it.
She rehelled against God hecause his judgments involved her
possessions and her children in the ruin. Although so greatly
favored in heing called out from the wicked city, she felt that
she was severely dealt with, hecause the wealth that it had
taken years to accumulate must he left to destruction. Instead of
thankfully accepting deliverance, she presumptuously looked back
to desire the life of those who had rejected the divine warning.

162

PATIUAIWIIS AND PliOPJIETS.

Her sin showed her to ho uinvortliy of life, (or the ])reservati()n of
whicli she felt so little j^ratitudo.

We shouhl heware of treatinj^ lightly (rod's gracious ])rovisions
for our salvation. There are Ciiristians who sav, "F do iKtt care
to he saved unless my companion and children are saved with
me." They feel that heaven would not l)e heaven to them, Avith-
out the presence of those who are so dear. But have those who
cherish this feeling a right concei)tion of their own relation to (iod,
in view of his great goodness and mercy toward them? Have
they forgotten that they are hound, l)y the strongest ties of love
and honor and loyalty, to the service of their Creator and Kc-
deemer? The invitations of mercy are addressed to all; and
hecause our friends reject the Saviour's pleading love, shall we
also turn away ? The redemption of the soul is precious. Christ
has paid an infinite price for our salvation, and no one who a})-
preciates the value of this great sacrifice, or the worth of the soul,
will despise God's ottered mercy hecause others choose to do so.
The very fact that others are ignoring his just claims should
arouse us to greater diligence, that wo iray honor God ourselves,
and lead all whom wo can iuHuence, to accept his love.

" The sun was risen upon the earth -when Lot entered into
Zoar." The hright rays of the morning seemed to speak only i)ros-
perity and peace to the cities of the plain. The stir of active life
hegan in the streets ; men were going their various v/ays, intent on
the husiness or the pleasures of the day. The sons-in-law of Lot
were making merry at the fears and warnings of the weak-minded
old man. Suddenly and unexi)ectedly as would ho a thunder
peal from an unclouded sky, the tempest hroke. The Tiord rained
hrimstone and fire out of heaven upon the cities and the fruitful
}>]'.iin; its palaces and temples, costly dwellings, gardens and vine-
yards, and the gay, i»leasure-seeking throngs that only the night
hefore had insulted the messengers of heaven, — all were con-
sumed. The smoke of the confiagration went up like the smoke
of a great furnace. And the fair vale of Siddim hecame a desola-
tion, a place never to he huilt Uj) or inhahitcd, — a witness to all
generations of the certainty of God's judgments upon transgression.

The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their
warning light down even to our time. Wo are taught the fearful
and solemn lesson that while CJod's mercy hears long with the
transgressor, there is a. limit heyond which men may not go on in

r.
!>

iti-' i 5

i'Hmn

DESTRUCTION OF SODOM.

165

sin. When tlmt limit is reached, then the offers of mercy are
withdrawn, and the ministration of judgment 'negins.

Tlie Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins
than that for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those
who hear the gospel invitation calling sinners to repentance, and
heed it not, are more guilty before God than were the dwellers in
the vale of Siddim. And still greater sin is theirs who profess to
know God and to keep his commandments, yet who deny Christ
in their character and their daily life. In the light of the Sav-
iour's warning, the fate of Sodom is a solenm admonition, not
merely to those who are guilty of outbreaking sin, but to all who
are trifling with Heaven-sent light and privileges.

Said the True Witness to tlie church of Ephesus : " 1 have
somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Re-
member therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do
the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will
remove thy candlestick out of his place, exccjit thou repent."'
The Saviour watches for a res{)onse to his oflers of love and for-
giveness, with a more tender compassion than that which moves
the heart of an earthly parent to forgive a wayward, suft'ering son.
He cries after the wanderer, " Return unto me, and I will return
unto you." • ]3ut if the erring one persistently refuses to heed the
voice that calls him with pitj'ing, tender love, he will at last be
left in darkness. The heart that has lt)ng slighted God's mercy,
becomes hardened in sin, and is no longer susceptible to the in-
fluence of the grace of God. Fearful will be the doom of that soul
of whom the i)leading Saviour shall finally declare, He " is joined
to idols; let him alone."'' It will be more tolerable in the day
of Judgment for the cities of the plain than for those who have
known the love of Christ, and yet have turned away to choose the
pleasures of a world of sin.

You who are slighting the offers of mercy, think of the long ar-
ray of figures accumulating against you in the bookf? *-X heaven ; for
there is a record ke})t of the imjjieties of nations, of families, of
individuals. God may l)ear long while the account goes on, and
calls to repentance and oflers of pardon may l)e given ; yet a time
Avill come when the account will be full ; v»'hen the soul's decision
has been made ; when by his own choice, man's destiny has been
fixed. Then the signal will be given for judgment to ])c executed.

' Rev. 2 : 4, 5. ^Mal. 3:7. » Hosca 1 : IT.

166

J'ATJilARCHS AND PROPHETS.

There is causo for jihiriu in tho condition of tlio ruli^nous* world
to-day. (lod'.s niorcy has been trifled with. The multitudo make
void the law of Jehovali, "teachinf;- for doctrines the connnaml-
nients of men."' Infidelity prevails in many of the churches in
our land; not infidelity in its hroadest sense, — an open denial
of the Bihle, — hut an infidelity 'hat is rohed in the j^^arl) of Chris-
tianity, while it is undermininjj; faith in the Bihle as a revi'lation
from God. Fervent devotion and vital i)i( ty have jziven })lace to
hollow formalism. As the result, apostasy and sensualism ])rcvail.
Christ declared, " As it Avas in the days of Lot, . . . even thus shall
it he in the day when the Son of man is revealed."'' The daily
record of ])assin,if events testifies to the fulfillment of his words.
The world is fast hccominu" ripe for destruction. Soon the judji;-
ments of God are to he poured out, and sin and sinners are to he
consumed.

Said our Saviour : "Take heed to yourselves, lest at anytime
your hearts he overchar<red with surfcitinu', and drunkenness, and
cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For
as a snare sh iU it come on all them that dwell on the face of the
whole earth," — ujum all whose interests are centered in this world.
"Watch ye therefore, and jiray always, that ye may ho accounted
worthy to escai)e all these thin<j;s that shall come to ])ass, and to
stand hefore the Son of man."''

Before the destruction of Sodom, God sent a messa<ie to Lot,
" Escape for thy life ; look not hehind thee, neither stay thou in
all the plain; esca[)e to the mountain, lest thou he consumed.''
The same voice of v -unnnjr was heard hy the disciples of Christ
hefore the destruction of Jerusalem : "When ye shall see Jerusa-
lem compassed with arnnes, then know that the desolation tliereof
is ni^h. Then let them Vvhich are in Judea flee to the mount-
ains."* They nuist not tirry to secure anythinfj: from their i)os-
sessions, hut nmst mak(> the most of the opportunity to escape.

There was a cominji out, a decided separation from the Avicked,
an escape for life. So it was in the days of Noah ; so with Lot ; so
with the disciples prior to the destruction of Jerusalem; and so it
will he in the last days. Again the voice of (Jod is heard in a
message of warning, hidding his i)eople se])arate themselves from
the i)revailing iniquity.

»Matt. 15 : 9, ^ Luke 17 : 28, 30. -'Luke 21 : ;34-:Jfi.

*(teu. 19 : 17 ; Luke 21 : 20, 21.

DESTRUCTION OF SODOM.

\iu

The state of (vi'rui)ti()n and apostasy that in the last days
would exist in the relijiious world, was presented to the prophet
John, in the vision of Bahylon, "that j^reat city, which reigneth
over the kings of tlie earth." ' Before its destruction the call is to
he given iwnn lieaven, '' Come out of her, my j)eople, that ye he
not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."''
As in the days of Noah and Lot, there must be a marked separa-
tion from sin and sinners. There can 1)0 no compromise hetween
God and the world, no turning hack to secure earthly treasure.
"Ye cannot serve (Jod and mammon."'

Like the dwellers in the vale of Siddim, the people are dream-
ing of pros])erity and peace. " li^scape for thy life," is the warning
from the angels of God ; hut other voices are heard saying, " Be not
excited ; there is no cause for alarm." The multitudes cry, " Peace
and safety," while Heaven declares that swift destruction is about
to come upon the transgressor. On the night prior to their de-
struction, the cities of the plain rioted in pleasure, and derided the
fears and warnings of the messenger of God ; but those scoffers
perished in the flames ; that very night the door of mercy was for-
ever closed to the wicked, careless inhabitants of Sodom. God will
not always be mocked ; he will not long be trifled with. " Behold,
the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce
anger, to lay the land desolate ; and he shall destroy the sinners
thereof out of it." * The great mass of the world will reject God's
mercy, ana Avill l)e ovenvhelmed in swift and irretrievable ruin.
But those who heed the Avarning, shall dwell " in the secret place
of tlie Most High," and " abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
His truth shall 'be their shield and l)uckler. For them is the
])romise, " With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my
salvation."'^

TiOt dwelt ])ut a short time in Zoar. Iniquity })revailed there
as in Sodom, and he feared to remain, lest the city should be de-
stroyed. Not long after, Zoar was consumed, as God had purposed.
Lot made his way to the mountains, and abode in a cave, stripped
of all for which he had dared to subject his family to the
influences of a wicked city. But the curse of Sodom followed him
even here. The sinful conduct of his daughters was the result
of the evil associations of that vile place. Its moral corruption

iRev. IT : IS.

■''Rev. 18 : 4.

i:{ ; 9.

3 Matt. 6 : 24.
^?s. 91 : 1, 4, 16.

168

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

hud become so interwoven with their character that they could
not distinjruish between y;oo(l and evil. liot's only posterity, the?
Moabites and Ammonites, were vile, idolatrous tribes, reljels
against (uxl, and bitter enemies ot'liis ])eople.

In how wide contrast to the lite of Abraham was that of Lot!
Once thev had been c()mi)anions, worshiping at one altar, dwelling
side by side in their jjilgrim tents ; but how widely separated now !
Lot had chosen Sodom for its })leasure and ))rotit. Leaving
Abraham's altar and its daily sacrifice to the living ({od, he had
permitted his chihlren to mingle with a corrupt and idolatrous
peo})le; yet he had retained in his heart the fear of (bxl, for he is
declared in the Scriptures to have been a "just"' man; his right-
eous soul was vexed with the vile conversation that greeted his ears
daily, and the violence and crime he was powerless to prevent.
He Avas saved at last as "a brand plucked out of the fire," ' yet
stripped of his possessions, Itereaved of his wife and children,
dwelling in caves, like the wild beasts, covered with infamy in his
old age ; and he gave to the Avorld, not a race of righteous men, but
two idolatrous nations, at enmity Avith (Jod and warring upon his
people, until, their cup of iniquity being full, they wx're appointed
to dcstru(^tion. How terrible were the results that followed one
unwise stej) !

Savs the wise man, " LaVior not to be rich ; cease from thine
own wisdom." "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own
house; but he that hateth gifts shall live." And the apostle Paul
declares, " They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare,
and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition."^

When Lot entered tS(jdom, he iuUy intended to kee}) himself
free from iniciuity, and to connnand his liousehobl alter him
Hut he signally I'ailed. The corrui)ting influences about him had
an effect U[)on his own faith, and his children's connection witli
the inhabitants of Sodom bound up his interest in a measure with
theirs. The result is before us.

Many are still making a sinular mistake. In selecting a honu^
they look more to the temporal advantages they may gain than to
the moral and social influences that will surround themselves and
tlieir families. They choose a beautiful and fertile country, or
remove to some thjurishing city, in the hope of securing greater
1 Zi'di. :3 : ','. '^ Frov. 23 : 4 ; 1.5 : ;>r ; 1 Tim. fi : fl.

DESTIlVCriON OF SODO.yf.

IHD

prosperity; l>ut tlu'ir children are surrounded l»y teniptatioM, and
too often they form associations that an^ unfavorahlo to tlie devel-
opment of piety and the; formation of a ri;:;ht diaraoter. Tlie
atmosphere of lax morality, of unbelief, of indifl'erence to religious
things, has a tendency to counteract the influence of the parents.
Examples of rehellion against jta rental and divine authority are
ever before the youth; many form attachments for infidels and
unbelievers, and cast in their lot Avith the enemies of God.

In choosing a home, (lod would have us consider, first of all,
the moral and religious influ(>nces that will surround us and our
families. Wo n^.ay be ])laced in trying jiositions, for many cannot
have their surroundings what they would; and wherever duty
calls us, God will enable us to stand uncorrupted, if we watch
and pray, trusting in tlie grace of Christ. But we should not
needlessly ex|)ose ourselves to inHuences that are unfavorable
to the formation of Christian character. When we voluntarily
place ourselves in an atmosphere of Avorldliness and unbelief, Ave
displease Grod, and drive holy angels from our homes.

Those Avho secure for their children worldly Avealth and honor
at the expense of their eternal interests, will find in the end that
these advantages are a terrible loss. Like Lot, many see their chil-
dren ruined, and barely save their own souls. Their life-work is
lost; their life is a sad failure. Had they exercised true wisdom,
their children nught have had less of worldly jn'osperity, but they
would have made sure of a tith; to the innnoiial inheritance.

The lieritage that God has i)romised to his people is not in this
Avorld. Al)raham had no ])ossession in the earth, " no, not so much
as to set his foot on." ' He i)ossessed great substance, and he used
it to the glory of Cuxl and the good of his fellow-men; but he
did not look uiion this world as his home. The Lord had called
him to leave his idolatrous coui:trvmen, Avith the i)romise of the
land of Canaan as an everlasting possession; yet neither he nor
his son nor his son's sou received it. When Abraham dwired a
burial-plaoc for his dead, he had to liuy it of the Canaanites. Ilis
sole possession in the land of })romis(! Avas tlint rock-hoAvn tomb in
the cave of Maehpelah.

But the AVord of Ciod had not failed; neither did it meet its final
accomplishment in the occupation of Canaan by the; Jewish jteople.
"To Abraham and his seed Avere the })romises made.'' ' Abraham
i.Acts 7 : ■). -(iiil. :? : 10.

-. ■'■ .»'■

170

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

himself was to share tlu; inheritance. Tlio fulfilhncnt of Go(1'h
l)roiuiso may seen I to he ]on<< (h'layed — for " one day is with tlie
liord a.s a thousand years, and a thoUisand years as one (hiy ; " ' it
may appear to tarry; hut at the a|)pointed time " it will surely
come, it will not tarry." ^ The jjift to Ahrahani and Ins seed
included not merely the land of Canaan, hut the whole earth.
So says the ajxistle, "T1m5 ])ro.nise, that he should he the heir of
the world, was not t(> Ahraliam, or to his seed, through the law,
hut throup;h the ri}:,; '; as' .ssof faith. "^ And the Bilde plainly
teaches that the pro scs n.ado to Ahrahani are to he fulfilled
through (!hrist. All that are i'lri.st's are "Ahraham's seed, and
heirs according to the ])romisc," — heirs to '' an inheritance incor-
TUptil)lc, and undeiilcd, and that fad eth not away,"* — the earth
freed from the curse of sin. For "the kingdom and dominion,
and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall
he given to the ])eople of the saints of the Most High ; " and "the
meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the
ahundance of peace." ''

(hh\ gave to Ahraham a view of this immortal inheritance, and
with this hoj»e he was coi\tent. " IJy faith he sojourned in the
land of i)romise, as in a .strange country, dwelling in tabernacles
with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder
and maker is God." "

Of tlie ])osterity of Abraham it is written, "These all died in
faith, not having received the i>romises, but having seen them afar
oflF, and were ])ersuaded of them, and embraced them, and con-
fessed that they were strangers and inlgrims on the earth."* We
must dwell as i)ilgrims and strangers here if we would gain " a
better country, that is, a heavenly." Tho.se who are children of
Abraham will be seeking the city which he looked for, "whose
l)uilder and maker is God."

» 3 Poter ;t : s.

Hill)

•■'Rom. 4 : 13.

*Cial. 3 : 39; 1 Peter 1 : 4.

Dai

11.

III''.). 11 : 0, 10, IX 1(5.

-^ ^V>3>'-

^"^

chapti:r XV.

THK MARRIAC.K OK ISAAC.

:4.

Abuaha.m liiid Ix'coiiic iiiiold nuin, mikI cxitecic*! noon to dio;
yot one act iviiuiincd for him to do, in Hccuriii^' the luUiHiiient
of the proiniMo to liis jiosterity. Inaac was th" one divinely
a(»j)ointed to succeed Inni as th*,' keeper i»f the 1;. .s' < ' God, and
the father of the cliosen ])eoi)le; l»ut lie was yet "nnu.i ied. Tlie
inhabitants of Canaan were »j:iven to i(h)latry, ami (Jod had for-
bidden intermarriage between his people and them, knowing tliat
such marriages would lead to ajxistasy. The ]>atriarch feared the
effect of the corru})tin«i influences surroun.ding ^s son. Abraham's
habitual faith in God and submission to his will were reflected in
the character of Isaac; but the young man's att'ections were strong,
and he was gentle and yielding in disposition. If united with
one who did not fear (iod, he would be in danger of sacrificing
princijde for the sake of harmony. In the mind of Abraham, the
choice of a wife for liis .son was a matter of grave importance;
he was anxious to have him marry one who would not lead
him from God.

In ancient times, marriage engagements were generally made
by the parents; and this was the cui^tom among those who wor-
shiped God. Isone were re(}uired to marry those whom they
could not love; but in the bestowal of their affections tlu^ youth
were guided l)y the judgment of their experienced, (rod-fearing
parents. It was regarded as a dishonor to j)arents, and even a
crime, to pursue a course contrary to this.

Isaac, trusting to his father's wisdom and affection, was satisfied
to connnitthe matter to him, believing also that Crod himself would
direct in the choice made. The jjatriarch's thoughts turned io his
father's kindred in the land of ]\reso})otamia. Though not free
from idolatry, they cherished the knowledge and the worship of
the true God. Isaac must not leave Canaan to go to them; but
it might be that among them could l»e found one who would leave
her home, and unite with him in maintaining the )>urc worshii> of

[iri|

172

PATRTARCIIH AND PP.0PUET8.

tlu; \'\\'\\\\i (m»(1. Aliralumi committed tlm im|Mirtiiiit iimttor to
" liis cldi'st Hcrviint," ii man of piety, experience, and sound jii<l;r-
ment, who had ren<h'red him lonj,' and faitlilul nervice. He re-
(luired this servant to make a solenui oath het'oro the T^ord, that
he would not take a wife for fsaac of th(! Canaanitt,-, hut would
choose a maiden from th(! fannly of Xahor in Mesopotamia. He
charjjfed liim not to take Isaac thither. If a (himsel could not he
found who would leave her kindred, then the messenjj;er would he
released from his oath. The ])atriareh encourajicd him in his dil-
ficult and delicate undertaking:, with the assuranc(? that God would
crown his mission Avith success. "The Lord God of heaven,"' In-
said, '' which took me from my father's house, an<l from the land
of my kindred, . . . he shall send his an;j;el hefore thee."'

The messcn<:er set out without dehiy. Takinj^ with him ten
camels for the use of his own company and the hridal j)arty that
might return with him, provided also with <iifts for the intended
wife and her friends, he made the h)ng journey beyond Damascus,
and onward to the rich j)lains that border on the great river of the
East. Arrived at ITaran, "the city of Jialior," lie halted outside
the walls, near the well to wliich the women of the i)lace came at
evening for water. It was a time of anxious thought with him.
Tmi)ortant results, not only to his master's household but to future
generations, might follow from the choice he made; and how was
he to choose wisely among entire strangers? Kemend)ering the
words of Abraham, that God woukl send his angel with him, he
prayed earnestly for j>ositivo guidance. In tlie family of his mas-
ter he was accustomed to the constant exercise of kindness and
hospitality, and he now asked that an act of courtesy might indi-
cate the maiden whom (iod had chosen.

Hardly was the prayer uttered before the answer was given.
Among the women Avho were gathered at the wi>ll, tlie courteous
manners of one attracted his attention. As she came from the
well, the stranger went to mi'ct her, asking for some Avater from
the pitcher up(m her shoulder. The recjuest received a kindly
answer, Avith an offer to draAV Avater for the camels also, a service
which it Avas customary even for the daughters of princes to })er-
form for their fathers' flocks and herds. Thus the desired sign Avas
given. The maiden " Avas very fair to look ui)on," and her ready
courtesy gave evidence of a kind heart, and an active, energetic
nature. Thus far the diA'ine hand had been Avitli him. After ae-

1 Sec Gciu'sis 24.

\vh

THE yfARIUAdK OF ISA AC.

I 7:5

kiioukMljriuK luT kiiuhn'ss l.y rich jiilts, tlu» iiH'.ssi'iigcr iisk«il lur
part'iitugo, and on Iciiming that she was tlu; dau^'litcr of HrtluicI,
A])rahani'H nephew, 'Mu! howed down liis liead, and worshiped tlie
Lord."

Th(? man l»ad asked for entertainment at lu'r fatlier's honse,
and in Ids expressions ot thanks;.Mving ^lad revealed Uw fact of his
connection with Ahraliam. Heturning home, th(^ maicU'n told
wljat liad happened, iind Lahan, her hrother, at once hastened to
bring the stranger and his attendants to share their hospitality.

Elie/er wonld not partake of food until he had told his errand,
his prayer at the well, with all the circumstances attending it.
Then ho said, " And now, if w will deal kindly and tndv with mv
master, tell me; and if not, tell me; that f may turn to the right
hand, or to the left." Tlu; answer was, "T\w thing proceedeth
from the Lord ; avo cannot speak unto the«( had or good. Behold,
Kebekah is before thee; take her, and go, and let her Ik; thy mas-
ter's son's Avife, as the Tiord hath sjjoken."

After the consent of tlu; fannly had been obtained, Uebekah
herself was consulted as to whether she would go to so great a
distance from her father's house, to marry the son of Abraham,
She believed, from Avhat had taken place, that (lod had selected
her to be Isaac's wifi-, and she said, " 1 Avill go."

The servant, antici|»ating his master's joy at the success of his
mission, Avas ini})atient to be gone; and Avith the morning they
.set out on the homcAvard journey. Al)raham (hvelt at Beersheba.
and Isaac, Avho had been attending to the flocks in the adjoining
country, had returned to his father's tent to aAvait the arrival of
the messenger from llaran. "And Isaac Avent out to meditate
in the lield at the eventide; and he lifted up his eyes, and saAV,
and, behold, the camels Avere ct)ming. And Kebekah lifted up
her eyes, and Avhen she saAV Isaac, she lighted oil" the camel. For
she had said unto the servant, M'hat man is this that Avalketh in
Hie fiehl to meet us? And the servant had said. It is my master:
therefore slu^ took a vail, and covenMl herself. And the servant
told Isaac all things that he had dont'. An<l Jsaac bi-ought her
into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Kebekah, and she became
hisAvife; and he loved her: and Isaac Avas comforted after his

mother's death.

Abraham had marketl the result of the inti^rmarriage of those
ho feared (Jod and those avIio fearcfl him not, from the davs of

174

PATHlAIiCns AXn rilOPIIETS.

CaiM to Ills own tiiMc. TIm) conHCMiiU'iJccs of liin own iuarria}<('
with liajrar, and of tin; niarria^'o conncctionH of iHhniacl and Lot,
wcro ln'fon? liini. The lack of faith on tho part of Ahrahain and
Sarah, had resulted in the hirth of Ishniael, tho niinjrlinK of tho
riu:hteoiiH Hccd with tht* un^rodly. Tho father's infhieneo upon hin
son was counteracted hy t<iat of tlu* mother's i(h)hitrous kindred,
and l»v Islunaers connection with heathen wives. Tho iealousv
of na<;ar, and of the wives wdioin she chose for Ishniael, Hur-
roundod his family with a harrier that Ahraham endeavored \\\
vain to overcomo.

Ahrahaiu's early teachin<,'s had not l)oen without en'eet upon
Islnnael, hut tho influonco of Ins Avives resulted in estahlishin;;
idolatry in his family, Sei)arated from liis father, and imhitterod
hy tluf strife and contention of a liomo <lestituto of tho lovo and
fear of (lod, Ishiuael was driven to choose tho wild, marauding
life of tho desert chief, "Ids hand against every man, and every
man's hand against liim.'" In Ins latter days ho repented of his
evil ways, and returned to his father's (lod; l)ut tho stamj) of
<haracti'r given to his ]»osterity remained. The powerful nation
descended from him were a turbulent, heathen ])eoj)le, who were
ever an annoyance and allliction to tho descendants of Isaac.

The wife of Lot was a selfish, irndigious woman, and her influ-
ence was exerted to separate her husband fronj Ahraham. But
for her. Lot would not have remained in Sodom, de{)rived of the
counsel of tho wise, (Jod-fearing patriarch. Tho influence of. his
wife, and tno associations of that wicked city, would have led him
to apostatize from (lod, had it not been for the faithful instruction
he had early received from Al)raham. The marriage of Lot, and
his choice of Sodom for a home, were the first links in a chain
of events fraught with evil to tiie world for many generations.

No one who fears (Jod can without danger connect hinisclf
with one who fears him not. " Can two walk together, except
they l>e agreed?"'' The hai)piness and prosperity of the mar-
riage relation dei)ends \\\m\\ tho unity of tho i)arties; but between
the 1)eliover and tlie un1)eliever there is a radical differenco of
tastes, inclinations, and i)urposes. They are serving two masters,
between v»'hom there can be no concord. However pure and
correct one's principles may be, the influence of an unbelieving
eomi)anion will have a tendency to lead away from God.
iGen. 16 : VI. '-iAiiios 3 : 3.

futui

Till': MMiUIAaK ny ISAAC

175

h'lng

Ho wljo lias I'litrrctl the iiiiiniiiv.(' rtlutidii while micoiivcrtrd,
is by his coiivcrsioii pliiccd umlcr Htmnjifi* (»l>li;:!itit>ii to lus laillil'ul
to his comimiiioM, h(»\vcvcr widely tlicy may dilVrr in re^iard to
religious t'aith; yet the claiiiis <»!' (lod should l»e iilaccd nl>ove
every earthly relatioMshi|i, ev»'M thouixh trials and iterseeiuioii may
l»o th(( result. With the s|»irit of love and meeUuess, this (idelily
may have an intlueMce to win tht^ uiilMJieviii}; one. Hut the
marriaj^'c! of Christians with the uu^^odly is forbidden in the
Bible. Tho fiord's direction is, " IJe ye not unequally yoketl
tojiether with unbelievers."'

Isaa(! was highly honored by (iod, in beinu made inheritor of
tho promises throu^di which the world was to l>e blessed; yet when
he was forty years of a;,'e, he sul»ndtted to his father's jud^Muent in
ajtpointin^ his experienced, (iod-fearin^i; sci'vant to choose a wife
for him. And the result of that marria;j,»', as presented in the
Scriptures, is a tender and l)eautiful picture of domestic happiness:
"Isaac, brought her unto his mother Sarah's tent, and took IJe-
Ix'kah, and slu; became his wife; and be loved lier: and Isaac
was comlbrted after bis mother's di'ath.''

^^'bat a contrast between tho course of Isaac and that pursued
l)y tho youth of oui'tinie, even amon;i professed Christians! Youn;j;
])ooplo too often feel that the bestowal of their atl'ections is a mat-
ter in which self alone should 1)0 consulted, — a matter that neither
God nor their i)arents should in any wise control. Lon<f before
thev have reached maidiood or womanhotxl, thev think themselves
competent to make their (»wn choice, without the aid of their i»ar-
ents. A few years of married life are usually sullicient to show
them their error, l)Ut olten too late to prevent its baleful results.
For the same lack of wisdom and self-control that dictated the
hasty choice is i)ermitted to a;:jrravate tho evil, until the marriage
relation becon)es a <i;allinfi _yoke. Many have thus wrecked their
happine.-- in. this life, and their hope of the life to come.

If there is any subject which should l)e carefully considered,
and in whi« h the counsel of older and more experienced j)ersons
should be sought, it is the subject of marriage ; if ever tho Bil)le
was needed as, a counselor, if ever divine guidance should 1)0
sought in prayer, it is before taking a step that binds })ersons
tog(!ther for life.

Parents should never lose sight of their own responsibility for the
future happiness of their children. Isaac's deference to his father's

' 2 Cor. C, : 14, 17, 18.

i7«;

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

judjrinont was tlio result of tlie training that hud taught him to
love a life of obedience. While Abraham n^iuired liis children to
res})ect parental authority, hi.s daily life testified that that author-
ity was not a selfish or arbitrary control, but was founded in loye,
and had their welfare and happiness in view.

Fathers and mothers should feel that a duty devolves UDon
them»to guide tin; afi'ections of the 3'outn, that they may be placed
\\\nn\ those who Avill be suitable companions. They should feel it
a duty, by their own teaching and example, with the assisting
grace of (Jod, to so mould the character of the children from their
earliest years that they will ])e pure and noble, and will be
attracted to the good and true. Like attracts like ; like appreciates
like. lict the love for truth and ])urity and goodness be early
implanted in tlie soul, and the youth will seek the society of those
who possess these characteristics.

Let parents seek, in their own character and in their home life,
to exemplify the love and l)eneficenco of the heavenly Father.
Let the home be full of sunshine. This will be worth far more to
your children than lands or money. Let the home love be kept
alive m their hearts, that they may look back upon the homo of
tlieir childhood as a place of i)eace and hapi)iness next to heaven.
The memliers of the family do not all luiA'e the same stamp of
character, and there will be frequent occasion for the exercise of
))aticnce and forbearance ; but through love and self-disci|)line, all
ojiiy bo bound together in the closest union.

True love is a high and holy ])rinciple, altogether different in
character from that love which is awakened l)y im])ulse, and
which suddenly dies when severely tested. It is 1)y faithfulness to
duty in the })arental home that the youth are to prejjare them-
selves for homes of their own. Tjct them here practice self-denial,
and manifest kindness, courtes}', and Christian sympathy. Thus
love will be kei)t warm in the h(;art, and he wdio goes out from
such a household to stand at the head of a family of his own, will
knoAV how to })romoto the liapi)iness of her whom he has chosen
as a companion for life. Marriag , instead of being the end of
love, will be only its beginning.

CHAPTER XVI.

TAC:()B AND ESAU.

j'f'

Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking con-
trast, both in character and in Ht'e. This unlikeness was foretold
by the angel of God l)efore their birth. When in answer to Re-
bekah's troubled i)rayer he declared that two sons would be given
her, he oi)encd to her their future history, that each would l)econie
the head of a mighty nation, but that one would be greater than
the other, and that the younger would have the pre-eminence.

Esau gr(>w up loving self-gratification, and centering all his
interest in the i)resent. Impatient of restraint, he delighted in tin;
wild freedom of the chase, and early chose the life of a hunter.
Yet he was the father's favorite. The tiuict, peace-loving shepherd
was attracted by the daring and vigor of this elder son, Avho fear-
lessly ranged over mountain and desert, returning home with game
for his father, and with exciting accounts of his adventurous life.
Jacob, thoughtful, diligent, and eare-taking, ever thinking more of
the future than the ])resent, was content to dwell at home, occupied
in the care of the flocks and the tillage of the soil. His patient
perseverance, thrift, and foresight were valued ])y the mother.
His affectit)ns were dee}) and strong, and his gentle, unremitting
attentions added far more to her happiness than did the boisterous
and occasional kindnesses of Esau. To Re1)ekah, Jacol) was the
dearer son.

The })rt)mises madi; to Abraham and confirmed to his son, were
held Ity Isaac and Rel)ekah as the great olyect of tlu^ir desires and
ho])es. M'ith these promises Esau and Jacol) were familiar. They
were taught to regard the l)irthright as a matter of great impor-
tance, for it included not only an inheritance of worldly wealth,
V)ut s^tiritual pre-eminence. He who received it was to be the
priest of his family ; and in the line of his jjosterity the Redeemer

)f th

e wor

won

con

le. On the other hand, there were ob-

ligations resting u])on the possessor of the birthright. He who

Lir.7]

■ ■i ■;; ■ '

Hi if '

iil:lj"

^;.tai■l!■t:

r;,tilrij

178

PATlil Aliens AND PROPIIKTS.

should inherit its hlcssinjiS must (U'Voto liis life to th<! service of
(Jod. Like A))ralunn, lie must l)e ohedieiit to the divine re(|uire-
nients. In marriaire, in his I'amily relations, in jmhlic; life, he
must consult the Avill of (iod.

Isaa(! nia(K.' known to his sons these )>rivilejj;es and coiKhtions,
and plainly stated tiiat Esau, as the; eldest, was the one entith-d to
th(! hirthriuht. lint Esau had no love for devotion, Jio inclination
to a religious life. The re(|uiremi'nts that accompanied the si)irit-
ual hirthriuht were an unweh'ome and even hateful restraint to
him. The law of (iod, which was the condition of the divine
covenant with Ahraham, was regarded l»y Esau as a yoke of
l)onda<!;e. Bent on self-indulj-ence, he desired nothini;" so much as
liherty to do as ]\v pleased. To him poAver and riches, feastin<i:
and reveling-, were hai»piness. Tie jiloried in the unrestrained
freedom of his wild, rovinjf life. Kehekah rcnicmhcrcd thcMvords
of the anf.a'1, and slie read with clearer insi<.dit than did her hus-
liard the character of their sou;^, She was convinced thr.t the
hci'tajic of divine ])r()mise was intended for Jacoh. She rei)eated
to Isaac the an«rel's words ; hut the father's alfcctions were centered
\i|)on the elder son, and he was unshaken in his i»ur})ose.

•lacol) had learne(l from his mother of the divine intimation
tliat the l»irthri<iht should fall to him, and he was filled with an
unspeakahle desire foi' the [)rivile,ires which it would confer. It
was not the i)ossession of his father's Avealth that he craved; the
s|>iritual hirthriuht was the ohjcct of his lon,ainjr. To conunune
with (iod as <lid riuhteous Ahraham, to olfcr the sacrifice of atone-
ment for his family, to ))e the ]»roL^enitor of the chosen i)eople, and
of the j)i'omis;'d ^lessiah, and to inherit the inunortal ])ossessions
emhraccd in the hlessin<>s of tluM'ovcnant, — here were the ]»rivi-
Ic^es and luinors that kindled his most ardent desires. His mind
was ever reachini:; forward to the future, aim seeking to jiTusi) its
unseen hlessings.

^\'ith secret longing he listened to all that his father told con-
cerning the s[»iritual hirthright; he carefully treasured what he
had learned from his mother. Day and night the suliject occupied
his thoughts, until it hecame the al)sorl)ing interest of his life.
But while he thus esteemed eternal ahove temporal l)lessings,
Jacoh had not an ex[»erimental knowledge of the God whom he
revered. Ilis heart had not heen renewed hy divine grace. He
believed that the promise concerning himself could not he fulfillc<l

H*.

JACOB AND ESAU.

1T!>

SO lonjif iis p]sau rotiiined the rights of the first-born, and lie oon-
stiintly studied to devise sonic Wiiy wherehy he niijjjht seoiire the
blessin<f whieli Ids brother hebl so lijjhtly, but wliich was so
preeious to Inmself.

When Esau, connng lionie one day faint and weary from the
chase, asked for the food that Jacob was preparing, the latter, with
whom one tliought was ever upjjcrmost, seized upon his advan-
tage, and offered to satisfy his brother's hunger at the i)riceof the
l)irthright. ■' Behold, I am at tlui point to die." cried the reckless,
self-indulgent hunter, " and what profit shall this liirthright do to
me?''' And for a dish of red pottage he parted with bis ))ii'th-
right, and confirmed the transaction l)y an oath. A short tim(> at
most would have secured him fo(»d in his father's tents ; but to sat-
isfy tlic desire of the moment he carelessly Ijartered the glorious her-
itage that God himself had i)ronnsed to his fathers. HisAvhoh; in-
terest was in the present. He Avas ready to sacrifice the heavenly to
the earthly, to exchange a futun; good for a momentary indulgence.

"Thus p]sau desi)ised his birthright." \ In dis])osing of it he
felt a sense of relief. Now his way was unol)structed ; he could do
as ho liked. For this wild ])leasure, miscalled freedom, how many
are still selling their birthright to an inheritance pure and unde-
filed, eternal in the heavens!

Ever subject to mere outward and earthly attractions, Esim
took two wives of the daughters of Heth. They were worshi])ers
of false gods, and their idolatry was a bitter grief to Isaac and
Rebekah. Esau had violated one of the conditions of the cove-
nant, whicli forbade intermarriage between the chosen ])eople and
the heathen; yi't Isaac was still unshaken in his determination
to bestow ui)on him the l)irtliright. The reasoning of Rebcka,!..
Jacob's strong desire for the blessiiig, and Esau's indifierence to
its obligations, had no eilect t) change the i'ather's purpose.

Years passed on, until Isaac, old and blind, and expecting soon
to die. determine(l no longer to delay the bestowal of the blessing
upon his elder son. l>ut knowing the o})position of Re))ekah and
Jacol), he decided to jierform the solenm ceremony in secret. In
accordance with the custom of making a feast U])on sucli occa-
sions, tiic i)atriarcli liade Esau, "'(to out to the field, and take nu;
some venison; and make me savory meat, , . . that my soul may
bless thee before I die."'

i^f,:

^ (iiMi. 2:. '3>?, a4.

^Gcti. 2" 3. 4 12

ISO

lATIilARCnS AND PROPHETS.

Ro'oekali diviiu-d his piir])»)S('. 8I10 Wiis coiilidcnt tliat it av.ss
contrary to Avhat (iod lad revealed a.s lii.s will. Isaac was in dau-
ber of incurrinjjf the divine displeasure, and of del)arring his
younger son from the })()sition to which God had called him. 8he
had in vain tried the effect of reasoning; with Isaac, and she de-
tennine<l to resort to strata jfoni.

No sooner had Esau departed on his errand tluin llehekah set
ahout the accomplishment of her }»ur]»ose. 8hc told Jacob what
had taken i)lace, ur<j;in<jj the necessity of innnediate action to i)rc-
vent the bestowal of the Ijlessinj;, finally and irrevocably, ui)on
Esau. And slie assured her son that if ho would follow her direc-
tions, he nii<ilit obtain it as (Jod had promised. Jacob did not
readily consent to the i)lan that she proposed. The thought of
.deceiving his father caused him great distress. He felt that such
a sin would bring a curse rather than a l)lessing. But his scrui»les
were overborne, and he proceeded to carry out his mother's sug-
gestions. It was not his intention to utter a direct falsehood, lut
once in the presence of his father he seemed to have gone too far to
retreat, and he obtained by fraud the coveted blessing.

Jacob and Rebekah succeeded in their puri)ose, but they gained
Only trouble and sorrow 1)y their deception. God had di clarcd
that Jacob should receive the birthright, and his word wouh^ hAve
been fulfilled in liis own time, had they waited in faith for him to
work for them. But like many who now profess to be children of
God, they were unwilling to leave th'> -'j'tter in his hands. Re-
bekah bitterly repented the wrong cortusel she had given her son ;
it was the means of separating him from her, and she never saw his
face again. From the hour when he received the birthright, Jacol)
was weighed down with self-condenmation. He had sinned against
his father, his brother, his own soul, and against God. In one
short hour he liad made work for a life-long repentance. Tins
scene was vivid before him in after-years, when the wicked course
of his own sons oppressed his soul.

No sooner had Jacob left his father's tent than Esau entered.
Though he had sold his birthright, and confirmed the transfer l)y
;i. solemn oath, he was now determined to secure its blessings, re-
gardless Oi 'lis brother's claim, ^\'ith the spiritual was connected
the tpnii)oral birthright, which would give him the headship of
the fair;i'iy, and possois>ion of a doulde i)ortion of his father's
WCvili, These were l)lessings that he could value. ''Let my fa-

JACOB A:sn ESAV.

thcr arise," ho said, "and cat (tf Ins sonV venison, that thy soul
may ))]ess me."

Tremhlin;^; with astoiiislnncnt and distress, the hlind old father
learned the deeei)tion that had l)een praeti<'ed ui)on liiiu. llis
lonji; and fondly cherished hopes had heen thwarted, and he keenly
felt the disapi)ointment that must come ii))on his elder son. Yet
the conviction Hashed upon him that it was (iod's ])rovidence
wliieh had defeated his ]turpose, and broUirht al»out the very thin<>;
he had det(!rmined to prevent. He rememhered the words of the
an^a'l to Relxikah, and notwithstanding- the sin of which Jacob
was now guilty, he saw in him the one hest fitted to accomplish
the i)Urposes of God, While the words of l)lessing were U])on llis
lips, he had felt the S])irit of insi)iration u[)on him ; and now,
knowing all the circumstances, he ratified the henediction unwit-
tingly pronounced upon Jacob: "I have blessed him; yea, and
he shall be blessed."'

Esau had lightly valued the blessing while it seemed within
his reach, but he desired to possess it now that it Avas gone from
him forever. All the strength of his imi)ulsive, passionate nature
was aroused, and his grief and rage were terrible. He cried with
an exceeding bitter cry, "Bless me, even me also, O my father!"
" Hast thou not reserved a blessing for mo ? " But the promise
given was not to be recalled. The birthright which he had s>«
carelessly bartered, he could not now regain. " For one morsel ot
meat," for a momentary gratification of appetite that had never
been restrained, Esau sold his inheritance ; but when he saw lay
folly, it was too late to recover the blessing. " He found no place
of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."* Esau
was not shut out from the privilege of seekim God's favor l)y
repentance ; but he could find no means of recovering the birth-
right. His grief did not spring from conviction of sin; he did not
desire to be reconciled to God. He sorrowed because of the re-
sults of his sin, but not for the sin itself.

Because of his indifference to the divine blessings and re-
quirements, Esau is called in Scripture '' a profane i)erson."'^ He
represents those who lightly value the njdemption ])urchased for
them by Christ, and are ready to sacrifice their heirshi[) to heaven
for the perishable things of earth. Multitudes live for the prcisent,
with no thought or care for the future. Like Fsau they cry, " Let

1 Gen. 27 : 8;].

- Heb. n : W, 17

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1S2

PATRIAliCIIS AND PROPHETS.

IIS oat and drink; fur tomorrow ^V(3 die."' They are controlled
by inclination ; and rather than jiracticc self-denial, they will
forego the most valuahle considerations. If one must he relin-
quished, the gratification of a depraved api)etite or the heavenly
blessings })romised only to the self-denying and (Jod-fearing, the
claims of a])petito prevail, and (iod and heaven are virtually de-
spised. IIow many, even of professed Christians, cling to indul-
gences that are injurious to health, and tliat benuml) the sensibili-
ties of the soul. When th(; duty is presented of cleansing them-
selves from all filthiness of the flesh and s})irit, i)erfecting holiness
in the fear of God, they are offended. They see that they cannot
retain lliese Imrtful gratifications and yet secure heaven, and they
conclude that since the way to eternal life is so strait, they will no
longer walk therein.

Multitudes are selling their birthright for sensual indulgence.
Health is sacrificed, the mental 'faculties are enfeebled, and heaven
is forfeitinl ; and all for a mere temporary pleasure, — an indulgence
at once lioth weakening and del»asing in its character. As Esau
awoke to see the folly of his rash exchange when it was too late to
recover his loss, so it will l»e in the day of (Iod with those who
have bartcrcil their heirship to heaven fo selfish gratifications.

' I Cor. 1.J : ;!:2.

CHAPTER XVII.

■" I' ft.<ii<

JACOB'S FLIGHT AND FAII.K.

TiiKKATE.NKi) witli (Iciith by the wnitli of Esau, Jacol* went out
from liis father's lionie a fujzitivo; l)ut ho carried with liim the
father's blessing; Isaac had renewed to him the covenant j)romise,
and had bidden him, as its inheritor, to seek a wife of his mother's
family in Mesopotamia. Yet it was with a (leei)ly troubled heart
that Jacob set out on his lonely journey. With only his stall" in
his hand he must travel hundreds of miles through a country
inhabited by -wild, roving tribes. In his, remorse and timidity he
sought to avoid men, lest he should be traced l)y his angry
brother. He feared that he had lost forever the blessing that God
had purposed to give him ; and Satan was at hand to press temp-
tations upon him.

The evening of the second day found him far away from his
father's tents. He felt that he was an outcast, and he knew that
all this trouble had been brought ui)on him by his own wrong
course. The darkness of despair i)re.ssed upon his soul, and he
hardly dared to pray. But he was so utterly lonely that he felt
the need of protection from God as he had never felt it Ix-forc.
With weeping and deep humiliation he confessed Ins sin, an<l
entreated for some evidence tluit he was not utterly forsaken. Still
his burdened heart found no relief He had lost all confidence in
himself, and he feared that the God of his fathers ^..d cast him oflC.

But God did not forsake Jacob. His mercy was still extended
to his erring, distrustful servant. The Lord com[)assionately re-
vealed just what Jacob needed, — a Savioui'. He had sinned ; but
liis heart was filled with gratitude as he saw revealed a way by
which he could be restored to the favor of (Jod.

Wearied* with his journey, the wanderer lay down ui)on tiiw
ground, witli a stone for his ])illow. As ho slept, he heh*^iil a
ladder, bright and shining, whose base rested upon the earth,
while the top reached to heaveii. Upon this ladder, nngels were

[1881

IS 4

I'ATlirARCim AND PltOPHKTS.

as('cn(lin<: iiiul (loscendin^; mIidvc it was the Tiord of jilorv, and
from tin; licjivcn.s ]iis voice; was licard: " I am tliu Lord (lod ot"
Al>raliam tliy father, and the (iod of Isaiic." The land whereon
lie lay as an exih- and fn;j;itive was ])roniised to him and to his
posterity, Avith the assurance, " In thee and in thy see(l shall all
the families of tlu' earth he hlessed." This promise had heen
^dven to Ahraham and to Isaac, and now it Avas renewed to Jacoh.
Then in special rejiard to his ])resent loneliness and distress, the
AV'^rds of comfort and encourajiement Avere spoken: " IJchold, I
am Avith thee, and Avill keej) thee in all places AvhithiT thou jroest,
and Avill hrinjf thee again into this land; for I Avill not leaA'e thee,
until I have done that Avhich I have spoken to thee of"

The Lord kncAV the evil influences that Avould surround Jacol),
and the perils to Avhich he Avould he exposed. In mercy lie
ojiened up the future hefore the rei)entant iu«j;itive, that lie mijfht
understand the divine purj)ose Avith reference to himself, and l)e
])rej)are(l to resist the tenii)tations that Avould surely come to him
Avhen alone amid idolaters and scheming men. There Avould he
ever hefore him the high standard at Avhich ho must aim ; and the
knowledge that through him the })uri)ose of Clod Avas reaching its
accomplishment, Avould constantly i)rompt him to faithfulness.

In this vision the i)lan of redem})tion Avas presented to Jacob,
not fully, I. at in such i)arts as Avere essential to him at that time.
The mystit; ladder revealed to him in his dream Avas tlie same to
which Christ referred in his coiiA'ersation Avith Xathanael. Said he,
* Ye shall see lieaven oi)en, and the angels of (rod ascending and
descending upon the Son of man." ^ Uj) to the time of man's rebell-
ion against the goverimient of (Jod, there had been free communion
betAveeu (iod and man. Ihit the sin of Adam and Eve se})arated
earth from lieaA'en, so that man could not have communion Avith
his Maker. Yet the Avorld Avas not left in solitary hoi)elessness.
The ladder re])resents Jesus, the appointed medium of communi-
cation. Had he not Avith his own merits bridged the gulf that sin
had made, the ministering angels could have held no commun-
ion Avith fallen m; n. Tlirist connects man in his Aveakness and
liel])lessn(>ss with the source of infinite poAver.

All this AVi'S revealed to Jacob in his dream. Although his
miad at once grasped a i)art of the revelation, its great and myste-
rious trutlis Avero tlie study of his life-time, and unfolded to hi»
imdcrstanding more and more.

1 Gcii. .^8 : IS-li). 2 :nVn \ : r^].

-lACOIVS DliKA.M.

.shin
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witl
L()r(
noiK

tllilt

pom

COJll

Clod
tarn
pliic
ro|)o
then
keej
rain
poa(
liav(
shall
J
Lor(
outfl
lovo
lie r
gran

Chri
the
ing
and
reco
ang(
ask,
the
(
to I
spec

jACons Fijaiir and exile.

Is7

.TiU'ol) jiwoUc Inmi liis sl('c|> in tliii <lc('|> stillness of Hij.'lit. Tlio
sliininj^ tornis of his vision iunl disiiitpfjircd. Only tlu! dim out-
lino <>t" till! lonely liills, and above tlu'in tln! licavrns Itri^ht with
stars, now met his j^azc. Hut lio had a Holcinu senso that (Jod was
with him. An unseen jtresenec! filled the solitude. "Surely the
Lord is in this i)la('e," ho said, "and 1 knew it not. . . . This is
notu! other hut tho houso of (Jod, and this is the pito of heaven.'"

"AndJacoh rose u|» early in tlui morninir, and took tin* ston«^
that hi! had put for his pillows, and set it \ip for a ])illar, an<l
poured oil upon th(! top of it."' ]n aeeordaneo with th(! custom of
eomnionioratinp; important events, Jaeoh-set up 'a mem(»rial of
frod's mercy, that whenever he sh(»uld j>ass that way, Im; mi;.dit
tarry at this sacicd spot to worship tho Lord. And he called the
plaeo Bethel, or "tho lictuso of (Jod." With deep ^zratitude he
repeated tho ])romise that (lod's ])resence would he with him ; and
then 1»<! made tho solenni vow, " If (iod will ho with me, and will
keep me in this way that 1 p>, and will j^ivo mo bread to eat, and
raiment to ])Ut on, so that I eon)o a<^ain to my father's liouse in
peace; then shall tho Lord bo my God; and this stone, which 1
have Het for a pillar, shall bo CJod's house; and of all that thou
shalt {rive me I will surely jjivo tho tenth unto thee."

Jacob was not hero H<;eking to make terms with (Jod. The
Lord had already promise(l him jirosperity, an<l this vow was tho
outflow of a heart tilled with gratitude for tho assurance of (Icds
love and mercy. Jaoo]> felt that (Jod luid claims upon him which
he must acknowled^re, and that tho special tokens of divine favor
granted him demanded a return. So does every blessing bestowed
U})on us call for a response to th(; Author »»f all our mercies. The
Christian should often review his past life, and recall with gratitude
the precious deliverances that (J(»d has wrought for him, supi)ort-
ing him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark
and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. He should
recognize all of them as evidences of tho watchcaro of heavenly
angels. Li view of these innumerable blessings he should often
ask, with subdued and grateful heart, "What shall I render unto
the Lord for all his benolits toward me? " ''■

Our time, our talents, our i)roperty, should be sacredly devoted
to Him who has given us these l)lessings in trust. AN'henever a
special deliverance is wrought in t)ur behalf, or now and unex-
' (ien. 38 ; 16-32. - Pb. lit',: Vl.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

1.1

L25 11 1.4

Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80

(716) •72-4S03

■<^

188

PATRIAItCIIH AND PROPHETS.

})e(tc'tl favors are granted us, we should acknowledge God's good-
ness, not only by expressing our gratitude in words, but, like
Jacob, by gifts and otterings to his cause. As wo are continually
receiving the l)lessings of (iod, so we ai:e to be continually giving.

"Of all that thou siialt givenie," said Jacob, " I will surely give
the tenth unto thee. " ' Shall we who enjoy the full light and
privileges of the gospel, be content to give less to God than was
given by those who lived in the former, less favored dispensation?
Nay, as the blessings we enjoy are greater, are not our obligations
corresj)ondingly increased? But how small the estimate; how
vain the endeavor to measure with mathematical rules, time, money
and love, against a love so immeasurable and a gift of such incon-
ceivable worth. Tithes for Christ ! 0, meager pittance, shameful
recompense for that which cost so much ! From the cross of
Calvary, Christ calls for an unreserved consecration. All that we
have, all that we are, should be devoted to God.

With a new and abiding faith in the divine promises, and as-
sured of the presence and guardianship of heavenly angels, Jacob
pursued his journey to *' the land of the children of the East. " *
But how ditt'erent his arrival from that of Abraham's messenger
nearly a hundred years before! The servant had come with a train
of attendants riding upon camels, and with rich gifts of gold and
silver ; the son was a lonely, foot-sore traveler, with no possession
save his staff. Like Abraham's servant, Jacob tarried beside a
well, and it was here that he met Rachel, Laban's ycunger daughter.
It was Jacob now who renderetl service, rolling the stone from the
Avell, and watering tiie flocks. On making kno^-li his kinship, he
was welcomed to the home of Laban. Tiiough he came portionless
and unattended, a few weeks showed the worth of his diligence
and skill, and he was urged to tarry. It was arranged that he should
render Iial>an seven years' service for the hand of Rachel.

In earl}'^ times, custom reiiuired the bridegroom, before the
ratification of a marriage engagement, to i)ay a sum of money or
its eciuivalent in other i)roperty, according to his circumstances, to
the father of his wifi'. This was regarded as a safeguard to the
marriage relation. Fathers did not think it safe to trust the hap-
piness of their daughters to men who had not made provision for the
suj)port of a family. If tiiey had not sufficient thrift and energy
to manage business and accjuire cattle or lands, it was feared that
' (ion. 'i8: -Vi. "CJimi. 29 : I. Rev. Ver.

JACOB'S FLIGHT AND EXILE.

18J>

,lie
or
to
,he
ip-
,hc

Ult

their life would prove woithless. But provision was made to test
tho.se who had nothing to pay for a wife. They were permitted to
lal^or for the father whose daughter tliey loved, the length of time
being regulated hy the value of the dowry re(iuired. When the
suitor was faithful in his services, and })roved in other respects
w'orthy, he obtained the daughter as his wife ; and generally the
dowry which the father had received was given her at her mar-
riage. In the case of both Rachel and Leah, however, Laban .self-
ishly retained the dowry that should have l)een given them ; they
referred to this when they said, just l>efore the removal from Mes-
opotamia, " He hath sold us, and hath <iuite devoured also our
money." '

The ancient custom, though sometimes abused, as ])y Laban,
was productive of good results. When the suitor was reciuired to
render service to secure his bride, a hasty marriage was i)revented,
and there was opportunity to test the dojjth of his afl"ection.s, as
well as his ability to provide for a iaiKHy In our time many
evils result from jiursuing an opposite coui*se. It is often the case
that persons before marriage have little opportunity to become
acquainted with each other's habits and disposition, and, so far
as every-day life is concerned, they are virtually strangers when
they unite their interests at the altar. Many find, too late, that
they are not adapted to each other, and life-long wretchedness is
the result of their union. Often the wife and cliiklren sufier from
the indolence and inefficiency or the vicious habits of the husband
and father. If the character of the suitor had been tested before
marriage, according to the ancient custom, great unhappiness
might liaA'e been ])revented.

Seven years of faithful service Jacob gave for Rachel, and the
years that he served "seemed unto him but a few days, for the
love he had to her."'' But the selfish and grasping Lal)an, desir-
ing t(^ retain so valuable a helper, practiced a cruel decejition in
substituting Leah for Rachel. The fact that Leah herself was a
l^arty to the cheat, caused Jacol) to feel that he could not love her.
His indignant rebuke to Lal>an was met with the off'er of Rachel
for another seven years' service. ]iut the father insisted that Leah
should not be discarded, since this would l)ring disgrace upon the
fjuuily. Jacol) was thus placed in a most painful and trying posi-
tion ; he finally decided to retain Leah and marry Rachel. Rachel
»(Ji'n. 31 : l."). "Gen. 29 : 20.

100

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

was ever the one best loved ; but his i»refcrence for her excited
envy and jealousy, and his life was imbittered by the rivalry be-
tween the sister-wives.

For tAventy years, Jacob remained in Mesopotanna, laboring in
the service of Laban, who, disregarding the ties of kinshij), was
l»ent upon securing to himself all the benefits of their connection.
Fourteen years of toil he demanded for Ids two daughters ; and
during the remaining period, Jacob's wages were ten times changed.
Yet Jacob's ser\'ice was diligent and faithful. His words to Laban
in their last interview vividly describe the untiring vigilance which
he had given to the interests of his exacting master: " This twenty
years have I been with thee ; thy ewes and thy she-goats have not
cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. That
which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss
of it; of my liand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day,
or stolen by night. Thus I was ; in the day the drought consumed
me, and the frost l)y night; and my sleep departed from mine
eyes." '

It was necessary for the shepherd to watch his flocks day and
night. They were in danger from robbers, and also from wild
beasts, which were numerous and bold, often committing great
havoc in flocks that were not faithfully guarded. Jacob had many
assistiints in caring for the extensive flocks of Laban ; but he him-
self was held responsible for them all. During some portions of
the year it Avas necessary for him to be constantly witli the flocks
in i)crson, to guard them in the dry season against i)erishing from
thirst, and during the coldest months from ])ecoming chilled with
the heavy night frosts. Jacob was the chief shepherd ; the serv-
ants in his emi)loy were the under-shepherds. If any of the sheep
were missing, the cliief shepherd suffered the loss ; and he called
the servants to whom he intrusted the care of the flock to a strict
account if it was not found in a flourishing condition.

The shepherd's life of diligence and care-taking, and his tender
compassion for the ]icli)less (Tcatures intrusted to his charge, have
been employed by the ins[)ired writers to illustrate some of the
most precious trutiis of the gospel. Christ, in his relation to his
people, is compared to a shepherd. After the fall, he saw his
sheep doomed to j»erish in the dark ways of sin. To save these
wandering ones he left the honors and glories of his Father's house.

» Gen. 3] : .SS-40.

JACOB'S FLIOIfT AND KXILE.

\\n

He says, ''I will sock that which was h)st, and hring aj^ain that
which was driven away, and will bind up that whioh was hroken,
and will strengthen that which was sick." " I will save my flock,
an<l they shall no more he a prey," " neither shall the beast of
the land devour them."' His voice is heard calling them to his
fold, " a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of
refuse, and for a covert from storm and I'rom rain."* His care
for the {lock is unwearied. He strcnjutthens the weak, relieves
the sutt'ering, gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them in
his bosom. His sheei) love him. " And a stranger will they not
follow, but will flee from him ; tor they know not the voice of
strangers."'

Christ says, " The good she])herd giveth his life for the sheep.
But he that is a hireling, and nt)t the shepherd, whose own the
sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and
fleeth ; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheej).
The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for
the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheej), and am
known of mine."^

Christ, the Chief Shepherd, has intrusted the care of his flock
to his ministers as under-shepherds ; and he bids them have
the same interest- that he has manifested, and feel the sacred
responsibility of the charge he has intrusted to them. He has
solemnly commanded them to be faithful, to feed the flock, to
strengthen the weak, to revive the fainting, and to shield them
from devouring wolves.

To save his sheej) Christ laid down his own life; and he points
his shepherds to the love thus manifested, as their example. But
"he tliat is a hireling, whose own the sheep are not," has no real
interest in the flock. He is laboring merely for gain, and he cares
only for himself He studies his own profit, instead of the interest
of his charge; and in time of peril or danger he will flee, and
leave the flock.

The apostle Peter admonishes the under-shepherds : " Feed the
flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,
not by 'constraint, but M'illingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a
ready mind ; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being
onsamples to the flock."* Paul says, "Take heed therefore unto
yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost

> Kzc. 34 : 1<5. 22. 38. "Isa. 4 : 0. ^.JoJin 10 : 5, 11-14. * 1 PcttT 5 : 2, 3.

192

PATJilAliCJIS AND PROPHETS.

hath nuide you overstHT^s, to A'od the church of God, which he
hath ])urcha.sed with his own l)loo(l ; for I know thin, that after
my dei)artin}^ shall j^rievous wolves enter in among you, not
sparinj,' the flock."'

All who rejjard as an unwelcome task the care and hurdens
that fidl to the lot of the faithful shepherd, are reproved by the
apostle: "Not by constraint, ])Ut willingly; not for filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind." All such unfaithful servants the Chief
Shepherd would willingly release. The church of Christ has been
purchased with his blood, and every shepherd should realize that
the sheep under his care cost an infinite sacrifice. He should
regard them each as of priccjless worth, and should be unwearied
in his efforts to keej) them in a healthy, flourishing condition.
The shepherd who is imbued with the spirit of Christ will imitate
his self-denying example, constantly laboring for the welfare of his
charge; and the flock will prosper under his care.

All will be called to render a strict account of their ministry.
The Master will demand of every shepherd, " Where is the flock
that was given thee, thy beautiful flock ? " "^ He that is found
faithful, will receive a rich reward. " When the Chief Shepherd
shall appear," says the apostle, " ye shall receive a crown of glory
that fadeth not away." *

When Jacob, growing weary of Laban's service, proposed to re-
turn to Canaan, he said to his father-in-law, " Send me away, that
I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Give me
my wives and my cliildren, for whom I have served thee, and
let me go ; for thou kaowest my service which I 'have done thee."
But Laban urged him to remain, declaring, " I have learned by
experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake." * He saw
that his property was increasing under the care of his son-in-law.

Said Jacob, " It was little which thou hadst before I came, and
it is now increased unto a multitude." But as time passed on. La-
ban became envious of the greater prosperity of Jacob, who " in-
creased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maid-servants, and
men-servants, and camels, and asses." * Laban's sons shared their
father's jealousy, and their malicious speeches came to Jacob's
ears : He " hath taken away all that was our father's, and of that
which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob

» Acts 20 : 28, 29.
s 1 Peter 5 : 4.

a Jcr. 13 : 20.
Gen. 30 : 25-27, 30, 4a

JACOB'S FLIGHT AND EXILE.

193

beheld the countenance of Lal)an, and, l>ehold, it was n«>t toward
him as l)efore."' '

Jacob would have left his cralty kinsnian lonji before, lait for
the fear of encountering Esau. Now he felt tlun he was in dan«;i'r
from the sons of Laban, who, lookinjj; up*'.! his wealth as tlieir
own, might endeavor to secure it by violence. He was in gn-at
perplexity and distress, not knowing which way to turn. Hut
mindful of the gracious Bethel jiromise, he carried his case to (Jod,
and sought direction from him. In a dream his j)rayer was an-
swered : " Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred ;
and I will be with thee." *

Laban's absence afforded opportunity for dei>arture. The
flocks and herds were si)eedily gathered and sent forward, and
with his wives, children, and servants, Jacob crossed the Eu-
phrates, urging his way toward Gilead, on the borders of Canaan-
After three days, Laban learned of their flight, and set forth in pur-
suit, overtaking the comjiany on the seventh day of their journey.
He was hot with anger, and bent on forcing them to return, which
he doubted not he could do, since his band was much the stronger.
The fugitives were indeed in great peril.

That he did not carry out his hostile purpose was due to the
fact that God himself had interposed for the protection of his
servant. " It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt," said
Laban, " but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, say-
ing, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or
bad ; " that is, he should not force him to return, or urge him by
flattering inducements.

Laban had withheld the marriage dowry of his daughters, and
had ever treated Jacob with craft and harshness ; but with char-
acteristic dissimulation he noAV reproached him for his secret depart-
ure, which had given the father no opportunity to make a parting
feast, or even to bid farewell to his daughters and their children.

In reply, Jacob plainly set forth Laban's selfish and grasping
policy, and appealed to him as a witness to his own faithfulness
and honesty. " Except the God of my father, the God of Abra-
ham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me," said Jacob, " surely
thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine afflic-
tion and the labor of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight."

Laban could not deny the facts brought forward, and he now
proposed to enter into a covenant of peace. Jacob consented to

* See Genesis 31.

PATRIARCHS AND rROPnETS.

tlic |iro|»().sul, and a \n\v of HtoiU'H Avas crccti'd as a token of the
(•oin|)a('t. To this jiillar Labun pive the name Miz])ah, " watc^h-
toAver," saying, " The Lord watch between nie and tlice, when we
are absent one from anotlier."

"And Jiaban said to Jacob, Beliohl this hea]), and l)eliold this
jdllar, which f have cast betwixt me and thee; tliis lieap be
witness, and this piUar l)e witness, that I Avill not ])aHS over
tliis lieaj) to thee, and that thou shalt not jkiss over tins heap
and this pilhir imto me, for liarni. The (iod of Abraham, and
tlie Ciod of ^' dior, the (Jod of their father, judge betwixt us.
And Jaeob sware l)y the Fear (/' his father Isaac." To confirm
tlie treaty, tlie j)arties liehl u feast. The nij^lit was spent in
friendly communing; and at the dawn of day, Laban and his
company departed. With tliis sej»aration ceased all trace of
connection between the children of Abraham and the dwellers
in Mesopotamia.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THK XKIHT Ol" WRKSTUNC.

Thoimi Jarol) liad left Padan-arani in ol)e(lienco to t\w divino
direction, it was not without many niisfijivinfrs that ho rt'tracod the
lOad which h j had trodden as a fugitive twenty years hefore. His
sin in the deception ofh.is father was ever ]>cfore liini. He knew
tliat his lonji exiie wa,s the uirect result of thai/ .'in, and ho pon-
<lered over these thinj^s day and nij^ht, the rejjroaclies of nn accus-
ing conacieneo making his journey very sad. As the hills of his
native land appeared hefore him in the distance, the heart of the
patriarch was dee{)ly moved. All the past rose vividly hefore
him. With the memory of his sin came also the thought of God's
favor toward him, and the promises of divine help and guidance.

As ho drew nearer his journey's end, the thought of Esau
hrought many a troubled ibreboding. After the flight of Jacob,
Esau had regarded himself as the sole heir of their father's posses-
sions. The news of Jacob's return would excite the fear that he
w^as coming to ciaini the inheritance. Esau was now able to do
his brother great injury, if so disposed, and he might be moved to
violence against him, n(jt only by the desire for revenge, but in
order to secure undisturbed possession of the wealth which lie had
so long looked upon as his own.

Again the Lord granted Jacol) a token of the divino care. As
he traveled southward from Mount Giload, two hosts of heavenly
angels seemed to encompass him behind and before, advancing
with his eonii)any, as if for their i)rotection. Jacob remembered
the vision at Bethel so long before, and his burdened heart grew
lighter at this evidcacethat the divine messengers wlio had bnmght
him hope and courage at his flight from Canaan, were to be the
guardians of his return. And he said, " This is God's host ; and he
called the name of that place Mahanaim " — " two hosts, or camps." '

Yet Jacob felt that ho had something to do to sec'uro his own
safety. He therefore dispatched messengers with a conciliatory
1 2 » See Genesis 32. [195]

196

PArRIAlWIIS AND PUO/'JIKTS.

j^reotinj^ to his Ifrothcr. lit; instructed thoin hh to tlio exact words
in which tlujy were to address Ksau. It had heen foret<>Ul hot'ijre
tlio hirth of the two hrothers, that the ehh-r should servo the
youn^(!r, and U'st the memory of this shouhl he a cause of hitter-
ness, Jacoh told the servants they were sent to ''my lord P]sau;"
when hrouj^ht hefore hinj, they W(;re to refer to their master as
" thy servant Jacoh ; " and to remove the fear that he was returning,
a destitute wanderer, to claim the paternal iidieritance, Jairob was
careful to state, in his messaj^e, '" I havi; oxen, ami asses, flocks,
and men-servants, and women-servants ; and I have sent to tell my
lord, that I may find j^race in thy sij^ht."

But the servants returned with the tidings that Esau was ap-
proachinf^ with four hundred men, and no response was sent to the
friendly messajie. It appeared certain that he was cominj? to seek
revenji;e. Terror j)ervade<l the camp. "Jacoh was }j;reatly afraid
and distressed." He could not <^o back, and ho feared to advance.
His company, unarmed and defenseless, wore wholly unprepared
for a hostile encounter. Ho accordin«?ly divided them into two
bands, so that if one should be attacked, the other might have an
opportunity to escape. He sent^om his vast flocks generous
j)re8ents to Esau, with a friendly message. He did all in his power
to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened
danger, and then in humiliation and repentance he pleaded for
divine protection : " Thou saidst unto me, Return unto thy coun-
try, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee. I am not
worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which
thou hast showed unto thy Servant; for with my staff I passed
over this Jordan, and now I am become two bands. Deliver me,
I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau ;
for I fear him, lest ie will come and smite me, and the mother
with the children."

They had now reached the river Jabbok, and as night came on,
Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone
remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer,
and he desired to be alone with God. God could soften the heart
of Esau. In him was the patriarch's only hope.

It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild
beasts, and the lurking-place of robbets and murderers. Solitary
and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth.
It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a dis-

TIIH MOIfT OF WUKSTIJXU.

11»!»

taiu'c, <'X|»osi'(l to (laii^'( I" aiul iK-utli. liittcrcst of nil whh tlu'
tht>uj.'lit that it was his own sin whicli had hroii^'ht this p»'ril
U|)on till' iiino((!nt. With cana'st ( ricM ami trars lu' iiiado his
prayer lu'lorc (loil. Suddenly a strong' hand was laid upon hiui.
He thought that an enemy was seekin;; hi.s life, and he endeavored
to wrest himself from tlu; ;,'ras|i of his assailant. In the darkne^H
till" two stru;;^led for tlu; mastery. Not a wonl was spoken, but
Jaci>l> put forth all his strenu'th, and did not relax his efVorts for
a moment. While he was thus hattlinj; for his life, the sense of
his ;iuilt pressed U|>on his soul ; his'sins rose up befon^ him, to shut
him out from (rod. Hut in his terrible extremity h(^ remend>ered
God's promises, and his wholi; heart went out in eutn-aty for Hi.s
mercy. Tho strugjile continued until near the break of day, when
tlie stranger ])luced his iingi-r upon Jacob's thigh, and he was erip-
pled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his
antagonist. He knew that h<! had been in conHict with a heavenly
inessengor, and this was why his almost superhuman effort liad
not gained the victory. It was '.'hrist, "the Angel of the cove-
nant," Avho had revealed himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now
disabled, and surtering the keenest i)ain, Imt he would not loosen
his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to tho Angel ; " he
wept, and made supplication," ' pleading for u blessing. He must
liave the assurance that his sin was i)ardoned. Physical pain was
not sufficient to divert his mind from this object. His determina-
tion grew stronger, his faith. more earnest aitd persevering, until
the very hist. The Angel tried to release himself; he urged, " Let
me go, for the day breaketh ; " but Jacob autfwered, "I will not
let thee go, excejtt thou bless me." Had this been a boastful,
presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly de-
stroyed ; but his Avas the assurance of one who confesses his own
unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.

Jacob " had })ower over the Angel, and prevailed.'" Through
humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring
mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened
his trembling grasp ui)on the i)romises of God, and the heart of
Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner's i)lea.

The error that had led to Jacob's sin in obtaining the birth-
right by fraud was now clearly set l)efore him. He had not
trusted God's jiromises. l)Ut had sought by his own efforts to

»Hosi-ii 12 : 4.

200

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

bring about that wliich God would have accomplished in his
own time and way. As an evidence that he had been forgiven,
his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin,
to one that commemorated his victory. " Thy name," said the
Angel, " shall be called no more Jacob [the supplanter], but
Israel ; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men,
and hast prevailed." '

Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed.
Hirf sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The
crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had
imbittered his existence, but now all was changed ; and sweet was
the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no loiiger feared to
meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the
heart of Esau also to accc])t his humiliatloii and repentance.

While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly
messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother
for tAventy years an exile from his father's house ; he witnessed his
grief at finding his mother dead ; he saW him encompassed by the
hosts of God. Th's dream was related by Esau to his soldiers,
with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was
with him.

The two companies at last approached each other, the desert
chief leading his men of war, and Jacob with his wives and chil-
dren, attended oy shepherds and handmaidens, and followed by
long lines of flocks and herds. Leaning upon his staff, the patri-
arch went forward to meet the band of soldiers. He was pale and
disabled from his recent conflict, and he walked slowly and pain-
fully, halting at every step ; but his countenance was lighted up
with joy and peace.

At sight of that crippled suflerer, " Esau ran to meet him, and
embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him; and they
wept."'^ As they looked upon the scene, even the hearts of Esau's
rude soldiers were touched. Notwithstanding he had told them of
bis dream, they could not account for the change that had come
over their captain. Though they beheld the patriarch's infirmity,
they little thought that this his weakness had been made his
strength.

In his night of anguish beside the Jabbok, when destruction
seemed just before him, Jacob had been taught how vain is the
'(it'll. 32 :38. «Gen. 33 : 4.

THE NIGHT OF WRESTLING.

201

help of man, how groundless is ull trust in human power. Ho
saw that his only help must come from Ilim aj^ainst whom he
had so {rrievously sinned. lelpless and unworthy, ho pleaded
God's promise of mercy to the repentant sinner. That promise
was his assurance that (lod would })ar(lon and accept him. Sooner
might heaven and earth pass than that word could fail; and it
was this that sustained him through that fearful conflict.

Jacob's experience during that night of wrestling and anguish
represents the trial through which the people of God nmst pass
just hefore Christ's second coming. The prophet Jeremiah, in
holy vision looking down to this time, said : " Wt have heard a
voice of trembling, of fear, and not of i)cace. . . All faces are
turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is
like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved
out of it."'

When Christ shall cease his work as mediator in man's behalf,
then this time of trouble will l)egin. Then the case of every soul
will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to
cleanse from sin. When Jesus leaves his position as man's inter-
cessor before God, the solenm announcement is made, " He that is
unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him
be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still;
and he that is holy, let him be holy still."" Then the restrain-
ing Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was
threatened with death by his angrj"" brother, so the people of God
will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them.
And as the j)atriarch wrestled all night for deliverance from the
hand of Esau, so the righteous will cry to God day and night for
deliverance from the enemies that surround them.

Satan had accused Jacob before the angels of God, claiming the
right to destroy him because of his sin ; he liad moved upon Esau
to march against him; and during the patriarch's long night of
wrestling, Satan endeavored to iiirce upon him a sense of his guilt,
in order to discourage him, and break his hold upon God. When
in his distress, Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and made supplica-
tion with tears, the heavenly Messenger, in order to try his faith,
also reminded him of his sin, and endeavored to escape from him.
But Jacob would not l)e turned away. He had learned th it Ciod
is mcnuful, and he cast himself U])on his mercy. He pointed
' JiT. :50 : 5-7. 2Rpv. 22:11.

202

PATRIAHCIIS AND PJtOPJIETS.

buck to his repentance for his sin, and pleaded for deliverance.
As he reviewed his life, he was driven almost to despair; but he
held fast tlie Angel, and with earnest, agonizing cries urged his
petition until he prevailed,

Such will be the experience of God's people in their final struggle
with the powers of evil. God will test their faith, their persever-
ance, their confidence in his power to deliver them. Satan will
endeavor to terrify them with the thought that their cases are
hopeless; that their sins have been too great to receive pardon.
They will have a deep sense of their short-comings, and as they
review their lives, their liopes will sink. But remembering the
greatness of God's mercy, and their own sincere repentance, they
will plead his i)romises made through Christ to helpless, repenting
sinners. Their faith will not fail because their prayers are not im-
mediately answered. They will lay hold of the strength of God,
as Jacol) laid hold of the Angel, and the language of their souls
will be, " I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."

Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the
birthright by fraud, God could not have heard his prayer and
mercifully i^reserved his life. So in the time of trouble, if the peo-
ple of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while
tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed ; de-
sj)air would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence
to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep
sense of their unworthiness, they will have no concealed wrongs to
reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood
of Christ, and they cannot bring them to remembrance.

Satan leads many to believe that God Avill overlook their un-
faithfulnesf in the minor aifairs of life ; but the Lord shows in his
dealing with Jacob that he can in no wise sanction or tolerate evil.
All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them
to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven,
will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession,
and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more
grievous is their course in the sight of God, and the more certain
the triumph of the great adversary.

Yet Jacob's history is an assurance that God will not cast off
those who have been betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto
him with true repentance. It was by self-surrender and confiding
faith that Jacob gained what he had failed to gain by conflict in

THE NIOHT OF WiiH'iTLINa.

2<>;^

streiiKtli. God thus taujjht h

lervant that divine power
and grace alone could give him the blessing he craved. Thus it
will be with those who live in the last days. As dangers surround
them, and despair seizes upon the soul, they must depend solely
upon the merits of the atonement. We can do nothing of our-
selves. In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the
merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. None will ever perish
while they do this. The long, black catalogue of our delinquencies
is before the eye of the Infinite. The register is complete ; none
of our offenses are forgotten. But He who listened to the cries
of his servants of old, will hear the prayer of faith, and pardon
our transgressions. He has promised, and he will fulfill his word.

Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined.
His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is
now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of un-
yielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to
the individual Christian, are not those that are gained by talent
or education, by wealth, or the favor of men. They are those
victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when
earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.

Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek ear-
nestly for God's blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay
hold of God's promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and per-
severing as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. "Shall not
God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him,
though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge
them s])eedil y.'' '

'Luke IS : 7, S.

"'^^^

r^'^^-

CHAPTER XIX.

THK RETURN TO CANAAN.

Crossing the Jordan, " Jacob came in peace to the city of
Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan." ^ Thus the patriarch's
prayer at Bethel, that God would bring him again in peace to his
own land, had been granted. For a time he dwelt in the vale of
Shechem. It was here that Abraham, more than a hundred years
before, had made his first encampment, and erected his first altar,
in the land of promise. Here Jacob " bought the parcel of ground,
where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of
Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred pieces of money. And
he erected there an altar, and called it El-elohe-Israel " ' — "God,
the God of Israel." Like Abraham, Jacob set up beside his tent
an altar unto the Lord, calling the members of his household to
the morning and the evening sacrifice. It was here also that he
dug the well to which, seventeen centuries later, came Jacob's Son
and Saviour, and beside which ^ resting during the noontide heat,
he told his wondering hearers of that " well of water springing up
into everlasting life."'^

The tarry of Jacob and his sons at Shechem ended in violence
and bloodshed. The one daughter of the household had been
brought to shame and sorrow, two brothers were involved in the
guilt of nmrder, a whole city had been given to ruin and slaughter,
in retaliation for the lawless deed of one rash youth. The begin-
ning that led to results so terrible was the act of Jacob's daughter,
who " went out to see the daughters of the land," ' thus venturing
into association with the ungodly. He who seeks pleasure among
those that fear not God, if placing himself on Satan's ground, and
inviting his temptations.

The treacherous cruelty of Simeon and Levi was not unpro-
voked ; yet in their course toward the Shechemitcs they commit-
ted a grievous sin. They had carefully concealed from Jacob their

1 Gen. 33 : lS-20, Rev. Ver. » John 4 : 14. 3 Sec Genesis 34.

[ 304 ]

THE RErURX TO CANAAN.

205

intentions, and the tidings of their revenge filled him with horror.
Heart-sick at the deceit and violence of his sons, he only said,
"Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhab-
itants of the land ; . . . I bcnng few in number, they shall gather
themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be de-
stroyed, I and my house." Hut the grief and abhorrence with
which he regarded their bloody deed is shown by the words in
which, nearly fifty years later, he referred to it, as he lay upon his
death-bed in Egypt: "Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments
of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not thou into
their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, 1)0 not thou united.
. . . Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce ; and their wrath, for
it was cruel." '

Jacob felt that there was cause for deep humiliation. Cruelty
and falsehood were manifest in the character of his scms. There
were false gods in the camp, and idolatry had to some extent
gained a foothold even in his household. Should the Lotd deal
with them according to their deserts, Avould he not leave them to
the vengeance of the surrounding nations ?

While Jacob was thus bowed down with trouble, the Lord
directed him to journey southward to Bethel. The thought «)f
this place reminded the patriarch not only of his vision of the
angels and of God's i)romises of mercy, but also of the vow which
he had made there, that the Lord should be his God. He deter-
mined that before going to this sacred spot his household should
be freed from the defilement of idolatry. He therefore gave direc-
tion to all in the encampment, " Put away the strange gods that
are among you, and l)e clean, and change your garments. And
let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar
unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was
with me in the way which I went."''

With deep emotion, Jacob repeated the story of his first visit
to Bethel, when he left his father's tent a lonely wanderer, floeing
for his life, and how tlie Lord liad appeared to him in the night
vision. As he reviewed the wonderful dealings of God with him,
his own heart was softened, his children also Avere touched by a
subduing power; he had takv^n the most effectual way to prepare
them to join in the worshij) of God when they should arrive at
Bethel. " And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which

i(}en. 49 : 5-7.

" See Genesis .S.5.

2<)(>

PATliJAliCnS AND PJWPJTKTS.

wtTc ill their hand, and all thcii* earrinjrs which were in their eais;
and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem."

God caused a fear to rest upon the inhabitants of the laud, so
that they made no attempt to avenge the slaughter at Shechem.
The traA'elers reached Bethel unmolested. Here the Lord again
appeared to Jacol), and renewed to him the covenant promise.
" And Jacob set up a i)illar in the jjlace where He talked with
him, ev(ni a pillar of stone."

At Bethel, Jacob was called to mourn the loss of one who had
long been an honored member of his father's family, — Rebekah's
nurse, Deborali, who had accompanied her mistress from Meso^x)-
tamia to the land of Canaan. The presence of this aged woman
had been to Jacob a precious tie that bound him to his early life,
and especially to the mother whose love for him had l)een so
strong and tender. Deborah was buried with expressions of so
great sorrow that the oak under which her grave was made, was
called " the oak of weeping." It should rot be passed unnoticed
that the memory of her life of faithful serA'it;' and of the mourning
over this household friend, has been accounted worthy to be pre-
served in the word of God.

From Bethel it was only a two days' journey to Hebron ; but
it brought to Jacob a heavy grief in the death of Rachel. Twice
seven vears' service he had rendered for her sake, and his love had
made the toil but light. How deep and abiding that love had
been, was shown when long afterward, as Jacob in Egypt lay near
his death, Joseph came to visit his father, and the aged patriarch,
glancing back upon his own life, said, " As for me, when I carae
from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way,
when yet there was l)ut a little way to come unto Ephrath ; and I
buried her there in the Avay of Ephrath." ' In the family history
of his long and troubled life, the loss of Rachel was alone recalled.

Before her death, Rachel gave ))irth to a second son. With
her i)arting breath she named the child Benoni, " son of my sor-
row." But his father called him Benjamin, '" son of my right
hand " or '' my strength." Rachel Avas buried where she died, and
a pillar was raised upon the spot to i)erpetuate her memory.

On the way to Ephrath, another dark crime stained the family
of Jacob, causing Reuben, the first-born son, to be denied the priv-
ileges and honors of the l>irthright.

• (ii'i). 4S : 7.

THE JiKTl'ItN T(> C ANA Ay.

20 ;

At last Jju'ol) cuino to his journey 's riid, "unto Isaac his fatiuT
unto Maniro, . , . which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac so-
journed.'" Hen he remained durinj; the dosing' years of his
lather's lile. To Isaac, infirm and blind, the icind attentions of
this long-absent son were a comfort during years of loneliness and
bereavement.

Jacob and PIsau met at the death-))ed of their father. Once the
elder brother had looked forward to this event as an opportunity
for revenge; but his feelings had since greatly changed. And Ja-
cob, well content with the spiritual blessings of the birthright,
resigned to the elder brother the inheritance of their father's
wealth, — the only inheritance that Esau sought or valued. They
were \m longer estranged by jealousy or hatred, yet they parted,
Esau removing to Mount Seir. (Jod, who is rich in blessing, had
granted to Jacob worldly wealth, in addition to the higher good
that he had sought. The posscssi<ms of the two brothers " were
more than that they might dwell together ; and the land wherein
they were strangers could not bear them ])ecause of their cattle."^
This separation was in accordance with the divine i)urpose concern-
ing Jacob. Since the brothers differed so greatly in regard to re-
ligious faith, it was better for them to dwell apart.

Esau and Ja(!ob had alike been instructed in the knowledge of
God, and both were free to walk in his commandments and to re-
ceive his favor ; but they had not both chosen to do this. The
two ]>rothers had walked in different ways, and their j)aths would
continue to diverge more and more widely.

There was no arbitrary choice on the part of God, by which
Esau Avas shut out from the blessings of salvation. The gifts (if
His grace through Christ are free to all. There is no eleeti'-n but
one's own by which any may perish. God has set forth m his
word the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eter-
nal life — obedience to his connnandments, through faith in Christ.
God has elected a character in harmony with liis law, and any one
who shall reach the standard of his reijuirement, will have an en-
trance into the kingdom of glory. Christ himself said, " He that
helievt'h on the Gon hath everlasting life; and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life." " Not every one that saith unto me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that
docth the K'lll of my Fatkrr which is in heaven."'' And in the Rcvc-
1 (ien. 35 : 37. ^Gcn. 36 : 7. ^joh,, 3 : .36 ; Matt. 7 : :21.

208

PATJilAROnS AND PROPHETS.

lation ho declares, *' Bles^;e(l are they that do His commandmeiits,
that they may liav(i right to the tree? of Ufe, and may enter in
througli the i.mivH into the city." ' Ah refjards man's final salva-
tion, this is the only election brought to view in the word of God.

Every soul is elected who will work out his own salvation
with fear and trembling. He is elected who will })ut on the ar-
mor, and light the good fight of faith. He is elected who will
watch unto prayer, who will search the Scriptures, and flee from
tem{)tation. He is elected who will have faith continually, and
who will be obedient to every word th?it ])roceedeth out of t'le
mouth of (lod. The pmvislnm of redemption are free to all ; the
reMilts of redemption will be enjoyed by those who h? ^ complied
with the conditions.

Esau had despised the blessings of the covenant. He had val-
ued temporal above spiritual good, and he had received that which
he desired. It was by his own deliberate choice that he was sepa-
rated from the people of God. Jacob had chosen the inheritance
•of faith. He had endeavored to obtain it by craft, treachery, and
falsehood ; l)ut God had permitted his sin to work out its correc-
tion. Yet through all the bitter experience of his later years,
Jacob had never swerved from his purpose or renounced his
choice. He had learned that in resorting to human skill and
craft to secure th(} blessing, he had l)een warring against God.
From that night of wrestling heside the Jabbok, Jacob had come
forth a difterent man. Self-confidence had been uprooted. Hence-
forth the early cunning was no longer seen. In plar ) of craft and
deception, his life was marked by simplicity and truth. He had
learned the lesson of simple reliance upon the Almighty Arm; and
amid trial and affliction he bowed in humble submission to the
will of God. The baser elements of character were consumed in
the furnace fire, the true gold was refined, until the faith of Abra-
ham and Isaac appeared undimmed in. Jacob.

The sin of Jacob, and the train of events to which it led, had
not failed to exert an influence for evil, — an influence .hat revealed
its bitter fruit in the character and life of his sons. As these sons
arrived at manhood, they developed serious faults. The results
of polygamy were manifest in the household. This terrible evil
tends to dry up the very springs of love, and its influence weakens
the most sacred ties. The jealousy of the several mothers had

» Rev. 2r : 14.

THE RETURN TO CANAAN.

209

imbitterod tho family relation, the children had jjrown up conten-
tious, uud impatient of control, and the father's life was darkened
with anxiety and j?rief.

There was one, however, of a widely difllerent character, — the
elder 8on of Racht!, Joseph, whose rare personal beauty seemed
but to reflect an inward beauty of mind and heart. Pure, a(!tivc,
and joyous, the IcX gave evidence also of moral earnestness and
firmness. He listened to his father's instructions, and loved to obey
God. The qualitio'-; that afterward distinguished him in Egypt
— gentleness, fidelity and truthfulness — were already manifest
in his daily life. His mother being dead, his affections clung the
move closely to the father, and Jacob's heart was V)ound up in this
child of his old age. He " loved Joseph more than all his
children." '

But even this affection was to become a cause of trouble and
sorrow. Jacob unwisely manifested his preference for Joseph, and
this excited the jealousy of his other sons. As Joseph witnessed
the evil conduct of his brothers, he was greatly troubled ; he vent-
ured gently to remonstrate with them, but only aroused still further
their hatred and resentment. He could not endure to see them
sinning against God, and he laid the matter before his father, hoi)-
ing that his authority might lead them to reform.

Jacob carefully avoided exciting their anger by harshness or
severity. With deep emotion he expressed his solicitude for his
children, and implored them to have respect for his gray haira,
and not to bring reproach upon his name, and above all not to dis-
honor God by such disregi^rd of his precepts. Ashamed that their
wickedness was known, the young men seemed to be repentant,
but they only concealed their real feelings, which were rendered
more bitter by this exposure.

The father's injudicious gift to Joseph of a costly coat, or tunic,
such as was usually worn by persons of distinction, seemed to them
another evidence of his partiality, and excited a suspicion that he
intended to pass by his elder children, to bestow the birthright ujjon
the son of Eachel. Their malice was still further increased as the
boy one day told them of a dream that he had had. " Behold,"
he said, " we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheai
arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood
round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf."

1 See Genesis 37.

210

J'ATltrAHCIfS Ay/) I'KOHfKTS.

"Shiilt tlioii iii(U'(Ml rci^'n ovtT us? or hIuiH thou iudoi'd have
dominion owr u«?" exclaitnod his hrotluTH, in envious an^'cr.

Woon lie had another (hvuni, of niniilar ini|>ort, which he alno
rehited : "Behold, the wur lio moon and the eleven stars

made oheinanee to me." T»ii« uream was interpreted as readily
as the first. The father, who was present, spoke reprovin^dy,
— " What is this dream that thou ha.st dreamed? Shall 1 and thy
mother and thy hrethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to
thee to the earth ? " Notwitiistandinj? the apparent severity of his
words, Jacob believed tiiat the Lord was revealing the future to
Joseph.

As the lad stood before his brothers, his beautiful eountenanee
lighted up with the Spirit of insi)iration, they eouhl not withhold
their a<lmiration ; but thev did not ehooHO to renouneo their evil
ways, and they hated the purity that reproved their sins. The
same spirit that actuated Cain was kindling in their hearts.

The brothers were obliged to move from place to jdace to
secure pasturage for their flocks, and frequently they were absent
from home for months t(»gether. After the circumstances just
related, they went to the place which their father had bought at
Shechcm. Some time i)a.ssed, bringing no tidings from them, and
the father began to fear for their safety, on account of their fonner
cruelty toward the Shechemitcs. He therefore sent Joseph to find
them, and bring him word as to their welfare. Had Jacob known
the real feeling of his sons toward Joseph, he would not have
trusted him alone with them; but this they had carefully
concealed.

With a joyful heart, Joseph parted from his father, neither the
aged man nor the youth <lreaming of what would happen before
they should meet again. When, after his long and solitary jour-
ney, Joseph arrived at Shechem, his brothers and their flocks
were not to 1>o found. Upon inquiring for them, ho was directed
to Dothan. He had already traveled more than fifty miles, and
now an additional distance of fifteen lay before him, but he has-
tened on, forgetting his weariness in the thought of relieving the
anxiety of his father, and meeting the brothers, Avhom, despite
their unkindncss, he still loved.

His brothers saw him approaching; but no thought of the long
journey he had made to meet them, of his weariness and hunger,
of his claims upon their hospitality and brotherly love, softened

TllK HKTURN TO CAN A AS.

211

|l
1

Uio l)ittcrneHs of their Imtrrd. Tho si^ht of tho coat, tho token of
their father's love, lille<l them with frenzy. " Behold, thirt dreamer
eonieth," they cried in mockery. V.\\\y ami n^venj^e, lonj; secretly
cherished, now <'ontroll(>d them. *' Let us slay him," they said,
"and cast him into some i>it, and wo will say. Home evil heast
hath devoured him ; and wo shall hoo what will hocomo of his
dreams."

They would liavo executed their ])Ur|»oso hut for Reuhen.
He shrunk from jjarticipatin^ in tho murder of his l)rotlu'r, and
proposed that Joseph ho cast alive into a i)it, and left there to
perish ; secrtitly intending, however, to rescue liim, and return him
to his father. Having persuaded all to consent to thi.s j)lan, Reu-
ben left tho com|)atiy, fearinji that ho mijiht fail to control his feel-
ings, and that his real intentions would Ito discovered.

Joseph eamo on, unsuspicious of danger, and glad that the
object of his long search was accomplished ; but instead of the
expected greeting, ho was terrified by tho angry ami revengeful
glances which ho met. He was seized, and his coat stripped from
him. Taunts and threats revealed a deadly j)urpose. His en-
treaties were unheeded. He was wholly in the power of those
maddened men. Rudely dragging him to a deep j>it, they thrust
him in, and having made sure that there '^v-as no possibility of liis
escape, they left him there to ])erish from mnger, while they " sat
down to eat bread."

But some of them were ill at ease ; they did not feel the satis-
faction they had anticipated from their revenge. Soon a company
of travelers was seen ajiproaching. It was a caravan of Ishmaelites
from beyond Jordan, on their way to Egypt with spices and other
merchandise. Judah now proj)osed to sell their brother to these
heathen traders instead of leaving him to die. While he would
be effectually put out of their way, they would remain clear of
his blood ; " for," he ur^ed, " he is our brother and our flesh." To
this proj)Osition all agreed, and Joseph was quickly drawn out of
tho pit.

As he saw the merchants, the dreadful truth flashed upon him.
To become a slave was a fate more to bo feared than death. In
an agony of terror he appealed to one and another of his brothers,
but in vain. Some Avere moved with fjity, but fear of derision
kept them silent ; all felt that they had now gone too far to retreat.
If Joseph were spared, he would doubtless report them to the

212'

PATJilAJiCIIS AND PlWPllKTS.

fatlicr, who would not ov<'rl«)ok their crucltv toward liis fiivorito
Hon. Ht«'t'hiij< their licarts ajjaiiiHt his cutrcaticH, they (N'Mvcrcd
him into tho hands of tho licatlien traders. Tlie «aravan moved
on, and was noon hwt to view.

lieuhen returiu^d to tho pit, hut .loneph wan not there. In
alarm and Heli-reproaeh ho r(>nt liin ^artnentM, and Hou^ht hi.s
brothers, exclaiminjx,

Th(! child in not; and I, whitlur nhall I
;jo?" Ui)on learning? tho fate of Joseph, and that it wouM now
h(! impos.sihle to recover him, Heuhcn was induced to unite? with
th(( rest in the attempt to conceal tln-ir ;iuilt. Ilavinj^ kilh'd a kid,
they dij)pe(l Josepirs coat in its hlood, and took it ti> their father,
telling him that they had found it in thu fields, and that they
fearetl it was their brother's. " Kn()W now," thi'y said, " whether
it he thy son's coat or no." They had lookecl forward to this scene
with dread, hut they were not prepared for tlie heart-rendinj; an-
jruish, the utter ahandomiuMit of j^rief, which tliey were compello*!
to witness. " It is my son's coat," Haid Jacoh; "an evil heast hath
devoured him. Joseph is without douht rent in jiieces." Vainly
his sons and daujihters attempted to comfort him. IIo *' rent his
clothes, an<l i)Ut sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son
many days." liino seemed to hrinfj; no alleviation of his ;j;rief.
" I will p;o down into tho gravo unto my son mourninj;," was his
despairin<;crv. Tho younu; men, terrified at what they had done,
yet dreading their father's re|»roa('hes, still hid in their own hearts
tho knowledf^o of their guilt, which even to themselves seemed
very great.

CHAPTER XX.

josKPFf IN i:(;vi''i'.

Mkanvvhii,k, Joscpli with his ciiittorM was on the wiiy to
Ejiypt. As th(( cjiniviiu jouriu'yt'd soutlnvanJ toward the honhTs of
Canaan, th«i }>oy could discern in the distanct' the liills atnonj^
whicli lay his lathcr'd tents. Mitterly he wept at thought of that
lovin;^ father in his loneliness and allliction. Airain the scene at
Dothan cainii up hefore him. II(^ saw his an^'rv hrothers, anrl felt
their fierce glances hent upon hini. The stinging, insulting words
that had met his agonized entreaties were ringing in his ears. With
a tr(!nd)ling heart he looked forward to the future. What a
change in situation — from th«' tenderly cherished son to the de-
spised and helpless slave! Alont! and friendless, what would Ix;
his lot in the strang(! land to which he was going? For a time,
Joseph gav(! himself up to uncontrolled grief and terror.

Hut, in the jirovidence of God, even this ex[)(!rience was to
ho a hlessing to him. He had learned in a few hours that which
years might not otherwise have taught him. His father, strong
and ti'uder as his lovo hud heen, had done him wrong hy his
partiality and indulgence. This unwise preferenc(! had angere<l
his hrothers, and ])rovoked them to the cruel deed that had sep-
arated him from his home. Its eflects were manifest, also, in his
own character. Faults had heen encouraged that were now to he
corrected. He was heeoming self-suflicient and exacting. Accus-
tomed to the tenderness of his father's care, he felt that he was
unprepared to cope with the difliculties hefore him, in the hitter,
uncared-for life of a stranger and a slave.

Then his thoughts turned to his father's God. In his child-
hood he had heen taught to love and fear him. Often in his
father's tent he had listened to the story of the vision that Jacoh
saw as ho fled from his home an exile and a fugitive. Ho had
heen told of tho Lord's promises to Jacoh, and how they had heen
fulfilled, — how, in the hour of need, tho angels of God had come

[213]

214

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

to insinict, comfort, and protect him. And ho had learned of the
love of God in j)roviding for men a Redeemer. Now all these
precious lessons came vividly before him, Joseph believed that
the God of his fathers would be his God. He then and there
gave himself fully to the Lord, and he prayed that the Keeper of
Israel would l)e with him in the land of his exile.

His soul thrilled with the high resolve to prove himself true
to God, — under all circumstances to act as became a subject of
the King of heaven. He would serve the Lord with undivided
heart ; he would meet the trials of his lot with fortitude, and
Ijerform every duty with fidelity. One day's experience had been
the turning-point in Joseph's life. Its terrible calamity had trans-
formed him from a petted child to a man, thoughtful, courageous,
and self-possessed.

Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, ca[)tain of
the king's guard, in whose service he remained for ten years.
He was here exposed to temptations of no ordinary character.
He was in the midst of idolatry. The worship of false gods was
surrounded ])y all the jjomj) of royalty, supported by the wealth
and culture of the most highly civilized nation then in existence.
Yet Joseph preserved his simplicity, and his fidelity to God. The
sights and sounds of vice were all al)out him, but he was as one
who saw and heard not. His thoughts were not permitted to lin-
ger upon forbidden subjects. The desire to gain the favor of the
Egyptians could not cause him to conceal his principles. Had
he attempted to do this, he would have been overcome by temp-
tation; but he was not ashamed of the religion of his fathers, and
he made no eflbrt to hide the fact that he was a worshiper of
Jehovah.

" And the Lord v,-as with Josej)h, and he was a prosperous
man. . . . And his master s;iw that tiie Lord was with him, and
that the Lord i^iade all that he did to pros})er in his hand."'
Potiphar's confidence in Josepli increased daily, and he finally
promoted liim to be his steward, with full control over all his
possessions. "And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand ; and
lie knew not aught he had, save the bread which he did eat."

The marked prosi)erity which attended everything placed
under Josej^h's care was not the result of a direct miracle; but his
industry, care, and energy were crowned with the divine blessing.
Jo8C])h attributed his success to the favor of God, and even his

'Sw (li-m'sis 30.

!?!
M
>

>
I— I

w
o

JOSEPH IN EO YPT.

817

idoliitruus master accepted this as the secret of liis unparalleled
prosperity, ^^'itll()ut steadfast, well-directed efibrt, however, suc-
cess could never have heen attained. CJod was jxlorified l)y the
faithfulness of his servant. It was his purpose that in purity and
uprightness the believer in God should api)car in marked contrast
to the worshipers of idols, —that thus the light of heavenly grace
might shine forth amid the darkness of heathenism.

Joseph's gentleness and fidelity won the heart of the chief cap-
tain, who came to regard him as a son rather than a slave. The
youth was l)rought in contact with men of rank and learning, and he
acquired a knowledge of science, of languages, and of afiairs, —
an education needful to the future prime minister of Egypt.

But Josei)h's faith and integrity were to be tested by fiery trials.
His master's wife endeavored to entice the young man to transgress
the law of God. Heretofore ho had remained untaintecf by the
corruption teeming in that heathen land; ])ut this temptation, so
sudden, so strong, so seductive, — how should it 1)0 met? Joseph
knew well what would bo the conse(juenco*of resistance. On the
one hand were concealment, favor, and rewards ; on the other,
disgrace, imprisonment, })erhaps death. His whole future life
depended upon the decision of the moment. Would principle
triumph ? Would Joseph still be true to God ? With inexpressible
anxiety, angels looked ui)on the scene.

Joseph's answer reveals the i)Ower of religious principle. He
would not betray the confidence of his master on. earth, and, what-
ever the consequences, he would be true to his Master in heaven.
Under the insi)ecting eye of God and holy angels, many take
liberties of which they would not be guilt}"^ in the presence of
their fellow-men; but Joseph's first thought was of God. "How
can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? " he said.

If we- were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees
and hears all that we do and say, and keeps a faithful record of
our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we wou'^ fear
to sin. Let the young ever remember that wherever they ar',', and
whatever they do, the^ are in the presence of God. No ])art of
our conduct escapes observation, ^^'e cannot hide our ways from
the Most High. Human laws, though sometimes severe, are
often transgressed without detection, and hence with impunity.
But not so with the law of God. The deepest midnight is no

218

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

cover for the guilty one. He may think himself alone ; but to
every deed there is an unseen witness. The very motives of his
heart are open to divine inspection. Every act, every word, every
thought, is as distinctly marked as though there were only one
person in the whole world, and the attention of heaven were
centered upon him.

Josep] suflered for his integrity ; for his tempter revenged
herself by accusing him of a foul crime, and causing him to be
thrust into prison. Had Potiphar believed his wife's charge
against Joseph, the young Hebrew would have lost his life; but
the modesty and uprightness that had uniformly characterized his
conduct were proof of his innocence ; and yet, to save the reputa-
tion of his master's house, he was abandoned to disgrace and
bondage.

At tKe first, Joseph was treated with great severity by his
ailers. The psalmist says, "His feet they hurt with fetters; he
was laid in chains of iron. Until the time that his word came to
pass, the word of the Lord tried him." ' But Joseph's real char-
acter shines out, even in the darkness of the dungeon. He held
fast his faith and patience; his years of faithful service had been
most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him morose or dis-
trustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence,
and he trusted his case with God. He did not brood upon his
own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying to lighten the sorrows
of others. He found a work to do, even in the prison. God was
preparing him, in the school of affliction, for greater us^^ulness,
and he did not refuse the needful discipline. In thcj prison,
witnessing the results of oppression and tyranny, and t}i(» effects
of crime, he learned lessons of justice, sympatny, and nit^rcy, that
prepared him to exercise power with wisdom and compassion.

Joseph gradually gained the confidence of the keeper ol the
prison, and was finally intrusted with the charge of all the pris-
oners. It was the part he actnl in the prison — ^the integrity of
his daily life, and his sympathy for those who were in trouble and
distress — that opened the way for his future, prosperity and honor.
Every ray oi light that we shed upon others is reflected upon our-
selves. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrow-
ful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to the needy,
if prompted by a right motive, will result in blessings to the giver.

1 Ps. 105 : 18, Rev. Ver.

JOSEPH IN EGYPT.

The chief baker and chief butler of tho king had bicn cast
into prison for some offense, and they came under Joseph's cliarge.
One morning, observing that they appeared, very sad, lie kindly
inquired the cause, and was told that each had had a remarkable
dream, of wliich they were anxious to learn the significance. " Do
not interpretations belong to God?" said Joseph, "tell me them,
I pray you."' As each related his dream, Joseph made known
its import: In three days the butler was to be re-instated in his
position, and give the cup into Pharaoh's hand as before, but the
chief baker would be put to death by the king's commancj. In
both cases the event occurred as foretold.

The king's cup-bcaver had professed the deepest gratitude to
Joseph, both for the cheering interpretation of liis dream and for
many acts of kind attention ; and in return the latt(!r, referring iji
a most touching manner to his own unjust captivity, entrea^-^d
that his case be brought before the king. " Think on
said, " when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray
thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring
me out of this house. For indeed I was stolen away out of the
land of the Hebrews; and here also have I done nothing that
they should put me into the dungeon." The chief butler saw
the dream fulfilled in every particular ; but when restored to royal
favor, he thought no more of his benefactor. For two years longer,
Joseph remained a prisoner: The hope that had been kindled in
his heart gradually died out, and to all other trials was added the
bitter sting of ingratitude.

But a divine hand was about to open the prison gates. The
king of Egypt had in one night two dreams, apparently pointing
to the same event, and seeming to foreshadow some great calamity.
He could not determine their significance, yet they continued to
trouble his mind. The magicians and wise men of his realm
could give no interpretation. The king's perplexity and distress
increased, and terror spread throughout his palace. The general
agitation recalled to the chief butler's mind the circumstances of
his own dream ; with it came the memory of Joseph, and a pang
of remorse for his forgetfulness and ingratitude. He at once in-
formed the king how his own dream and that of the chief baker
had been interpreted by a Hebrew captive, and how the predic-
tions had been fulfilled.

1 See Genesis 40.

il-ifl

220

PATIilAItCJIS AND PROPHETS.

It was huniiliatinj; to Pharaoh to turn away from the magicians
and wise men of liis kingdom to consult an alien and a slave; but
he was ready to accept the lowliest service if li's troubled mind
might find relief. Joseph was inmiediately sent for; he jmt off
his i)ris()n attire, and shaved himself, ior his hair had grown long
during the ])criod of his disgrace and confinement. lie was then
conducted to tlie presence of the king.

" And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and
there is none tliat can interpret it; and I have heard say of thee,
that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph
answered Pharaoh, saying. It is not in me ; (Jod shall give Pharaoh
an answer of i)eace." ' Joseph's reply to the king reveals his hu-
mility and his faith in God. lie modestly disclaims the Inmor of
possessing in himself superior wisdom. " It is not in me." God
alone can explain these mysteries.

Pharaoh then proceeded to relate his dreams : " Behold, I stood
upon the bank of the river; and, behold, there came up out of the
river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored ; and they fed in a
meadow : and, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor
and very ill-favored and lean-ficshed, such as I never saw in all the
land of p]gypt for badness. And the lean and the ill-favored kine
did eat uj) the first seven fat kine; and when they had eaten them
up, it could not be known that they had oaten theni ; but they
were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke. And I
saw in my dream, and, Ijchold, seven ears came up in one stalk,
full and good : and, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and
blasted with the cast Avind, sprung up after them ; and the thin
ears devoured the seven good ears. And I told this unto the ma-
gicians ; but there was none that could declare it to me."

"The dream of Pharaoh is one." said Joseph. "God hath
showed Pharaoh what he is about to do." There Avere to be
seven years of great i)lenty. Field and garden would yield more
abundantly than ever before. And this period was to be followed
by seven years of famine. " And the plenty shall not be known
in the land by reason of that fiimine following ; for it shall be very
grievous." The repetition of the dream Avas evidence both of the
certainty and nearness of the fulfillment. " Noav therefore," he
continued, "let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and Avisc, and set
him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him
appoint officers over the Innd, and take up the fifth part of the

iSi-e Genesis 41.

lai
al
th
A I

JOSEPH ly EG TPT.

221

land ot'Ef^ypt in the seven i)lenteous years. And let them jj;ather
all the* food of those {i(«)d years that eonie, and lay iip corn under
tile hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep iood in the cities.
And that food shall he for store to the land against the seven
years of famine."

The interpretation was so reasonaldo and consistent, and the
policy which it recommended was so sound and shrewd, that its
correctness eoidd not he dou])ted. But who was to he intrusted
with the execution of the i)lau? Ujoon the wisdom of this choice
depended the naticm's preservation. The king was trouhled. For
some time the matter of the appointment was under consideration.
Through the chief hutler the monarch had learned of the wisdom
and prudence displayed hy Josci)h in the management of the
prison; it was evident that he possessed administrative alnlity in
a pre-eminent degree. The cup-bearer, now filled with self-re-
proach, endeavored to atone for his former ingratitude, hy th(;
warmest praise of his benefactor; and further in(|uiry by the king
proved the correctness of his report. In all the realm, Joseph
was the only man gifted with wisdom to } ant out the dang(>r
that threatened the kingdom, and the preparation necessary to
meet it; and the king was convinced that he was the one best
qualified to execute the plans which he had proposed. It was
evident that a divine power was with him, and that there were
none among the king's officers of state so well qualified to conduct
the affairs of the nati()ii at this crisis. The fact that he was a
Hebrew and a slave, was of little moment when weighed against
his evident wisdom and sound judgment. " Can we find such a
one as this is, a man in whom the Si)irit of God is? " said the king
to his counselors.

The api)ointment was decided upon, and to Joseph the aston-
ishing announcement was made, " Forasmuch as God hath showed
thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art. Thou
shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my
people be ruled; only in the throne will I be greater than thou."
The king proceeded to invest Joseph with the insignia of his high
office. " And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it
upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and
put a gold chain al)out his neck ; and he made him to ride in the
second chariot which he had; and they cried before him. Bow
the knee."

•J 2*2

PATRIARCIIS AND PROPHETS,

"Ile'nmdo him lord of liis Iiouho, and ruler of all his wub-
Htai cc; to bind his princes at his i)leasure, and teach his senators
wisdom." ' From the dungeon, Joseph was exalted to be ruler
over all the land of E;j:ypt. It was a i)osition of high honor, yet
it was beset with difficult v and i)eril. One cannot stand upon a
lofty height without danger. As the tempest leaves unharmed
the lowly flower of the valley, while it uproots the stately tree
upon the mountain-top, so those who have maintained their in-
tegrity in humble life, may bo dragged down to the pit by the
temptation?* that assail worldly success and honor. But Joseph's
character bore the test alike of a(hersity and prosperity. The
same fidelity to God was manifest when he stood in the palace of
the Pharaohs as when in a prisoner's cell. He was still a stranger
in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of
God ; but he fully believed that the divine hand had directed his
steps, and in constant reliance upon God he faithfully discharged
the duties of his position. Through Joseph the attention of the
king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God ; and
though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the
principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of
Jehovah.

How was Joseph enabled to make such a record of firmness of
character, uprightness and wisdom ? — In his early years lie had
consulted duty rather than inclination; and the integrity, the
simple trust, the noble nature, of the youth, bore fruit in the
deeds of the man. A pure and simple life had favored the
vigorous development of both physical and intellectual powers.
Communion with God through his works, and the contemplation
of the grand truths intrusted to the inheritors of faith, had ele-
vated and ennobled his spiritual nature, broadening and strength-
ening the mind as no other study could do. Faithful attention to
duty in every station, from the lowliest to the most exalted, had
been training every power for its highest service. He who lives
in accordance with the Creator's will is securing to himself the
truest and noblest development of character. " The fear of the
Lord, that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil is understanding." '

There arc few who realize the influence of the little things of
life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we
have to do is really smoJl. The varied circumstances that we meet
iPs. 105 : 21, 23. Mob 28 : 28.

JOSEPH AV EGYPT.

22a

(lay by day are dcsijjned to tost our faithfulness, and to (lualify us
for greater trusts. By a<lheren(o to i)rineii)lo in the transactions
of ordinary Hf(>, the mind heconies accustomed to liold the chiims
of duty al)ovc tliose of ])h'asure and inchnation. Minds thus dis-
ciplined arc not waverinjf between rijilit and wron^', like the reed
trenddinji in tlio wind ; they arc loyal to duty because tiiey have
trained themselves to habits of fidelity and truth. \\y faithfulness
in that which is least, they accjuire strength to be faithful in fxreater
matters.

An upright character is of greater worth than the jxold of Ophir.
Without it none can rise to an honorable eminence. Hut character
is not inherited. It cannot be boujiht. Moral excellence and fine
mental qualities are not the result of accident. The most ])recious
gilts are of no value unless they are improved. The formation of
a noble character is the work of a life-time, and nmst be the result
of diligent and jjersevering effort. God gives opportunities ; suc-
cess depends upon the use made of them.

CHAPTER XXI.

• JOSEPH AND HIS HROTHKRS.

At tlio very opening' of the I'ruitful years be^'sm the i)rci)iira-
tion for the ai)i)roaeliin<i famiiie. Under the direetion of Jo.sepli,
inimeiise store-hou8eH were erected in all the prineipal places
tiirougliout the land of E<j:yi)t, and ample arranfrenients were
made for i)reservinf; the surplus of the expected harvest. The
same policy was continued durinjj; the seven years of plenty, until
the arrjount of grain laid in store was beyond comimtation.

And now the seven years of dearth began to come, according
to Joseph's prediction. "And the dearth was in all lands; hut
in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land
of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread ;
and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyj)tians, Go unto Joseph ; Avhat
he !-7L th to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the
earth. And Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the
Egyptians." *

The famine extended to the land of Canaan, and was severely
felt in that part of the country where Jacob dwelt. Hearing of
tlie abundant provision made by the king of Egypt, ten of Jacob's
sons journeyed thitherto i)urchase grain. On their arrival they
were directed to the king's deputy, and with other apj)licaiits they
came to present themselves before the ruler of the land. And they
" bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth."
" Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him." ' His He-
brew name hatl been exchanged for the one bestowed ui)on him
l)y the king; and there was little resemblance between the prime
minister of Egypt and the stripling whom they had sold to the
Ishmaelites. As Joseph saw his brothers stooping and making
obeisance, his dreams came to his mind, and the scenes of the
past rose vividly before him. His keen eye, surveying the group,
discovered that Benjamin was not among them. Had he also fal-

» Gen. 41 : 54-56 ; chapters 42-50.
[ 224 1

JOSKJ'// A\f) Ills nUOTIIKRS.

li-i.')

Ion a victim to the troachcroiis criu'lty of thone Huvairi! men? He
(Ictcrniiiu'd to U'iirii the truth. *' Yc arc Hpics," he Haid Htrrnly;
"to Hco thi^ nakiMhu'ss <»ftii(' land ye arc conic,"

Thcv answered, '' Nav, niv lord, hut to l)uv food are thv nerv-
ants conic. Wo are all one nian'.s wons ; we are trut' men; thy
.servants are no spicH," lie wished to learn if they possessed the
same haughty si)irit a.^; when he was with them, and also to draw
from them some information in rc<:ard to their home; yet ho well
knew how dcce|)tivc their statciiientM mijijht he. H(! repeated the
cliargc, and they replied, " Thy servants ar(> twelv(( Itrethrcn, the
sons of one man in tlu; land of Canaan ; and, hehold, the youngest
is this dav with our father, and one is not."

Professinjif to douht the truthfulness (if their story, and to still
look upon them as spies, the governor (Icclarcd that lie woukl
prove them, Ity rc(iuirin^' them to remain in K;,^vpt till one of their
nunilxT should go and hring their youngest hrother down. If
they would not consent to this, they were to he treated as spies.
But to such an arrangement the sons of Jacol) cimld not agree,
since the time recjuired for carrying it out would cause their i'am-
ilies to suffer for food ; and who among them would undertake the
journey alone, leaving his ])rothcrs in prison? How could he
meet his father under such circumstances? It appeared jirohahle
that they Avere to he put to death or to he nuule slaves ; and if
Benjamin were In'ought, it miglit he only to share their fate.
They decided to remain and sutler together, rather than hring
additional sorrow upon their father hy the loss of his only remain-
ing son. They were accordingly cast into prison, where they re-
mained three days.

During the years since Josei)h had been separated Irom his
brothers, these sons of Jacob had changed in character. Envi-
ous, turbulent, deceptive, cruel, and revengeful they had been;
but now, Avhen tested by adversity, they Avere shown to bo unself-
ish, true to one another, devoted to their iather, and, themselves
middle-aged men, subject to his authority.

The three days in the p]gy])tian ])rison were days of ])itter
sorrow, as the brothers reflected upon their past sins. Unless
Benjamin could be produced, their conviction as spies appeared
certain, and they had little hope of gaining their father's consent
to Benjamin's absence. On the third day, Joseph caused the broth-
ers to be brought before him. He dared not detain them longer.

SS6

PATIilAHCII^ AND PltOPUlCrS.

Alrciuly his lUtlHr and IIm? fiuiillic's witli liiiii iiiijrlit l)o suffprinK
lor lood. "This do, and live," In; said; "for I I'rar (lod. I I've h<i
tnio men, let om^ of your brethren he hound in the house of your
prison ; ^'o ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses. Hut hring
your you n^iest hrother unto nie; so shall your words bo verified,
and yo shall not die." This propositioji they aj^reed to accopt,
thou^di expressing,' little hope tliat their father would let Henjanun
return with them. Joseph had communicated with them throuj^h
an interpreter, and havinj^ no thoujiht that the governor under-
stood them, they eonviirsed freely with one another in his pres-
enc(». They a<;eused themselves in re;;ard to their treatment of
Joseph : " Wo are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we
saw the anguish of his soul, when ho besought us, and avo would
not hear; therefore is this distress como upon us." Reuben, who
had formed the plan for delivering him at Dothan, added, "Spake
I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child ; and yi! would
not hear? therefore, behold, also his Itlood is re(iuired." Joseph,
listening, could not control his enjotions, and he went out and
wept. On his return, he commandcid that Simeon be Imund be-
fore them, and again committed to i)rison. In the cruel treatment
of their Ijrother, Simeon had been the instigator and chief actor,
and it was for this reason that the choice fell upon him.

Before jiermitting his brothers to depart, Joseph gave direc-
tions that they should be supplied with grain, and also that each
man's money should be secretly placed in the mouth of his sack.
Provender for the beasts on the homeward journey was also sup-
})lied. On the way, one of the com])any, opening Ins sack, was
surprised to find his bag of sdv«r. On his making known the fact
to the others, they were alarmed and ]>crplexed, and said one to
another, " What is this that God hath done unto us?" — should
they regard it as a token of good from the Lord, or had ho suffered
it to occur to })unish them for their sins, and i)lungo them still
deeper in affliction? They acknowledged that God had seen their
sins, and that he was now punishing them.

Jacob was anxiously awaiting the return of his sons, and on
their arrival the whole encami)ment gathered eagerly around them
as they related to their father all that had occurred. Alarm and
apprehension filled every heart. The conduct of the Egyptian
governor seemed to imply some evil design, and their fears were
confirmed, when, as they opened their sacks, the owner's money

josKPii Axn HIS lUioriiHiis.

M'21

WMH found ill ciuli. In hin <listn'HM tlio \\\ivi\ tutlicr cxclaiini'tl.
"Mo Imvti VI! IxTcavrd of iiiv (hiMrcii. .Ios('|ili is nt>t, ana
Simoon is not, and yi- will takf Hcnjaniin away. All tlu'sr
thinjjjH aro a^rainnt inc." Ktulicn answi-rcd, "Slay my two woii.m,
if I hrinji liim not to tluc ; deliver him into my hand, and I will
hrinj; him to the(* a^nun." ThiH rash speech did not relieve the
. mind of .Iaeol». Ilis answer was, " My son shall not p) down with
you; for hin hrother is dead, and he is h'ft alone. If mischief
hefall him l)y tho way in the which yo p), then Mlmll y»! hring
down my gray hairs with sorrow to the gravi'."

But tlie drought continue<l, and in iirocc.-s of timo tho HUpply
of grain that had hccii hrought from ICgypt was nearly exhausted.
The sons of .lacoh well knew that it would l»e in vain to return to
Egypt without lienjamin. They had little hojie of changing tln'ir
father's resolution, and they awaited the issue in silence. Deeper
and deeper grew the Hhad(>w of approaching famine; in th(( iuix-
ious faces of all in tho encampment, the old man read their need;
at last ho said, '' (lo again, huy us a litth^ food."

Judah answered, " Tlu; man did solemnly protest unto us, say-
ing, Yo shall not seo my face, except your hrother l»e with you. If
thou wilt send our hrother with us, wo will go down and buy thoo
food ; hut if thou wilt not send him, W(; will not go down ; for the
man said unto us, Ye shall not seo my face, except your brother he
with you." Seeing that his father's resolution began to waver, ho
added, "Send tlio lad with mo, and W(i will arise and go; that
wo may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little
ones; " and ho offered to bo .surety for his brotlu-r, and to ))ear the
blame forever if ho failed to restore Benjamin to his father.

Jacob could no longer withhold his consent, and he directed
his .sons to i)ro{)are for tho journey. lie bade them also take to
tho ruler a present of such things as the famine-wasted country
afforded, — "a little balm, and a little honey, spices and myrrh,
nuts and almonds," also a doul)le (juantity of money. " Take also
your brother," ho said, " and arise, go again unto the man." As
his sons were about to depart on their doubtful journey, the aged
father arose, and raising his hands to heaven, uttered the prayer,
" God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send
away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my
children, I am bereaved."

Again they journeyed tt) ]<]gypt, and j)resented themselves

228

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

before Joseph. As his eye fell upon Benjamin, his own mother's
son, he was deeply moved. He concealed his emotion, liowever,
but ordered that tlicy be taken to his house, and that preparation
be made for them to dine with him. Upon being conducted to
the governor's palace, the l)rothers were greatly alarmed, fearing
that they were to be called to account for the money found in
their sacks. They thought that it might have been intentionally
placed there, to furnish occasion for making them slaves. In their
distress, they consulted with the steward of the house, relating to
him the circumstances of their visit to Egypt; and in proof of
their innocence informed him that they had brought back the
money found in their sacks, also other money to buy food ; and
they added, " We cannot tell who put our money in our sacks."
The man replied, " Peace be to you, fear not ; your God, and
the God of your father, hath given j'ou treasure in your sacks. I
had your money." Their anxiety was relieved, and when Simeon,
who had been released from prison, joined them, they felt that
God was indeed gracious unto them.

When the governor again met them, they presented their gifts,
and humbly " bowed themselves to him to the earth." Again his
dreams came to his mind, and after saluting his guests he hastened
to ask, " Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is
he yet alive?" "Thy servant our father is in good health, he is
yeb alive," was the answer, as they again made obeisance. Then
his eye rested upon Benjamin, and he said, " Is this your younger
brother, of Avhom ye spake unto me ? " " God be gracious unto thee,
my son ; " but overpowered by feelings of tenderness, he could say
no more. " He entered into his chamber, and wept there."

Having recovered his self-possession, he returned, and all pro-
ceeded to the feast. By the laws of caste, the Egyptians were
forbidden to eat with people of any other nation. The sons of
Jacob had tlierefore a table by themselves, while the governor, on
account of liis high rank, ate by himself, and the Egyptians also
had separate tables. When all were seated, the brothers were
surprised to see that they were arranged in exact" order, according
to their ages. Joseph " sent messes unto them from before him ; "
but Benjamin's was five times as much as any of theirs. By
this token of favor to Benjamin he hoped to ascerta.'n if the
3'oungest brother was regarded witli tlio envy and hatred that had
been manifested toward himself Still supposing that Joseph did

JOSEPH AND III8 BROTHERS.

229

not understand their lanjiuage, the brothers freely conversed with
one another ; thus he had a jjood opportunity to learn their real
feelings. Still he desired to test them further, and before their
departure iie ordered that his own drinking-cup of silver should
be concealed in the sack of the youngest.

Joyfully they set out on their return. Simeon and Benjamin
were with them, their animals were laden with grain, and all felt
that they had safely escaped the perils that had seemed to sur-
round them. But they had only reached the outskirts of the city
when they were overtaken by the governor's steward, who uttered
the scathing inquiry, "Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he
divineth? Ye have done evil in so doing." This cup was sup-
posed to possess the i)ower of detecting any poisonous substance
placed therein. At that day, cups of this kind were highly valued
as a safe-guard against murder ])y poisoning.

To the steward's accusation the travelers answered, " Wherefore
saith my lord tliese words? God forbid that thy servants should
do according to this thing. Behold, the money which we found
in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land
of Canaan ; how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver
or gold ? With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let
him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen."

" Now also let it be according unto your words," said the stew-
ard; "he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye
shall be blameless."

The search began immediately. " They speedily took down
€very man his sack to the ground," and the steward examined
each, beginning with Reuben's, and taking them in order down to
that of the youngest. In Benjamin's sack the cup was found.

The brothers rent their garments in token of utter wretchedness,
and slowly returned to the city. By their own i)romise, Benjamin
was doomed to a life of slavery. They followed the steward to the
palace, and finding the governor yet there, they prostrated thenx-
selves before him. "What deed is this that ye have done?" he
said. "Wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?"
Joseph designed to draw from them an acknowledgment of their
sin. He had never claimed the i)ower of divination, but was will-
ing to have them l)elievo that he could read the secrets of their lives.

Judah answered, "What shall we say unto my lord? what

230

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

shall wo speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found
out the iniquity of tliy servants. Behold, we are my lord's serv-
ants, hoth we, and he also with whom the cup is found."

" God forbid that I sliould do so," was the reply ; " but the
man in whose hand the cup is found, he sliall bo my servant ; and
as for you, get you up in jieace unto your father."

In his deep distress, Judah now drew near to the ruler, and
exclaimed, " my lord, let tliy servant, I pray thee, speak a
word in my lord's ears, and let not thine an<;er burn ai^ainst thy
servant ; for thou art even as Pharaoh." In Avords of touchins^
eloquence he described his fatlier's grief at the loss of Joseph, and
his reluctance to let Benjamin come with tliem to Egypt, as he
was the only son lei't of his mother, Rachel, whom Jacob so dearly
loved. " Now therefore," ho said, " when I come to thy servant
my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is
bound up in the lad's life ; it shall come to pass, when he seeth
that the lad is not with us, that ho will die ; and thy servants
shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sor-
row to the grave. For thy servant became surety for the lad unto
my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear
the blame to my father forever. Now therefore, I pray thee, let
thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord ; and
let the lad go up with his l)rethren. For how shall I go up to my
father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the
evil tliat shall come on my father."

Joseph was satisfied. Ho had seen in his l>rothers the fruits of
true repentance. Upon hearing Judah's noble ohor, he gave or-
ders that all but these men should withdraw ; then Aveeping aloud,
he cried, " I am Joseph ; doth my father yet live? "

His brothers stood motionloss, duml> with fear and amaze-
ment. The ruler of Egypt their brother Joseph, whom they had
envied and "syould have murdered, and finally sold as a slave ! All
their ill-treatment of him passed before them. They remembered
how they had despised his dreams, and had labored to prevent
their fulfillment. Yet they had acted their part in fulfilling these
dreams; and now that they were comidetely in his power, he
would, no doubt, avenge the wrong tliat he had su tiered.

Seeing their confusion, ho said kindly, " Come near to mo, I
pray you ; " and as they came near, he continued, " I am Joseph
your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore bo not

JOSEPH AND Ills BROTIIEliS.

231

grieved, nor aiv^ry with yoursolvos, that yo sold nio hither; for
God did send 1110 l)ef()ro you to jireservo life." Feelinj^ that they
had already suffered enoujih for their cruelty toward him, he
nohly sought to hanish their fears, and lessen the bitterness of
their self-reproaeh.

" For these two years," he continued, " hath the famine been in
the land ; and yet there are live years, in tiio which there shall
neither l)e earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to
preserve 3'ou a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a
great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent mo hither, but
God; and ho hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all
his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egyjit. Haste
ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son
Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Kgypt : come down unto
'me, tarry not; and thou shalt dwell in the land of (roshen, and
thou shalt 1)0 near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy chil-
dren's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou
hast, and there Avill I nourish thee ; for yet there are five years of
famine ; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come
to poverty. And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my
brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you. "
" And ho fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept ;
and Benjamin wept upon his neck. INIoreover he kissed all his
brethren, and wept upon them ; and after that his brethren
talked with him." They humbly confessed their sin, and en-
treated his forgiveness. Thev liad long suffered anxietv and
remorse, and now they rejoiced that ho was still alive.

The news of what had taken place was (juickly carried to the
king, who, eager to manifest his gratitude to Joseph, confirmed^
the governor's invitation to his family, saying, " The good of all
the land of Egypt is yours." The brothers were sent away al)un-
dantly supplied with j)rovision and carriages, and everything
necessary for the removal of all their families and attendants to
Egypt. On Benjamin, Joseph bestowed more valuable gifts than
upon the others. Then, fearing tliat disjiutes would arise among
them on the homeward journey, he gave them, as they Avcro al)OUt
leaving him, the charge, " See that ye fall not out by the way."

The sons of Jacob returned to their father with the joyful
tidings, " Joseph is yet alive, and ho is governor over all the land
of Egypt." At first the aged man was overwhelmed ; he could

232

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

not l)clieve what ho heard ; but when he sav/ the long train of
wagons and loaded animals, and when Benjamin was with him
once more, he was convinced, and in the fullness of his joy ex-
claimed, " It is enough ; Joseph my son is yet alive. I will go
and see him before I die."

Another act of humiliation remained for the ten brothers. They
now confessed to their father the deceit and cruelty that for so
many years had imbittered his life and theirs. Jacob had not
suspected them of so base a sin, but he saw that all had been
overruled for good, and he forgave and blessed his erring children.

The father and his sons, with their families, their flocks and
herds, and numerous attendants, were soon on the way to Egypt.
With gladness of heart they pursued their journey, and when they
came to Beersheba, the patriarch offered grateful sacrifices, and
entreated the Lord to grant them an assurance that he would go
with them. In a vision of the night the divine word came to
him : " Fear rot to go down into Egypt ; for I will there make
of thee a great nation. I will go down with thee into Egypt ; and
I will also surely bring thee up again."

The assurance, " Fear not to go down into Egypt, for I will
there make of thee a great nation," was significant. The promise
had been given to Abraham of a posterity numberless as the stars ;
but as yet the chosen people had increased but slowly. And the
land of Canaan now offered no field for the development of such
a nation as had been foretold. It was in the possession of power-
ful heathen tribes, that were not to be dispossessed until "the
fourth generation." If the descendants of Israel were here to
become a numerous people, they must either drive out the in-
habitants of the land or disperse themselves among them. The
fonrsr, according to the divine arrangement, they could not do;
and should they mingle with the Canaanites, they would be in
danger of being seduced into idolatry. Egypt, however, offered
the conditions necessary to the fulfillment of the divine purpose.
A section of country, well-watered and fertile, was open to them
there, affording every advantage for their speedy increase. And
the antipathy they must encounter in Egypt on account of their
occupation — for every shepherd was " an abomination unto the
Egyptians " ^ — would enable them to remain a distinct and sepa-
rate people, and would thus serve to shut them out from par-
ticipation in the idolatry of Egypt.

1 Gen. 46 : 34.

JOSEPH AND UI8 BROTHERS.

233

Uj)on reaching Egypt, the company proceeded directly to the
land of Goshen. Thither came Joseph in his chariot of state,
attended by a princely retinue. The splendor of his surround-
ings and the dignity of his position were alike forgotten; one
thought alone filled his mind, one longing thrilled his heart. As
he beheld the travelers approaching, the love whose yearnings had
for so many long years been repressed, would no longer be con-
trolled. He sprung from his chariot, and hastened forward to
bid his father welcome. *' And he fell on his neck, and wept on
his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me
die, since I have seen thy face, becau'- ^ thou art yet alive."

Joseph took five of his brothers to present to Pharaoh, and re-
ceive from him the grant of land for their future home. Gratitude
to his prime minister would have led the monarch to honor them
with appointments to offices of state; but Joseph, true to the
worship of Jehovah, sought to save his brothers from the tempta-
tions to which they would be exposed at a heathen court ; there-
fore he counseled them, when questioned-by the king, to tell him
frankly their occupation. The sons of Jacob followed this counsel,
being careful also to state that they had come to sojourn in the
land, not to become permanent dwellers there, thus reserving the
right to depart if they chose. The king assigned them a home,
as offered, in " the best of the land," the country of Goshen.

Not long after their arrival, Joseph brought his father also to
be presented to the king. The patriarch was a stranger in royal
courts ; but amid the sublime scenes of nature he had communed
with a mightier Monarch ; and now, in conscious superiority, he
raised his hands and blessed Pharaoh.

In his first greeting to Joseph, Jacob had spoken as if, with
this joyful ending to his long anxiety and sorrow, he was ready to
die. But seventeen years were yet to be granted him in the
peaceful retirement of Goshen. These years were in happy con-
trast to those that had preceded them. He saw in his sons evi-
dence of true repentance ; he saw his family surrounded by all the
conditions needful for the development of a great nation ; and his
faith grasped the sure promise of their future establishment in
Canaan. He himself was surrounded with everv token of love and
favor that the prime minister of Egypt could bestow ; and happy
in the society of his long-lost son, he passed down gently and
peacefully to the grave.

234

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

As lie it'll (It'iith J pijroaching, lie sent fur Joseph. 8till holding
fast the promise of God rosi)ectin<j; the possession of Canaan, he
said, " Bury me not, I ])ray thee, in Ejivpt. But I will lie with
my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Efiypt, and bury me
in their hurvin;j;-i)laoe." Joseph i)romised to do so, hut Jacol) was
not satisfied ; he (jxaeted a solenni oath to lav him heside his
fathers in the cave of Maeh})elah.

Another important matter demanded attention ; the sons of
Joseph were to be formally instated amonjj; the children of Israel.
Joseph, coming for a last interview with his father, brought with
iiim Ei)hraim and Manassch. These youths were connected,
througli tiieir mother, with the highest order of the Egy})tian
l)riesthood ; and the })Osition of their father opened to them the
avenues to wealth rnd distinction, should they choose to connect
themselves with tlie Egyjttians. It was Joseph's desire, however,
that they should unite with their own ])eop]e. He manifested his
faith in the covenant-pron ' o, in behalf of Ins sons renouncing
all the honors that the court of Egy[)t ofll'ered, for a place among
the despised shepherd tribes, to whom had been intrusted the
oracles of God.

Said Jacob, "Thy two sons, Ei)hraim and Manasseh, which
were born unto thee in the land of Egyi)t, before I came unto thee
into Egyi)t, are mine ; as Reul)en and Simeon, they shall be
mine." They were to be ado])ted as his own, and to become the
headi> of separate tribes. Thus one of the l)irthright i)rivileges,
which Reuben had forfeited, was to fall to Joseph, — a double
portion in Israel.

Jacolj's eyes were dim with age, and he had not been aware of
the presence of the young men ; but now, catching the outline of
their forms, he said, " Who are these? " On being told, he added,
" Bring them, I i)ray thee, unto me, and I will ])less them."
As they came nearer, the patriarch embraced and kissed them,
solenmlv laving his hands upon their heads in benediction. Then
he uttered the i)raycr, " God, before wiiom my fathers Abraham
and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto
this day, the Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the
lads." There Avas no spirit of self-dependence, no reliance upon
human power or cunning now. God had been his j)reserver and
support. Then; was no complaint of the evil days in the past.
Its trials and sorrows were no longer regarded as " things that were

JOSEPH AND JUS BROTHERS.

235

r^jrainst him." Momory recalled only His mercy and lovinfj-kind-
ness who had heen with him throughout his i)il<rrimage.

The hlessing ended, Jacob gave his son the assurance, — leav-
ing for the generations to come, through long years of bondage
and sorrow, this testimony to his taith, — " Behold, I die; Imt God
shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your
fathers."

At the last, all the sons of Jacol) were gathered al)out his
dying bed. And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, "(Jut or
yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto
Israel your father," "that I may tell you that which shall befall
you in the last days." Often and anxiously he had thought of
tlieir future, and had endeavored to piciture to himself the history
of the different tri))es. Now as his children waited to receive his
last blessing, the Spirit of inspiration rested ui)on him ; and before
him in prophetic vision the future of his descendmts was unfolded.
One after another, the names of his sons were mentioned, the
character of each was described, and the future history of the
tribe was briefly foretold.

"Reuben, thou art my first-born,
My might, und the beginning of my strength,
The excellency of dignity, and the excellency of powei*."

Thus the father pictured what should have been the position
of Reuben as the first-born son ; but his grievous sin at Edar had
made him unworthy of the birthright blessing. Jacob continued, —

"Unstable as water.
Thou shalt not excel."

The priesthood was apportioned to Levi, the kingdom and the
Messianic promise to Judah, and the d'^uble portion of the inher-
itance to Joseph. The trilje of Reuben never rose to any eminence
in Isr? 1; it was not so numerous as Judah, Joseph, or Dan, and
was among the first that were carried into captivity.

Next in age to Reuben were Simeon and Levi. They had
been united in their cruelty toward the Shechemites, and they
had also been the most guilty in the selling of Joseph. Concern-
ing them it was declared, —

" I will divide thom in Jacob,
And scatter them in Israel."

At the numbering of Israel, just before their entrance to
Canaan, Simeon was the smallest tribe. Moses, in his last bless-

236

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

injr, made no reference to Simeon. In the settlement of Canaan,
this tribe had only a small jmrtion of Judah's lot, and such
families as afterward became powerful formed different colonies,
and settled in territory outside the borders of the Holy Land.
Levi also received no inheritance except forty-eight cities scat-
tered in different parts of the land. In the case of this tribe,
however, their fidelity to Jehovah when the other tribes aposta-
tized, secured their appointment to the sacrod service of the sanctu-
ary, and thus the curse was changed into a blessing.

The crowning blessings of the birthright were transferred to
Judah. The significance of the name — which denotes praise — is
unfolded in the prophetic history of this tribe : —

"Judah, thou art ho whom thy brethren shall praise ;
Thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies ;
Thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
Judah is a lion's whelp :
From the prey, my son, thou art gone up :
He stooped down, he couched as a lion,
And as an old lion ; who shall rouse him up ?
The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
Nor a lawgiver from between his feet.
Until Shiloh come ;
And unto him shall the gathering of the people be."

The lion, king of the forest, is a fitting symbol of this tribe,
from which came David, and the Son of David, Shiloh, the true
" Lion of the tribe of Judah," to whom all powers shall finally
bow, and all nations render homage.

For most of his children, Jacob foretold a j^rosperous future.
At last the name of Joseph was reached, and the father's heart
overflowed as he invoked blessings upon " the head of him that
was separate from his brethren : " —

"Joseph is a fruitful bough,
Even a fruitful bough by a well ;
Whose branches run over the wall.
The archers have sorely grieved him.
And shot at him, and hated him ;
But his bow abode in strength.
And the arms of his hands were made strong
By the hands of the mighty God of Jacob
(From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel) ;
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee ;

JOSEPH AND II rs nitOTIIKItS.

^\il

And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee
With blessinfjs of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lieth under,
Blessings of the breasts, and of the wonil) ;
The blessings of thy father have i)revailed
Above the blessings of my progenitors
Unto the utmost bound of tiie everlasting hills •
They shall be on the head of Joseph,

And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from
his brethren."

Jacob had ever been a man of deep and ardent affection ; hi.<i
love for his sons was strong and tender, and his dying testimony
to them was not the utterance of partiaHty or resentment. He
had forgiven them all, and he loved them to the last. His pater-
nal tenderness would have found expression only in words of en-
couragement and hope ; but the power of God rested upon him,
and under the influence of inspiration he was constrained to de-
clare the truth, however painful.

The last blessings pronounced, Jacob repeated the charge con-
cerning his burial-place : " I am to be gathered unto my people.
Bury me with my fathers ... in the cave that is in the field of
Machpelah." " There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife ;
there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife ; and there I buried
Leah." Thus the last act of his life was to manifest his faith in
God's promise.

Jacob's last years brought an evening of tranquillity and re-
pose after a troubled and weary day. Clouds had gathered dark
above his path, yet his sun set clear, and the radiance of heavc^n
illumined his parting hours. Says the Scripture, '• At evening
time it shall be light." ' " Mark the perfect man, and behold the
upright ; for the end of that man is peace." ^

Jacob had sinned, and had deeply suffered. Many years of
toil, care, and sorrow had been his since the day when his great
sin caused him to flee from his father's tents. A homeless fugi-
tive, separated from his mother, whom he never saw again ; labor-
ing seven years for her whom he loved, only to be V)asely cheated ;
toiling twenty years in the service of a covetous and grasping
kinsman ; seeing his wealth increasing, and sons rising around
him, but finding little joy in the contentious and divided house-
hold ; distressed by his daughter's shame, by her brothers' revenge,

iZech. 14 : 7. » Ps. 37 : 37.

PATIilARCIIS AND PliOPIIETS.

])y tljo (lu'Jith of Rachel, by tlio unnatural crime of Reuben, by
Judab's sin, by tlio cruel deception and malice practiced toward
Joseph, — how long and dark is the cataloj^ue of evils spread out
to view! Again and again be bad reaj)e(l the fruit of that first
wrong deed. Over and over be saw repeated aniong bis sons
the sins of wbicb be bims«,'lf bad been guilty. Rut bitter as bad
been the discipline, it bad accom])lisbc(l its work. TIk! chasten-
ing, thougb grievous, bad yielded " the i)eaceable fruit of right-
eousness." '

Inspiration faithfully records the faults of good men, those Avbo
were distinguished by the favor of God; indeed, their faults are
more fully presented than their virtues. This bas been a subject
of wonder to many, and bas given the infidel occasion to scoff at
the Rible. Rut it is one of the strongest evidences of the truth
of Scrijjture, that facts are not glossed over, nor the sins of its
cbief characters suppressed. The minds of men are so subject
to ])rejudice that it is not possible for human bistories to be abso-
lutely impartial. Had the Rible been written by uninspired
persons, it would no doubt bave presented the character of its
bonored men in a more flattering light. Rut as it is, we bave a
correct record of their experiences.

Men whom God favored, and to whom he intrusted great
responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and
committed sin, even as we at the present day strive, waver, and
frequently fall into error. Their lives, with all their faults and
follies, are opened before us, both for our encouragement and
warning. If they had been represented as without fault, we, with
our sinful nature, might despair at our own mistakes and fail-
ures. Rut seeing where others struggled through discourage-
ments like our own, where they fell under temptation as we have
done, and yet took heart again, and conquered through the grace
of God, we are encouraged in our striving after righteousness.
As they, though sometimes beaten back, recovered their ground,
and Avere blessed of God, so we too may be overcomers in the
strength of Jesus. On the other hand, the record of their lives
may serve as a warning to us. It shows that G.od will by no
means clear the guilty. He sees sin in bis most favored ones,
and he deals with it in them even more strictly than in those
who bave less light and responsibility.

»Heb. 12 : 11.

josKPif Ayi) HIS imoTiiKits.

-I'M)

Alter tne burial of Jacolt, fear ajrain filU'd tlu; hearts of
Josoph'.s hrotluTH. Notwithstandinf; his kiiuhu'ss toward thoin,
conscious jiuilt made thcni distrustful and suspicious. It niij^ht
bo that h(! had l)ut di'laycd Ids revenge, out of regard to their
fatlier, and that he would now visit upon them the long-deferred
punishment for their crime. They dare(l not appear before him
in i)erson, but sent a message: "Thy father did command before
he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee
now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did
unto thee evil. And now, we i)ray thee, forgive the tres[)ass of the
servants of the God of thy father." This njessage affected Jo-
seph to tears, and, encouraged by this, his brothers came and fell
down before him, with the words, " Jiehold, we be thy servants."
Joseph's love for his brothers was deep and unselfish, and he was
pained at the thought that they could regard him as cherishing
a spirit of revenge toward them. " Fear not," he said ; " for am
I in the place of God ? But as for you, ye thought evil against
me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to i)ass, as it is this
day, to save nmch people alive. Now therefore fear ye not : I will
nourish you, and your little ones."

The life of Joseph illustrates the life of Christ. It was envy
that moved the brothers of Joseph to sell him as a slave ; they
hoped to prevent him from becoming greater than themselves.
And when he was carried to Egypt, they flattered themselves that
they were to be no more troubled with his dreams ; that they had
removed all possibility of their fulfillment. But their own course
was overruled by God to bring about the very event that they de-
signed to hinder. So the Jewish i)ricsts and elders were jealous
of Christ, fearing that he would attract the attention of the people
from them. They put him to death, to prevent him from becom-
ing king, but they were thus bringing about this very result.

Joseph, through his bondage in Egypt, ])ecame a saviour to his
father's family ; yet this fact did not lessen the guilt of his broth-
ers. So the crucifixion of Christ by his enemies made him the
redeemer of mankind, the saviour of the fallen race, and ruler
over the whole world ; but the crime of his murderers was ju.st as
heinous as though God's providential hand had not controlled
events for his own glory and the good of man.

As Joseph was sold to the heathen by his own brothers, so

240

PATJiJAJiCHS AX J) HiO/'JfKTS.

Christ was sold to bin bitterest enemies by ono of bis disciples.
Josepb was falsely aeeiised and thrust into prison b(!eauso of his
virtue; so Christ was despised and rejected becausi; his ri;ihteous,
self-denyin^i life was a nibuke to sin; and thouj^b K^ilty of no
wronj;, he was condemned upon the testimony of false witnesses.
And Joseph's patience an<l meekness under injustice and oppres-
sion, his ready forj^iveness and noble benevolence toward his un-
natural brothers, represent the Saviour's uncomplaining endur-
ance of the malice and abuse of wicked men, and his forgiveness,
not only of bis nnirderers, but of all who have come to him con-
fessing their sins and seeking pardon.

Joseph outlived his father fifty-four years. He lived to see
" Ephraim's children of the third generation ; the children also
of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's
knees." He witnessed the increase and pros[)erity of his people,
and through all the years his faith in God's restoration of Israel
to the land of promise was unshaken.

When he saw that his end was near, he summoned his kinsmen
about him. Honored as lie had been in the land of the Pharaohs,
Egyj)t was to him but the place of his exile ; his last act was to
signify that his lot was cast with Israel. His last words were,
" God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto
the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob."
And he took a solemn oath of the children of Israel that they
would carry up his bones with them to the land of Canaan. " So
Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old ; and they em-
balmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt." And through
the centuries of toil which followed, that coffin, a reminder of the
dying words of Joseph, testified to Israel that they were only so-
journers in Egypt, and bade them keep their hopes fixed upon the
land of promise, for the time of deliverance would surely come.

CHAPTER XXII.

MOSLS.

Thk people of E<ryi)t, in order to HUpply themselves with food
during the famine, Imd sold to the crown their cuttle and lands,
and had finally hound themselves to perpetual serfdom. Joseph
wisely provided for their release; lie permitted them to heeome
royal tenanti+, holdinjj; their lands of the kinj?, and payinj? an
annual trihute of one-fifth of the products of their lahor.

But the children of Jaeoh were not under the necessity of
making such conditions. On account of the service that Joseph
had rendered the Egyptian nation, they were not only granted a
part of the country as a home, hut were exempted from taxation,
and liberally supplied with food during the continuance of the
famine. The king publicly acknowledged that it was through the
merciful interposition of the God of Joseph that Egypt enjoyed
plenty while other nations were perishing from famine. He saw,
too, that Joseph's management had greatly enriched the kingdom,
and his gratitude surrounded the family of Jacob with royal favor.

But as time rolled on, the great man to whom Egyi)t owed
80 much, and the generation l)lessed by his labors, passed to the
grave. And " there arose up a new king over Egyi)t, which knew
not Joseph."' Not that he was ignorant of Joseph's services to
the nation, but he wished to make no recognition of them, and,
so far as possible, to bury them in oblivion. " And he said unto
his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more
and mightier than we. Come on, let us deal wisely with them ;
lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth
out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against
us, and so get them up out of the land."

The Israelites had already become very numerous; "they

were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and

waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them."

lEx. 1 ; 2 : 1-10.

[2411

{ I

242

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Under Joseph's fostering care, and the favor of the king who was
then ruHng, they had spread rai)idly over the land. But they
had kept themselves a distinct race, having nothing in connnon
with the Egyptians in customs or religion; and their increasing
numhcrs now excited the fears of the king and his people, lest
in case of war th^y should join themselves with the enemies of
Egypt. Yet i)olicy forbade their banishment from the country.
Many of them were aV)lc and understanding workmen, and they
added greatly to the wealth of the nation ; the king needed such
laborers for tlic erection of his magnificent i)alaces and temples.
Accordingly he ranked them with the P^gyptians who had sold
themselves with their possessions to the kingdom. Soon task-
masters were S( ■ over them, and their slavery became complete.
"And the Egy;)tians made the children of Israel to serve with
rigor, and t)\ey made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in
mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field;
all their service, wherein they made them servo, was with rigor."
" But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and
grew."

The king and his counselors had hoped to subdue the Israelites
with hard labor, niiu thus decrease their numbers and crush out
their indepen('^n+ spirit. Failing to accomplish their purpose,
they proceeded to moio cruel measures. Orders Avere issued to
the women whose cmpioymoivt gave them opportunity for ex-
ecuting the command; to lestroy the Hebrew male children at
their l)irth. Satan was the movey in this matter. He knew that
a deliverer was to l)e raised up among the Israelites; and by
leading the king to destroy their children lie hoi)ed to defeat
the divine purpose. But the women feared God, and dared not
execute the cruel mandate. The Lord ap/^oved their course, and
prospered them. The king, angry at the failure of his design,
made the conmiand more urgent and extensive. The whole
nation was called upon to hunt out and slaughter his helpless
victims. " And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying. Every
son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter
ye shall save alive."

While this decree was in full force, a son was born to Amram
and Joehebed, devout Israelites of the tribe of Levi. The babe
was " a goodly child ; " and the parents, believing that the time of
Israel's release was drawing near, and that God would raise up a

MOSES.

24;^

deliverer for his people, determined that their little one should not
be saerificed. Faith in God stren<j;thened tlieir hearts, " and Jiey
were not afraid of the kinii^'s eonimandnient." '

The mother succeeded in coneealinji; the cliild for three months.
Then, finding; that she ct)uld no longer keep him safely, she pre-
pared a littU; ark of rushes, making it water-tight hy means of
slime and pitch; and laying the hahe therein, she placed it among
the flags at the river's l)rink. She dared not remain to guard it,
lest the child's life and her own should ho forfeited ; hut his sister,
Miriam, lingered near, appart;ntly indiiferent, hut anxiously watch-
ing to see what would hecome of lu>r little l)rother. And there
were other watchers. The mother's earnest [irayers had com-
mitted her child to the can; of God; and angels, unseen, hovered
above his lowly resting-place. Angels directed Pharaoh's daughter
thither. Her curiosity was excited by the little l)asket, and as she
looked upon the beautiful child within, she read the story at a
glance. The tears of the bal'C awakened her compassion, and her
sympathies went out to the unknown mother who had resorted to
this means to ]>rescrve the life of her pr<'cit>us little one. She
determined that he should be saved; she would adopt him
as her own.

Miriam had been secretly noting every movement ; j)erceiving
that the child was tenderly regarded, she ventured nearer, and
at last said, " Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew
women, that she may nurse the child for thee?" And permission

was given.

The sister hastened to her mother with the happy news, and
without delay returned with her to tlu^ jiresence of Pharaoh's
daughter. " Take this child away, and luirse it for me, and I will
give thee thy wages," said the ])rincess.

God had heard the mother's i)rayers ; her i'aith had been re-
warded. It was with deep gratitude that she entered upon her
now safe and hapi)y task. She faithfully improved her o.ppor-
tunity to educate her child for (Jod. She i'elt confident that
he had been preserved for some great work, and she knew that he
must soon be given U}) to his royal mother, to be surrounded with
influences that would tend to lead him away from God. All this
rendered her more diligent and careful in his instruction than in
that of her other children. She endeavored to imbue his mind
with the fear of God and the love of truth and justice, and ear-

1 Htb. U : 33. jg

244

PATItlAliCIIS ANIJ PJtOPHETS.

nestly prayed that ho iiii<j;lit 1)0 in'csorved from every oorruptin<T
influence. She sliowed him the iolly and sin of idohitry, and
early tau<!;ht him to how down and pray to the living God, who
alone could hear him and helj) him in every emergency.

She kept the hoy as long an she could, Init was ohliged to give
him U[) when he was about twelve years old. From his humble
cabin home he was taken to tl»e royal palace, to the daughter of
Pharaoh, "and he l)ecame her son." Yet even here he did not
lose the impressions received in childhood. The lessons learned
at his mother's side could not be forgotten. They were a shield
from the pride, the infidelity, and the vice that flourished amid
the splendor of the court.

How far-reaching in its results was the influence of that one
Hebrew woman, and she an exile and a slave ! The whole future
life of Moses, the great mission which he fulfilled as tlie leader of
Israel, testifies to the importance of the work of the Christian
mother. There is no other work that can equal this. To a very
great extent, the mother holds in her own hands the destiny of her
children. She is dealing with developing minds and characters,
working not alone for time, but for eternity. She is sowing seed
that will spring up and bear fruit, either for good or for evil. She
has not to paint a form of beauty upon canvas or to chisel it from
marble, but to impress upon a human soul the image of the
divine. Especially during their early years the responsibility
rests upon her of forming the character of her children. The im-
pressions now made upon their developing minds will remain with
them all through life. Parents should direct the instruction and
training of their children while very youag, to the end that they
may be Christians. They are placed in our care to be trained,
not as heirs to tlu> throne of an earthly empire, but as kings
unto God, to reign through unending ages.

Let every mother feel tliat her moments are })riceless; her
work will be tested in the solemn day of accounts. Then it will
be found that many of the failures and crimes of men and Avonien
have resulted from the ignorance and neglect of those whose duty
it was to guide their childish feet in the right way. Then it will
be found that many who have blessed the world with the light of
genius and truth and holiness, owe the principles that were the
mains) )ring of their influence and success to a praying, Christian
mother.

MOSES.

245

At tlie court of Pharaoh, Moses received the highest civil and
military training. The monarch had determined to make his
adopted grandson his successor t)n the throne, and the youth was
educated for this high station. " And Moses was learned in all
the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in
deeds.'" His ability as a nnlitary leader made him a favorite
with the armies of Egyi)t, and he was generally regarded as a re-
markable character. Satan had been defeated in his puri)ose.
The very decree condemning the Hebrew children to death had
been overruled Ijy God for the training and education of the i'uture
leader of his people.

The elders of Israel were taught by angels that the time for
their deliverance was near, and that Moses Avas the man Avhom
God would employ to accomplish this work. Angels instructed
Moses also that Jehovah had (chosen him to break the bondage of
his people. He, supposing that they were to obtain their freedom
by force of arms, expected to lead the Hebrew host against the
armies of Egypt, and having this in view, he guarded his affec-
tions, lest in his attachment to his foster mother or to Pharaoh
he would not be free to do the will of (iod.

By the laws of Egypt, all who occupied the throne of the
Pharaohs must become members of the priestly caste; and Moses,
as the heir apparent, was to be initiated into the mysteries of the
national religion. This duty was committed to the priests. But
while he was an ardent and untiring student, he could not be
induced to participate in the worship of the gods. He was
threatened with the loss of the crown, and warned that he would
be disowned by the princess should he persist in his adherence
to the Hebrew faith. But he was unshaken in his determination
to render homage to none save the one God, the Maker of heaven
and earth. He reasoned with priests and Avorshipers, showing
the folly of their superstitious veneration of senseless objects.
None could refute his arguments or change his jjurpose, yet for
the time his firmness was tolerated, on account of his high i)osi-
tion, and the favor with which he was regarded both by the king
and the people.

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be
called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer
affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of
sin for a season ; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater ri(,'hes

1 Acts 7 : 23.

1 I

24(5

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

than the treasures in Egyjjt: for he had respect unto the recom-
pense of the reward." ' Moses was fitted to take pre-eminences
among the great of the earth, to shine in the courts of its most
glorious kingdom, and to sway the scepter of its power. His
intellectual greatness distinguishes him above the great men of
all ages. As historian, poet, philosoplier, general of armies, and
legislator, he stands without a peer. Yet with the world before
him, he had the moral • trength to refuse the Mattering prospects
of wealth and greatness and fame, " choosiix,^ rather to suffer
affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of
sin for a season."

Moses had been instructed in regard to the final reward to
be given to the humble and obedient servants of God, and wr Idly
gain sank to its proper insignificance in comparison. The mag-
nificent palace of Pharaoh and the monarch's throne were held
out as an inducement to Moses; but he knew that the sinful
I)leasares tliat make men forget God were in its lordly courts.
He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond a monarch's
crown, to the high honors that will be bestowed on the saints
of the Most High in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by
faith an imperishable crown that the King of heaven would place
on the brow of the overcomer. This faith led him to turn away
from the lordly ones of earth, and join the humble, poor, de-
spised nation that had chosen to obey God rather than to
serve sin.

Moses remained at court until he was forty years of age. His
thoughts often turned upon the abject condition of his people, and
he visited his brethren in their servitude, and encouraged them
with the assurance that God would work for their deliverance.
Often, stung to resentment by the sight of injustice and oppression,
he burned to avenge their wrongs. One day while thus abroad,
seeing an Egyptian smiting an Israelite, he sprung forward, and
slew the Egyptian. Except the Israelite, there had been no wit-
ness to the deed, and ]Moses immediately buried the body in the
sand. He had now shown himself ready to maintain the cause of
his people, and he hoped to see them rise to recover their liberty.
" He supposed his brethren would have understood how that God
by his hand Avould deliver them; but they understood not."'^
They were not yet jirepared for freedom. On the following day,
> Heb. 11 : 24-26. « Acts 7 : 25.

MOSES.

24;

Moses saw two Hebrews striving together, one of them evidently
At fault. Moses reproved the offender, who at once retaliated
upon the reprover, denying his right to interfere, and basely ac-
cusing him of crime : " Who made thee a prince and a judge over
us?" he said. " Intend est thou to kill me, as thou killedst the
Egyptian?'"

The whole matter was quickly made known to the Egyptians,
and, greatly exaggerated, soon reached the ears of Pharaoh. It
was represented to the king that this act meant much ; that Moses
designed to lead his ^/cople against the Egy[)tians, to overthrow
the government, and to seat himself upon the throne; and that
there could be no security for the kingdom while lie lived. It was
at once determined by the monarch that he should die ; but be-
<'oming aware of his danger, he made his escape, and fled toward
Arabia.

The Lord directed his course, and he found a home with
Jothro, the priest and prince of Midian, who was also a worshiper
of God. After a time, Moses married one of tlie daughters of
Jethro ; and here, in the service of his father-in-law, as keeper of
his flocks, he remained fortv vears.

In slaying the Egyptian, Moses had fjiUen into the same error
,so often committed by his fathers, of taking into their own hands
the work that (iod had promised to do. It was not God's will to
deliver his i)eo})le by warfare, as INIoses thought, but by his own
miglity power, that the glory might be ascribed to him alone. Yet
even this rash act was overruled by God to accomplish his jmr-
poses. Moses was not i)reparcd for his great work. He had
yet to learn the same lesson of faith that Abraham and Jacob had
been taught, — not to rely upon human strength or svisdom, but
upon the power of God for the fulfillment of his promises. And
there were other lessons that, amid the solitude of the mountains,
Moses was to receive. In the school of self-denial and hardship
he was to learn patience, to temper his passions. ]Jefore he could
govern wisely, lie must ])e trained to obey. His own heart must
be fully in harmony with God before he could teach the knowl-
edge of his will to Israel. By his own ex])erience he must be pre-
pared to exercise a. fatherly care o\'cr all Avho needed his help.

Man would have dispensed with that long period of toil and
•o})scurity, deeming it a great loss of time. But Infinite Wisdom

1 Ex. 2 : 14.

24 S

I'ATIilAltCIlS AXD I'ltorUKTS.

called Ijini who was to bocoiiio the leader of his ])eople, to spend
forty years in tli<! hiunhle work of a shepherd. The habits of care-
taking, of self- forget fulness and tender solicitudi; for his flock, thus
developed, Avould prepare him to Iteconie the compassionate, long-
suffering she|)herd of Israel, No advantage that human training
or cultun; could bestow, c(juld be a substitute lor thin rixperience.

Moses had been learning much that he must unlearn. The
influences that had surrounded him in Egypt, — the love of his
foster motliur, his own high ])osition as the king's grandson, the
dissipation od every hand, the refinement, the subtlety, and the
mysticism of • false religion, the sjdendor of idolatrous worship,
the solenni grandeur of architecture and sculpture, — all had left
decj) impressions upon his developing mind, and liad moulded, to
some extent, his habits and character. Tinu;, change of surrounil-
ings, and comnmnion with God, could remove these impressions.
It would require on the part of Moses himself a struggle as for life
to renounce error and accept truth ; but (Jod would be his helper
when the conflict should ))e too seven; for human strength.

In all who have been chosen to accomplish a work for (Jod the
human element is seen. Yet they have not been men of stereo-
typed habits and character, who were satisfied to remain in that
condition. They earnestly desired to obtain wisdom from God,
and to learn to work for him. Says the apostle, " If any of you
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall ))e given him." ' But God will
not impart to men divim; light, while they are content to remain
in darkness. In order to receive God's help, man nmst realize his
weakness and deficiency ; he must apply his own mind to the
great change to be wrought in himself; he must be aroused to
earnest and persevering prayer and eflbrt. \\'rong habits and
customs must l)e shaken oft"; and it is only by determined en-
deavor to correct these errors, and to conform to riglit principles,
that the victory can be gained. ]\hiny never attain to the position
that they might occupy, because they wait for (Jod to do for them
that which he has given them power to do for themselves. All
who are fitted for usefulness nmst be trained by the severest n)en-
tal and moral discipline ; and God will assist them by uniting
divine power with human effort.

Shut in by the bulwarks of the mountains, Moses was alone

' James 1 ; .5.

MOSfJS.

2r>i

with God, The niajinificoiit toniplt's of Ejrypt no lonjrcr impressed
his uimd witii their superstition and lUlsehood. Jn the soh'nni
^Tundeur of the everlastinj^ liills he hehehl the majesty of tlie Most
Hijili, and in contrast reahzed liow ])o\verU'ss and insijinificant
were the jiods of E^'Vpt. Everywhi-re the Creator's name was
written. Moses seemed to stand in his presence, and to he over-
sha(U)wed hy Jiis ])ower. Here his ])ride and self-sufHcieney were
swejit away. Jn the stern sim])li('ity of his wilderness life, the re-
sults of ti»e ease and lu.xury of Euypt disai)])eared. Moses heeamo
])atient, reverent, and hund)le, '* very meek, ahove all the men
Avhich were ui)on the face of the earth,'" yet .strong in liiith in the
mighty (rod of Jaeoh.

As the years rolled on, and he wandered with his Hocks in
.solitary places, pondering ujuju the oppressed conditio . of his
l»eople, he recounted the dealings of (Jod with his fathers, and
the promises that were the heritage of the chosen nati«)n, and
his prayers for Israel as(,'ended hy day and l)y night. Heavenly
angels shed their light around him. Here, under the ins})iration
of the Holy Spirit, he wrote the hook of (lenesis. The long years
spent amid the desert solitudes were rich in hlessing, not alone to
Moses and his i)eople, hut to the world in all succeeding ages.

" And it came to jiaas in process of time, that the king of Egypt
died; and the children of Israel sighed hy reason of the hondage,
and they cried, and their cry came up unto (Jod 1»y reason of the
Itondage. And (Jod heard their groaning, and (Jod rememhered
his covenant Avith Al)raham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And
(iod looked U])on the children of Israel, and (Jod had respect
unto them."" The time for Israel's deliverance had come. But
(Jod's j)ur|)ose was to l)e accomplished in a manner to pour
('ontem])t on human pride. The deliverer was to go forth as a
humble shepherd, Avith only a rod in his hand; but (Jod would
make that rod the symbol of his ])()wer. Leading his flocks one
day near Horeb, "the mountain of (iod," Mo.ses saw a bush in
flames, 1.)ranches, foliage, and trunk, all burning, yet seeming not
to be consumed. He drew near to view tlu; wonderful sight, when
a voice from out of the flame called him by name. With trembling
lil)S lie answered, '' Her(> am I." He was warned not to ai)proach
irreverently: " Put off thy shoes from oH' thy feet; for the ])lace
whereon thou standest is holy ground. ... 1 am the (Jod of thy
•Num. l;^ : :i. '-Ex. 9. : ;38-2.-).

2r)2

PATlilAliCJ/S AX J) PHOPIIKTH.

father, tin; (lod of Ahruliain, the (lod of Isaac, and tliu God of
.lai'ol).'" It was llo wlio, as the Angd of tlio covenant, liad
revealed himself to the fathers in a<?es past. '' And Moses hid
his face; for ho was afraid to look upon Clod."

Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of
all who come into the i)resence of (iod. In the name of Jesus we
may come hefore him with confidence, hut we must not approach
him with the l)(»ldness of presumption, as though he were on a
level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and
all-[)ow(!rful and holy (Jod, who dwelleth in light unupproachahle,
as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are
those who conduct themselves in his liouse as they would not pre-
sume to do in the audience-chamher of an earthly ruler. These
should rememher that they arc in Ilis sight whom seraphim
adore, hefore whom angels vail their faces. God is greatly to l)e
reverenced; all who truly realize his presence will how in humil-
ity hefore him, and, like Jacoh heholding the vision of God, they
will cry out, " How dreadful is this place ! This is none other
hut the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

As Moses waited in reverent awe hefore God, the words con-
tinued : " I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are
in Egy]it, and have heard their cry hy reason of their taskmasters ;
for I know their sorrows ; and I am come down to deliver them
out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to hring them up out oi*
that land unto a good land and a '.irge, unto a land flowing with
milk and hone}'. . . . Come now, therefore, and I will send thee
unto Pharaoh, that thou may est hring forth my people, the chil-
dren of Israel, out of Egypt."

Amazed and terrified at the connnand, Moses drew hack, say-
ing, " Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should
hring forth the children of Israel out of Egyi)t? " The reply was,
" Certainly I will he with thee ; and this shall he a token unto
thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the
people out of p]gypt, ye shall serve God ^\\^ox\ this mountain."

Moses thought of the difficulties to be encountered, of the
blindness, ignorance, and unbelief of his people, many of whom
were almost destitute of a knowledge of God. " Behold," he said,
"when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto
them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto 5''ou, and they

> Sec Ex. 3; 4 : 1-26.

.VO.S'AV^.

oftS

Hhall say to iiic, What is his iiainu? what sluill 1 say unto thciii?"
Tho answer was, —

" I AM THAT I AM." '-Thus siialt thou say unto tho .-hil-
<lren of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."

Moses was eonuiianded first to assenilih; tlie i-hh-rs of Israel,
the most noble and ri<j;hteous anion<f them, who had ion;j; ;j;rieved
hecauso of their hondaj^e, and to declare to them a messa^'e from
God, with a promise of deliverance. Then he was to uo with the
elders before tho kinjx, and say to him, —

"The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us; and now let
US go, wc beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that
we may sacrifice to the Lord our (Jod."

Moses was forewarned that Pharaoh would resist the appeal to
let Israel go. Yet the courage of (Jod's servant must not fail; for
the Lord would make this the occasion to manifest his power l)e-
fore the Egyptians and before his peoi)le. " And I will stretch out
my hand, and smite Egyi)t with all my wonders which I will do
in tho midst thereof; and after that he will let you go."

Direction was also given concerning the i)rovision they were to
make for tho journey. Tho Lord declared, '" It shall come to pass,
that, when ye go, yo shall not go empty; but every woman shall'
borrow of her neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house,
jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment." Tho Egyptians
had been enriched by the labor unjustly exacted from tho Israel-
ites, and as the latter were to start on the journey to their now
home, it was right for them to claim the reward of their years of
toil. They were to ask for articles of value, such as could be easily
transported, and God would give them favor in the sight of the
Egyptians. The mighty miracles wrought for their deliverance
would strike terror to the oppressors, so that the requests of the
bondmen would be granted.

Moses saw before him difficulties that seemed insurmountal)lc.
What proof could ho give his peoi)lo that God had indeed sent
him? " Behold," he said, "they will not believe me, nor hearken
unto my voice; for they will say, Tho Lord hath not appeared
unto thee." Evidence that appealed to his own senses was now
given. He was told to cast his rod upon the gnjund. As ho did
so, " it became a serpent ; * and Moses fled from before it." Hc^
was commanded to seize it, and in his hand it became a rod. He

' See Appendix, Noto 3.

354

PATiUAnrns Axn rnorrfKrs.

was Itiddcii to put his liaiid into liin lio.soin. Mr oIx^vimI, iiiid
" wlu-n lit- took it out, hcliold, liis liaiid was li'i)r()UM as snow."
Bcin^ told to put it aj^ain into liis hoHoni, lio found on withdraw-
ing; it, tliat it had hcconit! like the other. Hy tlicse si^ns th(^ Lord
assured Moses that Ids own peoph', as well as I'haraoh, should hv
<'onvin('ed that One nii^ditier than the kinj,' of Kjrypt was nmnifest
anion*!; them.

Hut tlu^ servant of (lod was still overwiielmed hy tlio thouglit
of the strange and wonderful work hefore liim. h\ Ids distress
antl fear lie now pleaded as an cxeust; a lack t)f ready speech:
"<) my Lord, J am not ekxiuent, neither heretofore, nor since
thou hast spoken unto thy servant ; hut I ain slow of Hi)eeeh, and
of a slow tongue." ila had heen so long away from the Kgyj)-
tians that he had not so clear knowliMlge and ready use of their
language as when he was among them.

The Tiord said unto him, "Who hath made man's mouth?
or who maketh the dumh, or deaf, or the seeing, or the hlind?
Have not I the Ijord?" To this was added another assurance
of divine aid : '' Now therefore go, and I will he with thy mouth,
and teach thee what thou shalt say.'' But Moses still entniated
that a more comi)etcnt j)erson he selected. These excuses at first
jiroceeded from humility and diffidence; hut after the Lord had
promised to remove all difficulties, and to give him final success,
then any further shrinking hack and complaining of his unfitness
.showed distrust of (Jod. It implied a fear that God was unahle
to (jualify him for the great work to Avhich hv had called him, or
that he had made a mistake in the selection of the man.

Moses was now directted to Aaron, his elder hrother, who, hav-
ing heen in daily use of the language of the Egyptians, was
ahle to speak it j)crfectly. He was told that Aaron was coming
to meet him. The next words from the Lord were an un(|ualified
command : —

" Thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth ;
and I will he with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will
teach you what ye shall do. And he shall he thy spokesman
unto the people ; and ho shall he, even he shall V:)c to thee instead
of a mouth, and thou shalt he to him instead of God. And thou
shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs,"
He could inak(! no further resistance; for all ground for excuse
was removed.

MOSKS.

'-*.•">

The (livint! coimiumd jiivcii to Mohcs found liiiu sclf-diHtruxt-
liil, hIow of H{K'(!(li, and timid. lit; wiis ovcrwlicliiu'd with a
son.so of Ids inca|)U(ity to he a nioutli-|»irc(! for (iod to Israel.
Hut having,' oiico accepted the work, lie entered U|»on it with his
w'jolo lieurt, puttinj^' all his trust in the Lord. The ^^reatncss of

hii4 nd.ssion called int*

)f his mind, (iod

nis im.ssKtn called mto e.xercise llie hesi iMtwers oi ins mnid. iiod
hh'.sse(l his ready ohedieiiee, and he hecame elo(|Uent, hopi'ful,
self-possessed, and well fitted for the ^a'catest work ever ^dven to
man. This is an examples of what (Jod does to strenjithen the
(duiracter of those who trust him fully, an<l jiive themselves inn-e-
H{'rv(!dly to Ins conmiands.

A man will ^'ain power and enicieney as ho accepts tlu^ re-
sponsihilities that (Jod places upon him, and with his whole soul
seeks t(t ([Ualify himself to hear tlu^in ari;i;ht. However humhle
his position or limited his ahility, that man will attain trui! {great-
ness who, trustinj,' to divine stren^dh, seeks to perform his work
with fidelity. Had Moses relied U|ton his own stren^-tli and
wisdom, and eagerly accepted the ^reat char;:e, he would have
evinced his entire unfitness for such a work. The fact that a
man feels his weakness, is at least some evidence that he realizes
the nia;^nitud(! of the work appointed him, and that he will make
God Ins counselor and his strenji;tli.

Moses returned to his father-in-law, and exjjressed his desire
to visit his brethren in Kj/ypt. Jethro's consent was :i;iven, with
his hlessinji, "Go in peace." With his wile and children, Moses
set forth on the journey. He had not dared to nuike known the
object of his mission, lest they shc^uld not be allowed to accom-
pany him. Before reaching Egyj)t, however, he himself thought
it best, for their own safety, to send them back to the home in
Midian.

A secret dread of Pharaoh and the Egyi>tians wdiosc anger had
been kindled against him forty years before, had nmdered Moses
still more reluctant to return to Egy}>t; but after he had sot out
to obey the divine command, the Lord revealed to him that his
enemies Avere dead.

On the way from Midian, Moses received a startling and terri-
ble warning of the Lord's displeasure. An angel apjioared to him
in a threatening manner, as if he would immediately destroy him.
No explanation was given ; but Moses remembered that ho had
disregarded one of God's recjuirements ; yielding to the persuasion

250

PATJiTARCITS AND PROPHETS.

of his wile, lio liiul nejilected to perform the rite of circumcisioA
upon th(!ir youuj^'est son. Ho had failed to comply with the con-
dition by which his child could be entitled to the blessings of
{{od's covenant with Israel; and such a neglect on the part of
their chosen leader could not but lessen the force of the divine
precepts u])on the i»e(jplc. Zipi)orah, fearing that her husband
would be slain, i)crformed the rite herself, and the angel then
permitted ]\Ioscs to jmrsue his journey. In his mission to Pha-
raoh, ^Moses was to be placed in a ])osition of great peril ; his life
could be i)reserved only through the protection of holy angels.
But while living in neglect of a known duty, he would not be
secure ; for he could not be shielded by the angels of God.

In the time of trouble just l)eforo the coming of Christ, the
righteous will be preserved through the ministration of heavenly
angels; but there will be no security for the transgressor of God's
law. Angels cannot then protect those who are disregardhig one
of the divine precepts.

lOA

on-
1 of
of
ine
md
len
ha-
lifp
els.
be

;he

d'«
tne

CHAPTER XXIII.

Till': i'LA(;l;i:s oi' kovpi'.

lI '^

•Aarox, Itcinjr iu.structed hy aiiucls. wt'iit forth to meet liirf
lirother, iVoiu whom he had been so lon^' si'parated ; and they met
amid the desert solitudes, near lioreli. Kcre they communed to-
iiether, and Moses tohl Aaron ''all tlu' woi'ds of the Lord who liad
sent him, and all the siirns whicli he had connnanded him."' To-
•rether they journeyed to Eiiypt; and h;i vim: reached the land of
Goshen, they proceeded to assemltle the elders of Israel. Aaron
repeated to them all the dealings of Clod with Moses, and then tlu'
si<i;ns which God had <riven Moses Avere shown before the ))eoplo.
*' The peo[)le believed; and when they heard th;it the Lord had
visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked U])on their
affliction, then they bowed their heads and worslii[)ed.'"

Closes had been eharued also with a messajre for the kinji. The
two brothers entered the jialace of the Pharaohs as ambassae\ors
from the King of kings, and they spoke in his name: " Thus saith
Jehovah, God of Israel, Let my })eoi)le go. that they may hold a
feast unto me in the wilderness."

"Who is .Tehovah, that I should obey his voice to let Israel
go?" demanded the monarch; "I know not Jehovah, neither will
I let Israel go."

Their answer was, " The God of the Hcl)rews hath met with
us; let us go, we i)ray thee, three days' journey into the desert,
and sacrifice unto the Lord (mr God, lest he fall upon us with
])estilence, or with the sword."

Tidings of them and of the interest they were exciting among
the ])eople had already reached the king, ilis anger was kindled.
■■• Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let [hinder] the peo])le from
their works? " ho said, "Get yf)U unto your burdens." Already
the kingdom had suffered loss l)y the interference of the.se stran-
gers. At thought of this he added, '' Behold, the people of the

'Ex. 4 : 2r-;U ; chapters .5-10.

17 ['-^'^•M

2(>0

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

land now arc nwuiy, und ye mako thorn rest from tlieir l)urdt'ns."*

In their bondage the Lsraelites had to some extent lost the
knowledge of God's law, and they had dejjarted from its precepts.
The Sabbath had been generally disregarded, and the exactions of
their taskmasters made its observance apparently im})ossible. But
Moses had shown his i)eople that obedience to God was the first
condition of deliverance ; and the eflbrts made to restore the observ-
ance of the Sal)l)ath had come to the notice of their o})pressors. '

The king, thoroughly roused, suspected the Israelites of a de-
sign to revolt from his service. Disaffection was the result of
idleness ; he would see that no time was left them for dangerous
scheming. And he at once adopted measures to tighten their
bonds and crush out ti-<'ir independent spirit. The same <lay,
orders were issued that rendered their labor still more cruel and
oppresoive. The most common building material of that country
was sun-dried l)rick ; the walls of the finest edifices were made of
this, and then faced Avith stone; and the manufacture of brick
employed great numbers of the bondmen. Cut straw being inter-
mixed w'ith the clay, to hold it together, large quantities of straw
were required for the work ; the king now directed that no more
straw be furnished ; the laborers must find it for themselves, Avhile
the same amount of brick should be exacted.

This order produced great distress among the Israelites through-
out the land. The Egyptian taskmasters had appointed Hebrew
officers to oversee the work of the people, and these officers ivere
responsible for the labor performed by those under their charge.
When the requirement of the king was i)ut in force, the people
scattered tl: 3mselves throughout the land, to gather stubble in-
stead of straw; but they found it impossible to accomplish the
usual amount of labor. For this failure the Hebrew officers were
cruelly lieaten.

These officers supposed that their oppression came from their
taskmasters, and not from the king himself; and they went to him
with their grevances. Their remonstrance was met by Pharaoh
with a taunt : *' Ye are idle, ye are idle ; therefore ye say. Let us go
and do sacrifice to the Lord." They were ordered back to their
work, with the declaration that their burdens were in no case to be
lightened. Returning, they met Moses and Aaron, and cried out
to them, " The Lord look upon you, and judge ; because ye have
made our savor to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the
eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us."

1 See Appendix, Note 4.

•

THE PLAGFES OF EGYPT.

)H\l

As Muses listened to these rejjroaehes, he was greatly dis-
tressed. Tlie suiferiiifis of the people liad hecn much increased.
All over the land a cry of desi»air went up from old and younjr,
and all united in eharjiinj; upon him the disastrous chiui<,'e in
their condition. In hitterness of soul he went l)efor(; (iod, with the
cry, " Lord, wht'reforo hast thou so evil entreated this people?
Why is it that thou hast sent me? For since; I came to Pharaoh
to s})cak in thy name, he hath done; evil to this people; lU'ither
hast thou delivered thy ))euple at all.'' The answer was, "Now
shalt thou sec what I will do to Pharaoh ; for with a stronj^;
hand shall he let them go, and ^\''t\\ a strong hand shall he
drive them out (><' his land." Again he was jjointed hack to
the covenant whi(!li (Jod had made with the fathers, and was
assured that it would he fulfilled.

During all the years of servitude in Egypt, there had heen
among the Israelites some who adhered to the worshii) of Jeho-
vah. These were sorely troul)le(l as they saw their children daily
witnestring the ahominations of the heathen, and even howing
<lown to their false gods. In their distress they cried unto the
Lord for deliverance from the Egyi)tian yoke, that they might he
freed from the corrupting influence of idolatry. They did not
(ronceal their faith, hut declared to the Egyptians that the ohject
of their worshi]> was the ^faker of heaven and earth, the only
true and living God. They rehearsed the evidences of his exist-
ence and power, from creation down to the days of Jacoh. The
Egyptians thus had an oi)})oi'tunity to become acquainted witii
the religion of the Hebrews; but disdaining to be instructed by
their slaves, they tried to seduce the worshipers of (lod by promises
of reward, and, this failing, by threats and cruelty.

The elders of Israel endeavored to sustain the sinking faith of
their brethren l)y repeating the promises made to their fathers,
and the prophetic words of Joseph before his death, foretelling
their deliverance from Egyjjt. Some would listen and believe.
Others, looking at the circumstances that surrounded them, re-
fused to hope. The Egyptians, being informed of what was
reported among their bondmen, derided their expectations, and
scornfully denied the power of their God. They pointed to their
situation as a nation of slaves, and tauntingly said, " If your God
is just .md merciful, and ])ossesses jiower above that of the
Egyptian gods, why does he not make you a free people?" They
called attention to their own condition. They worshi{)ed deities

2C>'J

PATRfAunrs Axj) ruopifErfl.

ill.
us

tcriiicd liy the Israelites i'alse ^irods yet they were a rich and
powerful nation. They deelared that their <;ods liad hlessed
tlieui with prosperity, and had <iiven them the Israeliti's as serv-
ants, and they ^doried in their i)ower to op[)ress and destroy the
worship(!rs of Jehovah. Pharaoh himself hoasted that the (Jod
of tiie IIel)rews could not deliver them from his hand.

Words like tliGse destroyed the hopes of many of the Israel-
ites. The case appeared to them very nmch as the K.fy[)tians
had rei)resented. It Avas trut; that tliey were slaves, and must
endure whatever their cruel taskmasters mi;i;ht choose to inflict.
Their children had heen hunted and slain, and their own liv
were a hurden. Yet they were worshipin<f the (rod of heave
If Jehovah were indeed ahove all ii;o<ls, surely he would not th
leave them in honda^jje to idolaters. But those who were true to
God understood that it was hecause of Israel's dei)arture from
him. — l)ecause of their disposition to marry with heathen nations,
thus l)einu; led into idolatry, — that the Lord had permitted
them to ])ecome l)ondmen; and they confidently assured their
hrethren that he would soon hreak the yoke of the o[)pressor.

The Ilehrews had expec^ted to ol)tain their freedom without
any special trial of their faith, or any real sulfering or hardship.
But they were not yet })repared for deliverance. They had little
faith in (iod, and were unwilling- patiently to endure their afflic-
tions until he should see fit to Avork for them. Many were con-
tent to remain in l)onda<re, rather than meet the difficulties attend-
ing removal to a straiige land; and the hahits of some had hccome
so nmch like those of the Ejj;y[)tians tiiat they preferred to dwell
in E,uy])t. Therefore the Lord did not deliver them hy the first
manifestation of his power l)efore Pharaoh. lie overruled events
more fully to develoj* the tyrannical s))irit of the EjxA'ptian king,
and also to reveal himself to his ])eople. Beholding his justi(!e,
his jxiwer, and his love, they would choose to leave Egyj)t and
give themselves to his service. The task of Moses would have
heen much less difficult, had not many of the Israelites heeome so
corrupted that they Avere unwilling to leave Egypt.

The Lord directed Moses to go again to tlie i)eoplc, and repeat
the promise of deliverance, Avith a fresh assurance of divine favor.
He Avent as he Avas commanded; Imt they Avould not listen.
Says the Scripture, " They heiirkened not . . . for anguish of spirit,
and for cruel hondage." Again the divine message came to

77//V ri.Adl'ES OF KHVl'T.

^1^?,

Moses, '• (u) in, speak imto. Pliaraoh Vwvx of Iviry])t, tliat lie let
i\\v childri'ii of Israel j^o out of his land." In (liscourauenitnt he
replied, " liehold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto
me; how then shall Pharaoh hi'ar nie?" He was told to taki^
Aaron with him, and jio heforo Pharaoh, and auain demand
"that lie send the children of Israel out of his land."

He was informed that the monarcii would not yi'ld until (5od
should visit jud^'uients U[)ou Ejrypt, and hrin.: out Israel hy the
sij-nal manifestation of his power. Before the inHiction of eiieh
pla<j;ue, Moses was to (h'scrihe its nature and ell'ects, that the kint;
mi<.':ht save himself from it if he chose. Kvery punisiiment re-
jected Avould he followed hy one more severe, until his proud
lieart -would he humhled, and he would acknowledue the Maker
of heaven and earth as the true and livinji fJod. The Lord would
<;ive the Ej;yi)tians an oi)portunity to see how vain was tin; wis-
dom of their mighty men, how fechle the i)Ower of their gods,
when o})posed to the connnands of Jehovah. He would j)Unish
the people of Egypt lor their idolatry, and silence their hoasting
of the blessings received from their senseless deities. (!od would
glorify his own name, that other nations might hear of Ids power
and tremble at his mighty acts, and that his peojyle might ))e led
to turn from their ichOatry and render him i)ure worship.

Again Moses and Aaron entered the lordly halls of the king
of Egypt. There, surrounded by lofty colunms and glittering
adornments, by the rich ])aintings and sculj>tured images of
heathen gods, before the monarch of the most ])Owerful kin<idom
then in existence, stood the two representatives of the enslaved
race, to repeat the command from (Jod for Israelis release. The
king demanded a miracle, in evidence of their divine connnission.
Moses and Aaron had been directed how to act in case such
a demand should be made, and Aaron now took the rod, and
cast it dowii befoni Pharaoh. It became a serpent. The mon-
arch sent for his "wise men and the sorcerers," who '"cast
down every man his rod, and they became seri)ents; l»ut Aaron"s
rod swallowed U[) their rods." Tlien the king, more determined
than before, declared Ids magicians equal in power with ]\loses
and Aaron, he denounced the servants of the Lord as impostors,
and felt himself secure in resisting their demands. Yet while
he (les]»ised their message, he was restrained by divine jtower
from doinu; them harm.

2(54

PA Tit I A R r/IS A ND PR OPIIE TS.

It was tlif liiind of (iod, and no, human influence or power
possessed by A[(wes and Aaron, that wrou}i;ht the miracles which
tliey showed before I'haraoli. Those sijjns and wonders were
desipU'd to convince Pliaraoh that the ^reat "T AM" liad sent
Mioses, and tl)at it was the duty of the kinji; to h-t Israel jio, that
they mijrht serve the living- (Jod. The ma}j;icians also showed
sif^ns and wonders; for they wrou>rht not by their own skill alone,
hut ])y the oower <>j" their god, Satan, who assisted them in coun-
terfeiting til' n'ork <)f Jeliovali.

Th(i ma^ ;.'S ''1 not really cause their rods to boeomc ser-
pents ; but b\ I'lgic, Jif'led by the great deceiver, they were able
to produce this a})i)cai\iace. It was beyond the ]>ower of Satan
to change the rods to living seri)ents. The prince of evil, though
possessing all the wisdom and might of an angel fallen, has not
power to create, or to give life; this is the prerogative of God
alone. But all that was in Satan's i)ower to do, he did; he i)ro-
duced a counterfeit. To human sight the rods were changed to
serpents. Such thev were believed to l)e by Pharaoh and his
court. There was nothing in their api)earance to <listinguish
them from the serjient ])roduced by Moses. Though the Lord
caused the real serj)ent t() swallow up the spurious ones, yet even
this was regarded by Pharaoh, not as a work of (Jod's i)Ower, but
as the result of a kind of magic sujH'rior to that of his servants.

I*haraoh desired to justify his stul)bornncss in resisting the
divine command, and hence he was seeking some pretext for
disregarding the miracles that ({od had wrought through Moses.
Satan gave him just what he v.juited. By the Avork that he
wrought through the magicians, he made it appear to the Egy])-
tians that ISIoses and Aaron were only magicians and sorcerers,
and that the message they brought could not claim respect as
coming from a su})erior being. Tlius Satan's counterfeit accom-
plished its pur})ose, of emljoklening the Egyptians in their rebell-
ion, and causing Pharaoh to harden his heart against conviction.
Satan hoped also to shake the faith of Moses and Aaron in the
divine origin of their mission, that his instruments might jtrevail.
He was unwilling that the children of Israel should be released
from bondage, to servo the living God.

But the prince of evil had a still deeper object in manifesting
his wonders through the magicians. He well knew that Moses, in
breaking the yoke of bondage from ofl' the children of Israel, ])re-
tigured Christ, who was to l)reak the reign of sin over the human

77/ A" I'f.AGi'ES OF KdVI'T.

2fir»

fninlly. H«; knew that when Christ (Should ii|»)>oar, niij,'hty miriicloH
would 1)0 wrou^'ht iiH ill. I'vidcnct! to tluMVurld that (lod had ^'cnt
luiii. Satan tr('iHl)l(Ml for hi.s jxtwcr. Hy coiintcrtcitin^ the \ ,)rk
of (lod throu<;h !^^os('s, he hojK'd not only to pn'vent the d-.'vcr-
iincc of Israel, hut io exert an influence throujih future ajicti to
destroy faith in the miracles of Christ. Satan i.s constantly seekinj;
to counterfeit the work of Christ, and to estahlisli liin own |»ower
iind claims. lie loads men to account for the miracles of Christ
by makintf them appear to l»e the result of human skill and ]»ower.
In many minds ho thus d<'stroys faitli in Christ as the Son of (Jod,
and loads them to reject the ^'racums otl'ors of mercy through the
j)lan of redemption.

Mo.seH and Aaron wore directed *,o isit tho rivor-sido next
morning, where the king Avas acc" iton od to ri'j)air. The over-
flowing of the Nile hoing the .sorreo of food and wealth for all
Egypt, the river was worshiped as a od, and the monarch came
thither daily to pay his devotion '. Hero the two brothers again
roi)oated the message to him, an then they stretched out the rod
and smote upon the water. The sacred stream ran blood, the fish
died, and the river became offensive to the smell. The water
in the houses, the supply iireserved in cisterns, was likewise
changed to blood. But " the magicians of T^^gyi)t did so witii
their enchantments," and " Pharaoli turned and went into liis
house, neither did ho set his lieait to this also." For seven days
the })lague continued, but without effect.

Again the rod w-as stretched out over the waters, and frogs
came up from the river, and spread over the land. Tlu'V over-
ran the houses, took possession of the bed-chambers, and even the
ovens and kneading-troughs. The frog was regarded as sacred by
the P]gyptians, and they would not destroy it; but tlu^ slimy ])ests
had now become intolerable. They swarmed even in tlie palace of
the Pharaohs, and the king was impatient to have them removed.
The magicians had appeared to produce frogs, but they could not
remove them. Upon seeing this, Pharaoh was somewhat humlded.
Ho sent for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Entreat the Lord, tliat
he may take away the frogs from me, and from my peo])le; and
I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the
Lord." After reminding the king of his former boasting, they
requested him to appoint a time when they should pray for the
removal of the plague. He set the next day, secretly hoping that
in the interval the frogs might disappear of tbemi^elves, and thus

200

I'ATIIIMK'IIS AM) I'UO/'I/h'rs.

Hiiv*' liiiu from tlic Idttcr luiiiiiliiition of suhiiiittin;.' tt> the (mkI nl"
Isriu'l. The |»Iiij:ii('. however, eoiitiiiiied till tlie time sp'vilie:!,
when throu^'hoiit nil K^'Vpt the Iron's dieil, hut their jtutrid h(»(liesJ,
which remained, polhiteil the atmospliere.

Th(^ T-ord e(»uld h:i\-e ciiiised them to n *urn to dust in a
moment; hut lie did not do this, h'st alter their removal, the
kinn and his ])eo|ile should pronounce; it the result of sorcery or
enchantment, liki; the work of the mauicians. T\]v frog's died,
and wen; then "fathered toirether in lieaps. Here the kin;; and
all K^fypt liad evidence Avhich their vain philosophy could not
gainsay, that this work was not accomplished hy ma^ic. l>ut
was a jud^^ment from the (Jod of heaven.

" ^^'hen I'haraoli saw that there was respite, ho liardened his
heart." At the conunand of Clod, Aaron stretched out his hand,
and the dust of the earth hecamo lice throu^diout all the land of
Egy]>t. Pharaoh calle<l upon the majiicians to do the same, hut
tlicy could not. The work of (Jod was thus shown to l»e su]»erior
to that of Satan. The ma^dcians them.selves ucknowled^a'd, •' This
'\H the finder of (Jod." Jiut the kin^ was still unmoved.

Apjx'al and Avarnin^' were inelTectual, and another judgment
Avas inflicted. The time of its occurrence was foretold, that it
might not Ite Siiid to have come hy chance. Flies filled the houses
and swarmed upon the ground, so that "the land was corru|)ted
hy reason of the .swann of flies." These flies were large and ven-
omous ; and their l»ite Avas extremely painful to man and 1>east.
As had l)een foretold, this visitation did not extend to the land of
Goshen.

Pharaoh now offered the Israelites jtermission to saerifici^ in
Egypt; hut they refused to acci'pt such conditions. "It is not
meet," said Moses; " lo, shall Ave sacrifice the ahomination of the
Egy])tians heforc^ their eyes, and Avill they not stone us?" The
animals Avhich the llehreAVS Avould l)e re([uired to sacriflce Avere
among those regarded as sacred hy the Egy[>tians; and such Avas
the reverence in Avhich these creatures Avere held, that to slay one,
even accidentally, Avas a crime i)unishal>le Avith death. It Avould
he im))ossihle for the ITehrcAVs to AV()rshi[) in Egypt Avithout giving
offense to their masters. Moses again ])roposed tt) go three days'
journey into the Avilderness. The monarch consenti'd, and hegged
the serA'ants of (Jod to entreat that the ]»lague might. he removed.
They i>romised to do this, hut Avarne<l him against dealing

Till': Pl.AdlKS OF HUYPT.

'jf'.r

dircitruUy M'itli tliciii. The plauiic wmh stay<'<l. I'ut llic kinir's
lu'iiit l)ii(l hccoiiK; liiinlciU'd l>y persistent rchcllioii. ami he still
rolust'd to yield.

A more terrilde stroke folloui'il, — murrain upon all the I'^jzyp-
tian cattle that were in the (it'ld. Moth the sacred animals and

the heasts of hunU

d Hh

>, norHcs anu

camels and asses — were destroyed. It had hoen distinctly statecl
that the Ilehrews were to he exempt; and Pharaoh, on sending
messen<.'(M's to the home of the Israelites, proved th(! ti'uth of this
declaration of Moses. "Of the cattle of the children of Israel died
not one.'" Still the kin<; was ohstinate.

Moses Avas next directed to take ashes of the furnace, and
" si)rinkle it toward the lieaven in the si<iht of IMiaraoh.'' This act
was deeply sijinificant. Four hundred years hefore, (Jod had
shown to Ahrahani the future oppression of his ))eo|)le, under the
fifj;ure of a smokinj; furnace and a hurnin^- lamp, lie; had declared
that he would visit judj^ments upon their oppressors, and would
hring forth the captives with ;j;reat suhstance. In K^yj)t, Israel
had lon^ lanj^uished in the furnace of affliction. This act of ^[ose8
was an assurance to them that Gt)d was mindful of his covenant,
and that the time for their deliverance had come.

As the ashes were si)rinkled toward heaven, the line ])avticles
spread over all the land of E^yj)t, and where\'cr they settled, ]tro-
duced hoils " hreakinji i'orth with hlains upon man and upon
hea.st." The priests and ma<>;icians had hitherto encouraged Pha-
raoh in his stuhhornness, hut now a judgment had come that
reached even them. Hmitten with a loathsome and painful dis-
ease, their vaunted power only making them contcm])til>le, they
were no longer aide to contend against the (iod of Israel. The
whole nation was made to see the lolly of trusting in the magicians,
when they were not ahle to ])rotect even their own i)ersoi\s.

Still the heart of Pharaoh grew harder. And noAV the Lord
sent a message to him, declaring, " I will at this time send all my
plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy
people; that thou mayi'st km)w that then; is none like me in all
the earth. . . . And in very deed for this cause have I raised
thee up, for to show in thee my power."' Not that God had given
him an existence for this ])urpose ; hut his providence had over-
ruled events to ])lace him upon the throne at the verj' time ap-
pointed for Israel's deliverance. Though this haughty tyrant had

"jCtH

PA Tin. I nc/ls . I .\7> I'IKH'IIH TS

liy his crimes turtritcd the nii'icy ot" (J(»<l, yet his Ut'c ha<l hccn
prcscncd that through his stuhhoriiiicss th(! lionl inijiht iiiMiiili'st
his vvoikUts ill th«j hind of Kjivpt. The disposing,' of ('Vcnts is of
iJod's provichiK'c. II(* cuiiM hiivci jihiccd upon the throiio a more
lueniful kin;;, who woiihl not have dared to witiistand tlie nii^dity
manifestations of divine jtower. Hut in that cast) tho Lord's
purposes would not have heen accomplis!ied. His peoph^ wero
permitte(l to ex|ieri(;nce the jj;rindinv; cruelty of th(( K^'yptians,
that they mi^dit not ho (h'ceived concernin;; th(! (h!l)asin^ in-
ilucnce of idohitry. In his (h'alinj; witli Pharaoh, tlio liord
manifest'.'d his hatred of idohitry, and Ids (h'tennination to pun-
ish cruelty and oppression.

( Jod had d(!clared conc«'rninir Pharaoh, '' T will liarden hia
licart, that lu; shall not let the ])oopl(! jio." ' Theri! was no (fxercise
of supernatural power to harden the heart of the kinj,'. (iod j^avo
to Pharaoh the most striking; evidences of divine power; hut the
monarch stuhhornly refused to heed the light. Every display of
intinite |)ower, rejected l»y him, rendered liini the more deter-
mitujd in his ri'hellion. The seeds of rehellion that he sowed
when \\v rejt'cted the lirst miracle, ]»roduced their harvest. As
he contiiuu'd to venture on in his own course, goinj; from one
<legree of stuhhornness to another, his heart hecame more anil
more hardened, until he was called to look ui)on the cold, dead
faces of the first-horn.

God speaks to men through his servants, giving cautions and
Avarnings, and rehuking sin. He gives to each an opportunity to
correct his errors hefore they hecome fixed in the character ; hut
if one refuses to he corrected, divine jiower does not interpose to
counteractt the tendency of his own action. He finds it more
easy to repeat the same course. He is hardening the heart
against the intiuence of the Holy Spirit. A further rejection of
light places him where a far stronger influence will he ineffectual
to make an ahiding impression.

He who has once yielded to temptation will yield more readily
the second time. Every repetition of the sin lessens his power of
resistance, hlinds his eyes, and stifles conviction. Every seed of
indulgence sown will hear frait. God works no miracle to pre-
vent the harvest. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap." ^ He who manifests an infidel hardihood, a stolid
indifference to divine truth, is V)ut reaping the harvest of that

lEx. 4 :3l.

2 Gal. fi : 7.

/■///•; rrAoi'Ks of kuypt.

'.'09

wliicli lie has liiriiscH" howh. Tt is thus that niultitu<h's ckiih' to
listen with stoical indillcrcuct' to the truths that oiico stirrcl their
very kouIs. They sowed ne^h'ct, and resistance to the truth,
und Hueh is the* harvest which tliey reap.

Thos(! who are (|uietin<^ a •ruilty eonseience with the thouirlit
that thev can chanjri! a courst; of evil whi-n thev choose, tluit thev
can trilh'with i\n\ invitations of mercy, and yet hi- aj.'ain and a;rain
itni»ressed. take this c(turse at their peril. They think that after
castinj; all their inlluence on the side of the ^reat rel)el, in a mo-
ment of utmost extrenuty, when danjicr compasses them ahout,
they will chan}j;e leaders. Hut this i.s not so easily done. The
<'Xperience, the education, the disci|»line of a life of sinful
indulj^encc. has so thorouj^hly moulded the character that they
caimot then receiver the ima;,fe of Jesus. Had no lij,dit shone
upon their pathway, the cast; would have hcen dill'erent. Mercy
mifiht interi)ose, and \i\\i'. them an opportunity to accej)t her
overtures; hut after lii,dit has heun lonjr rejected autl despised,
it will he finally withdrawn.

A pla<:U(! of hail was next threatened upon Pharaoh, with the
wtirnin<:, "Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that
thou hast in the field ; for uj)on every man and heast which shall
he found in thefictld, and shall not he hrou^ht home, the hail shall
come down ui)on them, and they shall die." Rain or hail was
unusual in Egypt, and such a storm as was foretold had never
hcen witnessed. The report sjjread rapidly, and all who he-
lieved the word of the Lord gathered in their cattle, while those
who despised the warning left them in the field. Thus in the
midst of judgment the mercy of ( Jod was displayed, the j)eople
were tested, and it was shown hoAV many had l)een led to fear (rod
hy the manifestation of his power.

The storm came as predicted, — thunder and hail, and fire
mingled with it, " very grievous, such as there was none like it in
all the land of Egypt since it hecanu; a nation. And the hail
smote throughout all the land of Egy])t, all that was in the field,
hoth man and heast; and the hail smote every herh of the field,
and brake every tree of the field." Ruin and desolation marked
the path of the destroying angel. The land of Gosh j alone was
spared. It was demonstrated to the Egy]')tians tha- he earth is
r.nder the control of the living God, that the elemcuus obey his
voice, and that the only safety is in obedience to him.

270

PATlirARCIIS AND PUOPIIETS.

All K^yi)t trembled before the awful outpouring of divine judg-
ment. Pharaoh hastily sent for the two brothers, and cried out,
" I have sinned this time; the Lord is righteous, and I and niy
people are wicked. Entreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there
be no more mighty thundcrings and hail; and I will let you go,
and ye shall stay no longer." The answer was, " As soon as I am
gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the
Lord ; and the thunder sIkiII cease, neither shall thcie be any more
hail ; that thou niiiyest know how that the earth is the Lord's, liut
as for thee and th}' servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the
Lord (Jod."

Moses knew that the contest was not ended. Pharaoh's con-
fessions and promises Avere not the effect of any radical cliange in
his mind or heart, but were wrung from him by terror and anguish.
Moses promised, howevt'r, to grant his rcvjuest ; for he would give
him no occasion for further stubbornness. The i)ro])het went
forth, unheeding the fury of the tempest, and Pharaoh and all
his host Avere witnesses to the power of Jehovali to preserve his
messenger. Having ])assed without the city, Moses " spread abroad
his hands unto the Lord ; and the thunders and hail ceased, and
the rain was not ])oured U{)on the earth." But no sooner had
the king recovered from his fears, than liis heart returned to its
jierversit}'.

Then the Lord said unto Moses, "(Jo in unto Pharaoh; for I
have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might
.show these my signs before him; and that thou mayest tell in the
ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought
in Egy])t, and my signs which I have done among them ; that ye
may know how that 1 am .liOiovah.'' The Lord was manifesting his
l)ower, to confirm the faith of Israel in him as the only true and
living CJod. lie would give unmistakable evidence of the differ-
ence he ])laced between them and the Egv|»tians, and would cause
all nations to know that the Hebrews, whom they had despised
and oppressed, were under the ])rotection of the CJod of heaven.

Closes warned the monarch that if In' still remained ob.stinate,
a plagU(,' of locusts would be sent, whicii would cover the face of
the earth, and eat up every green thing that reir.ained ; they
would till the houses, even the ])alace itself; such a scourge, he
said, as '"ncitlu'r thy fatlu'rs, nor thy fathers" fathers have seen,
since the day tiiat they \vcrc upon the earth unto this day."'

TIIH Pf.AnCKS OF KdVPT.

271

• I

The counselors of I'iiaraoh stood M;ili;ist. The nation had
sustained ,ureat loss in the death of their cattle. ^lany of the
j)eo)»le had \nHn\ killed hy the hail. The forests were hroken
down, anil the ero])S destroyed. They were last losing all that
had Keen jiained liy the la])or oi" the irel)rews. The whole land
was threatened witii starvation. I'rinees and courtit'i's ]»resso(l
al)out the kin.ii', and angrily demanded, " How lonsj;' shall this man
be a snare unto us? Let the men jz'o, that they may servt' tlu!
Lord their (Jod. Knowest thou not vet that P]"'vi)t is destroyed?"

Moses and Aaron wert- auain summoned, and the monarch
said to them, '" (lo. serve the fjord your (iod; hut''\vho are they
that shall <io ? "

The answer was, "We will lio with our younii' and with our
old, with our sons and with our dauuhters, with our tlocks and
with our her<ls will we uo ; for we nuist hold a feast unto the
Lord."'

The kin^ was tilled with rauc. "Let the Lord he so with
you,'' he cried, '"as I will let you lio, and your little ones. Look
to it; for evil is before you. Not so : uo now ye that are men, and
serve the Lord; for that ye did desire. And they were driven t)ut
from Pharaoh's presence." Pharaoh had endeavored to destroy the
Israelites by hard labor, but he now })reten(le(l to liave a deep
intere.'^t in their welfart^ and a tender car(> for their little ones.
ITis real object was to keep the women and children as surety for
the return of the men.

Moses now stretchc(l forth bis rod over the land, and an east
wind ])lew, and brouuht locusts. "Very ,Lirievous were they; ])e-
fore them there were no such locust.-, as they, neither after them
shall be such." They tilled the sky till the' land was darkened,
and devoured every ureen tiiinir remaining'. Pharaoh sent for the
])roph(^t-i in haste, and said, '• 1 liaxc sinned against the Lord
your (iod, and aj^ainst you. Now therefore foruive, 1 pray thee,
my sin only this once, and entreat the Lord your (iod, that he
may take away from me this death only." They did so, and a
stronif west wind carried away the locust^ toward the Ped Sea.
►Still the king ])ersi.sted in his stubborn I'esolution.

The ])e()j)le of K;:y|)t were ready to despair. The scourfjjes
that had already fallen upon them seonied almost beyond endur-
ance, and they were tilled with fear for the future. The nati(Mi
had worshiped Pharaoh as a re)»resentative of their ufod ; but

272

PATRIAHCIIS ANJ) I'liOPllKTS.

many wore now convint'od that ho was opposing himself to One
who made all the })owors of nature the ministers of his wjll. The
Hebrew slaves, so miraculously favored, were Ijocoming confident
of deliveranc(\ Their taskmasters dared not oppress them as
heretofore. ThroU}.diout E<rypt there was a secret fear that the
enslaved race would rise and avenjjje their wronjis. Everywhere
men were asking with bated breath. What will come next?

Suddenly a darkness settled ujjon the land, so thick and black
that it seemed a "darkness which might be felt." Not only were
the people deprived of light, l)ut the atmosphere was very oj>press-
ive, so that Hreathing was difiicult. " They saw not one another,
neither rose any from his i)lace for throe days ; l)ut all the chil-
dren of Israel had light in their dwellings." The sun and moon
were objects of worshi]> to the Egyptians; in this mysterious dark-
ness the people and their gods alike were smitten Ijy the })Ower
that had undertaken the cause of the bondmen. ^ Yet fearful as
it was, this judgment is an evidence of God's compassion and his
unwillingness to destroy. He would give the ])eoi)le time for re-
flection and repentance before l)ringing upon them the last and
most terrible of the plagues.

Fear at last wrung from Pharaoh a further concession. At
the end of the third day of darkness he sunnnoned Moses, and
consented to the departure of the i)eople, })rovided the flocks and
herds were i)ermitted to remain. " There shall not a hoof be left
behind," replied the resolute Hebrew. " We know not with what
wo must servo the Lord until we come thither." The king's angei
burst forth bevond control. "Get thee from mo," he cried, "take
heed to thyself, see my face no more ; for in that day thou seest
ray face thou shalt die."

The answer was, " Thou hast si)okon well ; I will see thy face
again no more."

"The man Moses was very groat in th(; land of Egypt, in the
sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people." Moses
was regarded with awe by the i]gy})tians. The king dared not
harm him, for the people looked upon him as alone possessing
power to remove th(> ])l!iguos. Tbey desired that the Israelites
might be ])crmitted to leave p]gypt. It was the king and the
priests that opposed to the last the demands of Moses.

* Si e Appendix, Note 5.

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE PASSOVMR.

WiiK.v the demund lor Israel's rtlcasf had \n'vii first presented
to the kin^ of Egypt, the warning- ot" the most terril)h) of the
plagues had heeii given, ^Nloses was directed to say to Pharao)-,
"Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my first-1 )orn ; and
I say unto thee, Tct my son go, that he may serve me. And if
thou refuso'to let him go, liehold, I will slay thy son, even thy
first-born."' Though despised by the Egyj)tians, the Israelites
had been honored by (lod, in that they were singled out t(» be
the depositaries of his law. In the s[)eeial blessings and privi-
leges accorded them, they had pre-eminence among the nations,
as the first-born son has among brothers.

The judgment of which Egypt had first been warned, was to^
be the last visited. Ciod is long-suft'ering, and plenteous in mercy.
He has a tender care for the beings formed in his iinage. If the
loss of their harvests and their flocks and herds had brought
Egypt to re[)entance, the children would not have been smitten ;
but the nation had stubbornly resisted the divine command, and
now the final blow was about to fall.

Moses had been forbidden, on i)ain of death, to appear again in
Pharaoh's presence; ])ut a last message from (lod was to be deliv-
ered to the rebellious monarcii, and again Moses c , <e before him,
with the terrilde announcement : '" Thus saith the Lord, About mid-
night will I go out into the midst of ]*]gypt; and all the first-born
in the land of Egyi)t shall die, from the first-born of Pharaoh that
sitteth ui)on his throne, even unto the first-born of the maidservant
that is behind the mill, and all the first-born of beasts. And there
shall be a great cry throughout all the land of P]gy{)t, such as there
was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. But against any of
the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man
or beast; that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difier-

1 Ex. 4 : 22, 23.

27+

IWTUIARCIIS AXD PHOPIIErS.

eiifc bctvvocn the Etryptiiin.s and Isriicl. And all tlics'- tliy servaiu,-
shall come dovn unto lue, and l)()\v down themselves unto .ne,
sayinf>-, (Jet thee out, and all the people that I'ollowthee; and after
that I will )io out." '

liefore the exeeution of this sentence, the Lord throuj^h Moses
uave direction to the children of Israel concerning their de[)arture
from Egy)»t, and especially Ibr their i)reservation from the cominir
judunient. Each family, alone or in connection with others, was
to slay a lamb or a kid '"without blemish," and with a bunch or
hyssop sprinkle its blood on " the two side-posts and on the uppei
door-jiost"^ of the house, that the destroyintf an^rel, coming; ai
midni>.dit. miuht not enter that dwelling. They were to eat the
flesh roasted, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, at night, {i.=*
Closes said, " with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, ana
your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste; it is the
Lord's ]>assovcr."''

The Lord declared : " I will pass through the land of P^gypt tnis
night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both
man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute
judgment. . . . And the blood shall be to you for a t.ii<''n upon the
houses where ye are; and when I see the blood, T will pass over
you, and the })lague shall not be upon you to destroy you. when I
smite the land of Egyi)t."

In commemoration of this great deliverance, a feast was to be
observed yearly by the pfcople of Israel in all luture generations.
" This dav shall be unto vou .'■; n (uemorial; and ve shall keei> it
a feast to the Lt)r(l throughout joui' generations ; ye sliall keep it
a feast by an ordinance forever." As they should keep the feast
in future years, they were to repeat to their children the story of
this great deliverance, as INIoses bade them : " Ye shall say, It is the
sticrifice of the Lord's ])assover, who [)assed over the houses of the
children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and
delivered our houses."

Furthermore, the first-born of both man and beast were to be the
Lord's, to be brouuht ])ack onlv bv a ransom, in acknowledgment
that when the first-born of Egyi)t perished, that of Israel, though
gtrr'ously preserved, had been justly exposed to the same doom
))ut for the atoning sacrifice. " All the first-born are mine," the
Lord declared ; '" ibr on the day that I smote all the first-born in
'Ex. 11: 4-8. 2 Ex. 1:2 ; l-r28.

/. Si'iriiiklini^ t/tf Blood.
in. The Pussot>cr Sii/>/<i:r.

TlIK I'ASSOVEU.

// /lie Di-sfroyim; Angft.
II'. The Fit .<:t-(<orn Sluin,

I I
i ;

TlIK PASSOVKll.

277

the liiml of Kjiypt, I hiillowcd unto me nil thu lirst-ltoni in Isriu'l,
both man and heu^t: mine tlicy .<liiill l>e.'" After the institu-
tion of the talternacle serviee, the Lord chose unto himself \\\(\
tribe of Levi for tlie work of the sanctuary, instead of the first-
born of the i)eo|)le. " They are wholly <?iven unto me from amonii
the children of Israel," he said. " Instead of the first-born of all
the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me."^ All the
I)eople were, however, still reciuired, in acknowledgement of Crod's
mercy, to })ay a redtjmption-price for the first-born son. '

The Passover was to be both commemorative and ty|)ical, not
only i)ointinfi; back to the deliverance from K<ryi't, l)ut forward
to the greater deliverance which Christ was to aceom[)lish in
freeing his people from the bondage of sin. The sacrificial lamb
represents "the Lamb of God," in Avhom is our only ho|)e of
salvation. Says the apostle, " Christ our jtassover is sacrificed
for us."* It was not enough that the i)aschal lamb be slain ; its
blood must be sprinkled upon the door-posts; so the merits of
Christ's blood nuist be ai)plied to the soul. We umst ])elieve,
not only that lie died for the world, liut that he died for us in-
dividually. A\'e must ai>propriate to ourselves the virtue of the
atoning sacrifice.

The hyssop used in sprinkling the blood was the symliol of
purification, being thus employed in the cleansing of the leper
and of those defiled by contact with the dead. In the psalmist's
prayer also its significance is seen : " Purge me with hyssop, and
I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." '

The lamb was to be prepared whole, not a bone of it l>eing
broken: so not a bone was to be broken of the Lamb of (Jod,
who was to die for us." Tlius Wiis also represented the complete-
ness of Christ',"^ sacrifice.

The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough evini that we
believe on Christ for the forgivenes: of sin; we must by faith be
constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from him
through his word. Said Christ, " Except ye eat the flesh of the
Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso
eatcth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life." And
to ex|)lain his meaning he said, " Th(* words that I speak unto

you, they are spirit, and they are life

Jesu>

acce

pted h

' Num. .'i : 1.3.

«Nun). S : 1(5.

Num. IS; 1,%, u;

< 1 Cor. .') :

• 1

'Ex. 12 : 4tl: .lolm 10 ; 'M\.

.lohii <•> ; .-).3, ,'■.4. »'.:!

L>r.s

PA TltlA I! ( 'IIS A XD PR OP HE TS.

Fiitiicr's l;i\v, AvroU'ilit out it-i principles in liis lit'c, niMnill'stcd its
spirit, Mud siiowcil its Itendiccut powcf in the liciirt. Siiys John,
" The Word was nui(l(( Hesli, and dwelt innon<>- us (and we heheld
his lilory, tin; jrlory as of tlu; only hej^otten of the Father), full of
orace and truth." ' The followers of Christ nuist he partakers of
his expt'i'ienee. They must receive and assimilate the word of
(.lod HO that it shall hecome the motive power of life and action.
By the power of Christ they must he chan^^ed into his likcniess,
and reflect the divine attrihute,>-. They nuist eat the llesh and
drink the hlood of the Son of God, or there is no lil'e in them.
The spirit and work of Christ nuist hecome tlu! spirit and work of
his disciples.

The lamh was to he eaten with 'oitter herl)s, as i)ointin<>; hack
to the hitterness of the hondajie in E^rypt. So when wo feed upon
Christ, it should he with contrition of heart, hccauso of our sins.
The use of imleaven(!d hread also was sifinificant. It was ex-
pressly enjoined in the law of tlu; Passover, and as strictly ohserved
hy the Jews in their i>ractice, that no leaven should ho found in
their houses durinii the feast. In like numner tho leaven of sin
must he i)Ut away from all who Mould receive life and nourish-
ment from Christ. S(j Paul writes to tlu^ Corinthian church,
" ]*ur^e out therefore the old leaven, that ye may Ix^ a new lump.
. . . For even Christ our passover is sacrificed i'or us; therefore let
i!f. keo}) the feast, not Avith old leaven, ncnther with tho leaven of
nialice and wickedness, hut with the unleavened hread of sin-
cci'ity and ti'uth.'"'

JJefore ohtainiuir freedom, tlie )»ondmen nuist slu>w tiieir faith
in tho jrreat deliverance ahout to be accomplished. The token of
lilood must 1)0 ])laced upon their houses, and tluy must separate
themselves and their families from the Ejiyptians, and gather
within their own dwellini'S. Had the Israelites disregarded in
any particular the directi )ns given them, had they neglected to

separa

to tl

leir (

•hild

ren

i'ro";i the Egy])tians, had they sL

lamb, hut failed to strike the d<>or-post with hlood, or had any
gone out of their houses, they would not have hoen secun\ They
might have honrstly helieved that they had done all that was nec-
essary, hut their sincerity would not have saved them. All who
failed to heed tho Lord's directions, would lose their first-horn hy
the hand of the destrovcr.

1 Jc.lin 1 : 14.

1 C'(

TIIK PASSOVFJIi.

279

By ()l)t'dit'U('(^ tlu; pi'oplc were to jiivc cvidciico of their taith.
So all who liopc to ])o saved by the merits ol" the hlood of Clirist
shouhl roalizo that they themselves huve somethiuu; to <h) in se-
curiiig their salvation. W'lule it is Christ only that can redeem us
from the })enalty of transgression, we are to turn from sin to ohedi-
ence. Man is to he saved hy faith, not hy works; yet his faith
must be shown hy his works. (Jod has j,dven his Son to die iis a
propitiation for sin, he has manifested the lijiht of truth, the way
of life, he has given facilitii'S, ordinances, and privilejxes ; and now
man must co-operate with tiiese savin««; a^xeneies ; he must ap|)re-
ciate and use the heli)s that God has provided, — believe and ol)ey
all tlie divine re(iuirements.

As Moses rehearsed to Israel the j)rovisions of (Jod for their (\o-
liverance, "the people bowed tlu; head and worshiped.'" The
glad hop(! of freedom, the awful knowledge of the impending
judgment upon their oppressors, the cares and labors incident to
their speedy departure, — all were for the time swallowed up in
gratitude to their gracious Deliverer. Many of the Egyptians had
been led to acknowledge the (iod of the Hebrews as the only true
God, and these now begged to be [jermitted to find shelter in the
homes of Israel when the destroying angel should i)ass through the
land. They were gladly welcomed, and they ])le(lged themselves
henceforth to serve the God of Jacob, and to go forth from Egy])t
with his pcoi)le.

The Israelites obeyed the directions that God had given.
Swiftly and secretly tliey made their preparations for dej)arture.
Their fanulies were gathered, the paschal land* slain, the flesh
roasted with fire, the unleavened bread and bitter herbs prepared.
The father and i)riest of the household sprinkled the hlood upon
the door-i)ost, and joined his family within the dwelling. In haste
and silence the paschal lamb was eaten. In awe the pcoi)le prayed
and watched, the heart of the cldest-l)orn, from the strong man
doAvn to the little child, throbl)ing with indefinalde dread. Fathers
and mothers clas})ed in their arms their loved first-l)orn, as they
thought of the fearful stroke that was to fall that night. But no
dwelling of Israel was visited by the death-dealing angel. The
sign of hlood — the sign of a Saviour's protection — was on their
doors, and the destroyer entered not.

At midnight " there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was

'Ex. 12 : '27.

•280

PATRFARrirS AND PnOPUETR.

not a houHt! where there was not one dead." All the first-horn in
the land, " Iron) the first-horn of I'haraoh that »at on his throne
unto the first-horn of the oai)tive that was in the dungeon; and
all the first-l)orn of cattle,'" had heen smitten hy the destroyer.
Throujj;hout tiu! vast realm of Ej^'ypt the pride of every household
had heen laid low. The shrieks and wails of the mourners filled
the air. King and courtiers, with hlanchcd faces and tremhlin*:;
limhs, stood aghast at the overmastering horror. Pharaoh re-
memhered how he had once exclaimed, " Who is Jehovah, that
I should ohey his voice to let Israel go? I know not .Jehovah,
neither will 1 let Israel go." Now, his heaven-daring pride
Immhled in the dust, he "called for Moses and Aaron hy night,
and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my ])eople, hoth
ye and the children of Israel ; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have
said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and
he gone ; and hless me also." The royal counselors also and the
people entreated the Israelites to depart " out of the land in haste j
for they said. We be all dead men."

>Ex. 13 : 39-33.

cnAPTr:R xx\\

Tin: I.XODl s.

^\'||•|( tlicii- Idiiis ;:irt, with s;ii»(lal('(l feet, niul staH" in liaiid, the
|i((»|»lr of IsriK'l lijnl stood, liuslicd, awed, yet expectant, awaiting'
tli(! royal mandate that should hid them <:o forth. Hel'ore the
morning hroke, they were on their way. Durin;^- the |tla;:ues, an
the manil'estation ot' (iod's power had kindled faith in the heartH
of the hondmuu and !iad struck terror to their oppressors, th(!
Israi'lites had jrradually asseml)led themselves in (iosheu; and
notwithstandinji th<( suddenness of their flight, sinne provision
had already l)een made lor the; necessary oruani/ation and con-
trol of the movin;,' multitudes, they liein^' divided into comjtanies,
under api)ointe<l Icadirs.

And tlu'V went out, " ahout six hundred thousand on fo(jt that
wero men, heside children. And a mixed multitude went up also
with them."' In this multitude Avcro not only those who were
actuated l)y faith in the (lod of Israel, but also a far ui-catcr luim-
her wlio desired only to escai)e from the phi'iUes, or who Ibllowed
in the Avake of the movinjr multitudes, merely from excitement and
curiosity. This class were ever a hinderance and a snare to Israel.

The people took also with them "flocks and herds, even very
much cattle." These wero the property of the Israelites, who had
never sold their i)OSsessions to the kinii, as had the Ej^yptians.
Jacob and his sons had broutfht tlu'ir flocks and herds with them
to Ejrypt, where they had greatly increased. Before leaving- E<iypt,
the ])eople, by the direction of Moses, claimed a recompense for
their nn])aid lidioi'; and tln^ E^iyptians were too eager to l)e fri'cd
from their jtre.sence to refuse them. The bondmen went iorth
laden Avith the .spoil of their oppressors.

That day com])leted the history i-e\ealed to Abi-aham in pro-
phetic vision centuries before: " Thy seed shall be a stranger in a
land that is not theirs, and shall serve them ; and they shall alllict
them four hundred vears; and also that nation, whom thev

Ex. 12 : :U-:V.).

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PA TRIAIiClIE A^D PIWPJIKTS.

shall servo, will I judjre; and afterward shall they eonie oat with
f^reat substanee."' The lour hundred years had been luUilled,
" And it came to i)ass the selfsame day, that the Lord did bring
the children of Israel out of tluj land of E^yi)t by their armies."'
In their tleparture from E^ypt the Israelites bore with tliem a
precious legacy, in the bones of Joseph, which had so long awaited
the fulfillment of Clod's i)romise, and which, during the dark years
of l)on(lage, had been a reminder of Israel's deliverance.

Instead of pursuing the diri'ct route to Canaan, Avhidi lay
through the country of the Philistines, the; Lord directed their
course southward, toward the shores of the Ivcd Sea. " For God
said, Lest jieradventure the people repent when they sec war, and
they return to Egypt."'' Had they attempted to jtass through
Philistia, their progress would have been opimsed ; for the Phil-
istines, regarding them as slaves escaping from their masters,
would not have hesitated to make war upon them. The Israel-
ites were poorly i»repared for an encounter with that powerful and
warlike people. They had little knowledge of God and little
faith in him, and they Avould have become terrified and disr
heartened. They were unarmed, and unaccustomed to war, their
spirits were depressed by long bondage, and they were encum-
bered with women and children, flocks and herds. In leading
them l>y the way of the Red Sea, the Lord revealed himself as a
God of compassion as well as of judgment.

" And they took their journey from Succoth, raid encamped in
Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And tb(i Led went before
them by day in a i)illar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and
by night in a jnllar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and
night. He took not away the pillar of the cloud by daj^ nor the
pillar of fire by night, from before the i)eoi)le." Says the i)salmist,
" He spread a cloud for a covering ; and fire to give light in the
night." ^ The standard of their invisible Leader was ever with
them. By day the cloud directed their journeyings, or spread as
a canopy above the host. It served as a protection from the
burning heat, and by its coolness and moisture afforded grateful
refreshment in the parched, thirsty desert. By night it became
a pillar of fire, illuminating their encampment, and constantly
assuring them of the divine presence.

>Gen. 15 : lU, 14; see Appendix, Note 6. « Ex. 12 : 40, 41, 51 ; 13 : 19.
»Ex. 13 : 17, 18, 20-22. *P8. 105 : 39; 1 Cor. 10 : 1, 2.

THE EXODUS.

:isa

In one of the most beautiful and comforting passages of Isaiah's
prophecy, reference is made to the pillar of cloud and of lire to
represent God's care for his people in the great final struggle with
the i)owers of evil : " The Lord will create U})on every dwelling-
place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke
l)y day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for above all
the glory shall be a covering. And there shall be a tabernacle for
a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge,
and for a covert from storm and from rain." '

Across a dreary, desert-like expanse they journeyed. Already
they began to wonder whither their course would lead; they were
becoming weary with the toilsome way, and in some hearts began
to arise a fear of i)ursuit by the Egy])tians. JJut the cloud went
forward, and they followed. And now the Lord directed Moses to
turn aside into a rocky defile, and encamp beside the sea. It was
revealed to him that Pharaoh would jmnsue them, but that God
would be honored in their deliverance.

In Egypt the report was spreo I that the children of Israel, in-
stead of tarrying to worship in the desert, were pressing on toward
the Red Sea. Pharaoh's counselors declared to the king that their
bondmen had fled, never to return. The jjcople deplored their
folly in attributing the death of the first-born to the i)ower of
God. Their great men, recovering from their fears, accounted for
the plagues as the result of natural causes. " Why have we done
this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"^ was the
bitter cry.

Pharaoh collected his forces, "six hundred chosen chariots,
and all the chariots of Egypt," horsemen, captains, and foot sol-
diers. The king himself, attended by the great men of his realm,
headed the attacking army. To secure the favor of the gods,
and thus insure the success of tiieir undertaking, the priests also
accompanied them. The king was resolved to intimidate the
Israelites by a grand display of his power. The Egyptians
feared lest their forced submission to the God of Israel should
subject them to the derision of other natioas ; but if they should
now go forth with a great show of power and bring back the fugi-
tives, they would redeem their glory, as well as recover the
services of their bondmen.

The Hebrews were encamped beside the sea, whose waters
'Isa. 4 : 5, 6 (margin). ^T.x. 14 : .5-9.

284

PATItlAltCIfS A. YD J'liOPJfKTS.

presented a Reeniinsrly inijiassable barrier before them, while on
the south <i ru<i;fre<l numntain obstrueted their further [)rogress.
Suddenly tliey beheld in the distance the flashing armor and
moving chariots betokening the advance guard of a great army.
i\8 the force drew nearer, the hosts of Egypt were seen in full
pursuit. Terror filled th(! hearts of Israel. Some cried unto the
Jjord, but far the greater part hastened to Moses with their com-
plaints : " Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken
us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore hast thou dealt
thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt ? Is not this the word
that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may
serve the Egy])tians ? For it had been better for us to serve the
Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness." '

Moses was greatly troubled that his people should manifest so
little faith in God, notwithstanding they had repeatedly witnessed
the manifestation of his power in their behalf. How could they
charge upon him the dangers and difficulties of their situation,
when he had followed the express command of God? True,
there was no ])ossibility of deliverance unless God himself should
interpose for their release; but having been brought into this
position in obedience to the divine direction, Moses felt no fear of
the consequences. His calm and assuring reply to the peoj)le
was, " Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,
which he will show to you to-day ; for the Ii]gyptians whom ye
have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more forever. The
Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

It was not an easy thing to hold the hosts of Israel in waiting
before the Lord. Lacking discipline and self-control, they became
violent and unreasonable. They expected speedil}'- to fall into
the hands of their oppressors, and their wailiixgs and lamentations
Averc loud and deep. The wonderful pillar of cloud had been
followed as the signal of God to go forward ; but now they ques-
tioned among themselves if it might not foreshadow some great
calamity ; for had it not led them on the wrong side of the
mountain, into an impassable way? Thus the angel of God ap-
peared to their deluded minds as the harbinger of disaster.

But now, as the Egyptian host approached them, expecting to
make them an easy i)rey, the cloudy column rose majestically
into the heavens, passed over the Israelites, and descended between
them and the armies of Egypt. A wall of darkness interposed

' Kx. u : lO-2'i.

P-

THE KXODLS.

287

l)C'twoon the i»ursuo(l and thoir pursucr.s. Tlic l'];:y|)tiiin.s could
no lonjior discorii the ojunp of the Hebrews, and were f'orecd to
halt. Jiut as the (hirkness of iu<;ht deepened, tlie wall of cloud
became a jfreat li^ht to tlu? Hebrews, lioodinj; the entire encamp-
ment with the radiance of day.

Then hoj)e returned to the hearts of Israel. And Moses lifted
up his voice unto tiie Lord. " And the Lord said unto Mo.ses,
Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto tlie children of
Israel, that they go forward. Hut lift thou U|t thy r(><l, and
stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it; and the chil-
dren of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."

The i)salmist, descTibing tlie passage of the sea by Israel,
sung, " Thy way was in the sea, and thy paths in the great waters,
and thy footsteps were not known. Thou leddest thy people like
a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron." ' As Moses stretched
out his rod, the waters parted, and Israel went into the midst of
the sea, upon dry ground, while the waters stood like a wall up(»n
each side. The light from God's ])illar of fire shone U()on the
foam-capped billows, and lighted the road that was cut like a
mighty furrow through the waters of the sea, and was lost in the
obscurity of the farther shore.

" The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst
of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horse-
men. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord
Jooked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire
and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians." ■ The
mysterious cloud changed to a pillar of fire before their* astonished
eyes. The thunders pealed, and the lightnings flashed. "The
clouds poured out water ; the skies sent out a sound ; thine arrows
also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the whirl-
wind ; the lightnings lightened the world; the earth trembled and
shook." '

The Egyptians were seized with confusion and dismay. Amid
the Avrath of the elements, in which they heard the voices of an
angry God, they endeavored to retrace their stejjs, and flee to tire
shore they had quitted. But Moses stretched out his rod, and the
piled-up waters, hissing, roaring, and eager for their prey, rushed
together, and swallowed the Egyptian army in their black depths.

As morning broke, it revealed to the multitudes of Israel all
that remained of their mighty foes, — the mail-clad bodies cast
iPs. 77 : 19, 20, Rev. Ver. 2 Ex. 14 : 23, 24. ^Ps. 77 : 17, 18, Rev. Ver.

1>H8

PA Tit I A li CllS A M) I'll PllK TS.

U|MHi the shore. From tho mont terrible i)eril, one nijjht liad
brought coinplctc (Icliverance. Thjit vast, helples'' throng — boiid-
nien iimised to battle, women, children, and (tattle, with the .sea
Itefort! them, and the mighty armies of Egypt j)re.ssing behind —
had seen their path opened through the waters, and their ene-
mies overwhelmed in the moment of expected triumph. Jehovah
alone had ))rought them deliverance, and to him their hearts were
turnecl in gratitude and faith. Their emotion found utterance in
.'^ongs of })raisc The S|)irit of Clod rested upon Moses, and he led
the i)ecple in a trium|)hant anthiPi of thank.sgiving, the earliest
and one of the most sublime that are known to num.

"I will sing unto Jehovah, for he hath triumpiieU gloriously;
The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the fsea.
The Lord is my strength and song,
And he is become my salvation;
This is my God, and I will praise hin:;
My father's God, and 1 will exalt him.
The Lord is a man of war;
J'^hcvuh is his name.

I'.iiraoh's charioti and his host hath he cast into the sea;
A'ul his chosen captains are sunk in the Red Sea.
The deeps cover them;

They went down into the depths like a stone.
Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorious in i)Ower;
Thy right hand, O Lord, dasheth in pieces the enemy. . . .
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods ?
Who is like thee, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders ? . . .

Thou in thy mercy haat led the people which thou hast redeemed;
Thou hast guided them in thy strength to thy holy habitation.
The people have heard, they tremble. . . .
Terror and dread falleth upon them;
By the greatness of thine arm they are as still as a stone;
Till thy ])eople pass over, O Lord,
Till the people pass over whicl thou hast purchased.
Thou Shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine

inheritance.
The place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in."'

Like the voice of the great deep rose from the vt^st hosts of Is-
rael that sublime ascription. It wfis taken up by the women of
Israel, Miriam,. the sister of MoseSj leading the way, as they went

lEx. 15 : 1-16, Rev. Ver.

TIIK KXODUS.

2S!^

forth with tinihrt'l and dauct'. Far over (U'stM't ami sea ranj; the
jovoiis refrain, and the mountains r.-K-hocd tho words of their
|»rais«', — " Sinj; ye to .J«'hovah, for he hatli triuiji|)lie(l gloriously."

This Hon^ and the jj;reat deli/eranee which it eonnneniorates.
made an imjiression never to he etl'aeed from the memory of tho
llehrew jieople. From a<:e t() Ji<;e it was echoed l»y the propliets
and singers of Israel, testifyin;^ *hat Jehovah is the strength md
«l{!liverance of those who trust in him. That sonj; does not helonj^
to the Jewish peoph alone. It points forward t»» the destruction
of all the foes of rijj; jteousness, and the fin.il victory of ihe Israel
of (fod. The prophet of I'atnios heholds the white-rohed multi-
tude that " have jrotten the victory," staiidin^' on the " sea of glass
minjrled with fire," havinj^ "the harps of (lod. And they sing the
sonjr of Moses th:^ servant of (iod, ancil the song of the LamI)."'

" Not unto us, () liord, not unto us, hut unto thy nanu; give
glr>ry, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."" Such was the
si)irit that pervaded Israel's song of deliverance, and it Is the spirit
that should dwell in tho hearts of all who lovc^ .Mid fear God. In
freeing our souls from the hondago of sin, ( Jod has wrought for us
a deliverance greater than that of the Ilehrews at the Red Sea.
Like the Hehrew host, we should praise tlu^ Lord with heart and
soul and voice for his "wonderful works to the children of men."
Those who dwell U|)on God's great mercies, and are not unmind-
ful of his lesser gifts?, will put on the girdle of gladness, and make
melody in their hearts to the Lord. The daily hlessings that wo
receive from the hand of God, and ahove all else the death of Jesus
to l)ring happiness and heaven within our reach, should he a theme
for constant gratitude. What conijiassion, what matchless love,
has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with himself,
to he to him a peculiar treasure ! What a sacrifice has heen made
by our Redeemer, that we may he called children of God ! We
should praise God for the hle.ssed hope held out before us in the
greet plan of redemption, we should praise him for the heavenly
inheritance, and for his rich i)roniises ; praise him that Jesus lives
to intercede for us.

"Whoso OiTereth praise," says the Creator, "glorifieth me."*
All the inhabitants of heaven unite in praising God. Let us learn
the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their
shining ranks. Let us say with the i)salmist, " While I live, will I

f>v

>Ri'v. 1.5 : 2, 3.

2 Pp. 115: 1.

8 Pb. 50 : 2:}.

21)0

pArniARcnr, and i'iioi'iikts.

])riiisc the Lord: I will sini; praises unto my (lod while I hiivn
any Ix'in^j;." " lift the people praise thee, O (lod ; let all the people
praise thee."'

(lod ill his ]»roviden(e hrouirht the llelmws into the mount-
ain fastnesses hefore the sea, that he mi<iht manifest his power
in their deliverance, and sij^nally hunihU; the pride of their op-
pressors, lie mifjht have saved them in any other way, hut he
chose this method in order to test their Jaith and 8tren<;then their
trust in him. The lu'ople were weary and terrified, yet if they
had held hack Avhen Moses hade them advance, CJod would never
have opened the path for them. It was " hy faith" that "they
j)assed through the Red Sea as hy dry land." " In marching
down to the very water, they showed that they believed the word
of God as spoken hy Moses. They did all that was in their
power to do, and then the Mi<:hty Ojie of Israel divided the sea
to make a j)ath for their feet.

The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Chris-
tian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform.
The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage
or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, " Go
forward." We should obey this command, even though our eyes
cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about
our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never dis-
appear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obe-
dience till every shadow of uncertainty disapj)ears, and there re-
mains no risk of failure or defeat, Avill never obey at all. Unbe-
lief whisi)ers, " Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and
we can see our way clearly ; " but faith courageously wvfjpa an
advance, hoping all things, believing all things.

The cloud that Avas a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was
to the Hebrews a great flood of light, illuminating the whole
cam}), and shedding brightness upon the path before them. So
the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving, darkness and
despair, while to the tru.sting soul they are full of light and peace.
The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or
the set', but it is a safe ])ath.

» Ps. 140 : 2 ; 67 : 5. « Hcb. 11 : 29.

CHAPTER XXVI.

KKoM rm: rkd si:.\ to sinai.

From tho Ucd Hen tho hosts of Jsriiol ajrain set iortlj on their
jouiru V, under the ^ui(hince of the jdlhir of cloud. Tho scene
around them wua most (hMiuy, — hare, <lesohite-lookinj; mount-
ains, barren |)hvins, and the sea stretching far away, its shores
.strewn with the hodies of their enemies; yet they were full of
joy in the consciousness of freedom, and every thou^rhtof discon-
tent was hushed.

Jiut for three (.ays, as they journeyed, they could find no
Avater. Tho supjily which they had taken with them was ex-
hausted. There was nothinj; to <iuench their burning thirst as
they dragged wearily over tho 8un-l)urnt plains. Mcses, who was
familiar with this region, knew what tho others did not, that at
Marah, the nearest station where springs were to he found, the
water was unfit for use. With intense anxiety he watched the
guiding cloud. With a sinking heart he heard tho glad shout,
"Water! water!" echoed along tho line. Men, women, and chil-
dren in joyous haste crowded to tho fi)untain, when, lo, a cry of
anguish burst forth from the host, — tho water was bitter.

In their horror and <lespair they re|)roached Moses for having
led them in such a way, not remembering that tho divine presence
in that mysterious cloud had lieen leading him as well as them-
selves. In his grief at their distress, Moses did what they had
forgotten to do ; he cried earnestly to God for help. " And the
Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into tho waters,
the waters were made sweet."' Here the promise was given to
Israel through Moses, " If thou wilt diligently hearken to the
voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is "ight in his
sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his
statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee which I have

1 Ex. 15 : 2.5.
.9 t2»Il

'JU'2

I'A Tit I Aliens A Mi I'HOI'IIKTS.

Kn»u>.'lit upon the Kjryptians; fni' I am Wv T-unl that licalitli

Kroiii Marali tlic pi .t|il(' Juunicyrd tn Klliii, wIumt tiny louiul
"twclvt! wrlls of wattT, and tlirrtscorc and ten palin-ticcs.' Wwa
tlu'y rcniaini'd nrvi-ral days hclori; t-nti rinj; tluj >vildrnH'S.s of Sin.
\\'li(n tiny had Ix'cn u month ahs«?nt from K;.'ypt, they maih; their
lirnt »'ncam|>m('nt in the wiidt-nirHx. Their ntore of provisions had
now l»('^un to fail. Tlicrc was scanty hcrliajic in tho wilderness,
and their IhicUs were dinnnishin;r. How was food to l»e supphed
for thes(; vast multitU(h's? Doultts tille/l their hearts, and a^raiu
tiiey murmured. Even the ruhrs and ehh-rs of tho peo|»hi joinecl
in eomplaininj:; against the h'ach'rs of (Jod'.s appointment : '' W'ouhl
to (lod we luid died hy the hand of the Lord in th<j hnid of I'V'ypt,
when W(! sat l>y the fhsh-pots, and when we did eat l>read to thi;
full ; for ye have hrou^ht us forth into this wilderness, to kill this
whohi asseinhly with huiiiier.''"

They had not as yet suffered from hun^'ei-; their i»resent wants
were su|)i>lied, hut they fi'ared for tlu; future. They could not
Tuiderstand liow these vast multitudes were to suhsist in their
travels through the wilderness, and in ima^dnation they .saw their
children famishin*:. The Lord i)ennitted didieulties to .surround
them, and their supply of food to he cut short, that their hearts
mifiht turn to llim who had hitherto heen their deliverer. If in
their want they would call upon him, he would still jjrant them
manifest tokens of his love and care. Ho liad promised that if
they would obey Ids commandments, no di.seaso should come
iq)on theui, and it was sinful unbelief on their ])art to antiei])ate
that they or their children niiuht die of hunnrer.

(Jod liad jironused to ho their (Jod, to take them to himself as
a ])eople, and to lead them to a lar;_'o and good land; hut they
were ready to faint at every ol).stacle encountered in tho Avay to
that land. In a marvelous manner lio had brought them out
from their l)on(lago in Egypt, that he might elevate and ennoble
them, and mak(i theiii a praise in tho earth. But it was neeessary
for them to encounter diflicultios and to endure privations. God
•was bringing them from a .state of degradation, and fitting them
to oeeui)y an honorable i)lace among the nations, and to receive
important and saered tru.sts. Had they possessed faith in him,
in view of all that he had wrouglit for them, they would cheer-
'Ex. la : 26. '^Ex. 10 : .1.

Ht<>M TIIH liHIt SKA 7 .S7A.!/.

i'l»:5

fully hiivit Imuih' iiiconvt'iiiriicc, |iriv;itit)n, ami rvi-n ival ?<iillrjiii;;;
l»ut tlirv wt'ic uiiwiljinj; t(t trust tlif L«>r(l any lurtlu-r than tiny
<(»ulil witness tim continual r\ idcncts of his power. Tlu-y forjL'ot
tlieir l»itter service in iv.'ypt. Tliey for<^'ot the goodness and power
i»f (lod displiiyi'd in their hehalf in their ileliveranet' from hond-
ajre. They forj^tit how their children iia<l het-n spared when tin-
destroyinir an^M-l slew all tlu' tirst-liorn of Iviypt. They for;rot the
errand exhiiiition of divine power at the {{cd Scii. They forv:ot
that while they had crossed safely in the path that had l)een
opt-ned for thi-ni, the armies of their enemies, iittemptii:;^' to follow
them, had hcen ovci whelmed l>y the W;itcrs «tf the sea. They
s;iw and lelt only their present inconveniences and trials; and
instead of sayiuL', "(lod has done ;j;n'at thin^js lor us ; whereas we
were slaves, he is makin;? of us a <.'reat nation,'' they talked of the
hardness of the way, and wondered when tlii-ir weary piljirimajit*
would end.

Th(» histoiv of the wilderness life of Israel wa.s chronicled for
the henelit of the Israel of (Jod to the close of time. The r.'cord
of (lod's (l<'alin;j:s with the wandi'rers of the desert in all their
niarchinjis to and fro, in their exposun> to hun^a-r, thirst, and
weariness, and in tlu^ striking; manifestations of his powiT for
their relief, is fraujrht with warninji; and in.structiou for his peo-
ple in all ajii's. The varie«l experience of the llehrews was a
school of preparation for their ]>romised home in Canaan, (lod
would liave his peopl(> in these days n-view with a hundde heart
and teachable spirit the trials throu;.di which ancient Israel passed,
that they may he instructed in their preparation for the heavenly
Canaan.

Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief
and murmuring', feelinj,' that tiny themselves would n«>t have been
so unirrateful ; but wlien their faith is tested, even by litth; trials,
they manifest no more faith or patienc(; than did ancient Israel.
When broufiht into strait places, they murmur at the process by
which (iod lias chosen to purify them. Thouj^h their |»rcsent
needs ari> supplied, many are unwilling to trust (Uxl for the future,
and they are in con.stant anxiety lest poverty shall come upon
them, and their children shall be left to sutler. Some are always
antlcipatin}< evil, or magnifyin<r the diificulties that really exist,
so that their eves are blinded to the manv blessinL^s which demand

294

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading
them to seek help from God, the only source of strength, separate
them from him, because they awaken unrest and repining.

Do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be un-
grateful and distrustful ? Jesus is our friend ; all heaven is inter-
ested in our welfare; and our anxiety and fear grieve the Holy
Spirit of God. A\'e should not indulge in a solicitude that only
frets and wears us, Itut does not help us to bear trials. No place
should be given to tiiat distrust of God which leads us to make a
preparation against future want the chief pursuit of life, as though
our happiness consisted in these earthly things. It is not the v.'ill
of God that his people should be weighed down with care. But
our Lord does not toll us that tliere are no dangers in our path.
He does not propose to take his people out of the world of sin
and evil, l)ut he points us to a nc'ci-failing refuge. He invites
the weary and care-laden., " Come unto me, all ye that labor
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Lay off' the yoke
of anxiety and worldly care that you have placed on your own
neck, and " take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for I am
meek and lowlv in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls."'
We may find rest and peace in God, casting all our care upon
him ; for he caretli for us. *

Says the apostle Paul, " Take heed, brethren, lest there be in
any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living
God."'' Ii view of all that God has wrought for us, our faith
should be strong, active, and ensuring. Instead of murmuring
and complaining, the language of our hearts should be, " Bless the
Lord, my soul ; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, ray soul, and forget not all his benefits."*

God was not unmindful of the wants of Israel. He said to
their leader, " I will rain bread from heaven for you." And direc-
tions were given that the people gather a daily supply, with a
double amount on the sixth day, that the sacred observance of the
Sabbath might be maintained.

Moses assured the congregation that their wants were to bs
supplied : " The Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat,
and in the morning bread to the full." And he added, '" What are
we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord."
He further bade Aaron say to them, " Coiiie near before the Lord ;

»Matt. 11 : 38, 29. '•' 1 Peter .5 : 7. »llcb. 3 : 12. *P8. lO.T : 1,2.

FROM THE RED SEA TO SINAI.

2!);")

for ho hath heard your murmurings." While Aaron was speak-
ing, " they looked t .vard the wilderness, and, hehold, the glory
of the Lord appeared in the cloud.'' ' A splendor such as they
had never before witnessed, symbolized the divine presence.
Through manifestations addressed to their senses, they were to
obtain a knowledge of God. They must be taught that the Most
High, and not merely the mon Moses, was their leader, that they
might fear his name and obey his voice.

At nightfall the camp was surrounded by vast flocks of quails,
enough to supply the entire company. In the morning there lay
upon the surface of the ground " a small round thing, as small as
the hoar frost." " It v. as like coriander seed, white." The people
called it manna. Moses said, " This is the bread which the Lord
hath given you to eat."* The people gathered the manna, and
found that there was an abundant supply for all. They " ground
it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made
cakes of it." " And the taste of it was like wafers made with
honey." ^ They were directed to gather daily an omer* for every
person ; and they were not to leave of it until the morning. Some
attempted to keep a supply until the next day, but it was then
found to be unfit for food. The provision for the day must be
gathered in the morning ; for all that remained upon the ground
was melted by the sun.

In the gathering of the manna it was found that some obtained
more and some less than the stipulated amount ; but " when they
did mete it with an omer, he that gathered nmch had nothing
over, and he that gathered little had no lack."® An explana-
tion of this scripture, as well as a practical lesson from it, is given
by the apostle Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthians. He
says, " I mean not that other men be eased, and , ye bur-
dened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance
may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may V)e
a supply for your want ; th;i.t there may be equality ; as it is \vrit-
ten. He that had gathered much had nothing over ; and he that
had gathered little had no lack."®

On the sixth day the j^eople gathered two omers for every per-
son. The rulers hastened to acquaint Moses with what had l)een
done. His answer was, " This is that which the Lord hath said.

lEx. 16 : S-IO. 2 Ex. 16

* Nearly tliree quarts.

14, 15, 31.
"^Ex. 16 : IS.

3 Num. 11:8;
«2 Cor. S

Ex. 16
13-15.

31.

296

PATIiJARCJIS AND PItOPIIETS.

To- morrow is the rest of the lioly Sabbiith unto the Lord. Jlakc
that which ye Avill bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe;
and tluit which remaineth over lay u\) for you to be kept until
the niorninjr." They did so, and found that it remained un-
chauL'-cd. And Moses said, " Eat that to-day ; for to-day is a Salt-
bath nnto the Lord. To-day ye shall not find it in tlie field. Six
days ye shall j^ather it; but on the seventh day, which is the Salt-
bath, ill it there shall be none.'"

(rod re(]uires that his holy day be as sacredly observed now
as in the time of Israel. The command given to the Hebrews
should be regarded by all Christians as an injunction from Jehovah
to them. The day before the Sabbath should be made a day of
])rc})aration, that everything may be in readiness for its sacred
liours. In no case should our own business be allowed to en-
croach U})on holy time. God has directed that the sick and suf-
fering be cared for; the labor re(juired to make them comfortable
is a work of mercy, and no violation of the Salibath; but all un-
necessary Avork should be avoided, Ma,ny carelessly put off till
the beginning of the Sabbath little things that might have been
done on tlic day of iirejtaration. This should not be. A\'ork
that is neglected until the beginning of the Sabltiith should re-
main undone until it is past. This course might help the mem-
ory of these thoughtless ones, and make them careful to do their
own work on the six working days.

livery week during their long sojourn in the wilderness, the
Israelites witnessed a threefold miracle, designed to impress their
mind,-! witii the saeredness of tiie Sabbath: a double quantity
t)f manna fell on the sixth day, none on the seventh, and the
portion needed for the Sabbath was preserved sweet and pure,
when if any were kept over at any other time it became unfit
for use.

In the circumstances connected with the giving of the manna,
we have conclusive evidence that the Sabbath was not instituted,
as many claim, when the laAV was given at Sinai. Before the
Israelites came to Sinai they understood the Sabbath to be oblig-
atory upon them. In being oltligcd to gather every Friday a
double portion of manna in preparation for the Sabbath, when
none would fall, the sacred nature of the day of rest was contin-
ually impressed upon them. And when some of the people went

^Ex. \C, : ':.1. 25. 2fi.

FROM THE JiEjj SFA TO SIX AT.

'->*.»(

out on tlio Sal)l)ath to {ratlicr manna, the Lord asked, " How
lonp: rcfiiie ye to koc]) my comniandmerits and my lawn?"

" The children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they
came to a land inhabited ; they did eat manna, until they came
unto the borders of the land of Canaan." ' For forty years they
were daily reminded l)y this miraculous i)royision, of God's un-
failinjr care and tender loye. In the words of the psalmist, God
gave them "of the corn of heayen. i\hm did eat angels' food," ■
— that is, food i)royi(1ed for them hy the angels. Sustained V)y
"the corn of heayen," they were daily taught that, haying God's
])romise, they were as secure from want as if surrounded hy
fields of waying grain on the fertile plains of Canaan.

The manna, falling from heayen for the sustenance of Israel,
was a type of Him who came from God to giye life to the world.
Said Jesus, " I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna
in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh
down from heaven. ... If any man eat of this bread, he shall
live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I
will give for the life of the world." ^ And among the i)romises of
blessing to God's people in the future life it is written, " To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna." *

After leaving the wilderness of Sin, the Israelites encamped
in Re))hidim. Here there was no water, and again they dis-
trusted the providence of God. In their blindness and presump-
tion the people came to IVIoses with the demand, " Give us water,
that wo may drink." But his patience failed not. " Why chide
ye with mo?" he said; " wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?"
They cried in anger, " Wherefore is this, that thou hast brought
us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle
with thirst? "^ When they had been so abundantly supplied with
food, they remembered with shame their unbelief and nmr-
murings, and promised to trust the Lord in the future^ ; but they
soon forgot their })romise, and failed at the first trial of their faith.
The pillar of cloud that was leading them seemed to vail a
fearful mystery. And Moses, — who was he? they questioned,
and what could be his object in bringing them from Egypt? Sus-
picion and distrust filled their hearts, and they boldly accused
him of designing to kill them and their children ])y i)iivations
1 Ex. 16 : 3.5. » Ps. 78 : 24, 2.5. 3 John 6 : 48-51.

*Rev. 2 : IT. » Ex. 17 • 1-7.

298

PATIilARClIS AND PROPHETS.

and hardships that he might enricli himself with their ])osse.s-
sions. In the tumult of rage and indignation they were ahout to
stone him.

In distress Moses cried to the Lord, " What shall I do unto
this people?" He was directed to take the elders of Israel and
the rod wherewith he had wrought wonders in Egypt, and to go
on before the people. And the Lord said unto him, " Behold, I
will stand before thee there, upon the rock in Horeb ; and thou
shalt smite the rock, .and thero shall come water out of it, that
the people may drink." He obeyed, and the waters burst forth
in a living stream that abundantly supplied the encampment.
Instead of commanding Moses to lift up his rod and call down
some terrible plague, like those on Egypt, upon the leaders in
this wicked murmuring, the Lord in his great mercy, made the
rod his instrument to work their deliverance.

" He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as
out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock,
and caused waters to run down like rivers."' Moses smote the
rock, but it was the Son of God who, vailed in the cloudy pillar, stood
beside Moses, and caused the life-giving water to flow. Not only
Moses and the elders, but all the congregation who stood at a
distance, beheld the glory of the Lord ; but had the cloud been
removed, they would have been slain l>y the terrible brightness
of Him who abode therein.

In their thirst the people had tempted God, saying, " Is the
Lord among us, or not?" — "If God has brought us here, why
does he not give us water as well as bread ? " The unbelief thus
manifested, was crindnal, and Moses feared that the judgments of
God would rest upon them. And he called the name of the place
Massah, " temptation," and Meribah, " chiding," as a memorial of
their sin.

A new danger now threatened them. Because of their mur-
nmring against him, the Lord suffered them to l)c attacked by
their enemies. The Amalekites, a fierce, warlike tribe inhabiting
that region, came out against them, and smote those who, faint
and weary, had fallen into the rear. Moses, knowing that the
masses of the people were unprepared for battle, directed Joshua
to choose from the different tribes a body of soldiers, and lead
th^m on the morrow again-st the enemy, while he himself would

»P8. 78 ; l.'S, 16.

FROM THE RED SEA TO 8INAI.

2yu

stand on an eminence near by with the rod of God in his luind.
Accordingly tlio next day Joshua and liis company attacked the
foe, while INIoscs and Aaron and Ilur were stationed on a liill over-
looking the battle-field. With arms outstretched toward heaven,
and holding the rod of God in his right hand, Moses prayed for
the success of the armies of Israel. As the battle progressed, it
was observed that so long as his hands were reaching upward,
Israel prevailed, but when they were lowered, the enemy Avas
victorious. As Moses became weary, Aaron and Hur stayed up
his hands until the going down of tlie sun, when the enemy was
put to flight.

As Aaron and Hur supported the hands of Moses, they showed
the people their duty to sustain him in his arduous work while
he should receive the word from God to speak to them. And the
act of Moses also was significant, showing that God held their
destiny in his hands; while they made him tlieir trust, he would
fight for them and subdue their enemies; but when they should
let go their hold upon him, and trust in their own power, they
would be even weaker than those who had not the knowledge of
God, and their foes would prevail against them.

As the Hebrews triumphed when Moses was reaching his hands
toward heaven and interceding in their behalf, so the Israel of God
prevail when they by faith take hold upon the strength of their
mighty Helper. Yet divine strength is to be combined with
human effoi't. Moses did not believe that God would overcome
their foes while Israel remained inactive. While the great leader
was pleading with the Lord, Joshua and his brave followers wore
putting forth their utmost efforts to repulse the enemies of Israel
and of God.

After the defeat of the Amalekites, God directed Moses, *' M'rite
this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of
Joshua; for I will utterly ]nit out the remembrance of Amalek
from under heaven.'" Ju«t l)efore his death the ^.eat leader
delivered to his people the solenm charge : " Remember what
Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out
of Egypt; how he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost
of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast
faint and weary ; and he feared not God. . . . Thou shalt blot out
the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven ; thou shalt not

» Ex. 17 : 14.

: !

PA Tii r. 1 li ens . I SI) I'll on IK ts.

forcet it."' Coucurnin^ tlii.s wicked peoplo tlio Lord declared,
"The hand of Amalek is ajiiunst the throne of Jehovah,"*

The Ainalekites were not ignorant of (iod's character or of lii.s
sovereijjrnty, Imt instead of fearing before him, tliey had set them-
selves to defy his ])Ower. The wonders wrought by Moses before the
E<ryi)tians were made a subject of mockery by the people of
Amalek, and the fears of surrounding' nations were ridiculed.
They had taken oath bv theiv trods that thcv would desti%)V the
Hel)rews, so tiiat not one should escape, and they boasted that
Israel's God '\Aould l)e i)owerless to resist them. They had nt)t l)een
injured or threatened by the Israelites. Their assault was wholly
uni)rovoked. It was to manifest their hatred and defiance of (Jod
that they sought to desiroy his i>eoi)le. The Amalekites had lonji;
been hi«j;h-h;m(led sinners, and their crimes had cried to Ciod for
venjreance, yet his mercy had still called them to repentance;
bat when the men of Amalek fell ui)on the wearied and defense-
less ranks of Israel, they sealed their nation's doom. The care of
God is over the weakest of his children. No act of cruelty or
opi)ression toward them is unmarked by Heaven. Over all who
love and fear him, his hand extends as a shield ; let men beware
that they smite not that hand ; for it wields the sword of justice.

N')t far distant from where the Israelites were now encamped
wais the home of Jethro, tlic father-in-law of Moses. Jethrr, had
beard of the deliverance of the Hebrews, and he now set out to
visit them, and restore to JNIoses his wife and two sons. The great
leader was informed by messengers of their approach, and he went
out with joy to meet them, and, the first greetings over, conducted
them to his tent. Ho had sent back his family when on his way
to the perils of leading Israel from Egypt, but now ho could again
enjoy the relief and comfort of their society. To Jethro lie re-
counted the wonderful dealings of God with Israel, and the patri-
arch rejoiced and blessed the Lord, and with Moses and the elders
he united in offering sacrifice, and holding a solemn feast in com-
memoration of God's mercy.

As Jethro remained in the camp, he soon saw how heavy were
the burdens that rested upon Moses. To maintain order and dis-
cii)line among that vast, ignorant, and untrained multitude was
indeed a stupendous task. Moses was their recognized leader and
magistrate, and not only the general interests and duties of the

» Deut. 25 : 17-19. ^Ex. 17 : 16 (margin).

FTWM Till': in:!) sea to sfXAr.

.".(U

jx'oplc, but the controvorsios that arose aiuonj.' tlicni, wvw re-
Icrrcd to him. Ho had iK'niiitt('(l this, tor it {jjavo him an opjtortu-
nity to instruct them; as he said, "I do make tlu-m know the
statutes of (lod, and his hiws." ]]ut .lethro remonstrated a'jainst
this, sayinj;, "This thinj^ is too heavy i'or thee; thou art not able
to perform it thyself alone." " Thou wilt surely wear away," and
he counseled Moses to appoint proper persons as rulers of thou-
sands, and others as rulers of hundreds, and others of tens. They
sliould l>e '• able men, such as fear (rod, men of truth, hatin<;- cov-
etousness."' These were to ,iud<re in all matters of minor conse-
([Uence, while the most diflicult and important cases should still
be brou;_dit ])eforc Moses, who was to l»e to the people, said Jethro,
"to God-ward, that thou mayest brin<; the causes unto (Jod. And
thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them
the way wherein they nuist walk, and tlu; W()rk that they must
do." This counsel was accepted, and it not only brouj^ht relief tt)
M(»ses, but resulted in establishing' more perfect order amonu tiie
]>eople.

The Lord had greatly lumored Moses, and had wrouirht won-
ders bv his hand ; Imt the fact that he had been chosen to instruct
others did not lead him to conclude that ho himself needed no in-
struction. The chosen leader of Israel listened gladly to the sug-
gestions of the godly j^riest of Midian, and adopted his i)lan as a
wise arrangement.

From Rephidim, the ])eople continued their journey, following
the movement of tlie cloudy })illar. Their route had led across l)ar-
ren plains, over steep ascents, and through rocky defiles. Often as
they had traversed tho sandy wastes, they had seen before them rug-
ged mountains, like huge bulwarks, piled U[) directly across their
course, and seeming to for))id all further progress, lint as they
ai)i)roached, openings here and there appeared in the mountain
wall, and beyond, another plain opened to view. Through one of
these deep, gravelly passes they were now led. It was a grand
and impressive scene. Between the rocky cliti's rising Imndreds of
feet on either side, flowed in a living tide, far as the eye could
leach, the hosts of Israel with their flocks and herds. And ninv
before them in solemn majesty Mount Sinai lifted its massive
front. The cloudy pillar rested upon its summit, and the people
sj)read their tents upon the plain beneath. Here was to be their

lEx. IS : Ili-Ort.

302

PATIilAIiCrrs AND PliOPIIKTS.

home for nearly a yeiir. At niglit the ])illar of firo assured tliorn
of the divine protection, and while they were locked in sluniher,
the hread of hoavcii loll pjently upon the encampment.

The dawn gilded the dark ridges of the mountains, and the
sun's golden rays pierced tlio deep gorges, seeming to these weary
travelers like beams of mercy from the throne of God. On every
hand, vast, rugged heights seemed in their solitary grandeur to
speak of eternal endurance and majesty. Here the mmd was im-
pressed with solemnity and awe. Alan was made to feel his
ignorance and weakness in the jjresencc of Him who " weighed the
mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." ' Hero Israel was
to receive the most wonderful revelation ever mad. by God to
men. Here the Lord had gathered his people that he might im-
press upon them the sacredness of his requirements by declaring
with his own voice his holy law. Great and radical changes were
to be wrought in them ; for the degrading influences of servitude
and a long-continued association with idolatry had leffc their mark
upon habits and character. God was working to lift them to a
higher moral level by giving them a knowledge of himself.

ils;i. 40 : in.

CHAPTER XXVII.

THK LAW (;iVi:\ TO ISRAEL.

Soon jiftor tlie cnoainpniont at Sinui, Moses was called up into
the mountain tt nect with God. Alono ho climbed the stecj) and
rugged j)ath, and drew near to the cloud that marked the place
of Jehovah's presence. Israel was now to be taken into a close
and peculiar relation to the Most High, — to be incorporated as a
church and a nation under the government of God. The message
to Moses for the people was, —

" Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare
you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now there-
fore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then
ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all
the earth is mine. And yo shall bo unto mo a kingdom of priests,
and a holy nation."'

Moses returned to the camp, and having summoned the elders
of Israel, he repeated to them the divine message. Their answer
was, " All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." Thus they
entered into a solemn covenant with God, pledging themselves
to accept him as their ruler, by which they became, in a special
sense, the subjects of his authority.

Again their leader ascended the mountain ; and the Lord said
unto him, " Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the peo-
])le may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee forever."
When they met with difficulties in the way, they were disposed
to murmur against Moses and Aaron, and accuse them of leading
the hosts of Israel from Egypt to destroy them. The Lord would
honor Moses before them, that they might be led to confide in his
instructions.

God purposed to make the occasion of speaking his law a
scene of awful grandeur, in keeping with its exalted character.
The people were to be impressed that everything connected with
the service of God must be regarded with the greatest reverence.

iSee Exodus 1!».

[303]

.•504

P. I Till. 1 m 'IIS . i Ni) I'liorjiK rs.

The lionl siild to Moses, "do Ulitt) tlio JK'opli', ami SimctllV tliciii
to-day iUid to-inorro\v, and let tlicni wash tlicir clotlu'S, and
lio ready ajfainst tlu; third day; for tho third day tlie liord will
eoiiie down in tho si^dit of )•" iieople upon Mount Sinai."

During thesi; intervenin>i da\ , wero to occupy the tinio in
solenni preparation to appear heforo (lod. Their person and
their clothinj; must he freed from impurity. And as Moses sliould
l)oint out their sins, they wero to devote; tl'.emselves to hundlia-
tion, fastin^f, and prayer, tliat their hearts nd<rht he cleansed from
iniquity.

Tho prc'parations wero made, aceordint^ to tho command ; and
in ohedionco to a further injunction, Moses directe(l that a harrier
he jdaced ahout the mount, that neitlier man nor heast mijiht
intrude Ujton tho sacred j)recinct. If any ventured so much as
to touch it, tho i)enalty wa.s instant dtnith.

On tho morninji; of tho third day, as tho eyes of all tho ])eo])le
wero turned toward tho mount, its sunnnit was covered with a
thick cloud, which <.Mew more black and dense, sweeping down-
ward until tho entire mountain was wrapped in (hirkness and
awful mystery. Then a sound as of a trumpet was heard, sum-
moning the people to meet with God ; and Moses lod thein forth
to tho base of the mountain. From the thick darkness flaslu'd
vivid lightnings, wlnlc peals of thunder echoed and re-ech<jed
among the surrounding heights. " And Mount Sinai was alto-
gether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire;
and tho smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and
the whole mount (juaked greatly." " The glory of the Lord was
like devouring fire on the top of the mount " in the sight of the
assembled multitude. And "the voice of the trumpet sounded
long, and waxed louder and louder." So terrible were tho tokens
of Jehovah's presence that tho hosts of Israel shook with fear, and
fell upon their faces before the Ijord. Even Moses exclaimed, " I
exceedingly fear and quake." '

And now the thunders ceased; the trumpet was no longer
heard ; the earth was still. There was a period of solenni silence,
and then the voice of God was heard. Speaking out of the thick
darkness that enshrouded him, as he stood upon the mount, sur-
rounded by a retinue of angels, the Lord made known his law.
Moses, describing the scene, says : " The Lord came from Sinai,

MIek 12 :2I.

L^_

TIIH LAW arVKN TO IfHiAEL.

!(»:.

and

iiixl rose u|) iVoiM Stir unto tliciii ; lie whined t'orth iViitii Mttuiit
I'aniii, and \\v. cainc with ten tli<)Usan<lH of saiiitn; 'Voiii his
rl^dit liand witit a (icrv hiw tor tht'in. Yi-a, ho loved thr pco-
l>lt' ; all his saints arc in thy hand ; and tln-y sat down at thy tVi't;
every oik? shall rcccivt' of thy words." '

.Ichovah revealed himself, not alone in tlu! awful majesty of
the judfii! and law>j;iver, hut as the eompassionatt! guardian of his
jK'ojtle: "I am the liord thy (Jod, whieh luivo hroujrht thee out
of the land of K^rypt, out (»f the house of honda^re."'^ lie whom
they had already known as their ^'uide and deliverer, who had
hroufiht them forth from K^ypt, niakin;; a way for them thn»u;rh
the sea, and ov<rthrowin<i- Pharaoh and his hosts, who had thus
shown himself to \)v altove all the <;ods of Kjiypt — He it was who
now spoke his law.

The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the hen-
efit of the llehrcws. (Jod honored them by makini^ them the
guardians and keepers of his law, l»ut it was to he held as a sacred
trust for the whole worhl. The |trecepts of tlu* decalou'Ue are
adai)ted to all mankind, and they were jiiven for tlu; instruction
and jiovernment of all. Ten preci'pts, l»rief. comprehensive, and
authoritative, cover the duty of man to (iod and to his fellow-
nuui ; and all ba.sed upon the <j;reat fundamental principh; of love.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy CJod with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy streniith, id with all thy nnnd;
and thy neighhor as thyself."^ In the te», connnandments these
principles are carried (»ut.in detail, and ma<le applicable to the
condition and circumstances of man.

"Thou shalt have no other <;ods before me."*

Jehovali, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, himself tluy
sourco and sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence
and worship. Man is forl)idden to give to any other object the
first place in his affctions or his service. Whatever we cherish
that tends to lessen our love for (Jod or to interfere with the
service due him, of that do we make a god,

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any
likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the
earth beneath, or that is in the Avatev under the earth. Thou
shalt not l)ow down thyself to them, nor serve them.'

' Deut. 33 : 2, 3.

»Luke 10 : 27; Deut. 6:4, 5; L»'v. 19:18.

2 E\. 20 : 2.
* Ex. 20 : 3-1 T

:m\*\

I'. I 77//. \ /t( 7/.S . I .v/> rnoi'JiK TS.

l»

Tho wcond coiiiimiiwliiiciit l'tnl)i(lH the wt»rwhij» of i\n'. true
Cioi\ )>y iiiinjics or Hiiiiiliiwdrs. Miuiy In'atlu'ii natioii.s <'liiimo<l
that their iinaj^cs wcro uwrv, timircs or nyinhols by wliicli tlio De-
ity was worHliipc*! ; l»ut(io(l liaH «le(lare(l Hiuh worship to he sin.
The aitem|>t to represent tlie Eternal One hy material ohjeets
would lower man's conception of (Jod. Tho mind, tunu'd away
from tho inrinit(3 perfection of Jehovah, would he attracte<l to tho
<Teaturo rather than to the? Creator. And as his conceptions of
(lod were lowen'd, so would man heconu! <le;;rado<l.

" I tho liord thy fJod am u jealous (lod." Tho close and sacrod
relation of fJod to his jteoplo is represented under th(! li^ninj of
marriajre. Idolatry hein^ spiritual adultery, tho displeasuro of
God ufjainst it is fitly called jealousy.

"Visiting tho ini(iuity of tho fathers upon tho children unto
the third and fourth generation of them that hato me." It is in-
ovitahlo that children should suller from tho consi'(|uonces of
parental wrong-doing, hut they aro not punished for tho parents'
guilt, o.xcept as they participate in their sins. It is usually tiio
case, however, that children walk in tho steps of their })arents.
By inheritance and exami)lo tho sons become i)artakers of tho
father's sii;. W' ng tendencies, perverted ai)petites, and debased
morals, as well as physical disease and degeneracy, aro trans-
mitted as a legacy from father to son, to the third and fourth
generation. This fearful truth should have a solemn power to
restrain men from following a course of sin.

"Showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and
keep my commandments." In prohibiting the worshij) of false
gods, the second commandment by implication enjoins tho wor-
ship of tho true God. And to those who aro faithful in his service,
mercy is promised, not merely to the third and fourth gcnieration
as is the wrath threatened against those who hate him, but to
thousand'i of generations.

" Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain ;
for tlie Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in
vain."

This connuandment not only j)rohibit3 false oaths and conmion
swearing, but it forbids us to use the name of God in a light or
careless manner, without regard to its awful significance. By the
thoughtless mention of God in common conversation, by appeals
to him in trivial matters, and by the frequent and thoughtless rep-

TIIK LAW arVFy to I^lt.XEt.

• 'M)\

«titii»n ofhirt niiiiM', wo dishonor liitii. " Holy mul reverend in hin
naiiu'/'' All hIiouM nuMlitato upon lii.H innjrsty, Iiin purity luul
hoIini'Hs, that tho licart may hc^ iiuprcsHcd with a hciiso of hi.s rx-
alt»Ml character; and his holy iiaiiu; Hhould ho uttered with rever-
cnc*; and Holcnniity.

" KcniendMr the Sahhath day to keep it holy. Six dayn hIuiU
tho I lahor, and do all thy work ; hut the seventh day is the Sah-
bath of tlu^ Lord thy (iod ; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou,
nor thy «on, nor thy daujzhter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-
Horvant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranjier that is within thy jiates;
for in six days the Lord nuule heaven and earth, tho sea, and all
that in them is, and rested tho seventh day; wherefort! tin- Tiord
blessed tlu! Sahhath day, and hallowed it."

TIk; Sahhath is not introduced as a new institution, hut as hav-
\\\'^ been founded at creation, it is to bo romend)ered and ob-
served as tho memorial of tlu^ Creator's work. Pointinj? to (Jod as
tho maker of tho heavens and tho earth, it distinguishes the; true
God from all false j^ods. All who keep tho seventh day, sij^nify by
this act that they are worshipers of Jehovah. Thus tho Sabbath
is th(! sign of man's allegiance to God as long as there are any
ujjon tho earth to servo him. Tho fourth coimiiandment is tho
only one of all tho ten in which are found both tho name and the
title of the Lawgiver. It is tho only one that shows by whose
authority the law is given. Thus it contains tho seal of God, af-
fixed to his law as evid(;nee of its authenticity and binding force.

God has given men six days wherein to labor, and ho requires
that their own work bo done in tho six working days. A(;ts of
necessity and mercy are permitted on tho Sabbath, the sick and
sufl'ering aro at all times to bo eared iov\ but unnecessary labor is
to bo strictly avoided. "Turn away thy foot from the Sabbath,
from doing thy pleasure on my holy day ; and call tho Sabbath a
delight, tho holy of the Lord, honorable; and . . . honor him, not
doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own i)leasure.'''' Nor
does tho prohibition end here. " Not speaking thine own words,"
says the prophet. Those who discuss business matters or lay plans
on the Sabbath, aro regarded by God as though engaged in the
actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we
should not even allow our minds to dwell ui)on things of a worldly
character. And the commandment includes all within our gates.

»Ps. Ill : 9. aisa. RS : 1.3.

308

iWrillAUCHH AND PItOPIfFJTS.

The 'nniatiw of the liouse are to lay aside tlieir worldly business
ilurinj; the sacred hours. All should unite to honor God by will-
ing service upon his holy day.

"Honor thy lather and thy mother; that thy days may l)e
long upon the land Avhioh the Lord thy God giveth thee."

Parents are entitled to a degree of love and respect which is
due to no other j)erson. God himself, who has i)laced upon them
a. responsibility for the souls conuiiittcd to their charge, has or-
dained that during the earlier years of life, i^arents shall stand in
the ])lace of God to their children. And he who rejects the rightful
authority of his parents, is rejecting the authority of God. The
fifth commandm<:'nt requires children not only ta yield respect,
sul (mission, and obedience to their parents, but also to give them
love and tenderness, to lighten their cares, to guard their re])uta-
tion, and to succor and comfort tliem in old age. It also enjoins
respect for ministers and rulers, and for all others to whom God
has delegated authority.

This, says the ajjostle, " is the first commandment with prom-
ise."' To Israel, expecting soon to enter Canaan, it was a pledge
to the obedient, of long life in that good land ; Init it has a wider
meaning, including all the Israel of God, and promising eternal
life upon the eartii when it shall be freed from the curse of sin.

" Thou Shalt not kill."

All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of
hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any [)assion that leads
to injurious acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them
liarm (for "whoso hateth his brother is a nmrderer"); a selfish
neglect of caring for the needy or suffering; all self-indulgence or
unnecessary deprivation or ex(,'essive lal)or that tends to injure
health, — all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of
the sixth commandment.

" Thou shalt not connnit adultery."

This commandment forbids not only acts of impurity, but sen-
sual thoughts and desires, or any i»ractice that tends to excite
them. Purity is demanded not only in the outward life, but in
the secret intents and emotions of the heart. Clirist, who tauglit
the far-reaching ol)ligation of the law of God, declared the evil
thought or look to be as truly sin as is the unlawful deed.

" Tiiou shalt not steal."

lEph. C. ; 2. 'M .Toliii :? : 1.').

Tilt: LAW (UVKN TO ISRAEL.

'm)

i»t.'

Both i)ul)lic and i)iivat(! sins are included in this ])rc)hibiti()n.
The eighth eonunandnient eondennis nuin-stejdin<;- and slave-deal-
ing, and forbids wars of conqiKJst. It condemns theft and rohhery.
It demands strict integrity in the iinnutest details of the alliairs
of life. It forhiils overreaching in trade, and requires the pay-
ment of just debts or wag(>s. It declares that every attempt to
advantage one's self by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of
another, is rcjgistered as fraud in the books of heaven.

" Thou shalt not bear falst; witness against thy neighl)0r."

False-speaking in any matter, every attenqjt or purpose to de-
ceive our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is
what constitutes falsehood. Bv a glance of the eye, a motion of
the iiand, an expression of the countenance', a falsehood may be
told as effectually as by words. All intentional overstatement,
every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an erroneous or ex-
aggerated imj)ression, even the statement of facts in such a man-
ner as to mislead, is falsehood. This i)recept for))ids every ellbrt
to injure our neighbor's re[)utation l)y misrepresentation or evil
surmising, by slander or tale-bearing. Even the intentional sup-
[ircssion of truth, l)y which injury may result to others, is a viola-
tion of the ninth commandment.

'"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not
covet thy neighbor's wife, iior his manservant, nor his maidserv-
ant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's."

The tenth commandment strikes at the vcrv root of all sins,
prohibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the siidul act. He
who, in obedience to God's law refrains from indulging even a
sinful desire for that which Ixdongs to another, will not be guilty
of an act of wrong toward his fellow-creatures.

Such were the sacred precei)ts of the decalogue, si)oken amid
thunder and flame, and with a wonderful display of the power
and majesty of the great Lawgiver. God accompanied the procla-
mation of his law with exhibitions of his i)ower and glory, that his
people might never forget the scene, and that they might l>e
impressed with profound veneration for the Author of t)ie law, the
Creator of heaven and earth. lie would also slu)W tc all men the
sacredness, the importance, and the permanence of his law.

The people of Israel Avere overwhelmed with terror. The
awful power of God's utterances seemed more than their trem-
bling hearts could bear. For as God's great rule of right was

310

/'. I TH I A li CIIS . { NI) PUOrilK TS

prcscnU'd hcibro tluMu, thoy realized an never l>er()re, the ofTensive
eharaeter of sin, and their own guilt in the .si,ij:ht of a holy God.
They t<hraid< away from the mountain in fear and awe. The mul-
titude eried out to Moses, "Speak thou with us, and we will hear;
but let not (Jod speak with us, lest we die."' The leader an-
swered, " Fear not; for God is come to prove you, and that his
fear may be before your faees, that ye sin not." The i)eople, how-
ever, remained at a distance, gazini^ in terror upon the scene, while
Moses " drew near unto the thick darkness where God was."

The minds of the ])(>ople, blinded and debased by sUivery and
heathenism, were not prei)ared to appreciate fully the far-reaching
principles of God's ten precei)ts. That the obligations of the dec-
alogue might be more fully understood and enforced, additional
precepts were given, illustrating and applying the principles of the
ten connnandments. These laws were called judgments, both be-
cause th(y were framed in infinite wisdom and equity, and be-
cause the magistrates were to give judgment according to them.
Unlike the ten conunandments, they were delivered privately to
Moses, who was to communicate them to the people.

The first of these laws related to servants. In ancient times,
criminals were soJnetim(!S sold into slavery by the judges; in some
cases, debtors were sold by their creditors ; and poverty ev(!n led
persons to sell themselves or their children. But a Hebrew could
not be sold as a slave for life. His term oi service was limited to
six years; on the seventh he was to be set at liberty. Mansteal-
imx, delil)erate nmrder, and rebellion against ])arental authority,
were to bo ])unished with death. The holding of slaves not of Is-
raelitish birth was j)ermitted, but their life and i)erson were
strictly guarded. The murderer of a slave was to be punished ;
an injury inflicted upon one by his master, though no more than
the loss of a tooth, entitled him to his freedom.

The Israelites had lately been servants themselves, and now
that they were to have servants under them, they were to beware
of indulging the spirit of cruelty and exaction from which they
had suflered under their Egyptian taskmasters. The memory of
their own bitter servitude should enable them to i)ut themselves
in the servant's place, leading them to be kind and compassionate,
to deal with others as they would wish to be dealt with.

The rights of widows and orphans were specially guarde<l, and
a tender regard for their helpless condition was enjoined. " If

' r.x. 'JO : 1'.)-'21.

THE LAW OIVEN TO ISRAEL

311

thou afflict them in any wise," the Lord (loclarcd, "and they cry
at all unto nio, I Avill surely hear their cry ; and my wrath shall
wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword ; and your wives shall
he widows, and your children fatherless.'" Aliens who united
themselves with Israel were to he j)rotected from wronj^ or oppres-
sion. "Thou shalt not oppress a stranger; for yc know the lieart
of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."''

The taking of usury froin the poor was forhidden. A poor
man's raiment or hlanket taken as a pledge, must he restored to-
him at nightfall, lie who was guilty of tluift was recjuired to restore
douhle. Respect for magistrates and rulers was enjoined, and judges
were warned against i)erverting judgment, aiding a false cause, or
receiving hrihes. Calumny and slander were i)rohil)ited, and acts
of kindness enjoined, even toward personal enemies.

Again the people were reminded of the sacred ohligation of the
Sahhath. Yearly feasts were ai)pointed, at which all the men of
the nation were to assemhle heforo the Lord, hringing to him their
offerings of gratitude, and the first-fruits of his hounties. The
object of all these regulations was stated: they proceeded from no
exercise of mere arbitrary sovereignty ; all were given for the good
of Israel. The Lord said, "Ye shall be holy men unto me,"''—
worthy to be acknowledged by a holy (iod.

These laws were to be recorded by Moses, and carefully treas-
ured as the foundation of the national law, and, with the ten
precepts v/hich they were given to illustrate, the condition of the
fulfillment of God's- promises to Israel.

The message was now given them from Jehovah : " Behold, I
send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring
thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and
ol)ey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not ])ardon your
transgressions; for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed
obey his voice, and do all that I s])eak, then I will l)e an enemy
unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries."*
During all the wanderings of Israel, Christ, in the pillar of < 'oud
and of fire, was their leader. While there were tyjies pointmg to
a Saviour to come, there was also a i)resent Saviour, who gave com-
mands to Moses for the people, and who was set forth before them
as the only channel of blessing.

Upon descending from the mountain, " Moses came and told
the j)eople all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments, and
»Ex. 22 : 23, 24. «Ex. 23 : 9. ^Ex. 22 : 31. «Ex. 23 : 20-22.

312

PATR[ARCIIS AND PJiOPIIETS

I a 11

Jill the i)eoj)lt' uusvverod with one A'oifo, and said, All the words
Avhich the Lord hath said will wc do."' This ]>ledge, together
with the words of the Lord which it bound them to obey, was
written by Moses in a book.

Then followed the ratification of the covenant. An altar was
built at the foot of the mountain, and beside it twelve pillars
were set uy, " according to the twelve tribes of Israel," as a testi-
mony t( their acceptance of the covenant. Sacrifices were then
presented by young men chosen for the service.

Having sprinkled the altar with the blood of the offerings,
Moses " took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience
of the people." Thus the conditions of the covenant were sol-
emnly repeated, and all were at liberty to choose whether or not
they would comply with them. They had at the first promised to
obey the voice of God; but they had since heard his law pro-
claimed ; and its principles had been particularized, that they
might know how much this covenant involved. Again the people
answered with one accord, " All that the Lord hath said will we
do, and be obedient." " When Moses had spoken every precept to
all the people according to the law, he took the blood, . . . and
sprinkled both the book and all the people, saying. This is the
blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."'^

Arrangements were now to be made for the full establishment
of the chosen nation under Jehovah as their king. Moses had
received the command, " Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron,
Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel ; and worship
ye afar off. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord." While
the people worshiped at its foot, these chosen men were called up
into the mount. The seventy elders were to assist Moses in the
government of Israel, and God put upon them his Spirit, and
honored them with a view of his power and greatness. " And
they saw the God of Israel ; and there was under his feet as it
were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of
heaven in his clearness." They did not behold the Deity, but they
saw the glory of his presence. Before this they could not have
endured such a scene ; but the exhibition of God's power had awed
them to repentance; they had been contemplating his glory,
purity, and mercy, until they could approach nearer to Him who
was the subject of their meditations.

iSee Exodus 24. '' Vab. 9 : 19, 20.

m^mn

THE LAW GIVEN TO ISRAEL.

3ia

was

Moses and " his luinistor Joshua " were now sunnnonod to nieot
witli (Jod. And as they were to l)o some time ahsent, the leader
appointed Aaron and ITur, assisted by the chlers, to act in his
stead. "And Moses W(>nt up into the mount, .in(i a cloud covered
the mount. And the j,dory of the Lord abode U|)on Mount Sinai."
For six days the cloud covered the mountain as a token of God's
special presence ; yet there was no revelation of himself or com-
munication of his will. Durin<!; this time, Moses remained in
waiting for a summoris to the presence-chamber of the Most High.
He had been directed, '' Come up to mo into the mount, and be
there," and though his patience and obedience were tested, he did
not grow weary of watching, or forsake his post. This period of
waiting was to him a time of preparation, of close self-examination.
Even this favored servant of God could not at once approach into
his presence, and endure the exhibitions of his glory. Six day
must be employed in devoting himself to God by searching oi.
heart, meditation and prayer, before he could be prepared for di-
rect communion with his Maker.

Upon the seventh day, which Avas the Sabbath, Moses was
called up into the cloud. The thick cloud opened in the sight of
all Israel, and the glory of the Lord broke forth like devouring
fire. " And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him
up into the mount. And Moses was in the mount forty days and
forty nights." The forty days' tarry in the mount did not in-
clude the six days of jireparation. During the six days, Joshua
was with Moses, and together they ate of the manna, and drank of
"the brook that descended out of the mount." But Joshua did
not enter with Moses into the cloud. He remained without, and
continued to eat and drink daily while awaiting the retr.rn of
Moses ; but !Moses fasted during the entire forty days.

During his stay in the mount, INIoses received directions for the
building of a sanctuary in which the divine i:>resen('e would be
specially manifested. "Let them make mo a sanctuary, that I
may dwell among them,'' ' was the conunand of God. For the
third time the observance of the Sabbath was enjoined. " It is a
sign between me and the children of Israel forever," the Lord de-
clared, " that ye may know that I am Jehovah that doth sanctify
you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto
you. . . . Whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be
cut off from among his people."^ Directions had just beta given
lEx. 25 : 8. *Ex. 31 : 17, 13, 14.

PATRfAIWIfS AND PROPHETS.

for the immediate erection of the tahernacle for the service of God \
and now the people miyht conclude, hecause the ohject had in view
was the glory of God, and also hecause of their /zreat need of a place
of worshij), that they would l)e justified in working at the huilding
upon the Sahhath. To guard them from this error, the warning
was given. Even the sacredncss and urgency of that special work
for God nmst not lead them to infringe upon his holy rest-day.

Henceforth the people were to he honored with the ahiding
presence of their King. " I will dwell among the children of
Israel, and will be their God," " and the tahernacle shall be
sanctified by my glory," ' was the assurance given to Moses. As
the symbol of God's authority, and the embodiment of his will,
there was delivered to Moses a copy of the decalogue engraved by
the finger of God himself upon two tables of stone,'' to be sacredly
enshrined in the sanctuary, which, when made, was to be the vis-
ible center of the nation's worship.

From a race of slaves the Israelites had been exalted above
all i)eoples, to be the peculiar treasure of the King of kings. God
had separated them from the world, that he might commit to
them a sacred trust. He had made them the depositaries of his
law, and he purj?osed, through them, to preserve among men the
knowledge of himself. Thus the light of heaven was to shine out
to a world enshrouded in ciarkness, and a voice Avas to be heard
appealing to all peoples to turn from their idolatry to serve the
living God. If the Israelites would bo true to their trust, they
would become a power in the world. God would be their defense,
and he would exalt them above all other nations. His light and
truth would be revealed through them, and they would stand
forth under his wise and holy rule as an example of the supe-
riority of his worship over every form of idolatry.

» Ex. 29 : 45, 43. ^ Deut. 9:10; Ex. 33 : 15, 16.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

IDOLATRY AT SINAI.

While Moses was absent, it was a time of waiting and sus-
pense to Israel. The people knew that he had ascended the
mount with Joshua, and had entered the cloud of thick darkness
which could he seen from the plain below, resting on the mount-
ain peak, illuminated from time to time with the lightnings of
the divine presence. They waited eagerly for his return. Ac-
customed as they had been in P]gypt to material representations
of deity, it had been hard for them to trust in an invisible being,
and they had come to rely upon Moses to sustain their faith.
Now he was taken from them. Day after da\ week after week,
passed, and still he did not return. Notwithstanding the cloud
was still in view, it seemed to many in the camp that their leader
had deserted them, or that he had been consumed by the devour-
ing fire.

During this period of waiting, there was time for them to
meditate upon the law of God which they hati heard, and to pre-
pare their hearts to receive the further revelations that he might
make to them. They had none too much time for this work;
and had they been thus seeking a clearer understanding of God's
requirements, and humbling their hearts before him. they would
have been shielded from temptation. But they did not do this,
and they soon became careless, inattentive, and lawless. Espe-
cially was this the case with the mixed multitude. Tiiey were
impatient to be on their way to the land of promise, — the land
flowing with milk and honey. It was only on condition of obedi-
ence that the goodly land was promised them ; but they had lost
sight of this. There were some who suggested a return to Egypt,
but whether forward to Canaan or backward to Egypt, the masses
of the people were determined to wait no longer for Moses.

Feeling their helplessness in the absence of their leader, they
returned to their old superstitions. The " mixed multitude " had

[3151

43 1«

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

been the iir^t to iii(lulf,'o niurnnirinf^ and impatience, and they
wi!r(! tlu! leaders in tlu; ajxjstasy that followed. Anioii^f the ohjeetd
regarded hy the Kjiyittians aH syiiihols of deity, was the ox or
calf; and it was at the suf^jiestion of those who had practiced tliis
form of idolatry in P^^yi)t, that a calf was now made and worshiped.
The pco]>le desired some imajre to represent (lod, and to j^o before
them in the place of JNIoses. (Jod had given no manner of simili-
tude of hiinself, and lie had prohihit('(l any material representation
for such a pur[)ose. The mitrhty miracles in Egypt and at the
Red Sea were designed to establish faith in him as the invisible,
all-powerful Helper of Israel, the only true God. And the desire
for some visible manifestation of his i)resence had been granted in
the pillar of cloud and of fire that guided their hosts, and in the
revealing of his glory upon Mount Sinai. But with the cloud of
the Presence still before them, they turned back in their hearts to
the idolatiy of P^gypt, and represented the glory of tlie invisible
God by the similitude of an ox ! *

In the absence of Moses, the judicial authority had been
delegated to Aaron, and a vast crowd gathered about his tent,
with the deman.l, "Make us gods, which shall go before us; for
as for this INIoses, the man that brought us uj) out of the land of
Egypt, we wot not what is become of him."^ The cloud, they
said, that had heretofore led them, now rested permanently upon
the mount; it would no longer direct their travels. They must
have an image in its place ; and if, as had been suggested, they
should decide to return to Egypt, they would find favor with the
Egyptians by bearing this image before them, and acknowdedging
it as their goa.

Such a crisis demanded a man of firmness, decision, and
unflinching courage; one who held the honor of God above
popular favor, personal safety, or life itself. But the present
leader of Israel was not of this character. Aaron feebly remon-
strated with the people, but his wavering and timidity at the
critical moment only rendered them the more determined. The
tumult increased. A blind, unreasoning frenzy seemed to take
possession of the multitude. There were some who remained true
to their covenant with God ; but the greater \)ixvi of the people
joined in the apostasy. A few wdio ventured to denounce the
proposed image-making as idolatry, were set upon and roughly
1 See Exodus 32. " See Appendix, Note 7.

IDOLATRY AT SINAI.

HIT

treated, and in the eonfusion and excitement they finally lost
their lil'e.

Aaron i'eared for liis own safety; and instead of nohly standinfj;
lip for the honor of (Jod, he yielded to the demands of the multi-
tude. His lirst act was to direct that the golden earrings ho
collected from all the people and hrought to him, hoping that
pride would lead them to refuse such a sacrifiee. But they
willingly yielded up their ornaments; and from these ho made a
molten calf, in imitation of the gods of Egypt. The people pro-
claimed, "These he thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out
of the land of Egyjit." And Aaron basely permitted this insult to
Jehovah. He did more. [Seeing with what satisfaction the golden
god was received, he built an altar before it, and made i)roclama-
tion, "To-morrow is a feast to the Lord." The announcement was
heralded by trumpeters from company to company throughout the
camp. "And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered
burnt-offerings, and brought peace-offerings; and the people sat
down to eat and to drink, and rose up to jday." Under the pretense
of holding " a feast to the Lord," they gave themselves up to
gluttony and licentious reveling.

How often, in our own day, is the love of pleasure disguised by
a "form of godliness " ! A religion that permits men, while ob-
serving the rites of worshij), to devote themselves to selfisli or
sensual gratification, is as pleasing to the multitudes now as in the
days of Israel. And there are still pliant Aarons, who, while
holding positions of authority in the church, will yield to tlie
desires of the uneonsecrated, and thus encourage them in sin.

Only a few days had passed since the Hebrews had made a
solemn covenant with God to obey his voice. They had stood
trembling with terror before the mount, listening to the words of
the Lord, " Thou shalt have no other gods before me." The glory
of God still hoveriMl above Sinai in the sight of the congregation;
but they turned away, and asked for otlier gods. " They made a
calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image. Thus they
changed their glory into the similitude of an ox." ' How could
greater ingratitude have been shown, or more daring insult offered,
to Him who had revealed nimself to them as a tender father and
an all-powerful king !

Moses in the mount was warned of the ajjostasy in the camp,

» Ps. 106 : 19, 20.

818

PATRfAIiCIIS AND PliOPIIKTS.

^11
' 3 i|

and was directed to return witliout delay. " (lo, ^ret thee down,"
were the words of God; "thy people, which thou hrou^djtc.-;t out
of the land of E^'vjjt, have corruj)ted tiienisi'lvcs. They have
turned aside (juickly out of the way which I coninianded them.
They have made them a molten calf, and hav(! worHhiped it."
God mifiht have checked the movement at the outset; hut he
suffered it to come to this height, that he might teach all a lesson
in his ]>unishment of treason and apostasy.

God's cov(!nant with his jjcople had hcen disannulled, and he
declared to Moses, " Let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot
against them, and that T may consume them; and I will make of
thee a great nation." The peoi)le of Israel, especially the mixed
nmltitude, would he constantly dis[)osed to rehel against God.
They would also murmur against their leader, and would grieve
him hy their unbelief and stubbornness, and it would bo a labori-
ous and soul-trying work to lead thein through to the promised
land. Their sins had already forfeited the favor of God, and
justice called for their destruction. The Lord therefore proposed
to destroy them, and make of Moses a mighty nation.

" Let me alone, that I may consume them," were the words of
God. If God had purposed to destroy Israel, who could plead for
the- 1? How few but would have left the sinners to their fate!
How few but would have gladly exchanged a lot of toil and
burden and sacrifice, repaid with ingratitude and nmrmuring, for
a position of ease and honor, when it was God himself that offered
the release.

But Moses discerned ground for hope where there appeared
only discouragement and wrath. The words of God, " Let me
alone," he understood not to forbid but to encourage intercession,
implying that nothing but the prayers of Moses could save Israel,
but that if thus entreated, God would spare his people. He
"besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath
wax hot again-^t thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of
the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand ? "

God had signified that ho disowned his people. Ho had
spoken of them to Moses as " thy people, which thou broughtest
out of Egypt." But Moses humbly disclaimed the leadership of
Israel. They were not his, but God's, — '" thy people, which thou
hast brought forth . . . with great power, and with a mighty
hand. Wherefore," he urged, " should the Egyptians speak, and

I DO LATHY AT S/XAf.

'MU

8iiy, For iiiiscliicf (li<l hv hrinji them (»ut, to hImv tlu-in in the
luountains, mid to coiiHUiiir tlictii iVom the face; ot'tlM^ earth? "

Duriiiji till! few inontli.s sinc(> Israel left K^rypt, the report of
their woikUmIuI deliveruneo had Hj)read to all the .siirroundiuj^
nations. Fear and terrihh; forehodinj; rested uiK)n the heatlu'n.
All were watehinj; to sec what the (Jod of Israel would do for his
peojde. HhouM they now ho (h.'stntyed, their eneniii'S would
triunij)h, and (lod would he dishonored. The Eiryptians would
claim that their accusations wen; true, — insti'ad of hiadin;^ his
people into the wilderness to sacrifice, he had caused them to he
sacrificed. They would not considi-r the sins of Israel; the de-
Ktruction of the ])e()i»h! whom Ik; liad so •^i^Mially honored, would
hrinfi? reproach upon his name. How irrcat the responsil)ility
resting upon those whom (Jod has highly honored, U) make his
name a praise in the earth! With what care should they guard
against connuitting sin, to call down his judgments, and cause his
name to he reproached by the ungodly !

As Moses interceded for Israel, his timidity was lost in his <leep
interest and love for those for whom lie had, in the hands of (iod,
been the means of doing so much. The Lord listened to his
pleadings, and granted his unselfish ])rayer. God had jiroved his
servant; he had tested his faithfulness, and his love for that err-
ing, unj;rateful ])eople, and nobly had Moses endured the trial.
His interest in Israel sprung from no selfish motive. The ])ros-
perity of God's chosen peojde was dearer to him than ]>ersonal
honor, dearer than the privilege of becoming the father of a
mighty nation. God was jileased with his faithfulness, his sim-
plicity of heart, and his integrity, and he committed to him, as a
faithful shepherd, the great charge of leading Israel to the prom-
ised land.

As Moses and Joshua came down from the mount, the former
bearing the " tables of the testimony," they heard the shouts and
outcries of the excited multitude, evidently in a state of wild up-
roar. To Joshua the soldier, the first thought was of an attack
from their enemies. " There is a noise of war in the camp," he
said. But Moses judged more truly the nature of the commotion.
The sound was not that of combat, but of revelry. " It is not the
voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them
that crv for being overcome ; but the noise of them that sing do
I hear."

820

rATffr.iRr/fs Avn p/fop/rKTs.

As tln'V (liH'W iMiir tlic ciuiimpmciit, they lulicld tlio pcoph*
Hlioiitiii)^ and (luiiciii^' tiroiiiKl tlu'ir idol. It was a sceiio of licatlicii
ri<tt, an imitation of the idolatrous feast -i of K;;ypt ; luit liow unlik(!
tlic sojrnni and rcvcnnt worship of ( io<l ! Moses was overwhelmed.
lie had just come; from the i»resenee of ( lod's ^dorv, and thoU'.'h Ik;
had \)vv\\ warne(l (»f what was takinj^ jdaee, Ik! was un|)repared for
that dreadl'ul exhihitioii of thi) deL'radatioii r)f Israel. IIisan;r(;r
was liol. To show his al)horrenec) of their crime, Ik' threw down
tho tahlt's of .^tdiu', and they wen; liroken in tin; si'.'ht of all the
])eople, thus si'jnifyini!; that as they had lu'oUen their covenant
with (iod, so (J(»d had hroken his covenant w ith them.

Knterinij; the camp, Moses passed throuuh tlu! crowds ol" rev-
elers, and seiziuLi' up(;n tin; idol, cast it into the (ire. lie afterward
ground it to powder, and having ntrewed it upon the stream that
descended from the mount, he made tlu; people drink of it. Thus
was shown the utter worth lessness of the god which they had Ijcen
AVorshipin;i'.

Th(! LM'eat leader sunnnoned his ;iuilty brother, and sternly de-
mmded, " \\ hat did this |)eople unto thee, that thou hast l>rought
HO great a sin upon them ? " Aaron endeavored to shield himsc^lf
by relating tlu; clamors of the ])eopl(!; that if lie liad not complied
with their wishes, he would have been i»ut to death. '* Let not the
anger of my lord wax hot," ho said; "thou knowost the peoi)le,
that they arc set on nnschief. For they said unto me. Make us
gods, which shall go before us; for as for this ^'oses, the man that
brought us up out of the land of Kgypt, we wot not what is become
of him. And I said unto them. Whosoever hath any gold, let them
break it off. 80 they gave it me; then I cast it into the firo, and
there eanio out this calf." He would lead Moses to believe that a
miracle had been wrought, — that the gtdd had been east into the
fire, and by su])ernatural i)ower changed to a calf. lUit his excuses
and prevarications were of no avail. He was justly dealt with as
the chii'f ofVender.

The fact that Aaron had been blessed and honored so far above
the peo^de was wdiat made his sin so heinous. It was Aaron
" the saint of the Lord," ^ that had made the idol and announced
the feast. It was ho who had been apjjointed as spokesman for
Moses, and concerning ■whom God himself had testified, "I know
that he can speak well,"'" that had failed to check the idolaters
'Pp. 106 : 16. "Y.x. 4 : 14.

IDOLATRY AT SINAI.

32a

in their heaven-daring purpose. He hy whom (Jod had wroiiLdit
in hrinjiin;^ jud<;ments both upon tlio E^ryptians and upon their
p)ds, had heard unmoved the jtroelamation before the molten
image, "These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out
of the land of Egypt." It was he who had been with Moses on
the mount, and had there l)eheld the glory of the Lord, who had
seen that in the manifestation of that glory there was nothing of
which an image could be made, — it was he who had changed
that glory into the similitude of an ox. lie to wliom God had
committed the government of the peo})le in the absence of Moses,
was found sanctioning their rebellion. " The Lord was very angry
with Aaron to have destroyed him." ' But in answer to the earnest
intercession of Moses, his life was sjjared ; and in i)enitence and
humiliation for his great sin, he was restored to the favor of God.

If Aaron had had courage to stand for the right, irrespective
of consequences, he could have prevented tliat ai)ostasy. If he
had unswervingly maintained his own allegiance to (Jod, if he
had cited the i)eople to the perils of Sinai, and had reminded
them of their solenni covenant with God to obey his law, the
evil would have been checked. But his compliance with the
desires of the people, and the calm assurance with which he
proceeded to carry out their plans, emboldened them to go to
greater lengths in sin than had before entered tlieir minds.

When Moses, on returning to the camp, confronted the rel)els,
his severe rebukes and the indignation he displayed in breaking
the sacred tables of the law, were contrasted by the i)eoi>le with
his brother's pleasant speech and dignified demeanor, and their
sympathies were with Aaron. To justify himself, Aaron endeav-
ored to make the people resi)onsible for his weakness in yielding
to their demand; but notwithstanding this, they were filled with
admiration of his gentleness and patience. But CJod seeth not as
man sees. Aaron's yielding spirit and his desire to i)lease, had
blinded his eyes to the enormity of the crime he was sanctioning.
His course in giving his influence to sin in Israel, cost the life of
thousands. In what contrast with this was the course of Moses,
who, while faithfully executing God's judgments, showed that the
welfare of Israel was dearer to him than jirosperity or honor or life.

Of all the sins that God will ])unish, none are more grievous in
his sight than those that encourage others to do evil. God would

1 Diut. : ':(). 21

824

J'ATinAliClls AM) I'lVU'IIHTS.

liav(! his servants i)rove their loyalty hy fuithfuily re])ukinj^ trans-
•ii'cssion, lioweviT painful the act may he. Those who are lionored
with a divine connnission, are not to ])e weak, pliant time-servers.
They are not to aim at seli-exaltiition, or to shun disa<rreeahle
duties, hut to ])crform God's work witli unswervini;- fidelity.

Thou.trh (Jod had j^ranted tlie prayer of Moses in sparin^f Israel
from destruction, their apostasy Avas to l»e signally punished. Tiic
lawlessness and insul)ordinati()n into which Aaron liad permitted
them to fall, if not speedily crushed, would run riot in Avickedness,
and Avould involve the nation in irretrievahle ruin. By terrihle
severity the evil must ho i)Ut away. Standing in the gate of the
camj), Moses cidled to tlio peoj)le, '" Wlio is on the Lord's side? let
him come unto mc." Those Avho had not joi Tied in the apostasy
Avcre to take their ]»osition at the ri<ii\t of INIoses; those Avho Avere
guilty hut repentant, at the left. The command Avas oheycd. Jt
Avas found that tlietiihe of Levi had taken no part in the idolatrous
Avorship. From am.ong other trilies there Avero great numhers Avho,
although they had sinned, noAV signified their repenlance. But a
large company, mostly of the mixed multitude that instigated the
making of the calf, stuhhornly persisted in their rehellion. In the
name of " the Lord God of Israel," Moses noAV commanded those
upon his right liand, Avho had kept themselves clear of idolatry,
to gird on their sAvords, and slay all Avho persisted in rehellion.
'' And there fell of the peojde that day ahout three thousand men."
Without regard to position, kindred, or friendshi}), the ringleaders
in wickedness Avere cut off'; ^^ut all Avho repented and humbled
themseh'es Avere spared.

Those Avho performed this terrible Avork of judgment AA'ere
acting by divine authority, executing the sentence of the King of
heaven. Men are to hcAvjiro how they, in their human blindness,
judge and condemn their felloAV-men; but Avhen (Jod commands
them to execute his sentence upon iiii(iuity, he is to be obeyed.
Those Avho performed this painful act, thus manifested their abhor-
rence of rebellion and idolatry, and consecrated themselves more
fully to the service of the true (Jod. The Lord honored their faith-
fulness by bestoAving special distinction \\\)o\\ the tril)C of Levi.

The Israelites had been guilty of treason, and that against a
King who had loaded them Avith benefits, and Avhose authority
they had voluntarily pledged themselves to obey. That tlu> divine
government might be maintained justice must be visited upon the

IDOLATRY AT SINAI.

\vl:^

traitors. Yet oven lierc God's iviercy wan displayed. Wiiile he
luaiiitained his law, he frmnted freedom of choice, and opportunity
for repentance to all. Only those were cut ott' who i)ersisted in
rebellion.

Jt was necessary that this sin shouM 1)0 punished, as a testi-
mony to surroundinji nations of (Jod's displeasure a>iainst idolatry.
By executing justice upon the j!;uilty, INloses, as (Jod's instrument,
must leave on record a solenm and i)ul>lio proti'st aiiainst their
crime. As the Israelites should hereafter eondenm the idolatry
of the neifihhorin«j tribes, their enemies would throw back upon
them tiie ehar<.fO that the peoj)le who claimed Jehovah as their
God had made a calf and worshiped it in Iloreb. Then thou;j;h
compelled to acknowled<re the disirraceful truth, Israel could
point to the terrible fate of the transjii'essors, as evidence that
their sin had not been sanctioned or excused.

Love no less than justice demanded that for this sin, judj:;ment
should be inflicted. CJod is the fzuardian as well as the sovereij:;n
of his people. lie cuts off those who are determined u])on re-
liellion, that they may not lead others to ruin. In si)arin<i the
lite of Gain, God liad demonstrated to the universe what would be
the result of permitting sin to go unpunished. The influence ex-
M-ted upon his descendants by his life and teaching led to the state
of corrui)tion that demanded the destruction of the whole world
by a flood. The history of the antediluvians testifies that long
life is not a blessing to the sinner; God's great forbearance did
not repress their wickedness. The longer men lived, the more
corrupt they became.

So with the apostasy at Sinai. Unless punishment had l)een
speedily visited upon transgression, the same results would again
have been seen. The earth would have become as eorru})t as in
the days of Noah. Had these transgressors been si)arcd, evils
would have followed, greater than resulted from sparing the life
of Cain. It was the mercy of God that thousands should suffer,
to ]irevont the necessity of visiting judgments ui)on millions. In
order to save the many, he must ])Unish the lew. Fr.rthermore,
as the ])eo})le had cast off' their allegiance to God, tluy had for-
feited the divine protection, and, deprived of their defense, tlu'
whole nation was exposed to the power of their enemies. Had
not the evil been promptly i)ut away, they would soon hive
fallen a prey to their numerous and powerful ^ok^^. It was ne.*es-

320

PA TUT A R CI IS A ND PR OPIIK TS.

BQxy for tlic jj;oo(l of Israel, and also as a lesson to all succeedinj?
generations, that orinie should 1)C promptly punisluMl. And it was
no less a nierey to the sinners themselves that tiiey should he cut
short in their evil course. Had their life heen spared, the same
spirit that led them to rehel against God Avould have heen mani-
fested in hatred and strife among themselves, and they would
eventually have destroyed one anotiier. It was in love to the
world, in love to Israel, and even to the transgressors, that crime
was punished with swilt and terrihle severity.

As the people were roused to see the enormity of their guilt,
terror j)ervadcd the entire encanij)ment. It was feared that every
offender was to he cut off. Pitying their distress, Moses promised
to plead once more with God for them.

*' Ye have sinned a great sin," he said, " and now I will go up
unto the Lord ; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your
sin," He went, and in his confession hefore God he said, " 0, this
people have sinned a great sin, and have made them god.=j of gold.
Yet now if thou wilt forgive their sin — ; and if not, blot me, I
])ray thee, out of thy hook which thou hast written." The answer
was, " Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of
my book. Therefore now go, lead the i)eoi)le unto the place of
which I have s)K)ken unto thee. Behold, mine Angel shall go
before thee ; nevertheless in the day when I visit I Avill visit
their sin upon tiiem."

In the prayer of Moses, our minds are directed to the heavenly
records., in whi h the names of all men are inscribed, and their
deeds, whether good or evil, are faithfully registered. The book
of life contains the names of ail who have ever entered the service
of God. If any of these depart from him, and by stul)born per-
sistence in sin become finally hardened against the influences of
his Holy Spirit, their names will in the Judgment be blotted from
the book of life, and they themselves will be devoted to destruc-
tion. Moses realized how dreadlul would be the fate of the sin-
ner; yet if the people of Israel W'cre to be rejected by the Lord,
he desired his name to be blotted out with theirs; he could not
endure to see the judgiiients of God fall ui)on those who had been
so graciously delivered. The intercession of Moses in behalf of
Israel illustrates the mediation of Christ for sinful men. But the
Lord did not ])erniit Mos('> to bear, iis did Christ, the guilt of tiie

IDOLATRY AT SINAI.

327

transgrossor. " Whosoever hatli sinned a^rainst iiie," lie said,
" him will 1 l»lot out of my hook."'

In deei> sadness tlu; jx'ople had huried their dead. Three
thousand liad fallen hy the sword ; a })la<iue had soon after
hroken out in the encampment; and n(jw the messajie came to
them that the divine })resence would no lon<rer aeeompany them
in their journeyinjis. Jehovah had deelared, " I v.ill not jio U{>
in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiff-necked people: lest T
consume thee in the way." And the connnand was givc^n, " Put
off' thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto
thee.'" Now +hero was mourninu; throughout the encampment.
In penitence and hunnliation, "the (.dldren of Israel stripped
themselves cf their ornaments hy the mount Horeh."

Jiy the divine direction, the tent that had served as a tempo-
rary i)lace of wx)rshi[) was removed " afar olf from the camp."
This was still lurther evidence that (lod had withdrawn his pres-
ence from them. He would reveal himself to Moses, hut not to
such a i)eo]»le. The rehuke was keenly felt, and to the conscience-
smitten multitudes it seemed a forehodinjf of greater calamity.
Had not the Lord sei)arate(l Moses from the camp that he might
utterly destroy them? But they were not left without hope. The
tent was pitched without the encampment, but oSIoses called it " the
tal)ernacle of the congregation." All who were truly i)enitent,
and desired to return to the Lord, Averc directed to repair thither
to confess their sins and seek his mercy. When they returned to
their tents, Moses entered tlie tabernacle. With agonizing interest,
the i)eople watched for some token that his intercessions in their
behalf were accepted. If God should condescend to meet Avith
him, they might hope that they were not to be utterly consumed.
When tlfe cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the entrance of
the tabernacle, the people wept for joy, and they " rose w\) and
worshiped, every man in his tent door."

Moses knew well the i)erversity and blindness of those wh(,
were placed under his care; he knew the difficulties with which
he must contend. But he had learned that in order to prevail
with the people, he nmst have help from God. He pleaded for a
clearer revelation of God's will, and for an assurance of his i)res-
ence : " See, thou sayest unto me. Bring uj) this people ; and thou
hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thor

1 Sec Exodus 33.

328

PA TiiL utciis . I xn iniopiiK ts.

liast Hiiid, I know the i by luinie, and tlum liast hIho found grace iiv
my sight. Now tlierefore, I pray thee, if I liave found grace; in
thy sight, show nie now tliy way, that I may know thee, that I
may find grace in thy sight; and consider that this nation is thy
people."

The answer Avas, "My presence shall go with thee, and I
will give thee rest." But Moses was not yet satisfied. There
pressed upon liis soul a sense of the terrible results should
God leave Israel to hardness and impenitence. He could not
endure that his interests should be separated from those of
his brethren, and he prayed that the favor of God might be re-
stored to his people, and that the token of his presence might
continue to direct their journey ings : " If thy presence go not with
me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it l)e known here
that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not
in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy
peo])le, from all the people +' at are upon the face of the earth."

And the Lord said, "I will do this thing also that thou hast
spoken; for thou hast Ibund grace in my siglit, and I know thee
by name." Still the prophet did not cease pleading. Every
prayer had been answered, but he thirsted for greater tokens of
God's favor. He now made a request that no human being ]iad
ever made before : " I beseech thee, show me thv glorv."

God did not rebuke his re(iuest as ])resumptu<)us ; but the
gracic us words were spoken, "I will make all my goodness pass
before thee." The unvailed glory of God, no man in this mortal
state can look upon and live; but Moses was assured that he
should behold as much of the divine gloiy as he could endure.
Again he Avas summoned to the mountain summit ; then the hand
that made the Avorld, that haul that "removeththe mountains,
and they knoAV not," ' took this creature of tlie dust, this mighty
man of faith, and i)laced him in a cleft of the rock, while the glory
of God and all his goodness passed before him.

This experience — above, all else the promise that the divine
presence would attend him — was to Moses an assurance of success
in the work before him ; and he counted it of infinitely greater
worth than all the learning of Egypt, or all his attainments as a
statesman or a military leader. No earthly power or skill or
learning can supply the place of God's abiding presence.

' Job 9:5.

I IX) LA r It y AT SINAI.

:\-l'A

To the tninH^'rt'ssor it is .i fcarlul tiling- ttt fiiU iiita the hiinds ot"
the livinir (rod; l»\it Mosis stood alone in i\\v pri^cnco of the
Ktcrnal One, and lie was not afraid ; for his soul was in harmony
with the will of his Maker. Says the psahnist, "If I rejrard
ini({uity in my heart, tlu^ I^ord will not hear nie." ' Hut "the
secret of the Lor<l is with them that ft'ar him, and he will show
them his covenant."*

The Deity proclaimed himself, ''The Ij(»rd, The liord Ciod. mer-
ciful and ^^racious, lonif-suHerinu', and aluindant in <r(todness ai> I
truth, l<eei)in^- mercy i'or thousands, i'ori.dvin,ir iniquity and tran>-
irressiou and sin, and that will hv no means clear the "Uiltv."

"Moses made haste, and howed his head toward the earth, and
worshiped." Attain he entreated that (Jod would pardon the
iniquity of his people, an<l take them for his inheritance. His
prayer was <j;ranted. The liord graciously ])romised to renew his
favor to Israel, and in their behalf to do marvels such as had not
V)een done " in all the earth, nor in any nation."

Forty days and ni<ihts, Moses remained in the mount; and
durinjf all this time, as at the first, he was miraculously sustained.
No man had been permitted to <io U[> with him, nor durinji; the
time of his absence were any to a])i)roach the mount. At (Jod's
command he had prepared two tables of .stone, and had taken
them with him to the sunnnit; and airain the Lord '' wrote upon
the tables the words of the covenant, the ten connuandments."' '

Durinji that lon^f time spent in connnunion with (tod, the face
of Moses had reliected the jilory of th(3 divine presence; unknown
to him.self, his face shone with u dazzlin<!; liirlit when he <lescended
from the mountain, Such a light illumined the countenance of
Stei)hcn when brought before his judges; " and all that .sat in the
council, looking steadfastly on him, saw h'..j face as it had been the
face of an angel." ^ Aaron as Avell as the people shrunk away from
Moses, a' 1 "they were afraid to come nigh him." Seeing their
confusion and terror, but ignorant of the cause, he urged them to
come near. He held out to them tlie }iledge of God's reconcilia-
tion, and assured them of his restored favor. They i)crceived in
his voice nothing but love and entreaty, and at last one ventured
, to ap{)roach him. Too awed to speak, he silently pointed to th*'
countenance of Moses, and then toward heaven. T'le great leader
iPs. fiC) : IS. MV, 25 : 14. ^i^m; Exodus 34.

* Soe Appeiuli.x, Note S. ''Acts 6 : 15.

;«(>

PATinAUCIfS AND PHOPIIKTS.

iin(l(>r.st()<)(l lii.s incunin^'. In their conHcious jiuilt, i'eelin;; them-
selvt's still under the divine displeasure, tliey could not endure
the heiivenly light,whieh, hud they Ijeen ol)edient to fJod, Avould
have filled them with joy. There is fear in guilt. The soul that
is free from sin will not wish to hide from the light of heaven.

Moses had much to communicate to them ; and compassi(Miat-
ing their feiir, he i)ut a vail U|>on his face, and continued to do
so thereafter whenever he returned to the camp from connnunion
with (lod.

By this brightness, God designed to impress ujjon Israel the
sacred, exalted character of his law, and the glory of the gospel
revealed through Christ. While Moses was in the mount, (Jod
l)resented to him, not only tlie tables of the law, but also the plan
of salvation. He saw that the sacrifice of Christ was i)refigured
by all the types and synd)ols of the Jewish age; and it was the
heavenly light streaming from Calvar\', no less than the glory of
the law of (Jod, that shed such a radiance upon the face of Moses.
That divine illumination symbolized the glory of the dispensation
of which Moses was the visible mediator, a re])resentative of the
one true Intercessor.

Tiie glory reflected in the countenance of Moses illustrates
the l)lessings to be received by God's commandment-keoi)ing
j)eo])le through the mediation of Christ. It testifies that the
closer our connnunion with God, and the clearer our knowledge
of his re(iuirements, the more fully shall we bo conformed to the
divine image, and the more readily do we become i)artalvers of
the tlivine nature.

Moses was a ty])e of Christ. As Israel's intercessor vailed
his countenance, because the people could not endure to look ui)on
its glory, so Christ, the divine Mediator, vailed his divinity Avith
humanity when he came to earth. Had he come clothed with the
brightness of heaven, he could not have found access to men in
their sinful state. They could not have endured the glory of
his ])resence. Therefore he huml)led himself, and was made "in
the likeness of sinful flesh,'" that he might reach the fallen race,
and lift them U}).

1 Rom. 8 : 3.

CHAPTER XXIX.

SATAN'S KNMirV A(;AINSr 11 IK LAW.

ic " in

race,

TiiK very first effort of Satan to overtlirow God's law, — under-
taken anionj; the sinless inhabitants of luMven, — seenii-d for a
time to he crowned witii success. A vast nund)cr of the an<,a'ls
were seduced; hut Satan's apj>arent triumph resulted in defeat
and loss, separation from Clod, and hanishment from heaven.

When the conflict was renewed upon the earth, Satan ajiain won
a seemini; advanta«ie. By trans;^ression, man hecame liis cajttivc,
and man's kin";dom also was hctraved into the hands of the arch-
rehel. Now the way seemed oj)en for Satan to estal)lish an indc-
l)endent kinj^dom, and to defy the authority of (Jod and his Son.
But the jdan of salvation made it possihle for man aj^ain to be
brouijht into harmony with God, and to rendi>r obedience to his
law, and for both man and the earth to be finallv redeemed from
the ])ower of the wicked one.

Ajiain Satan was defeated, and aijain he resorted to leception,
in the hope of convcrtin<j; liis defeat into a victory. To stir ui)
rebellion in the fallen race, he now rei)resented God as unjust in
havinu; permitted man to transgress his law. " Why, " said tlie
artlul tempter, " when God knew what would be the result, did
he permit man to be placed on trial, to sin, and brinj^ in misery
and death ? " And the children of Adam, forfrctful of the lon<i;-suncr-
ing mercy that had granted man another trial, regardless of the
amazing, the awful sacrifice which his rebellion had cost the King
of heaven, gave ear to the tem])ter, and murmured against the
only being who could save them from the destructive power of
Satan.

There are thousands to-day echoing the same rebellious com-
plaint against God. They do not see that to deprive man of the
freedom of choice would be to rob him of his prerogative as an
intelligent being, and make him a mere automaton. It is not
God's purpose to coerce the will. Man was created a free moral

[3.31]

X\2

/' I 77.'/. 1 1{( J/S . I \/) /V/O/V/A; 7'.s'.

iijicnt. Likt; the iiiliiiMtmits of all other worlds, lie iiiiist he siili-
jeet«'(l to the test of ohcfliciK'c ; hut lie is never hrou,!j;ht hito sueli
a position that yieldiiii; to evil h(M'onies a matter of necessity. No
tt'inptation or trial is perniitted to coinc! to him which he is un-
alde to resist. (»od made such ample provision that man need
never have been (l(;feat<'<l in tlie conllict with Satan.

As men increased upon the earth, almost the whole woi'ld
joined tlu> ranks of rehellion. Once more Satan seemed to have
^fained the victory. lUit onmipotent power a;iain cut short tin-
workinji of ini(|uity, and the earth was cleansed hy the Uood from
its moral pollution.

Says th(( |»rophet, "When thy judtiuients are in the earth, the
inhabitants of the world will learn riLditeousness. f^et favor be
showed to th(! wicked, yet will he not learn riuhteousness, . . .
and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah."'' Thus it was after
the flood. Ueliiased from his judjiments, the iidiabitants of the
earth aj>;ain rebelled ai^ainst the Lord. Twice (Jod's covenant and
his statutes had been rejected by th(! world. Both the peojde
before tlu; flood and the descendants of Noah east oH" the (livine
autliority. Then God entered into covenant with Al)raham, and
took to himself a peo[)lo to become the dc[)ositaries of his law.
To seduce and destroy this people, Satan bejian at once to lay his
snares. The children of Jacob were tempted to contract mar-
riajres with the heathen and to worship their idols, liut Josej)!!
was faithful to God, and his fidelity was a constant testimony
to tlie true faith. It was to quench this liji;ht that Satan worked
throuirh the envy of Joseidi's brothers to cause him to be sold as a
slave in a heathen land. God overruled events, however, so that
the knowled<fe of himself should be given to the people of Egypt.
Both in the house of Potiidiar and in the prison, Joseph received
an education and training that, with the fear of God, i)repared him
for his high position as prime minister of the nation. From the
palace of the Pharaohs his influence was felt throughout the land,
and the knowledge of God spread far and wide. The Israelites
in Egyi)t also became prosperous and wealthy, and such as were
true to God exerted a wide-spread influence. The idolatrous
priests were filled with alarm as they saw the new religion finding
favor. Inspired by Satan with his own enmity toward the God of
heaven, they set themselves to (juench the light. To the priests

1 Isa. 26 : 9, 10.

SAT.\.\"S KSMITY AdAISST THE l..\\\\

was coinniittrd tlir (•duciitiou nl' tin' heir In the lliruiir. iiiul it wms
this spirit ol' <l('t('niiiiic(l opposition to (iod aiid /.cmI lor iilolatry
that luouldcd the charai'ti'i* ol' the future inouMnh, and led ttt
cnu'lty and oppression toward the llcltrcws.

l)urin;_' the forty years after the lli^dit of >roses from l\ixy|>t,
idolatry seemed to have conquered. Year Ky year the ho|»es of
the Israelites jxrew fainter. H<»th kin;:; and people exulted in theii-
jiower, and mocked the (iod of Israel. This spirit irrew until it
(julminated in the IMiaraoh who was c(»nfront(Ml hy Moses. When
the Hehrew leader came hefoi'e the kin<r with a messaire from
••Jehovah, (»od of Israel," it was n(»t iiiiiorancc; of the true < iod,
hut defiance of his power, that prompted thi^ answer, "'Who is
Jehovah, that I shouhl ohey his voice? . . . I know not Jehovah.'
From lirst to last, Pharaoh's oppositit>n to the divin<' connnaiid
was not the result of ijinorance, hut of hatred and deriance.

Thouiih the Kiryptians had so lonii- rejected the knowle(l«:e of
(iod, the Tiord still uave them op|)ortunity for repentance. In tlu'
days of Josiiph, ]\Lryi>t had heen an asylum for Israel ; (iod had
heen honored in the kindness shown his jteoplo; and now the
Iion<j;-su fieri n;r One, slow to an<:er, and full of compassion, j:ave
each judjiuunit time to do its work; the E}.'y|)tians, cursed throULdi
the very ohjects they had worshiped,' had evidence of the i)ower
of Jehovah, and all who would, mi^dit siihmit to (iod and escape
his judfiments. The hij^otry and stuhhornness of the kini: result^'d
in spreadiujj; the knowledge of (iod, and hringing many of the
Egyi)tians to give tluMuselves to his service.

It was hecause the Israelites were so di8[)osed to connect them-
selves with the heathen and imitate their idolatry that God had
l)ermitted them to go down into Egy[)t, where the intluence of
Joseph was widely felt, and where circumstances were lavoral>le
for them to remain a distinct ])eople. Here also the gross idola-
try of the Egyj)tians and their cruelty and oppression during the
latter part of the Hebrew' sojourn, should have inspired in them an
abhorrence of idolatry, and should have led them to flee for refuge
to the God of their fathers. This very providence Satan made a
means to serve his purpose, darkening the minds of the Israelit(;s,
and leading them to imitate the ])ractiees of their heathen masters.
On account of the superstitious veneration in which animals were
held l)y the Egyptians, the HeV)rews were not permitted, tluring

' See AppeiKlix, Note 5.

:vM

PATH I Aliens AM) I'll! H'l I HI'S.

tlu'ir huudairc, to prcHcnt the H.icriliciiil (in'c.'rinjrM. Tims tlu'ir
iiiiiids Wert' M(»t directed by this service to tlio jrreiit Siicrilice, and
their I'iiith was weai<eMed. When the time caiiie lor Israel's (h-liv-
eranee, Satan set himsell'to resist the purposes of (iod. It was his
determination that that ^reat peoph', numherinj,' more than two
million souls, should ho held in i^-norant-e and superstition. The
|»eople whom (Iod had promised to hless and multiply, to makt; a
power in the earth, and throu;ih whom he was to revt;al Ww knowl-
edjic of his will, — the people whom h<! was to make the ki'Opers
of his law, — this very |)eople Satan was seekin;,' to keep in ol>-
scurity and hondaf^e, that ho might oldit(;rato from their minds
the romoml)rane(^ of (Iod.

When the miraclo.s wero wroujj;ht hoforo the kin^', Satan was on
tho jrround to counteract their inlluence, and i)rovcnt Pharaoh
from acknowledjiin;,' tho supremacy of (Iod, and ol toying' his man-
<late. Satan wrouirht to tho utmost of his j)ower to counterfeit tho
work of (Iod and resist his will. Tlu; only result was to prepare
tho way for jiroator oxhihitions of tho divine; power and {.dory, and
to make more apparont, hoth to tho Israelites and to all Egypt,
the oxistoni'O and sovereignty of tho true and living (Jod.

(fod dolivorod Lsraol with the mighty manifestations of his
power, and with judgments upon all the gods of Egy|)t. " He
l)rought forth his jjooplo with joy, and his chosen with gladness;
. . . that they might ohservo his statutes, and koej) his laws."'
He rescued them from their servile state, that ho might hring
them to a good land, — a land which in his providence had heen
prepared for them as a refuge from their enemies, whore they
might dwell under tho shadow of his wings. He would hring
them to liimsolf, and encircle them in his everlasting arms; and
in return for all his goodne.ss and mercy to them, they were rc-
([uired to have no other gods hoforo him, tho living (Iod, and to
exalt his name and make it glorious in the earth.

During the hondago in Egypt, many of the Israelites had, to a
groat extent, lost the knowledge of God's law, and had mingled its
precepts with heathen customs and traditions. God hrought them
to Sinai, and there with his own voice declared his law.

Satan and evil angels wore on the ground. Even while God
was proclaiming his law to his i)eople, Satan was plotting to tempt
them to sin. This i)oople whom God had chosen, he would
wrench away, in the very face of Heaven. By leading them into

1 Ps. 1 05 : 43-4.5.

8 A T. 1 ys K.y.yff r r a ha rxs t tiik t.a w.

'.v.\:>

idoliitrv, 111" would dcstrov tlio fnicacy »>t'idl worship; for liow cm
man !••' clcvutcMl liy udoriii;,' what is no lu^dicr than hinisi'lf, and
may la* Hymholi/i'(l hy his own handiwoik ? IV men could hccomi'
so hlindcd to tlu; power, the majesty, and tho ^.dory of tho inlinito
(lod as to represent him hy a ^.M'aveii imaLTe, or even hy a heast or
reptile; if they eouhl so f(»ri;et their own divine relationship,
formed in tho imajre of their Maker, as to* how <lown to these
ri'VoltiuLf and senseless ohjeets, — then the way was open for foul
lieense; tho evil passions of tin; heart would he unrestrained, and
Satan, would have full sway.

\i the very foot of Sinai, Satan he^an to execute liis ])lans for
overthrowin<,' tlu; law of (lod, thus carrying forward the same work
he had he^un in heaven. During the forty days whiUt Moses was
in the mount with (lod, Satan was ^u^^y, e.\eitin;j; (l»»uht, apostasy,
and rohcllion. ^^'hilo Clod was writin;^ down his law, to 1)0
comnutted to his covenant jieople, the Israelites, denyinj; their
loyalty to Jehovah, W(;re demandinjj; ^^ods of ^old! When Moses
came from the awful ])resenco of the diviiu! jilory, with the
l»recei)ts of the law which they had pled;^ed themstdves to ohey,
he found them, in open delianeo of its eonnnands, howinj^ in
adoration hefore a jjolden imajfe.

liy leadinj^ Israel to this dariiv^ insult and 1»las|)hemy to
Jehovah, Satan had i)lanned to cause their ruin. Since they had
proved themselves to ho go utterly degraded, ho lost to all sense of
tho privilofjes and hlessin^s that God liad odered thi'm, and to
their own solemn and rejjeated pledj^es of loyalty, the Lord would,
ho helieved, divorce them from himself, and devote them to de-
struction. Thus would he secured tho extinction of the seed of
Ahraham, that seed of jtromiso that was to i)reserve tho knowledge
of the living God, and throuiih whom He was tt) come, — tho true
seed, that was to eomiuer Satan. Tho great rehel had jdanned to
destroy Israel, and thus thwart the purposes of God. But again he
was defeated. Sinful as they were, the ])eople t)f Israel were not
destroyed. While those who stuhhoridy ranged themselves on the
side of Satan were cut off, tho people, humbled and repentant,
were mercifully pardoned. Tho history of this sin was to stand
as a perpetual testimony to tho guilt and jjunishment of idolatry,
and the justice and long-su tiering mercy of God.

The whole universe had been witness to the scenes at Sinai.
In the working out of the two administrations was seen the con-

MP)«;

PATlUAIlcns A\n rilOPIIKTS.

trust bctwi'cii the jiovcrmucnt of God and that of Satan. Again
tho ginlcss inhal)itant.s of othiT worlds beliold tlie results t)f Satan's
ai)ostasy, and the kind of government he would lun'e established
in heaven, had he been permitted to bear sway.

V>y causing men to violate the second commandment, Satan
aime(j to degrade their concei)tions of the Divine Being. By set-
ting aside the fourth, he AV')uld cause them to forget God alto-
gether. God's claim to reverence and worshi}), above; the gods of
the heathen, is based upon the fact that he is tho Creator, and
that to him all other l»eings owe their existence. Thus it is pre-
sentt'd in the l^iblc. Says the prophet Jeremiah: "Jehovah is
the true God, ho is the living God, and an everlasting King. , . .
The gods ta,.t have not made the heavens and the earth, even
they shall parish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
He hath made the earth l»y his ])ower, he hath established the
world ])y his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his
disoretion." "Every man is brutish in his knowledge; every
founder IS confounded by the graven image ; for his molten image
is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity,
and the work of errors; in the time of their visitation they shall
perish. Tb-. portion of Jacol) is not like them; for he is the
former of ail tilings."' The Sabl)ath, as a memorial of God's
creative poorer, joints to him as tho Maker of the heavens and
the earth. Hence it is a ' onstant witness to his existence and a
reminder of his grctness, his wisdom, and his love. Had the
Sabbath alwnys been sacredly observed, there could never have
been an atheist or an idolater.

The Sabbath institution, which originated in Eden, is as old
as the world itself. It was observed by all the i)atriarcl)S, from
creation down. During the bondage in Egv))t, the Israelites were
forced by their taskmasters to violate the Sabbath, and to a great
extent they lost the knowledge of its sacredness. ^^'hen the law
Avas ])roclaimed at Sinai, the very first words of the fourth com-
mandment were, " Rememl)er the Sa))bath day, to keei) it holy," —
showing that tho Sabbath was not then instituted ; we arc pointed
back for its origin to creation. In order to obliterate God from
the minds of men, Satan aimed to tear down this great memorial.
If men could be led to forget their Creator, they would make
no effort to resist the [lower of evil, and Satan would be sure of
his prey.

• Mcr. 10 : 10-1'2, 14-10.

SATAN'S ENMITY AGAINST THE LAW.

XVi

Satan's enmity a<iainst Dod's law lias iniiH'llcd liini to war
against every jtrecejjt of the (leealoiiue. To tlu; great i)rin(ii)le ol"
love and loyalty to (lod, the Father of all, the i>rinei})le of filial
love and <)l)edienee is closely related. Contempt for ])arental
authority Avill soon lead to eonti'mpt for the authority of Clod.
Hence Satan's efforts to lessen the ohligation of the fifth eom-
niandmeut. Ann)n<r heathen peoples the princijjle enjoined in
this precept was little hi'cded. In many nations, ])arents were
ai»andoned or put to death as soon as age had rendered, them inca-
]ial)le of jtroviding for themselves. In the i;imily, the mother
was treated with little res|)ect, and upon the death of her hushand
she was recjuired to sulmnt to the authority of her eldest son.
Filial obedience was enjoined hy Closes; hut as tlu' Israelites
departed from the Lord, the fifth commandment, Avith (.)thers,
came to he disregarded.

Satan Avas " a murderer from the beginning;''' and as soon as
he had obtained ])OAver over the human race, \\v, not only ])ronipted
them to hate and slay one another, but, the more boldly to defy
the authority of (iod, he Jiiade the violation of the sixth eonniiand-
nient a part of their religion.

By perverted concei)tions of <livine attributes, heathen nations
Avere led to believe human sacrifices necessary to secure the
favor of their deities; and the most horrible cruelties have been
]>erpetrated under the various forms of idolatry. Among these
Avas the i)ractice of causing their children to pass through the
fire before their idols. "When one of them came through this
ordeal unharmed, the ])eople believed that their offerings Avero
accepted ; the one thus delivered Avas regarded as specially fiiA'ored
by the gods, Avas loaded Avith benefits, and ever afterAvard held in
high esteem ; and however aggravated his crimes, lie Avas never
punished. Jkit should one be burned in ])assing through the fire,
his fate Avas sealed; it Avas believed that the anger of the gods
could be appeased only by taking the life of the victim, and he
Avas accordingly ofl'ered as a, sacrifice. In times of great apos-
tasy these al)ominations i)revailed, to some extent, among the
Israelites.

The violation of the seventh comniandmeiit also Avas early
jiracticed in the name of religion. The most licentious and abom-
inable rites Avere made a part of the heathen Avorship

> John 8 : 44.

The gods

338

J'A Tin ARCH S AN J) PliOPIIKTS.

tht'insc'lvos were represented as impure, and their worsliipers gave
tlie re'n to tlie baser passions. Unnatural vices i)revailed, and
the ieligious festivals were characterized l)y universal and oi)en
iniimrity.

Polygamy was ])racticed at an early date. It was one of the
sins that l)roughtthe Avratli of God ui)on the antediluvian world.
Yet after the flood it again became wide-si)read. It was Satan's
studied effort to i)ervcrt the marriage institution, to weaken its
obligations, and lessen its sacredness; for in no surer way could
he deface the image of God in man, and open the door to misery
and vice.

From the ojiening of tlie great controversy it has been Satan's
purpose to misrepresent God's character, and to excite rebellion
against his law ; and this work appears to be crowned with success.
The multitudes give ear to Satan's deceptions, and set themselves
against God. But amid the working of evil, God's purposes move
steadily forward to their accomplishment; to all created intel-
ligences he is making manifest his justice and benevolence.
Through Satan's temjitations the whole human race have be-
come transgressors of God's law ; but by the sacrifice of his Son
a way is opened whereby they may return to God. Through the
grace of Christ they may l)e enabled to render obedience to the
Father's law. Thus in every age, from the midst of apostasy and
rebellion, God gathers out a jjcople that are true to him, — a peo-
ple " in whose heart is his law." '

It was by deception that Satan seduced angels; thus he has in
all ages carried forward his work among men, and he Avill continue
this policy to the last. Should he openly profess to be warring
against God and his law, men would beware; but he disguises
liimself, and mixes truth with error. The most dangerous false-
hoods are those that are mingled witli truth. It is thus tliat errors
are received that captivate and ruin the soul. By this means, Satan
carries the world with him. But a day is coming when his
triumph will be forever ended.

God's dealings with rebellion will result in fully unmasking the
work that has so long been carried on under cover. The results
of Satan's rule, the fruits of setting aside tiie divine statutes, will
be laid open to the vicAV of all created intelligences. The law of
God will stand fully vindicated. It Avill be seen that all the deal-

Usa. 51 : 7.

SATAN'S ENMITY AGAINST THE LAW.

330

hVfis of God have been conducted with reference to the eternal
i^ood of his people, and the good of all the worlds tliat lie has
created. Satan himself, in })rcsence of the witnessing universe,
will confess tlie justice of God's government, and the righteous-
ness of his law.

The time is not far distant when God will arise to vindicate his
insulted authority. " The I.ord cometh out of his place to i)unish
the inhal)itants of the earth for their iniquity." ' " But who may
abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he a[)-
])eareth?"'^ The people of Israel, l)ecauso of their sinfulness,
were forlndden to ap})roach the mount when God was about to
descend upon it to proclaim his law, lest they should be consumed
l>y the burning glory of his presence. If such manifestations of
his power marked the place chosen for the proclamation of God's
law, how terrible must be his tribunal when he comes for tlie
execution of these sacred statutes. How will those who liavc
tninij)led 'ipon his authority endure his glory in the great day
of final retribution? The terrors of Sinai were to rjjtresent to
the peo})le the scenes of the Judgment. The sound of a trumj^et
sununoned Israel to meet with God. The voice of the archangel
and the trump of God shall summon, from the wliole earth, both
the living and the dead to the presence of their Judge. The
Father and the Son, attended by a multitude of angels, were
j)resent upon the mount. At the great Judgment day, Ghrist will
come "in the glory of his Father with his angels."' He shall
tlien sit upon the throne of his glory, and before him shall be
gathered all nations.

When the divine presence was manifested upon Sinai, the
glory of the Lord was like devouring fire in thi; sight of all Israel.
Ikit when Christ shall come in glory with his holy angels, the
whole earth shall ])e a])laze witli the terrible light of his [Jivscnce.
"Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence; a iirc shall
devour before him, and it shall be very tem})estuous round about
him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to tlie earth,
that he may judge his people."^ A fiery stream shall issue and
come forth from before him, which shall cause the elements to
melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and tiie works that arc
iherein shall be burned up. " The Lord Jesus shall be revealed
ilsa. 26 : 21. ^lyjai 3 . o 3 Mutt. 10 : 27.

* Ps. 50 : 3, 4. 22

340

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Iroin lioiivcn with his iniglity angels, in flaming fire taking von-
gcanco on thcni that know not God, and that ol)c'y not the gospel." '

Never since man was created had tiiero heen witnessed such a
manifestation of divine power as when the law was proclaimed
from Sinai. ''The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the
presence of God ; even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of
God, the (irod of Israel." '^ Amid the most terrific convulsions of
nature, the voice of God. like a trumpet, was herd from the cloud.
The mountain was shaken from base to sunn. is , and the hosts of
Israel, pale and trembling with terror, lay upon their faces upon
the earth. He Avhose voice then sliook the earth has declared,
"Yet once more I shake not the earth only, hut also heaven."^
Says the Scri])ture, " The Lord also sliall roar from on high and
utter his voice from his holy habitation ; " " and the heavens an.l the
earth sliall shake." * In that great coming day, the heaven itself shall
(l<>part " r,s it scroll wlien it is rolled together." * And every mount-
ain aiid island shall be moved out of its place. " The earth shall
reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cot-
tage ; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy ui)on it; and it
shall fall, and not rise again." '^

" Therefore shall all hands be faint," all faces shall be " turned
into paleness," " and every man's heart shall melt. And they shall
be afraid; })angs and sorrows shall take hold of them." "And I
will i)unish the world for their evil," saith the Lord, "and I will
cause tlie arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the
haughtiness of the terrible.""

A\'hen Closes came from the divine presence in the mount,
where he had received the tables of the testimony, guilty Israel
could not endure the light tliat glorified his countenance. How
nmch less can transgressors look upon the Son of (rod when he
shall ai)i)ear in the glory of his Father, surrounded by all the
heavenly host, to execute judgment ui)()n the transgressors of his
law and tlie rejecters of his atonement. Those who have disre-
garded the law of God and trodden under foot the blood of Christ,
"the kings of the earth, and the great men, and tlie rich men, and
the chief captains, and the mighty men," shall hide themselves
" in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains," and they shall
say to the mountains and rocks, " Fall on us, and hide us from the

1 -2 Thess. 1 : 7, 8. =Ps. 68 : 8. •''He;). 12 : 26 ; Jer. 25 : 30 ; Joel 3 : 16.

<Kev. 6 : 14. ^l&a.. 24 : 20. «Isa. 13 : 7, 8, 11, 13 ; Jer. 30 : 6.

SATAN'S ENMITY AGAINST THE LAW.

;}41

fare of Ilini that sittt'th on the throne, and from the wrath of the
l.anih; for the jiroat day of his wrath is come; and who sliall he
al)le to stand ? " ' " In tliat (hiy a man shall cast his idols of silver,
and his idols of <iold, ... to tlu^ moles and to the liats ; to jio into
the clefts of the rocks, and into the tojts of the raj^jred rocks, for
fear of the Lord, and for the ^lory of his majesty, when he ariseth
to shake terribly the earth." ■

Then it will be seen that Satan's rebellion against Ood has re-
sulted in ruin to himself, and to all that chose to becomci his
subjects. He ha-? rejtresc.ioed that p;rcat <iood Avould result from
trans<:;ression ; but it will be seen that " the wa;:es of sin is death."'
'' For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven ; and all
the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and
the day that cometh shall burn then,i up, saith the Lord of liosts,
that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."* Satan, the root
of every sin, and all evil-workers, who are his l)ranches, shall be
utterly cut off. An end will be made of sin, Avith all the woe and
ruin that have resulted from it. Hays the psalmist, " Thou hast
destroyed the wicked, thou hast i)ut out their name forever and
ever. O thou enemy, d(!structions are come to a perpetual end."*

Hut amid the tempest of divine judgment, the children of Ciod
will have no cause for fear. " Th.e Lord will ♦)e the ho})e of his
people, and the strength of the chihlren of Israel."" The day that
brings terror and destruction to the transgressors of (lod's law,
will bring to the obedient, "joy unspeakable, and full of glory."
"(lather my saints together unto me," saith the Lord, "those that
have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens
shall declare his righteousness ; for God is judge himself." '

" Then shall ye return, and discern l)etween the righteous and
the wicked, between hnn that serveth God, and him that serveth
him not."" "Hearken unt(j me, ye that know rigjiteousness, /A^'
[WoiiJe in vhoxe heart is iin/ lairj^ " Behold, I have taken out of
thine hand the cup of trend)ling, . . . thou shalt no more (h'ink it
again." "I, even I, am he that comforteth you."" "For the
mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kind

iRev. 6 : 15-17.

nial. 4:1.

" 1 PetiT 1 : S ; ?s. 50 ; 5, 0.

-Tsii. 3 : 20, 21.
•' Ps. 9 : 5, 6.
«Mal. 8 : 18.

3 Houi. 6 : 3:5.

«Joel a : 10.

»Isa. 51 : 7, 2-2. 12.

:J42

PATRIARCHS ANJ) PROPIIKTS.

noss shall not depart from thoc, neither shall the covenant of my
peace be removed, sjiith the Lord that hath mercy on thee."'

The great plan of redemption results in fully brin<^ing back the
world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not
only man but the earth is redeemed, to l)e the eternal abode of the
oltedient. For six thousand years, Siitan has struggled to main-
tain possession of the earth. Now (Jod's original purpose in its
creation is accomplished. " The saints of the Most High shall
take the khigdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever
and ever.'"*

" From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same,
the Lord's name is to be praised.' ■' " In that day shall there be
one Lord, and his name one." " And Jehovah shall be king
over all the earth."* Says the Scripture, " Forever, O Lord, thy
word is settled in heaven." " All thy commandments are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever."* Tiie sacred statutes which
Satan has hated and sought to destroy, will be honored throughout
a sinless universe. And " as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and
as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring
forth ; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to
spring forth before all the nations.'"'

1 Isa. 54 : 10. • « ])„„_ 7 . |8_ » Ps. 113 : 3. * Zech. 14 : 9.

6Ps. 119 : 89; 111 : 7, 8.

«Isa. 61 : 11.

nt of my
c." '

back the
red. Not
)cle of the

to inain-
3se in its
i<>li shall
.'11 forever

the same,
there be
be king

Lord, thy
are sure.

tes which

iroughout
bud, and
to spring
praise to

. 14 : 9.

CHAPTER XXX.

THE TAHEKNAC:!.!': AND IIS SKRVICKS.

Thk command was coniniiinicatcd to Moses wliilc in the muunt
with Clod, "Let them make me a .sauetuarv, that 1 may dwell
anionic them ; "' ' and full directions were given tor tlie constriictit)!!
ot" the tabernacle, liy their apostasy, the Israelites forfeited the
blessinu; of the divine i)rcsence, and for the time rendered ir i os-
sihle the erection of a sanctuary for God amonj; them. Kut after
they were a<;ain taken into favor with Heaven, the great leader
proceeded to execute the divine connnand.

Chosen men were specially endowed by CJod with skill and
wisdom for the construction of the sacred building. God liimself
gave to jNIoses the plan of that structure, with particular directions
as to its si/e and form, the materials to be employed, and every
article of furniture which it was to contain. The holy places
made with hands were to be " figures of the true," " patterns of
things in the heavens,"'^ — a miniature representation of the heav-
enly tem})le where Christ, our great high priest, after oll'ering his
life as a sacrifice, was to minister in the sinner's behalf. Ciod
])resented l)efore Moses in the mount a view of the heavenly
sanctuary, and commande<l him to make all things according to
the iiattern shown him. All these directions were carefully re-
corded by Moses, who communicated them to the leaders of the
peojjle.

For the building of the sanctuary, great and expensive i)repa-
rations were necessary; a large amount of the most precious and
costly material was HMjuired ; yet the Lord accepted only free-will
ofierings. "Of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart
yo shall take my oflering,'"* was the divine command repeated by
Moses to the congregation. Devotion to CJod and a si)irit of
sacrifice were the first requisites in preparing a dwelling-i)lace for

the ^lost High.
1 F.y. 25 : 8.

»Heb. 9 : 24, 23.

s Ex.

.) : '4.

Jup^l'lglltud Ib'JU

340

r AT in Aliens axd Pitoi'iihrrs.

All tlic people roHpondt'd with one accord. "They came,
every one whose hcnirt stirred him up, and every one whom his
spirit made willin<r, and they brought the Lord's oflcrinfj; to the
work of the tahernacle of the ('on<;re;iation, and f(tr all his service,
and for the holy ^farments. And they came, both men and
women, as many as were willin<;-liearted, and hrou;j;ht braceh'ts,
and earrinfis, and rinj^s, and tablets, all jewels of j;old; and every
Mian that offered, ofiered an ollerinj^ of <fold unto the Lord.'"

" And every man with whom was found blue, and purjde, and
scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and rams' skins dyed red,
and seal skins, br()U<:;ht them. Every one that did offer an
offeriuff of silver and brass, brought tlie Lord's oHerinj;; and every
man with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the
service, brouj^ht it.

" And all the women that were wise-hearted, did spin with
their hands, and ])rought that which they had spun, the blue, and
the i)uri)le, the scarlet, and the fine linen. And all the women
whose heart stirred them up in wisdom, span the {jjoats' hair.

" And the rulers brought the onyx stones, and the stones to l)e
set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate; and the spice, and the
oil; for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet
incense." '

While the building of tlie sanctuary was in progress, the
people, old and young, — men, women, and children, — continued
to bring their offerings, until those in charge of the work found
that they had enough, and even more than could be used. And
Moses caused to be proclaimed throughout the camp, " Let neither
man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the
sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing."^ The
murmurings of the Israelites and the visitations of God's judg-
ments because of their sins, are recorded as a warning to after-
generations. And their devotion, their zeal and liberality, are an
exami)le worthy of imitation. All who love the worship of God,
and prize the blessing of his sacred presence, will manifest the
same si)irit of sacrifice in preparing a house where he may meet
with them. They will desire to bring to the Lord an offering of
the very best that they possess. A house built for God should not
be left in debt, for he is thereby dishonored. An amount sufficient
to accomplish the work should be freely given, that the workmen
' Ex. 35 : 21, 22. ^Ex. 3.5 : 23-28, Rev. Ver. ^Ex. 36 : 6.

THE TABERNACLE AND ITS SERVICES.

'M\

{•aiiie,

may be able to suy, an did tbe builders of tbo tabernufle, " Bring
no more otterin^'H."

The tabernacle was ao oonstructed tliat it could be taken ajjart
and borne with the iHraelites in all their journeyin};H. It was
therefore nniall, bein^ not more than fifty-five feet in lenjjth,
and eijjjhteen in breadth and height. Yet it was a niaj^nificent
structure. The wood employed for the buiUlinj; and its furniture
was that of the acacia tree, which was less subject to decay than
any other to be obtained at Sinai. The walls consisted of upright
boards, set in silver sockets, and held firm by pillars and connect-
ing bars; and all were overlaid with }j;old, jj;ivin<i to the building
the api)earance of solid gold. The roof was fi)rnied of four sets of
curtains, the innermost of " fine-twined linen, and blue, and ))ur-
j)le, and scarlet, with cherubim of cunning work;'" the other
three respectively Avere of goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and
seal skins, so arranged as to ali'ord complete protection.

The building was divided into two apartments })y a rich and
beautiful curtain, or vail, suspended from gold-plated pillars ; and
a similar vail closed the entrance of the first ajjartment. These,
like the inner covering, wliich formed the ceiling, were of the most
gorgeous colors, blue, purple, and scarlet, beautifully arranged,
while inwrought with threads of gold and silver were cherubim to
represent the angelic host who are connected with the work of the
heavenly sanctuary, and who are ministering spirits to the people
of God on earth.

The sacred tent was inclosed in an open space called the colirt,
which was surrounded by hangings, or screens, of fine linen,
suspended from pillars of brass. The entrance to this inclosure
was at the eastern end. It was closed by curtains of costly
material and beautiful workmanship, though inferior to thoso of
the sanctuary. The hangings of the court being only about half
as high as the walls of the tabernacle, the Ijuilding could be
plainly seen by the people without. In the court, and nearest the
entrance, stood the brazen altar of burnt-ottering. Upon this altar
were consumed all the sacrifices made by fire unto the Lord, and
its horns were sprinkled with the atoning blood. Between the
altar and the door of the tabernacle was the laver, which was also
of brass, made from the mirrors that had been the free-will offer-
ing of the women of Israel. At the laver the priests were to wash

1 Ex. 26:1.

:{4s

I'MHIMICIIS AW It /'U(t/>/fK7'S.

tlicir liaiuls mikI tlitir t't'ct wlu-ncvcr they went into tlut Hiicn-*!
iipiirtnu'iitH, or a|>i»rt>!i('h('(l tlu; altar to otlbr a Imrnt-on't'rinj,' unto
thu Lord.

In the fir^t a|»artiii('Mt, or lio'y jilacc, were tlio talilo of mIiow-
hrcad, the candlcstuk, or lamp-stand, and the altar of incense.
'JMie taltle of sliow-liread stood »»n the north. With its ornamental
erown, it was overlaid with pure ;i(»l(l. On this tai»h; the priests
were each Sahhath to piaet; twelve; cakes, arran^ri'd in two pileH,
and s|»riid<led with frankineense. The loaves that were rumovcMJ,
hein^f accounted holy, were to Ik? eaten hy this priests. On the
south was the sevcii-hranched candlestick, with its seven lamps.
Its hranches were ornamented with ex(|uisitely wrouirht (lowers,
resendilin^' lilies, and the whole was made from oiu; solid piece of
^old. There l»ein<:; no windows in tlu^ tahernacle, the lamps were
never all extinguished at one time, hut shed their lijjjht hy day
and Ity nijfht. .Inst l)ef()re the vail separatiufj; the holy i)lace from
the most holy and tlu; immediate; presence of (lod, stood the
{foldeu altar of incense. U|)on this altar the ])riest was to hurn
incense every niorninii; and evenint:, its horns wen; touched with
the hlood of the sin-oll'erin<j:, and it was sj)rinkli'd with Mood upon
the ^'reat day of atonement. The lire upon this altar was kindled
l)y (Jod himsi'lf, and was sacredly cherished. Day and nijiht the
holy incense dillused its fraj^rance throujihout the sacred apart-
ments, and without, iar around the tahernacle.

lieyond the inner vail was the holy of holies, where centered
the synd»olic service of atonement and intercession, and which
formed the connectinir link hetwcen heaven and earth. In this
apartment was the ark, a chest of acacia W()od, overlaid within
and without with gold, and havin<]f a crowni of gold ahout the top.
It Avas made as a depository for the tables of stone, ui)on which
(Jod himself had inscribed the ten connuandments. Ilencc it Vt'ns
called the ark of God's testament, or the ark of the covenant, since
the ten commandments were the basis of the covenant made
between (lod and Israel.

The cover of the sacred chest Avas called the mercy-seat. This
was wrought of one solid i)iece of gold, and was surmounted by
golden cherul)im, one .standing on each end. One Aving of each
angel Avas stretched forth on high, Avhile the t)ther was folded OA'^er
the body ' in token of reverence and humility. The ])osition of the

iSceEze. 1 : 11.

Tin: TABKItNACl.K AM) ITS SKUVK'KS.

'MS)

chcrul»ini, with their faces turned tuwanl each other, and luoUinjz
ri'Verently d(»\vinvard toward the arl\, represented the reverence
with which the heavenly host rejrard thi' law of (iod, an<l their
interest in the plan of rcdeni|ition.

,\hove the niercv-seat was the sliekinah, the manifestation of
the divine presence ; and from hetween the cheruhim, (iod made
known his will. I)ivin(> nicssa^'cs were sometimes communir'ated
to the Idjih priest l>y a voice from tiie cloud. Sometimes a li^dit
fell upon tlui an^rel at tlu! ri<;ht, to siiznify approval or ucceptiinee,
or 11 shadow or cloud rested up(»n the one at the left to reveal dis-
apjtroval or rejection.

Tho law of Clod, enshrined within the ark, was the ^reat rule of
ri^htcousn(>ss an<l judLrnient. That law pn»nounce(l death upon
the trans<rressor; hut ahove the law was the mercy-scat, upon
which tho |iresence of (iod was reveale(l, ami fntm which, hy
virtue of the atonement, pardon was <:rante(l to tht; repentant
sinner. Thus in the work of Christ lor our redemption, symhol-
ized l>y the sanctuary service, " mercy and truth are met to^'ether;
ri^diteousness and peace have kissed each other."''

No lan<i;ua<i;e can descrihe the <,dory of the scenic presented
within tlu! sanctuary, — thi; ,tr»)ld-plated walls rellcctin;,' the liirht
from the ^M)lden candlestick, the hrilliant hues of the richly cm-
hroidered curtains with tlu'ir shining an^ads, tlu; tahle, and the
altar of incense, jrlitterin^ with j^ohl ; heyond the second \ :i!l the
sacred ark, with its mystic cheruhim, and ahove it the holy slie-
kinah, the visihle manifestation of .[ehovah's |)resence; all hut a
dim reflection of the ^dories of the tem|)le of (iod in heaven, the
great center of the; work for man's redemption.

A period of ahout half a year was occupied in the huilding of
the tahernacle. When it was complete(l, Moses exanuned all the
work of the huilders, comi)arin<x it with the pattern shown him in
tlie mount, and the direction.^ he had rcn-eived from (iod. "As the
Lord had ct)mmanded, even so had they done it; and Moses
l)lcsscd them."" M'ith eaiier interest the multitudes of Israel
crowded art)und to look upon the sacred structure. While they
were contemplating the scene with reverent satislaction, the jiillar
of eloud floated over the sanctuary, and descending, enveloped it.
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tahernacle." ' There was a
revealing of the divine majesty, and for a time even Moses could
»Ps. 8.5 : 10. =2 Ex. 39 : 43. 3 Ex. 40 : 34.

350

PATRIARCHS AND PROPIfETS.

not entor. With deep emotion, the people heheld the token tliat
the work of their hands was accepted. There were no loud dem-
onstrations of rejoicin*];. A solemn awe rested upon all. But the
gladness of their hearts welled up in tears of joy, and they mur-
nmred low, earnest words of gratitude that God had condescended
to abide with them.

By divine direction the tribe of Levi was set apart for the
service of the sanctuary. In the earliest times every man was
the priest of his own household. In the days of Abraham,
the priesthood was regarded as the birthright of the eldest
son. Now, instead of the first-born of all Israel, the Lord ac-
cepted the tribe of Levi for the work of the sanctuary. By this
signal honor he manifested his approval of their fidelity, both in
adhering to his service and in executing his judgments when Is-
rael apostatized in the worship of the golden calf. The i)riesthood,
however, was restricted to the family of Aaron. Aaron and his
sons alone were permitted to minister before the Lord ; the rest of
the tribe were intrusted with the charge of the tabernacle and its
furniture, and they were to attend nj)on the priests in their minis-
tration, but they were not to sacrifice, to burn incense, or to see
the holy things till they were covered.

In accordance with their office, a special dress was appointed
for the priests. "Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy
brother, for glory and for beauty," ' was the divine direction to
Moses. The robe of the common priest was of white linen, and
woven in one piece. It extended nearly to the feet, and was con-
fined about the waist by a white linen girdle embroidered in blue,
purple, and red. A linen turban, or miter, com})letcd his outer
costume. Moses at the burning bush was directed to put off his
sandals, for the ground wliereon he stood was holy. So the priests
were not to enter the sanctuary with shoes upon their feet. Par-
ticles of dust cleaving to them would desecrate the holy place.
They were to leave their shoes in the court before entering the
sanctuary, and also to wash both their hands and their feet before
ministering in the tabernacle or at the altar of burnt-offering.
Thus was constantly taught the lesson that all defilement must be
put away from those who would approach into the jiresence of
God.

The garments of the high priest were of costly material and
beautiful workmanship, befitting his exalted station. In addition

1 Ex. 2S

THE TABERNACLE AND ITS SERVICES.

351

to the linen dress of the common priest, lie wore a robe of blue,
also woven in one i)iece. Around tlie skirt it was ornamented
with golden bells, and pomegranates of blue, purple, and searlet.
Outside of this was tlie ephod, a shorter garment of gold, blue,
purple, scarlet, and white. It Avas confined by a girdle of the same
colors, beautifully wrought. The ephod was sleeveless, and on its
gold-embroidered shoulder-pieces were set two onyx stones, bear-
ing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the
priestly v(?stmcnts. This was of the same material as the ei)hod.
It was in the form of a S(iuare, measuring a span, and was sus-
pended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings.
The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same
that form the twelve foundations of the city of God. Within the
border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four,
and, like those in the shoulder-pieces, engraved with the names of
the tribes. The Lord's direction was, " Aaron shall bear the names
of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment U[)on his
heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial l)efore
the Lord continually."^ So Christ, the great high priest, jilead-
ing his blood before the Father in the sinner's behalf, l)ears U})on
his heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Says the
psalmist, " I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon

me.

»2

At the right and left of the breasti)late were two large stones of
great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim.
By them the Avill of God was made known through the high ])riest.
When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo
of light encircling the precious stone at the right Avas a token of
the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone
at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation.

The miter of the high priest consisted of the white linen turban,
having attached to it by a. lace of blue, a gold plate bearing the
inscription, " Holiness to Jehovah." Everything connected with
the apparel and deportment of the ])riests Avas to be such as to im-
l^ress the l)3holder Avith a sense of the holiness of God, the sacred-
ness of his Avorship, and the purity required of tliose Avlio came
into his presence.

Not only the sanctuary itself, but the ministration of the
priests, Avas to " serve unto the example and shadoAV of lieavenly
lEx. -28 : 29. «Ps. 40 : IT.

852

PATRIARCHS AM) PROPHETS.

things.'" Thus it was of great importance; and the Lord, through
Closes, gave the most (h'finite and expHcit instruction concerning
every point of this tyi)ical service. The ministration of the sanct-
uary consisted of two divisions, a daily and a yearly service. The
daily service was performed at the altar of burnt-oflCcring in the
court of the tahernacle, and in the holy i)lace; while the yearly
service was in the most holy.

No mortal eye hut that of the liigh priest was to look upon the
inner apartment of the sanctuary. Only once a year could the
priest enter there, and that after the most careful and solenm
prei)aration. With trembling he went in before God, and the
people in reverent silence awaited his return, their hearts uplifted
in earnest prayer for the divine blessing. Before the mercy-seat
the high priest made the atonement for Israel ; and in the cloud
of glory, God met with him. His stay here beyond the accus-
tomed time filled them with fear, lest because of their sins or his
own he had been slain by the glory of the Lord.

The daily service consisted of the morning and evening burnt-
offering, the offering of sweet incense on the golden altar, and the
special offerings for individual sins. And there were also offerings
for sabbaths, new moons, and special feasts.

Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was burned
upon the altar, with its appropriate meat-ofTering, thus symV)oliz-
ing the daily consecration of the nation to Jehovah, and their
constant dei)endence upon the atoning blood of Christ. God
expressly directed that every offering i)rescnted for the service of
the sanctuary sh.ould be " without blemish." '^ The priests were to
examine all animals brought as a sacrifice, and were to reject
every one in which a defect was discovered. Only an offering
" Avithout blemish " could be a symbol of His perfect purity who
was to offer himself as " a lamb without blemish and without
spot."* The apostle Paul points to these sacrifices as an illustra-
tion of what the followers of Christ arc to become. He says, "I
beseech you therefore, brethren, l)y the mercies of God, that ye
jiresent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptal)ie unto God,
which is your reasonable service."^ We ai*e to give ourselves to
the service of God, and we should seek to make the offering as
nearly perfect as possible. God will not be pleased with anything

1 Ileb. 8:5. 2 Ex. lt> : 5. 3 i peter 1 : 19.

*Roui. 1.2 : 1.

THE TADERNACLE AXD ITS SERVICES.

353

less than tho l)ost wo caw ofl'er. Tliosi! who love him with all the
heart, will desire to <.dve hiiu the hest service of the life, and they
will he constantly seekin<«; to l)ring every jtowcr of their heinir into
harmony with the laws tiuit will promote tiieir ahility to do
his will.

In the ottering of incense the priest was hrought more directly
into the iiresence of (lod than in anv other act of the dailv minis-
tration. As the inner vail of the sanctuary did not extend to the
top of the l)uildin<r, the glory of (rod, Avhich was manifested ahove
the mercy-seat, was ])artially visible from the first apartment.
When the priest offered incense before the Lord, he looked toward
the ark; and as the cloud of incense arose, the divine glory
descended upon the mercy-seat and filled the most holy jjlacc, and
often so filled })oth a})artments that the 2)ricst was o1)liged to retire
to the door of the tabernacle. As in that ty[)ical service the i)riest
looked by faitli to the mercy-seat which he could not see, so the
j)eople of God are now to direct their prayers to Christ, their great
high i)riest, who, unseen l)y human vision, is pleading in their
behnlf in the sanctuary above.

The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, represents
the merits and intercession of Christ, his perfect righteousness,
which through faith is imiaited to his people, and which can
alone make the worship of sinful beings accepta])le to God. Be-
fore the vail of the most holy place, was an altar of perpetual
intercession, before the holy, an altar of continual atonement. By
blood and by incense, God was to be ap])roached, — symbols
l)ointing to the great Mediator, through whom sinners may ap-
proach Jehovah, and through wh.om alone mercy and salvation
can l)e granttjd to the re})entant, believing soul.

As the priests morning and evening entered the holy place at
the time of incense, the dailv sacrifice was readv to be offered
upon the altar in the court without. This Avas a time of intense
interest to the worshipers Avho assembled at tiie tal)ernacle. Be-
fore entering into tho presence of God through ihe ministration of
the priest, they were to engage in earnest searching of heart and
confession of sin. They united in silent prayer, with their faces
toward the holy place. Thus their ])etitions ascended with the
cloud of incense, while faith laid hold ui)on the merits of the
promised Saviour i)refigured l)y tho atoning sacrifice. Tho hours
appointed for the morning and the evening sacrifice were regarded

354

PATItfAIlCIIS AND PIWPIIETS.

as sacred, and they came to l)e observed as the set time for
worship throughout the Jewish nation. And when in later times
the Jews were scattered as captives in distant lands, they still at
the appointed hour turned their faces toward Jerusalem, and
offered up their petitions to the God of Israel. In this custom,
Christians have an example for morning and evening prayer.
While God condemns a mere round of ceremonies, without the
spirit of worship, he looks with great pleasure upon those who
love him, bowing morning and evening to seek pardon for sins
committed, and to present their requests for needed blessings.

The show-bread was kept ever before tlie Lord as a perjietual
offering. Thus it was a part of the daily sacrifice. It Avas called
show-})read, or " bread of i^?^ presence," because it was ever before
the face of the Lord.' It was an acknowledgment of man's de-
pendence upon God for both temporal and spiritual food, and that
it is received only through the mediation of Christ. God had fed
Israel in the wilderness with bread from heaven, and they were
still dependent upon his bounty, both for temporal food and
spiritual blessings. Both the manna and the show-bread pointed
to Ciifist, the living bread, who is ever in the presence of God. for
us. He himself said, " I am the living bread which came down
from heaven."'' Frankincense was placed upon the loaves. When
the bread was removed every Sabbath, to be replaced by fresh
loaves, the frankincense was burned upon the altar as a memorial
before God.

The most important part of the daily ministration av?.s the
service performed in behalf of individuals. The repentant sinner
brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle, and placing his
hand upon the victim's head, confessed his sins, thus in figure
transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. B}^ his
own hand the animal was then slain, and the blood was carried by
the priest into f,he holy place and spankled before the vail, be-
hind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had
transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood,
transferred in figure to the sanctuary. In some cases the blood
was not taken into the holy plac^' ; ^ l)ut the flesh was tlien to be
eaten by the priest, as ]\Ioses directed tlie sons of Aaron, saying,
" God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the

lEx. 25 : 30. Mohu : 48-51.

3 Sec Appendix, Note 9.

congre-

THE TARERNACLE AND ITS SERVICES.

355

gation.'" Both ceremonies alike symbolized the transfer of the
sin from the penitent to the sanctuary.

Such was the work that went on day by day throughout the
year. The sins of Israel being thus transferred to the sanctuary,
the holy places were defiled, and a s))ecial work became necessary
for the removal of the sins. God commanded that an atonement
be made for each of the sacred apartments, as for the altar, to
"cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children
of Israel."'^

Once a year, on the great day of atonement, the priest entered
the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work
there performed, completed the yearly round of ministration.

On the day of atonement, two kids of the goats were brought to
the door of the tabernacle, and lots were cast upon them, " one lot
for the Lord, and the other lot for the scape-goat." The goat upon
which the first lot fell was to be slain as a sin-offering for the peo-
ple. And the priest was to bring his blood within the vail, and
sprinkle it upon the mercy-seat. " And he shall make an atone-
ment for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children
of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins ; and
so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remain-
eth among them in the midst of their uncleanness." *

" And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the
live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of
Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them
upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand
of a fit man into the wilderness ; and the goat shall bear upon him
all tlieir iniquities unto a land not inhabited."* Not until the
goat had been thus sent away, did the people regard themselves as
freed from tlie burden of their sins. Every man was to afflict his
soul while the work of atonement was going forward. All business
was laid aside, and the whole congregation of Israel s[)ent the day
in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting, and deej)
searching of heart.

Important truths concerning the atonement were taught the
peo])le liy this yearly service. In the sin-offerings presented dur-
ing the year, a substitute had been accepted in the sinner's stead ;
but the blood of the victim had not made full atonement for the
sin. It had only provided a means by which the sin was trans-

' Lev. 10 : 17.

"Lev. 16 : 19.

'Lev. 16 : 16

♦Lev. 16 : 21, 22.

360

PATiiiAiiciis AM) rnoriiKTs.

ferred to the sanctuary. By the od'erin;^ of hk)od, the siiinei-
acknowledged the authority of the hnv, confessed the ^uilc of his
transgression, and expressed liis faith in Hi>n who was to take
away the sin of the world; hut lie was not entirely released from
the oondenuiation of the law. On the day of atonement the high
priest, having taken an offering for the congregation, went into the
most holy i)lace with the hlood, and sprinkled it ui)on the mercy-
seat, ahove the tahles of the law. Thus the claims of tlie law,
which demanded the life of the sinner, were satisfied. Then in
his character of mediator the priest took the sins upon himself,
ami leaving the sanctuary, he l)or(^ with him the hurden of Israel's
guilt. At the door of the tahernacle ho laid his hands upon the
head of the scape-goat, and confessed over him '' all the iniijuitics
of the children of Israel, and all tlicir transgressions in all their
sins, j)utting them upon the head of the goat." And as the goat
hearing these sins was sent away, they were with him regarded as
forever sei)arated from tlie peoi)le. Such was the service per-
formed " unto the example and shadow of hcav(>nly things." '

As has heen stated, the earthly sanctuary was ])uilt by Closes
according to the pattern shown him in the mount. It was " a
figure for the time then present, in which were offered hoth gifts
and sacrifices ; " its two holy places were " patterns of tilings in
the heavens; " Christ, our great high priest, is " a minister of the
sanctuary, and of the true tahernacle, which the Lord pitched, and
not man."* As in vision the apostle John was granted a view
of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there "seven lami)s of
fire burning before the throne." He saw an angel " having a
golden censer ; and tiiere was given unto him nmch incense, that
he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden
altar which was before the throne."^ Here the prophet was per-
mitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven;
and he saw there the " seven lamps of fire " and the " golden
altar " represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of in-
cense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, " the temple of God was
opened,"* and he looked Avithin the'inner vail, upon the holy of
holies. Here he beheld " the ark of His testament," * represented
by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of
God.

' Heb. 8 : 5.
SRev. 4 : 5 ; 8 : 3.

» Heb. 9 : 0, 23 ; 8:2.
*Rcv. 11 : 19.

THE TABERNACLE AND xTS SERVICES.

357

Moses made the earthly simctuiiry, "according to the fashion
that ho had seen." Paul declares that "the tahernacle and all
the vessels of the ministry," when comjileted, were " tiie patterns
of thin<^s in the heavens." ' And John says that ho saw the sanct-
uary in h(>aven. That sanctuary, in which J^sus ministers in our
behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses
was a copy.

Tho heavenly temple, the abiding-place of the King of kings,
where "thousand thousands minister unto him, and ten thousand
times ten thousand stand Itefore him,"'' that temple filled with the
glory of the eternal throne, where serai)hin), its shining guardians,
vail their faces in adoration, — no earthly structure could represent
its vastness and its glory. Yet important truths concerning tho
heavenly sanctuary and the great work there carried forward for
man's redemption were to be taught by the earthly sanctuary and
its services.

After his ascension, our Saviour was to begin his work as our
high priest. Says Paul, " Christ is not entered into the holy places
made with hands, which arc the figures of the true; but into
heaven itself, now to appear in tiie presence of God for us."'' As
Christ's ministration was to consist of two great divisions, each
occupying a period of time and having a distinctive place in the
heavenly sanctuary, so the typical ministration consisted of two
divisions, th'3 daily and the yearly service, and to each a dejiart-
ment of tho tabernacle was devoted.

As Christ at his ascension appeared in the presence of God to
plead his blood in behalf of penitent believers, so the priest in the
daily ministration sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice in the holy
place in the sinner's behalf.

Tho blood of Clirist, while it was to release the repentant sinner
from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin ; it
would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atone-
ment; so in the type the blood of the sin-ofi'ering removed tho
sin from tho penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the day
of atonement.

In the great day of final award, the dead are to be "judged out
of those things which were written in the books, according to their
works." ^ Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of

'Acts 7 : 44; Ileb. 9 : 21, 23.
3 Heb. 9 : 24.

2 Dan. 7 :
*Rev. 20

10.
12.

358

PATRIARCHS AND I'ROPIIKTS.

all the truly j)enitent will be blotted from the books of heaven.
Thus the Hiinctutuy will l)e freed, or cleansed, from the record of
sin. In the tyi)e, this f^reat work of atonement, or blottinfj; out of
sins, was rei)resented by the services of the day of atonement, —
the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was aceomjilished
by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin-offering, of the
sins by which it had been polluted.

As in the final atonoment the sins of the truly penitent are to
be blotted from tne records of heaven, no more to be remembered
or come int ' ; ^iu =o in the type they were borne away into the
wilderness, ft ver sc;)arated from the congregation.

Since Satan is the <'^ ^inator of sin, the direct instigator of all
the sins that caused the death of the Son of God, justice demands
that Satan shall suffer the final jmnishment. Christ's work for the
redemption of men and the i)urification of the universe from sin,
will be closed by the removal of sin from the heavenly sanctuary
and the placing of these sins upon Satan, who will bear the final
penalty. So in the typical service, the yearly round of ministra-
tion closed with the purification of the sanctuary, and the confess-
ing of the sins on the head of the scape-goat.

Thus in the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple
that afterward took its place, the people were taught each day the
great truths relative to Christ's death and ministration, and once
each year their minds were carried forward to the closing events of
the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the final jmrifica-
tion of the universe from sin and sinners.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE SIN OF NADAB AND ARIHU.

After the dedication of the tal)crnacle, the priests were conse-
crated to their sacred office. These services occui)ied seven days,
each marked hy special ceremonies. On t'^'^ ei<;hth day they en-
tered U])on their ministration. Assisted b^ .lis ons, Aaron offered
the sacrifices that God required, and he liltec ^p his hands and
blessed the people. All had been done as God commanded, and
he accepted the sacrifice, and revealed his glory in a remarkal)le
manner; fire came from the Lord, and oon^med the offering
upon the altar. The people looked Don this wonderful mani-
festation of divine power, with awe and intense interest. They saw
in it a token of God's glory and favor, and they raised a universal
shout of praise and adoration, and lell on their faces as if in the
immediate j^resence of Jehovah.

But soon afterward a sudden and terrible calamity fell upon
the family of the high priest. At the hour of worship, as the
prayers and praise of the people were ascending to God, two of
the sons of Aaron took each his censer, and burned fragrant in-
cense thereon, to rise as a sweet odor before the Lord. But
they transgressed his command by the use of "strange fire."
For burning the incense they took common instead of the sacred
fire which God himself had kindled, and which he had com-
manded to be used for tliis purpose. For this sin, a fire went out
from the Lord and devoured them in the sight of the people.

Next to Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu had stood highest
in Israel. They had been especially honored l)y the Lord, having
been permitted with the seventy elders to behold his glory in the
mount. But their transgression was not therefore to be excused or
lightly regarded. All this rendered their sin more grievous. Be-
cause men have received great light, because they have, like the
princes of Israel, ascended to the mount, and been privileged to
have communion with God, and to dwell in the light of his glory,

[ 359 J

8(50

J'ATItlAndrs AND l'l{i)l*llKTS.

let tlicm not llattiT thonisclvos that they can aftt'rwiinl sin with
iiiil)Uiiity ; that l)t'cauH«' they liavo been thus lioncired, (Jod will
not he strict to ])UniHh their ini(juity. Thin i.s a fatal (le(;e|)tion.
The fj;reat li<i;ht and ])rivile<i:e8 bestowed, re(|uire returns of virtue
and holiness ('orresi)ondinj^ to tlu; li^ht jiiven. Anything? short of
this, (rod cannot accept. Great blessin^js or privileges should
n6ver lull to security or carelessness. They should never give
licen.sc to sin, or cause the recipients to feel that (Jod will not l)e
exact with them. All tho advantaj^es which (lod has <j:iven, are
Ids moans to throw ardor into the spirit, zeal into effort, and vijjor
into the carrying:; out of his holy will.

Nadab and Abihu had not in their youth been trained to habits
of self-control. The father's yieldinji; disposition, his lack of firm-
ness for riyht, had led him to ne<:lect the discii)line of his children.
Hi.s sons had been permitted to follow inclination. Habits of self-
induljrence, lon<r cherished, obtained a hold Uf)on them Avhich even
the responsil)ility of the most sacred ofHce had not power to break.
They had not been tau<j;ht to resi)ect the authority of their father,
and they did not realize the necessity of exact obedience to the
re(iuirements of God. Aaron's mistaken indulj^ence of his sons,
prepared them to become the subjects of the divine judgments.

God designed to teach the peoi)le that tliey must approach him
with reverence and awe, and in his own appointed manner. lie
cannot accei)t partial obedience. It was not enough that in this
solemn season of worshij) ncnrhi everything was done as he had
directed. God has pronounced a curse upon those who depart
from his commandments, and put no ditt'erence between common
and holy things. He declares by the })rophet : " Woe unto them
that call evil good, and good evil ; that put darkness for light, and
light for darkness ! . . . Woe unto them that are wise in their own
eyes, and prudent in their own sight; . . . which justify the
wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the right-
eous from him ! . . . They have cast away the law of the Lord of
liosts, and despised the Avord of the Holy One of Israel." ' Let no
one deceive himself with the belief that a part of God's command-
nu>nts are non-essential, or that he will acce[)t a substitute for that
which he has required. Said the prophet Jeremiah, " Who is he
that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it
not? "'^ God has i)laccd in his word no command which men may

ilsa. 5 : 20-24. aLam. 3 : 37.

TIIK SIN OF NADMi AND AlilllU.

861

obey or disobey at will and not suHcr tins conscciuonccM. If men
choose; any other path tlian that of strict oiiedicncc!, they will find
that "the end thereof are tlu; ways of death."'

*' Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Kleazar and unto Ithanuir,
his sons, Uncovi'r not your heads, neither rend your clothes, lest
ye die; . . . for the anointin^i; oil of the Lord is upon you."' The
great leader reminded his brother of the words of (Jod, " I will be
sanctified in them that come ni<:h me, and before all the people I
will be fjtioritied."' Aaron was silent. The death of his sons, cut
down without warninji, in so terrible a sin, — a sin which lu; now
.saw to be tlu! ri'sult of his own nc;ilect of duty, — wrunj; the father's
heart with an;:uish, but he f^ave his feelin<i;s no expression. By no
manifestation of grief must he seem to sympathize with sin. The
congregation must not Ix; led to murmur against (Jod.

The Lord would ivxvvh his i)eo|)le to a(!knowledgc the justice of
his corrections, that others may fear. There were those in Israel
whom the warning of this terrible judgment might save from pre-
.suming uj>on God's forbearance until they too should seal their
own destiny. The divine rebuke is upon that false sympathy
for the sinner which endeavors to excuse his sin. It is the effect
of sin to deaden tlu; moral perceptions, so that the wrong-doer
does not realize the (;normity of transgression; and without the
convi(;ting power of the Holy Spirit he remains in partial blind-
ness to his sin. It is the duty of Christ's servants to show these
erring ones their peril. Those who dwtroy the efji'ect of the warn-
ing, by blinding the eyes of sinners to the real character and results
of sin, often flatter themselves that they thus give evidence of their
charity; but they are working <lirectly to oi)pose and hinder the
work of God's Holy Sjurit ; they are lulling the sinner to rest on
the brink of destruction; they are making themselves partakers in
his guilt, and immrring a fearful resjtonsibility for his impenitence.
Many, many, have gone down to ruin as the result of this false and
deceptive sympathy.

Nadab and Abihu would never have committed that fatal sin,
had they not first become partially intoxicated by the free use of
wine. They understood tiiat the most careful and solemn prepa-
ration Avas necessary before i)resenting themselves in the sanctuary
where the divine presence was manifested ; but by intemperance
they Avere dis(iualified for their holy office. Their minds became
iProv. 14 : 13. '-i Lev. 10 : 6, 7, .'J.

362

JWTIHMtCIlS AM) J'lior/fh'TS.

confuHcd, and tlicir nionil porccptioiiH (IuIKmI, ho tliiit they cduKi
not (liscLTii tlu! (lincrciico botwcen tho Hjun-d and tlus coiuiuon.
To Aaron and his Hurvivinj^ Hons was ^dvcn tli<^ warning': " Do not
drink wino nor Htron«^ drink, thou, nor thy sons with thoc, when
yo j^o into tho tahernach) of tho coniiro^^ation, h'st yo dio. It hIuiH
bo a Htatuto lorovor throu^diout your f^oncratiouH ; and that ye
may put diireronco Viotwoen lioly and unholy, and hotwoen un-
clean and oloan; and that yo may teach tho children of Israel all
tho statutes which tho Lord hath spoken."' The use? of sjjirituoui*
licjuors has tho eflect to weaken tho hody, confuse the mind, and
dohasi! the morals. It prevents men from rcalizini; tho sacrednoHS
of holy thinjis or tho binding force of (rod's rei|uirements. All
who occupied positions of sacred responsibility were to bo men of
strict temperance, that their minds miujht bo clear to discriminate
between ri<ibt and wrong, that they might possess firnmess of prin-
ciple, and wisdom to administer justice and to show mercy.

The same obligation rests upon every f(jllowor of Christ. The
apostle Peter declares, " Yo are a chosen generation, a royal ])riest-
hood, a holy nation, a peculiar people."" We are reiiuirod by God
to preserve every i)ower in the best possible condition, that we
may render acceptable service to our Creator. When intoxicant*
are used, tho same eft'ects will follow as in the case of those priests
of Israel. The conscience will lose its sensibility to sin, and a
process of hardening to inicjuity will most certainly take place,
till the common and the sacred will lose all difference of signifi-
cance. How can we then meet the standard of the divine re-
quirements? " Know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are
not your own? for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify
God in your body, and in your si)irit, which are God's." " Whether
therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever yo do, do all to tho glory
of God."* To the church of Christ in all ages is addressed the
solenm and fearful warning, " If any man defile tho temple of
God, him shall God destroy ; for the temple of God is holy, which
temple ye are."'

iLcv. 10 : 9-11. 2 1 Peter 2:9. M Cor. 6 : 19, 20; 10 : 31; 3 : 17.

chapti:r XXXII.

TyK LAW AND THE COVENANTS.

Adam ati<l Eve, at their crnition, hiul a ktiowlcdjjo of the law
of (}()(l ; tlicy wcn^ acfiiiaintcd with its claiiiis ii|Kin thciii ; its
precepts wen; written U|)()n their hearts. When ruin tell l»y trans-
jiression, tlu> law was not ehan<fe<l, hut a rei ledinl system was
estahlished to hrin^ him hack to olx'dienee. The |)romiso of a
Saviour was ^iven, and aaerifieial oflerin^'^s pointinjr forward to the
death of Christ as the {ireat sin-otlerin;,' were estal)lished. Hut had
the law of God never hv.vn transj^ressed, there would have l)een no
death, and no iuumI of a Saviour; eonsetiuently there would have
been no need of sacrifices.

Adam taught his descendants the law of God, and it was
handed down from tither to son through successive generations.
lUit notwithstanding the gracious provision for man's redemption,
there were few who accei)ted it and rendered obedience. Hy
transgression the world became so vile that it was necessary to
cleanse it by the tlood from its corruption. Tlu; law was preserved
by Noah and his family, and Noah taught his descendants the t'jn
commandments. As men again departed from God, the Lord
chose Abraliam, of whom he declared, "Abraham obeyed my
voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and
my laws.'" To him was given the rite of circumcision, which was
a sign that those who received it were devoted to the service ot
C )d, — a pledge that they would remain separate from idolatry,
an 1 would obey the law of God. The failure of Abraham's de-
scendants to keep this pledge, as shown in their disposition to
form alliances with the heathen and adopt their practices, was the
cause of their sojourn and bondage in Egyi)t. Ikit in their inter-
course with idolaters, and their forced submission to the P]gypt!!'ns,
the divine prece})ts became still further corrupted with tin ile

Therefore when the \. cd

and cruel teachings of heathenism.

»Geu. 26 : 5.

[.363]

'M4:

PATlilAIWIIS AND rnOPlIKTS.

I III

brought thom forth from Egypt, he came down upon Sinai, cn-
slirouded in glory and surrounded by his angels, and in awful
niajcsty spoke his law in the hearing of all the peoi)le.

He did not even then trust his precepts to the memory of a
people who were prone to forget liis requirements, but wrote them
upon tables of stone. He would remove from Israel all possibility
of mingling heathen traditions \» ith his holy precei)!*-', or of con-
founding his requirements witli human ordinances or customs.
But he did not stop Avitli giving tliem tne precepts of the deca-
logue. The people had shown themselves so easily led astray,
that he would leave no door of temj)tation unguarded. Moses was
commanded to write, as God should bid him, judgments and laws
giving minute instruction as to what was required. These direc
tions njlating to the duty of the peoj^le to God, to one another,
and to the stranger, were only the principles of the ten command-
ments amplified and given in a specific manner, that none need
err. They Avere designed to guard the sacredness of the ten pre-
cepts engraved on the taldcs of stone.

If man had kept the law of God, as given to Adam after his
'ail, preserved by Noah, and observed ])y Abraham, there would
have been no nec^essity for the ordinance of circumcision. And if
the descendants of Al)raham liad kei)t the covenant, of which cir-
cumcision was a sign, they would never have been seduced into
idolatry, nor would it liave been necessary for them to suffer a life
of bondage in Egypt ; they would have kei)t God's law in mind,
and there would have been no necessity for it to be proclaimed
from Sinai, ox engraved upon the tal)les of stone. And hod the
people 'practiced the i)rincij)lcs of the ten commandments, there
would have been no need of the additional directions given to
Moses.

The sacrificial system, committed to Adam, was also perverted
by his tiescendants. 8ui)erstition, idolatry, cruelty, and licentious-
ness corrupted the simple and significant service that God had
ai)pointed. Through long intercourse with idolaters, the people of
Israel had mingled many heathen customs with their worship;
therefore the Lord gave them at Sinai definite instruction concern-
ing the sacrificial service. After the completion of the tabernacle,
Im conmiunicatcd with Moses from the cloud of glory above the
mercy-seat, and gave him full directions concerning the system
of offerings, and the ibrms of worship to be maintained in the

77/ A' LAW Ay/) THE COVENAXTS.

305

eanctuarv. Tho cereniouial law was thus given to Moses, and
by lii.n written in a book. But the law of ten eommanchnents
spoken from Sinai liad been writttMi by God himself on the tables
of stone, and was sacredly i)rescrved in the ark.

There are many wluj try to blend these two systems, usinj^ the
texLs tluit speak of the eercmonial law to prove that the moral law
has been abolished; but this is a perversion of the Scriptures.
The distinction l)ctween the two systems is broad and clear, Tho
ceremonial system was mavto up of symbols pointing to (."lirist,
to his sacrifice and his priesthood. This ritual law, with its
sacrifices and ordinances, was to l)e performed by the Hebrews
until type met antityi>e in the death of Christ, tlie Lamb of God
that taketh away tho sin of tho world. Then all the sacrificial
offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ " took out of the
way, nailing it to his cross." ' But concerning the law of ten
commandments the psalmist declares, " Forever, Lord, thy word
is settled in heaven."'^ And Christ himself says, "Think not
thai I am come to destroy the law. . . . Verily I say unto you," —
making the assertion as emphatic as possible, — "Till heaven and
earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,
till all be fulfilled."'' Here he teaches, not merely what the
claims of God's law had been, and were then, but that these
claims should hold as long as the heavens and the earth remain.
The law of God is as immutable as his throne. It will maintain
its claims upon mankind in all ages.

Concerning the law proclaimed from Sinai, Nehemiah says.
"Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with
them from heaven, and gavest them right jadc/ments, and true lawx^
(pod statutes and commandments.^^* And Paul, "the apostle to tho
Gentiles," declares, "The law is holy, and the commandment
lioly, and just, and good."* This can be no other than the deca-
logue; for it is the law that says, "Thou shalt not covet."

While the Saviour's death brought to an end the law of tyi)es
and shadows, it did not in the least detract from the obligation of
the moral law. On the contrary, the very fact that it was necessary
for Christ to die in order to atone for the transgression of that
law, proves it to be immutable.

Those who claim that Christ came to abrogate the law of God

'Col. 2 : 14.

2p.s. IH) : SO.

•''Mutt. 5 : 17, IS.

*Nili. U : i;i.

•' Horn.

12.

360

PATRIAIiCHS AND PROPHETS.

and to do away with tlio Old Tostaiuent, speak of the Jewish age
as one of darkness, and nspresent the relijj;ion of the Hcihrews as
consisting of mere forms and ceremonies. Bnt this is an error.
All through the pages of sacred history, Avhere the d(>alings of God
with his chosen peoi)le are record(;d, there are hurning traces ol
the great I AM. Ncn'er has he given to the sons of men more
open manifestations of his power and glory than when he alone
was acknowledged as Israel's ruler, and gave the law to Ids peo])le.
Here was a sc(;])ter swayed hy no human hand ; and the stately
goings forth of Israel's invisible King were unspeakably grand
and awiul.

In all these revelations of the divine presence, the glory of
God was manifested through Christ. Not alone at the Saviour's
advent, but through all the ages after the fall and the promise
of re(lemi)tion, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto
himself."' Christ was the foundation and center of the sacri-
ficial system in both the patriarchal and the Jewish age. Since
the sin of our first parents, there has been no direct communica-
tion between God and man. The Father has given the world into
the hands of Christ, that through his mediatorial work he may
redeem man, and vindicate the authority and holiness of the lav
of God. All the communion between heaven and the fallen race
has been through Christ. It was the Son of God that gave to our
first parents the ])romise of redemption. It was he who revealed
himself to the patriarchs. Adam, Noah, Al)raham, Isaac, Jacob,
and ]Moses uniU^rstood the gospel. They looked for salvation
through man's Substitute and Surety. These holy men of old
held connnunion with the Saviour who was to come to our
world in human flesh ; and some of them talked with Christ
and l>eaveidy angels face to face.

Christ was not only the leader of the He])rews in the wilder-
ness, — the Angel in whom was tlic nanie of Jehovah, and who,
vailed in the cloudy pillar, went before the host, — but it was
he who gave the law to Israel.'^ Amid the awful glory of Sinai,
Christ declared in the hearing of all the ]»eople the ten precepts of
his Father's law. It was he who gave to Moses the law engraved
upon the tables of stone.

It was Christ that spoke to his people through the nrophcts.
The apostle Peter, writing to the Christian church, says that

^2 Cor. T) : 19. '^Sce Appendix, Note 10.

THE LAW AND THE COVENANT^.

the jji'ophets " prophesied of the firuce that Hhonld et)ine unto
yoii, searching!; Avhat, or what manner of time the Spirit of Clirid
which was in them did signify, when it testitied heforehand the
siiiVerii^.<Is of Christ, and the jilory tliat should foUow." ' It is the
voice of Christ that si)eaks to us through the Old Testament.
"The testimony of Jesus is tlu^ spirit of })roi)hecy."'^

In his teachings while ])ersonally among men, Jesus directed
the minds of the })eoi)le to the Old Testament, lie said to the
Jews, "Ye search the Scriptures, because^ ye think that in them
ye have eternal life; and these are they which l)ear witness of
me." ' At this time the hooks of the Old Testament were the onlv
part of the Bible in existence. Again the Son of (Jod dechired,
"They have Moses and the ])r()i)hets; let them hear them." And
he added, " If they hear not Moses and the ])rophets, neither will
they l)e persuaded, though one rose from the dead." '

The ceremonial law was given by Christ. Even after it was no
longer to l)e observed, Paul ])res(!nted it before the Jews in its
true ])Osition and value, showing its place in the plan of re<lemp-
tion and its relation to the work of Christ; and the great apostle
])ronounces this law glorious, worthy of its divine Originator.
The solemn service of the sanctuarj^ tyi)ifted the grand truths
that were to be revealed through successive generations. Tlu^
cloud of incense ascending with the prayers of Israel represents
His righteousness that alone can make the sinner's prayer accepta-
))le to God; the bleeding victim on the altar of sacrifice testified
of a Redeemer to come; and from the holy of holies the visible
token of the <livine presence shone forth. Thus through ago after
age of darkness and apostasy, faith was kept alive in the hearts of
men until the time came for the advent of the proi ;'">d Messiah.

Jesus was the light of his people, — the light of the world, —
before he came to earth in the form of humanity. The first
gleam of light that pierced the gloom in which sin had wrapped
the world, came from Christ. And from him has come every
ray of heaven's brightness that has fallen U])on the inhabitants
of the earth. In the i)lan of r(!dem})tion, Ciirist is tlu; Ali)ha and
the Om(>ga, — the First and the Last.

Since the Saviour shed his blood ibr the niuiission of sins, and
ascended to heaven " to appear in the presence of God for us," ' light

1 1 IVtei- 1 : 10, 11. «Ri'V. 19

M.uke 10 : 29, 31.

10. 3 John 5 : 39, Rev. \vr.

^ Ileb. y : 'U.

if'.^-;

308

rATItfAJiCIIS AM) PIlOPUETs.

lias l)C't'n .strcamin<,' from tlu; cross of Calvary '.n<i frcni t^c holy
l)laces (jf llio sanctuary above. But the clearer lioht granted u.s,
should not caus(( u.s to despise that which in earlier times was
received through tlx^ types ])ointin.;; to the cominj^ Saviour. The
{^osjjel of Christ sheds liuht upon the Jewish economj', and gives
si<rnifi(>ance to the ceremonial law. As new truths are revealed,
and that which has been known from the heuinninji; is brought
into clearer light, the character and i)Urposes of CJod are made
manifest in his dealings with his chosen people. Every addi-
tional ray of light that we receive gives us a clearer understand-
ing of the })lan of I'edemption, which is the AVorking out of the
divine will in the salvation of man. We see new beauty and
force in the inspired word, and we study its i)ages with a deeper
and more absorbing interest.

The o})inion is held by many that (Jod placed a separating
wall between the Hebrev/s and the outside world ; that his care
and love, withdrawn to a great extent I'rom the rot of mankind,
were centered u\)o\\ Israel. Jiut God did not (ie.dgn that his
peojde should build up a Avail of partition l>etween themselves and
their fellow-men. The heart of Infinite Lovo was reaching out
toward all the inhabitants of the earth. Though they had rejected
him, he was (constantly seeking to reveal himsdf to them, and
make them partakers of his love and grace. I [is blessing was
granted to the chosen i)eoi)le, that tluy might bless others.

God called Abraham, and pros[)ered and honored him; and
the ])atriarch's fidelity wi.t- a. light to the i)eople in all the countries
of his sojourn. Abrahau: uiM not shut himself away from the
people around him.. He maintained friendly relations with the
kings of the surrounding nations, by some of whom he was treated
with great respect; and his integrity and unselfishness, his valor
and benevolence, were representing the character of God. In
Mesopotamia, in Canaan, in Egy})t, and even to the inhabitants of
Sodom, the God of heaven was revealed through his rei)resentative.

So to the people of Egypt and of all the nations connected with
that powerful kingdom, (iod manifested himself through Joseph.
Why did the Lord choose to exalt Josei)h so highly among the
Egyptians? He might have i)rovided some other way for the
accomplishment of his purposes toward the children of Jacob;
but he desired to make Joseph a light, and he placed him in the
palace of the king, that the heavenly illumination might extend

THE LAW AMj THE COVEN A^rS.

;ir',»

far and near. \\y his wisduin. and justice, !)y the ])urity atid
benevoleiK'o of liis daily life,-l)y his devotion to tiio interest;:; 'M
the people, — and that i)eoi)le a nation of idolater;-', — Joseph v- ,■•«
a representative of Christ. In their benefactor, to whom all Eij;v .f
turned with gratitude and praise, that heathen j)eoitlo were to be-
hold the love of their Creator and Redeemer. So in JMoses also,
Cod i)laeed a li<iht beside the throne of the earth's greatest king-
dom, that all who would, might learn of the true and living (Jod.
i\\\i\ all this light was given to the Egyi)tians before the hand of
God was stretched out over them in judgments.

. In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, a knowledge of the
])ower of God spread far and wide. The warlike people of the
stronghold of Jericho trembled. " As soon as we had heard these
things," said Rahab, " our hearts did melt, neither did there re-
main any more courage in any man, because of you ; for Jehovah
your God, he is (iod in heaven above, and in earth beneath.'"
Centuries after the exodus, the priests of the Philistines reminded
their peoi)le of the plagues of Egypt, and warned them against
resisting the (Jod of Israel.

God called Israel, and blessed and exalted them, not that by
obedience to his law they alone might receive his favor, an'i
become the exclusive recipients of his blessingG, but in order to
reveal himself through them to all the inhabitants of iHc earth.
It was for the aceom])lishment of this very })urpose that ' r coin-
manded them to keep themselves distinct from the i '-jiatKius
nations around them.

Idolatry and all the sins that followed in its train weri. abhor-
rent to God, and ho commanded his ])eople not to ininglo v/Uh
other nations, to " do after their VDrks^'" and forget God He for-
bade their niarriage with idolaters, lest their hearts should be led
away from him. It was just as necessary then as it is now
that God's })eoi)le should be pure, " unsinjtted from the world."
They must keep themselves free from its spirit, because it is
opposed to truth and righteousness. But God did not intend
that his people, in self-righteous exclusiveness, should shut them-
selves away from the world, so that they could have no influ-
ence upon it.

Like their Master, the followers of Christ in everv aire were to
be the light of the world. The Savioi r said, " A city that is set on
iJosb. 3 : 11. 2 Ex. 23 : 24.

m...

\-f

-^i7 ■

■ 4'

jA.-' ;*^

370

PATRIARCHti AND PROPHETS.

ii liill Ccannot bo liid. NcitluT do iiuni litrlit a candle, and ])nt it
under a bushel, liut on a candlestick ; and it jrivetli li^dit unto all
that are in the house," — that is, in the world. And ho adds, " liot
your lif^jht so shine l)efore men, that they nia}'' see your jiood works,
and glorify your Father Avhich is in heaven.'" This is just what
Enoch, and Noah, A])raham, Jose])h, and Moses did. It is just
what Clod designed that his ])eo])lo Israel should do.

It was tlieir own evil heart of unbelief, controlled by Satan,
that led them to hide their light, instead of she(ld!n<^ it ui)()n sur-
rounding!; peoples; it was that same bigoted spirit that caused
them either to Ibllow the initiuitous ])racticcs of the heathen,,
or to shut themseh'GS away in i)roud exclusiveness, as if God's
love and care were over them alone.

As the Bi])le ])resent» two laws, one changeless and eternal, the
other i)rovisional and tenii>orary, so there are two covenants. The
covenant of grace was first made with man in P^den, when after
the fall, there was given a divine promise that the seed of the
woman should bruise the serpent's head. To all men this cove-
nant offered pardon, and the assisting grace of God for future
obedience through faith in Christ. It also promised them eternal
life on condition of fidelir to God's law. Thus the patriarchs
reci ived the hope of salvation.

This same covenant was renewed to Abraham in the promise,
*' In thy seed shall all the nations of tlic earth be blessetl."'' This
promise pointed to Christ. So Abraham understood it,^ and he
trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. It was this faith that
was accounted unto him for righteousness. The covenant with
Abraliam also maintained tlie authority of God's law. The Lord
appeared unto Abraham, and said, " I am the Almighty God ; walk
before me, and be thou perfect." ' The testimony of God concerning
his faitliful servant was, " Abraham cbeyed my voice, and kei)t my
charge, my commandments, my statut(>s, and my laws." '" And the
Lord do lared to him, " I will establish my covenant between
me ard thee, and thy seed after thee in their generations for
an ev.ei'huVari covenant., to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed
after thee."'

Though this covenant was made with Adam and renewed to
Abraham, it could not be ratified until the death of Christ. It

1 Matt. 5 : 14-1(5.
*Gen. 17

2Geu. 22 ; iS.

5 Gen. 2B

3Sw Gal. 3 : 8, 16.
) ; 17:7.

A~ :'

THE LAW AND THE COVENANTS.

871

hud existed by tlie ]>roniiso of (iod since the first intimation
of redemption luid l)een pven ; it had heen iieeei)ted l)y faith;
vet wlujn ratified 1)V Christ, it is called a xrv/' covenant. The
law of God was the basis of this covenant, which was simply
an arran^'ement for l)rin«iin^ men a<>;ain into harnion}' with the
divine will, plaein<^ them where they could obey God's law.

Another compact — called in Scripture the "old" covenant —
was formed between (lod and Israel at Sinai, and was tlicn ratilied
by the blood of a sacrifice. The Abrahamie covenant was ratified
by the blood ot Christ, and it is called the " second," or "new"
covenant, because the blood by which it was sealed Avas shed after
the blood of the lirst covenant. That the new covenant was valid
in the days of Abraham, is evident i'rom the fact that it was then
confirmed both by the })roniise and by the oath of God, — the "two
innnutable thinus, in which it was impossible for God to lie."'

But if the Abrahamie covenant contained the })romise of rc-
demjition, why was another covenant formed at Sinai? — In their
bondage the peoi)le had to a great extent lost the knowledge of
God and of the principles of the Abriihamic covenant. In deliver-
ing them from Egypt, God sought to reveal to them his power and
his mercy, that they might be led to love and trust him. He
brought them down to the Red Sea — where, jmrsued by the Egyp-
tians, escape seemed impossible — that they might realize their utter
helplessness, their need of divine aid; and theii he wrought deliv-
erance for them. Thus they were filled with love and gratitude
to God, and with confidence in his power to hell) them. He had
bound them to himself as their deliverer from temjjoral bondage.

But there Avas a still greater truth to l)e impressed U[)on their
minds. Living in the midst of idolatr}' and corruption, they had
no true conception <jf the holiness of (Jod, <jf the exceeding sinful-
ness of their own hearts, thiiir utter inability, in themselves, to
render obedience to God's law, and tlr 'r need oi a Saviour. All
this they must be taught.

God brought them to Sinai; he manifested his glory; he
gave them his law, with the promise of great l)lessings on con-
dition of obedience: " If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep
my covenant, then . . . ye shall )>e unto me a kingdom of priests,
and a holy nation."'" The ))eop]e did not realize the sinfulness
of their own heails, and that without Christ it was impossil)le for
>Heb. fi :1S. « Ex. 19 : .5, ft. 24

'I t

37J

PATIlfA/iCIlS AND I'ROr/IKTS.

tlieiu to keep God's law; and they readily entered into rovonant
with (lod. Feelinjf that they Avere uhlo to estahhsh their own
righteousne.sH, they deehired, " All that the Lord hath said will we
do, and ho ohedient.'" They had witne.ssod the ])roelaniation of
the law in awi'ul niajeHty, and had trenihli-d with terror het'ore the
mount; and yet only a lew week.s passed helbro they hroku their
covenant with CJod, and howed down to worshij) a jiraven image.
They could not hope Ibr the favor of (lod throui^h a covenant
which they had hroken ; and now, 8eein<^ their sinfulnes^ and
their need of }>ardon, they were hrought to leel their need of the
Saviour reveahid in the Ahrahamic; covi'iiant, and shadowed forth
in the Hacrificial oll'erin<rs. Now hy faith and love they were hound
to (lod as their deliverer from the hondaiie of sin. Now they were
prej>ared to ap[)reciate the hlessin;^s of the new covenant.

The terms of the "old covenant" were, Ohey and live: "If a
man do, he shall even live in them;'"' l)Ut "cursed he Ik; that
confirmeth not all the words of this law to (\o them."'' The " new
covenant" was estalilished upon "better promises,'' — the promise
of forgiveness of sins, and of the grace of (Jod to renew tlie heart,
and hring it into harmony with the i>rinciples of (lod's law.
"This shall he the covenant that I will make with the house of
Israel: Alter those days, saith the Lord, f vlll put mij law in their
inward parts, (ind trritc it In their licarl^. ... 1 will Jon/ire their
iniipiity, and I will remcmher their sin no more."*

The same law that was engraved upon the tables of stone, is
written by the llcly S{)irit upon the tal)les of tlu^ heart. Instead
of going about to estal)lish our own righteousness, we accept the
righteousness of Christ. His Idood atones for our sins. His
obedience is a(tcci)ted for us. Then the heart renewed by the
Holy Spirit will bring forth '"tiie fruits o/ the Si)irit." Through
the grace of Christ wc shall live in obedience to the law oi" (lod
written upon our hearts. Having the Spirit of Christ, Ave shall walk
even as he walked. Through the ])rophet he decliired of himself,
"I delight to do thy will, my (iod; yea, thy law is within my
heart." ^ And when among men he said, " The Father hath not lelt
me alone; for I do always those things that i)lease him."*

The apostle Paul clearly jtresents the relation between faith and
the law under the new covenant. He says : " Being ///.s^/^Vr/ hi/pdth.

»F,x. 2t : r. ■''Ezo. 20 : 11 ; Lev. IS : r,. =' Dent. 27 : 2t>.

Mer. :!1 : M, .'U. '^Ps. 40 : S; .lolm S : 2'.).

77/a; law axd the covenants.

.> ( •>

we liiiv«' |i('!i((' with (iod tliroujflj our Fiortl Jesus Christ."' " Do
W(! thc'U make void the law through faith? <»ocl t'orhid ; yea, wt;
cstiihlish thr law." '' For what the law could not do, in that it
was weak throu^di the flesh," — it could not justify man, hccauscj
in liis sinl'ul nature he could not keep the law, — ''(!od sendin;;'
his own Son in ihv, likiMiess of sinful llesli, and for sin, condennu'd
sin in the llesh ; that the rii/lilroit.snr.^^ of the. Itiir nnj.dit he fulfilled in
us, who walk not alter the flesh, hut after the Spirit."'

(lod's work is the same in all time, althou^di ther(> an; dilVei-ent
(le<.'rees of development, and dilferent manifestations of his power,
to nu.'et the wants of men in the different aiies. He^dnnin;.^ with the
first jj;osi»el pronnse, and eominu; down throujih tht; jjatriarchal and
Jewisli au^es, and even to the ])r( <ent time, there has heen ii <j;ra(lual
unfoldini^ of the i)urposes of (iod in the i)lan of redemption. The
Saviour typified in the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law is
the very same that is revealed in the gospel. The clouds that en-
veloped his divine form havt; rolled l)ack ; the mists and shades
have disapi)oared ; and Jesus, the world's Jved(;emer, stands revealed.
He who i)roclaimed the law from Sinai, and deliv(,'red to Moses
tlu! |)reeepts of the ritual law, is the same that s[)oke the si'rmon
on the mount. The jj;reat i)rinciples of love to (Jod, which he set
forth as the foundation of tlu; law and the prophets, an^ only ii
reiteration of what he had spoken through ]\Ioses to the IIel)rew
people: '"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and
thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy nught." "Thou shalt love thy
neighhor as thyself."'" The teacher is the same in l)oth dispen-
sations. God's claims are the same. The principles of his govern-
ment are the same. For all proceed from Him " with whom is
no variahleness, neither shadow of turning." '

Rom. .^) : 1 : :i : :n ; S : :{. 4.

-Dent. C. : -J. .'.: Lev. 19 : is.

•• .Tames 1:1'

•*€*^4@'r^^'

ciiapti:r XXXIII.

FROM SINAI lO KADKSII.

TiiK huildinjr of tlic tiilxTnucIc was not Ix'^nin tor hoihc tiiiu*
after Isnicl arrived at Sinai ; and tlio nacred structure was first set
U}) at the opening of the second year from the exodus. This was
followed hy the (H)nseeration of the priests, the celebration of the
Passover, the nuuiherin^ of the peo[)]e, and the completion of
various arrangements essential to their civil or relijrious system,
so that nearly a year was spent in the encami)ment at Sinai.
Here their worship had taken more definite form, the laws had
been fj;iven for the jjovernment of the nation, and a more efficient
organization had been effected preparatory to their entrance into
the land of Canaan.

The government of Israel Avas characterized by the most thor-
ough organization, wonderful alike for its completeness and its
simplicity. The order so strikingly displayed in the perfection
and arrangement of all God's created works was manifest in the
Hebrew economy. God Avas the center of authority and govern-
ment, the sovereign of Israel. Moses stood as their visible leader,
by God's appointment, to administer the laws in his name. From
the elders of the tril)es a council of seventy was afterward chosen
to assist Ptoses in the general affairs of the nation. Next came the
priests, who consulted the Lord in the sanctuary. Chiefs, or prin-
ces, ruled over the tril)es. Under these were " captains over thou-
sands, and cajjtains over hundreds, and ca))tains over fitties, and
captains over tens;" and, lastly, officers who might be em})loyed
for special duties. '

The Hel)rew camj) was arranged in exact (jrder. It was sepa-
rated into three great divisions, each having its appointed i)osition
in the encampment. In tlie center was the tabernacle, the abid-
ing i)lace of the invisible King. Around it were .stationed the

1 Dcut. 1:15.

intoM sf.y.ii To h'MH'.sii.

TiU

prii'sts and Lcviti's, Hoyond tlicHc were cncamiKMl all tlii' otlior

To tliL' TiOvitcH was ('oimiiittcfl tlu; cliarjic of the tahornacli' and
all tliat pertained thereto, both in the ('ani|) and on the jonrney.
When the camp set forward, they were to strike th<' s;iered tent;
when a haltinji;-plaee was reaelu'd, they were to set it up. No
person of another triho was alloweii to come near, on pain ot
death. The Ijevites were separated into three divisions, the de-
scendants of the three sons of Ficvi, and each was assij^ned its
special position and work. In front of the tal>ernaele, and near-
est to it, were the tents of Moses an<l Aaron. On the south were
the Kohathites, whose dutv it was to care for the ark and the other
furniture; on the north the Merarites, who were placed in ehar^'c
of the pillars, sockets, hoarc'^s, etc.; in the rear the (lershonites, to
whom tho care of the curtains and han^rinjis was connnitted.

The position of each tril»e also was specified. Each was to
march and to encamp heside its own standard, as the Lord had
commanded: " Kverv man of the children of Israel shall pitch hv
his own .standard, with the ensiun of their father's house. Far ofll
ahout the tal)ernucle of the con^rej>;ation shall tiiey pitch." ''As
they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place
l)y their .standards.'" The mixed multitude that had accom-
panied Israel from E^'yjjt were not i)ermitted t() occupy the
same (juarters with the tribes, but were to abide upon the out-
skirts of the cami> ; and their ottsprinji were to 1)0 excluded fronj
the connnunity until the third jiienoration. '

Scrupulous cleanliness as well as strict order throu^diout the
encam|)ment and its environs was enjoined. Thorough sanitary
rejiulations were enforced. Every person who was unclean from
any cause was forbidden to enter the cam]). These measures
were indispensable to the preservation of health aujonf; so vast
a multitude; and it was necessary also that perfect order and
)>urity be maintained, that Israel nn^cht enjoy the presence of a
holy God. Thus he declared: "The Lord thy (Jod walketh in
the midst of thy camp, to deliyer thee, and to jiive up thine
enemies l)efore thee ; therefore shall thy camp be holy."

In all the journeyings of Israel, " the ark of the covenant of
the Lord went before them, ... to search out a resting place for
iNum. 2:2, 17. M)cut. 2:} : T, 8.

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tlicni."' Borne l>y tlu! sons of Koluitli, the sacred oliest contjiin-
iny; Clod's holy law was to lead the van. liefore it went Moses and
Aaron; an<l the priests, hearinj^ silver trumpets, were stationed
near. These i)riests received directions from Closes, which they
conununicated to the i)Cople by the trumpets. It was the duty
of the leaders of each company to jrive definite dire( tions concern-
inji; all the movements to he made, as indicated hy the trumpets.
Whoever ncfilected to comply with the directions uiven, was jmn-
ishcd with death.

(Jod is a (Jod of order. P^verythinfj; connected with heaven is
in ])erfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the
movements of the anjrolit! host. Success can only attend order
and liarnionious action. (Jod requir(>s order an<l sy.stem in his
work noAV no less than in the days of Israel. All who arc work-
ing; for him are t<» labor intelli«!;ently, not in a careless, liap-hazard
manner. He would have his work done witli faith and exactness,
that he may ])lace the seal of liis ap])roval upon it.

(Jod himself directed the Israelites in all their travels. The
place of their encaminncnt was indicated by the descent of the
j)illar of cloud ; and so lonj^ as they were to remain in camp, the
cloud rested over the tabernacle, ^^'hen they were to continue
their journey, it was lifted high al)ove the sacred font. A solemn
invocation marked l)oth the halt and the departure. " It came to
pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise uj). Lord, and
let thine enemies be scattered ; and let them that hate thee Heo
before thee. And when it rested, lie said, iJeturn, O Lord, unto
the many thousands of Israel."^

A distarce of only eleven days' journey lay between Sinai and
Kadesh,'on tiic borders of Canaan; and it was with the prospect
of speedily entering the goodly land, that the hosts of Israel re-
sumed their march, when the cloud at last gave the signal for an
onward movement. Jehovah had wrought wonders in bringing
them from Egypt, and what blessings might the}' not ex])ect, now
that they had formally covenanted to accept liim as their sover-
eign, and had been acknowledged as the chosen people of the
Most High?

Yet it was almost with reluctance that many left the place
where they had so long encamped. They had come almost to
regard it as their home. Within the f^helter of those granite
« Num. 10 : 38. ^ Niii:i. 10 : «.">, W.

FROM SINAI TO KADKSH.

377

wall; . Ciod liiul frutliered his people, apart from all other nations,
to rej)eat to them his holy law. They lovo<l to look upon the
sacred mount, on whose hoary jieaks and barren ridges the di-
vine {ilorv lind so often been displayed. The scene was so closely
associated with the jtresence of (lod and holy angels that it
seemed too sacred to he left thoughtlessly, or even gladly.

At the signal from the trumpeters, however, the entire camp
set forward, the tabernacle borne in the midst, and each tribe in
its api»ointe<l jjosition, under its own standard. All eyes were
turned anxiously to see in what direction the cloud would lead.
As it moved toward the east, where were only mountain masses
bud<lled together, black and desolate, a feeling of sadness and
doubt arose in manv hearts.'

As thev advanced, the way became more difficult. Their
route lay through stony ravine and barren waste. All around
them was the great Avildcrness, — "a land of deserts and of pits,"
" a land of drought, and of the shadow of death," " a land that no
man i)assed through, and where wo man dwelt."' The rocky
gttrges, far and near, were thronged with men, women, and chil-
dren, with beasts and wagons, and hmg lines of flocks and herds.
Their ])rogress was necessarily sIoav and toilsome; and the nmlti-
tudes, alter their long encam])ment, were not prepared to endure
the perils and discomforts of the way.

After three days' journey, open complaints were heard. These
originated with the mixed multitude, many of whom were not
fully united with Israel, and were continually watching for some
cause of censure. The complainers were not pleased with the
direction t)f the nunvh, and they were continually finding fault
Avith the way in which Mo^es was leading them, though they
well knew that he, as well as they, was following the guiding
cloud. Dissatisfaction is contagious, and it soon spread in the
cncamjiment.

Again they began to clamor for flesh to eat. Though abun-
dantly supplied with manna, they were not satisfied. The Israel-
ites, during their bondage in Egyi)t, had been compelled to subsist
■on the plainest and simplest food ; but the keen appetite inducet'.
by privation and hard lal)or had made it i)alatable. Many of the
Kgyptians, however, who were now among them, had been accus-
tomed to a luxurious diet; and these were the first to complain.

V » Jer. 2 : 0.

37>3

PATlilAIiCIIS AND PROPHETS.

At the ;'ivinji? of the iniinna, just-lit'tbro Israel reached 8inai, the
liord luul granted them flesh in answer to their clamors; hut it
was furnished them for only one day.

God might as easily have }>rovided them with flesh as with
manna ; but a restriction was i)iaced upon them for their good.
It was his purpose to supi)ly them with food better suited to their
wants than the feverish diet to which many had become accus-
tomed in Egypt. The perverted appetite was to be brought into a
more healthy state, that they might enjoy the food t)riginally
j)rovided for man, — the fruits of the earth, which God gave to
Adam and Eve in Eden. It was for this reason that the Israelites
had been deprived in a great measure of animal food.

Satan tempted them to regard this restriction as unjust and
cruel. He caused them to lust after forbidden things, ])ecause he
saw that the unrestrained indulgence of appetite would tend to
l)roduce sensuality, and by this means the people could ]je more
easily brought under liis control. The author of disease and
misery will assail men where he can have the greatest success.
Through temptations addressed to the appetite he has, to a large
extent, led men into sin from the time when he induced Eve to
eat of the forbidden fruit. It was by this same means that he
led Israel to murnmr against God, Intemperance in eating and
drinking, leading as it does to the indulgence of the lower j)as-
sions, ])repare8 the way for men to disregard all moral obligations.
When assailed by temi)tation, they have little power of resistance.

God brought the Israelites from Egypt, that he might establish
them in the land of Ganaan, a pure, holy, and happy people. In
the accomplishment of this object he subjected them to a course of
discipline, both for their own good and for the good of their
posterity. Had they been Avilling to deny appetite, in obedience
to his wise restrictions, feebleness and disease would have been
unknown among them. Their descendants would have possessed
both physical and mental strength. They would have had clear
l)erceptions of truth and duty, keen discrimination, and sound
judgment. But their unwillingness to submit to the restrictions
and requirements of God, prevented them, to a great extent, fr<5m
reaching the high standard which he desired them to attain,
and from receiving the blessings which he was ready to bestow
upon them.

Says the psalmist: "They tempted God in their heart by

FROM SINAI ro KADE8H.

WV.)

iirtkiiifj; meat lor their lust. Yen, they spake against God ; they
said, Can (iod furnish a tahle in the wihlerness? Behold, he
snjote the nx'k, that the waters gushed out, and the streams
overflowed; can lie give hread also? can he pn vide Hesh for his
l>eo])le? Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth."' Mur-
muring and tunnilts had been fre(iU(!nt during the journey from
the Red Sea to Sinai, hut in pity for their ignorance and blindness
(Jod had not then visited the sin with judgments. But since that
time he had revealed him.self to tliem at Horeh. They had
received great light, as they had been witnesses to the majest}', the
poAver, and the mercy of God; and their unbelief and discontent
incurred the greater guilt. Furthermore, they had covenanted to
accept Jehovah as their king, and to obey his authority. Their
murmuring was now rebellion, and as such it nmst receive prompt
and signal punishment, if Israel was to be preserved from anarchy
and ruin. " The fire of Jehovah burnt among them, and con-
sumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."^
The most guilty of the complainers were slain by lightning from
the cloud.

The ])eople in terror besought Moses to entreat the Lord for
them. He did so, and the fire was (juenched. In memory of this
judgment he called the name of the place Taberah, "a burning."

But the evil was soon worse than before. In.stead of leading
the survivors to humiliation and repentance, this fearful judgment
seemed only to increase their murmurings. In all directions the
l)eople were gathered at the door of their tents, weeping and
lamenting. " The mixed multitude that was among them fell a
lusting; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who
shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish which we did
eat in Egypt freely ; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the
leeks, and tlie onions, and the garlic ; but now our soul is dried
away ; there is nothing at all, besides this manna, before our
eyes." Thus they manifested their discontent Avith the food pro-
vided for them by their Creator. Yet they had constant evidence
that it was adapted to their wants ; for notwithstanding the hard-
ships they endured, there was not a feeble one in all their tribes.

The heart of Moses sunk. He had pleaded that Israel should
not 1)0 destroyed, even though his own posterity might then
become a great nation. In his love for them, he had ])rayed that

' Ps. 78 : 18-21. ^^^v Numbers 11.

PATIi/ARCirS AXD PliOPIIETS.

his mune mijrlit 1»(' IdotU'd Iroin the hook of lite rntliiT than that
they Hhould In- lylt to perisli. He hjul impcrilod all for them, and
this va.s their response. All their hardshijjs, even their iinapnary
suH'erin<j;s, tliey ehar^'ed upon him; and their wicked murmurinjis
madi' douhly heavy the hurden of eare and ri>sp<)nsil>ility under
which ho stairirered. In his distress he was tempted even to
distrust (lod. His ])riiyer was almost a complaint. "Wheri'forc
hast thou afllicted thy servant? and Avhereforo have T not found
I'avor in thy si<:ht, that thou layest the hurden of all this ]K'o[)le
upon me? . . . Wlu-nce should 1 have llesh t(> <rive unto all this
jteople? for they weep unto me, si»yin<r, (live us ilesh, that W(!
may eat. I am not ahlc to l)ear all this people alone, hecause it is
too heavy lor me."

The Tiord hearkened to hi.s j)rayer, and directed him to sum-
mon seventy men of the elders of Israel, — men not only advanced
in years, hut ])ossessinu; dijrnity, sound judirment, and exi)erience.
*' And orinu; th(Mn unto the tahernacle of the; conijrosation," ho
said, "that they may stand there with thee. And I will come
down and talk with thee there; and I will take of the Spirit which
is upon thee, and will i>ut it U})on them ; and they shall hear the
hurden of the people with thee, that thou hoar it not thyself
alone.'

The I.,ord permitted Moses to choose for himself the most
faithful and efficient men to share the responsihility with him.
Their influence would assist in holdinj; in check the violence of
the peojdc, ai;(l (luellinji insurrection; yet serious evils would
eventually result i'rom their prom<)tion. They would never have
heen chosen had Closes manifested faith corresponding to the
evidences he had witnessed of God's power and j^oodness. But ho
had maunified his own hurdens and services, almost losing sight of
the fact that he was only the instrument hy which God had
wrought. He was not excusahle in indulging, in the slightest
degree, the spirit of murmuring that was the curse of Israel. Had
he relied fully U})on (Jod, the Lord would have guided him con-
tinually, and would have given him strength ft)r every emergency.

Moses was directed to prejjare the j)eople for what God was
ahout to do for them. ''Sanctify yourselves against to-morrow,
and ye shall eat Hesh ; for yo have wept in the ears of the Lord,
.saying. Who shall give us Hesh to eat? for it was well with us in
Egypt; therefor;; the Lord will give you flesh, ami ye shall eat.

FIWM srx.ll TO KADRSir

;isi

^'l' ;;li:ill not ciit olio (lav, nor two <liivs, nor five davs, neither ten
<Uiy."'. nor twenty days; Itiit even a wliolc niontli, until it come out
at vour nostrils, and it be loathsome unto vou ; hecause that ve
liave despised tlu^ Lord wliich is amonj; you, and have Avejjt hel'ore
him, sayiuL', Why eanie we t'orth out of Ejiypt?"

"The jH'ople amon*.' whom 1 am." exclaimed Moses, "are six
hundred thousand footmen ; and thou hast said, I will jrive them
tlesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the
herds he slain i'or them, to sullice them? or shall all the fish of
the sea he pithered together for them ? "

He was reproved for his distrust: " Is tlie Lord's hand waxed
short? Thou shalt .see now whether my word shall come to pass
unto thee or not."

Moses re|)eated to the con<;re;j:atii)n the words of the liord, and
jumounecd the a|)pointment of the seventy elders. The j^reat
leader's char^'c to these chosen men mijjht well serve as a nuxlel of
judicial integrity for the judjres and legislators of mod(!ru times:
" H<'ar the causes between your Ijrethren. and judj^e rijihteously
between every man and his brother, and the stran^^er that is with
him. ^'e shall not respect ]>ersons in Judgment ; but ye shall hear
the small as well as the jrreat ; ye shall not be afraid of the face of
man ; for the judjicment is f Jod's." '

i\[t).ses now sunnnoned the seventy to the tabernacle. " And
the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took
of the Spirit that Avas Uj)on him, and jrave it unto the seventy
elders. And it came to pass, that, when the Spirit rested upon
them, they jirophesied, and did not cease." Like the discij)les
on the day of Pentecost, they were endued with " power from on
hijrh." It pleased the Lord thus to i)repare them for their work
and to honor them in the presence of the con;j;re<^ation, that con-
fidence mi^ht be e.stablisheji'^n them as men divinely cho.se. i to
unite with ^Io.ses in the !J;(^v<llrnnu>nt of Israel.

Airain evidence was ;,riven of the lolt}', unselfish spirit of the
>rreat leader. Two of the seventy, humbly countinj^ themselves
unworthy of .so responsible a position, had not joined their breth-
ren at the tabernacle; but the Spirit of (iod came upon them
where they were, and +-hey too exercised the ])rophctic gift. On
being informed of this, Joshua desired to check such irregularity,
fearing that it might tend to division. Jealous for the honor of
his muster, " My lord . Mo.ses," he said, "forbid them." The an-

■• l)»ut. 1 : U;. IT.

3h2

rATli I Aliens AND PHOl'llFTS.

swer wa.s, '' Envicst tlxui for my sake? WouM (lod that all tlu?
Lord's people wen; prophets, and that the TiOrd would jmt him
Spirit upon them."

A Htronj^ wind hlowing from the sea, now brought flocks of
<juails, " about a day's journey on this side, and a day's journey
on the other side, round alunit the camp, and about two cubits
al)ove the face of the earth.'' ' All that day and night, and the
following day, the people labored in gathering the food miracu-
lously j)rvyvided. Innnense (I'lantities were secured. "He that
gaCljered least gathered ten homers." All that was not needed for
present use v/as preserved ])y drying, yo that the supi)ly, as prom-
ised, was sufficient for a whole month.

God gave the peojjle that which was not for their higliest good,
because they persisted in desiring it; they would not be satisfied
with those things that would prove a benefit to them. Their re-
bellious desires were gratified, bat they were left to suffer the
result. .They feasted Avithout restraint, and their excesses were
speedily punished. "The Lord smote the i)eople with a very
great jdague." Lj;rge nund)ers were cut down by burning fevers,
while the most guilty among them were smitten as soon as they
tasted the food for which they had lu.sted.

At Hazeroth, the next encampment after leaving Taberah, a
still more bitter trial awaited Moses. Aaron and Miriam had occu-
jiied a i)08ition of high honor and leadership in Israel. Both were
endowed with the prophetic gift, and both had been divinely asso-
ciated "with Moses in the deliverance of the Hebrews. " I sent
before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam," * are the words of the
Lord by the prophet Micah. Miriam's force of character had
been early displayed, when as a child she watched beside the
Nile the little 'basket in which was hidden the infant Moses.
Her self-control and tact God had made instrumental in pre-
serving the deliverer of his people. Richly endowed with the
gifts of poetry and music, IVi.'riam had led the women of Israel
in song and dance on the shore of the Red Sea. In the affections
of the people and the honor of Heaven she stood second only to
Moses and Aaron. But the san e evil that first brought discord
in heaven, sprung up in the heart of this woman of Israel, and she
did not fail to find a sympathi.^or in her dissatisfaction.

In the appointment of the seventy elders, Miriam and Aaron
»Nuui. 11 : 31, Rt'v. Ver. aMitah 6:4.

FliOM SINAI TO KADESII.

as:{

liiul not hc'cii consulted, and their jealousy wa.s exeited a;?ain-;
MoHCH. At the time of Jethro's visit, while the Israelites were on
the way to Sinai, the ready acceptance by Moses of the coujisel
of his father-in-law had aroused in Aaron and Miriam a fear that
his influfMice with the ^reat leader ex<'ceded theirs. In the organ-
ization of the council of elders th v felt that their jxwition ant'
authority had heen igncred. Miriam and Aaron had never known
the weight of caiy and r sponsihility which had rested ujmmi Moses;
yet because they had been chosen to aid him the^ rej^arded them-
selves as sharinj; eijually with him the burden of leadership, and
they re;j;arded the appointment of further assistants as uncalled for.

Moses felt the importance of the great work committed to him
as no other man had ever felt it. He roaliz< d his own weakness,
and he made llod his counselor. Aaron estccined himself more
highly, and trusted less in God. He had failed when intrustt'd
with responsibility, giving evidence of the weakness of his char-
acter by his base compliance in the matter of the idolatrous
worship at Sinai. But Miriam and Aaron, blinded by jealousy
and ambition, lost sight of this. Aaron had been highly honored
by God in the appointment of his lankily to the sacred office of
the priesthood; yet even this now added to the desire for self-
exaltation. " And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only
by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?"' Regarding them-
selves as equally f.ivored by God, they felt that they were entitled
to the same position and authority.

Yielding to the spirit of dissatisfaction, Miriam found cause
of complaint in events that God had especially overruled. The
marriage of Moses had been displeasing to her. That he should
choose a wonum of another nation, instead of taking a wife from
among the Hebrews, was an offense to her family and national
pride. Zipporah was treated with ill-disguised contemjit.

Though called a ''Cushite woman," ^ the wife of Moses was
a Midianite, and thus a descendant of Abraham. In personal
.appearance she differed from the Hebrews in being of a some-
what darker complexion. Though not an Israelite, Zipporah was
a worshiper of the true God. She was of a timid, retiring dis-
position, gentle and affectionate, and greatly distressed at the
sight of suffering; and it was for this reason that Moses, when
on the vay to Egypt, hnd consented to her return to Midian.
• See Numbers 12. * Num. 13:1, Rev. Ver.

as4

PATniAHCns AM) PmU'IfKTS.

Tic (U'sircd to sijarc her the pain of witncssinj; the judjrmcnt.-t
that were to fall on the K^ryptlans.

W hrn Zipporah rcjoiiKMl her hushand in the wilderness, she
saw that his hurdens were wearinj; away his str«'n<rth, an<l she
made known her fears to Jetliro, who suji^ested measures for his
relief. Here was the chief reason for Miriam's antipathy t>
Zipi»orah. Smarting' undi-r the supposed nejjlcct shown to her-
self and Aaron, she rcjj;ardcd the wifo of Moses an the cause,
<'oneludin<r that her influenco had preventc(l him from takiny;
them into his counsels as formerly. Had Aaron stood up lirndv
for the ri<;ht, he mijiht have checked tlie evil; hut instead of
showiufi; Miriam the .sinfulness of her con<luct, he sym|)athized
with her, listened to her wor<ls of coniplaint, and thu.s came to
share lier jealousy.

Their accusations were home l»y Moses in uncom))lainin|y; silence.
It was the exiK'rienc(^ <jained durinj^ the years ot toil and waitin<(
in Midian, — the si>irit of humility and lonff-sutteriu}:; there devel-
oped, — that prepared Moses to meet with j)atienc(> the uuhelief and
murmuring of the ]»eople, and the i»ride and envy of those who
should have heen his unswervinjj: helpei"s. ISIoses " wa.s very meek,^
ahove all the men which were upon the face of the earth," and
this is why he Avas granted divine wisd(jm and <j;uidancc uhove all
others. Says the Scrijiture, " The meek will he ^uide in judf^ment,
and the meek will he teach his way." ' The meek are guided hy
the Lord, hecause they are teachuhle, willing,' to he instructed.
They have a sincere desire to know and to do the Avill of (iod.
The Saviour's i)rt)mise is, " If any man will do his will, he shall
know of the doctrine."" And he declares hy the apostle James,
" If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to
all men liherall}', :ind uphraideth not, and it shall l>e given him."'^
But his i)romisc is only to those who are willing to follow the
Lord wholly. God does not force the will of any; hence he can-
not lead those >vho are too i)roud to he taught, who are bent u^>ou
having their own way. Of the double-minded man — he wlu)
seeks to follow his own will, while professing to do the will of
God — it is written, " Let not that man think that he .shall re-
ceive anything of the Lord."*

God luid chosen Moses, and had put his Spirit ui)on bin) ; and
Mirinm and Aaron, by their murmurings, were guilty of disloyalty .^

Rs. as : 9.

2 John

17.

■■'Jaims 1 : 5,

FtiO.\f S/\AI 77/ KADh'SIl.

:\K>

The scdi-

not only tt» tlit'ir appoinU'd loinltr, Imt tt> CJod liimsilf.
tious wliisiHTcrs were HiiiiiinoiUMl to tlic talK'rnaclc and litoui^ht laco
t(» lace with Mo.scs. " And Ji'liovali caint' down in tlu; pillar oftlu!
cloud, and stood in tlx; door of the talx-riuiclc, and called Aaron
and Miriam." Their claim to the pro|»h(tie jiilt was not di'iiiod ;
(iod mi}j:ht havi; spoken to them in visions and dreams, lint t.>
Moses, whom tlu; Lord him.seU' declared " raithful in all mine
house," a nearer connnunion had heen <.'ranted. With liliii (iod
spakc! mouth to mouth. '' \N'heretort! then were ye not afraid to
s|»eak a^rainst my servant Moses? And the anjxer of the Lonl was
kindled a;rainst them, and ho departed." The cloud disappeared
from the tahernaelo in token <tf (Jcxl's displeasure, and Miriam wa.s
smitten. Shu " heeanio leprous, white as huow. ' Aaron was spared,
hut he was severely rehuked in Miriam's punishment. Now, their
|tri(l(! hundiled in the dust, Aaron confessed their sin, and en-
treated that his sister miidit not he left to |)erish hy that loath-
some! and deadly scour<ie. In answer to tin; prayers of Moses, the
leprosy wa.s cleansed. Miriam was, however, shut out of the camp
for seven days. Not until she was hanished I'rom the encampment
(lid the synihol of God's favor a;zain rest upon the talxTuacle. In
respect for lier hi<i;h ])ositi()n, and in jrrief at the hlow that had fal-
len U|)on her, the Avhole eomi)any ahode in Hazeroth, awaitint' her
return.

This manifestation of the Fiord's displeasure was desif^ned to ho
a Wi'.rning to all Israel, to check the },'rowini; spirit of discontent
and insubordination. If Miriam's envy and dissatisfaction had
not heen signally rehuked, it Avould liave resulted in great evil.
I'^nvy is one of the most satanic traits that can exist in the human
heart, and it is one of the most haleful in its (sflects. Says the wise
man, " Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; hut who is able to
stand before envy?"' It was cnv)' that iirst caused discord in
heaven, and its indulgence has wrought untold evil among men.
"Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil
work.'" .

It should not be regarded as a light thing to speak evil of
others, or to make ourselves judges of their motives or acti mIS.
" He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother,
spoaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge
the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge." There is
U'rov. 27 : 4. « James 3 : IC.

•.)Hi\

PArniAHCllS AM) I'liOI'Jlh'TS.

liut (»iK' jiul^T, — !*«' "wli(» liutli will Itriiij; t(t lijrlit tlir hidden
thiti^r.s of tliirkiicH, iiml will iiiakc iiiimilcst tin* couiisi'ls of tlu'
lu'nrts."' Ami whoever tiiken it U|ion himself to jud^e ami eon-
<lemn his fellow-men is usurpiii^ the preropitive of the Creator.

The Hihle specially teaehen us to beware of lightly hrin^iiiijr
aeeiisatioii ajiainst tlios*' whom (Jod has called to act as his amhas-
8udors. The apostle Peter, descrihiiij; a class who are ahandoned
sinners, says, " Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not
afrai<l to sp(;ak evil of dignities. Whereas an;:els, which are
jrreater in power and mij,'ht, hrin^ not railin<.' accusation ajrainst

them hefore the fiord,

" i

And Paul, in his instruction for those

who are i)laci'd over the church, says, " Ajjainst nn ehler receive
not an accusation, hut hefore two or three witnesses.'" ' He who has
plaeeil upon men the lieavy responsihility of leaders and teachers
of his people, will hold the peoplr accountahle for the manner in
which they treat his servants. Wo a 'c to honor those whom (lod
has honored. The judjrment visited upon Miriam should he a
reltuke to all who yield to jealousy, and murmur aj^ainst those
ui)on whom (Jod lays the hurden of his work.

'.Iiiiiu's 4:11; I Cor. 4 : .">.

I'.'tc

10, II.

•■• 1 Tim. r, : HI.

ciiaptI':r XXX I w

I in; rui.iAi; simks.

Kkkvfn (liiys alter Icaviiij; Muuiit lluicli. tlic llcln'cw liont
einaiii|»((l at Kadcsli, in the wiMirntss of I'araii, wliidi was not
far from tlic Itunlcrs (»f the promisj'il land. Here it was proiiosod
l>y tlio |i(M)|tlo that sides lie sent up to survey ilie country. The
matter was presented helor<' the Lord i»y Moses, and pernnssioii
was granted, with the direction that one of th(! rulers of each trihe
hhould l)t; seU'ct<'d for this purpose. The men wcr(^ elioaen as had
heen liiret l> ;!, ond Muses hade them jio and see the c(»untry, wha^
it was, its situation antl natural advanta;j;es ; and the peoph; that
dwelt therein, whether they W(>re stronj; or weak, few or many ;
also to ohserve the nature »»f the soil and its productiveness, and to
hrin<r of th(! fruit of the land.

They went, and surveyed tlu; whole land, enteriuLr at the
southern Itorder, and proceedinjj; to the northern extremity. They
ri'turned after an ahsence of forty days. The jieople of Israel wen?
cherishinji; hi«.di hopes, and w<'r«' waitin;j; in eajfer expectancy.
The nowH of the spies' return was carried from trihe to trihe, ami
was haile<l with rejoicinir. The people rushed out to meet the
messenjrers, who had safely escaped the dan^tcrs of their perilous
undertakinjf. The spii-s hr(»u«:ht specimen.s of the fruit, showing
the fertility of the soil. It was in the time of ripe jj;rapes, and
they broujiht a clustci- of ^Mapes so laryc that it was carried be-
tween two men. They als(> hroULdit (»f the fi^^s and liomejiranates
which <i;rew there in almndance.

The people rejoici'd that they were to come into possession of
so px)dly a land, and they listened intently as the report was
brought to Moses, that not a word should escape them. " We
came unto the; land whither thoU sontest us," the spies l)e<j;an,
"and surely it floweth witli^milk and honey; and this is the fruit
of it."' The peojde were onthusiastie ; they would cajrerly obey

'Num. i:{ : 17-;5:t: (■biii)tcr 14.

388

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

t}ie voice of the Lord, and go up at once to possesH the land. But
after describing the ])eauty and foi-tility of the hmd, all but t\>o of
the spies enlarged upon the diffieulties and dangers that lay before
the Israelites should they undertake the oonijuest of Canaan.
They enunieratisd the ])owerful nations located in various parts of
the country, and said that the cities were walled and very great,
and the people \\lio dAvelt therein were strong, and it would be
inipossil)le to conquer them. They also stated that they had seen
giants, the sons of Anak, there, and it was useless to think of pos-
sessing the land.

Now the scene changed. Hope and courage gave place to
cowardly despair, as the spies uttered the sentiments of their un-
believing hearts, which were filled with discouragement i)rompted
by Satan. Their unbelief cast a gloomy shadow over the congre-
gation, and the mighty power of God, so often manifested in
behalf of the chosen nation, was forgotten. The people did not
wait to reflect ; they did not reason that He who had brought
thon>. thus far would certainly give them the land ; they did not
call to mind how wonderfully God had delivered them from their
oppressors, cu+ting a path through the sea, and destroying the pur-
suing liosts of Pharaoh, They left God out of the question, and
acted as though they nmst depend solely on the power of arms.

In their unbelief they limited the power of God, and distrusted
the hand that had hitherto safely guided them. And they re-
peated their former error of murmuring against Moses and Aaron.
" This, then, is the end of all our high hopes," they said. " This
is the land we have traveled all the way from Egypt to possess."
They accused their leaders of deceiving the people and bringing
trouble upon Israel.

The people were desperate in their disappointment and despair,
A wail of agony arose, and mingled with the confused murmur of
voices. Caleb comprehended the situation, and bold to stand in
defense of the word of God, he did all in his jmwer to counteract
the evil influence of his unfaithful associates. For an instant the
people were stilled to listen to his words of hope and courage
respecting the goodly land. He did not contradict what had
already been said ; the walls were high, and the Canaanites strong.
But God had promised the land to Israel. " Let us go up at once,
and possess it," urged Caleb ; " for we are well able to overcome it."

But the ten, interrupting him, pictured the obstacles in darker
colors than at first. " ^^'e be not able to go up against the people,"

THE TWELVE SPIES.

MSt)

they dedarod ; " for they are stronger than we. . . . All the people
that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw
the giants, the sons of ' lak, Avhich eonie of the giants; and we
were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their
sight."

These men, having entered upon a wrong course, stubbornly
set themselves against Caleb and Joshua, against Moses, and
against God. Every advance step rendered them the more deter-
mined. They were resolved to discourage all eftbrt to gain posses-
sion of Canaan. They distorted the truth in order to sustain their
baleful influence. " It is a land that eateth \i\) the inhabitants
thereof," they said. This was not only an evil report, but it was
also a lying one. It was inconsistent with itself. The spies had
declared the country to be fruitlul and i)ros|>erous, and the ])eople
of giant stature, all of which w- aid be imj)ossil)le if the climate
were so unhealthful that the land could be said to ''eat up the
inhabitants." But when men yieM their hearts to unbelief, they
place themselves under the control of Satan, and none can tell to
what lengths he will lead them.

" And all the congregation lifted ui> their voice, and cried ; and
the people wept that night." Revolt and open mutiny quickly
followed ; for Satan had full sway, and the j)eople seemed bereft
of reason. They cursed Moses and Aaron, forgetting that God
hearkened to their wicked speeches, and that, enshrouded in the
cloudy pillar, the Angel of his presence was witiiessing their terri-
ble outburst of wrath. In bitterness they cried out, " Would God
that we had died in the land of P]gypt! or would God we had
died in this wilderness ! " Then their feelings rose against God:
" Wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by
the sword, that our wives and our children should be a i)rey?
W'ere it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said
one to another, Let us make a ca])tain, and let us return into
Egypt." Thus they accused not only Mosi's, but God himself, of
deception, in promising them a land which they were not able to
possess. And they went so fnr as to appoint a ca])tain to lead
them back to the land of thoir sutl'ering and bondage, from which
they had been delivered by the strong arm of Omnipotence.

In humiliation and distress, " Moses and Aaron fell on their
faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of
Israel," not knowing what to do to turn them froiti their rash and
passionate purpose. Caleb and Joshua attempted to quiet the

390

PATRIAIWIIS AND PlWl'tlKTS.

tumult. Witli tlieir fjjarments rent in token of jirief an<l indi*;;-
nation, thoy rushed in amonjj the peoijlc, and their ringinji; voices
were heard ahove the tempest of Luuentation and rehellious grief:
" The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding
good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will hring us into
this land, nnd give it us; a land which floweth with milk and
honey; only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the
people of the land ; for thoy are bread for us. Their defense is
departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Fear them not."

The Canaanites had filled up the measure of their iniquity,
and the Lord would no longer bear with them. His })rotection
being removed, they would be an eas}'^ prey- By the covenant
of (xod, the land was insured to Israel. But the false rei)ort of
the unfaithful spies was a(^(;epted, and through it the whole con-
gregation were deluded. The traitors had done !heir work. If
only the two men had brought the evil rei)ort, and all the ten had
encouraged them to ])08sess the land in the name of the Lord, they
would still have taken the advice of the two in preference to the
ten, because of their wicked unbelief But there were only two
advocating the right, while ten were on the side of rebellion.

The unfaithful spies were loud in denunciation of Caleb and
Joshua, and the cry was raised to stone them. The insane mol)
seized missiles with which to slay those faithful men. They
rushed forward with yells of madness, Avhen suddenly the stones
dropped from their hands, a hush fell upon them, and they shook
with fear. God had interposed to check their murderous design.
The glory of his i»resence, like a flaming light, illuminated the
tabernacle. All tlie i)eople beheld tlio signal of the Lord. A
mightier one than they had revealed himself, and none dared con-
tinue their resistance. The spies who brought the evil report,
crouched terror- .stricken, and with bated breath sought their tents.

Moses now arose, and entered the tabernacle. The Lord de-
clared to him, " I will smite them with the pestilence, and disin-
herit them, and will make of thee a greater nation." But again
Moses pleaded for his people. He could not consent to have them
destroyed, and himself made a mightier nation. Appealing to the
mercy of God, he said : " I beseech thee, let the })ower of my Lord
be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying. The Lord is long-
Buffering, and of great mercy. . . . Pardon, I beseech thee, the
iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy,

THE TWELVE CPfES.

391

and as thou haat forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now."

The Lord promised to spare Israel from iumiediate destruc-
tion ; hut hecause of their unhelief and cowardice he could not
manifest his power to suhdue their enemies. Therefore in his
mer('3^ he bade them, as the only safe course, to turn hack tow:ard
the Red Sea.

In their rebellion the people had exclaimed, " Would God we
had died in this wilderness ! " Now this prayer was to be granted.
Tlie Lord dcclaretl ; " As ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do
to you : your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness ; and all that
were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from
twenty years old and ui)ward. . . . But your little ones, which
ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall
know the land which ye have desi»ise(l." And of Caleb* he said,
" My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him,
and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where-
into he went; and his seed shall possess it." As the spies liad
spent forty days in their journey, so the hosts of Israel were to
wander in the wilderness forty years.

When Moses made known to the peoi)le the divine decision,
their rage was changed to mourning. They knew that their pun-
ishment was just. The ten unfaithful spies, divinely smitten by
the plague, perished before the eyes of all Israel ; and in their fate
the people read their own doom.

Now they seemed sincerely to ref)ent of their sinful conduct ;
hut they sorrowed because of the result of their evil coui*se, rather
than from a sense of their ingratitude and disobedience. When
they found that the Lord did not relent in his decree, their self-
will again arose, and they declared that they would not return
into the wilderness. In commanding them to retire from the
land of their enemies, God tested their apparent submission, and
proved that it was not real. They knew that they had deeply
sinned in allowing their rash feelings to control them, and in
seeking to slay the spies Avlio had urged them to obey God ; but
they were only terrified to find that they had made a fearful
mistake, the consequences of which would prove disastrous to
themselves* Their hearts were unchanged, and they only needed
an excuse to occasion a similar outbreak. This presented itself
when Moses, by the authority of God, commanded them to go
back into the wilderness.

392

PATRIAHCIIS AND PROPHETS.

The decree that Israel was not to enter Canaan for forty years
was a bitter disappointment to Mases and Aaron, Caleb and
Joshua; yet without a nmrniur thty accepted tlie divine decis-
ion. But those who had been complaining of God's dealings
with them, and declaring tliat they would return to Egypt, we})t
and mourned greatly when tlie blessings which they had despised
were taken from them. They liad complained at nothing, and
now God gave them cause to weep. Had they nu)urned for their
sin when it was faithfully laid before them, this sentence would
not have been pronounced; but they mourned for the judgment'
their sorrow was not rei)entancc, and could not secure a reversing
of their sentence.

The night was spent in lamentation; l)ut witli the morning
came a hope. They resolved to redeem tlieir cowardice. When
God had bidden them go u]) and take the land, they had refused;
and now when he directed them to retreat, they were etjually re-
bellious. They determined to seize upon the land and j)ossess
it; it might be that God would accept their work, and change
his purpose toward them.

God had made it their privilege and their duty to enter the
land at the time of his ai»pointment; but through their willful
neglect that permission had been withdrawn. Satan liad gained
his object in jjreventing them fnmi entering Canaan; and now he
urged them on to do the very thing, in the face of the divine pro-
hibition, which tliey had refused to do Avlien God refjuircd it.
Thus the great deceiver gained the victory liy leading them to
rebellion the second time. They had distrusted the i)ower of God
to work with their efforts in gaining i)Ossession of Canaan; yet
now they presumed upon their own strength to accomplish the
work independent of divine aid. " A\'e have sinned against the
Lord," they cried ; " we will go up and figiit, according to all that
the Lord our God commanded us." ' So terribly blinded had they
become by transgression. The Tiord had never commanded them
to " go up and fight." It was not his purpose that they should
gain the land l)y warfare, but by strict obedience to his commands.

Though their hearts were unchanged, the peo])le had been
brought to confess the sinfulness and folly of their rel)ellion at the
report of the si)ies. They now saw the value of the blessing
which they had so rashly cast away. They confessed that it was
their own unbelief which had shut them out from Canaan. " Ww

»U('iit. 1 : 41.

THE TWELVE SPIES.

3t»S

liuvc sinned," they said, acknowledging that the fault was in
themselves, and not in God, whom they had so wickedly charged
with failing to fulfill his promises to them. Though their confes-
sion did not spring from true repentance, it served to vindicate the
justice of God in his dealings with them.

The Lord still works in a similar manner to glorify liis name
hy hringing men to acknowledge his justice. When those who
profess to love him complain of his providence, despise his j»rom-
ises, and, yielding to temptation, unite with evil angels to defeat
the purposes of God, the Lord often so overrules circumstances as
to hring these i)ersons where, tliough they may have no real
repentance, they will be convinced of their sin, and will he con-
strained t(j acknowledge the wickedness of tlieir course, and the jus-
tice and goodness of God in his dealings with them. It is thus
that Ood sets counter-agencies at work io make manifest the works
of darkness. And though the spirit which prompted to the evil
course is not radically changed, confessions are made that vindicate
the honor of God, and justify his faithful reprovers, who have heen
o[)posed and misrepresented. Thus it will he when the wrath of
God shall he finally poured out. When "the Lord cometh with
ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment upon all," he will
also " convince all that are ungodly among them of all their
ungodly deeds." ' Every sinner will he brought to see and ac-
knowledge the justice of his condenmation.

Regardless of the divine sentence, the Lsraelites jjrepared to
undertake the con(|Uest of Canaan. Ecjuipped with armor and
weapons of war, they were, in their own estimation, fully prei)ared
for conflict; hut they were sadly deficient in the sight of God and
his sorrowful servants. When, nearly forty years later, the Lord
directed Israel to go up and take Jericho, he ])romised to go with
them. The ark containing his law was borne before their armies.
His appointed leaders were to direct their movements, under the
divine supervision. With such guidance, no harm coul ' come to
them. But now, contrary to the conniiand of God and the solenni
prohibition of their leaders, without the ark, and without INIoses,
they went out to meet the armies of the enemy.

The trumpet sounded an alarm, and Moses hastene<l after
them with the warning, "Wherefore now do ye transgress the
commandment of the Lord? But it shall not i)rosper. Cto not
up, for the Lord is not among you; that ye l>e not smitten l)efore

>Ju(le 14, 15.

no4

f'ATIiLmC/IS AN It I'ltOI'lIKTS.

your cneniirs. For tlio Aniiilokitcs iiiul tlio Caniiiinitrs iiro ihero
bt'ton) you, ami yo Hhnll fall l>y the sword." '

Tlio Canaanitc'S liad hcanl «)ftlio iiiystoriou.s jtowcr that Hoonied
to lie jfuardinij thin people, nnd of the wonders wrou^iht in tlnur
behalf; and they now suninioned a stroni; lone to repel the
invaders. The attackiu^r army had no h'ader. No itrayer was
ottered that (lod would fjive them the victory. They set forth
with the di'sjjerate jmrpose to reverse their fati; or to die in battle.
Thoujrh untrained in war, they were a vast multitu<lo of arme<l
men, and thvv^ ho]>e<l hv a sudden and fierce assault to l»ear down
all opposition. They ])resumptuously challen^red the foe that liad
not dared to attack them.

The Canuanites had stationed themselves upon a rooky table-
land reached only by diflicult ]>asses and a steei) and dan<ferous
ascent. The innnense nund)ers of the Hebrews could only render
their defeat more terri])le. They slowly threaded the mountain
paths, exposed to the deadly missiles of th(>ir enemies above.
Massive rocks came thunderinj^ down, m irkinj^ their path with
tlio blood of the slain. Those who reached the sumndt, exhausted
with their ascent, were fiercely repulsed, and driven back with
jireat loss. The field of carnaj^e was strewn with the bodies of the
dead. The army of Israel was utterly defeated. Destruction and
death was the result of that rebellious experiment.

Forced to submission at last, the survivors " returned, and
wept before the Lord ; " l)Ut " the Lord would not hearken to their
voice." '^ By their signal victory, the enemies of Israel, who had
before awaited with trend )ling the ap])roach of that mighty host,
were insi)ired with confidence to resist them. All the reports they
had heard concerning the marvelous things thilt God had wrought
for his people, they now regarded as false, and they felt that there
was no cause for fear. That first defeat of Israel, by inspiring the
Canaanites with courage and resolution, had greatly increased the
difliculties of the conquest. Nothing remained for Israel but to
fall l)ack from the face of their victorious foes, into the Avilderness,
knowing that hero must l)e the grave of a whole generation.
1 NumlK'iv 14 : 41-43. « Dent. 1 : AT,.

CHAPTER XXXV.

THK RI':}3KLLI()\ OK KORAH.

TiiK judmiicnts vi.sitcd ui>on the IsraclitoH served for a titnc to
restrain their iiiurniuriiig and insu])()rdination, hut the spirit of
rehellion was still in tlie heart, and eventually hrought forth th(^
Ititterest fruits. The former rehellions had hcen mere i)o[)ular tu-
mults, arisinji from the sudden impulse of th(^ excited multitude;
hut now a dee]>-laid eonspiracy was formed, the result of a deter-
mined purpose to overthrow the authority t)f the lea<lers aj)i)ointed
hy (lod himself.

Korah, the leading!; spirit in this movement, was a Levite, of
the family of Kohath, and a cousin of Moses; he was a man of
iihility and influence. Though ap])ointed to the service of the
taljernacle, he had ])e{'(>mc dissatisfied with liis position, and as-
}>ired t(> the dignity of the ])riesthood. The hestowal upon Aaron
and his house of the ])riestly office, which had formerly devolved
upon the first-horn son of every family, had given rise to jealousy
and dissatisfaction, and for 8t)me time Korah had heen secretly
op})osing the authority of Moses and Aaron, though he had not
ventured upon any open act of rehellion. He finally conceived
the hold design of overthrowing hoth the civil and the religious
authority. He did not fail to find sympathizers, ("lose to the
tents of Korah and the Kohathites, on the soutii side of the taber-
nacle, was the encampment of the trihe of Reuben, the tents of
Dathan and Abiram, two })rinces of this tribe, being near that of
Korah. These princes readily joined in his ambitious schemes.
Being descendants from the eldest son of Jacob, they claimed
that the civil authority belonged to them, and they determined to
<livide with Korah the honors of the priesthood.

The state of feeling among the people favored the designs of
Korah. In the bitterness of their disappointment, their former
<loubts, jealousy, and hatred had returned, and again their com-
})laints were directed against their i)atient leader. The Israelites

30(]

PATRIAIWirS AXJ) J'ltorifKTS.

W'ri() ctjntinuiilly luHinj; si^flit i»f ilio fiut thiit thoy were under
divine guidance. 'I'hov forjrot that tlio An<j;t'l of the covenant was
their invisible leadfi, that, vailed by the ekmdy pillar, the jiresence
of Christ went before them, and that from him Moses receiviid all
his directions.

They were unwillin;.' to submit to the terri]>le sentene.- that
they must all die in the wilderness, and hen(M! they were ready
to seize upon every i)retext for believinir that it was not (Jod but
Moses who was leadinu- them, and who ha<l jn'onouneed their
doom. The best efforts of the meeki'st man upon the earth could
not (|U(!ll the; insubordination of this j)eople; and althouj^h the;
marks of God's displeasure at their former perve: .eness were still
before them in their broken ranks and missing numbers, they did
not take the lesson to heart. Again they were overcome by
temptation.

The humble shepherd's life of Moses had been far more peace-
ful and liappy than his })resent ])osition as leader of that vast as-
sembly of turbulent s])irits. Yet Moses dared not choose. In
place of a shepherd's crook a rod of i)ower had been given him,
which he could not lay down until God should release him.

He who reads the secrets of all liearts had marked che i)ur-
• poses of Korah and his companions, and had given his i)eople
such warning and instruction as might have enat)led them to es-
cape the dece))tion of these designing men. They had seen the
judgment of God fall upon Miriam because of her jealousy and
complaints against INIoses. The Lord had decla: ^d that Closes was
greater than a prophet. " With lilni will I speak 'uouth to mouth.''
" Wherefore, then," he added, " were ye not afraid to speak again>!t
my servant Moses ? " ^ These instructions were not intended for
Aaron and ]\Iiriam alone, but for all Israel.

Korah and his fellow-conspirators were men wlio had been
favored with special manifestations of God's i)Ower and greatness.
They were of the number who went up with !Moses into the mount
and beheld the divine glory. But since that time a change had
come. A temptation, slight at first, had been harbored, and had
strengthened as it was encouraged, until their minds were con-
trolled by Satan, and they ventured ujion their work of disaffec-
tion. Professing great interest in the prosj)erity of the people,
they first whispered their discontent to one another, and then to
leading men of Israel. Their insinuations were so readily received

J Num. 12 : 8.

THE UKIiELLION OF KORMT.

.'wr

that *hcy ventur^id still further, and ut last they really believed
themselveH to l)e actuated hy zeal for (Jod.

They were successful in alienating two hundred and fifty
|)rin<'es, men of renown in the congregation. With these strong
and influential supporters they felt dontident of making a radi-
cal change in the government, and greatly improving upon the
administration of Moses and Aaron.

Jealousy hud given ri.se to envy, and envy to rel)ellion. They
had discus.S(!d the <)Uestion of the right of Moses to .so great author-
ity and honor, until the}' had come to regard him as occupying a
very enviahlc i)osition, which any of them could till as well as he.
And tliey deceived tliemselves and one another into thini<ing that
Moses and Aaron had themselves a.ssumed the ])ositions they held.
The discontented ones said that these leaders had exalted tliem-
selves above the congregation of the Lord, in taking U|>on them
the priesthood and government, but their house Avas not entitled
to distinction above others in Israel; they were no more holy
than the people, an. I it should be enough for them to be on a
level with their brethren, who were cijually favored with (rod's
special presence and ])rotection.

The next work of the conspirators was witli the ]>eo{)le. To
those who are in the wrong, and deserving of rt!j)roof, there is
nothing more pleasing than to receive sympathy and i)raise.
And thus Korah and his associates gained the attention and
enlisted the supjjort of the congregation. The charge that the
nmrmurings of the people had brought upon them the wratii of
God, was declared to be a mistake. They said that the congrega-
tion were not at fault, since they desired nothing more than their
rights; but that Moses was an overl)earing ruler; that he had
reproved the peojjle as sinners, when they were a holy people,
and the Lord was among thenu

Korah reviewed the history of their travels through the wilder-
ness, where they had been brought into strait places, and many
had perished because of their murnmring and disobedience. His
hearers thought they saw clearly that their troubles might
have been prevented if Moses had [)ursued a diH'erent course.
They decided that all their disasters were chargeable to him, and
that their exclusion from Canaan was in consequence of the mis-
management of Moses and Aaron; that if Korah would be their
leader, and would encourage them by dwelling upon their good

PATH/AJiCf/S A. YD moi'llKTS.

(h'cds iiistuiul of r(!j)n)vinj,' their sins, they would luivo ii vcsry
pt'ac<'rul, prosjH'rous journey ; iustfiul of wimdcriuj: to iind fro in
tlio wildcnu'SH, tiny would | «lirc<tly to tlu; promisiMl land.

In this work of diHiiircctiun tli(;ro was j^tn-atcr union and har-
mony ani<»nji the di.sccjrdank ('IrnuintH of tin; con^ro^ition than had
«'Ver hc'foro existed. Korah's sueciws with the |>eople increased his
confidence, and confinned hini in his helief tliat the usurpation of
authority hv Moses, if unchecketl, would ho fatal to the liherties

» • 7 7

of Israel ; he als(> claimed that ( Jod had oi)ened the matter to him,
and had authorized him to mak(! a chanjro in the ;r<>vernment he-
fore it should ho too late. Hut many were not ready to accept
Korah's accusations apiinst Moses. The memory of his patient,
self-Hacrificinjf Ichors came uj) hefon; them, an<l (conscience wasdi.s-
turhed. It was therefore necessary to assii^n some selfish motive
for his (h'op interest for Israel ; and tlu; old chariio was reitorateil,
that he had led them out to perish in the wilderness, that he mij^ht
seize upon their i)ossesHions.

Fur a time this work was carriiid on scjcrotly. As soon, how-
ever, as the movement had gained sulHcicnt strenjrth to warrant
an oj)cn rupture, Korah a})poared at the head of the faction, and
puhlicly accused M(>ses and Aaron of usurpinj,' authority which
Korah and his as.sociatcs wore ecjually entitled to share. It was
charged, further, that the ])eo})le had heen deprived of their
liherty and in(lei)endenee. " Ye take too much upon you," said
the cons|)irators, " seeing all the (congregation are holy, every one
of them, and the Lord is among them ; wherefore then lift ye up
yourselves ahove the congregation of the Lord? " '

Moses had not suspected this deep-laid plot, and when its
terrihle significanec hurst upon him, he fell upon his face in silent
aj)})oal to God. He arose sorrowful indeed, hut calm and .strong.
Divine guidance had heen granted him. " Even to-morrow," he
said, "the Lord Avill show who are his, and who is holy; and will
cause him to come near unto him : even him whom he hath
chosen will ho cause to c'nie near unto him." The test was to he
deferred until the morrow, that all might have time for reflection.
Then those who aspired to the i)riesthood were to come each with
a censer, and ofli'er incense at the tahernacle in the presence of the
congregation. The law was very explicit that only those who had
been ordained to the sacred office should minister in the sanctuary.
And even the priests, Nadah and Abihu, had heen destroyed for

^ See Numbers 16.

TIIK HKBKI,Llih\ (tF KfUtAII.

ii\n}

venturing' t<> oflcr " Htran^'c fire," in tliMn'^ranl of'ii diviiw <>oiniiiiin<l.
Yet MoHt'H chiilh'iijic*! his accusers, il" tliuv dari'd enter upon so
|it'riloUH an appeal, to refer the mutter to (lod.

Sinjflin^' out Korah and his fellow-rieviteH, Moses said, "Se('in-
eth it hut a sinidl thin^ unto you, that tlio (iod of Israi;! hath
separated you from the congregation of Israel, to hrinjr you near t«i
himself to d«) the scrvieo of the tahernaele of the liord, and to
stand hefore the eonjrro}ration tt> minister unto them? And lur
hath hnm^ht thee near to him, and all thy hrethren tin* sons ot
Levi with thee; and seek ye the priesthood also? for which cause
hoth thou and all thy company are gathered to}.'ether ajrainst thu
Lonl. And what is Aaron, that ye murmur a<::nnst him?"

Dathan and Ahiram had not taken so hold a stand as had
Korah; and Moses, ho|>injj; that they mijrht have heen drawn into
th(i conspiracy witliout havinji; hecome wholly corrupted, sum-
moned tlujm to appear hefore him, that he might hear their
charges against him. Hut they would not come, and they inso-
lently refused to acknowledge his authority. Their reply, uttered
in the liearing of the congregation, was, " Is it a small thing that
thou hast ])rought us up out of a land that lloweth with nnlk and
honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyscilf
altogether a I trince over us? Moreover thou hast not hrought us
into a land that tloweth with milk and honey, or given us inherit-
ance of fields and vineyards; wilt tliou put oi. tthe eyes of these
men? We will not come up."

Thus they a[)plied to the scene of their hondage the very
language in which the Lord had descrihed the promised inherit-
ance. They accused Moses of pretending to act under divine
guidance, as a means of estahlishing his authority; and they
declared that they would no longer suhmit to he led about like
blind men, now toward (''>naan, and now toward the wilderness,
as best suited his ambitiou.s designs. Thus he who had been as a
tender father, a patient shejiherd, was represented in the blackest
character of a tyrant and usurj)er. The exclusion from ('anaan, in
punishment of their own sins, was charged upon him.

It was evident that the sym])athies of the peoj)le were with tlie
disaflected party; but Moses made no effort at self-vindication.
He solemnly appealed to God, in the presence of the congregation,
as a witness to the jjurity of his motives and the uprightness of his
conduct, and implored him to be his judge.

401)

I'ATIilAnrifS AM) PHOr/f/CTS.

On tlu! morrow, tlu; two IiuikImmI hikI fifty princi'H, with Koruli
«t thrir \WiU\, pri'sciitcM tln'iiiH<lvi's, with thi'ir ccnHfrs. They
were hroujrht into the* court of the tiiltcriiiirh', wliih; tho j»L'o|»h'
).'athortMl without, to awiiit tho result. It wiiM not Momch who
uHH«>inhh>(l tho ('oii;;n';j;atioii to hchold th(! <U'fcat of Korah and his
<'oin|iany, hut the rchrls, in their hhnd prt'sunijition, had cullrd
thi'Ui toj^t'thrr to witness their victory. A hir^e part of the con-
^rej.'ation openly sich'd with Korah, whose hopes were high of
carrying; liis point u;;ainst Aaron.

As they were thus asseinhled hefore (uxl, "the Kl**ry of the
liord appeared unto all tlu^ conjrre^atitjn." The divine warning
was <'onnnunicated to Moses and Aaron, "Separate yourselves
from amonj< this con^rrepition, that I may consume them in a
moment." Jiut they fell upon their faces, with the prayer, "O
(iod, the (Jod of the spirits of all llesh, shall t)ne man sin, and wilt
thou he wroth with all the con;,'re;,'ation ? "

Korah liad withdrawn from the a.ssend)ly, to join Dathan and
'\l)iram, when Moses, accompanied hy the severity elders, went
down with ii la.st warnin<; to the men who had refused to come to
him. The multitudes followed, and ])ofore delivering; his message,
Moses, hy divi. o direction, hade the people, " l)ei)art, 1 pray you,
from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs,
lest ^e be consumed in all their sins." The warning was obeyed,
for an apprehension of impending judgment rested upon all. The
chief rebels aaAV themselves abandoned by those Avhom they had
deceived, but their hardihood was unshaken. They stood with
their families in the door of their tents, as if in defiance of the
divine warning.

In the name of the God of Israel, Moses now declared, in the
hearing of the congregation : " Hereby ye shall know that the Lord
hath sent nie to do all these works ; for I have not done them of
mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men,
or if they be visited after the visitation of all men, then the Lord
hath not sent me. But if the Lord make a new thing, and the
earth oj)en her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that apper-
tain unto them, and they go down (^uick into the pit, then ye shall
understand that these men have j)rovoked the Lord."

The eyes of all Israel were fixed upon Moses, as they stood, in
terror and exi>ectation, awaiting the event. As he ceased speak-
ing, the solid earth parted, and the rebels went down alive into

THE UKnET.l.roS OF KOItAII.

401

tliu ]>it, with nil that iirrtaiiinl to them, aixl "they iirrinhnl
i'rom amonj; th(; ((m^TL'gation." The jK'ople lU'd, Ht'lt-coiuU'iuiU'd
UH luirtakcrs in tht; Hin.

Ihit tho jiKlniiicnts wore not rniU'd. Fire llashiiij,' from tho
cloud fonsumt'd the two hundred and (Ifty princcn who had
oIIchmI incrnsc. Thcst! nicn, not hrinj; tlu; first in rclicllion, W(MV
not (U'stroycil with tlu' chief eons|tiratorH. They were jterinittetl
to see their end, and to havt- an o|»|»ortunity for repentance; hut
tiieir sympathies wt-re with the rehels, and they shared their fat«.

When Moses was entreatinj^ Israel to flee I'rom the comin;,' de-
struction, the divine jud;,'ment mi;j:ht even then have heen stayed,
if Korali and his company ha<l re|>ented and soU'iht for;>MVenes.N
Hut their stuhhorn persistenci! sealed their doom. The entire con-
j^re^'atiiMi were sharers in their ^'uilt, for all had, to a jrreateror less
decree, sympathized with them. Yet (iod in his ^'rcat mercy
mudo 51 <liistinction hetween the leaders in rehellion and those
whom they had led. The people who had pernntte<l themselves
to ho deceived wen; still j:ranted space for repentance. Over-
whelming evidenc(; had heen given that they were wrong, and
that Moses was right. The signal manifestation of (Jod's power
had removed all uncertainty.

Jesus, tho Angel who went hefore the Ilehrews, sought to
save them from destruction. Forgiveness was lingering for them.
The judgment of (Jod had come very near, and appealed to theju
to repent. A special, irresistihle interference from heaven had ar-
rested their rehellion. Now, if they would respond to the inter-
jwsition of God's providence, they miglit he saved. JUit while
they fled from the judgments, through fear of destruction, their
rehellion was not cured. They returned to their tents that night
terrified, hut not repentant.

They had been flattered hy Korah and his company until they
really believed themselves to be a very good jjcople, and that they
had heen wronged and abused ])y Moses. Should they adnnt that
Korah and his company were wrong, and Moses right, then they
would be compelled to receive as the word of God the sentence
that they must die in the wilderness. They were not willing to
submit to this, and they tried to believe that Moses had deceived
them. They had fondly cherished the hoi)e that a new order of
things was about to be established, in which i)raise would be sub-
stituted for reproof, and ease for •anxiety and conflict. The men

402

IW'I niAUClIS AM) J'JiOJ'IfETS.

wh^> iiad jK-'rislit'd had .spoken tlattt'rinjj; words, and liad jtrol'tused
^'reat interest and love for them, and tlie ])e()i>le concluded that
Korah and hLs c()nii)anionH must have heen ^ood men, and that
Moses had hy some means heen the cause of their destruction.

It is hardly i)o.ssihle for men to otter irreater insult to (lod
than to desi>i.se and reject the instrumentalities he would use for
their salvation. The Israelites had not only done this, hut had
purposed to put hoth Moses antl Aaron to death. Yet they did
not realize the necessity of seekinjj; j)ardon of God for their j^riev-
ous sin. That nijiht of probation was not i)assed in re[)entaneo
and confession, hut in devisins? some way to resist the evidence.^
which showed them to be the {greatest of sinners. They still
cherished hatred of the men of God's apimintment, and braced
themselves to resist their authority. Satan Avas at hand to pervert
their iud<rment, and lead them blindfold to destruction.

All Israel had fled in alarm at the cry of the doomed sinners
~*ho vent down into the pit, for they said, " Lest the earth swallow
us up also." " But on the morrow all the congre<iation of the
children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron,
saying. Ye have killed the people of the Lord." And they were
about to i)rocee(l to violence against their faithful, self-sacrificing
leaders.

A manifestation of the divine glory was seen in the cloud ab(»ve
the ta))ernacle, and a voice from the cloud spoke to Mosi-s and
Aaron, " Get you u\) from among this congregation, that I may
consume them as in a moment."

The guilt of sin <lid not rest upon Mo.ses, and hence he did not
fear, and did not hasten away and Icavt; the congregation to
perish. Moses lingered, in this fearful crisis manifesting the true
she})herd's interest for the flock of his caix*. He pleaded that the
wrath of God might not utterly destroy the [)eople of his choice.
By his intercession he stayed the arm of vengeance, that a full end
might not be made of disobedient, rebellious Israel.

But the minister of wrath had gone forth ; the plague was do-
ing its work of death. By his brother's direction, Aaron took a
censer, and hastened into the midst of tin; congregation to "make
an atonement for them." "And he stood between the dead and
the living." As the smoke of the incense ascended, the prayers of
Moses in the tabernacle went up to God ; and the plague wa3

THE REBELLION OF KORAH.

403

stayed ; but not until fourteen tlumsund of Israel lay dead, an
evidence of the j^uilt of niunuurinf^ and rebellion.

But further evidence was ^i^en that the priesthood had been
established in the family of Aaron. By divine direction each
tribe prepared a rod, and wrote ui)on it the name of the tribe.
The name of Aaron was upon that of Levi. The rods were laid
up in the tabernacle, " before the testimony." The blossoming of
any rod was to be a token that the Lord had chosen that tribe for
the priesthood. On the morrow, " ))ehol(l, the rod of Aaron for the
house of Levi was budded, and brought forth ])uds, and bloomed
blossoms, and yielded almonds."' It was shown to the people,
and afterward laid up in the tabernacle as a Avitness to succeed-
ing generations. This miracle eflfectually settled the cjuestion of
the priesthood.

It was now fully established that Moses and Aaron had spoken
by divine authority ; and the people were compelled to believe
the unwelcome truth that they were to die in the wilderness.
"Behold," they exclaimed, "we die, we j)erish, we all perish."
They confessed that they had sinned in rebelling against tlieir
leaders, and that Korah and his company had suflered from the
just judgment of God.

In the rebellion of Korah is seen the working out, ^x\^o\\ a nar-
rower stage, of the same spirit that led to the rebellion of Satan
in heaven. It was pride and ambitioi\ that prompted Lu(dfer to
complain of the government of God, and to seek the overthrow
of the order whi(;h had l)een cstaldislied in heaven. Since his
fall it has been his object to infuse the same s[)irit of envy and
discontent, the 'same am))ition for position and honor, into the
minds of men. lie thus worked upon the minds of Korah,
Dathan, and Abiram, to arouse the desire for self-exaltation, and
excite envy, distrust, and rebellion. • Satan caused them to reject
(!o(l as tlieir leader, l)y rejecting the men of (Jod's appointment.
Yet while in their murmuring against Moses and Aaron they
l)laspheme(l God, they were so (k^luded as to think themselves
righteous, and to regard those who had faithfully reproved their
sins as actuated by Satan.

Do not the same evils still exist that lay at the foundation of
Korah's ruin? Pride and ambition are wide-spread; and when
these are cherished, they open the door to envy, and a striving

* See Numbers 17. g

404

PATRIARCHS AND PROPIIKTS.

for h:u|)rcniacv ; the soul is alienated from God, and unconsciously
drawn into the ranks of Satan. . liike Korah and his companions,
many, even of the ])rofessed followers of Christ, are thinkinfj:, ])lan-
nin;/, and Avorkin'j; so eagerly for self-exaltation, that in order to
gain the sympathy and supjjort of the i)eople, tliey are ready to
])ervert the trutli, falsifying and misrepresenting the Lord's serv-
ants, and even cliarging them with the hase and selfish motives
that inspire tlieir own hearts. ]iy p(>rsistenth' reiterating false-
hood, and tluit again.st all evidence, they at last come to helieve
it ti) he truth. While endeavoring to destroy the confidence of
the [teople in the men of God's appointment, they ready helieve
that they are engaged in a good work, verily doing God service.

The Hehrews were not willing to suhmit to the directions and
restrictions of the Lord. They were restless under restraint, and
unwilling to receive rei)roof This was the secret of their mur-
muring against Moses. Had they heen left free to do as they
l»leased, there would have heen fewer con)plaints against their
leader. All through the history of the church, God's servants
have had the same spirit to meet.

It is by sinful indulgence that men give Satan access to their
minds, and they go frt)m one stage of wickedness to another. The
rejection of light darkens the mind and hardens the heart, so that
it is easier for them to take the next stcj) in sin, and to reject still
clearer light, until at last their habits of wrong-doing become
fixed. Sin ceases to api)ear sinful to them. He who faithfully
preaches God's word, thereby condenniing their sins, too often
incurs their hatred. Unwilling to endure the pain and sacrifice
necessary to reform, they turn ui)on the Lord's- servant, and de-
nounce his re])roofs as uncalled for and severe. Like Korah, they
declare tliat the ])eople are not at fault; it is the reprover that
causes all the trouble. And soothing their consciences with this
deception, the jealous and disafl'ected combine to sow discord in
the church, and weaken the hands of those who would l)uild it up.

Every advance made by those whom God has called to lead in
his work, has excited suspicion ; every act has been misrepresented
by the jealous and fault-finding. Thus it was in the time of
Luther, of the Wesleys and other reformers. Tims it is to-day.

Korah would not have taken the course he did, had he known
that all the directions and reproofs conmmnicated to Israel were
from God. But he might have known this. God had given over-

THE RE BEL LION OF KORAJf.

40;")

wlit'huiivu; cvidcnco that ho was k'adin^f Israel. IJut Korah and his
f()!nj)ani()iis rcji'ctcd li<^ht until th(\v hccainc so hlindtMl that tlu;
most strikinir manifestations of his ])ower were not suflieient to
convince them ; they attributed them all to human or satanic
a;.feney. The stnne thin,<>- was done by the |)eoi)le, who the day
after the destruction of Korah and his comjiany came to Moses
and Aaron, saying, ''Ye have killed the peojtle of the Lord,"
N()twithstan(lin<t- they had liad tluj most convincin<!; evideneo of
(lod's displeasure at their course, in the destruction of the men
who had deceived them, they dared to attribute his judgments to
.Satan, declarinu; that throU'ih the |)ower of the evil one, Moses and
Aaron had caused the death of good and holy men. It was this
act that sealed their doom. They had ct)nMnitted the sin against
the Holy Spirit, a sin by which num's heart is efieetually hardened
against the influence of divine grace. " Whosoever spcaketh a
word against the Son of man,'' said Christ, " it shall be forgiven
liim; but whosoever s])eaketh against the Holy CJho.st, it shall not
be forgiven him."' These words were spoken by our Saviour
when the gracious works wliirli lie had performed through the
power of God were attributed by the Jews to Beelzebub. It is
through the agency of the Holy Spirit that God communicates
with man ; and those who deliberately reject this agency as satanic,
have cut off the channel of connnunication between the soul and
Heaven.

God works l>y the manifestation of his Spirit to reprove and
convict the sinner; and if the Spirit's work is finally rejected,
there is no more that God can do for the soul. The last resource
of divine mercy has been employed. The transgressor has cut
himself off from God ; and sin has no remedy to cure itself.
There is no reserved power by which God can work to convict and
convert the sinner. "Let him alone," ^ is the divine command.
Then "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, ])ut a certain
fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall
devour the adversaries.""

iMatt. 12 ! 32. 2Ho8ca 4:1"; Heb. 10 : 26, 27.

^Hi'^^if

ven over-

CHAPTER XXXVI.

IN THE WILDERNESS.

For nearly forty yenrH the children of Israel are lost to view
in the obscurity of the desert. " The space," says Moses, " in
which we came from Kadesli-barnea, until we were come over the
brook Zered, was thirty and eight years ; until all the generation
of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the
Jjord sware unto them. For indeed the hand of the Lord was
against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they
were consumed." '

During these years the people M'ere constantly reminded that
they were under the divine rebuke. In the rebellion at Kadesh
they had rejected God ; and God had, for the time, rejected them.
Since they had ])roved unfaithful to his covenant, they were not
to receive the sign of the covenant, the rite of circumcision. Their
desire to return to the land of slavery had shown them to be
unworthy of freedom, and the ordinance of the Passover, instituted
to commemorate the deliverance from ])ondage, was not to be
observed.

Yet the continuance of the tabernacle service testified that drod
had not utterly forsaken his peoi)le. And his providence still sup-
plied their wants, " The Lord thy God haih blessed thee in all
the works ol" thy hand," said Moses, in rehearsing the history of
their wanderings. ''He knowcth thy walking through thi,-; great
wilderness ; these forty years the Lonl thy God hath been with
thee; thou hast lacked nothing."- And the Levites' hynm, re-
corded l)y Nehemiah, vividly ]>i('turcs God's care for Israel, even
during these years of rejection and banishment: "Thou in thy
manifold mercies forsookcst them not in the wilderness ; the pillar
t)f the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the
way ; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and
the way wherein they should go. Thou gavest also thy good Spirit

'Dent. 2 : 14, 1.5. «Dt'iit. 2 : 7.

[40f.]

'fmm^^

IN THE WILDERNESS.

407

to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth,
and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou
sustain them in the wilderness. . . . Their clothes waxed not old,
and their feet swelled not." '

The wilderness wandering was not only ordained as a judgment
upon the rebels and murmurers, but it was to serve ao a discipline
for the rising generation, preparatory to their entrance into the
promised land. Moses declared to them, " As a man chasteneth
his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee," " to humble thee,
and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou
wouldst keep his commandments, or no. And he . . . suffered
thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not,
neither did thy fathers know ; that he might make thee know that
man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceed-
eth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.'"*

*' He found him in a desert land, and in the waste, howling
wilderness ; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as
the apple of his eye." " In all their affliction he was afflicted, and
the Angel of his presence saved them ; in his love and in his pity
he redeemed them ; and he bare them, and carried them all the
days of old."'

Yet the only records of their wilderness life are instances of
rebellion against the Lord. The revolt of Korah had resulted in
the destruction of fourteen thousand of Israel. And there were
isolated cases that showed the same spirit of contempt for the di-
vine authority.

On one occasion the son of an Israelitish woman and of an
Egyptian, one of the mixed multitude that had come up with
Israel from Egypt, left his own part of the camp, and entering
that of the Israelites, claimed the right to pitch his tent there.
This the divine law forbade him to do, the descendants of an
Egyptian being excluded from the congregation until the third
generation. A dispute arose between him and an Israelite, and
the matter being referred to the judges was decided against the
offender.

Enraged at this decision, he cursed the judge, and in the heat
of passion blasphemed the name of God. He was immediately
brought before Moses. The command had been given, " He that

^Neh. 9 : 19-21.

8 Deut. 8 : 5, 2, 3.

3Deut. 32 : 10; Isa. 63: 9.

408

I'ATIlIMtCIIS AND PltOPIIh'/-.

cur.soth his fsithor, or his niotluT, shall surely Ix' i)Ut to doath ; '"
hut no provision had hccn niaih; to nu'ct this case. So tc'rril»l('
was the crime that there was ielt to be a necessity for si»eri;il
direction from (lod. The man was ])laced in ward until the will
of the Lord could be ascertained, (lod himsi'lf ])ronounced tlic
sentence; by the divine direction the blasi)hemer Avas conducted
outside tile camp, and stoned to death. Those who Iiad been
witnesses to the sin i)laced their liands upon his head, thus sol-
emnly testifying to the truth of the char<i;e aizainst him. Then
they threw the first stones, and the peo})le who stood by afterward
joined in executin,«>' the sentence.

This was followed by the announcement of a law to meet sim-
ilar ofTenses : " Thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, sayinur,
Whosoever curseth his (Jod shall liear liis sin. And ho that
blasphemcth the name of the Lord, ho shall surely be ]tut to
death, and all the coiiu;rej^ation shall certainly stone him. As well
the stranjior, as he that is born in the land, when he blas[)henutli
the name of the l^ord, shall bo put to death." '^

There are those who will question Cod's love and his justice in
visiting so severe punishment for words spoken in tho heat of
l)assion. But both lovo and justice require it to bo kIiowu that
utterances prompted by malice against God arc a great sin. I'he
retribution visited upon the first offender would bo a warning to
others, that God's name is to be held in reverence. But had this
man's sin been permitted to pass unpunished, others would have
been demoralized; and as the result, manv lives must eventually
have been sacrificed.

The mixed multitude that came up with the Israelites from
Egypt were a source of continual temptation and trouble. They
professed to have renounced idohitry, and to Avorship the true
God; l)ut their early education and training had moulded their
habits and character, and they were more or less corrupted with
idolatry and with irreverence for (iod. They were oftenest the
ones to stir uj) strife, and were the first to comiilain, and tlu'V
leavened the camp with their idolatrous practices and their mur-
murings against God.

Soon after the return into the wilderness, an instance of Sab-
bath violation occurred, under circumstances that rendered it a
ease of peculiar guilt. The Lord's announcement that he would

»Ex. 31 : 17. «Lcv. 2-t : 1.-), 10.

AV TIIK MILDERNESS.

401 >

(liyinhorit Isnu'l, luid roused a spirit of rohcllion. Om; of tin-
people, iingry at beinj; exeluded from Canaun, and deterinineil t »
show luH defiance of God's law, ventured upon the open transiii'cs-
nion of the fourth connnandnient, hy ^^oinu; out to <:;ather sticks
U[)on tlio Sabhatli. Durinif the sojourn in the wilderness, the
kindlinj^ of fires upon the seventh day liad l)een strictly i)rohil.-
ited. Tlio prohihition was not to extend to the land of Canaan,
where the severity of the oliniatc would often rentier fires a nece-^-
sity ; but in the wilderness, fire was not needed for warmth, Tlic
act of this man was a willful and delil)erate violation of tin; fointh
commandment, — a sin, not of thoughtlessness or ignorance, hut of
prcsumj)tion.

lie "was taken in the act, and hrought before Closes. It luid
already been declared that Sabbath-breaking should be punished
with death ; but it had not yet been revealed how tlu; i)enalty was
to be intlicted. The case was brou;j;ht by Moses before the Lord,
and the direction was given, "The man shall be surely |)ut to
death ; all the congregation shall stone him with st<jnes without
the camp."' The sins of blasphemy and willful !^ bbath-breaking
received the same punishment, being equally an expression of
contempt for the authority of God.

In our day there are many who reject the creation Sabbath as
a Jewish institution, and urge that if it is to be kept, the penalty
of death must be inflicted for its violation ; but we see that blas-
phemy received the same j)unishment as did feabbath-l)reaking.
Shall Ave therefore conclude that the third commandment also is
to be set aside as applicable only to the Jews? Yet the argument
drawn from the death penalty applies to the third, the fifth, and
indeed to nearly all the ten precepts, cc^ually with the fourth.
Though God may not now punish the transgression of his law with
temporal penalties, yet Ids word declares that the wages of sin is
death ; and in the final execution of the judgment it will be found
that death is the i)ortion of those who violate his sacred precepts.

During the entire forty years in the wilderness, the peoplt;
were every week reminded of the sacred oljligation of the Sabbath,
by the miracle of the manna. Yet even this did not lead them to
obedience. Though they did not venture upon so oi)en and bold
transgression as had received such signal punishment, yet there
was great laxness in the observance of the fourth commandment.

1 Num. 15 : 35.

410

PAriilARCirS AND PEOPIIJCTS.

God declares through his prophet, " My Siihhaths they greatly
polluted.'" And this is enumerated among the reasons for tlu-
exclusion of the first generation from the promised land. Yet
their children did not learn tlie lesson. Such was their neglect of
the Sabhath during the ^orty years' wandering, that though (lod
did not prevent them from entering (Canaan, he declared that they
should be scattered among the heathen after the settlement in the
land of promise.

From Kadesh the children of Israel had turned back into the
wilderness; and the period of their desert sojourn being ended,
tiiey came, " even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in
the first montli ; and the people abode in Kadesh."^

Here Miriam died and was buried. From that scene of rejoic-
ing on the shores of the Red Sea, when Israel went forth with song
and dance to celebrate Jehovah's triumph, to the wilderness grave
which ended a life-long wandering, — such had ])een the fate of
millions Avho with high hopes had come forth from Egypt. Sin
had dashed from their lips the cup of blessing. Would the next
generation learn the lesson ?

" For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his won-
drous works. . . . When he slew them, then they sought him;
and they returned and inquired early after God. And they re-
membered that God was their Rock, and the high God their
Redeemer." •' Yet they did not turn to God with a sincere ])Ur-
pose. Though when afflicted by their enemi'.'S they sought help
from Him who alone could deliver, yet " their heart was not right
with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant. But he,
being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed
them not; yea, many a time turned he his anger away. . . . For
he remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passeth
away, and cometh not again."''

lEze. 20 : 13-24. »Num. 20 : 1. 'Ps. 78 : 32-35, 37-39.

^:J>'

CHAPTER XXXVII.

THH SMITTKN ROCK.

From tlio smitten rock in Horeb first llowod the livinjx strejini
thiit rorroslic'd Lsniol in the desert. Dtirinj; lUl their wanderings,
wiiercver the need existed, they were HUi)i)lied with wiitor by a
miracle of God's mercy. The water did not, however, continue
to flow from Horeb. Wherever in tlieir journey ings they wanted
water, there from the clefts of the rock it gushed out beside their
encampment.

It was Christ, by the jwwer of his word, that caused tiie re-
freshing stream to flow for Israel. " They drank of that spiritual
Rock that followed them ; and that Rock was Christ." ' He was
the source of all temporal as well as sjjiritual blessings. Christ,
the true Rock, was with them in all their wanderings. " They
thirsted not when he led them through the deserts; he caused
the waters to flow out of the rock for them ; he clave the rock
also, and the waters gushed out." " They ran in the dry places
like a river." '^

The smitten rock was a figure of Christ, and through this
symbol the most precious spiritual truths are taught. As the
life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rocik, so from Christ,
" smitten of God," " wounded for our transgressions," " bruised for
our iniquities,"'' the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As
the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be " once oflered
to bear the sins of many."* Our Saviour was not to l)e sacrificed
a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the
blessings of his grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth
the heart's desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring
liefore the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow
forth afresh the life-giving bljod, symbolized by the flowing of

the living water for Israel.

» t Cor. 10 : 4.
sisa. 53 : 4, b.

"Isa. 48 : 21; Ps. 10.5
* Ik-b. 9 : 28.

[4111

41.

412

PATIilAUClls AM) rmn'IIKTS.

The flowinj; of the water from tlui rock in tlio desert was
eelel»ratt'(l by the IsraeHtt's, after their establishment in Canaan,
with (h'monstrations of jrreat rejoiein^f. In the timt; of Christ this
eelehration had heeome a most impressive ceremony. It took
phice on the occasion of thi; Feast of Tahernacles, when the jieo-
plo I'rom all the land were assemhled at Jernsalem. On each of
the seven days of the feast the priests went ont with nnisic and
the choir of Levites to draw water in a p;olden vessel from the
spring of Siloam. They were folhtwed hy multitudes of the wor-
shii)erH, as many as could ji'ct near the stream drinkinjj; of it, wlule
the jubilant strains arose, " With joy shall ye draw water out of
the wells of salvation." ' Then the water drawn hy the priests was
borne to the temi)le amid the sounding of trum))ets and thesolenm
chant, '' Our feet shall stand within thy frates, O Jerusalem." The
water was poured out upon the altar of hurnt-otrerin<r, while son.iis
of praise runjj; out, the multitudes joining; in triumphant chorus
with musical instruments and dee])-toned trumj)ets.

The Saviour made use of this symbolic; service to direct the
minds of the people to the blessinfrs that he had come to hrinu-
them. '' In the last day, that great day of the feast," his voice
was heard in tones that rang through the tem[)lc courts, " If any
man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth
tm me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall ilow rivers
of living water." '"This," said John, "spake he of the Si)irit,
which they that helieve on him should receive."^ The refreshing
water, welling up in a parched and barren land, causing the desert
})lace to blossom, and flowing out to give life to the perishing, is
an emblem of the divine grace which Christ alone can bestow, and
which is as the living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigora-
ting the soul. He in whom Christ is abiding has within him a
never-failing fountain of grace and strength. Jesus cheers the life
and brightens the path of all who truly seek him. His love, re-
ceived into the heart, will si)ring up in good works unto eternal
life. And not only does it bless the s(ml in which it springs, Init
the living stream will flow out in words and deeds of righteous-
ness, to refresh the thirsting around him.

The same figure Christ had employed in his conversation with
the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well: "Whosoever drinketh of
the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water
' I*a. 12 :3. 2 John 7 : 37-39.

TIIK SMITTK.y HOCK.

413

that I slmll j^ivc him shall hi> in liiin a well (»f water Hpiin^rip.u
up into cvcrhistiiii,' lilc"' Christ coinhiiu's the two typt-s. Ho
is tho rock, he is the livin<: water.

The same hcautit'ul and expressive lijiures are carried throu;.di-
out the Hihh'. Centuries Ix-fore the advent of Christ, M(»ses |)ointiMl
to him as the roclc of Israers salvation;- the psahuist »\\\\)i of
him aH '* my Redeemer/' "the rock ofmy strenjj;th," "the rock that
i.s higher than I," "a rock of habitation, " "rock (»f my heart,"
" rock t)f my refujre." In David's son<f his {.'race is pictured also
as the cool, " still waters," annd ^^reen pastures, heside which the
heaveidy Shepherd leads his flock. A«rain, "Thou shalt make
them," ho nays, " driidv of tht; riv(>r of thy ])leasures. F(»r with
theo is the fountain of lifi'."'' And th(> wise man declares, "The
wellsi)rin<j; of wisdom i.s as a flowinji brook." * To Jeremiah, Christ
is "the fountain of liviu)^ waters;" t() Zechariah, "a fountain
opened . . . for sin and for uncleanness."'

Isaiah describes him as the "rock of ajres," and "the shadow
of a great rock in a weary land."" And he records the precious
j)romise, brin<i;in<j; vividly to mind the livini^ stream that ilowed
for Israel: "When the poor and needy seek water, and there i»
none, and their tonjruc failetli for thirst, I the Lord will hear them,
1 the God of Israel will not forsake them." " I will pour water
Ujion liim that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry {ground;" "in
the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."
Tiie invitation is given, " Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to
the waters."^ And in the closing pages of the sacred word this
invitation is echoed. The river of the water of life, " clear as
crystal," proceeds from tlio throne of God and the Land); and
the gracious call is ringing down through the ages, " Whosoever
will, let him take the water of life freely." **

Just before the Hebrew host reached Kadesh, the living stream
ceased that for so many years had gushed out l>eside their encamp-
ment. It was the Lord's purpose again to test his peoj)le. He
would prove whether they would trust his providence or imitate
the unbelief of their fathers.

They were now in sight of the hills of Canaan. A few days'

ijohn 4 : 14. ^Dcut. Til : \v>.

'Ps. 19 : 14; 62 : 7; 61 : 2; 71 : 3(margin);73 : 26; 94 :22; 23 : 2; 36 : 8, fl.
*Prov. 18 ; 4. Mcr. 2 : 13; Zech. 13 : 1. «l8a. 26 : 4: 32 : 2.

''Isa. 41 : 17; 44 : 3; 35 : 6 ; 55 : 1. «Rev. 22 : 17.

.^%..

' f ■

414

PATiiiAiicus Axi) rnuniiKTs.

iimrch would l)rin;j thcin to tlx; lionh-rs of the promised land.
Tlii-y Wi-ro Imt a littlo distance from Kdoni, which bcionj^cd to
the descendants of Ksau, and through wiiieh lay the appointed
route to Canaan. The direction had been jiiven to Moses, " Turn
you northward. And command thou the people, Haying, Vo are
to pass through the coast of your brethren, the children of Ksau,
which dwell in Seir; and they Hhall be afraid of you. . . . Ve
shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and j'e
shall also buv water of them for money, that y*! may drink.'"
These directions should have Ixhmi suflieicnt to explain why tlr'ir
.sujtply of water had been cut olf ; they wert; about to i>asM through
u wi'll-watered, fertile country, in a direct course to the land of
Canaan, (lod had i»romise(l them ah unmolested passage through
Edom, and an opportunity to purchase food, and also water suf-
ficient to supply the host. The ces.sation of the miraculou.s How
of water should therefore have been a cause of rejoicing, a token
that the Avilderness wandering was ended. Had they not been
blinded by their unbelief, they would have understood this, 13ut
that which should have been an evidence of the fulfillment of
Clod's ])romise, was made the occasion of doubt and nui'-muring.
Tlie peojde seemed to have; given up all hope that God would
bring them into ])ossession of Canaan, and they clamored for the
blessings of the wMhh'rness.

Before (lod permitted them to enter Canaan, they nmst show
that they believed Ids promise. The watc ceased before they
had reached Edom. Hero was an opportunity for them, for a
little time, to walk by faith inste.id of sight. But the first trial
developed the same turbulent, unthankful spirit that liad been
manifested by their fathers. No sooner waa the cry for water
heard in the cncami)ment than they forgot tliG Iiaiid that had
for so many years supplied their wants, and instead of turning
to God for hel]), they nmrmured against him, in their despera-
tion exclaiming, " Would God that we had died when our l)reth-
ren died before the Lord ; " * that is, they wished they had been
of the number ^vho were destroyed in the rebellion of Korah.

Their cries were directed against Most^s and Aaron: "Why
have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wil-
derness, that we and our cattle should die there ? And wherefore
have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this
1 Dcut. 2 : 3-6. '^ Num. 20 : 1-13.

^►•4

M()8KS 8TKIKIN(i THK KO( K IN THK WILDKKNKSS.

THE SMITTEN HOCK.

417

i^vil i>la('c? It is no place of seed, or of fijit^, or of vines, or of
ponicffranatos; neither is there any water to drink."

The leaders went to the door of the tahernaele, and fell upon
their faces. A<rain "the glory of the Lord api»eared," and INloses
wiis directed, "Take the rod, and gather thou the assend)ly to-
gether, thou and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock
lieforc their eyes ; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt
bring forth to them water out of the rock."

The two brothers went on before the multitude, iNIoses with the
rod of God in his hand. They were now aged men. Long had
they borne Avith the rebellion and obstinacy of Israel; l»ut now, at
last, even the patience of Moses gave way. " Hear now, ye rel)els,"
he cried ; " must avo fetch you water out of this rock? " and iastead
of speaking to the rock, as God had connnanded him, he smote it
twice with the rod.

The water gushed forth in abundance to satisfy the host. But
a great wrong had been done. Moses had spoken from irritated
feeling; his words Avere an expression of human passion rather
than of holy indignation l)ecause God had been dislionored.
'• Hear now, ye rebels," he said. This accusation was true, but
even truth is not to be spoken in passion or impatience. When
God had bidden Moses to charge upon Israel their rebellion, the
v.ords had been painful to himself, and hard for tliem to bear, yet
(iod had sustained him in delivering the message. But when he
took it upon himself to accuse them, he grieved the Spirit of God,
and wrought only harm to the people. His lack of patience and
self-control Avas evident. Thus the i)eopie Avero given occasion to
(luestion Avhether his past course had 1)een under the direction of
God, and to excuse their OAvn sins. Closes, as Avell as they, had
offended God. His course, they said, had from tlie first been open
to criticism and censure. They had noAV found the pretext Avhich
they desired for rejecting all the reproofs tliat God had sent them
through his servant.

Moses manifested distrust of God. "Shall Ave ])ring Avater?"
he questioned, as if the Lord Avould not do Avhat he jiromised.
" Ye belicA'ed me not," the Lord declared to the tAvo l)rothers, "to
sanctify me in the eyes of tlie children of Israel." At the time
when the Avater failed, tlieir oAvn faith in the fulfillment of God's
promise had been shaken by the murmuring and rebellion of tlie
l)eople. The first generation had been condemned to perish in the

418

PATRIARCHS AND PliOPIIETS.

wilderness because of their unbelief, yet the same spirit appeared
in tiu'ir children. Would these also fail of receivinii; the promise?
Wearied and disheartened, Moses and Aaron had made no efl'ort
to stem the current of popular feeling. Had they themselves
manifested unwavering faith in God, they might have set the mat-
ter before the people in such a light as would have enabled them
to bear this test. By prompt, decisive exercise of the authority
vested in them as magistrates, they might have quelled the mur-
muring. It was their duty to put forth every effort in their power
to bring about a ])etter state of things before asking God to do the
work for them. Hatl the murmuring at Kadesh been i)romptly
checked, what a train of evil might have been prevented !

By his rash act, Moses took away the forco of the lesson that
God purposed to teach. The rock, being a symbol of Christ, had
been once smitten, as Christ was to be once offered. The second
time, it was needful t nly to speak to the rock, as we have only to
ask for blessings in the name of Jesus. By the second smiting of the
rock, the significance of this beautiful figure of Christ was destroyed.

More than this, Moses and Aaron had assumed power that be-
longs only to God. The necessity for divine interposition made
the occasion one of great solemnity, and the leaders of Israel
should have improved it to impress the people with reverence
for God and to strengthen their faith in his power and good-
ness. When they angrily cried, " Must ive fetch you water out of
this rock ? " they put themselves in God's place, as though the
l)owcr lay with themselves, men possessing human frailties and
passicms. AN'earied with the continual murmuring and rebellion
of the people, ^Moses had lost sight of his Almighty Helper, and
without the divine strength he had been left to mar his record by
an cxhiltition of human weiikness. The man who might have
stood pure, firm, and unselfish to the close of his work, had l>een
overcome at last. God had been dishonored before the ccmgrega-
tion of Israel, wlicn ho should have been magnified and exalted.

God did not on this occasion pronounce judgments upon those
whose wicked course had so i)rovoked Moses and Aaron. All the
ri'i)roof fell upon the leaders. Those who stood as God's represent-
atives had not honored him. Moses and Aaron had felt them-
selves aggrieved, losing sight of the fact that the murmuring of
the people was not against them 1)ut against CJod. It was by look-
ing to themselves, api)ealing to their own sympathies, that they

TIIH SMITTEN ROCK.

4J{>

inicunsciously fell into .sin, and failed to set liefore the peoi)le their
jrreat guilt before God.

Bitter and deeply humiliating was the judgment innnediately
pronounced. "The Lord .s])ake unto ^losc.'.s and Aaron, Because
ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of
Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land
Avhich I have given them." With rebellious Israel they nmst die
before crossing the Jordan. Had Moses and Aaron been cherish-
ing .self-esteem, or indulging a jta.ssionate si)irit, i)i the face of
divine Avarning and rei)roof, their guilt would hav(! been far
greater. But they were not chargeable with willful or delii.eratc
sin; they had been overcome by a suddt'U temptation, and their
contrition was innnediate and heartfelt. The Lord accepted their
repentance, though l)ecause of the harm their sin might do among
the people, he could not remit its punishment.

Moses did not c(jnceal his sentence, but told the ])eo])le that
since he had failed to ascribe glory to (lod, he could not lead them
into the promised land. lie bade them mark the severe jtunish-
mcnt visited upon him, and then consider how Clod nuist regard
their munnurings in charging ui»oi, a mere man the judgments
Avhich they had by their sins brought upon themselves. lie told
them liow he had pleaded with (iod ibr a remission of the sen-
tence, and had been refused. " The Lord was wroth Avith me i'or
your sakes," ho said, " and Avould not hear me."'

On every occasion of difficulty or trial, the Israelites had been
ready to charge Mo.scs with having led them from Egy[)t, as
though (lod had had no agency in the matter. Throughout their
journeyings, as they had complained of the difhculties in the way,
and munnured against their leaders, Moses had told them, "Your
murmurings arc again.st (lod. It is not I, but (lod, who lias
wrought in your deliverance."' But his hasty words before the
rock, "Shall «e bring water?" were a virtual admission of their
charge, and would thus confirm them in their unbelief^ and justify
their nmrnmrings. The Lord would remove tiiis impression for-
ever from their minds, l)y forbidding Moses to enter the promised
land. Here was unmistakable evidence that their leader was not
Moses, but the mighty Angel of whom the Lord had said, "Be-
hold, I send an Angel l)eforc thee, to keei) thee in the way, and to
bring thee into the place which I have prei)ared. Beware of him,
and obey his voice; ... for my name is in him." '^

iDi'ut. 3 : 26. "Ex. 28 ; 20. '.'1.

420

PATlilARCIIS AND PIWPJIETS.

"The Lord Avas wroth witli n»o for your sakLrf," said Mones.
The eyes of all Israel were upon Moses, and his sin cast a reflection
upon God, who had chosen him as the leader of his people. Tiie
transgression was known to the whole congregation; and had it
been passed by lightly, the impression would have been given that
unbelief and impatience under great provocation might be excused
in those in responsible positions. But when it was declared that
because of that one sin Moses and Aaron wore not to enter Canaan,
the people knew that God is no respecter of persons, and that he
will surely punish the transgressor.

The history of Israel was to be placed on record for the
instruction and warning of coming generations. Men of all future
time must see the God of heaven as an impartial ruler, in no case
justifying sin. But few realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin.
Men flatter themselves that God is too good to punish the trans-
gressor. But ill the light of Bible history it is evident that God's
goodness and his love engage him to deal with sin as an evil fatal
to the peace and happiness of the universe.

Not even the integrity and faithfulness of Moses could avert
the retribution of his fault. God had forgiven the people greater
transgressions, but ho could not deal with sin in the leaders as in
those who were led. He had honored Moses above every other
man upon the earth. He had revealed to him his glory, and
through him he had communicated his statutes to Israel. The
fact that Moses had enjoyed so great light and knowledge, made
his ;-.in more grievous. Past faithfulness will not atone for one
wrong act. The greater the light and privileges granted to man,
the greater is his responsibility, the more aggravated his failure,
and the heavier his punishment.

Moses was not guilty of a great crime, as men would view the
matter; his sin was one of conmion occurrence. The psalmist
says that "he spake unadvisedly with his lips."' To human
judgment this may seem a light thing; but if God dealt so
severely with this sin in his most faithful and honored servant, he
will not excuse it in others. The spirit of self-exaltation, the
disposition to censure our brethren, is displeasing to God. Those
who indulge in these evils cast doubt upon the work of God, and
give the skeptical an excuse for their unbelief. The more impor-
tant one's position, and the greater his influence, the greater is
the necessity that he should cultivate patience and humility.

> Ps. 100 : 33.

THE SMITTEN ROCK.

421

If the children of God, especially those who stand in ])ositions
of responsibility, can be led to take to themselves the ^lory that is
due to God, Satan exults. He has ji^ained a victory. It was thus
that he fell. Thus he is most successful in temptinij; others to
ruin. It is to place us on our guard against his devices that God
has given in his word so many lessons teaching the danger of self-
exaltation. There is not an impulse of our nature, not a faculty
of the mind or an inclination of the heart, but needs to be,
moment by moment, under the control of the Sinrit of God.
There is not a blessing which God bestows upon man, nor a trial
which ho permits to befall him, but Satan both can and will seize
upon it to temj^t, to harass and destroy th^ soul, if we give him
the least advantage. Therefore however great one's spiritual light,
however much he may enjoy of the divine favor and blessing, he
should ever walk humbly before the Lord, pleading in faith that
God will direct every thought and control every impulse.

All who profess godliness are undcT the most sacred obligation
to guard the spirit, and to exercise self-control under the greatest
provocation. The burdens placed upon Moses were very great;
few men will ever be so severely tried as he was ; yet this was not
allowed to excuse his sin. God has made amj)le provision for his
people ; and if they rely upon his strength, they will never become
the sport of circumstances. The strongest temptation cannot ex-
cuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the
soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth
or hell to compel any one to do evil. Satan attacks us at our weak
points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or unex-
pected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in his
strength we may conquer.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

THl': J()l'RXi;V AROUND KDOM.

The cnciunjuucnt of Israel ut Kiidosli wan hut a short dis-
tance from the hordcrs of Edoiii, and hoth ^Moscs and the jjcople
}j;reutly desired to follow the route throujih this country to tlio
promised land; accordinuly they sent a message, as (Jod had di-
rected them, to the Edomite kin<i', —

" Thus saith tiiy hrother Israel, Thou knowest all the ti'avail
that hath befallen us; how our fathers went down into E<>;yi)t, and
we have dwelt in K^ypt a lon^ time ; and the P],iiyi)tians vexed us,
and our fathers. And v 'Mi we cried unto the Lord, he heard our
voice, and sent an ansiel, and hath l)rou<i;ht us forth out of Ejiypt.
And, l)ehold, we are in Kadesh, a city in tin; uttermost of thy
border. Let us ])ass, I i)ray thee, throuuh thy country. We will
not i)ass throu;4h the fields, or throuuh the vineyards, neith ;r will
we drink of the water of the wells. A\'e Avill go l)y the kin<;'s hiirh-
way, we will not turn to the ri«iht hand nor to the lelt, until we
have i)assed thy borders." '

To this courteous request, a threatening reiusal was returned :
"Thou shalt not i)ass by me, lest I come out against thee with
the swi.rd."

Surprised at this re])ulse, the leaders of Israel sent a second
appeal to the king, with the promise, " We Avill go by the high-
way ; and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will ])ay
for it; I will only, without doing anything else, go through on
my feet."

" Thou shalt not go through," was the answer. Armed bands
of p]domitcs were already posted at the ditticult i)asses, so tiiat
any peaceful advance in that direction was imi)ossible, and the
Hebrews were forbidden to resort to force. Tliey n)Ust make tlie
long journey around the land of Edom.

Had the i)eople, when l)rought into trial, trusted in God, the
Captain of the Lord's host would have led them through Edom,
[40..^ 'Num. 20 : 14-20.

THK JOVRXF.Y AROUND EDOM.

42:{

and the four of them wouhl liavo rested U])(m tlie iiiluiMtant.s of
the land, so that, instead of manifestinif liostility, they wouhl have
shown them favor. But the Israelites did not act |)roni]itly upon
God's word, and while they were oom])lainin_<f an<l luurnnirinL',
the jjfolden o])iK)rtunity ])assed. AVhen they were at last ready to
present their rcMjuest to the kinjr, it was refused. Ever since they lelt
E<iyi)t, Satan had heen steadily at work to throw hindriinees and
temptations in their way, that they niij.dit not iidierit Canaan.
And ]»y their own unl)elief they had repeatedly opened the door
for him to resist the i)Uri)ose of (Jod.

It is important to helieve Clod's word and act uimn it prom))tly,
while his antrels are waitins;- to work for us. Evil anucls are ready^
to contest every ste}) of advance. And when (lod's providence
l)ids Ids children <io forward, when he is ready to do <:rcat tiuuiis
for them, Satan tempts them to dis))lease tin; T.,()rd liy hesitation
and delay; he seeks to kindle a spirit of striie or to arouse nmr-
murinji; or unhelief, and thus deprive them of the hlessiuL^s that
God desired to hestow. God's servants should he nunute men,
ever ^eady to move as fast as his ])rovidence ojicns the Avay. Any
delay on their ])art <>;ives time for Satan to work to defeat them.

In the directions first given to ]\ loses concern in<f their ]>assatfe
throu;zli Edom, after declaring that the Edondtes should he afraid '
of Israel, the Lord had forbidden his peo]>le to make use of this
advantage against them. Because the j)Ower of God was engaged
for Israel, and the fears of the Edomites would make them an easy
prey, the He])rews were not therefore to i)rey upon them. The
connnand given them was, " Take ye good heed unto yourselves
therefore; meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their
land, no, not so much as a foot breadth ; because I have given
Mount Seir unto Esau for a possession."' Tne Edomites were de-
scendants of Al)raham and Isaac, and for the sake of these his
servants, God had shown favor to the children of Esau, lie had
given them ]\Iount Seir for a possessicm, and they were not to be
disturbed unless by their siiis they should place themselves be-
yond the reach of his mercy. The Hebrews were to dispossess
and utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan, who had filled up
the measure of their iniquity ; ])ut the Edondtes were still proba-
tioners, and as such were to be niercifully dealt with. (b)d de-
lights in mercy, and he manifests his compassion before he inflicts

1 Deut. 2 : 4, 5.

424

J*A Till Aliens AND PROPHETS.

his judmncnts. Ho teaclu>8 Isniol to spare t!i(i people of Edoni,
before r('(iuiriu<; tlieiu to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan.

The ancestors of Edoni and Israel were hrothers, and brotherly
kindness and courtesy should exist between them. The Israelites
were forbidden, either then or at any future time, to revenj^e the
aflront ^iven them in the refusal of ])assage throu<ih the land.
They nuist not exi)ect to possess any part of the land of Edoni.
While the Israelites were the chosen and favored people of God,
they must heed the restrictions which he jdacied upon them. God
had promised them a f^oodly inheritance ; but they Avere not to feel
that they alone had any riiihts in the earth, and seek to crowd out
all others. They were directed, in all their intercourse with the?
Kdomites, to beware of doinjj; them injustice. They were to trade
with them, buyin<^ such sujiplies as were needed, and i)romi)tly
]>ayin<i; for all they received. As an encouragement to Israel to
trust in God and obey liis word, they were reminded, " The Lord
thy God hath blessed thee; . . . thou hast lacked nothing.''
They were not dependent upon the Edomites ; for they had a God
rich in resources. They must not by force or fraud seek to obtain
anything pertaininu; to them; but in all their intercourse they
should exemplify the principle of the divine law, " Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself."

Had they in this manner passed through Edom, as God had
purposed, the passage would have proved a blessing, not only to
themselves, but to the inhabitants of the land; for it would have
given them an op})ortunity to become acquainted with God's
people and his worship, and to witness how the God of Jacob
prospered those who loved and feared him. But all this the
unbelief of Israel had prevented. God had given the people
water in answer to their clamors, but he permitted their unbelief
to work out its punishment. Again they must traverse the desert
and quench their thirst from the miraculous spring, which, had
they but trusted in him, they would no longer have needed.

Accordingly the hosts of Israel again turned toward the south,
and made their way over sterile wastes, that seemed even more
dreary after a glimi)se of the green spots among the hills and
valleys of Edom From tho mountain range overlooking this
gloomy desert, rises Mount Hor, whose summit was to be the
place of Aaron's death and burial. When the Israelites came to
this mountain, the divine connnand was addressed to Moses, —

THE JOVRNEY AliOVND EDOM.

42;.

*' Tiiko Aanm and Elcazar liis son, and brin^ them up unto
Mount llor; and strip Aaron of his jiarniciits, and put thcni upon
Kloazar liis son; and Aaron shall he <rathor('d unto his p(>oplo, and
shall di(! there." '

T()<fi'tlu'r tlu'so two a^ed men and the younjicr <»n(! toiled up
the mountain hei«^ht. The heads of Moses and Aan»n were white
with the .snows of sixscore winters. 'J'heir lon<^ and eventful lives
had been marked with the deepe.st trials and the j^reatest honors
that had ever fallen to the lot of man. They were men of j^reat
natural al)ility, and all their ])owers had been (levelo)>ed, exalted,
and dijinified, by eonnnunion with the Infinite One. Their life
had l)een spent in unselfish lalior for (lod and their fellow-men;
their countenances j^ave evidence of j^reat intellectual power, firm-
ness and nobility of i)urpose, and stronj^ aflfections.

Many years, Moses and Aaron had stood side by side in their
cares and labors. Tojicther they had breasted unnumbered dan-
gers, and had shared together the sijinal blessinji of (fod; but the
time "was at liand when they nmst be separated. They moved on
very slowly, for every moment in each other's society was ])reci<)us.
The ascent was steep and toilsome ; and as the}' olten ])aused to
rest, they conmmned together of the i)ast and the future. Before
them, as far as the eye could reach, was spread out the scene of
their desert wanderings. In the j>lain below were encamped the
vast hosts of Israel, for whom these chosen men had spe • the best
portion of their lives; for whose welfare they had felt so deep an
interest, and made so great sacrifices. Somewhere beyond the
mountains of Edoni was the jiath leading to the j)romised land, —
that land whose blessings Moses and Aaron were not to enjoy. No
rebellious feelings found a place in their hearts, no expression of
murmuring escaped their lii)s; yet a solemn sadness rested upon
their countenances as they remendjered what had debarred them
from the inheritance of tlieir fathers.

Aaron's work for Israel was done. Forty years liefore, at the
age of eighty-three, God had called him to unite with Moses in his
great and important mission. He had co-operated with his brother
in leading the children of Israel from Egypt. He had held uj) the
great leader's hands when the Hebrew hosts gave battle to Amalek.
He had been permitted to ascend Mount Sinai, to approach into the
presence of God, and to l)ehold the divine glory. The Lord had
conferred ui)on the family of Aaron the office of the })riesthood,

1 Num. 20 : 22-29.

42t;

I'. I rni. I n viis a M) pu o piik i >,

and liiid Ijonorcd luiii with the s;i< ic*! coiisci r:itinii ol hitili priest.
He liad HUstiiincd hiiii in the Iioly odicc l»y tlic tcri'ildc! iiiiiiiilbsta-
tions ol" divinn judtrmciit in the di'stmction of Kondi and his
conipany. It was thn»u,^h Aaron's intercession that the phiu'Ue
was stayed. When his two sons were shun tor disre^ardinir (oxl's
ex|)ress eonnnand, he did not reliel nor even niurniiir. ^'et the
record of his iiohh' lite liad l>cen marred. Aaron connnitti'(| n
<;ricvous sin when lie yiehlod to the clamors of tlie peoph' and
made the j^ohh-n calf at Sinai ; and again, when Ik^ unite(l with
Miriam in envy and murmurinj^ against Mosi's. And he, with
]Moses, oU'ended the Lord at Kadesh hv disobevini' tin,' eonnnand
to sjx'ak to the rock that it might giv(! forth its water.

(lod intended that those great leaders of Ids ])e()))lo should he
representatives of Christ. Aaron hore the names of Israel upon
his hrea.st. II(; communicated to the people the will of (rod. ITe
entered the most holy j)lace on the day of atonement, "not with-
out hlood," as a mediator for all Lsrael. He came forth I'rom that
work to hless the congregation, as Christ will come forth to hless
his waiting ])e()])le when his work of atonement in their liehalf
shall he ended. It was the exalted character of that sacred office
as representativ(.' of our great High Priest, that made? Aaron's sin
at Kade.sli of so great niagiutude.

With dee]) sorrow, jNIoses removed from Aaron the hoi}'' vest-
ments, and ])laced them U|)on Eleazar, who thus became his
successor hy divine ap|)ointment. For his sin at Kadesh, Aaron
was denied the privilege of officiating as (iod's high i)riest in
Canaan, — of offering the first sacrifice in the goodly land, and
thus consecrating the inheritance of Israel. Moses was to continue
to hear his burden in leading the jteople to the very l>orders of
Canaan. He was to come within sight of the |)romised land, but
was not to enter it. Had these servants of (Jod, when they stood
l)efore the rock at Kadesh, borne unmurmuringly the test there
brought U])on them, how (htt'erent would have; been their future!
A wrong act can never be undone. It may be that the work of a
life-time will not recover what has been lost in a single moment of
temptation or even thoughtlessness.

The absence from the camj) of the two great leaders, and the
fact that they had been accomi)anied by Eleazar, who, it was well
known, was to l>e Aaron's successor in holy ofiice, awakened a
feeling of a])i)rehension, and their return was anxiously awaited.

77//'; joinyKY a hound A'Do.yr.

1-j:

bless

K'O

As tlir people lookcfl aliout tlieiii, U|Mt!i tlii'ir VMst coniirei^iitiim,
tlicy saw tliiit nearly al! the adults who left Iv^^ypt had |>erishtMl
in the wilderness. All I'elt a l'orelio<liiij: (»t" evil as they reineiiih(!red
the SJ'iiteiiee proiiouneeil a^^aiiist Moses and Aanm. Soinc! weri'
aware of tlu; ohjeet ol" that mystciioiis Journey to the summit ol"
>M(»unt Ilor, and their solicitude lor their leaders was heightened
hv hitter nioniorieH and sell'-accusinis.

The lorms of Closes and Eleazai' were; at last diseerne(l, slowlv
descend in^i; the; moiuitain-side; l>ut Aaron was not with them.
r|>on Eleazar were the sacerdotal ^^arments, showing' that hv. had
succeeded his lather in tin; sacred oH'ice. As the peoph; with
iH'avy hearts gathered about tlicir leader, Moses told them that
Aaron hud died in his arms upon Mount llor, and that they there
buried him. The con<fr(\uation broke forth in niournin,<.i and lam-
entation, I'nr they all loved Aaron, thou^ih they had so often
caused him sorrow. "They mourned for Aaron thirty days, even
all the house of Israel. "•

Concerninj^ tlu; burial of Israel's hiiih priest the Scriptures udve
only the sim])le record, "There Aaron died, and there Ik; was
buried."- In what strikinjj; contrast to the customs of the present
day VtiiH this burial, conductcnl aceordinj: to the; express oonnnand
of God. In modern times the funeral services of a man of hi<fh
position are often made the occasion of ostentatious and extrava-
jrant display. When Aaron died, one of tlu; most illustrit)us men
that ever lived, there were only two of his nearest friends to
witness his death and to attend his burial. And that lonely j^rave
upon M(HUit Hor was forever hidden from the sii^ht of Israel.
God is not honored in the great display s;) ofti'u made over the
dead, and the extravagant expense incurred in returnin;.!; their
bodies to the dust.

The whole congregation sorrowed for Aaron, yet they (;ould not
feel the loss so keenly as did Moses. The death of Aaron forci-
bly reminded I^Ioses that his own end was near; but short as the
time of his stay on earth must be, he deeply felt the loss of his
constant companion, — the one who had shared his joys and sor-
rows, his lioj)es and fears, for so many long years. IMo.ses must
now continue the work alone; l)ut he knew that God was his
friend, and upon him he leaned more heavily.

Soon after leaving Mount Hor, the Israelites sutt'ered deteat in

• Num. 20 : '2H.

'-Di-ut. 10 : (1.

42S

I'ATniAUCllS AM) /'Un/'I/K'/'S.

ill! ('n,:j:i'^('m(Mit witli Aim(I, oik! <>t" tlic ('iiniiimitcf kiivis. Hut a-t
they (Mniii.stly Hoir^'lit help lVo:ii (Jod, diviiu! aid wa-< ^frantcil
th(!in, mid tlicir oiuMiiUiS wcro muted. Tliis victory, instead of
ijis|iirin.j ^^rititude, and leadiiv^ tlie )i(!0|»l(( to i\-{A their depend-
ence! upon (rod, made them hoastful ;ind Helf-conlident. Soon
they fell into the old habit of murnuirin'jf. They wcm'o now dis-
HJitislied heeause the; armies of Israel had not hoen permittcMl to
advaneo upon Canaan iniMKidiately after their rebellion at the re-
port of the Hpies nearly forty years before. They pronounced their
lon<i Hojourii in the wilderness an unnecessary delay, reasoning,'
that they inijiht have con(iuered their enemies as easily heretofore
as now.

As they continued their journey toward the south, their route;
lay thr()U;i;h a hot, sandy valley, destitute of shade or V(!<^etation.
The way scorned loni? and diflicult, and they sufferc'd from weari-
ness and thirst. Aj^ain they failiMl to endure ti»o test of their faith
and paticmic. By continually dwellinij; on the dark side of their
experiences, they separated themselves farther and farMuir from
God. They lost si}2;ht of the fact that hut for their murnmrin<f
v,dicn the water ceased at Kadesh, they would have heen sjjarcd
the journey around Edom. God had purposed better thinj^s for
them. Their hearts should have heen filled with gratitudi; to him
that ho had punished their sin so li}j;htly. But instead of this,
they flattered themselves that if God and Moses had not interfered,
they mi^ht now have been in possession of the j)romised land.
After hrin<;ing trouble upon themselves, makinj:; their lot alto-
gether harder than God designed, they charged all their misfortunes
upon him. Thus they cherished bitter thoughts concerning his
dealings with them, and finally they hecame discontented with
everything. Egypt looked brighter and more desirable than lib-
erty anfl the land to which God was leading them.

As the Israelites indulged the spirit of discontent, they were
disposed to find fault even with their blessings. " And the jieople
spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have yo brought
us vip out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread,
neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.'"

Moses faithfully set before the people their great sin. It was
God's power alone that had preserved them in "that great and
terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and

»Nuni. 21 : 5.

riiH joviiSKv mkusi) hDow.

420

<lr()U;.'lit, wliiTc tlnTc \V!H MO Wiitip."' KviTV <l!iy <>t tlicir truvuls
tlu'y liiul Itccii k('|>t l»y ii iiiinicli' nl diviiu! iiicny. In all tlio way
of (Jod'H Icadin;.', tliry had loiiiid water to I'ct'n'sli tlio thirsty,
hroad frniii heaven to satisfy their hunger, and jK'aeo and safety
uiuU'r the! shadowy ( lon<l hy day and th(( jiillar of (ii'(' hy ni;,dit.
An^^els had niinisteri-d to them as they elinihed the rocky heights
or throa(hid tho ru^gud i»aths of tho wihU-rness. Notwithstanding
tho liurdshii»s they had endured, thero was n(»t a feeido ono in all
their ranks. Thtsir feet had not swollen in their lon<^ journeys,
n(,'ither had their elothes j^'rown old. (iofl had suhdued Ix^fore
thein the fierce heasts of prey and tlu* xcnoinous reptiles of the
forest and the di'sert. If with all these tokens of his love the
peoi)lo Htill eontiiuied to complain, the Lord would withdraw his
proteetioti until they should he led to appreciate his merciful cure,
and return to him with repentance ami humiliation.

Because they had heen shielded hy divine jxtwer, they had not
realized the countless daufrers l»y which they were contiiuially
surrounded. In their inifratitude and unhelief they had antici-
pated death, and now the Lord perniitte<l death to come upon
them. The i)oi8onous serpents that infested the wilderness were
called fiery serpents, on account of the terrihle cfl'ects produced hy
their sting, it causiufj; violent infhunmation and speedy death. As
the protecting hand of (rod was removed from Israel, great num-
hers of tho people were attacked hy these venomous creatures.

Now there was terror antl confusion throughout the encamp-
ment. In almost every tent wen; the dying or the dead. None*
were secure. Often the silence of night was hroken hy })icr(dng
cries that told of fresh victims. All were husy in ministering to
the sutFerers, or with agonizing care endeavoring to protect tijose
who were not yet stric'ken. No murmuring now escaped their
lips. When compared with the present sulTcring, their former
difficulties and trials seemed unworthy of a thought.

The i)e()i)le now huml)led themselves hefore (lod. They came
to Moses with their confessions and entreaties. " We have sinned,"
they said, " for we have spoken against the Lord, and against
thee."'' Only a little hefore, they had accused him of heing their
worst enemy, tho cause of all their distress and afllictions. But
even when the words were upon their lips, they knew that the
charge was false; and as soon as real trouble came, they fled to
iDeut. 8 : 1.5. ^^um. 21 : 7-9.

430

PATRIARCHS ANJ) PROPHETS.

him as liic only one wlio could intercede with God lor thoni.
"Pray unto the Lord," wa.s their erv, " tluit he take away tlie
serpents from us."'

Moses Avas divinely ecmimandod to make a serpent of hrass
reseml>lin<i' the livinu; ones, and to elevate it anionic the ])eople.
To tliis, all whw had heeu hitten were to look, and they would
find relief. lie did so, and the joyful news Avas sounded
throujzhout the encampment, that all who had heen Intten mifrht
look U|)on the hrazen seri)cnt and live, ^fany had already died,
and when ]Moses raised the serpent upon the pole, some would not
helieve that merely •lazini'' upon that metallic imajre would heal
them; these perished in their unl)elief. Yet there were many
wlio had fait;, in the provision which God had made. Fathers,
mothers, hrot'^ors, and sisters were anxiously enga<;ed in helpinij;
their sulVrilng, d^'in*;- friends to fix their lanuuid eyes \\\wn the
seri)ent. If these, thouiflf faint and dyin<i-, could only once look,
they Avcre i)erfectly restored.

Tlie i)oople Avell knew tliat there Avas no power in the serpent
of hrass to cause such a chanj^e in tiioso who looked upon it. The
healinu; virtue was from God alone. In his Avisdom he chose this
Avay of disll^^yinlj his ])ower. ]iy this sinijde means the people
were made 1 : ivali/e *hat this affliction had heen hrought upon
them hy tluir s'ns. They Avere also assured that Avhile oheying
God they had no reason to f :ar; for he Avould preserve them.

The lifthig up of thu brazen serpent Avas to teach Israel an
important lesson. They could not save themseh'es from the fatal
eH'ect of the poison in their Avounds. God alone Avas ahlo to heal
tliem. Yet they Avere reciuired to shoAV their faith in the provision
Avhich he had made. They must look, in order to live. It Avas
their faith that Avas acceptahle Avith God, and hy looking upon the
serpent their faith Avas shown. They kncAV that there Avaa no
virtue in the serpent itself, hut it Avas a. syndjol of Christ; and the
necessity of faith in his merits Avas thus presented to their minds.
Heretofore many had hrought their offerings to God, and had felt
that in so doing they made ample atonement for their sins. They
did not rely upon tiie Re<leemer to come, of Avhom these offerings
Avere only a type. The Lord Avould noAV teach them that their
sacrifices, in themselves, had no more poAver or virtue than the
serpent of hrass, hut Avere, like that, to lead their minds to Christ,
(he L'reat sin-offeriinj-.

THE JOUliNEY AliOCNJ) KDOM.

431

" As Moses lilted up the serpent in the wilderness," even so
Avas "the Son of man lifted up, that whosoever helieveth in him
should not perish, but have eternal life.'' ' All who have ever lived
upon the earth have felt the deadly stinu; of "that old serpent^
called the devil, and Satan."'' The fatal effects of sin can bo re-
moved only by the provision that (lod has made. The Israelites
saved their lives by lookin«j; ui)on the uplifted serpent. That look
implied faith. They lived because tluy l)elieve(l God's word, and
trusted in the means provided for their recover}'. 80 the sinner
may look to Christ, and live. Ho receives j^ardon through faith
in the iitoninijj sacrifice. Unlike the inert and lifeless symbol,
Christ has jxtwer and virtue in himself to heal the repenting
sinner.

While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something
to do to secure salvation. " Him that cometh to me," says Christ,^
"1 will in no wise cast out."'^ But avc must come, to him; and
when we repent of our sins, we nmst l)elievo that he accepts and
pardons us. Faith is the gift of (u)d, but the ] tower to exercise it
is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul tak'js hold upon the
divine offers of grace and mercy.

Nothing but the righteousness of C!hrist can entitle us to one-
of the blessings of the covenant of grace. There arc many who
have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings, but have
not received them, l)ei'ause they have cherished the idea that
they could do something to make themselves worthy of them.
They have not looked away from self, believing that Jesus is an
all-suflrcient Saviour. We must jiot tiihik that our own merits
will save us; Christ is our only hope of salvation. "For there
is none other name under heaven given among men,' whereby
we must 1)0 saved."*

When we trust God fully, wlien we rely ui)on the merits of
Jesus as a sin-pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the help
that we can desire. Let none look to self, as tliough they had
power to save themselves. Jesus died for us because we were
hel})less to do this. In him is our hope, our justification, our
righteousness. AVhen we see our sinfulness, we should not de-
spond, and fear that we have no Saviour, or that he has no
thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time he is inviting
us to come to him in our helplessness, and l)e saved.

> John 3 : 14, 15. - Rev. 12 : 9. 'John 6 : 3T. * A.ts 4:12.

432

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Many of the Israelites saw no hel]) in tlie remedy whieh
Heaven had appointed. The dead and <lyin<; were all around
them, and tliey knew that, without divine aid, their own fate
was certain; hut they continued to lament their wounds, their
pains, their sure dcatli, until their strenjith was gone, and their
eyes were glazed, -when they might have had instant healing. If
we arc conscious of our needs, we should not devote all our pow-
ers to mourning over them. While we realize our helpless con-
dition without Christ, we are not to yield to discouragement, but
rely upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Look and
live. Jesus has })ledged his word; he will save all who come
unto him. Though millions w'ho need to l>e healed will reject
his offered mercy, not one who trusts in his merits will be left
to perish.

Many are unwilling to accept of Christ until the whole mys-
tery of the plan of salvation shall 1)e made plain to them. They
refuse the look of faith, although they see that thousands have
looked, and have felt the efficacy of looking, to the cross of Christ.
Many wander in the mazes of philosophy, in search of reasons and
evidence which the}'- will never find, while they reject the evidence
which God has been pleased to" give. They refuse to walk in the
light of the Sun of Righteousness, until the reason of its shining
shall be explained. All who persist in this course will fail to
come to a knowledge of the truth. God will never remove every
occasion for doubt. He gives sufficient evidence on which to base
faith, and if this is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness. If
those who were bitten by the serpents had stopi)ed to doubt and
question l)efore they would consent to look, tliey would have per-
ished. It is our duty, first, to look; and the look ot faith, will
l^ive us life.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

THE CONQUEST OF BASH AN.

After passing to the south of Edom, the Israelites turned
northward, and again set their faces toward the promised land.
Their route now lay over a vast, elevated plain, swept by cool,
fresh breezes from the hills. It was a welcome change from the
parched valley through which they had been traveling, and they
jire-i'^ed forward, buoyant and hopeful. Having crossed the brook
Zered, they passed to the east of the land of Moab ; for the com-
marid had been given, " Distress not the Moabites, neither contend
with them :n l)attle; for I will not give thee of their land for a
possession; l)ecause I have given Ar unto the children of Lot."^
And the same direction was repeated concerning the Ammonites,
who were also descendants of Lot.

Still pushing northward, the hosts of Israel soon reached the
(country of the Amorites. This strong and warlike people orig-
inally occupied the southern part of the land of Canaan ; but
increasing in numbers, they crossed the Jordan, made war upon
the Moabites, and gained possession of a portion of their territory.
Hero they had settled, holding undisputed sway over all the land
from the Arnon as far north as the Jabbok. The route to the
Jordan Avhich the Israelites desired to pursue, lay directly through
this territory, and Moses sent a friendly message to Sihon, the Am-
orite king, at his capital : " Let me pass through thy land ; I will
go along by the highway, I will neither turn unto the right hand
nor to the left. Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may
eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink; only I will
pass through on my feet." The answer was a decided refusal;
and all the hosts of the Amorites were summoned to oppose the
j)rogress of the invaders. This formidable army struck terror to
the Israelites, who were poorly prepared for an encounter with
well-armed and well-disciplined forces. So far as skill in warfare

* See Deuterouomy 2.

[433]

4:54

patriahciis and j'hophets.

was concerned, their enemies hud the iidvuntage. To all liniii:ii»
appearance, a speedy end would be made of Israel.

But Moses kept his .uaze fixed upon the cloudy ])illar, and i-ii-
coura<fed the people Avith the thought that the tt)ken of (Jod's
presence was still with them. At the same time he directed them
to do all tint human power could do in prei)arin<^ for war. Their
enemies were eager for hatth^, and confident that they would hlot
out the unprepared Isnolites from the land. But from the Pos-
sessor of all lands the mandate had gone fe. h to the leader of
Israel: "Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river
Arnon. Behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amoritc,
king of Ileshbon, and his land ; l)egin to jhjsscss it, and contend
with him in battle. This day will I begin to put the dread of thee
and the fear of thee U})on the nations that are under the .vhole
heaven, who shall hear rei>ort of thee, and shall tremble, and be in
anguish because of thee."'

Tiicsc nations on the borders of Canaan would have been spared,
had they not stood, in defiance of (iod's word, to oppose the prog-
ress of Israel. The Lord had shown himself to l»e long-sufi'ering,
of great kindness and tender i)ity; even to these heathen i)eoples.
When Abraham was shown in vision that his seed, the children of
Israel, should be strangers in a strange land four hundred years,
the Lord gave him the promise, " In the fourth generation they
shall come hither again; for the ini(]uitv of the Amorites is not
yet lull."' Although the Amorites Avere idolaters, Avhose life
was justly forfeited by their great wickedness, God spared them
four hundred years to give thein unmistakable evidence that he
was the only true (Jod, the Maker of heaven and earth. All his
wonders in bringing Israel from Egy])t were knoAvn to them. Sul-
fieient evidence Avas given: they might have knoAvn the truth, had
they been Avilling to turn from their idolatry and licentiousness.
But they rejected the light, and clung to their idols.

When the Lord brought his people a second time to the borders
of Canaan, additional evidence of his i)OAver Avas granted to those
heathen nations. They saAV that God Avas Avith Israel in the
A'ictory gained over King Arad and the Canaanites, and in the
miracle Avrought to save those Avho Avere perishing from the sting
of the ser{)ents. Although the Israelites had been refused a pas-
sage through the land of Edom, thus being compelled to take the

UU'n. 15 ; Ifi.

THE CONQUEST OF BASIIAN.

4:i;V

lona; and difficult route by the Red Sea, yet in all their journey inns
and enc^anipnients, past the land of Edoni, of Moah an<l Annnon,
they had shown no hostility, and had done no injury to the })eople
or their jiossessions. On reachinjj; the border of the Amorites,
Israel had asked jjennissiou only to travel directly through the
country, }>roniising to observe the same rules that had governed
their intercourse with other nations. "When the Aniorite king
refused this courteous solicitation, and dellantly gathered his hosts
for battle, their cup of iniquity was full, and God would now
exercise his })0wer for thei" ')verthrow.

The Israelites crossed the river Arnon, and advanced upon the
foe. An engagement took place, in which the armies of Israel
were victorious; and following up the advantage gained, they
were soon in possession of the country of the Amorites. It was
the Captain of the Lord's host who vanquished the enemies of his
people; and he would have done tiie sann thirty-eight years
before, had Israel trusted in him.

Filled with hope and courage, the army of Israel eagerly
pressed forward, and, still journeying northward, they soon reached
a country that might well te^^t their courage and their faith in God.
Before them lay the powerful and populous kingdom of Bashan,
<rowded with great stone cities that to this day excite the wonder
of the world, — "threescore cities . . . with high walls, gates,
and bars, besides unwalled towns a great many.'" The houses
were constructed of huge black stones, of such stupendous sizt; as
It) make the buildings absolutely impregnable to any force that
in those times could have been brought against thetn. It was a
country filled with wild caverns, lofty i)reci[)ices, yawning gulfs,
and rocky strongholds. The inhabitants of this land, descendants
from a giant race, were themselves of marvelous size and strength,
and so distinguished for violence and cruelty as to lie the terror of
all surrounding nations; while Og, the king of the country, was
remarkid)le for size and })rowess, even in a nation of giants.

But the cloudy i)illar moved forward, and following its guid-
an(;e the Hebrew hosts advanced to Edrei, where the giant king
'vith his forces, awaited their aj.proach. Og had skillfuFy
c- osen the place of battle. The city of Edrtl was situated upon
the border of a table-land rising abru|)tly from the plain, and
covered with jagged, volcanic rocks. It could be a})proached oidy

iSeo Dt'ut. 8 :1-11. jg

436

PAriilAIiCIIS AND PROPHETS.

by narrow pathways, stoop, and difficult of ascent. In case of
defeat, liis forces could find refuge in that wilderness of rocks
where it would be inii)ossible for strangers to follow them.

Confident of success, the king came forth with an immense
army upon the open plain ; while shouts of defiance were heard
from the table-land above, where might be seen the spears of thou-
sands, eager for the fray. When the Hebrews looked upon the
lofty form of that giant of giants towering above tlio soldiers of
his army; when they saw the hosts that surrounded him, and
beheld the so miingly impregnable fortress, behind Avhich unseen
thousands were entrenched, the hearts of many in Israel (juakod
with fear. But Moses was calm and firm ; the Lord had said con-
cerning the king of Bashan, " Fear him not ; for I will deliver him,
and all his people, and his land, into thy hand ; and thou slialt do
unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the aVmorites, which
dwelt at Heshbon."'

The calm faith of their leader inspired the i)eople with confi-
dence in God. They trusted all tt) his omnipotent arm, and he
did not fail them. Not mighty giants nor walled cities, armed
hosts nor rocky fortresses, could stand before the Captain of the
Lord's host. The Lord led the army ; the Lord discomfited the
enemy ; the Lord contiuorod in behalf of Israel. The giant king
and his army were destroyed; and the Israelites soon took i)os-
session of the whole country. Thus was blotted from the earth
that strange people, who had given themselves \\\) to iniquity and
abominable idolatry.

In the conquest of Gilead and Bashan there were many who
recalled the events which nearly forty years before, had, in Ka-
desh, doomed Israel to the long desert Avandering. They saw that
the report of the spies concerning the promised land was in many
respects correct. The cities were walled and very great, and
were inhabited by giants, in comi)arison with whom the Hebrews
were mere pigmies. But they could now see that the fatal
mistake of their fathers had been in distrusting the i)OWor of
God. This alone had prevented them from at once entering
the goodly land.

When they were at the first preparing to enter Canaan,
the undertaking was attended Avith far less difficulty than noAv.
God had promised his -people that if they Avould obey his voice
he would go before them and fight for them ; and he Avould

1 Deut. 3 : 3.

rilE CONQUKSr OF BASH AN.

437

also send hornets to drivo out the inluibitunts of the hmd. The
fears of the nations had not ])ecn generally aroused, and little
j)reparation had heen made to oppose their ])ro<i;ress. But when
the Lord now hade Israel go forward, they must advance against
alert and powerful foes, and must contend with large and well-
trained armies that had heen preparing to resist their approach.

In their contests with Og and Sihon the peoi)le Avere hrought
to the same test heneath which their fathers had so signally failed.
But the trial was now far more severe then when God had com-
manded Israel to go forward. The difficulties in their way had
greatly increased since they refused to advance when hidden to
do so in the name of the Lord. It is thus that God still tests
his people. And if they fail to endure the trial, lie hrings them
again to the same i)oint, and the second tinie the trial will come
closer, and l)e more severe than the prece<ling. This is continued
until they hear the test, or, if they are still rehellious, God with-
draws his light from them, and leaves them in darkness.

The Hehrews now remembered how once before, when their
forces had gone to battle, they had been routed, and thousands
slain. But they liad then gone in direct opposition to the com-
mand of God. They had gone out without Moses, God's appointed
leader, without the cloudy ]»illar, the symbol of the divine i)res-
ence, and without the ark. But now Moses was with them,
strengthening their hearts with words of ho})e and faith ; the Son
of God, enshrined in the cloudy i)illar, led the way ; and the sacred
ark accompanied the host. This experience has a lesson for us.
The mighty God of Israel is our God. In him we may trust,
and if we obey his requirements he will work for us in as signal
a manner as he did for his ancient people. Every t)ne who seeks
to follow tlie path of duty will at times be assailed by doubt and
unbelief. The way will sometimes be so barred by obstacles, ap-
parently insurmountable, as to disheaiten those who wall yield to
discouragement; but God is saying to such, Go forward. Do your
duty at any cost. The difficulties that seem so formidaV)le, that
fill your soul with dread, will vanish as you move forward in the
path of obedience, humbly trusting in God.

CHAPTER XL

BA1,AAM

■ IlETrriMNf; to the Jordiui from tlu; coiKiurst of IJiislian, tlio
IsnieliU'S, in jjrepiinition for the iiumodiiito invusiou of Caiiaaii,
(.'110111 n J )c;(l beside the river, above its entrance into the Dead Sea,
and just oi)j)osit(^ the plain of Jericho. They wen; upon the very
l)orders of ]\Ioah, and the !Moahites were filled with terror at the
close ])roxiinity of the invaders.

The i)eoi)le of Moah had not heen molested hy Israel, yet they
had watched with troubled forebodings all that had taken place
in the surroundin<^ countries. The Amorites, before whom they
had been forced to retreat, had been comiuered by the Hebrews,
and the territory which the Amorites had wrested from Moab
was now in the ])ossession of Israel. The hosts of liashan had
yielded before the mysterious jjower enshrouded in the cloudy
jnllar, and the "riant stronjiholds were occu))ied by the Hebrews.
The Moabites dared not risk an attack upon them ; an appeal
to arms was hopeless in tace of the supernatural auencies that
wroULdit in their behalf, liut they determined, as Phara(»h had
done, to enlist the power of sorcery t«» counteract the work of
God. They would brinir a curse upon Israel.

The people of Moab were closely connected with the Mid-
ianites, both by the ties of nationality and religion. And Bahik,
the king of Moab, aroused the fears of the kindred i)eople, and
secured their co-o|)eration in his designs auainst Israel, by the
message, "Now sliall this comi)any lick up all that are round
about us, as the ox licketh U]) the grass of the field." ' Balaam,
an inhabitant of Mesopotamia, was reported to possess supernatu-
ral powers, and hijf* fame had reached to the land of Moab. It
was determine<l to call him to their aid. Accordinglv, messengers
of "the elders of Moab and of the elders of ]\[i(lian," were sent to
secure his divinations and enchantments against Israel.

1 Sec NunilHTs 2-3-34.
[438 1

BALAAM.

441

The ambassadors at once set out on their lon^' journey over
tlu! mountains and across the deserts, to Mesopotamia; and uj)on
findin*,' Jialaam, they delivered to him the messa<i(M>f their kin<;:
''IJeliold, there is a people conjc out from E<.'ypt; heboid, they
■cover the I'-m'v, ot" the earth, and they al»ide over a<iainst me.
Come now tiierefore, I ])ray thee, curse nu; this peojtle; for tiiey
are too miji;hty lor me. Peradventure I shall ))revail, that wo
may snnte them, and that I may drive them out of the land;
for I wot that he wliom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom
thou cursest is cursed."

lialaam was once a good man and a ])ro})het of God ; hut he
had apostatized, and had given himself uj) to eovetousness ; yet
he still professed to be a servant of the Most High. He was not
ignorant of God's work in behalf of Israel ; and when the mes-
sengers announced their errand, he well knew-^that it was his
duty to refuse the rewards of Balak, and to disnnss the and)as-
sadors. But he ventured to dally with temptation, and urged
the messengers to tarry with him that night, declaring that he
could give no decided answer till he had asked counsel of the
Lord. Jialaam knew that his curse could not harm Israel. God
was on their side ; and so long as they were true to him, no ad-
verse power of earth or hell could prevail against them. But his
pride was flattered by the words of the ambassadors, " He whom
thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed."
The bribe of (!ostly gifts and prospective exaltation e.xcited his
eovetousness. He greedily accepted the offered treasures, and
then, while professing strict obedience to the will of God, he
tried to comply with the desires of Balak.

In the night season the angel of God came to Balaam, with the
message, " Thou shalt not go with them ; thou shalt not curse the
people; for they are blessed."

In the morning, Balaam reluctantly dismissed the messengers;
but he did not tell them what the Lord had said. Angry that his
visions of gain and honor had been suddenly dis})elled, he jtetu-
lantly exclaimed, "Get you into your land; for the Lord refuseth
to give me leave to go witli you."

]]alaam " loved the wages of unrighteousness." ' The sin of
eovetousness, whicli God declares to be idolatry, had madi; him
.a time-server, and throu<;h this one fault, Satan gained (>ntire

' 1 2 Pete;' 2 : l.-j.

442

/'ATIHAJfCJlS AAJ» I'lionilHTS.

(•(Hitml ol' liiiu. It was this that causcil his niiii. The tfiiipttr
in ever iircscntiii": worldly ;:aiii and honor to <'Mtici' iiicii l"n»m thr
service of (i()(l. ll(f tells tli( 111 it is their ovei'-eonscientiousiH'ss
that keeps tlicMi iVoiii prosjierity. Thus iiiaiiy are imhieetl to
venture out of the |»atli of strict iiite<,'rity. One wroii;,' step
makes th<' next easier, and they hecoine ni<»re and more pre-
sumptuous. They will do and dare most terrihle thinixs when
once they have ^iven themselves to the control of avarice and a
desire for power. .Many Ihdter themselves that they can depart
from strict intejirity for a tinu', for tli(^ sake; of some worldly ad-
\antaLi(', and that havin;j; ;rained their ohject, they can ehani:i'
tlu'ir course when they pUiase. Such an? entau'^liu'j; tliemselvuH
in the snare of Satan, and it is Holdom that they escape.

When the nu'sseu'iers reporti'd to IJalak tlu^ jirophet's refusal
to accompany them, they did not intimatu that (lod had forhiddeii
him. Supposini,' that lialaam's dtday was merely to secure a
richer reward, tlu; kin;; sent princes more in numher and more
honorahle than the lirst, with promises of higher honors, and with
authority to concede to any terms that Balaam ini<flit demand.
Halak's urgent niossajio to the prophet was, " lict nothing, I pray
thee, hinder thee from coming unto lue; for I will j)romote thee
unto very great honor, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto
me. ( 'ome therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people."

A second time Balaam was tested. In responsi; to tlu^ solicita-
tions of the amhas.sadors, he professed great conscientiousness and
integrity, assuring them that no amount of gold and silver could
induce him to go contrary to the will of (rod. But he longed to
comply with the king's request; and although the will of (Jod had
already heen definitely made known to him, lie urged the niesscn-
uers to tarry, that he might further in(|uire of God ; as though the
Infinite One were a man, to he persuaded.

In the night season, the Lord apjieared tt) lialaam, and said,
" If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them ; hut yet
the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do." Thus
far the Lord would permit lialaam to follow his own will, hecause
he was determined upon it. He did not seek to do the will of
(iod, l>ut chose his own course, and then endeavored to secure the
sanction of the Lord.

There are thousands at the present day who are ])ursuing a
similar course. They would have no difficulty in untlerstanding

//.I/..I.I V.

44:t

tlicir ihity if it were in liMriimny witli their incliiiiitioHH. It is
[iliiiuly set lii'loic thrill ill the Uilth', nr is cU'iirly iiidicatcil l>y
(■irciuiistiiiiccs and rcjiHon. Uut ln'causc these evideneen an; et>n-
trary to their (U'sires and inc linatitms, they iVetjUently set them
asi(h', ai' I presume to ;_mi td ( Jod to h'arn their (hity. With vrreat
apparent conscientiousness, they pray Ion;.' and earnestly lor li;.dit.
Hut(iod will not he trilled with. Ileolten permits such persons
ti» follow their (»wn desires, and to sull'er the result. " My people
would not hearken to my voice, . . . So I ;.'ave them up unto
their own hearts' lust; and they walke<l in their own counsels.""
Wiion Olio clearly sees a duty, let him not presume to ;.:(> to ( !od
with the prayer that he may he excused from pertornunir it. lie
should rather, with a humhie, suhmissivi! spirit, ask lor divine
strength and wisdom to meet its claims.

The Moa])ites were a <leji;raded, idolatrous })Cople; yet accord-
ing to the lijiht which they had received, their ^uilt was not so
j^reat in the si^ht of Ifi^aven as was that of Halaam. As he pro-
fessed to he (iod's pro|)het, howi'ver, all he should say would h(^
supposed to he uttered hy divine authority Hence he was not to
he [)erinitted to speak as he chose, hut must dehver the inessa<:i;
which God should j,dve him. "The word which J .shall .say unto
thee, that shalt thou do," was the divine conunand.

Bahiam had received ])ermission to po with the messengers from
Moah, if they came in the morning' to call him. But annoyed at
his dehiy, and expectinji; another refusal, they set out on their
homeward journey without further consultation with him. Every
excuse for complying with the request of I3alak had now heen
removed. But Balaam was determined to secure the reward ; and
takinj]; the heast upon which he was accustomed to ride, he set out
on the journey. lie feared that even now the divine |)ermission
might he withdrawn, and he pressed ca;;erly forward, impatient
lest he should hy some means fail to ,!j;ain the coveti'd reward.

But ''the anjj;el of the Lord stcjod in tlu; way for an adversary
ajfainst him." The animal saw the divine messeniier, who wa.s
unpereeived hy the man, and turn(!d aside from the hiulnvay int(>
a liehh With cruel hlows, ]^alaam hrought the heast hack into
the path; hut ai^ain, in a narrow j)lace shut in hy walls, the an<i<'l
appeared, and the animal, trying to avoid the menacing figure,
crushed her ma.ster's foot against the wall. Balaam was Idinded
to the heavenly interposition, and knew not that (lod was ohstruct-

»Ps. 81 : 11, li.

444

PATIiJAJiClIS AM) PROPHETS.

ing his ])ath. The nuin hecaine oxasperutod, and heating tliv? ass
unmercifully, forced it to jtroceed.

Again, " in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn
either to the right hand or to the left," the angel appeared, as
hefore, in a threatening attitude; and the poor heast, tremhling
with terror, made a lull stop, and fell to the earth under its rider.
Balaam's rage was unhounded, and with his staff he smote th(;
animal more cruelly than hefore. God now ojjened its mouth,
and hy "the dumh ass speaking with man's voice," he " forhado
the madness of the proj)het." ' " What have I done unto thee," it
said, " Muit thou hast smitten me these three times? "

Furious at l:)eing thus hindered in his journey, l^alaam answered
the heast as he would have addressed an intelligent being, — " Be-
cause thou hast mocked me. I would there were a sword in mine
hand, for now would I kill thee." Here was a i)rofessed magician,
on his way to ])ronounce a curse ui)(m a whole people with the
intent to paralyze their strength, while he had not power even to
slay the animal upon which he rode !

The eyes of Balaam were now opened, and he beheld the angel
of God standing with drawn 8»vord ready to slay him. In terror
"he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face." The an-
gel said to him, " AVherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these
three times? lichold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy
way is perverse l>efore me. And the ass saw me, and turned
from me these three times. Unless she had turned from me,
surely now also I hud shun thee, and saved her alive."

Bahiam owed tlie preservation of his life to the i)Oor animal
that he had treated so cruellv. The man who claimed to be a
l)rophet of the Lord, Avho declared that " his eyes were o})en,"
and he sasv "vision of the Almighty." was so blinded by covet-
ousness and ambition, that he could not discern the angel of Gtxl
visible to his beast. "The god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not."^ How manv are thus blinded!
They rush on in forbidden i)aths, transgressing the divine law, and
cannot discern that God and his angels are against them. Like
Balaam they are angry at those who would prevent their ruin.

Balaam had given evidence of the si)irit that controlled him,
by his treatment of his beast. " A righteous man regardeth the
life of his beast; l)ut the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."'
1:.' P.'ter •] : 10. '•^'2 Cor. 4 : 4. ^Vt<j\. 12 : 10.

BALAAM.

445

)v even to

Few realize as thev should the sinfulness of iiltusini' animals or
leaving them to sufler from nejrleet. He who created man made
the lower animals also, and " his tender mercies are over all his
works." ' The animals were created to serve man, hut he has no
right to cause them ])ain by harsh treatment or cruel exaction.

It is because of man's sin that "the whole creation {j;roaneth
and travaileth in ])ain t()<ietiier,"- Suffering and death were thus
entailed, not only ujion the human race, l)ut u^xju the animals.
Surely, then, it he(!omes man to seek to lighten, instead of increas-
ing, the weight of sufl'ering wliich his transgression has brought
ujion God's creatures. He who Avill abuse animals l)ecause he
has them in his i)ower, is both a coward and a trvnt. A dis-
}>osition to cause pain, whether to our fellow-men -r to the brute
creation, is satanic. Many do not realize that their cruelty will
ever l»e known, because the poor dumb animals cannot reveal it.
But could the eyes of these men be oi)ene(l, as were those of
Balaam, they would sec an angel of God standing as a witness, to
testify against them in the courts above. A record goes up to
heaven, and a <lay is coming Avhci\ judgment Avill be ]>ronounced
against those who abuse God's creatures.

When he beheld the messenger of God, Balaam exclaimed in
terror, "I have sinned; fori knew not that thou stoodest in the
way against me. Now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me
l)ack again." Tiie Lord sufllered him to proceed on his journey,
1)Ut gave him to understand that his words should be controlled
by divine power. Ciod would give evidence to Moal» tliat the He-
l)rews were uucUm- the guardianshij) of Heaven; and this he did
eifcctually when lie showed them how ]>owerless I^alaam was even
to utter a curse against them without divine ])ermission.

The king of Moab, being informed of the approach of Balaam,
went out Avith a large retinue to the borders of his kingdom, to
receive him. ^^'hcn he ex[)resscd his astonishment at Balaam's
delay, in vii>w of tlu^ rich rewards awaiting him, the prophet's an-
swer was. "■ Ijo, I am come unto thee; have I row any ])ower at
all to say anything? The word that God putteth in my moutli,
that shall 1 speak." Balaam greatly regretted this restriction; he
feared that his jmrpose could not be carried out, because the
Lord's controlling j)ower was upon him.

W''h great ])omp, tiie king, witii the chief dignitaries of his
'Ps. 14') : 0. "Kdiii. S : 'I'l.

440

PATiilARClIS AM) I'ltOPlIETS.

kiutfdom, escorted Balaam to '"the liijjcli places of liaal," rnnii
which he coukl survey the Ilehrew host. Behold the prophet n-;
he stands upon tlie lofty heit^ht, lookin^^ down over the encamp-
ment of (lod's chos 'n people. Mow little do the Israelites know
of M hat is takiny- place so near them! How little do they know
of the care of (lod, extended over them hy day and Ity ni^ditl
How dull are the percejjtions of God's [)eo[)le! How slow an-
they, in every a<>;e, to comiu'ehend his «:;r(!at love and mercy! If
they could discern the wonderful power of (jod constantly ixerted
in their behalf, wtmld not their hearts he filled with gratitude foi-
his love, and with awe at the thouglit of his majesty and power?

Balaam had some krnvledjie of the sacrificial ofi'erinjis of the
Hebrews, and he hoped that l)y surpassinti them in costly jiilts, he
might secure the blessing of God, and insure the accomplishment
of his sinful projects. Thus the sentiments of tin; idolatrous
Moabites were gaining control of his mind. His wisdom had be-
come foolishness; his spiritual vision was beclouded; he hud
brought blindness upon himself l)y yielding to the [)ower of Satiin.

By Balaam's direction, seven altars were erected, and heofi'ered
a sacrifice U|)on each. He then withdrew to a "high ])lace," to
meet with God, promising to make known to Balak whatever
the Lord should reveal.

With the nobles and i)rincea of Moab, the king stood beside the
sacrifice, while around them gathered the eager nmltitutle, watch-
ing for the return of the ])rophet. He came at last, and the people
waited for the words that should ])aralyze forever that strangi'
power exerted in behalf of the hated Israelites. Balaam said: —

"The king of Moab hath brought lue from Aram,
Out of the mountains of tlie East,
Saying, Come, curse me Jacob,
And come, defy Israel.

How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?
Or how shall I defy, wliom the l.ord hath not deliedv
For from the to]) of tiie rocks I see him,
And from the hills I behold him.
Lo, the people shall dwell alone,
And sliall not l)e reckoned among the nations.
Who can count the dust of Jacob,
And the number of the fourth ])art of Israel?
Let me die the death of the righteous,
And let my iast end be like his!"

BALAA.¥.

447

Halaani confessed tliat lie came with tlie jmrposo of cursin*'
Israel ; Imt the Avonls he iittere<l were directly contrary to the sen-
timents of his heart. He Avas constrained to pronounce j>lessin<fH,
while Ids soul was filled with curses.

As lialaani looked upon the encampment of Israel, he heheld
with astonishment the evidence of their j)rosperity. They had
licen represented to 1dm as a rude, disor<ianized multitude, infest-
ing: the country in rovinj; hands that were a pest and terror to the
surrounding nations; hut their appearance was the revi-rse of all
this. He saw the vast extc;nt and perfect arran<;ement of their
cam]), everything bearin*: the marks of thorouj>h disci])line and
order. lie was shown the favor with which (lod re;rarded Israel,
and their distinctive character as his chosen peo))le. They were
not to stand U|>on a level with other nations, hut to he exalted
ahovo them all. '"The j)eople shall dwell alone, and shall not
lie reckoned amon<: the nations." At the time when these
words were spoken, the Israelites had no ])ermanent settlement,
and their i)eculiar character, their niannei's and customs, were
not familiar to Balaam. But how strikinjily was this i)rophecy
fulfilled in the after-history of Israel ! Throujrh all the years of
their ea])tivity, through ali the ap:es since they were (lis])ersed
among the nations, thoy have remamed a distinct i)eople. So
tJie peo})le of (iod, — the true Israel, — though scattered through-
out all nations, are on earth hut sojourners, whose citizenshi}) is
in heaven.

Not only was lialaam shown the history of the Hebrew people
as a nation, but he beheld the increase and ])rosperity of the true
Israel of God to the close of time. He saw the special favor of
ol' the ISIost High attending those who love and fear him. He
saw them sup])orted by his arm as they enter the dark valley of
the shadow of death. And he beheld them conung forth from
their graves, crowned with glory, honor, and innnortality. He
saw the redeemed rejoicing in the unfading glories of the earth
made new. Gazing upon the scene, he exclaimed, ''Who can
<(tunt the dust of Jacob, and the nund)gr of the fourth ])art oi'
Israel?" And as he saw the crown of glory on every brow, the
joy beaming from every countenance, and looked forward to that
endless life of unalloyed happiness, he uttered the solenm prayer,
'■ TiCt me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be
Hkehis!"

448

PATHIAliCIIH AXn PROPHETS.

If Balaam had had a disposition to accept the light that Goil
had given, he would now have made true his words; he would
at once have severed all connection with ]\Ioab. He would, no
longer have presumed upon the mercy of God, but would have
returned to him with deej) rei)entance. But Balaam loved the
wages of unrighteousness, and these he was determined to secure.

Balak had confidently ex[)ected a curse that would fall like a
withering blight upon Israel ; and iit the words of the prophet he
})assionately exclaimed, "What hast thou done unto me? I took
thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou liast l> essed them
altogether." Balaam, seeking to make a virtue of necessity, i)r<>-
fessed to have spoken from a conscientious regard for the will of
God the words that had '*<>' n forced from his lips by divine power.
His answer was, " Must I iiot take heed to speak that which the
Lord hath put in my mouth ? "

Balak could not even now relinquish his jmrpose. He decided
that the imposing .si)ectac]e presented l)y the vast encampment of
the Hel)rews, had so intimidated Balaam tiiat he dared not prac-
tice his divinations against them. The king determined to take
the prophet to some point where only a small part of the host
might be seen. If Balaam could be induced to curse them in
detached parties, the whole camp would soon 1)0 devoted to
destruction. On the top of an elevation called Pisgah, another
trial was made. Again seven altars were erected, whereon were
placed the same offerings as at the first. The king and his princes
remained by the sacrifices, while lialaam retired to meet with
God. Again the proi)het Avas intrusted with a divine message,
which he t. as powerless to alter or withhold.

When he appeared to the anxious, ex[)ectant company, the
(juestion was put to him, "What hath the Lord spoken?" the
answer, as befor;;, struck terror to the heart of king and princes : —

" Go("i is not a man, that he should lie;
Neither the sou of man, that he should repent.
Hath he said, and shall he not do it?
Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Behold, I have received commandment to bless;
And he hath blessed ; and I cannot reverse it.
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob,
Neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel;
The Lord his God is with him.

And the shout of a King is among them."

BALAAM.

44J>

Awed by these revelations, Balaam exclaimed, *' Surely there
is no enchantment against Jacol), neither is there any divination
against Israel." The great magician had tried his power of en-
chantment, in accordiince with the desire of the Moabites; but
concerning this very occasion it should be said of Israel, " What
hath God wrought!" While they were under the divine protec-
tion, no i)eople or nation, though aided by all the; ]»ower of Satan,
should be able to prevail against tliem. All the world should
wonder at the marvelous work of (Jod in behalf of his peo[»le, —
that a man determined to pursue a sinful course, should be so
controlled by 'divine power as to utter, instead of imprecations, the
richest and most precious promises, in tlie language of sublime
and impassioned poetry. ^ .\d the favor of God at this time
manifested toward Israel, was to be an assurance of his protecting
care for his obedient, faithful children in all ages. When Satan
should inspire evil men to misrepresent, harass, and d(3stroy God's
people, this very occurrence would l^e brought to their remem-
brance, and would strengthen their courage and their faith in God.

The king of Moab, disheartened and distressed, exclaimed,
" Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all." Yet a faint
hope still lingered in his heart, and he determined t(j make
another trial. He now conducted Balaam to Mount Peor, where
was a temple devoted to the licentious worshi}> (^f Baal, their god.
Here the same number of altars were erected a.s before, and the
same number of sacrifices were offered; but Balaam went not
alone, as at other times, to learn God's will. He made no })retense
of sorcery, but standing beside the altars, he looked abroad upon
the tents of Israel. Again the Spirit of God rested upon him,
and the divine message came from his lips : —

"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob,

And thy tabernacles, O Israel!

As the valleys are they spread forth, as jjjardens by the rivers side.

As the trees of lign-aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar-trees

beside *he waters.
He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in numy

waters,
And his King shall be higher than Ayag, and his i<ingdom shall be

exalted. . .

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion. Who shall stir

him up?
Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee."

450

I'ATJi'/Ah'dfS AM) ]>I{(H'IIHTS.

Tlu; in'ospcrity of (iod's |)C'o|)lc in hero n'i)R'S('nto<l Ity souk; of
the most Ix'autiliil fiiiurcM to l»o found in n.ituro. Tlio jtroplict
likens Isnu'l to fcrtih! valleys covered with ahundant harvests; to
llourishinjj: gardens watered l)y never-failinjz; s|)rin;j;s; to the I'ra-
^rant sandal-tree and the stately cedar. The figure last mentioned
is one of the most strikin;j,ly heautiful and a|)|)ro})riato to ]>e found
in the inspired word. The cedar of Lebanon was honored by all
the ]>eo])le of the East. The class of trees to which it belongs is
ibund wherever man has gon(>, throu;j;h()Ut the earth. From the
arctic reirions to tiie tropic zone they flourisli, rejoicing in the
heat, yet bravinj^ the cold; sprinuini? in rich luxuriance l)y the
river-side, yet towerin;^ aloft upon the i)arched and thirsty waste.
They ])lant tiieir roots deep amonu; the rocks of the mountains,
and boldly stand in defiance of the tempest. Their leaves are
Iresb and «freen when all else has perished at the breath of winter.
Above all other trees, the cedar of Lebanon is distinjruished for its
strenfitb, its firmness, its undecayin*!; vi<ror; and tliis is used as a
symbol of those whose life is " hid with Christ in God."' Saj'^sthe
Hcripture, " The righteous . . . shall grow like a cedar." '^ The di-
vine hand has exalted the cedar as king over the forest. " The fir-
trees were not like his boughs, aiid the cliestnut trees were not like
his branches, nor any tree in the garden of (iod."'' The cedar is
repeatedly employed as an end)lem of royalty, and its use in
Scripture to represent the righteous, shows how Heaven regards
those who do the will of (iod.

Balaam pro])hesied that Israel's king would be greater and
more powerful than Agag. This was the name given to the kings
of the Amalekites, who Avero at this time a very powerful nation;
l)ut Israel, if true to (rod, would subdue all her enemies. The
King of Israel was the Son of (lod ; and his throne was one day
to b(^ establishetl in the earth, and his power to be exalted above
all earthly kingdoms.

As he listened to the ])rophet's words, Balak was* overwhelmed
with disappointed hope, with fear and rage. He was indignant
that Balaam could have given liim the least encouragement of a
favorable response, when everything was determined against Iiim.
lie regarded with scorn the prophet's compromising, decej)tive
course. The king exclaimed fiercely, " Therefore now flee thou to
thy place. I thought to promote thee unto great honor; but, lo,
t Col. :?::<. 8Ps. 02:1:3. ^E/c. 31 : 8.

nALAA.V.

4:) I

tlic Tionl liatli kt'jit tlu'o Imck from lionor." Tlic answer was tliat
tlic kinj.^ had 1)C('U forewarned that Balaam eould .speuk only tiio
messa^'e jj;iven him from (lod.

Before returning to his ])CO])le, Balaam uttered a most heautiful
and sul)lime ])rophery of the world's Redeemer, and the final do-
struction of the enemies of God : —

" I shall SCO Ilim, but not now. I shall l)ohol(l him, hut not niu,h.
There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sce|)ter shall ris(! out of Isf icl.
And shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Shcth."

And ho closed by predicting the comi)leto de.struction of Moah
and Edom, of Amalek and the Kenites, thus leaving to the Mo-
ahitish kmg no ray of hope.

Disap|)()inted in his hoi)es of wealth and ])romotion, in disfavor
with the king, and conscious that he had inctirred the dis}>U'asure
of God, Balaam returned from his self-chosen mission. After he
had reached his liome, the controlling power of the Spirit of (iod
left him, and his covetousness, which had been merely held in
check, ])revailed. He was ready to resort to any means to gain
the reward promised by Balak. Balaam knew that the ]»rosperity
of Israel dei)ended upon their obedience to God, and tliat there
was no way to cause their overtlirow but l)y seducing them into
sin. Ho now decided to secure Balak's favor by advising the
Moabites of the course to be ])ursued to bring a curse upon Israel.

Ho immediately returned to the land of ]\[oab, and laid his
plans before tlio kintr. The ]N[oabites themselves were convinced
that so long as Israel remained true to God, he would bo their
shield. The plan i)roposed by Balaam Avas to separate them from
(lod bv enticing them into idolatrv. If thcv could bo led to en-
gage in the licentious worship ot Baal and Aslitaroth, their omnip-
otent Protector would become their enemy, and they would soon
fall a prey to the fierce. Avarlike nations around them. This ]>lan
was readily accepted by tlio king, and Balaam himself remained
to assist in carrying it into effect.

Balaam witnessed tlie success of his diabolical scheme. He
saw the curse of God visittMl u])()n his ])eople, and thousands fall-
ing under his judgments; but tlie divine justice that punished sin
in Israel, did not permit the tempters to escape. In tlie war of
Israel against the Midianites, Balaam was slain. He had felt a
l)resentiment that his own end was near Avhen he exclaimed, " Let

2*)

452

PAriHARCIlS AND PIIOPIIETS.

ii'.o (lie tlio death of tho ri<j;ht('()Us, and let uiy last end he likt- his."
But lie liad not chosuii to live tho lilb of the righteous, and his
destiny was fixed with the enemies of God.

The fate of Bahiani was .similar to that of Judas, and their
characters hear a marked resem])lance to each otlujr. Both these
men tried to unite tho Horvico of God and mannnon, and met
with si.^nal failure. Balaam acknowled<j;ed tho true (iod, and
])rofess('d to serve him; Judas helieved in Jesus as tho ]\ressiah,
and united with his followers. Jiut ])ahiam hoi)od to make the
service of T''hovah the stei)[)inu;-stono to tho acquirement oi' riches
and world!, hui .■ ; and failing in this ho stumhled, and fell, and
was hrok(!n Tudi.s "xpectod l)y his connection with Christ to
secure wealth and ^ .omotion in that worldly kingdom Avhich,
as he helieved, tho jVIessiah was ahout to set up. The failure
of his liopes drove him to apostasy and ruin. Both Balaam and
Judas had received great light and enjoyed si)ecial privileges; hut
a single cherished sin poisoned tho entire character, and caused
their destruction.

It is a perilous thing to allow an unchristian trait to live in the
heart. One cherished sin will, little hy little, del)aso tho character,
l)ringing all its nohler i)owcrs into suhjoction to tho evil desire.
The removal of one safe-guard from tho conscience, the indulgence
of one evil hahit, one neglect of tho high claims of duty, breaks
down the d(;fcnses of the soul, and opens the way for Satan to
come in and lead us astray. Tiio only safe course is to let our
prayers go forth daily from a sincere heart, as did David, " Hold
up my goings in Thy i)aths, that my footsteps slip not." '

iPs. 17 : 5.

CHAPTER XLI.

APOSTASY AT THI-: JORDAN.

With joyful licurts and ivncwod Ikith in God, tlio victorious
arniic'S of Israel luid rcturuud from Basliaii, They had already
gained possession of a valuahlo territory, and they were confident
of the innncdiate coiKjuest of Canaan. Onl' tlie river Jordan lay
between them and the promised land. Just ler s the river was a
rich ])lain, covered with verdure, watered v'th Kh jams from coj)!-
ous fountains, and shaded l)y luxuriant pal/n-trees. On the west-
ern border of the plain rosi; the towers and i)alaces of Jericho, so
embosomed in its palm-tree groves that it was called "the city of
{)alm-trees."

On the eastern side of Jordan, between the riv(;r and the high
tal)le-lan(l which they had been traversing, was also a plain,
several miles in width, and extending some distance along tlie
river. This sheltered valley had the climate of the tro})ics; here
flourished the shittim, or acacia tree, giving to the plain the name,
"Vale of Shittim." It was here tliat the Israelites encamped, iind
in the acacia groves by the river-side they found an agreeable
retreat.

But amid these attractive surroundings they were to encounter
an evil more deadly than mighty hosts of armed men or the wild
beasts of the wilderness. That country, so rich in natural advan-
tages, had been defiled by the inhabitants. In the i)ublic Avorship
of Baal, the leading deity, the most degrading and ini(^uitous
scenes were constantly enacted. On every side were places noted
for idolatry and licentiousness, the very names being suggestive of
the vileness and corruption of the people.

These surroundings exerted a polluting influence upon the
Israelites. Their minds became familiar with the vile thoughts
constantly suggested ; their life of ease and inaction produced its
demoralizing effect; and almost unconsciously to thems(^lves, they

[453]

4r>4

/'A TIN Aliens Axn Pitoriiirrs.

were (l('|»iirtin}4 I'nuii (lod, and coMiinj^ into ii condition wlicrc they
would I'idl iin t'iisy prcv to temptation.

Durin;.' tlm tiinc of tlicir uncanipnient 1)osid(( Jordan, Moses
was i)rcparin;j; lor tlie oceujjation of Canaan. In this Avork the
great leader was fully employed ; hut to tluj |teople this time of
sus|)ense and expeetation was most trying', and h(!lor(! many Aveeks
had ela|»sed, their history was marred hy toe mo.st fri«:htful de-
l)artures I'rom virtue and integrity.

At first there was little intercourse hetween the Israelites and
their heathen nei<j;hl)ors ; hut after a time ]\Iidianitish women
))e,iian to steal into the camp. Their appearance excited no alarm,
and so (luietly were their plans conducted that the attention of
Moses was not called to the matter. It was the ohject of these
wonii'n, in their association with the Hehrews, to sedu'ce them into
transgression of the law of (iod, to draw their attention to heathen
rites and customs, and lead them into idolatry. These motives
were studiously concealed under the garh of i'riendship, so that
they were not .susj)ected, civen hy the guardians of the people.

At Balaam's suggestion, a grand festival in lionor of their gods
Avas appointed hy the king of ]\h)al), and it was secretly arranged
that Jialaam should induce the Israelites to attend. lie was
regarded hy them as a prophet of (lod, and hence had little
difliculty in accomplishing his pur})0se. (Jreat luimhers of the
l)eoi)le joined him in witnessing the festivities. They ventured
ui)on the forhidden ground, and were entangled in the snare of
Satan. Beguiled with music and dancing, and allured hy the
heauty of heathen yestals, they cast off their fealty to Jehovah.
As they united in mirth and feasting, indulgence in Avine l)e-
olouded their senses, and hroke down the harriers of self-control.
Passion had full sway; and having defiled their consciences hy
leAvdness, they Avere jx'rsuaded to ])ow down to idols. They
offered sacrifice U})on heathen altars, and i)articipated in the most
degrading rites.

It Avas not long hefore the poison had s])read, like a deadly
infection, through the camp of Israel. Those Avho Avould have
con(|Ucred their enemies in hattle, Avere overcome hy the Aviles of
heathen Avonien. The ])eoi)le seemed to he infatuated. The
rulers and the leading men Avere among the first to transgress, and
so many of the people Avere guilty that the ajjostasy ])ecame
national. " Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor." ' AMien Moses

' Sco Numbers 2h.

AroSTA^SV A T Tllh: .KHIDAN.

\'\'*

WiiH iirousi'd ti) |)i'rcL'ivo the evil, tlio i)l()t.s ^f* their enemies had
heen ho .siicfcssl'ul that not only were th(! Israelites i»artiei|tatin;i
in the licentious worsJii|) at Mount I'eor, hut the heathen riti'S
were coniinji to hcs ohservecl in the camp of Israel. Tin; uj^ed
leader was Idled with indijrnation, and the wrath of (iod was
kindled.

Their iniifuitous practices did that for Israel which all the
enchantments (»f Ualaani eouhl not do — they separated them
from (jod. Wy s\vitt-comin<; jud«rnients tlu^ people were awakened
to the enortnity of their sin. A terrihle ix'stilence hroke out in
the eani]), to which tens of thousands speedily fell a pny. (Iod
commanded that the leaders in this apostasy he put to death hy
the majiistratcs. This order was promptly oheyed. The offenders
Avero slain, then their hodies were hunj; uj) in si<iht of all Israel,
that the con^M'ejxation, seeintr the leaders so severely dealt with,
miuht have a deep sense of (iod's ahhorrence of their sin, and the
terror of his wrath a^^ainst them.

All felt that the j)unishment was just, and the ])Cople hastened
to the tahernacle, and with tears and ^leep humiliation confessed
their sin. While they were thus weeping hefore (Jod, at the door
of the tahernacle, while the pla;:;ue was still doin<f its work of
death, and the ma^jistrates were exeeutin<i; their terrihle commis-
sion, Zinu'i, one of the nohles of Israel, came holdly into the camp,
accom})anied h}^ a Midianitish harlot, a princess "of a chief house
in Midian," whom he escorted to his tent. Never was vice holder
or more stuhhorn. Inllamed with wine, Zimri " declared his sin
as Sodom," and gloried in Ins shame. The ])riests and leaders
had prostrated themselves in grief and humiliation, weeping " he-
tween the porch and the altar," and entreating the Lord to spare
his people, and give not his heritage to reproach, when this i)rince
in Israel flaunted his sin in the sight of the congregation, as if to
defy the vengeance of (iod and mock the judges of the nation.
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the high priest, rose up from among
the congregation, and seizing a javelin, "he went after the man of
Israel into the tent," and slew them hoth. Thus the plague was
stayed, while the priest who had executed the divine judgment
was honored hefore all Israel, and the priesthood waa confirmed to
him and to his house forever.

Phinehas "hath turned my wrath away from the children of
Israel," was the divine message ; '" wherefore say, Behold, I give

450

PATlilAlidllS AM) I'liOl'lIiriS.

unto him my covcnjiut of |)caco. Aiul lie sliiill liiiv<' it, ami lii.s
scj'd after him, even the covenant of an everlasting' |»i'iesthoo(l ;
heeaiise lie was zeal(»ns for his (lod, and maile an atoneme'it for
the eiiil(h-en ol' Israel."

Th(( jiidjiments visited u|)on Israel for their sin at Shittim,
destroycfl the survivors (»f \\\ni vast company, who, nearly forty
years hefore, liad incurred the sentence, "They shall surely die in
the wilderness." The numherinir of tho ])eo|»le hy diviiu; direction,
during their encampment on tho plains of .Tordiin, showed that
"of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest nundxred, when they
nund)ered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai, . . .
then; was not left a man of them, huvu Caleh the son of Jui)hunneh,
and Joshua the son of Nun."'

(Jod liad sent jud;!;ments upon Israel for yieldinj,' to the entice-
ments of the Midianite.s; hut the tempters were not to escape the
wrath of divine justice. The Amalekites, who had attacked Israel
at Hephidim, fallin;^ upon those; who were faint and weary hehind
the host, were not punished till Ion*:; after; l)ut the Midianites,
who seduced them into sin, were Hpeedily made to feel (Jod's
judjfments, as heinjj; the; more (lan<:;en)us enendes. " Avenge the
children of Israel of the Midianites,"'Mvas the conuuand of (lod
to INIoses; "afterward shalt thou l)o j^athered unto thy i)eoplo."
This mandate was innnediately ol)eyed. One thousand men were
chosen from each of the trihes, and sent out under the leadershi[) of
Phinehas. " AwA they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord
conr Handed JMoses. . . . And they slew tho kin^s of Midian, he-
side the rest of them that were slain ; . . . five kinus of JNlidian;
Balaam also tho son of Beor they slew Avith the sword." The
women also, who had heen made cai)tives hy tho attacking army,
were put to death at the command of INIosos, as the mo.st <i;uilty
and most dan,trerous of the foes of Israel.

Such was tho end of them that devised mischief against God's
peo])le. Says the psahnist : "The heathen are sunk down in the
pit that they made; in the net Avhich they hid is their own foot
taken."" " For tho Lord will not cast off his people, neither will
he forsake his inheritance. But judgment shall return unto right-
eousness." When inen " g.ither themselves together against the
soul of the righteous," the Lord " shall In'ing u])on them their own
iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own Avickedness."*

iNuni. 26 : (U, fiS. ^g^e Numbers 31.

Ps. 9 : 15. *Ps. 94 : 14, 15, 21, 23.

ArosTAsy AT rill': .ion pan.

45;

When Haliiam wan ciillcd t<> curMc? tlii) IlcbrrWH, lio couM not,
by all IiIh cnihantmcnt^*, \m\\\i evil upon tlifni ; lor tlio Lord " had
not Ix'lu'ld ini(|uity in .Ia('<)l>, neither had h(( seen iterviTHcncsM in
iHrael.'" Hut when throu^di yieldin;; to temptation they tran.s-
jiressed (lod'H law, their (h'fense (U'parti'd I'roin them. When tiiu
peopU; of (lod an; I'aithl'nl to his commaiKhnents, "there is no
enchantment au'iunst .laeoh, neither is there any divination a^rainst
Israel." llenetj all the power and wily arts of Satan are exerted
to Heduco them into sin. 1 f thoso who profess to he the deposi-
taricH of (lod's law, heeonn! trans^rressors of its |)reeepts, they
Hcparato themselves from (lod, and they will he nnal»l(! to stand
hefore their enemies.

The Israelites, who eould not l>e overcome Ity the arms or hy
the enchantments of Midian, fell a prey to her harlots. Such is
the i)ow('r that woman, enlisted in the si'rvice of Satan, has ex-
erted to entrap and destroy souls. " Sho liath cast down many
wounded; yea, many strong men have heen Hlain hy her."' It
vvjis thus that the children of Seth were seduced from their in-
te<;rity, and the holy seed became corrupt. Jt was thus that
.Joseph was tempted. Thus Samson hi-trayed ids stren;^'th, tlu;
(Uifense of Israel, into the hands of the I'hilistines. Here Daviil
stund)led. And Solomon, the wisest of kin^s, who had thrice
heen called the beloved of his (Jod, became a slave; of passion, and
sacrificed his intejj;rity t(j the same bewitchinj; jtower.

" Now all these tbiuirs happened unto them for ensam])les ; and
they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of
the world are come. When'fore let him tbatthinketh he stand-
eth, take heed lest he fall."' Satan well knows tlu; material
with which he has to deal in the human heart. He knows —
for ho has studied with fiendish intensity for thousands of years
— the i)oints most easily assailed in every character; and throu^ib
■HUccessive generations he has wroujiht to overthrow the stronj!;-
ei4. men, ])rinces in Israel, by the same temptations that were
so successful at Baal-peor. All along through the ages there are
strewn wrecks of character that have been stranded upon the
rocks of sensual indulgence. As we approach the close of time,
as the pco^de of God stand ui)on the bord(>rs of the heavenly
Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his eflorts to p' cnt
them from entering the goodly land. He lays his snares for ory
soul. It is not the ignorant and uncultured merely that need to

»Num. 23 : 21, 23. ^Prov. 7 : 20. '* 1 Cor. 10 : 11, 12.

458

PA TR Linens A^n pnornrjrs.

be guarded; ho will ])ro]iarc hi.s temptations for those in the
liifrhest positions, in tlio most holy oilieo; if he can lead the?n to
pollute their souls, he can throuuh them destroy many. And he
emi)loys the same agents now as he emi)loyed three thousand
years ago. ]iy Avorldly friendships, hy the charms of beauty, by
pleasure-seeking, mirth, feasting, or the wiue-cu}), he tempts to the
violation of the seventh comma. .dment.

Satan seduced Israel into licentiousness before leading them to
idolatry. Those who will dishonor Clod's ima; e and delile his
tem]>le in their own persons will not scruple at any dishonor to
God that Avill gratify the desire of their dei)rave(l hearts. Sensual
indulgence weakens the mind and debases the soul. The moral
and intellectual powers are benumbed and i)aralyzed by the grati-
fication of the animal propensities; and it is impossible for the
slave of passion to realize tlie sacred obligation of the law of (Jod,
to appreciate the atonement, or t;) })lace a right value upon the
soul. Goodness, j)urity, and truth, reverence for God, and love for
sacred things, — all those holy affections and noble desires that
link men with the heavenly world, — are consumed in the fires of
lust. The soul becomes a l)la('kened and desolate waste, the
habitation of evil si)irits, and ''the cage of every unclean and
hate'.'ul bird." IJeings formed in the image of God are dragged
down to a- level with tlje brutes.

It was by associating with idolaters and joining in their festivi-
ties that the IIel)rews were led to transgress Clod's hnv, and l)ring
his judgments uj)on the nation. So now it is by leading the
followers of Christ to associate with the ungodly and unite in
their amusements, that Satan is most successful in alluring them
into sin. " Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith
the Lord, and touch not the unclean." • God re({uires of his
people now as great a distinction from the world, in customs,
habits, and ])rinciplcs, as he required of Israel anciently. If th<'y
faithfully follow the teachings of his word, this distinction will
exist ; it cannot be otherwise. The warnings given to the Iiel)rews
against assimilating with the heathen were not more direct or
explicit than are those forljidding Christians to conform to the
spirit and customs of the ungodly. Christ sjieaks to us, "Love
not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." " Tiie
friendship of the world is enmity with God; whosoever therefore

12 Cor. ; 1".

APOSTASY AT THE JORDAX

4:)!>

will 1)0 .1 friend of the world is the enemy of (Jod.'" The follow-
ers of Christ are to separate themselves from sinners, ehoosini:;
their society only when there is opportunity to do them p)od.
We cannot he too decided in shunning the ciMupany of those Avho
exert an influence to draw us away from (iod. \\'hile we pray,
"Lead us not into temptation," Ave are to shun temptation, so far
as })ossihle.

It was Avhen the Israelites were in a condition of outward ease
and security that they weie led into sin. They failed to kee]» (iod
ever hefore them, tiiey neglected j)rayer, and cherishecl a. spirit of
self-confidence. Ease and self-indulgence left the citadel of the
soul unguarded, and dehasing thoughts found entrance. It was
the traitors within the Widls that overthrew the stnjngholds of
])rincii)lo and hetrayed Israel into the power of Hatan. It is thus
that Patau still seeks to compass the ruin of the soul. A long
preparatory })rocess, unknown to the Avorld, goes on in tlic heart
hefore the Christian connnits o])eu sin. The mind does not come
down at once from jmrity and liolincss to dei)ravity, corrui)ti()n,
and crime. It takes time; to degrade those formed in the image of
God to the hrutal or the Satanic. By heholding, we hecome
chantied. l^y the induluence of imijure thoU'/hts, man can so
educate his mind that sin which he once loathed Avill l»ecome
pleasant to him.

Satan is using every means to make crinu; and dehasing vice
po])ular. We Ciinnot walk the streets of our cities without en-
countering flaring notices of crime prest'uted in some novel, or to
he acted at some theater. Tluj mind is educated to familiarity
with sin. The course pursued hy the hase and vile is kept hefore
the peoi)le in the periodicals of the day, and everything that can
excite ])assion is hrought hefore them in exciting stories. They
hear and read so much of dehasing crime, that the once tender
conscience, which Avould have recoiled with horror from such
scenes, l)ecomcs hardened, and they dwell upon these things with
greedy interest.

Many of the amusements popular in the world to-day, even
with those who claini to he Christians, tend to the same end as did
those of the heathen. There are indi'cd few among them that
Satan docs not turn to account in (U'stroying souls. Through
the drama he lias worked for ages to excite passion and glorify
vice. The opera, with its fascinating disiday and hewildering

1 1 John 2 : 15 ; Jauu's -i : 4.

4 do

PA Tin Aliens AM) PliOI'IIKTS.

music, tlio inas((iu'rii(l(', tlic dance, tin; cjird-taMo, Satan employs
to break down the barriers of })rinciple, and open t!ie door to
•sensual indulgence. In every <fatliering for i)leasure where pride
is fostered or a])i)etite indulged, Avhere one is led to forget God and
lose sight of eternal interef^ts, there Satan is binding his chains
about the soul.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence," is the counsel of the wise
man; "for out of it are the issues of life." As man "think(,'th in
his heart, so is he."' The heart must l)e rencAved by divine grace,
or it Avill be in vain to seek for ])urity of life. He avIio attempts
to build uj) a nolde, virtuous character independent of the grace
of Christ, is building his house upon the shifting sand. In the
fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown. David's
prayer should be the j)etition of every soul : " Create in me a clean
heart, (lod; and rencAV a right s])irit within me."'^ And having
become partakers of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto i)erfec-
tion, l)eing "kept by the power of (rod, through faith."''

Yet we have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who
would not fall a i)rey to Satan's devices must guard Avell the
avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing
that which Avill suggest imi)Ure thoughts. The mind should not
be left to Avander at random U])on every subject that the adversary
of souls may suggest. " (iirding U)) the loins of your mind," says
the ajiostle Peter, "l»e sober, . . . not fashioning yourselves ac-
cording to your former lusts in your ignorance; but like as He
Avliich calli'd you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner
of living."' Says Paul, " ^\'llatsoever things arc true, Avhatsoever
things are honest, Avhatsoever things are just, Avhatsoever things
are pure, Avhatsoever things are lovely, Avhatsoever things are of
good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things."'^ This Avill require earnest i)rayer and
unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided l)y the abiding influ-
ence of the Holy Si)irit, Avliich Avill attract the mind ujjAvard, and
habituate it to (hvell on pure and holy things. And Ave nmst give
diligent study to the Avord of (}o(l. " WhereAvithal shall a young
man cleanse hisAvay? By taking heed thereto according to thy
AVord." "Thy AVord," says the ])salmist, "have I hid in mine
heart, that I might not sin against thee."*

iProv. 4 : 2:5; 23 : 7.

*1 IVt.'i- 1 ; 13-15, Key. Vct.

~Ps. .'il : 10.
n'hil. 4 : 8.

3 1 W'ivY 1 : .5.
«Ps. 119 :9, 11.

APOSTASY AT THE JORDAN.

461

iHruel's sin at Bcth-peor brouulit tlio ju(l,i,nucnts of God upon
the nation, and thouj^h tlie same; sins may not now \)v jjunislu'd as
sijeedily, they will as surely meet retribution. " If any man defile
the temple of God, him shall God destroy."' Nature has aflixed
terrible penalties to these erimes. — penalties which, sooner or
later, will he inflicted ui)on every transgressor. It is these sins
more than any other that have caused the fearful deiieneracy
of our race, and the weight of disease and misery witli wliich the
Avorld is cursed. Men may succeed in concealinjf their trans-
gression from their fellow-men, Imt they will \\o less surely
reaj) the result, in suffering, disease, imbecility, or death. And
beyond this life stands the tribunal of the Judgment, with its
award of eternal penalties. " Tluy which do such things shall
not inherit tlu; kingdom of God," but witli Satan and evil angels
shall have their part in that ''lake of fire" Avhich "is the
second death."'

" The lips of a strange woman drop as a honey-comb, and

her mouth is smoother than oil; but her end is hitter as wofm-

wood, sharp as a two-edged sword." " Remove thy way far from

her, and como not nigh the door of her house ; lest thou give thine

honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel : lest strangers

be filled with thy wealth ; and thy la])ors be in the house of a

stranger; and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy

body are consumed." "Her house inclineth unto death." " None

that ; o unto her return again." " Her guests are in the dei)ths of

hell."^

U Cor. 3 : ir. "Gal. ;'. : '21 ; Rev. 20 : 14.

3Prov. .'S : 3, 4, 8-11 ; 2 ; 18, 19 •, 9 : 18.

i^i I

■?*!

CHAPTER XLII.

THE LAW REPEATED.

Tin-: Eonl announced to ^Toscs that the appointed time for the
possession of Canaan avus at hand ; and as the aged prophet stood
ui)on th(! lieitrhts overlookini^ the river Jordan and the i)roniised
land, lie <iazed "with dee[) interest upon the inheritance of liis i)eo-
ple. A\'ould it ho possil)le that the sentence pronounced against
him for his sin at Kadesli miglit 1)e revoked? With dee]) earnest-
ness he ])leaded, "O Lord (Jod, thou liast hegun to sliow thy
servant tliy greatness, and tliy mighty hand; for whrt god is
there in lieaven or in eartli, tliat can do according to t!iy Avorks,
and according to thy niiglit? I |)ray thee, let me go over, and see
the good land that is heyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and
Lehanon." '

The answer was, "Let it suffice tlie(>; s])eak no nore unto mo
of tliis matter, (iet thee up into the top of Pisgali, and lift up
thine eyes westward, and northward, and soutliward, and east-
ward, and Itehold it with thiii< c^'cs; for tliou shalt not go over
this .Tonhni."'

^\'ithout a nuirmur, ]\Ioses submitted to the decree of God.
And now his great anxiety was lor Lsrael. ^\'llo would feel the
interest for th'jir welfare that he had fi'lt? From a full heart he
poured forth the ])rayer, " Let the Lord, tlie (Jod of the S[)irits of
all ilesh, set a man over the congregation, which may go out
hefore them, and which may go in hefore them, and Avhicli may
lead them out, and which may hring them in; that the congrega-
tion of the Lord he not as sheep Avhich have no slie|)herd "'"

The Lord hearkened to the ]»rayer of his servant; and the
answer came, " Take thee Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom
is the Spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; and set him l)efore
Elcazar the ])riest, and hefore all the congregation; and give him
a. charge in their sight. And thou shalt i)ut some of thine honor
'DfMit. 3 : 24-27. 'Niun. 27 : l()-23.

[4fi.;)

■'^#*t .-

THE LAW REPEATED.

4(!S

u|)()n liiin, tliat all tlic c m'^rL^atioii of the iico])lt' onsiacl may ]»o
obedient." J(<slma had long attended Moses; and heinu' a man of
wisdom, ahilitv, and faith, he was chosen to suceeetl him.

Throuirli the layinji; on of hands l>y iSIoses, accompanied l»y a
most impressive charjie, Joshua was solennily set apart as th.e
leader of Israel, He was also admitted to a ])rescnt share in the
government. Tlie words of the Lord concerning .Joshua came
tlirough Moses to the congregation, " lie shall stand 1)efore I'^lcazar
the priest, who shall ask counsel for him, after the judgment of
Trim before the Lord. At his word shall they go out, and at hi.s
word they shall come in, l)oth he, and all the children of Israel
with him, even all the congregation."

Before relinquishing his ])osition as the visible leader of Israel,
Closes wa.s directed to rehearse to them the history of their deliv-
erance from Egyi)t and their journeyings in the wildcnu'ss, and
also to recapitulate the law spoken from Sinai. \\'hen the law
was given, but few of the present congregation were old enough to
comprehend the awful solenmity of tlie occasion. As they were
soon to ])ass over Jordan and take possession of the promised
land, God would present before them the claims of his law, and
enjoin upon them obedience as the condition of prosperity.

Closes stood before the peoi)le to rei)eat his last warnings
and admonitions. His face was illumined with a holy light. His
hail" was white with age; but his form was erect, his countevi. nee
exi)iessed the unabated vigor of health, and his eye was clear ;;rd
undinmied. It was an im})ortant occasion, and with deep ic"'';.g
he portrayed the love and mercy of their Almighty I'rotectv- : —

"Ask now of the days that are i)ast, V\'hich were belbre thoe,
since the day that Ciod created man \\\)on the earth, and ask from
the one side of heaven unto the other, whciher there hath I" en
any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?
Did ever ])e:)iil(> hear tlu' voice of (Jod 8])eaking out of the midst
of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? or hath (!od assayed to
go and take him a nation from the midst of anothi'r nation, by
temptations, by signs, and by Avonders, and by war, and l)y a
mighty hand, and by a stretched-out arm, and l,)y great terrors,
according to all that the Lord your Ciod did for you in Egy))t
before your eyes? L'nto thee it was showed, that thou mightest
know that the Lord he is God ; there is none else beside him." '

1 Di'iit. -! : :;:2-:ir..

m^
m

40-1-

PATRIARCHS AND PRO I'll KTS.

"The Lord did not set liis love upon you, nor oliooso yon,
because ye were more in number tluin any people; lor ye were
the. fewest of all i)e()])le: ])ut because tbe Tiord loved you. and
because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your
fathers, hath the Lord brou<z;ht you out with a nii«>hty hand, and
redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of
Pharaoh kinji; of Eizypt. Know therefore that Jehovah thy (Jod
he is (Jod, the faithful (Jod, which keepeth covenant and mercy
with them that bn'e him and keep his commandments to a
thousand generations." ^

Tlie people of Lsrael had been ready to ascribe their troubkv<
to Moses; but now their suspicions that lie was controlled by
pride, ambition, or sellishness, were removed, and they listened
with confidence to his words. Moses faithfully set Ijefore them
their errors, and the trans>iressions of their lathers. They had
often felt impatient and rt'l)ellious because of their long wander-
ing in the wilderness; but the Lord had not be«;n chargea])le with
this delay in possessing Canaan; he was more grieved than they
because he could not bring them into immediate possession of the
promised land, and thus display before all nations his mighty
power in the deliverance of his ])cople. ^^'itll their distrust of
God, with their pride and unl/v.']ief, they had not l)een ])repared
to enter (Janaan. They would in no way represent that ])eoi)le
whose God is the Lord; for they did not bear his character of
purity, goodness, and beni'volence. Had their fathers yielded in
faith to the direction of (jJod, being governed by his judgments,
and walking in his ordinances, they would long l)efore have been
settled in Canaan, a ])rospcro;;s, holy, hapi)y people. Tlu'ir delay
to enter the goodly land dishonored God, and detracted J'rom his
glory in +he sight of surrounding nations.

Mojes, who understood the character and value of the law of
Qo'A, assured the people that no otheL* nation had such wise,
vigiiteous, and merciful rules as had been given to the Hebrews.
"Behold," ho said, "I have taught you statutes and judgments,
even as tiie burd mv God connnanded me, that ve should do so
in the land wiiither ye go to possess it. Keej) therefore and do
them; lor this is your wisdom and your understanding in the
sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say,
Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." '^
1 Deut. 7 ; 7-9. « Deut. 4 : ,'5, 6.

THE LA W REPEA ri.D.

4(;r)

IVfoscs ('iill(>(l tlu'ir iitti'ution to the " djiy tliat thou stcMxltst
before the J.or<l thy (lod in lloreli." And he challi'njfed the
lIe1)rewhost: "\\'hi\t nation i.s tliere so ;:;reat, wlio hath God so
nijfh unto tliem, as tlie Lord our (iod is in all things tliat we
call ui)on liini lor? And what nation is there so jzreat, that hath
statutes and judjiinents so righteous as all this law which \ set
before you this day?'" To-day the challen^fe to Israel nni-ht
he reiK-ated. The laws which (iod ^mvi; his ancient people were
wis(!r, better, and more humane than tiiose of the most eiviliztvl
nations of the earth. The laws of the nations bear marks of the
infirmities and passions of the unrenewed heart; but God's law
bears the stamj) of the divine.

"The Lord hath taken you, and brou<rht you forth out of the
iron furnace," declared ^NFoses, " to be unto him a ]>eople of inherit-
ance.'" The land which they were soon to enter, and which was
to be theirs on condition of obedience to the law ol' (Jod, was thus
described to them, — and how must these words have moved the
hearts of Israel, as they remend)ered that he who so glowin<;ly
pictured the blessings of the goodly land, had been, through their
sin, shut out froni sharing the inheritance of his ])eople: —

"The Lord thy (Jod bringeth thee into a good land," "not as
the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst
thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden v>i herbs.
liut the hmd, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and
valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven;" "a land of
brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys
and hills; a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig-trees,
and ])omegranates; a land of oil olive and honey; a land Avhere
thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any-
thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills
thou may est dig brass ; " " a land which the Lord thy God careth
for; the eyes of the T^ord thy God are always upon it, from the
beginning of the year even unto the end of tl "^ year.'"*

"And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought
thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham,
to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give tliee great and goodly cities, which
thou buildedst not, and houses i'uU of all good things, which thou
filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards
and olive-trees, which thou ])lantedst not; when thou shalt liave

' Dout. 4 : 10. 7, 8, 20. n)(Ut. S : 7 T: 11 : !(• Vl.

""J-

4C,(\

PATh'lAIK'IIS A\/) I'li'ornKTS.

("iitiMi and !»(' full ; tlieii hcware lest thou forjrct i\w r.ord." " TaUc
heed unto yourselves, lest yo f()r;f('t tho covenant of the; Lord your
(lod ; . . . for tlu! Lord thy God is a consuiniu": lire, even u jealous
CJod."' If they .should do evil in the si;^ht of tin; Tiord. then, said
Moses, " Ve shall soon utterly |)erish Iroiu off tlu; land whereunto
yo lii} over Jordan to ]»ossess it." '

Alter the puhlic^ rehearsal of the law, jNFoses e()ni|)leted the
work of writin.u all tlu; laws, the statutes, and the judiznients
which God had <:iven hiiu, and all the reiiulations concerninji; the
.sacrificial syst(!ni. The; hook containiuii these was ]»laced in charue
of the ])roi)er ollicers, and was for safe-keepinji deposited in the
side of the ai'k. Still the ^nvat leader was filled with fear that
tlu^ peoi)le would dejjart from God. In ii nio.st suhlinio and
thrilling- address he set before them tho hlessiiiirs that would he
theirs on condition of ohodionee, and the curses that would follow
upon transiiTossion : —

" If thou shalt hearken dilij^ently unto the voice of tho Lord
thy God, to ohsorvo and to do ull his connnandments which I
coniniand thee this day," " hlcssod shalt thou ho in the city,
and blessed shalt thou bo in the field," in "tho fruit of thy body,
and tho fruit of thy jiround, and tho iVuit of thy cattle; . * .
blessed shall he thv basket and thv store; blessed shalt thou bo
when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou bo Avhen thou li-oost
out. Tho Fiord shall cause thine enemies that rise U}) aj:;ainst tleo
to ]>o smitten before thy face. . . . The Lord shall conniiand the
bIossin<; upon thoo in thy storehouses, and in all that thou .sottost
thine hand unto." "

"But it shall come to i)ass, if thou wilt not hearken unto tho
voice of the Ijord thv (iod, to observe to do all his connnandments
and liis statutes Avhich I connnand thee this day ; that all these
curses shall come ui)on thee," "and thou shalt become an aston-
rshmont, a |)roverb, and a, 1 y-word, among all nations whither the
Lord shall lead thee." ".aid tho Lord shall scatter thoo among
all people, I'rom the one on^l of the earth even unto the other; and
there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy
lathers have known, even wood and ston(>. And among these
nations shalt tln)U find no ease, neither shall the solo of thy foot
have rest; but tho Lord shall give thoo there a trembling heart,
and failing of eyi's, and sorrow of mind. And thy life shall hung
1 Deut. C : 10-1'2; 4 : >23-26. ''See Deuteronomy 28.

77//'; LA ir RHni'LA TED.

46i

in (loulit Ix'forc tlicc; iuid thou shalt fear day and ni<:lit, and slialt
have nono assurance; of tliv lil'c In tlic niornin«r thou slialt sav.
Would (}od it wcro cvi'U ! And at even thou shalt say, Would ( iod
it woro morning' ! For the I'cai' of thine heart wherewith thou shalt
four, and lor the; sij:ht of thine eyes which thou shalt see."

By tin; Spirit of ins|»iration, lookin;^- i'ar down the ajiCH, ^foses
jiieturi'd the terril)le scenes of Israel's final oveilhrow as a nation,
and th(! destruction of Jerusalem hy the armies of Rome: " 'I'he
Lord shall hrin^ a nation against thee from far, from the end of
tilt! earth, as swift as the eajilo llieth ; a nation who^e toniiUc thou
shalt not understand ; a nation of fierce countenance, which shall
not re^^ard the j)erson of tlu; old, nor show favor to the youn^."'

The utter wastinj^ of the land, and the horrihle suflerinii; of the
l)eo|)lo durinji; the sie^'o of Jerusalem under Titus, centuries later,
wore vividly jjortrayed: "Ho shall eat the iruit of thy cattle, and
the fruit of thy land, until thou ho destroyed ; . . . and he shall
l)Csio^o thee in all thy <,'ates, until thy hi<^di and fenced walls coiiu!
down, wherein thou trustedst, throujihout all thy land. , . . Thou
shalt eat the fruit of thine own hody, the flesh of thy sons and
of thy daULihters, which the Lord thy Clod hath pvon thee, in the
siefj;e, and in the straitnoss, wherewith thine enemies shall distress
thee." " The tender and delicate woman among you, which would
not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the j^round for
delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall ho evil toward the
hushand of her hosom, . , . and toward her children which she
shall hear; for she shall eat them for want of all thiuirs secretly in
the sic;ic and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee
in thy g-ates."

Moses closed with these im])ressive words: " I call heaven and
earth to record this day atrainst you. that I have set Itefore you
lite and death, hlessin<i; and cursinii- ; therefore choose life, that
hoth thou and thy seed may live; that thou mayest lo\'e the
Lord thy (iod, and that thou mayest ohey his voice, and that
thou mayest cleave unto him; for ho is thy life, and the lemith
of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which the JiOrd
sware unto thy fathers, to Ahraham, to Isaac, and to Jacoh, to
give them."'

The more deejily to impress these truths upon all minds, the
.irroat leader embodied them in sacred verse. This soni^' was not

1 D<nit. r?0 : 10, 20. 30

A '\

•'^ '%

Mtm%.'-:-i-(.-^-i.

4()S

rATIilAlirilS AM> ri.'O/'/fh'TS.

only liistoriciil, l>ut proidu'tic While it rccountcil the wondcrlul
(Icalinjis of (iod with lii.s peoples in tlu; pnst, it also rorcshiidowcd
tho iirvid cvciitM of the rutiirc, the (inul victory of the faithful when
Christ .shall coine the second time in power and ^lory. The
people were direr-ted to connnit to memory this j»oetic history, and
to teach it to their children and children's children. It was to he
chante(l hy the con^'re<:ation when they assend»led for worship,
and to hi! re|»eated hy the |»eople as they went ahout their daily
lahors. ft Avas the duty of jiarents to ho impress these words
upon the HUsceptihle nunds of their children that they nn^dit
never he forgotten.

Since the Israelites were to l)e, in a special sense, the ;j,uar(lians
and keejiers of (Jod's law, tho 8i<inificaneo of its j)recepts and the
iin})ortance of ohedienco were (^specially to he imi)ressed upon
them, and throuj^h them, iijion their children and children's chil-
dren. Tho Lord oonunanded concerninf^ his statutes: "Thou
shalt teach them dili^fcntly unto thy children, and shalt talk of
them wdien thou sittest in thino house, and when thou walkest hy
tho way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
I. . . And thou shalt write them upon the i)Osts of thy house, and
on thy <;ates." '

When their children should ask in time to come, " What mean
the testimoni(>s, and the statutes, and the judirments which the
Lord our God hath commanded you?" then the ])arents were to
repeat tho history of Go<l's gracious dealings with them — how the
Lord had wrou<;ht for their deliverance that they nn<:ht ohey his
law, — and to declare to them, " The Lord commanded us to do
all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always,
that ho might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall
be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments
before the Lord our God, as he hath connnanded us." '

1 Deut. 6 : 7-9, 20-25.

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

ri>>

470

PA7JiIAi:f'l/s AKD PROPHETS.

tabernacle, while the pillar of cloud caiuo and stood over the door.
Here the i)eoi)le were solennily committed to the charge of Joshuii.
The work of Moses as leader of Israel was ended. Still he forgot
himself in his interest for his i)eoi)le. In the presence of the as-
sembled multitude, Moses, in the name of God, addressed to his
successor these words of holy cheer: "lie strong and of a good
courage; for thou shalt l)ring the children of Israel into the land
which I sware unto them ; and I will be with thee." ' He then
turned to the elders and ofKcers of the people, giving them a
solenm charge to obey faithfully the instructions he had commu-
nicated to them from God.

As the people gazed upon the aged man, so soon to be taken
from them, they recalled, with a new and deeper I'ppreciation, his
parental tenderness, his wise counsels, and his Ui>tiring labors.
How often, when their sins had invited the just judgnents of God,
the prayers of Moses had prevailed with him to spare them !
Their grief was heightened by remorse. They bitterly remend)ered
that their own perversity had provoked Moses to the sin for which
he must die.

The removal of their beloved leader would be a far stronger
rebuke to Israel than any which they could have received had his
life and mission been continued, (rod would lerd them to feel that
they were not to make the life of their futurj leader as trying as
they had made that of Moses. God si)ei'KS to his people in bless-
ings bestowed ; and when these are not appreciated, he speaks to
them in blessings removed, that tliey nit-y be led to see their sins,
and return to him Avith all the heart.

That wny day there came to Moses the command, " Get thee
up . . . Uiito Mount Nebo, . . . and behold the land of Canaan,
which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: and die
in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy
people.'" Moses had often left the camp, in obedience to the
divine sunmions, to comnmne with God; but he was now to
depart on a new an<l mysterious errand. He must go forth to
resign his life into the hasids of his Creator. Moses knew that he
was to die alone ; no earthly friend would be permitted to minister
to him in his last hours. There was a mystery and awfulness
about the scene before him, from which his heart shrank. The
severest trial was his sci)aration from the people of his care and
J Deut. 31 : 23. * Deut. 32 : 49, 50.

THE DEATH OF MOSES.

471

lovo, — the people with whom his interest and his life had so lonj^
heeii unit(Ml. But he had learned to trust in God, and with un-
(luestit)ning faith he connnitted himself and his people to His love
and mercy.

For the last time, Moses stood in the assembly of his })eople.
Again the Spirit of God rested upon him, and in the most suh-
lime and touching language he i)r()nounced a Messing upon each
of the tribes, closing with a benediction upon them all : —

"There is none like unto God, O Jeshurun,
Who rideth upon tlic heaven for thy help,
And in his excellency on the skies.
The eternal God is thy dwelling-place,
And underneath are the everlasting arms:
And he thrust out the enemy from before thee.
And said. Destroy.
And Israel dwelleth in safety,
The fountain of Jacob alone,
In a land of corn and wine;
Yea, his heavens dro' down dew.
Happy art thou, O Israel:

Who is like unto thee, a people saved by Jehovah,
The shield of thy help." *

AEoscs turned from the congregation, and in silence and alone
made his Avay uj) the mountain-side. He went to " the mountain
of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah."* Upon that lonely height he
stood, and gazed with undimmed eye upon the scene spread out
before him. Far away to the west lay the blue waters of the
Great Sea; in the north. Mount Hermon stood out against the
sky; to the east was the table-land of Moab, and l)eyond lay
Bashan, the scene of Israel's triumph ; and away to the south
stretched the desert of their long wanderings

In solitude, Moses rcviciwed his life of vicissitudes and hard-
ships since he turned from courtly honors and from a prospe«'tive
Ivingdom in Egypt, to cast in his lot with God's chosen people.
He called to minrl those long years in the desert with the flocks of
Jethro, the appearance of the Angel in the burning bush, and his
own call to deliver Israel. Again he beheld the mighty miracles
of God's jjower displayed in behalf of the chosen people, and his
long-suffering mercy during the years of their wandering and
rebellion. Notwithstanding all that God had wrought for them,
' Deut. 33 : 26-29, Rev. Vcr. «Deut. 34 : 1.

472

7^ 1 Tin A li CI IS A Ni > PH OPIIE TS.

notwitliHtanding liis own prayers and lahors, only two of all tlio
adults in the vast army that left Ej;yi>t, had been found so faitliful
that thoy could enter the promised land. As Moses reviewed the
result of his labors, his life of trial and sacrifice seemed to have
been almost in vain.

Yet he did not regret the burdens he had borne. He knew
that his mission and work were of God's own appointinjj;. AN'iien
first called to become the leader of Israel from Ixmdage, he shrank
from the responsibility; but since he had taken up the work, he
had not cast aside the burden. Even when tlie Lord had i)ro[)osed
to release him, and destroy rebellious Israel, Moses could not con-
sent. Though his trials had been great, he had enjoyed special
tokens of God's favor; he had obtained a rich experience during
the sojourn in the wilderness, in witnessing the manifestations of
God's power and glory, and in the conununion of his love ; he felt
that he had made a wise decision in choosing to suffer affliction
with the i)eople of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin
for a season.

As he looked back upon his experience as a leader of God's
people, one wrong act marred the record. If that transgression
could be blotted out, he felt that he would not shrink from death.
He was assured that repentance, and faith in the promised sacri-
fice, were all that God re(]uired, and again Moses confessed his
sin, and implored pardon in the name of Jesus.

And now a jjanoramic view of the land of promise was pre-
sented to him. Every part of the country was spread out before
him, not faint and uncertain in tlie dim distance, but standing
out clear, distinct, and beautiful to his delighted vision. In this
scene it was presented, not as it then ai)peared, but as it would
become, with God's Idessing ui)on it. in the possession of Israel.
He seemed to be looking upon a second Eden. There were
mountains clothed with cedars of Lebanon, hills gray with olives
and fragrant with the odor of the vine, wide green plains bright
with flowers and rich in fruitl'ulness, here tlie palm-trees of the
troi)ics, there waving fields of wheat and barley, sunny valleys
musical with the ripple of brooks and the song of birds, goodly
cities and fair gardens, lakes rich in " the abundance of the seas,"
grazing flocks ui)on the hillsides, and even amid the rocks the
wild bee's hoarded treasures. It was indeed such a land as Moses,
inspired by the Spirit of God, had described to Israel : " Blessed

Copjriiglited lavo.

MOSES ON MOUNT PI8GAH.

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THE DEATH OF MOSES.

47r>

of the Lord, . . . for the j)recious thinj^s of lieaven, for the dew,
and for tlie deep that coucheth heneath, and for the precious
fruits hroufjlit forth hy the sun, . . . and for the chief thinfrs of
the ancient mountains, . . , and for the precious things of the
earth and fulhiess thereof." '

Moses saw the diosen people established in Canaan, each of
the tribes in its own possession. He had a view of their liistory
after the settlement of the i)ronnsed land ; tiie long, sad story of
their apostasy and its jmnishment was spread out before him. He
saw them, because of their sins, dispersed among the heathen, the
glory departed from Israel, her beautiful city in ruins, and her
people captives in strange lands. He saw them restored to the
land of their fathers, and at last brought under the dominion
of Rome.

He was permitted to look down the stream of time, and behold
the first advent of our Saviour. He saw Jesus as a bal)e in lieth-
lehem. He heard tiic voices of the angelic host break forth in tlie
glad song of praise to God and peace on earth. He beheld in the
heavens the star guiding the wise men of the East to Jesus, and a
great light flooded his mind as he recalled those prophetic words,
" There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scei)ter shall rise out
of Isr.^el."' He beheld Christ's humble life in Nazareth, his min-
istry of love and sympathy and healing, his rejection by a proud,
unbelieving nation. Amazed he listened to their boastful exalta-
tion of the law of God, while they despised and rejected Him by
whom the law was given. He saw Jesus upon Olivet as with
weeping he bade farewell to the city of his love. As Moses be-
held the final rejection of that people so highly l)lessed of Heaven,
— that people for whom he had toiled and prayed and sacrificed,
for whom he had been willing that his own name should be
blotted from the book of life ; as he listened to those fearful
words, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate,"^ I.ii heart
was wrung with anguish, and bitter tears fell from his eyes, in
sympathy with the sorrow of the Son of God.

He followed the Saviour to Gethsemane, and l)eheld the agony
in the garden, the betrayal, the mockery and scourging, — the cru-
cifixion. Moses saw that as he had lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness, so the Son of God must be lifted up, that whosoever
would believe on him "should not perish, but have eternal life."*
iDeut. 33 : 13-16. « Num. 24 : 17. •''Matt. 23 : 38. * John 3 : 15.

470

iwrniAnciis and rnopiiETs.

(Jricf, indijrnation, mid horror filled tlio heart of ^foses, n.s he
viewed the hypocriny and satanic^ hatred manifested hy tiie Jewish
nation a;;ainst their Redeemer, the mi{i;hty An;;el who had p)ne
hefon; their fathers. He heard Christ's ai^onizint? cry, "My (iod,
my (iod, why hast thou forsakeri me?" He saw him lyin^ in
Joseph's n<'W tond». The darkness of hopeless despair seemed to
ensliroud the world. But he looked airain, and heheld him eom-
inji forth a eoncjueror, and asecndinj:; to heaven eseorte<l hy adorinj,'
angels, and leadinji; a inJtitudo of ('ai»tivcs. lie saw the shining:
jrates open to receive niui, and the host of heaven with sonjis of
triumj)h welcominj; their ('ommander. And it Avas there revealed
to him that he himself would he one w'uo should attend the Sav-
iour, and oi)en to him the everlasting gates. As lie looked ujion
the scene, his countenance shone with a holy radiance. How
small api)eared the trials and sacrifices of his life, Avhen compared
with those of the Son of God 1 how light in contrast with the
" far more exceeding and eternal v eight of glory "! ' He rejoiced
that he had heen permitted, even in a small measure, to he a par-
taker in the sufferings of Christ.

Moses beheld the discii)les of Jesus as they went forth to carry
his gosi)el to the world. He saw^ that though the pooplc of Israel
" according to the flesh," had failed of the high destiny to which
God had called them ; in their unlielief had failed to become the
light of the Arorld ; though they had despised God's mercy, and
forfeited their blessings as his chosen people, — 3'et God had not
cast off' the seed of Abraham ; the glorious purjjoses which he had
uiulertaken to accomplish through Israel were to be fulfilled.
All who, through Christ, should become the children of laith,
were to be counted as Abraham's seed ; they were inheritors of the
covenant-i)romises ; like Abraham they were called to guard and
to make known to the world the law of God and the gospel of his
Son. ISIoses saw the light of the gospel shining out, through the
disciples of Jesus, to then> " which sat in darkness,"^ and thousands
from the lands of the Gentiles flocking to the brightness of its
rising. And beholding, he rejoiced in the increase and prosperity
of Israel.

And now another scene passed before him. He had been
shown the work of Satis n in leading the Jews to reject Christ,
while they professed to honor his Father's law. He now saw the

' 2 Cor. 4 ; 17. "^^jatt. 4 . 15,

THE DKA TIT OF MOSKFf.

I <

Christian world under a similar deception in ])rofessinj? to accept
Christ while they rejected (tod's law. He had heard i'nun the
priests and elders the frenzied cry, " Away with him ! " " Crucify
him, crucify him!" and now he heard from i»rofesse(lly Christian
teachers the cry, "Away with the law!" He saw tlu; Hal)l)ath
trodden under foot, and a spurious institution established ii it",
place. A<;ain Mo^os was filled with astonishment and ho.Tor.
How could those ^"ho believed in Christ reject the law Hi)oken
hy his own voice upon the sacred mount.' How could any that
feared God set aside the law which is the foundation of his \io\-
ernmcnt in heaven and earth? With joy Moses saw the law of
God stdl honored and exalted l)y a faithful few. He saw the
last <;reat stru^j^gle of earthly ]K)wers to destroy those who keep
God's lav. H' looked forward to the til »o when Ciod shall arise
to ])unish the inhahitantj of the earth for their iniquity, and
those who have feared his name shall be covered and hid in the
day of his anuer. Ho heard God's covenant of peacj with those
who have kept his law, as he utters his voice from his holy
habitation, and the heavens and the earth do shake. He saw
the second coming of Christ in glory, the righteous <lead raised
to immortal life, and the living saints translated without seeing
death, and together cscending M'ith songs of gladness to the city
of r'od.

Still another scene opens to his view, — tlie earth freed from
the curse, lovelier than the fair land of promi.se so lately spread
out before him. There is no sin, and death cannot enter. There
the nations of the saved find their eternal honie. With joy unut-
terable, Moses looks upon the scene, — the fulfillment of a more
glorious deliverance than his brightest hopes have ever pictured.
Their earthly wanderings forever past, the Israel of God have at
last cr/,}rcd the goodly land.

Again the vision faded, and his eyes rested upon the land of
Canaan as it si)rea(l out in the distance. Then, like a tired
warrior, he lay down to rest. "So Moses the servant of the
Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of
the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab,
over against Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sopulcher."'
Manv who had been unwilling to heed the counsels of Mo.ses while
he was with them, would have been in danger of committing idol-

1 Ueut. 34 : 5, 0.

478

PArniARCHS AND PHOPHETS.

atrv over his duud liody, Iiud they kin)wn tho phu-o of his l»uri;il.
For this ri'iison it was concealed from men. Hut anjiels of (lod
)>uried till; Itody of his faithful servant, and watclied over the
lonely jj:ravc.

"There arose not a prophet sine*; in Israel like unto Most's,
whom Jehovah knew fac<; to face, in all tho Hi<;ns and the won-
ders, which Jehovah sent him to do, . . . and iji all that niijudity
hand, and in all tlu! fj;roat tenor which Moses showed in tho
si^ht of all Israel.'"

I fad not tho life of Moses heon marred with that one sin,
in failing to j^ive (lod tho jilory of Itrinj^inj^ water from tho
rock at Kadosh, ho would have entered tho j)romisod land, and
would have boon translated to heaven without sooing doaih.
But ho was not lon;^ to remain in tho tomh. C'hrist himaolt,
with tho angels who had buried Moses, came down from heaven
to call forth tho sleeping saint. Satan had exulted at bis suc-
co.ss in causing Moses to sin against God, and thus come under
tho dominion of death. The great adversary declared that tho
divine sentence, — "Dust thou art, and unto dust sbalt thou
return,"" — gave him i)o.s.session of tho dead. The i)ower of tho
grave had never been broken, and all who were in the tomb
he claimed as hi§ captives, never to be released from his dark
prison-house.

For tho first time, Chri.st was about to give life to the dead.
As the Prince of life and tho shining ones approached the grave,
Satan was alarmed for his supremacy. With his evil angels he
stood to dispute an invasion of the territory that he claimed as'
his own. He l^oasted that the servant of God had become his
l)risonor. Ho declared that even Moses was not able to keep the
law of God ; that he had taken to himself the glory due to Jeho-
vah, — the ^ery sin which had caused Satan's banishment from
heaven, — and l)y transgression had come under the dominion of
Satan. The arch-traitor reiterated tho original charges that he
had made against the divine government, and repeated his com-
plaints of God's injustice toward him.

Christ did not stoop to enter into controversy with Satan. He
might have brought against him the cruel work which his decep-
tions had wrought in heaven, causing the ruin of a vast number
of .ts inhabitants. He might have pointed to the falsehoods told

» Dcut. 34 : 10-12. "Gen. .3 : 19.

THE DEATH OF MOSES.

47!)

in Eilt'U, that had led to A(hiiirs sin and hroiiju'ht death upon
the human race, llo niij^ht have r('niin(h'<l Satan that it was
his own work in t('ini)tin^ Israel to murmuring' and p'liellion,
which had wearied tlio lonji-HuHerin;,' |iatieneo of tlieir K-ader,
and in an unjiuarded jnonient had surprised liini into the sin
for wliieh he liad fallen under tlu; ])ower of deatli. Hut Christ
referred all to his Father, sayinjr, "The liord rei)uke thee.'' The
Saviour entered into no dispute with his a<lversary, hut he then
and tlu.'ro he;ran his work of hreakin;i the power of the fallen f )e,
and hrinjiinj; the dead to life. Here was an evidence that Satan
could not controvert, of the HUpremacy of the Son ot (Jod. The
resurrection wa.s forever made certain. Satan was despoiled of
his ])rey ; the rijihteous dead would live aj;ain.

In consciiuence of sin, Moses had come under the power o(
Satan. In hi.s own merits he was death's lawful captive ; hut he
was raised to immortal life, holdiu}^ his title in the name of the
Redeemer. Moses came forth from the tondj glorified, and ascended
with his Deliverer to the city of God.

Never, till exemplified in the sacrifice of Christ, were the
justice and the love of God more strikingly displayed than in his
dealings with Moses. God shut Moses out of Canaan, to teach a
lesson which should never he forgotten, — that lui re(juires exact
ohedience, and that men arc to heware of taking to themselves the
glory which is due to their Maker. Ho could not grant the i)ra3'er
of Moses that he might share the inheritance of Israel ; hut he did
not forget or forsake his servant. The God of heaven understood
the suffering that Moses had endured ; he had noted every act of
faithful service through those long years of conflict and trial. On
the top of Pisgah, God called Moses to an inheritance infinitely
more glorious than the earthly Canaan.

Upon the mount of transfiguration, Moses was present with
Elijah, who had been translated. They were sent as the hearers
of light and glory from the Father to his Son. And thus the
prayer of Moses, uttered so mary centuries before, was at last
fulfilled. He stood upon "the goodly mountain," within the
heritage of his people, bearing witness to Him in wb ni all the
promises to Israel centered. Such is the last scene revealed to
mortal vision in the history of that man so highly honored ot
Heaven.

1 Jude 9.

480

I'ATUlMiCNS AND PUOPIfK.TS.

M(),M<'H wiiH a ty|»«' of Christ. \lv liiiiisclf hiul (k'cljinMl to
Innu'l, "Tlu' L(t.<l thy (lod will rai.so up unto tht'»? a Prophet from
the nii<lst of thcjc, of thy hrcthn-ii, like unto nic; unto him yv,
hIuiH hrtirkcn."' (io<l huw fit to disciplint! Mohcs in the hcIjooI of
iiflliction and poverty, hcfon; he couhl ho pr('j)ar(Ml to UmuI the
hoHis of Israel t(» the earthly Canaan. Tliu Israel of (Joel, journey-
in;^ to the heavenly ( 'anaan, have a Captain who nt^eded no human
teaehinji to prepare him for his mission as a divine leader; yet he
was made perfect through sullerin^is; and "in that \\v himself
hath sullerod hein>? tempted, he is ahle to succor them that are
tempted."" Our Redeemer manifested no human weakness or im-
perfection; yet ho died to ohtain for us an entrance into the prom-
ised land.

" And Moses verily was faithful in all his liousc, as a servant,
for a testimony of those thinjjs which were to he spoken after; hut
Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we
hold fast the contidence und the ^'ejoicing of the hope firm unto
theeml."'

' Diut. IS : l.-S. 2 IIH). 2 : 10, 18. » Ileb. 3 : 5, 6.

CHAPTER XLIV.

^ CROSSlNd llli; JOKDAN.

TiiK IsriU'litcH deeply iimunied Wtv their (lepniled leader, and
thirty dayn wen- devoted to npecial serviecH in honor of his
memory. Never till he was taken from them, had they ho fully
realized the value of his wis*' counsels, his parental tenderness, and
his unswervinjz faith. With a new and deeper appreciation, they
recalled the precious lessons he had ^dven while still with them.

Moses wan dead, hut his intluence did not die with him. It
was to live on, reproducin;; itself in the hearts of his people. The
mtMuory of that holy, unselfish life would lon^ Ixj cherished, ,vith
silent, persuasive power moulding the lives even of those who had
negleete«l his living words. As the jrlow of the descending; sun
lights up the mountain peaks lonj; aft(;r the sun itself has sunk
hehin<l the hills, so the works of the pure, the holy, and the f?ood,
.shed light upon the world long after the actors themselves have
pU8.sed away. Their works, their words, their example, will for-
ever livi'. " The righteous shall he in everla.sting rumiMnhrance.'"

While they were fdled with grief at their great loss, the people
knew that they were noL left aloni'. The pillar of cloud rested
over the tahernacle l»y <lay, and the pillar «(f fire hy night, an
assurance that (lod would .still he their guide and helper if they
would walk in the way of liis commandments.

Joshua was now the acknowledged leader of Israel. He had
V)een known chielly as a warrior, and his gifts and virtues were
especially valuable at this stage in the history of his people.
Courageous, resolute, and persevering, promi)t, incorruptible, un-
mindful of .selfish interests in his care for those eonimittcd to his
charge, and, above all, inspired l)y a living faith in God, — such
was the character of the man divinely chosen to conduct the
armies of Israel in their entrance upon the promised land. Dur-
ing the sojourn in the wilderness he had acted as prime minister

»P8. 112 :6.

482

PATlilAIiCJIS AND PROPHETS.

to Moses, and by his quiet, unpretcndinjj; fidelity, his stead lastiiesH
Avhen others wavered, his firmness to maintain the truth in the
midst of danger, he liad given evidence of his fitness to succeed
Moses, even before he was called to the })osition by the voice
of God.

It was with great anxiety and self-distrust tliat Joshua had
looked forward to the work before him; l)ut his fears were re-
moved by tiie assurance of God, " As I was with JNIoses, so I will
be with thee ; J will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. . . . Unto this
])eoi)le shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware
unto their fathers to give them." " Every jdace that the sole of
your foot shall tread ujjon, tliat have I given unto you, as I said
unto Moses." ' To the heiglits of Lebanon in the far distance, to
the shores of the Great Sea, and away to the banks of the Eu-
phrates in the east, — all was to be theirs.

To this promise was added the injunction, " Only be thou
strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do ac-
cording to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded."
The Lord's direction was, " This l)ook of the law shall not depart
out of thy mouth ; l)ut thou shalt meditate tlierein day and
night ; " " turn not from it to the right hand or to the left ; " " for
then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt
have good success."

The Israelites were still encamped on the east side of Jordan,
which presented the first barrier to the occupation of Canaan.
" Arise," had been the first message of God to Joshua, " go over
this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do
give to them." No instruction was given as to the way in which
they were to make the passage. Joshua knew, however, that
whatever God should command, he would make a way for his
people to perform, and in this faith the intrepid leader at once ha-
gan his arrangements for an advance.

A few miles beyond the river, just opposite the place where the
Israelites were encamped, was the large and strongly fortified city
of Jericho. This city was virtually the key to the whole «^ountry,
and it would i)resent a formidable o])stacle to the success of Israel.
Joshua therefore sent two young men as spies to visit this city,
and ascertain something as to its i)oi)ulation, its resources, and the
strength of its fortifications. The inha])itants of the city, terrified

1 See Jo!>bua 1-4.

CROSSING THE JORDAN.

483

and suspieiouH, were oiniHtantly on the alert, and tlie meHsenj/ors
were in great danger. They were, liowever, preserved hy Rahab,
a woman of Jerirlx at the peril of lier own life. In return for
her kindness, they j^ave her a ])roniise of jjroteetion when the city
should l>e taken.

The spies returned in safety, with tlie tidings, " Truly the Lord
hath delivered into our hands all the land ; for even all the inhab-
itants of the country do faint because of us." It had been declared
to them in Jericho, " We have heard how the Lord (h'ied up the
water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and
what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that v.'cre on the
other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt,
neither did tliere remain any more courage in any man, because of
you ; for the Lord your Go'l, he is God in h«3aven above, and in
earth ])eneaih."

Orders were now issued to make ready for an advance. The
people were to i)repare a three-days' supply of food, and the army
was to be put in readiness for battle. All heartily actiuiesced in
the plans of their leader, and assured him of their confidence and
support : *' All that thou eommandest us we will do ; and Avhither-
soever tliou sendest us, we will go. According as we hearkened
unto Moses in all things, so will Ave hearken unto thee ; only the
Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses."

Leaving their encampment in the acacia groves of Shiitim, the
host descended to the border of the Jordan. All knew, however,
that without divine aid tliey could not hope to make the passage.
At this time of the year — in the spring season — the melting
snows of the mountains had so raised the Jordan that the river
overflowed its l)anks, making it impossible to cross at the usual
fording-places. God willed that the passage of Israel over Jordan
should be miraculous. Joshua, by divine direction, c(mmianded
the people to sanctify themselves ; they must put away their sins,
and free themselves from all outward impurity ; " for to-morrow,"
he said, " the Lord will do wonders among you." The '' ark of the
covenant " was to lead the way before the host. \\'lien they
should see the token of Jeliovah's presence, borne by the priests,
remove from its place in the center of the camp, ind advance
toward the river, then tliey were to " remove from their i)lace, and

484

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

jj;o alter it." The circunistauces of the passajje were minutely ibre-
told ; and said Joshua, "Hereby ye shall know that the living
God is anionff you, and that he will without fail drive out from
before you the ('anaanites. . . . Behold, the ark of the eovenant of
the Lord of all the earth passeth over l)efore you into Jordan."

At the appointed time be^an the onward movement, the ark,
borne upon the shoulders of the priests, leadinj:? the van. The
l)eople had been directed to fall ]>ack, so that there was a vacant
space of more than half a mile about the ark. All watched with
dcej) interest as the priests advanced down the bank of the Jordan.
They saw them with the sacred ark move steadily forward toward
the anyry, surging stream, till the feet of the bearers were dipped
into the waters. Then suddenly the tide above was swept back,
while the current below flowed on, and the bed of the river was
laid bare.

At the divine command, the priests advanced to the middle of
the channel, and stood there, while the entire host descended, and
crossed to the farther side. Thus was impressed upon the minds
of all Israel the fact that the power that stayed the waters of
Jordan was the same that had opened the Red Sea to their fathers
forty years before. When the ])eoj)le had all j>assed over, the ark
itself was l)orne to the western shore. No sooner had it reached
a place of security, and *' the soles of the priests' feet were lifted
up unto the dry land," tiian the imprisoned waters, l)eing set
free, rushed down, a resistless flood, in the natural channel of
the stream.

Coming generations were not to be without a witness to this
great miracle. While the priests bearing the ark were still in the
midst of Jordan, twelve men i)reviously chosen, one from each
tribe, took up each a stone from the river-bed where the i)ricsts
were standing, and carried them over to the western side. These
stones were to be set up as a monument in the first camping-place
beyond the river. The people were bidden to repeat to their
children and children's children the story of the deliverance that
God had wrought for them, as Joshua said, " That all the people
of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty;
that ye might fear the Lord your God forever."

The influence of this miracle, both U})on the Hebrews and
upon their enemies, was of great importance. It was an assur-

CROSSIJ^C THE JORDAN.

4sr>

ancc to Israel of God'.s continued presence and protection, — an
evidence that lie would work for them through Joshua as he
had Avrought throuji^h Closes. Such an assurance was needed to
strengthen their liearts as they entered upon the conquest of the
land, — the stupendous task that had stagjjered the faith of their
fathers forty years ])efore. The Lord had declared to Joshua he-
fore the crossing, " This day will I begin to magnify thee in the
sight of all Israel, tliat they may know that, as I was with Moses,
so I will be Avith thee." And the result fulfilled the promise.
"On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all
Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days
of his life."

This exercise of divine power in behalf of Israel was designed
also to increase the fear with which they were regarded by the
surrounding nations, and thus jirepare the way for their easier
and comi)lete triumph. When the tidings that God had stayed
the waters of Jordan before the children of Israel, reached the
kings of the Amorites and of the Canaanites, their hearts melted
with fear. The Hel^rews had already slain the fiv(! kings of
Midian, the powerful Sihon, king of the Amorites, and ()g of
Bashan, and now the passage over the swollen and imj)etuous
Jordan filled all the surrounding nations with terror. To the
('anaanites, to all Israel, and to Joshua himself, unmistakable
evidence had been given that the living Clod, the King of heaven
and earth, was among his peojjle, and that lie " would not fail
them nor forsake them." *

A short distance from Jordan the Hebrews made their first en-
campment in Canaan. Here Joshua " circumcised the children
of Israel ; " " and the children of Israel encami)ed in Gilgal, and
kept the Passover." ' The suspension of tlie rite of circumcision
since the rebellion at Kadesh had been a constant witness to Israel
that their covenant with God, of which it was the ai)pointed sym-
bol, had been broken. And the discontinuance of the Passover,
the memorial of their deliverance from Egyj)t, had been an evi-
dence of the Lord's displeasure at their desire to return to the
land of bondage. Now, however, the years of rejection were
ended. Once more God atiknowledged Israel as his people, and
the sign of the covenant was restored. The rite of circumcision
was performed upon all the people who had been born in the

1 Joshua .5 : 3, iO, 9.

48fi

PATitTAiicns .lyi) i*nopiitJTs.

wilderness. And the Lord declared to Joshua, "This day have
I rolled away the rei>roaeh of Ejirypt i'roni oil" you,"' and in allu-
sion to this the place of their encampment was called Gilj^al, ''a
rolling away," or " rolling off."

Heathen nations had reproached the Lord and his peoi)le
because the Hebrews had failed to take ])ossession of Canaan, as
tliey expected, soon after leaving Egy})t. Their enemies had
triumi)hed because Israel had wandered so long in the wilder-
ness, and they had mockingly declared that the God of the
He])rews was not al)le to bring them into the i)romised land.
The Lord had now signally manifested his power and favor in
o])ening the Jordan before his people, and their enemies could
no longer reproach them.

" On the fourteenth day of the month at even," the Passover
was celebrated on the plains of Jericho. " And they did eat of the
old corn of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened
cakes, and })arehed corn in the selfsame day. And the manna
ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the
land ; neither had the children of Israel manna any more ; but
they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan." ' The long years
of th(>ir desert wanderings Avere ended. The feet of Israel were at
last treading the promised land.

1 Jothua 5 : 9-1:2.

CHAPTER XLV.

THE FALL OF JERICHO.

TiiK Hcl)rcws liad entered Canaan, l)ut they liad not sulxlucd
it; and to liunian appearance the strujrjrle to gain ])oHsession of
the land must he lonj/; and diffieiilt. It was inhahited l)y a ])ow-
oriul race, who stood ready to oppose the invasion of their terri-
tory. Tlie various trihes were hound tojrether l)y the fear of .a
common dan<ier. Their liorses and iron ])attle-( 'ha riots, their
knowledge of the country, and their training in war, would give
them great advantage. Furthermore, the ctmntry was guarded
hy fortresses, — " cities great and fenced up to heaven." ' Only in
the assurance of a strength not their own, could the Israelites hope
for success in the impending conflict.

One of tliC strongest fortresses in the land, — the large and
wealthy city of Jericho, — lay just hefore them, hut a little dis-
tance from their camp at Gilgal. On the border of a fertile plain
abounding with the rich and varied productions of the tropics, its
palaces and temples the abode of luxury and vice, this proud city,
behind its massive b.attlements, offered defiance to the God of Is-
rael. Jericho was one of the principal seats of idol worship., being
especially devoted to Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon. Here
centered all that was vilest and most degrading in the religion of
the Canaanites. The peoi)le of Israel, in whose minds were fresh
the fearful results of their sin at Beth-peor, could look U))on this
heathen city only with disgust and liorror.

To reduce Jericho was seen by Joshua to be the first step in
the comjuest of Canaan. But first of all he sought m assurance
of divine guidance; and it was granted him. Withdrawing Irom
the encampment to meditate and to pray that the God of Israel
Avould go before his ]>eople, he beheld an armed warrior, of lofty
stature and commanding presence, " with his sword drawn in his
hand." To Joshua's challenge, "Art thou for us, or for our adver-

»Deut. 9:1.

f4sri

4SS

PA rii r.i It a I IS a xd I'lt o piik ts.

saries?" tlie answer was jriven, "As Captain of tlic host A' thc
Lord am I nowcoinc."' The same connnand jiiven to Moses in
Horel), "Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the jdaee whereon
thou Htandest is Ijoly," revealed the true eliaraeter of the myste-
rious stranjier. It was Christ, the Exalted One, who stood hefore
the leader of Israel. Awe-strieken, Joshua fell upon his face and
worshiped, and heard the assurance, " I liave given into thine hand
Jf;rieho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valoi,'' and
he received instruction for the capture of the city.

In obedience to the divine eonmiand, Joshua marshaled the
armies of Israel. No assault was to he made. They were sim-
ply to make the circuit of the city, bearing the ark of God, and
blowing upon trumpets. First came the warriors, a body of chosen
men. not now to con<|Uer by their own skill and prowess, but by
obedience to the directions given them frcjm God. Seven priests
with trumpets followed. Then the ark of God, surrounded l)y a
halo of divine glory, was borne by i>riests clad in the dress denot-
• ing their sacred ofHce. The army of Israel followed, each tribe
under its standard. Such was the j.Tcession that compassed the
doomed city. No sound was heard but the tread of that mighty
host and the solenni peal of the trumpets, echoing among the hills,
and resounding through the streets of Jericho. The circuit com-
])lete(l, the army returned in silence to their tents, and ti»e ark
was restored to its place in the tabernacle.

With wonder and alarm the watchmen of the city marked
every move, and rei)oi-ted to those in authority. They knew not
the meaning of all this display ; luit when they beheld that
mighty host marching around their city once each day, with the
sacred ark and the attendant priests, the mystery of the scene
struck terror to the hearts of priest and peojde. Again they would
inspect their strong defenses, feeling certain they could successfully
resist the most powerful attack. Many ridiculed the thought
that any harm could come to them through these singular demon-
strations. Others were awed as they l)eheld the procession that
each day wound about the city. They remembered that the Red
Sea had once i)arted })efore this people, and that a passage had
just been oi)ened for them through the river Jordan. They knew
not what further wonders God nught work for them.

For six days the host of Israel made the circuit of the city.
The seventh day came, and with the first dawn of light, Joshua mar-

' Joshua .') : 13-ir>; I'liaptcrs fi. 7.

THE FALL OF JKRU'lIO.

4.SS>

shak'il the armies of tho Lord. Now they were (Hrcctcd to niiirch
.seven times around Jerieho, and at a mijility peal I'rom the trum-
pets to shout with a loud voiee, ior (lod liad jfiven them the city.

The vast armv marched solemnlv around the devoted walls.
All was silent, save the measured tread of many feet, and the
occasional sound of the trumpet, hreakin^ the .stillness of the
early morning'. The nyissive walls of solid stone seemed to defy
the siejje of men. The watchers on tho walls looked on with
rising fear, as, the first circuit ended, there followed a second,
then a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth. AV'hat could be the ob-
ject of these mysterious movements? What mighty (>vent was
itnpending? They had not long to wait. As the sev(>nth circuit
was completed, the long procession jiaused. The trumpets,
which for an interval had been silent, noAV broke forth in a blast
that shook the very earth. The walls of solid stone, with their
massive towers and battlements, tottered and heaved from their
foundations, and .with a crash fell in ruin to the earth. The in-
habitants of Jericho were paralyzed with terror, and the hosts <)f
Israel marched in and took j)ossession of the city.

Tho Israelites had not gained the victory by their own jtower;
the conquest had been wholly tho Lord's; and as the first-fruits
of the land, the city, with all that it contained, was to be devoted
as a sacrifice to God. It was to be impressed upon Israel that in
tho conquest of Canaan they were not to fight for themselves, liut
simply as instruments to execute the will of God ; not to seek for
riches or self-exaltation, but the glory of Jehovah their king. Be-
fore the capture the command had ])een given, " The city shall
be accursed, even it, and all that are therein." " Keep yourselves
from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, . . .
and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it."

All the inhabitants of the city, with every living thing that
it contained, "both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and
sheep, and ass," were put to the sword. Only faithful Rahab,
with her household, was spared, in fulfillment of the promise of
the spies The city itself was ])urned ; its i)alaces and temples, its
magnificent dwellings with all their luxurious appointments, the
rich draperies and the costly garments, were given to tho flames.
That which could not be destroyed l)y fire, " the silver and gold,
and vessels of brass and iron," was to be devoted to the servi(!e of
tho tabernacle. The very site of the city was accursed ; Jericho

490

PATJifAHC'/fS Ay/} J'liO/'I/f'ns.

;viis never to lie rebuilt as ji stron.ifhoM ; judjiinents were tlireateiied
iipdii any oiu' who should presume to restore the walls that divine
]K)Wer luid east down. The HoKnun declaration was made in the
presence -d' all Israel, ''Cursed he the man hel'ore the Jiord, that
risetli uj) and l)uildeth this city Jericho. }\v sliall hiy the foun-
dation thereof in Ins lirst-horn, and in his youngest son shall he
set up the ^'ates of it."

The utter destruction of the ])eople of Jericho was Init a 'ui-
fillnient of the connnands ])reviously jj;iven throuuli Closes con-
cerninj; the inhabitants of Canaan: " Thou shalt smite them, and
utterly destroy them." "Of tlie cities of these people, . . . thou
slialt save alive nothinjj; that hrejitheth." ' To many these com-
mands seem to ]>e contnipy to the spirit of love and merev en-
joined in other jxirtions of the Bil)le; hut tlu-y W(!re in truth the
dictates of infinite wisdom and goodness, (iod was about to estal)-
lish Israel in Canaan, to develop among them a nation and govern-
mcTit that should be a manifestation of his kingdom ui)on the
earth. They were not only to he inheritors of the true religion, hut
to dissenunate its i)rinciples throughout the world. Tlio Canaanites
had abandoned themselves to the foulest and most debasing heath-
enism; and it was necessary that the land should he cleared of
"what would so surely prevent the fulfillment of God's gracious
j)urp()ses.

The inhabitants of Canaan had been granted ample opportu-
nity for repentance. Forty years before, the ojiening of the Red
Sea and the judgments ui)on Egy))t had testified to the sui)reme
])ower of the God of Israel. And now the -verthrow of the kings
of Midian, of Gilead and Bashan, had furtlier shown that Jeho-
vah was al)ove all gods. The holiness of his character and his
abhorrence of impurity had been evinced in tlie judgments visited
U}>on Israel for their i)articii)ation in the abominal)le rites of Baal-
})eor. All these events were known to the inhal)itants of Jericho,
and there were many who shared Rahab's conviction, though they
refused to ol)ey it, that Jehovah, the God f Israel, "is God in
heaven above, and in earth beneath." Like the men before the
flood, the Canaanites lived only to blaspheme Heaven and defile
the earth. And both love and justice demanded the prompt exe-
cution of these reliels against God, and foes to man.

IIoAV easily the armies of heaven brought down the walls of
Jericho, that proud city whose bulwarks, forty years before, had

iDeut. 7:2; 20; 16.

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rilK FALL OF J Kin run.

VX\

Htruck tt-rror to the uiiliclicvin;; spit's! The Mighty Oiu' of Isnu-I
hml said, '' I have ]i\\vx\ JiTiclio into thine hand." Ajj;.iinst that
word, liuinan strength was powerless.

" By faith th«! walls of Jericho fell down." ' The Captain of the
Lord's host conmiunieiited only with .loshua ; he did not reveal
himself to all the eon^jre^'ation, and it rested with them to lu'lieve
or douht the words of Joshua, to ohey the connnands ^ivi'ii hy hini
in the name of tlu; liord, or to deny his authority. Thru could
not see tho ho.st of an;^'(ds who attended them under the leadership
of the Son of (iod. They ndirht have reasoned : " What uninean-
in<i; movements are these, and how ridiculous the performance of
nuirchinjr daily around the walls of the city, Idowinj; trumpets of
rams' horns. This can havi; no elVect upon those towerinj^ fortifica-
tions." lUit till! very plan of continuinj; this ceremony throujih so
lon<^ a time prior to the final overthrow of the walls, afforded op-
portunity for the (leveloi)ment of faith anion;^ the Israelites. It
was to he imi»ressed ui)on their minds that their strength was
not in tho wisdom of man, nor in his nujrht, hut only in the
God of their salvation. They were thus to luu'ome accustomed
to relyin<5 wholly upon their divine Leader,

God will do great things for those who trust in him. The rea-
son Avliy his [)rofeHsed |)eople have no greater strength, is that
they trust so much to their own wisdom, and do not give tlu'
liOrd an oj)portunity to reveal his pow» in their hehalf. Me
will help his helieving children in every emcrgencv, if they will
place their entire confidence in him, and faithfully ohey him.

Soon after the fall of Jericho, Joshua detennined to attack Ai,
a small town among tho ravines a few miles to the west of tho
Jordan valley. S|)ies sent to this place hrought hack the report
that tho inhahitants wore hut few, an<l that only a small force
would ho needed to overthrow it.

The great victory ih it God had gained for them had made the
Israelites solf-confidonf;. Because he had ])romised them the land
of Canaan, they felt secure, and failed to realize that divine help
alone could give them success. Even Jo.shua laid his plans for tho
conquest of Ai, without seeking counsel from (Jod.

The Israelites had hogun to exalt their own strength, and
to look with contenij)t upon their foes. An easy victory was ex-
pected, and three thousand men were thought snfiicient to take
the place. These rushed to tho attack without the assurance that

1 Hob. 1 1 : 80.

4!»4

VATUIAHCIIS AM) /'Itori/h'TS.

'!o(| wouKl Im' with tlicin. Tlicv advanced nearly to tho ^ato of
the city, only to enenunt<'r the most (h'termined reHistanee. I'anic-
Miieken at the nunilters an<l thorou;,d» pn-paration of their enemies,
they fled in confusion down the nteep dcHceiit. The Canaanite.s
wore in hot jmrsuit; "they chased them from hefore the jiate, . . .
and smote them in the ^oin^ down." Thoujih the htss was small
as to numhors, — hut thirty-six men heini? slain, — the (U-feat was
ijisheartenin;.' to tlu' whole conj.'rejration. "The hearts of the |»eu-
ple melte<l, and heeamo as water." This uas tlu; first time they
liad met the Canaanites in actual hattle, and if put to flight hefore
the defenders of this little town, what wt>uld he the result in the
greater conflicts hefore them? Joshua looked upon their ill suc-
cess as an expression of (jod's displeasure, and in distress and ap-
prehension he " rent his clothes, and fell to the earth U|)on his face
hefore the urk of tlu; Lord until the eventide, he and the elders
of Israel, and put dust upon their heads."

"Alas, () Lord (Jod," he cried, " wherefon^ hast thou at all
hrouitht this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the
Amorites, to destroy us? ... O T^ord, what shall I say, when
Israel turneth their hacks hefor(> their enemies? For tho Canaan-
\ivh and a" the inhahitants of tho land shall hoar of it, and shall
environ us round, and cut ofV our name from tho earth ; and what
wilt thou do unto thy ^'reat name? "

The answer from Jehovah was, "Got thee up; wherefore liest
thou thus upon thy face? Israel . . . hath transgressed my cove-
nant which 1 eonnnandod them." It was a time for pronij)t and
decided action, and not for despair and lamentation. There was
secret sin in the camp, and it nmst ho searched out and i)ut away,
heforo tho i)resence and hlossing of the Lord could he with his
]»eoplc. " Neither will I ho with you any more, except ye destroy
tho accursed from among you."

God's connnand had hoon disregarded by one of those aj)-
pointod to execute his judgments. And the nation was held ac-
countahlo for the guilt of the transgressor: " Thcij have oven taken
of the accursed thing ; and have also stolen, and dissembled also."
Instruction was given to Joshua for the disco^x'ry and j)iinishment
of the criminal. Tho lot was to he employed for the detection of
the guilty. The sinner was not directly i)ointed out, the matter
being left in doubt for a time, that the people might feel their

77//'; VMJ. OF .IE It I Clio.

A\Ki

i-(>s|>()i)Hiliility tor tliu hIdh I'xistiii^' aiiioii^ tlifiii, aixl thuH l)0 UmI to
searching; of heart, and humiliation lu lore (toil.

Karly in tlu; inorjiin^r, .loshua jrathcrcd the |tco|»|c to^jcthcr
" hy thi'ir trihcs,"' and tin; solcnni and iinprcssivc ((rcnioiiy lu-^'aii.
St('|) l»y step tlu^ invcstipition went on. Closer and ntill closer
eaine the fearful test. First the trihe, then the fandly, then the
household, then the man was taken, and Aehan the son of Carnii,
of the trihe of .hulah, nas pointed out hy the fin;.'er of (iod as the
trouhler of Israel.

To estahlish lii.s fzuilt heyond all question, leavinir no ;.'round
for the ehar^ic that he had been unjustly eondenniecl, Joshua
solenmly ailjured Aehan to aeknowle»|;.a; the truth. The wretched
man made full confession of his crime: "Indeed I have simied
Miiainst the Lord ( Jod of Israel. . . . When 1 saw amon^ the spoils
a jioodly Hahylonish !j;arment, and two hundreil shekels of silver,
an<l u we(|jr<' of j;old of lifty shekels' weivdit, tlu'U I coveted them,
and took them; and, hehold, they are hid in the earth in the
midst of my tent." Messengers wen? innnediately dispatched to
the tent, where they removed the earth at the place specified, and
" hehold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it. And thev
took them out of the midst of the tent, and hrouj^ht them unto
Joshua, . . . and laid them out before the liord."

Senteni'c was iironouneed and innnediatelv executed. " \\\\\
hast thou troubled us?" said Joshua, '"the Lord shall troulde
thee this day." As the people had been held responsil)le for
,\chan's sin, and had sutl'ered from its eonseciuences, they were,
throUjj;h their representatives, to take ])art in its ])unishment.
" All Israel stoned him Avith stones."

Theu there was raised over him a j^reat pile of stones, — a wit-
ness to tlui sin and its ))unishment. "Wherefore the Jiame of
that jdace Avas called the valley of Achor," that is, "trouble."
In the book of C'hronicles his memorial is written, — " Aehar, the
trouhler of Israel."'

Achan's sin was connnitted in defiance of the most direct
and solenni warninjrs and the most mighty manifestations of
(rod's power. " Keep yourselves from the accursed thinj;, lest
ye make yourselves accursed," had l)een the ])roclamation to all
Israel. The command was given immediately after tlu' mirac-
ulous passage of the Jordan, and the recognition of ffod's cove-

' I Chron. 2 : 7.

496

PATRIARCHS AX I) PROPHETS.

nant by the circumcision of the i)eo])lc, — after the ol^servance of
the Passover, and the apijcarance of the Anj^'cl of the covenant,
the C'aj)tain of the Lord's liost. It had been followed hy the
overthrow of Jericho, ,!j;ivin'i evidence of the destruction wliicli
will surely overtake all trans.^ressors of God's law. The fact tliat
divine power alone had fj;iven the victory to Israel, that they had
uot come ifito possession of Jericho l)y their own stren<ith, ;i;ave
solemn weitrht to tiie command ])r()hibitin<i; them from partakin;j;
of the spoils, (uxl, hy the mi,Ldit of his own word, had overthrown
this stronghold ; the concjuest was his, and to him alone the city
with all that it contained was to be devoted.

Of the millions of Israel there was l)ut one man who, in that
solemn hour of triumph and t)f judgment, had dared to transgress
the command of (iod. Achan's covetousness was excited by the
sight of that costly robe of Shinar; even when it had l)rought iiim
face to face with death he called it " a (joodly Babylonish garment."
One sin had led to another, and he appropriated the gold and
silver devoted to the treasury of the Lord, — he robbed God of the
first-fruits of the land of Canaan.

The deadly sin that led to Achan's ruin had its root in covet-
ousness, of all sins one of the most common and the most lightly
regarded. While other offenses meet with detection and punish-
ment, how rarely does the violation of the tenth commandment so
much as call forth censure. The enormity of this sin, and its ter-
rible results, are the lessons of Achan's history.

Covetousness is an evil of gradual development. Achan liad
cherished greed of gain until it became a habit, binding him in fet-
ters well-nigh impossible to l)rcak. While fostering this evil, he
would have been filled Avith horror at the thought of bringing dis-
aster upon Israel; but his jjcrceptions were deadened by sin, and
when temptation came, he fell an easy ])rey.

Are not similar sins still committed, in the face of warnings
as solenni and explicit? We are as directly forbidden to indulge
covetousness as was Achan to api)ropriate the spoils of Jericho.
God has declared it to be idolatry. We are warned, " Ye cannot
serve God and mammon." " Take heed, and beware of covetous-
ness." " Let it not be once named among vou."' We have before
us the fearful doom of Achan, of Judas, of Ananias and Sapphira.
Back of ail these we have that of Lucifer, that " son of the morn-

•Col. 3 : T); Matt. ; 24; Luke 12 ; 15; Epb. 5 : 3.

THE FALL OF JFAIWIIO.

407

ing," who, covetinj!; a higlu'r ntato, forfeited forever the brightness
and bliss of heaven. And yet, notwithstanding all these warnings,
eovetousness abounds.

Everywhere its slimy track is seen. It creates discontent and
dissension in families; it excites envy and hatred in th(; poor
against the rich ; it i)ronipts tlu^ grinding oppression of the rich
toward the jjoor. And this evil (>xists not in the world alone, but
in the church. Plow conniion t'vcn here to find selfishness, ava-
rice, overreachinjr, neglect of charities, and robbery of CJod "in
tithes and ofl'erings." Among church-mcnd)ers " in good and reg-
ular standing," there are, alas! many Achans. Many a man
comes statedly to church, and sits at the table of the Lord, while
among his possessions are hidden unlawful gains, the things that
(lod lias cursed. For a goodly Babyh)nish garment, multitudes
sacrifice the a|>j)roval of conscience and their hope of heaven.
Multitudes barter their integrity, and their ca[)al)ilities for useful-
ness, for a bag of silver shekels. The cies of the suffering i)oor
are unheeded ; the gospel light is hindered in its course ; the scorn
of worldlings is kindled by practices that give the lie to the Chris-
tian [)rofession; and yet the covetous professor continues to heap
up treasures. "Will a man rob (lod? Yet ye have robl)ed
me,'" saitli the Lord.

Achan's sin brought disaster ui)on the whole natitm. For one
man's sin, the displeasure of God will rest upon his church till
the transgression is searched out and j)ut away. The infiuence
most to bo feared by the church is not that of open opposers, in-
fidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of (!hrist.
These are the ones that keep back the blessing of th<' God of
Israel, and bring weakness uj)on his people.

When the church is in ditticultv, when coldness and spiritual
declension exist, giving occasion for the enemies of (nxl to tri-
umph, then, instead of folding their hands and lamenting their
unhappy state, let its mend)ers imiuire if there is not an Achan in
the camp. With humiliation and searching of heart, let each seek
to discover the hidden sins that shut out God's presence.

Ai3han acknowledged his guilt, but when it was too late for
the confession to benefit himself. He had seen tin armies of Israel
return from Ai defeated and disheartened ; yet lie did not come for-
ward and confess his sin. He had seen Joshua and the elders of

• Mai. .3 : 8. ^^

498

PATlilAliCIIS AND PROPHETS.

Israel l)owe(l to the earth in grief too great for words. Had he
then made confession, he would have given some i)roof of true
]>enitenee ; but he still kept silence. He had listened to the i)roc-
laniation that a great crime had heen committed, and had even
heard its character definitely stated. But his lips were scaled.
Then came the solemn investigation. How his soul thrilled with
terror as he saw his tribe pointed out, then his family and his
household ! But still he uttered no confession, until the finger of
Ciod was placed upon him. Then, when his sin could no longer l)e
concealed, he admitted the truth. How often are similar confes-
sions made. There is a vast difference between admitting facts
after they have been proved, and confessing sins knoAvn only to
ourselves and to God. Achan would not have confessed, had he
not hoped by so doing to avert the consequences of his crime.
But his confession only served to show that his punishment was
just. There was no genuine rei)entance for sin, no contrition, no
change of purpose, no abhorrence of evil.

So confessions will be made by the guilty when they stand
before the bar of God, after every case ha>> been decided for life
or death. The consequences to result to himself will draw from
each an acknowledgment of his sin. It will be forced from the
soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a fearful looking for
of judgment. But such confessions cannot save the sinner.

So long as they can conceal their transgressions from their
fellow-men, many, like Achan, feel secure, and flatter themselves
that God will not be strict to mark iniquit}'. All too late their
sins will find them out in that day when they shall not be purged
with sacrifice nor offering forever. "When the records of heaven
shall be opened, the Judge will not in words declare to man his
guilt, but will cast one penetrating, convicting glance, and every
deed, every transaction of life, will be vividly impressed upon the
memory of the wrong-doer. The person will not, as in Joshua's
day, need to be hunted out from tribe to family, but his own lips
will confess his shame. The sins hidden from the knowledge of
men will then be proclaimed to the whole world.

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*i^.J

CHAPTER XLVI.

THE BLKSSINGS AND THE CURSES.

After tlio execution of tlio sentence upon Achan, .losliuii wus
commanded to niarslial all the men of war, and ajiain advance
against Ai. The i)()wer of (Jod was with liis people, and they
were soon in ])ossession of the city.

Military operations were now susjjonded, that all Israel might
engage in a solemn religious service. The i)eo|)le were eager to
ohtain a settlement in Canaan; as yet they had not hoi' .; or
hinds for their families, and in order to gain thesi; they niust
drive out the Canaanites; hut this important work must l»e de-
ferred, for a higher duty demanded their first attention.

Before taking possession of their inheritance, they must reneA,'
their covenant of loyalty to God. In the last instructions of Moses,
direction had heen twice given for a convocation of the trihes ui)on
mounts Ehal and Gerizim, at Shechem, for the soliMnn recognition
of the law of God, In ohedience to these injunctions, the whole
people, not only men, hut "the women, and the little ones, and
the strangers that were conversant among them," Meft their cam j)
at Gilgal, and marched through the country of their enemies, to
the vale of Shechem, near the center of the land. Though sur-
rounded hy uncon(juered foes, they were safe undi-r the ])rote<'tion
of God as long as they were faitiiful Ur him. Now, as in the days
of Jacoh, " the terror of God was upon the cities that were round
ahout them,'"* and the Hebrews were unmolested.

The place appointed for this solemn service was one already
sacred from its association with the history of their fathers. It
was here that Al)raham raiswl his first altar to Jehovah in the
land of Canaan. Here both Abraham and Jacob had pitched
their tents. Here the latter bought the field in which the tribes
were to bury the body of Joseph. Here also was the well that

J Joshua 8 : 30-.S.5. » Gen. 35 : 5.

[501]

502

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Jacob had duj;, and the oak under wliich he had l)uried tlie
idolatrous inia}j;es of liis household.

The spot chosen was one of the most beautiful in all Palestine,
and worthy to be the theater where this grand and impressive
scene was to be enacted. The lovely valley, its green fields dotted
with olive groves, watered with brooks from living fountain., and
gemmed with wild flowers, spread out invitingly between the
barren hills. Ebal and Cirerizim, upon opposite sides of the val-
ley, nearly approach each other, their lower spurs seeming to
form a natural pulpit, every word spoken on one being distinctly
audible on the other, while the mountain-sides, receding, afford
space for a vast assemblage.

According to the directions given by Moses, a monument of
great stones was erected upon Mount Ebal. Upon these stones,
previously prepared by a covering of i)laster, the law was inscribed,
— not only the ten precejits spoken from Sinai and engraved on
the tables of stone, but the laws communicated to Moses, and l)y
him written in a book. Beside this monument was built an altar
of unhewn stone, upon which sacrifices were offered unto the Lord.
The fact that the altar was set up on Mount Ebal, the mountain
upon which the curse was i)ut, was significant, denoting that l)e-
cause of their transgressions of God's law, Israel had justly in-
curred his wrath, and that it would be at once visited, but for
the atonement of Christ, represented by the altar of sacrifice.

Six of the tribes — all descended from Leah and Rachel —
were stationed upon Mount Gerizim ; while those that descended
from the handmaids, together with Reuben and Zebulun, took
their position on Ebal, the priests with the ark occupying tlie
valley between them. Silence was proclaimed by the sound of
the signal trumpet; and then in the deep stillness, and in the
presence of this vast assembly, Joshua, standing beside the sacred
ark, read the Idessings that were to follow obedience to God's law.
All the tribes on Gerizim responded by an Amen. He then read
the curses, and the tribes on Ebal in like manner gave their
assent, thousands upon thousands of voices uniting as the voice
of one man in the solenm response. Following this came the
reading of the law of God, together with the statutes and judg-
ments that had been delivered to them by Moses.

Israel had received the law directly from the mouth of God
at Sinai ; and its sacred precei)ts, written by his own hand, were

THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSES.

008

still preserved in the ark. Now it had ])cen aj^ain ■written where
all euuld read it. All had the i)rivilege of seeing for themselves
the eonditions of the eovenant under which they were to hold
possession of Canaan. All were to signify their acceptance of the
terms of the covenant, and give their assent to the hlessings or
curses for its observance or neglect. The law was not only written
upon the memorial stones, hut was read by Joshua himself in
the hearing of all Israel. It had not been many weeks since
Moses gave the whole book of Deuteronomy in discourses to the
people, yet now Joshua read the law again.

Not alone the men of Israel, but " all the women and the little
ones " listened to the reading of the law ; for it was important that
they also should know and do their duty. God had commanded
Israel concerning his statutes : " Ye shall lay up these my words
in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon
your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And
ye shall teach them your children, . . . that your days may l)e
multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the
Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven
upon the earth."'

Every seventh year the whole law was to l)e read in the assem-
bly of all Israel, as Moses connnanded: "At the end of every
seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the Feast
of Tab(Tnacles, when all Israel is come to appear l)efore the Lord
thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this
law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the peoi)le together,
men, and women, an<l children, and thy stranger that is within
thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear
the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.
And that their children, which have not known anything^ may
liaar, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye live in
the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it."'^

Satan is ever at work endeavoring to pervert Avhat God has
spoken, to blind the mind and darken the understanding, and
thus lead men into sin. .This is why the Lord is so explicit,
making his requirements so very ])lain that none need err. God
is constantly seeking to draw men close under his protection, that
Satan miy not practice his cruel, deceptive power upon them. He
has condescended to speak to them Avith his OAvn voice, to write

iDeut. 11 : 18-31. ^Dcut. \\\ : 10-13.

504

IWTItf Aliens AM) J'JiOrifKTS.

with liis own liiind the liviii:,' oracli's. And tlicso Moysud words,
nil instinct Avitli lilc and lundnou.s with truth, arc connnittcd to
men as a perfect ^'uidc. Hecause Satan is so ready tt) catch away
the mind and divert the affections from the; Lord's |ironiise.s and
re(|nircinents, the j^reater dili<;ence is needed to lix them in the
mind and impress +liem iijxm tlie heart.

(Jrcater attention slionld he jjiven hy religious teachers to
instrnctinjr the pi'oph'i in the facts and lessons of ]iil)le Instory
and the warnings and re(|uirements of the Lord. These shouM
he |)rcsented in simple lan^ua<;e, adapted to the com]>rclK'nsion
of children. It should he a })art of the work ootli of nnnisters
and ])arents to see that tlu; younu: are instructed in the Scriptures.

Parents can and shouM interest their children in the varied
knowled<i;e found in the sacred i)a^fes. ]iut if they would inter-
est their sons and dau;;hters in the word of (iod, they nnist lo
interested in it themselves. They must he familiar with its
teachin.ijs, and, as (iod conmianded Israel, speak of it, "when
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest hy the way,
when thou liest down, and when thou risest U|>."' Those who de-
sire their children to love and reverence (Jod, must talk of his
jioodness, hif) majesty, and his ])ower, as revealed in his word
and in the works of creation.

Every cha])ter and every verse t»f the Bihle is a comnmnica-
tion from (tod to men. We should hind its jtreccjits as si<fns
ui)on our hands, and as frontlets hetween our eyes. If studied
and oheyed, it would lead God's i)eople, as the Israelites were
led, hy tlie pillar of cloud hy day, and the ])illar of fire hy ni;iht.

' Dent. 11 : I'.l.

CHAPTER XLVII.

LKACIUK Wnil IHi; OIBKCJNITKS.

From Shuclu'in the IsniclitcH ivtunuMl to tlicir ('nciin»|»iiK'nt at
(lilgal. Hero tlicy wcro .soon after visited l»y a. straii;.'o deputation,
who desired to enter into treaty with tlieni. The and)aH.su(h)rs
re[)resented that they liad eoine ironi a di.stant country, and this
seemed to 1)e eonlirnied by tlieir !ii)|)i!5iranee. Their ( lothin^ was
old and worn, thi'ir san<hds were j)atehed, thi'ir ]>r<)vision.s niohly,
and the skins that served them for wine-l)otth's were rent and
bound Uj), as if Imstily repaired on the journey.

In their far-oil" home — ]»rofessedly l)eyond the limits of Pales-
tine — their iellow-countrymini, they said, had heard of the won-
ders which (iod had wrought i'or his ))eoph', and had sent them to
make a leajrue with Israel. The Hel)rews had been specially
warned aujainst enterintr into any league with the idolaters of
Canaan, and a douht as to the truth of the stranu;ers' words arose
in the minds of the hsaders. "' Pcradventure ye dwell amon;j; us,"
they said. To this the ambassadors only replied, " We are tliy
servants."' But when Joshua directly demanded of them, "AN'ho
are ye? and fron) whence come ye?" they reiterated tiieir former
statement, and added, in })roof of tlieir sincerity, "This our bread
we took hot for our })rovision out of our houses on the day we
came fortli to go unto you; l)ut now, behold, it is dry, and it is
moldy. And these l)ottles of Avine, which we filled, were new;
and, behold, they be rent. And tliese our garments and our shoes
are become old by reason of tlie verj' long Journey."

The.se representations ])revailed. The Hebrews "asked not
counsel at the mouth of the Lord. And Joshua made peace with
them, and made a league with them, to let them live. And
the princes of the con'!;rcgation sware unto tliem." Thus the
treaty was entered into. Three days aiterward the truth was
discovered. " They heard that they were their neighbors, and

iSif Johuii 0, 10.

[ ■■<) • I

500

PATUIARVIIS AND PROPIIETH.

that they dwelt Jiinonj; tlicni." Knowing; that it was iinpos.sildo to
resist the Hebrews, the (Jiheonites had resorted to strataj;eiu to
preserve their lives.

(treat was the indignation of tiie Israi'lites as they learned the
deeeption that had heen practiced upon them. An<l this was
heijihtened Avhen, after three days' journey, they reached the citicw
of the (Jiheonites, near the center of the land. " All the conjjrej^a-
tion murmured ajjaiiist the jjrinces;" }>ut the latter refused to
1>reak the treaty, tliough secured hy fraud, because they had
"sworn unto tliem l)y the liord (Jod of Israel." " And the chil-
dren of Israel smote them not." The Giheonites had pledged
themselves to renounce idolatry, and accept the worship of Jeho-
vah ; and the i»reservation of their lives was not a violation of
God's command to destroy the idolatrous Canaanites. Hence the
Hebrews liad not by their oath jdedged themselves to commit sin.
And though the oath had been secured by deception, it was not to
be disregarded. The obligation to which one's word is pledged, —
if it do not bind him to i)erforni a wrong act, — should ])e hold
sacred. No consideration of gain, of revenge, or of self-interest,
can in any way affect the inviolability of an oath or pledge.
" Lying lips are abomination to the Lord." He that " shall ascend
into the hill of the Lord," and " stand in his holy place," is " he
that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not."^

The Giheonites were j^ormitted to live, but were attached as
bondmen to the sanctuary, to perform all menial services. " Joshua
made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the
congregation, and for the altar of the Lord." These conditions
they gratefully accepted, conscious that they had been at fault,
and glad to jjurchasc life on any terms. " Behold, we are in thine
hand," tluy said to Joshua ; " as it seemeth good and right unto
thee to do unto us, do." For centuries their descendants were
connected Avith the service of the sanctuary.

The territory of the Giheonites comprised four cities. The
peoi)le were not under tlie rule of a king, but were governed by
elders, or senators. Gibeon, the most important of their towns,
" was a great city, as one of the royal cities," " and all the men
thereof were mighty." It is a striking evidence of the terror with
which the Israelites had inspired the inhabitants of Canaan, that
the people of such a city should have resorted to so humiliating
an expedient to save their lives.

iProv. 13 : 22; Ps. 24 : 3; 1.5 : 4.

LKAOUK WITH THE UIBE0NITE8.

6o:

Uut it would liavo fiiri-d lu'ttcr with tlu; fJibconitos had they
dealt lioiK'stly with JMriicl. While their Huhmission to Jehovah
seeured the j (reservation of their lives, their deception brought them
only disjirace and nervitude. (lod had made provision that all
wlu) would renounce heathenism, and connect themselves with
Israel, should share the hlessinjfs of the covenant. They were
included under the term, "the Htran;j;er that sojourncth amonj;
you," and with few exceptions this class were to enjoy e(|ual favors
and ])rivile^es Avith Israel. The Lord's direction was, —

" If a stranjier sojourn Avith thee in your land, ye shall not vex
liim. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall he unto you
as one horn among you, and thou shalt lovo him as thyself.'"
Concerning the Passover and the otfering of sacrifices it was com-
manded, " One ordinance shall he both for you of the congregation,
and also for the stranger that st)journeth with you. ... As ye are,
so shall the stranger be before the Lord."'^

Such was the footing on which the Gibeonitcs might have been
received, but for the deception to which they had resorted. It
was no light Immiliation to those citizens of a *' royal city," " all
the men whereof were mighty," to be made hewers of wood and
drawers of water throughout their generations. But they had
adoi)ted the garb of poverty for the jjurpose of decei)tion, and it
was fastened upon them as a badge of perpetual servitude. Thus
through all their generations, their servile condition would testify
to God's hatred of falsehood.

The submission of Gibeon to the Israelites filled the kings of
Canaan with dismay. Steps were at once taken for revenge upon
those who had made peace with the invaders. Under the lead-
ership of Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, five of the Canaanite
kings entered into a confederacy against (Jibeon. Their move-
ments were rapid. The Gibeonites were uni)repared for defense,
and they sent a message to Joshua at Gilgal : " Slack not thy hand
from thy servants ; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help
us ; for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains
are gathered together against us."' The danger threatened not the
peoi)Ie of Gibeon alone, but also Israel. This city commanded the
passes to Central and Southern Palestine, and it must l)e held if
the country was to be conquered.

Joshua prepared to go at once to the relief of Gibeon. The
inhabitants of the besieged city had feared that he would reject

1 Lev. 19 : 33, 34. ^ Num. 15 : 15. 8 joshua 10 : 6.

r.(iH

/'.I rniA iK'iis . I .v/> mo nil K rs.

tluir uppfiil, l»('('ausc of the fniud which they luul i>ra(ti<»'<l ;
liut Hiiu'c thi'V lind Huhinitt«'<l to the control of Israel, and had
act't'ptcd the W(»rshi|> of (Jod, he felt himself under ol (ligation to
protect them. lie did not this time move without divine? coun-
si'l, and the Lord encourajzed him in the undertaking,'. "Fear
them not," was the divine message; "fori have delivered them
into thine hand ; there shall not a man of them stand hefore
thee." "So Joshua ascended from (iil^al, lie, and all the peo-
j»Ie of war with him, and all the niijrhty men of valor."

Hy marchin;^ all )»i;.dit he hrouizht IjIh forces before (iiheon
in the morninjr. Scarcely had the confederate princes mustered
their armies ahout the city when Joshua was U|»on them. The
attack resulteil in the utter discointiture of the assailants. The
innnense host fled hefore Joshua up i\u\ mountain pass to Jieth-
horon ; and haviiij^ punt'd the hei;,dit they rushed down the pre-
cipitous descent upon the other side. Here a fierce hailstorm
hurst upon them. "The Lord east down jjreat stones from heaven.
. . . They were more which died with hailstones than they whom
the children of Israi-l slew with a sword."

While the Amorites were continuing,' their headlonjj fli^dit,
intent on findinj^ refu^'e in the mountain strongholds, Joshua,
looking down from the vid<re above, saw that the day would be
too short for the accomi>lishment of his work. If not fully routed,
their enemies would ajrain rally, and renew the 8tru<jjj:;le. "Then
spake Joshua to tlu> Lord. . . . And he said in the siji;ht of Israel,
Sun, stand thou still upon (libeou; and ihou, moon, in the valley
of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until
the ])e()ple had aveuijed themselves \\\)on their enemies. . . . The
sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down
about a whole day."

Before the evening fell, God's promise to Joshua had been
fulfilh.'d. The entire liost of the enemy had been given into his
hand. Long were the events of that day to remain in the memory
of Israel. "There Avas no day like that before it or after it, that
Jehovah hearkened unto the voice of a man; for the Lord fought
for Israeli" " The sun and moon stiuxl .still in their habitation;
at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of
thy glittering si)ear. Thou didst march through the land in indig-
nation, thou didst thresh the lieathen in anger. Thou wentest
forth for the salvation of thy ])eople." '

Ulab. 3 : U-13.

I.KAnVK WITH TIIK (nitHOSITHS.

tM*l

The Spirit ol" (iud iii.s|iir<(l .lushua's |tm\i'i*, tliiit i-viilnui'
iiii^dit ii^'iiiii )>(' ^ivrti of the powiT (if 1si'!U'I'h (mm!. IIciico the
rc<|U('st ili«l not hIiow prcsiiinptinii on the part of the j^reat
lea(h'r. .J(tshua liiid received the proinixe that (Jod woidd surely
overthrow theses eneniieH of Israel, yet he put forth as earnest
ell'ort as thou;.di success depended upon the armies of Israel alone.
\\v did all that hueian ener;ry could ilo, and then he cried
in faith lor divine aid. TIm; secret of succ«'sh is the union of
dlvin(! power with human ell'ort. Those who achieve tho ^'reati'st
results are thosi; who rely most implicitly upon the Almi'ihty
Arm. The man who commanded, "Sun, stand tlntu still upon
(iilicon; and thou, moon, in the valley of Ajalon,"' is the man who
for h(»urs lay prostrate upon tlu; earth in |»rayer in the camp at
(iilfjal. The men of prayer are the men of power.

Tliirt mighty miracle testilies that the creation is under the
control of th(! Creator. Satan neek.s to conci'al from men the
divine ajrency in the physical world, — to kee|» out of si^ht the
unwearied Avorkin;^ of the first ^reat cause, in this nnracle, all
who exalt nature ahove the (Jod of nature stand rehuked.

At his own will, (jod Hunnnons tin; forces of natun; to over-
throw the mij^ht of liis eiiemie.s, — " lire and hail, snow and vapors,
•stormy wind I'ulfilling his word."' When tlie heathen Amorites
hud set themselves to resist his purposes, (Jod interposed, castin<j;
down " j^reut stones from heaven " upon the enemies of Israel, We
are told of a j^reater hattU; to take j)lace in the closinj^ scenes of
earth's history, when "Jehovah hath opened his armory, and liath
lirouf^ht forth the weapons of his indiiination."" " Hast thou, " he
inquires, " entered into the treasure.s of the snow? or hast thou
seen the treasures of the liail, which I have reserved against the
time of trouhle, against the day of hattle and war? " '

The Revelator descrihes the tlestruction that is to take i)lace
when the "great voice out of the temple of heaven" announces,
" It is done." He says, " There fell upon men a great hail out of
heaven, every stone ahout tlui weight of a talent." '

> ?8. 148 : 8. « Jer. 50 : 2.'). •Mob 38 : 22, 23. ♦ Ki-v. Hi ; 17, 21.

CHAPTER XLVIIl.

THE DIVISION OF CANAAN.

The victory at Beth-horon was si>ee(lily followed by the con-
quest of Southern Canaan. " Joshua smote all the country of the
hills, and of the south, and of the vale ; . . . and all these kings
and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God
of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel
with him, unto the camp to Gilgal." '

The tribes of Northern Palestine, terrified at the success which
had attended the armies of Israel, now entered into a league
against them. At the head of this confederacy was Jabin, king of
Hazor, a territory to the weet of Lake Merom. " And they went
out, they and all their hosts with them." This army was much
larger than any that the Israelites had before encountered in
Canaan, — " much people, even as the sand that is upon the
seashore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. And
when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched
together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel." Again a
message of encouragement was given to Joshua : " Be not afraid ])e-
cause of them ; for to-morrow about this time will I deliver them
up all slain before Israel."

Near Lake Merom he fell upon the camp of the allies, and
utterly routed their forces. " The Lord delivered them into the
hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them, . . . until
they left them none remaining." The chariots and horses that
had been the pride and boast of the Canaanites, were not to be
appropriated by Israel. At the command of God the chariots
were burned, and the horses lamed, and thus rendered unfit for
use in battle. The Israelites were not to put their trust in chariots
or horses, but " in the name of the Lord their God."

One by one, the cities were taken, and Hazor, the stronghold of
the confederacy, was burned. The war was continued for several

1 See Joshua 10 : 40-43 ; chapter 11.
[510]

THE DIVISION OF CANAAN.

511

years, but its close found Joshua master of Canaan. "And the
land rested from war."

But though the power of the Canaanites had been broken, thev
had not l)een fully dispossessed. On the west the Philistines still
lield a fertile plain along tlie sea-coast, while north of them was
theterritory of the Sidonians. Lebanon also was in the possession
of the latter people; and to the south, toward Egypt, the land
was still occupied by the enemies of Israel.

Joshua was not, however, to continue the war. There was an-
other work for the great leader to perform before he should re-
linquish the command of Israel. The whole land, both the parts
already conquered and that which was yet unsubdued, was to be
apportioned among the tribes. And it was the duty of each tribe
to fully subdue its own inheritance. If the people should prove
faithful to God, he would drive out their enemies from before
them ; and he promised to give them still greater possessions if
they would but be true to his covenant.

To Joshua, with Eleazar the high priest, and the heads of the
tribes, the distribution of the land .was committed, the location of
each tribe being determined by lot. Moses himself had fixed the
bounds of the country as it was to be divided among the tribes
when they should come in i)ossession of Canaan, and had appointed
a prince from each tribe to attend to the distribution. The tribe
of Levi, being devoted to the sanctuary service, was not counted
in this allotment ; but forty-eight cities in different parts of the
country were assigned the Levites as their inheritance.

Before the distribution of the land had been entered upon,
Caleb, accompanied by the dieads of his tribe, came forward with
a special claim. Except Joshua, Caleb was now the oldest man
in Israel. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones among the spies
who had brought a good report of the land of promise, encourag-
ing the people to go up and possess it in the name of the Lord.
Caleb now reminded Joshua of the promise then made, as the re-
ward of his faithfulness : *' The land whereon thy feet have trodden
shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's forever, because thou
hast wholly followed the Lord." ' He therefore presented a request
that Hebron be given him for a possession. Here had 1)een for
many years the home of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; and here, in
the cave of Machpelah, they were buried. Hebron was the seat of

> Joshua 14 : 6-15.

512

I'AritlAIiCIIS AND PROPlIErS.

the (Irutuled Anakiin, -whose formidahle appearance had so terriliod
the spies, and through them destroyed the couraiije of all Israel.
This, above all others, was the place which ('aleb, trusting in the
strength of God, chose for his inheritance.

" Behold, the Lord hath kept nie alive," he said, " these forty
and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses. . . .
And now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I
am as strong this day as I was in the day that ^[oses sent me. As
my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, 1)oth
to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain,
whereof the Lord spake in that day ; for thou lieardcst in that day
how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and
fenced. If so l)e the Lord will he with me, then I shall be able to
drive them out, as the Lord said." Thif' request was supported by
the chief men of Judah. Caleb himself being the one appointed
from this tribe to ai)i)ort,ion tlio land, he had chosen to unite these
men with him in i)resenting his claim, that there might be no
aj^pearance of having employed his authority for selfish advantage.

His claim was immediately granted. To none could the con-
quest of this giant stronghold bo more safely intrusted. " Joshua
l)lessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh, Hel)ron
for an inheritance," " because that he wholly followed the Lord
God of Israel." Caleb's faith now was just what it was when his
testimony had contradicted the evil report of the spies. He had
belicv(>d (rod's promise that he would put his people in possession
of Canaan, and in this he had followed the Lord iully. He had
endured with his people the long wandering in the wilderness,
thus sharing the disapi)ointments and burdens of the guilty; yet
he made no complaint of this, l)ut exalted the mercy of God that
had preserve*! him in the wilderness when his l)rethren were cut
off. Amid all the V.ardsi.ips, perils, and plagues of the desert
Avanderings, and during the years of warfare since entering Canaan,
the Lord had i)reserved him ; and now at upwards of fourscore his
vigor was unabated. He did not ask for himself a land already
conciuered, but the place which above all others the spies had
thought it impossible to subdue. By the help of God he would
wrest this stronghold from the very giiints whose power had stag-
gered the faith of Israel. It was no desire for honor or aggran-
dizement that prompted Caleb's request. The brave old warrior
was desirous of giving to the people an example that would honor

THE DT VIRION OF CANAAN.

518

God, and encourage the tril)es lully to subdue the land which their
fathers liad deemed unconciuerable.

Caleb obtained the inheritance u})on which Ihh heart had been
set for forty years, and trusting in (Jod to be with him, he " drove
thence the three sons of Anak.'" Having thus secured a posses-
sion for himself and his house, his zeal did not al)ate ; lu; did not
settle down to enjoy his inheritance, but ])Uslied on to further con-
quests for the benefit of the nation and the glory of God.

The cowards and rebels had perished in the wilderness; but
the righteous spies ate of the grapes of Eschol, To each was given
according to his faith. The unbelieving had seen their fears ful-
filled. Notwithstanding (Jod's promise, they had declared that
it was impossible to inherit Canaan, and they did not possess it.
But those who trusted in God, looking not so nmch to the difficul-
ties to be enciountered as to the strength of their Almighty Helper,
entered the goodly land. It was through faith that the ancient
worthies " sul)dued kingdoms, . . . escaped the edge of the sword,
out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned
to flight the armies of the aliens." " This is the victory that over-
cometh the world, even our faith." '^

Another claim concerning the division of the land, revealed a
spirit widely different from that of Caleb. It was presented by
the children of Joseph, the tribe of Ei)hraim with the half tri])e
of Manasseh. In consideration of their superior numbers, these
tribes demanded a double portion of territory. The lot <lesig-
nated for them was the richest in the land, including the fertile
plain of Sharon; but many of the principal towns in the valley
were still in possession of the Canaanites, and the tribes shrank
from the toil and danger of conquering their possessions, and
desired an additional [)ortion in territory already subdued. The
tribe of Ephraim was one of the largest in Israel, as well as the
one to which Joshua himself belonged, and its members naturally
regarded themselves as entitled to special consideration. '' Why
hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit," they
said, "seeing I am a great people?"'' But no departure from
strict justice could 1m3 Avon from the inflexible leader.

His answer was, " If thou be a great people, then get thee uj>
to the Avood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land

Moshua 15 : 14. 'Mieb. 11 : .S8, 34; 1 John .5 : 4.

•Moshuu 17 : 14-18. .^,

514

PATIilAIiCIIS A\J) PROPHETS.

of the Perizzites and of the u;iants, if Mount Ephraini l>o too nar-
row for thee."

Their reply showed the real cause of complaint. They lackerl
faith and courau;e to drive out tlie (.'anaanites. "The hill is not
enough for us," they said ; "and all the Canaanites that dwell in
the land of the valley have (chariots of iron."

The ])ower of the Gud of Israel had l)ecn pledged to his people,
and had the Ephrainiites i)ossessed the cf)ura<ie and faith of Caleh,
no enemy could have stood hefore them. Their evident desire to
shun hardship and danger was iirndy met ])y Joshua. " Thou art
a ,irreat peojile, and hast j^reat power," ho said; "tliou shalt drive
out tlie Canaanites, though the}'' have iron chariots, and tliouu;h
they he strong." Thus their own arguments were turned against
them. Being a great people, as they claimed, they were fully ahle
to make their own way, as did t>heir hrethren. With the hel]) of
God, they need not fear the chariots of iron.

Heretofore Gilgal had been the headquarters of the nation and
the seat of the tabernacle. But now the tahernaclo was to be re-
moved to the place chosen for its i)ermanent location. This was
Shiloh, a little town in the lot of Ephraim. It was near the cen-
ter of the land, and was easy of access to all the tribes. Here a
portion of country had been thoroughly subdued, so that the wor-
shipers would not l)e molested. "And the whole congregation of
the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and sot up the
tabernacle of the congregation there." ^ The tribes that were still
encamped when the tabernacle was removed from Gilgal, followed
it, and pitched near Shiloh. Here these tribes remained until
they (I'spersed to their possessions.

The ark remained at Shiloh for three hundred years, until, be-
caUijC of the sins of Eli's house, it fell into the hands of the Philis-
tines, and Shiloh was ruined. The ark was never returned to the
tabernacle here, tlie sanctuary service was finally transferred to
the temple at Jerusalem, and Shiloh fell into insignificance. There
are only ruins to mark the sjiot where it once stood. Long after-
ward its fate was made use of as a warning to Jerusalem. " Go ye
now unto my place which was in Shiloh," the Lord declared l)y
tlu! prophet Jeremiah, " where I set my name at the first, and see
what I did to it for the wickedness of my j^eople Israel. . . . There-
fore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name,

1 Joshua 18 : 1-10.

\vl
to

\\'\

THE DTVISION OF CANAAN.

:. 1 :>

whoruin yo trust, and unto the i)laco wliich I gave to you and
to vour fathers, as I have done, to Shiloh." '

" When they liad made an end of dividin<; the land," and all
tlie tribes had l)een idlotted their inheritanee, Joshua i)resented his
elaim. To him, as to Caleh, a special promise of inheritance liad
been given; yet lie asked for no extensive ])rovince, hut only a
single city. " They gave him the city which he asked, . . . and h(^
l)uilt the city, and dwelt therein.'''* The name given to the city
was Tinmath-serah, "the jjortion that remains," — a standing tes-
timony to the nohle character and .unselfish sj)irit of the con-
(jueror, who, instead of l)eing the first to appropriate the spoils of
conquest, deferred his claim until the humblest of his ])eople had
been served.

Six of the cities assigned to the Levites, — three on each side
the Jordan, — were api)ointed as cities of refuge, to which the
manslayer nught fiee for safety. The appointment of these cities
had been commanded by Moses, "that the slayer may flee thither,
which killeth any ])erson at unawares. And they shall be unto
you cities for refuge," he said, "that the manslayer die not, until
he stand before the ctaigregation in judgment."'' Tiiis merciful
])rovision was rendered necessary by the ancient custom of pri-
vate vengeance, by whicii the ]>unishment of the nmrderer de-
volved on the nearest relative or tlie next heir of the deceased.
In cases where guilt was clearly evident, it was not necessary to
wait for a trial by the magistrates. The ifvengcr might pursue the
criminal anywhere, and put him to death wherever he should
he found. The Lord did not see fit to abolish this custom at that
time ; l)ut he made i)rovision to insure the safety of those who
should take life unintentionally.

The cities of refuge were so distributed as to be within a half-
day's journey of every })art of the land: The roads leading to
them Were always to l)e kept in good repair; all along the way,
sign-posts Avere to be erected bearing the word " Refuge " in plain,
bold characters, that the fleeing one nnght not l)o delayed for a
moment. Any person — Hebrew, stranger, or sojourner — might
avail hi'.nself of this provision. J3ut while the guiltless were not
to be rashly slain, neither were the guilty to escape punishment.
The case of the fugitive was to be fairly tried by the ])roper
avithorities, and only when found innocent of intentional luur-
iJer. 7 : 13, 14. « Joshua 19 : 49, .50. 3Nuin 35 : 11, 12.

>u\

PATRlAHiniS AM) I'ltOl'lIKTS.

(ler was be t() l)t! protected in tin; city of refuse. The j^uilty wer.'
niveu uj) I ) the aveu'rer. And those who were entitled to i)ro-
teetion couM receive it only on condition of reniaininji; within the
apjKnnted refufic Hhould one Avander away beyond the i)rcscri])ed
limits, and he found hy the avenirer of blood, his life would j)ay
the i)enalty of his disregard of tbe Lord's })rovision. At the death
of the hijih priest, howcA'cr, all who had s()U!j;ht shelter in the cities
of refuge were at liberty to return to their possessions.

In a trial for nuinh r, the accused was not t(> l)e con'deinnod on
the testimony of one witness, even though circumstantial evidence
might be strong against him. T\w Lord's direction was, " Whoso
killeth any person, the nmrderer shall be i»ut to death by the
mouth of witnesses ; but one witness shall not testify against any
person to cause him to die."' Tt was ChrLst who gave to Moses
these directions for Israel ; and when liersonally with his disciples
on earth, as he taught them how to treat the erring, the Great
Teacher repeated the lesson that on.e man's testimony is not to
acquit or condenni One man's views and opinions are not to
settle disi)utcd qu tions. In all these matters, two or more are
to be associated, and together they are to bear the responsibility,
" that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be
established."*

If the one tried for nmrder were ]»roved guilty, no atonement
or ransom <'ould rescue him. *' Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by
man shall his blood be shed." "Ye shall take no satisfaction for
the life of a murderer which is guilty of death; l)ut he shall be
surely })ut to death," '* thou shalt take him from nune altar, that
he may die," was the command of God ; " the land cannot be
cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him
that shed it.'" The safety and })urity of the nation demanded
that the sin of nmrder be severely punished. Human life, which
God alone could give, must l)e sacredly guarded.

The cities of refuge appointed for God's ancient people were
a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. The same merciful
Saviour who ap})ointed those temporal cities of refuge, has by the
shedding of his own blood })rovided for the transgressors of God's
law a sure retreat, into which they may flee for safety from the
second death. No i)ower can take out of his hands the souls that

iNuin. S.'S : 30. 'Matt. IS : 10.

•njeri. 9 : «; Num. 3.5 : 31, 33; Ex. 21 : 14.

THE DIVISION OF CANAAN.

i>17

j^o to him for i»ar(lon. '" Tlicro i-t therofon! now no rondemnation
to thoin which lire in Christ .Jesus." "Who is lie that condeinn-
eth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen a<;ain, wlio is
even at tlie riji;lit hand of Crod, who also niaketh intoreession for
us ; " that " we niijj;ht have a Ktron;^ consolation, who have tied for
refuge to lay hold upon the hope set hefore us." '

lie who fled to the city of refu<^(! could make no delay.
Family and employment were left hehind. There was no time to
say farewell to loved ones. PTis life was at stake, and ever^ other
interest must l>c sacrificed to the one; imrjjose, — to reach the phico
of safety. Weariness was forgotten, difiiculties were unheeded.
The fugitive dared not for one moment slacken his pace until he
was within the walls of the city.

The sinner is cx])08ed to eternal death,until he finds a hiding-
place in Christ ; and as loitering and carelessness might rob the
fugitive of his only chance for life, so delays and indifference may
l)rove the ruin of the soul. Satan, the great adversary, is on the
track of every transgressor of God's holy law, and he who is not
sensible of his danger, and does not earnestly seek shelter in the
eternal refuge, will fall a i)rey to the destroyer.

The prisoner who at any time went outside the city of refuge
was abandoned to the avenger of blood. Thus the i)eople were
taught to adhere to the methods which infinite wisdom appointed
ibr their se(!uritv. Even so, it is not enou'zh that the sinner helievc
in Christ for the pardon of sin; he must, by faith and obedience,
abide in him. " For if we sin willfully after that we have re-
ceived the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacri-
fice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."*

Two of the tribes of Israel, Gad and Reuben, with half the tribe
of Manasseh, had received their inheritance Itefort; crossing the
JorLian. To a pastoral people, the wide updand i)lains and rich
forests of Gilead and BaShan, offering extensive grazing land for
their flocks and herds, had attractions which were not to be found
in Canaan itself, and the two and a half tribes, desiring to settle
here, had pledged themselves to furnish their proportion of armed
}nen to accompany their brethren across the Jordan, and to share
their battles till they also should enter U|)i.a their inheritance.
The obligation had been faithfully discharged. When the ten

1 Rom. 8 : 1, 34; Heb. 6 : 18. '' Ileb. 10 : 20, 27.

518

PATItrAIiCnS AND rilOPIIKTS.

tribes entered (-anaan, forty tliouHaml of ''tlu; eliiklren of Reuben,
and the cliildren of Clad, and lialf tl»e triho of Manassi'li, . . .
l)rej»ared for war, ])assed over befort- tlie T^ord unto I)attl(', to the
l)lainH of Jericlio."' For years they had fouj^ht bravely l)y the
side of their l)rethren. Now the time had conic for them to j^et
unto the huid of their possession. As they had united with tlieir
brethren in the conHicts, so they had shared the spoils; and they
returned " with mueh riches, . . . with very much cattle, with sil-
ver, and with jj;old, and with brass, and with iron, and with very
much raiment,"" all of which thev were to share with those
who had remained with the families and flocks.

They were now to dwell at a distance from the sanctuary of
the Lord, and it was with an anxious lieart that Joshua witnessed
their departure, knowing how strong would l)e the tem})tations, in
their isolated and wandering life, to fall into the customs of the
heathen tribes that dwelt upon their borders.

While the minds of Joshua and other leaders were still op-
l)ressed with anxious forebodings, strange tidings reached them.
Jieside the Jordan, near the i)lace of Israel's miraculous passage
of the river, the two and a half tribes had erected a great altar,
similar to the altar of burnt-ofibring at Shiloh. The laAV of God
prohibited, on i)ain of deatli, the establishment of another worship
than that at the sanctuary. If such was the object of this altar,
it Avould, if permitted to remain, lead the peoi)le away from the
true faith.

The representatives of the people assend)led at Shiloh, and
in the heat of their excitement and indignation, })roposed to
make war at once upon the offenders. Through the influence
of the more cautious, however, it was decided to send first a
delegation to obtain from the two and a half tribes an exi)laiia-
tion of their conduct. Ten })rinces, one from each tribe, were
chosen. At their head was Phinehas, who had distinguished
himself by his zeal in the matter of Peor.*

The two and a half tribes had been at fault in entering, with-
out explanation, uj^on an act open to such grave suspicions. The
ambassadors, taking it for granted that their brethren were guilty,
met them with sharp rebuke. They accused them of rebelling
against the Lord, and bade them remember how judgments had
been visited upon Israel for joining themselves to Baal-peor. In
J Joshua 4:13, 13. ^ ggg Joshua 22.

THE nrvrsiox of canaan.

I!>

Uuliiilf of all Israel, Pliiiu'ha.s .stated to the children of (iad and
K'>ul)en that if they were unwillinji to ahidi; in tliat land without
an altar for saerifiee, they would he wi'lconie to a share in the
})OSScssionH and privileifes of tiieir l)rethren on th(> other sich".

In rejdy, the aeeused explained that their altar was not in-
tended for saerifiee, hut simply as a witness that, althoujfh st'pa-
rated hy the river, they were of the same i'aitli as their hrethren
in Canaan. They had feared that in future years their ehildri'n
might he excluded from the tahernacle, as having no part in
Israel. Then this altar, erected, after tlu> piittern of the altar
of the Lord at Hhiloh, would he a witness that its liuilders were
also worshipers of the living God.

With great joy the amhassadors accepted this explanation, and
immediately carried hack tlie tidings to tiiose who sent them. All
thoughts of war were dismissed, and the people united in rejoicing,
and i)raisc to God.

The children of Gad and Reuhen now placed ui)on their altar
an inscription pointing out the purpose for which it was erected ;
and they said, " It shall he a witness hetween us that Jehovah
is God." Thus they endeavored to })revent future misai)prehen-
sion, and to remove what might he a cause of temptation.

How often serious difficulties arise from a simple misunder-
standing, even among those who are actuated hy the worthiest
motives; and without the exercise of courtesy and forhearance,
what serious and even fatal results may follow. The ten trihes
rememhered how, in A(^han's case, (Jod had rehuked the lack
of vigilance to discover the sins existing among them. Now they
resolved to act promptly and earnestly; hut in seeking to shun
their first error, they had gone to the opposite extreme. Instead
of making courteous incjuiry to learn the facts in the case, they
had met their hrethren with censure and condemnation. Had
the men of Gad and Reul)en retorted in the same spirit, war
would have heen the result. While it is important on the one
hand that laxness in dealing with sin he avoided, it is etiually
important on the other to shun harsh judgment and groundli'ss
suspicion.

While very sensitive to the least hlame in regard to their own
course, many are too severe in dealing Avith those whom they sup-
l)ose to he in error. No one was ever reclaimed from a wrong
position hy censure and reproach; hut many are thus driven

f>2(>

PA Tin A R ( 'IIS A sn rn oriiK ts.

mrtlicr Ironi the rijxlit path, und led to Imnlcn tlicir lu-artrt u^'aiiist
conviction. A spirit of kindness, a courteous, lorltearing deport-
ment, may sav(! the errinj.', and liide a multitufU; of sins.

The wisdom disphiyed l)y th(f l{eul)enit<'S and thi'ir comj)unions
is Avorthy of imitation. While lionestly seekinj"; to i)romote the
cause of true reli^don, they were misjudjrcd and severely censured;
yet they nianifested no resentment. They listened with courtesy
and ])aticnce to the charjj;es of their hrethren, before attempting to
make tlunr defense, and then fully explained their motives and
showed their innocence. Thus the diHiculty which had threat-
ened such serious eonseijUences, was amicably settle<l.

Even under false accusation, those who are in the rifiht can
afl'ord to be calm and considerati'. (Jod is actjuainted with all
that is misunderstood and misinterpreted by men, and we can
safely leave our casi' in his hands. Ife will as Burely vindicate
the caus(> of those who put their trust in him a.s he searched out
the jjtuilt of Achan. Those who are actuated by the spirit of
Christ will ])ossess that charity which suffers lonjjf and is kind.

It is the will of God that union and brotherly love should
exist among his ])eople. The prayer of Christ just before his
crucifixion was that his disci|)les might be one as he is one with
the Father, that the world might believe that (lod had sent liim.
This most touching and w(mderful jjrayer reaches down the ages,
even to our day; for his words were, " Neither ])ray I for these
alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their
word." ' While we are not to sacrifice one ])rinciple of truth, it
should be our constant aim to reach this state of unity. This
is the evidence of our discipleshi}). Said Jesus, " By this shall
all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another.'" The a])ostle Peter exhorts the church, "Be ye all
of one mind, having comi)assion one of another; love as brethren,
be ]ntiful, ])e courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for
railing, but contrariwise blessing ; knowing that ye are thereunto
called, that ye should inherit a blessing." '■'

'John ir : -JO. - I Peter 3 : S. 9.

--^

-^TTv^

chapti:r XLix.

TIIK LAST WORDS OK lOSIITA.

TiiK wars of coiKjucst ended, .losliuii had witlidniwn to tli"
])eiieelul ri'tirenient of his home at 'riimiath-serah. " And it
cuino to i)ays a long time after that the Lord had given rest unto
Israel from all their enemies round ahout, that Joshua . . . called
tor all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for
their judges, and for their ollicers." '

Some years had j)assed since the ])eople had settled in their
possessions, and already could he seen eropping out the same
evils that had heretofore brought judgments upon Israel. As
Joshua felt the infirmities of age stealing upon him, and real-
ized that his work must soon close, ho was filled with anxiety
for the future of his people. It was with more than a father's
interest that he addressed thum, as they gathered once more
ahout their aged chief "Ye have seen," he said, "all that the
Lord your (rod liath done unto all these nations because of you;
for the Lord your God is he that hath fought for you." Although
the Canaanites had been subdued, they still possessed a considera-
ble portion of the land }>romised to Israel, and Joshua exhorted
his peoi)le not to settle down at ease, and forget the Lord's com-
mand to utterly dispossess these idolatrous nations.

The i)eoi)le in general were slow to complete tlic work of
driving out the heathen. The tribes had dispersed to their i)os-
sessions, the army had disbanded, and it was looked upon as a
difficult and doubtful undertaking to renew the war. But Joshua
declared : " The Lord your God, he shall expel them from before
you, and drive them from out of your sight ; and ye shall possess
their land, as the Lord your God hath jjroinised unto you. Be
ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written
in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom
to the right hand or to the left."

» Sre Joslnia 23, 24.

I 5-211

52e

I'A'ntlAUdlS AM) I'lKH'IIKTS.

JosliUJi ui»|i('iil(Ml ti» tlu! people tlieiii.selveH as witnesses that,
HO I'ar as they lia<l etuiiplie<| with th(> eoiiditions, (lod had faith-
lully ruMille»l his pnmiises to them. " ^'e kn»»w in all your heiirt.-
and ill all your souls," he said, " that not oiu! tiling' hath I'aileil
of all the ^'ood things which the Lord your (lod spake eoueernin;.'
you; all are come to |>asH unto you, and not one thinj; hath failed
thereof." He declared to them that u.s tlu; Lord had fulfilled his
promises, so ho would fulfdl his threateninjj;s. " It shall eomi! to
pass, that as all good thin^is are come upon you, which the Lord
your (iod pronjised you; so shall the liord hrinjj; upon you all
evil thin<fs. . . . When ye have transgressed tiie covenant of the
Lord, . . . then HJiall the anger of the Lord he kindled against
you, and ye shall perish ((uiekly from i>rt' the good land which he
hath given unto you."

Satan deceives nianv with the plausible theory that (Jod's love
for Iiis people is so great that he will excuse sin in them ; lie rep-
resents that while the threatenings of (lod's word are to serve a
certain purpose in his moral government, they are never to he
literally fulfilled, liut in all his dealings with liis creatures, (lod
lias maintained the ])rinciples of righteousness by revealing sin in
its true character, — by demonstrating that its sure result is misery
and death. The unconditional i)ardon of sin never has been, and
never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the
princi{)les of righteousness wliich are the very foundation of the
government of (Jod. It would fill the unfallen universe with con-
sternation. God has faithfully pointed out the results of sin, and
if these warnings were not true, how could we lie sure that his
l)romises would be fulfilled? That so-called benevolence which
would set aside justice, is not benevolence, but weakness.

God is the life-giver. From the l)eginning, all his laws were
ordained to life. But sin broke in upon the order that God
had estal)lished, and discord followed. So long as sin exists, suf-
fering and death are inevitable. It is only because the Redeemer
has borne the curse of sin in our behalf, that man can hope to
escape, in his own person, its dire results.

Before the death of Joshua, the lieads and representatives of
the tribes, obedient to his summons, again assembled at Shecheni.
No spot in all the land possessed so many sacred associations,
carrying their minds back to God's covenant Avith Abraham and
Jacob, and recalling also their own solemn vows upon their en-

TUK r.ASr \\'(Ut/)S OF JOSIIVA.

r.'ja

tninci! into (annaii. lien- were tlic iiiountiiins Klml iiiul (icri/.iin,
tlic silnit witiU'HMCH of tlidsr vows wliicli now. in the itrcst'iict' of
tlu'ir flying Iciidir, tlicy Icid iisscmhlt'd to n-nrw. On every >*i(lo
were evideneen of wli.it (iod liiid wron^ilit for tlieni ; how lie luul
jriven thein a land for which they did not labor, and cities which
they liuilt not, vineyards and oliveyards which they planted not.
.Joshua reviewed onc(! more the history of Israel, rec(»untin^' the
wonderful works of (lod, that all ini^iht have a sense of his lovo
and mercy, and ndjrht serve him "in wineerity and in tmth."

By .Joshua's dinution the ark had heon liroujjht from Shiloh.
Tho occasion was one of ^re.it solemnity, an 1 this symhol of (Jod's
preHonco would deepen the im|)ression he wished to make upon
tlu! people. After presenting the goodness of (iod toward Israel,
he called upon them, in the name of .Jehovah, to choose whom
they would serve. Tho worsliip of idols was still to some extent
secretly i)ractiecd, and Joshua endeavored now to hring them to a
decision that .should banish this sin from Israel. " If it seem evil
unto you Lo servo .Jehovah," he said, "choose you this day whom
ye will servo." .Toshua desired to lead them to serve (Jod, not hy
compulsion, hut willingly. Lovo to (Jod is tho very foundation of
religion. To engage in his .service merely from hope of reward or
fear of punishment, would avail nothing. ()i)en apostasy would
not bo more ofibnsivo to God than [hypoerisy and more formal
worshij).

Tho aged leader urged the people to consider, in all its bear-
ings, what ho had .set before them, and to decide if they really
desired to live as did tlu; degraded idolatrt)Us nations around
them. If it seemed evil to them to serve .Jehovah, tho source; of
power, the fountain of blessing, let them that day choose whom
they Avould serve, — "tho gods which your fathers served," from
whom Abraham was called out, "or tho gods of tho Amorites, in
who.so land yo dwell. " These last words were a keen rebuke to
Israel. Tho gods of the Amorites had not been al)le to ])rotect
their worshipers. Because of their abominal)lo and debasing
sins, that wicked nation had boon destroyed, and tho good land
which they once ])ossessed had been given to (Jod's people. What
folly for Israel to choose the deities for who.so worshi]) the Amo-
rites had been destroyed ! " As for me and my house," .said .Joshua,
" we will serve Jehovah." The same holy zeal that inspired tho
leader's heart was communicated to tho people. His appeals

524

IWTRIARCIIS AND PROPHETS.

culled Ibrtli the unhositatiiv^ response, "tJod forbid that we should
forsake Jeliovah, to serve other jrods."

"Ye eannot serve the Lord," said Joshua, "for he is a holy
God; . . . lie will not I'or^ive your transgressions nor your sins."
Before there could he any permanent reformation, the peojde nmst
he led tv> feel their utter inability, in themselves, to render obedi-
ence to God. Tiiey had broken his law, it condemned them as
transgressors, and it i)rovi(led no way of csca])e. While they
trusted in their own strength and righteousness, it was impossible
for them to secure the pardon of their sins ; they could not meet
the claims of (Jod's i)erfect law, and it was in vain that they
l)ledged themselves to serve God. It was only by faith in Christ
that t]:;y could secure i)ardon of sin, and receive strength to obey
(lod's law. They nmst cease to rely upon their own efforts for
salvation, they must trust wholly in the merits of the promised
Saviour, if they would ])e accepted of God.

Joshua endeavored to lead his hearers to weigh well their
words, and refrain from vows which they would be unprei)ared to
fulfill. With deep earnestness they repeated the declaration, —
" Nay; but we will serve the Lord." Solenmly consenting to the
witness agiiinst themselves that they had chosen Jehovah, they
once i.ion' reiterated their i)ledu;e of lovaltv: "The Lord our God
will Ave serve, ii:id his voice will we obey.

"So J »s)iua made a covenant Avith the people that day, and
set them a statn.t'' i.nd an ordinance in Shechem." Having written
an account of this solemn transaction, he placed it, with the book
of the law, in the side of the ark. And he set up a pillar as a
memorial, saying, "Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto you;
for it hath heard idl the Avords of the Lord which he spake unto
us ; it shall be therefore a Avitness unto you, le.^t ye deny your God*.
So Joshua let the ])eop]e depart, every man to his inheritance."

Josiiua's Avork for L'^rael Avas done. He " had Avholly followed
the liOrd ; " and in the ])Ook of God he is Avritten, " The servant of
Jehovah." The noblest testimony to his character as a public
leader is the history of tlie generation that had enjoyed his la-
l»ors: " Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the
davs of the elders that overlived Joshua."

CHAPTER L.

TITHES AND (M-FKRINGS.

In the Hebrew ("cononiy, one ttntli of tlie income of the peo-
ple was set apart to support the public worship of God. Thus
Moses declared to Israel : " All the tithe of the land, wiiether of
the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's ; it is
holy unto the Lord." " And concerning the tithe of the herd, or
of the flock, . . . the tenth shall be holy unto tlie Lord." '

But the tithing system did not originate with the Hebrews.
From the earliest times the Lord claimed a tithe as his; and
this claim was recognized and honored. Abraham i)aid tithes to
Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God.'^ Jacol), when at
Bethel, an exile and a wanderer, promised the Lord, '* Of all that
thou shalt give me I will surely give the tentli unto thee."'' As
the Israelites were about to l)e established as a nation, the law of
tithing was re-affirmcd, as one of the divinely ordained statutes
upon obedience to which their prosperity depended.

The system of tithes and offerings was intended to impress the
minds of men with a great truth, — that God is the source of every
blessing to his creatures, and that to liim man's 'latitude is (hie
for the good gifts of his provideiice.

" He givetli to all life, and breath, and all things." ' Tlie Lord
declares, " Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon v.
thousand hills." " The silver is mine, and the gold is mine.''
And it is God who gives men power to get wealth.'' As an ac-
knowledgment that all things came from him, the Lord directed
that a portion of his bounty should be returned to him in gifts
and offerings to sustain his worship.

"The tithe . . . ii the Lord's." Here the same form of ex-
pression is employed as in the law of the Sabbath. " The seventh
day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God."* God reserved to him-

U-ev. 27 : 30, 33. ^Gcn. 14 : 20; 28 : 22.

'Acts 17 : 25; Ps. 50 : 10; Ilaggai 2:8; Dcut. 8 : 18. ♦ Ex. 20 : 10.

[535]

520

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

self a specified portion of man's time and of his means, and no
man could, without guilt, appropriate either for his own interests.

The tithe was to l)e exclusively devoted to the use of the
Levites, the tril)e that had been set apart for the service of the
sanctuary. ]iut this was by no means the limit of the contril)u-
tions for religious purposes. The tabernacle, as afterward the
temple, was erected wholly ]>y free-will offerings ; and to provide
for necessary repairs, and other expenses, Moses directed that as
often as the peo})le M'ere numbered, each should contribute a halt'
shekel for " the service of the tabernacle." In the time of Nehc-
miah a contribution was made yearly for this purpose.^ From
time to time, sin-offerings and thank-offerings were brought to
God. These were presented in great numbers at the annual feasts.
And the most liberal provision was made for the poor.

Even before the tithe could be reserved, there had been an ac-
knowledgment of the claims of God. The first that ripened of
every product of the land, was consecrated to him. The first of
the wool when the sheep were shorn, of the grain when the wheat
was threshed, the first of the oil and the wine, was set apart for
God. So also were the first-born of all animals; and a redemj)-
tion price was paid for tlie first-born son. Tlie first-fruits were
to be presented before the Lord at the sanctuary, and were then
devoted to the use of the i)riests.

Thus the people were constantly reminded that God was the
true proprietor of their fields, their flocks, and their herds ; that
he sent them sunshine and rain for their seed-time and harvest,
and that everything they possessed was of his creation, and he had
made them stewards of his goods.

As the men of Israel, laden '..ith the first-fruits of field and
orcliard and vineyard, gathered at the tabernacle, there was made
a i^ublic acknowledgment of God's goodness. When the priest ac-
cepted the gift, the offerer, si)eaking as in the presence of Jehovah,
said, " A Syrian ready to perish was my father; " and he described
the sojourn in Egypt, and tlie affliction from whi(.'h God had de-
livered Israel " with an outsti etched arm, and with great terriblc-
ness, and with signs, and Avith wonders." And he said, " He hath
brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a
land that floweth with milk and honey. And now, behold, I have
iSce Ex. 30 : 13-16; 3 Kings 12 : 4, 5; 3 Chron. 34 : 4-13; Neh. 10 : 33, 33.

ririlES AND OFFERTNPrS.

])rought the first-fruits of tlic land, which thou, Jehovah, hast
•rivcu mc." '

The contrihutions recjuired of the liel)re\vs for reliiiious and
charitable purposes amounted to fully one-fourth of their income.
So heavy a t:ix upon the resources of the i)eople mij^ht ))0 expected
to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faitliful ob-
servance of these rejijulations was one of the conditions of their
])rosperity. On condition of their obedience, (Jod made them this
promise: " I will rel^uke the devourer for your sakes, and lie shall
not destroy the fruits of your jrround; neither shall your vine cast
her fruit before the time in tlie field. . . . And all nations shall
call you blessed; for ye shall he a delijj;htsome land, saith the
Lord of hosts." 2

A striking illustration of the results of selfishly withholding
even free-will ofl'erings from the cause of God, was given in tlie
days of the prophet Haggai. Alter their return from the captivity
in Babylon, the Jews undertook to rebuild the temple of the Lord;
but raeeting determined opposition from their enemies, they dis-
continued the work; and a severe drought, by which they were
reduced to actual want, convinced them that it was impossible to
complete the building of the temple. " The time is not come,"
they said, "the time that the Lord's house should be built." But
a message was sent them by the Lord's i)roi)liet: "Is it time for
you, O yc, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?
Now therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts : Consider your ways.
Ye have sown much, and bring in little ; ye eat, but ye have not
enough ; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink ; ye clothe you,
but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages, carneth wages
to put it into a bag with holes."' And taen the reason i>' given:
" Yc looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye
brought it home, I did blow U])on it. "Why? siiitli the Lord of
hosts. Because of mine house that is wastt;, and vo run everv
man unto his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is
stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. And 1
called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and
upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon
that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon
cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands." " When one came to
iDcut. 2(5 : 5, 8-11. ^yh\\. 3:11. » See Ilapgal 1.

528

I'ATKIARCIIS AND PROPHETS.

a heaj) oi twenty- measures, there were but ten; when one came ti>
the press-fat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were
hut twenty. I smote you with blasting, and with mildew, and
with hail in all the labors of your hands." '

Roused by these warnings, the peo])le set themselves to build
the house of God. Then the word of the Lord came to them :
" Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and
twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that tlie
foundiiti(Mi of t'"0 Lord's temple Avas l^id, . . . from this day will
1 bless you." '

Says the wise man, "There is that scattercth, and yet in-
creaseth ; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it
tendeth to poverty." '^ And the same lesson is taught in the New
Testament by the apostle Paul : " He which sowe*h sparingly,
shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bouatifull,v, shall
reap also bountifully." " God is able to make all grace abound
toward you ; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every good work."'

God intended that his people Israel should be light-bearers to
all the inhal)itants of the earth. In maintaining his public wor-
ship they were bearing a testimony to the existence and sovereignty
of the living God. And this worship it was their privilege to sus-
tain, as an exi)ression of their loyalty and their love to him. The
Lord has ordained that the diffusion of light and truth in the
earth shall be dependent upon the efforts and offerings of those
who are partakers of the heavenly gift. He nught have made
angels the ambassadors of his truth ; he might have made known
his will, as he proclaimed the law from Sinai, with his own voice;
but in his infinite love and wisdom he called men to become
co-laborers with himself, by choosing them to do this work.

In the days of Israel the tithe and free-will offerings were
needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the
people of God give less in this age ? The principle laid down by
Christ is that our offerings to God should be in proportion to the
light and privileges enjoyed. " Unto whomsoever much is given,
of him shall be much required." * Said the Saviour to his disci-
ples, as he sent them forth, " Freely ye have received, freely give."''
As our blessings and privileges are increased, — above all, as we

» Haggai 2 t 16-19. «Prov. 11 : 24. » 2 Cor. 9 : 6, 8.

M.ukc 12 : 48. <> Matt. 10 . 8.

TITHES AND OFFEIilNOS.

629

liavo before lu tlie unparalleled sacrifice of the glorious Son of
(rod, — should not our gratitude find expression in more abundant
gifts to extend to others the message of salvation ? The work of
tlio gospel, as it widens, requires greater provision to sustain it
than was called for anciently ; and this makes the law of tithes
and offerings of even more urgent necessity now than under the
Hebrew economy. If his i)eople were liberally to sustain hi'3
cause by their voluntary gifts, instead of resorting to unchristiau
and unhallowed methods to fill tlie treasury, God would be hon-
ored, and many more souls would be won to Clirist.

The i)lan of Moses to raise means for the l.iuilding of the taber-
nacle was highly successful. No urging was necessary. Nor did
he employ any of the devices to which churches in our day so
often resort. He made no grand feast. He did not invite the peo-
2)le to scenes of gayety, dancing, and general amusement ; neither
did he institute lotteries, nor anything of this profane order, to
obtain means to erect the tabernacle for God. The Lord directed
Moses to invite the children of Israel to bring their offerings. He
was to accept gifts from every one that gave willingly, from his
heart. And the offerings came in so great abundance that Moses
bade the people cease bringing, for they had supplied more than
could be used.

God has made men his stewards. The property which he has
placed in their hands is the means that ho has provided for the
spread of the gospel. To those who prove themselves faithful
stewards he will commit greater trusts. Saith the Lord, " Them
that honor me, I will honor." ^ "God loveth a cheerful giver,'"
and when his people, with grateful hearts, bring their gifts and of-
ferings to him, " not grudgingly, or of necessity," his blessing will
attend them, as he has promised. " Bring ye all the tithes into the
store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and jjrove me
now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the
windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it."^

1 1 Sam. 2 : 30, 23 Cor. 9:7. ^ ^^i^l. 3 : 10.

CHAPTER LI.

GOD'S CARE FOR THE POOR.

To promote the assembling of the jieople for religious service,
as well as to provide for the poor, a second tithe of all the increase
was required. Concerning the first tithe, the Lord had declared,
" I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel."* But in
regard to the second he commanded, " Thou shalt eat before tlie
Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his
name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil,
and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayost
learn to fear the Lord thy God always."^ This tithe, or its equiv-
alent in money, they were for two years to bring to the place wlierc
the sanctuary was established. After presenting a thanlv-offering
to God, and a specified portion to the i)riest, the offerers were to
use the remainder for a religious feast, in which the Levite, thi;
stranger, the fatherless, and the widow should participate. Thus
provision was made for the thank-offerings and feasts at the yearly
festivals, and the people were drawn to the society of the i)riestrt
and Levites, that they might receive instruction and encourage-
ment in the service of God.

Every third year, however, this second tithe was to be used at
home, in entertaining the Levite and the poor, as j)tIoses said,
" That they may eat within thy gates, and be filled."* This tithe
would provide a fund for the uses of charity and hospitality.

And further provision was made for the poor. There is noth-
ing, after their recognition of the claims of God, that more dis-
tinguishes the laws given by Moses than the liberal, tender, and
hospitable spirit enjoined toward the poor. Although God had
promised greatly to bless his people, it was not his design that
poverty should be wholly unknown among them. He declared
that the poor should never cease out of the land. There would
ever be those among his people who would call into exercise their
1 Num. 18 : 21. ^ Deut. 14 : 23, 29 ; 16 : 11-14. ^ogut. 26 : 12.

[530]

lis

iii

CfOD'S CARE FOR TlIE POOR.

681

syiiipatliy, tendurucss, and l)L'nc'Vt)lt'n(i'. Thru, us now, persons
were sul»ject to niislbrtunc, sickness, and loss of jtroperty ; yet so
long as they followed the instriietion given hy God, there were no
heggara among them, neither any who sufVered for food.

The law of God gave tlie i»oor a right to a certain portion of
the produce of the soil. When hungry, a man was at iil»erty to
go to his neighhor's field or orchard or vineyard, and eat of the
grain or fruit to satisfy his hunger. It was in accordance with
this permission tliat the disciples of Jesus plucked and ate ol
die standing grain as they passeil through a lield upon the Sah-
hath day.

All the gleanings of harvest-field, orchard, and vineyard, be-
longed to the poor. "When thou cuttest down thine harvest in
thy field," said !Moses, "and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou
shalt not go again to fetch it. . . . When tliou beatest thine olive-
tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again. . . . When thou
gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it after-
ward. It shall l)e for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the
widow. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in
the land of Egyi)t." '

Every seventh year, special provision was made for the poor.
The sal)batical year, as it was called, began at the end of the
harvest. At the seed-time, which followed the ingathering, the
people were not to sow ; they should not dress the vineyard in
the spring; and they must expect neither harvest nor vintage.
Of tluit which the land i)roduced spontaneously, they might eat
while fresh, but they M'cre not to lay up any p'ortion of dt in
their store-houses. The yield of this year was to be free for the
stranger, t|fe fatlierless, and the widow, and even for the creat-
ures of the field. '^

But if the land ordinarily i)roduced only enough to supply the
wants of the peoi)le, how were they to subsist during the year
when no crops were gathered ? — For this the promise of God
made ample provision. " I will connnand my blessing upon you
in the sixth year," he said, "and it shall ])ring forth fruit for
three years. And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old
fruit until the ninth year ; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of
the old store."''

iDeut. 24 : 19-22; Lev. 19 : 9, 10. ^^x. 2;) : 10, 11; Lev. 25 : 5.

•Lev. 2.5 : 21, 22.

532

nATRTARCIIS AND PROPHETS.

The observance of the sabbatical year was to be a Itenefit to
))oth the hind and the ])eoi)h\ The soil, lyin^ nntilled Ibr one
seHS(jn, would afterward produce more i)lentifully. The pcoph!
were released from the pressin;^ labors of tlu; held; and while
there were various branches of work that could be followed diii-
m\l this time, idl enj()ycd jrreater leisuri', which atlbrded opitortn-
nity for the restoration of their j)hysical powers for the exertions
of the followinji; years. They liad more time for meditation and
prayer, for ac(iuainting themselves with the teachin'fs and reciuirc-
ments of the Lord, and for the instruction of their households.

In the saV)batical year the Hebrew slaves were to be set at lil»-
ertv, an<l thev were not to be sent awav i)ortionless. The Lord's
direction was: "When thou sendest him out free from thee, thou
shalt not let him go away empty. Thou shalt furnish him HIxt-
ally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-
press. Of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath Idessed thee,
thou shalt jiive unto him.'"

The hire of a laborer was to be promptly paid : " Thou shalt
not oj)press a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be
of thy brethren, or of thy stranjiers that are in thy land. . . . At
his day thou shalt <:ive him his hire, neither shall the sun j^o down
upon it; for he is }>oor, and setteth his heart upon it."'^

Special directions were also given concerning the treatment of
fugitives from service: "Thou shalt not deliver unto his master
the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee. He shall
dwell with thee, even among you, in that ])lace which lu; shall
choose in one of thv irates, where it liketh him l)est; thou shalt
not oi)press him."' '

To the i)oor, the seventh year was a year of release from debt.
The Hel)rews were enjoined at all times to assist their needy
l)rethren by lending them money without interest. To take usury
from a poor man was expressly forbidden: "If thy brother l)e
waxen i)Oor, and fallen in decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve
him; yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner ; that he may
live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase ; but fear
thy God ; that thy brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not
give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for in-
crease."^ If the debt remained unpaid until the year of release,

iDeut. 15 ; 13, 14.
•n:)('ut. 23 ; 1.5, 16.

2 Deut. 24 : 14, 15.
* Lev. 25 : 35-37.

QOD'S CARE FOR THE POOR.

the principal itself could not l)e recovered. The people were
expressly warned against Avith holding from their brethren needed
assistance on account of this : " If there he among you a poor man
of one of thy brethren, . . . tliou shalt not harden thine heart, nor
shut thine hand from thy poor brother. . . . Beware that tiiere be
not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, Tiie seventh year, the
year of release, is at hand ; and thine eye l)e evil against thy poor
brother, and thou givest him naught; and he cry unto the Lord
against thee, and it be sin unto thee." "The poor shall never
cease out of the land ; therefore I command thee, saying. Thou
shalt open thine hand wide unto tliy brother, to thy poor, and to
thy needy, in thy land," " and shalt surely lend him sufiicient for
his need, in that which he wanteth." '

None need fear that their liberalitv would bring them +o want.
Obedience to God's commandments would surely result in j)ros-
perity. " Thou shalt lend unto many nations," he said, " l)Ut
thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations,
but they shall not reign over thee." ^

After " seven sabbaths of years," " seven times seven years,"
came the great year of release, — the jubilee. "Then shalt tiiou
cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound . . . throughout all your
land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty
throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; it shall
be a jubilee unto you ; and ye shall return every man unto his
possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." '

" On the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atone-
ment," the trumT)et of the jubilee was sounded. Throughout the
land, wherever the Jewish people dwelt, the sound was heard,
calling upon all the children of Jacob to welcome the year of re-
lease. On the great day of atonement, satisfaction was made for
the sins of Israel, and with gladness of heart the people would
welcome the jubilee.

As in the sabbatical year, the land was not to be sown or
reaped, and all that it jiroduced was to be regarded as the
rightful property of tlie poor. Certain classes of Hebrew slaves
— all who did not receive their liberty in the sabbatical year —
were now set free. Rut that which especially distinguished the
year of jubilee was the reversion of all landed property to the
family of the original possessor. By the special direction of God,

1 Deut. 15 : 7-9, 11,8. « Deut. 15 : 6. SLev. 25 : 9, 10.

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

f .

the land had l)ecn divided by lot. Aftor the division was made, no
one was at liberty to trade his estate. Neither was he to sell his
land unless poverty compelled him to do so, and then, whenever
he or any of his kindred mij^dit desire to redeem it, the j)urehaser
nui.'it not rel'u.se to sell it ; and if unredeemed, it would revert to
its first jjos.sessor or his heirs in the year of jubilee.

The Lord declared to Israel : " The land shall not be sold for-
ever ; for the land is mine ; for ye 'are strangers and sojourners
witii me.'" The })eople were to be impressed with the fact that it
Avas God's land. which they were permitted to possess for a time;
that he was the rightful owner, the original proprietor, and that
he would have sjjeeial consideration made for the poor and unfort-
unate. It was to be impressed upon the minds of all that the
poor have as much right to a ])lace in God's world as have the
more wealthy.

Such were the provisions made by our merciful Creator, to
lessen suffering, to bring some ray of hope, to flash some gleam
of sunshine, into the life of the destitute and distressed.

The Lord would place a check upon the inordinate love of
property and power. Great evils would result from the con-
tinued accumulation of wealth by one class, and the poverty and
degradation of another. Without some restraint, the power of
the wealthy would become a monopoly, and the poor, though in
every respect fully as worthy in God's sight, would be regarded
and treated as inferior to their more prosperous brethren. The
sense of this oppression would arouse the passions of the poorer
class. There would be a feeling of despair and desperation which
would tend to demoralize society, and open the door to crimes of
every description. The regulations that God established, were
designed to promote social equality. The provisions of the sab-
batical year and the jubilee Avould, in a great measure, set right
that which during the interval had gone wrong in the social and
political economy of the nation.

These regulations were designed to bless the rich no less than
the poor. They would restrain avarice and a disposition for self-
exaltation, and would cultivate a noble spirit of benevolence;
and by fostering good-will and confidence between all classes,
they would promote social order, the stability of government.
We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and

1 Lev. 25 : 23.

GOD' 8 CARE FOH THE POOR.

whatever we can do to benefit and ui»lit't others, will rtiilect in
blessing ui)on ourselves. The law of nmtiial dependence runs
through all elasses of society. The poor are not more dependent
upon the rich than are the rich upon the poor. While the one
class ask a share in the blessings which (lod has bestowed upon
their wealthier neighl)ors, the other need the faithful service, the
strength of brain and bone and muscle, that are the capital of
the poor.

Great Itlessings were promised to Israel on condition of obe-
dience to the Lord's directions. " 1 will give you rain in due
season," he declared, " and the land shall yield her increase, and
the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing
shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto tlie
sowing time; and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell
in your land safely. And I will give jjcace in the land, and ye
shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid ; and I will rid
evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through
your land. ... I will walk among you, and will bo your God^
and ye shall be my people. . . . But if ye Avill not hearken unto
me, and will not do all these commandments ; and ... ye break
my covenant, ... ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your ene-
mies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall
be slain before your enemies ; they that hate you shall reign over
you, and ye shall flee when none pursueth you." '

There are many who urge with great enthusiasm that all men
should have an equal share in the temporal blessings of God. But
this was not the purpose of the Creator. A diversity of condition
is one of the means by which God designs to prove and develop
character. Yet he intends that those who have worldly posses-
sions shall regard themselves merely as stewards of his goods, as
intrusted with means to be employed for the benefit of the suffer-
ing and the needy..

Christ has said that we shall have the poor always with us ;
and he unites his interest with that of his suffering people. The
heart of our Redeemer sympathizes Avith the poorest and low-
liest of his earthly children. He tells us that they are his rep-
resentatives on earth. He has placed them among us to awaken
in our hearts the love that he feels toward the suffering and op-
pressed. Pity and benevolence shown to them are accepted by

1 Lev. 26 : 4-17.

536

PATRTMU'IIS AND PliorilKTH.

Chrint uh if sliovvn to liimsflf. An net of cruolty or nuglcct toward
them is rojiiinlcd as tliou;rli done to liini.

If the law j^ivcn by tlod for the benefit of the poor had eoii-
tinue«l to he carried ont, how dilferent would be th«f present con-
dition of tlu! world, morally, spiritually, and temporally ! Scltisli-
nesH and sclf-importanee would not b(! manifested as now, but
eaeh would cherish a kind rc^rard for tbe hapjtiness and welfare of
others; and such Avide-si)read destitution as is now seen in many
lands, would not exist.

The principles which God has enjoined, would prevent tlie
terrible evils that in all aj^es have resulted from the oi)pression
of the rich toward the poor, and tlu; sus|)icion and hatred of the
])oor toward the rich. While tluy miubt hinder the amassini,'
of ^reat wealth, and the indulj^ence of unbounded luxury, they
would i)revent the eonsecjuent i<j;norance and dcji;radation of tens
of thousands whose ill-jiaid servitude is reciuired to build up these
colossal fortunes. Tliey would brinjj; a peaceful solution of those
problems that now threaten to lill the world with anarchy and
bloodshed.

CHAPTER LII.

rilK ANNUA!, FKASTS.

There were three annual arfseniUties of all Israel for worship
at the sanctuary.* Shiloh was for a time the i)la('o of these gather-
ings; but Jerusalem afterward became the center of the nation's
worship, and here the tribes convened for the solemn feasts.

The people were surrounded by fierce, warlike tribes, that were
eager to seize upon their lands; yet three times every year all the
able-bodied men, and all the people who could make the journey,
were directed to leave their homes, and repair to the place of
assembly, near the center of the land. "What was to hinder their
enemies from sweeping down upon those uni)rotected households,
to lay them waste with firo and sword? What was to i)revent an
invasion of the land, that would bring Israel into captivity to some
foreign foe? — God had i)romised to bo the protector of his people.
" The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about theni that fear
him, and delivereth them.'"' While the Israelites went up to wor-
shiji, divine power would i>lacc a restraint upon their enemies.
God's promise was, "I will cast out the nations before thee, and
enlarge thy borders; neither shall any man desire thy land, when
thou shalt go up to appear before the Lord thy God thrice in
the year."^

The first of these festivals, the Passover, the feast of unleavened
bread, occurred in Abil), the first month of the Jewish year, corre-
sponding to the last of March and the beginning of Aiiril. The
cold of winter- was past, the latter rain had ended, and all nature
rejoiced in the freshness and l)eauty of the springtime. The grass
was green on the hills and valleys, and wild-flowers everywhere
brightened the fields. The moon, now ajjproaching the full, made
the evenings delightful. It was the season so beautifully pictured
by the sacred singer : —

lEx. 23 : 14-16. =Ps. 34 : 7. ^Ex. 34 : 24.

[537]

538

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

" The winter is past.
The rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of the singing of birds is come.
And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
The fig-tree ripeneth her green flgs.
And the vines are in blossom,
They give forth their fragrance."'

Throughout the land, bands of pilgrims were making their way
toward Jerusalem. The shepherds from their flocks, the herds-
men from the mountains, fishers from the Sea of Galilee, the
husbandmen from their fields, and sons of the prophets from the
sacred schools, — all turned their steps toward the place where
God's presence was revealed. They journeyed by short stages, for
many went on foot. The caravans were constantly receiving ac-
cessions, and often became very large before reaching the holy city.

Nature's gladness awakened joy in the hearts of Israel, and
gratitude to the Giver of all good. The grand Hebrew psalms
were chanted, exalting the glory and majesty of Jehovah. At
the sound of the signal trumpet, with the music of cymbals, the-
chorus of thanksgiving aro?o, swelled by hundreds of voices: —

" I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go unto the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand
AVithin thy gates, O Jerusalem. . . .

Whither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord, . . .
To give thanks unto the name of Jehovah. . . .
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,
They shall prosper that love thee."'

As they saw around them the hills where the heathen had
been wont to kindle their altar fires, the children of Israel sung : —

" Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hills ?
Whence should my help come ?
My help cometh from Jehovah,
Which made heaven and earth."*

"They that trust iu the Lord
Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth forever.
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem,
So the Lord is round about his people,
From tliis time forth and forevermore."*

iCant. 2 : 11-13, Rev. Ver.
sPs. 122 : 1-6, Rev. Ver.; 121 : 1, 2 (margin); 125 : 1, 2, Rev. Ver.

^^v

H|^H

•^

l^ls^i

HF\

5' i

f > '

L^':.

WL>-

Wf-

mk\

ithi

way
and
credl

THE ANNUAL FEASTS.

539

Surmounting the hills in view of the holy city, they looked
with reverent awe upon the throngs of Avorshipers wending their
way to the temple. They saw tho smoke of the incense ascending,
and as they heard the trumpets of the Levites heralding the sa-
cred service, they caught the inspiration of the hour, and sung : —

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
In the city of ouv God, in the mountain of his holiness.
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King." i

"Peace be within thy walls,

And prosperity within thy palaces."
"Open to me the gates of righteousness;

I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord."
"I will pay my vows unto the Lord

Now in the presence of all his people,

In the courts of the Lord's house,

In the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.

Praise ye the Lord." ^

All the houses in Jerusalem were thrown open to the i>il-
grims, and rooms were furnished free ; but this Avas not suflicient
lor the vast assembly, and tents Avere })itched in every available
space in the city and upon the surrounding hills.

On the fourteenth day of the month, at even, the Passover Avas
ccleV) rated, its solemn, impressiA'e ceremonies commemorating the
deliverance from bondage in Egypt, and pointing forAvard to tho
sacrifice that should deliver from tho bondage of sin. A\'hon
the Saviour yielded up his life on Calvary, the significance of the
PassoA'er ceased, and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper Avas in-
stituted as a memorial of the same event of Avhich the Passover
had been a type.

The Passover Avas folloAved l)y the seven days' feast of un-
leavened bread. The first and the seventh day Avere days of
holy convocation, Avhen no servile Avork Avas to be performed. On
the second day of the feast, the first-fruits of the year's harvest
Avcre presented before God. Barley AA'as the earliest grain in Pal-
estine, and at the opening of the feast it Avas beginning to ripen.
A sheaf of this grain Avas Avaved by the priest before tho
altar of God, as an acknowledgment that all Avas his. Not until
this ceremony had been performed Avas the harvest to l)e gathered.

iPs. 48 : 1, 3.

'Ps. 122 : 7; 118 : 19; IIC : 18, 19.

;540

PATRIAIWirS AND PROPHETS.

I 1

Fifty (lays from the ofTcrinf? of first-fruits, came tlio Pentecost,
called also the feast of harvest and the feast of weeks. As an
ox}tression of gratitude for the <rrain {)repared as food, two loaves
haked with leliven were presented before CJod. The Pentecost
oc(Ul)ied hut one day, which was devoted to religious service.

In the seventh month came the Feast of Tabernacles, or of in-
gathering. This feast acknowledged God's bounty in the products
of the orcha/d, the olive grove, and the vineyard. It was the
crowning festal gathering of the year. The land had yielded its
increase, the harvests had been gat/i'Tcd into the granaries, the
fruits, the oil, and the wine had been stored, the first-fruits had
lieen reserved, and now the people came with their tril»utes of
thanksgiving to (Jod, who had thus richly blessed them.

This feast w^'-" 'o be pre-eminently an occasion of rejoicing. It
occurred just aftei the great day ctf atonement, when the assurance
had been given that their ini(|uity should be remembered no more.
At peace with CJod, the}' now came l)eforc him to acknowledge his
goodness, and to praise him for his mercy. The labors of the har-
vest being ended, and the toils of the new vear not vet begun,
the people Avere free from care, and could give themselves uj) to
the sacrud, joyous influences of the hour. Though only tlio fathers
and sons were commanded to appear at the feasts, yet, so far as
possil)le, all the household were; to attend them, and to their lios-
pitality the servants, the Levites, the stranger, and the i)oor were
made welcome.

Like the Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles was commemo-
rative. In memory of their pilgrim life in the wilderness, the
people were now to leave their houses, and dwell in booths, or ar-
bor,^" formed from the green branches " of goodly trees, oranches
of palm-trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of
the brook.''*

The first day was a holy convocation, and to the seven days of
the feasij an eighth day was added, which was observed in like
manner.

Aii these yearly assemblies the hearts of old and young would
be encouraged in the service of Clod, while the association of the
people from the difi'erenb quarters of the land would strengthen
the ties that bound them to God and to one another. Well
would it Ite for the people of God at the i)resent time to have a

1 Lev. 23 : 40. 42. 4:?.

THE ANNUAL FEASTS.

541

Feast of Tabernacles, — a joyous comnienioration of the blessings
of God to them. As the children of Israel celebrated the de-
liverance that God had wroujiht for their fathers, and liis mirac-
ulous preservation of them during their journeyings from Egyi)t,
so should we gratefully call to nnnd the various ways he has de-
vised for bringing us out from the world, and from the darkness of
error, into the precious light of his grace and truth.

With those who lived at a distance from the tabernacle, more
than a month of every year must have been occui)ied in attend-
ance upon the annual feasts. This exam{)le of devotion to God
should emphasize the importance of religious worship, and the
necessity of subordinating our sellidh, worldly interests to those
that are spiritua' ind eternal. We sustain a loss when we neglect
the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage
one another in the service of Gotl. The truths of his word lose
their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to
be enlightened and aroused l)y the sanctifying influence, and we
decline in spirituality. In our intercourse as Christians we lose
much l)y lack of symi)athy with one another. He who sliuts him-
self up to himself, is not filling the position that God designed he
should. We are all chihh'en of one Father, dependent upon one
another for happiness. The claims of God and of humanity are
upon us. It is the proper cultivation of the social elements of oui-
nature that brings us into sympathy with our brethren, and affords
us hapi)iness in our efibrts to bless others.

The Feast of Tabernacles was not only commemorative, but
typical. It not only pointed back to the wilderness sojourn, but,
as the feast of harvest, it celebrated the ingathering of the fruits
of the earth, and pointed forward to the great day of final in-
gathering, when the Lord of the harvest shall send forth his
reapers to gather the tares together in l)undles for the fire, and
io gather the wheat into his garner. At that time the Avicked will
all be destroyed. They will become " as though they had not
been."^ And every voice in the whole universe will unite in joy-
ful praise to God. Says the Revelator, " Every creature which
is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the eaxth, and sucli
as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying,
Blessing, and honor, and glory, and i)owcr, l)e unto Him that
sitteth upon the throne, and imto the Lamb forever and ever.""'

lObad. 16. «Rev. 5 ; 13.

r>42

PA TliLUiCILS AXD PROPHETS.

'\\

The people of Israel praised God at the Feast of Tabernacles,
as they called to mind his mercy in their deliverance from the
bondage of Ejxypt and his tender care for them during their i)il.
grim life in the wilderness. They rejoiced also in the conscioUfS-
ness of pardon and acceptance, through the service of the day <>t
atonement, just ended. But when the ransomed of the Lord shall
have been safely gathered into the heavenly Canaan, — forever
delivered from the bondage of the curse, under which "the whole
creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now,"' —
they will rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Christ's
great work of atonement for men will then have been completed,
and their sins will have been forever blotted out.

The i)rophet Isaiah says, concerning this time of deliverance,
" The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing
unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they
shall obtain gladness and joy ; and sorrow and mourning shall
flee away." ''

1 Rom. 8 : 23.

2lsa. 51 : 11.

!'^

*''"^>

CHAPTER LIII.

THE EARLIER JUDGES.

After the settlement in (Jiinaun, the tribes made no vigorous
effort to complete the con([uest of the land. Satisfie<l with the
territory already fjained, their zeal soon flagged, and the war was
discontinued. " When Israel was strong, they ]>ut the Canaanites
to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out." '

The Lord had faithfully fulfilled, on his i)art, the promises
made to Israel ; Joshua had broken the power of the Canaanites,
and had distributed the land to the tribes. It only remained for
them, trusting in the assurance of divine aid, to complete the work
of dispossessing the inhabitants of the land. But this they failed
to do. By entering into league with the Canaanites they directly
transgressed the command of Ciod, and thus failed to fulfill the
condition on which he had promised to }>lace them in i)ossession
of Canaan.

From the very first communication of God with them at Sinai,
they had been warned against idolatry. Immediately after the
proclamation of the law, the message was sent them by Moses,
concerning the nations of Canaan : " Thou shalt not ])ow down to
their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works; but thou
shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy
bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the
midst of thee.'"* The assurance was given that so long as they re-
mained obedient, God would subdue their enemies before them :
" I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people
to whom thou shalt come; and I will make all thine enemies turn
their hacks unto thee. And I will send hornets before thee, which
shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from be-
fore thee. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year;
lest the land l)ecome desolate, and the beast of the field multiply

1 Judges 1 : 28. ^ gx. 2.3 : 24, 25.

[543] ,5

PA TJil Aliens AM) PROPHETS.

against tlice. Hy little and little I will drive them out from Uetorc
thee, until thou he inoroa.scd, and inherit the land. ... I will
deliver the inha])itants of the land into vour hand ; and thou shalt
drive them out hefore thee. Thou shalt make no covenant with
them, nf)r with their god.s. They shall not dwell in thy land, U-st
they make thee sin against me; for if thou serve their gods, it
will surely l)e a snare unto thee." ' These directions were reit-
erated in the most solemn manner hy Moses hefore his death, antl
they were repeated hy Joshua.

God h?',d placed his people in Canaan as a mighty hreastwork
to rtl.Ty the tide of moral evil, that it might not flood the world.
If jhvtifi^ o him, God intended that Israel should go on conquer-
ing a. -.J to I'^quer. He would give into their hands nations
greater and more powerful than the Canaanites. The promise was :
" If ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I
command you, . . . then will the Lord drive out all these nations
from before you, and ye shall jDOSsess greater nations and mightier
than yourselves. Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall
tread shall be yours : from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the
river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your
coast be. There shall no man be able to stand before you ; for the
Lord your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you
upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said
unto you.'"*

But regardless of their high destiny, they chose the course of
ease and self-indulgence ; they let slip their opportunities for com-
pleting the conquest of the land ; and for many generations they
were afflicted by the remnant of these idolatrous peoples, that
were, as the prophet had foretold, as " pricks in their eyes," and as
" thorns in their sides." '

The Israelites were " mingled among the heathen, and learned
their works." * They intermarried with the Canaanites, and idol-
atry spread like a plague throughout the land. '' They served
their idols, which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed
their sons and their daughters unto devils. . . . And the land was
polluted with blood." "Therefore was the wrath of the Lord
kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own
inheritance." *

Until the generation that had received instruction from Joshua
became extinct, idolatry made little headway ; but the parents

'Ex. 28 : 27-33. ^Deut. 11 : 22-25. SNuni. 33 : 53. *Ps. 106 ; 34-38. 40.

Till': EAIiLIKIt JUDGES,

bAr,

liad prcpiUHMl tlio way lor tho a[)()stasy ol" their cliildrt'ii. Tlio
disregard of tliu Lord's rt'strictiinis on the p-irt of those who eame
in possoHsion of Caiiaai; sowed seeds of evil tliat eontinued to
hrin^ fortli hitter fruit » )r many fieneration.s. The simple 1 'its
ot the ITehrews had seeured theiu physieal health; hut asS', -ia-
tion with tho lieathen led to tho indul<;eneo of appetite md
passion, which .gradually lessened ]»hysi('al streni-th, and enfeehlod
tlio mental and moral ])()wers, liy their sins the Israelites were
sej)arated from God; his strenf^tli was removed from them, and
tiiey could no lonjjer })revail against their enemies. Thus they
were hrought into suhjoction to the very nations that through
God they might have suhdued.

" They forsook tho Lord God of their fathers, which brought
them out of tho land of Egypt," " an. guirled them in tho wilder-
ness like a flock," " They provoked hhr o anger with their high
places, and moved him to jealous^ witii their graven images."
Therefore tho Lord " forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, tho tent
which he placed among men; and elivered his strength into
captivity, and his glory into the e emy's hand." ' Yet ho did not
utterly forsake his people. Ther^. was ever a remnant who wore
true to Jehovah ; and from time to time tho Lord raised up faith-
ful and valiant men id put down idolatry and to deliver tho
Israelites from their enemies. But when tho deliverer was dead,
and the people were released from his authority, they would grad-
ually return to their idols. And thus the story of backsliding and
chastisement, of confession and deliverance, was repeated again
and again.

Tho kin 5 of Mesopotamia, the king of Moab, and after them
the Philistines, and tho Canaanites of Hazor, led by Sisera, in
tuni became tho oppressors of Israel. Othniol, Shamgar, and
Ehud, Deborah and Barak, wore raised up as deliverers of their
l>eople. But again " the children of Israel did evil in the sight of
the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian."'^
Heretofore tho hand of the oppressor had fallen but lightly on
tlio tril)es dwelling east of tho Jordan, Imt in the present calami-
ties they wore the first suflTorers.

Tho Amalekites on the south of Canaan, as well as the Mid-

iunites on its eastern border, and in the deserts beyond, were

still the unrelenting enemies of Israel. The latter nation had

l)een nearly destroved by the Israelites in tho days of Moses,

1 Judges 2 : 12l P.*. "S : 52, oS, 60, 61. ^^eG Juc'.ges 6-8.

:a*\

PATlifAliC/lS AX/) PUiU'IIKTS.

n 4

Itut they hiul since increased ^M'catly, ;unl liml heconie nunienms
and powerful. Tliey had thirstecl lor I'evenuc ; and now that the
protecting hand of (lod was withdrawn from Israel, tht; ()p|)()ilu-
nity had come. Not alone the ti'ihes east of Jordan, hut the whole
land suffered from their ravages, Tlie wild, fierce inhahitants of
the desi'rt, "as locusts for multitude.'" eam(! swarminj; into th(^
land, with their Hocks and herds. Like it devourin;,' |)lairue they
spread over the country, from the river Jordan to tiie I'hilistino
]»lain. They came as soon as the harvests he^MU to rii)en, and re-
mained until the last fruits of the earth had heen gathered. They
strip]»ed the fields of their increase, and rohhed and maltreated
the inhal)itants, and then returned to the deserts. Thus the Is-
raelites dwelling in the o|)en eountry were forced to ahandon their
homes, and to congregate in walled towns, to seek refuge iu for-
tresses, or even to find shelter in caves and rocky fastnesses among
the mountains. For seven years this oi»pression continued, and
then, as the people in their distress gave heed to the Lord's rejoroof^
and confessed their sins, (tod again raised up a helper for them.

Gideon was the son of Joash, of the tribe of Manasseh. The
division to Avliich this family belonged held no leading j>ositit)n,
but the household of Joash was distinguished for courage and
integrity. Of his brave sons it is said, " Each one resembled the
children of a king."'-* All but one had fallen in the struggles
against the Midianites, and he had caused his name to be feared
by the invaders. To Gideon came the divine call to deliver his
l>eoj)le. He was engaged at the time in threshing wheat. A small
(juantity of grain had heen concealed, and not daring to beat it
out on the ordinary threshing-floor, he had resorted to a spot near
the winepress; for the season of rii)e grapes being still far ofi", little
notice was now taken of the vineyards. As Gideon labored in
secrecy and silence, he sadly pondered upon the condition of
Israel, and considered how the oppressor's yoke might be broken
from off' his people.

Suddenly the " Angel of the Lord " appeared, and addressed
him with the words, " Jehovah is witli thee, thou ndghty man
of valor."

" my Lord," was his answer, " if the Lord be with us, why
then is air this l)efallen u-? and where be all his miracles which
our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from
iJudges () : .5, R 'v. Vit. '-^ Judges 8 : 18.

Kgy I >

V:t

TUK KAItl.IHIt ./rnriRs.

E^'ypt? liut iinw tlif Ii<»i'(l hiitli Inir^akni ih, and (IcliNcrnl iii
into the liiinds ot' the Midiiinite.s."

The McHHenjicr of heaven replied, '-(io in this thy inijjht, an<l
th(»u slialt .save Israel tVoin the hand <»t' the Midianites: have
not I sent thee?"

(Jideon de.sircd some token tiiat the one now addressing him
M'as tiie Covenant Anj^el, who in time )»a.st had wrou«,dit lor Israel.
Angels of God, who communed with Ah/aham, had onee tarried
to share his hospitality; and Clideon now entreated the divine Mes-
senger to remain as his guest. Hastening to his tent, he pre-
pared from his seanty store a kid and unleavened cakes, which
lie hrought forth and set before him. lUit the Angel hade him,
"Take the liesh an<l the unleavened cakes, and lay them U|»on this
rock, and i)our out the hroth." Gideon did so, and then the sign
which he had desired was given: with the stall' in his hand, the
Angel touched the ilcsh and the uideavened cakes, and a llame
bursting from the rock consumed the sacrifice. Then the Angel
vanished from his sight.

Gideon's father, Joash, who shared in the ai)ostasy of his coun-
trymen, had erected at Ophrah, where he dwelt, a large altar to
Baal, at which the i)eople of the town worshiped, (iideon was
commanded to destroy this altar, and to erect an altar to Jehovah,
over the rock on which the offering had been consumed, and there
to present a sacrifice to the Lord. The offering of sacrifice to God
had been committed to the priests, and had 1)een restricted t(^ the
altar at Shiloh ; but He who had established the ritual service,
and to whom all its offerings i)ointed, had power to change its ,
requirements. The deliverance of Israel was to l)e i)receded by a
solemn j)rotest against the worshi}) of Baal. Gideon must declare
war upon idolatry, before going out to battle with the enemies of
his people.

The divine direction was faithfully carried out. Knowing that
he would be opposed if it were attempted openly, Gideon per-
formed the work in secret; with the aid of his servants, accom-
l)lishing the whole in one night. Great was the rage of the men
of Ophrah when they came, next morning, to pay their devotions
to Baal. They would have taken Gideon's life, had not Joash —
who had been told of the Angel's visit — stood in defense of his
son. " Will ye i)lead for Baal? " said Joas-li. "■ Will ye save him?
He that wall plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet

'Mi'"--'' t\.^-*

548

I'MiiiMiciis AM) /'/{orn/rrs.

iiiorninj:. If lie Itc u ^od, let liini pli'iul lor liiiiisolf, Ix'cjiusc (iiic
liiitli cast down liin altar." If Haal could not defend his own
altar, liow could lie he trusted to protect his worshi|ierH?

All thou^rhts of violence toward (iideon were dinndssed; and
when he sounded the; trumpet of war, the men (»f Ophrah were
lunonj? the first to ^'ather to his standard. Heralds were dis-
patche(l to his own triho of ManasHeh, and also to Asher, Zehu-
lun, and Xaphthali, and all answered to the call.

(iideon dared not place himself at the head of the army with-
out still further evidence that Crod had called him to this work,
and that he would ho with Inm. He jirayed, " If thou wilt save
Israel hy ndne hand, an thou hast said, hehold, I will i)Ut a tleece
of wool in the floor; and if the dew he on the fleece only, and it
he dry upon all the earth hesides, then shall I know that thou wilt
save Israel hy mine hand, as thou hast said." In the inorninj; the
fleece was wet, while the ground was dry. But now a douht arose,
since wool naturally ahsorhs moisture when there is any in the
air; the test might not he decisive. Hence he asked that the sign
he reversed, pleading that his extreme caution might not displease
the Lord. His recjuest was granted.

Thus encouraged, Gideon led out his forces to give hattle to
the invaders. " All the Midianites and the Amalekites and the
children of the East were gathered together, and went over, and
pitched in the valley of Jezroel." The entire force under Gideon's
command numhered only thirty-two thousand men ; hut with the
vast host of the enemy spread out before him, the word of the
Lord came to him : " The people that are with thee are too many
for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt
themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying.
Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early
from Mount Gilead." Those who were unwilling to face danger
and hardships, or whose worldly interests would draw their hearts
from the work of God, would add no strength to the armies of
Israel. Their ])resence would prove only a cause of weakness.

It had been made a law in Israel that before they went to
battle, the following proclamation should be made throughout
the army: "What man is there that hath built a new house,
and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house,
lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. And what

77/A' KMii.iKu jvnasa.

640

man is lie tliat hath phiMtcd a vitii vanl, and hath iiut yet catcii
of it? h't him also ^'o ami ri'tiirii unto his house, lest he die in
tin' hattlc, and an(»th»'r man cat <»(" it. And what man is there
that hath hetrothed a wife, and hath not taiien her? h't him p)
and return unto his liousc, lest he die in the hatti*', and another
man take lier." And the oHieers wero to npeaii further to tho
l>e(»i»le, sayin<r, " W'iiat man is tiiere that is fearful and faint-
hearted? let him \n) and return unto his house, lost his hrethren's
heart faint as well as his heart.'"

Because his numbers were so few compared with tho.se of the
enemy, Gideon had refrained from making the usual proclamation.
lie was filled with astonishment at the declaration that his army
was too large. lUit tlie Lord saw the pride and unl>elief exi.stinj^
in the hearts of his people. Arouaed hy the .stirrinj^ appeals of
Gideon, thev liad readilv enlisted ; hut many were filled with fear
wlien they saw the multitudes of the Midianites. Yet, had Israel
triumphed, those very ones would have taken the glory to them-
selves in.stead of ascribing the victory to God.

Gideon obeyed the Lord's direction, and with a heavy heart ho
saw twenty-two thousand, or more than two-thirds of his entire force,
dej>art for their homes. Again the word of the Lord came to him :
" The people are yet too many ; bring them down unto the water,
and I will try them for thee there ; and it shall be, that of whom I
say unto thee. This shall go with thee, the same shall go with
thee ; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with
thee, the same shall not go." The people were led down to the
water-side, expecting to make an immediate advance upon the
enemy. A few hastily took a little water in the hand, and sucked
it up as they went on ; but nearly all bowed upon their knees, and
leisurely drank from the surface of the stream. Those who took
of the water in their hands were but three hundred out of ten
thousand ; yet these were selected ; all the rest were permitted to
return to their homes.

By the simplest means, character is often tested. Those who
in time of peril were intent upon supplying their own wants, were
not the men to lie trusted in an emergency. The Lord has no
j)lace in his work for the indolent and self-indulgent. The men of
his choice were the few who would not permit their 'in wants to
delay them in the discharge of duty. The three hu , • "ed chosen
men not only possessed courage and self-control, but they were

1 Deut. 20 : 5-8.

I'll I

UM''

If ;l

550

PATlUAltCIL'^ AND I'ltOPJIETS.

lucii f)f faith. They liad not defiled themselves with idolatry.
Clod could direct them, and throu<,di them lit; <'ould work deliver-
ance for Israel. Success does not dei)end upon nundx-rs. Clod
can deliver by lew as well as hy many. He is honored not so
much hy the great nundiers as hy the character ol" tliose who
serve him.

The Israelites were stationed on the hrow of a liiil overlookin<|-
the valley where the ho<ts of the invaders la; encamped. "And
the ^ridianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the
East lay alonif in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their
camels were without nund»er, as the sand which is ui)on the sea-
.shore ibr multitude.'" (iideon trend)led as he thouuht of the con-
diet of the morrow, JUit the Lord s]toke to him in tlie niuht
.season, and hade him, with Phurah his attendant, »:(> dov n to the
camp of the INIidianites, intimating that he would tlu-re hear some-
thing for his encouragement. lie went, and waiting in the darkness
and silence, he heard a soldier relating a dream to his companion:
" Lo, a cake of barley bread tund)led into the host of Midian, and
came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that
the tent lay along." The other answered in words that .stirred the
heart of that unseen listener, " This is nothing else save the sword
of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; for into his hand
hath God delivered ^lidian, and all the host." (iideon recognized
the voice of God speaking to him through those ]Midianitish
strangers. Returning to the few men under his connnand, he said,
" Arise ; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of
Midian."

By divine direction, a ]>lan of attack was suggested to him,
which he innncdiately sit out to execute. The three hundred
men were divided into three companies. To every man were
given a truni])et, and a torch concealed in an earthen i)itclicr.
The men were stationed in such a manner as to api)roach the
Midianitc camp from dillerent directions. In the dead of night,
at a signal I'rom CJideon's war horn, the three companies sounded
their trumpets; then, breaking their pitchers, and displaying the
blazing torches, they vushed upon thi^ enemy with tlu' terrilde
war-cry, "The sword of Jehovah, and of Gideon! "

The slee))ing army was suddenly aroused. Upon every side
was seen the light of the Ihuning torches. In every direction

> Jiulges r : 12, Rev. \v\:

, U-

*,>

*«ffi

'1»

,{* ill

S ! rg III

'^^^^

't.a

was
\W\u

mm i

THE EAR LIEU JUDGES.

55:^

was heard the .sound of trnm])ets, Avitli the cry of the assailants.
Ilciievin^ themselves at the mercy of an overwhelming force, the
Midianites Avere panic-stricken. With wild cries of alarm they
tkd for life, and mistaking their own companions for enemies,
they slew one another. As news of the victory spread, thousands
of the men of Israel Avho had heen dismissed to their homes
returned, and joined in pursuit of their fleeing enemies. The
.Midianites were making their way toward the Jordan, hoi)ing
to reach their own territorv, hevond the river. Gideon sent
messengers to the tribe of Ephraim, rousing them to intercept
the fugitives at the southern fords. Meanwhile, with his tliree
hundred, " faint, yet pursuing," Gideon crossed the stream hard
after those who had already gained the farther side. The two
jirinces, Zebah and Zalmunna, who had heen over the entire host,
and who had escaped with an army of fifteen thousand men, were
(•vertaken by Gideon, their force completely sciittered, and the
leaders captured and slain.

In this signal defeat, not less than one hundred and twenty
thousand of the invaders perished. The power of the Midianites
was broken, so that they were never again able to make war upon
Israel. The tidings spread swiftly far and wide, that Israel's God
had again fought for his people. No words can describe the terror
of the surrounding nations when they learned what simple means
had prevailed against the power of a bold, warlike people.

The leader whom God chose to overthrow the Midianites, occu-
pied no prominent position in Israel. He was not a ruler, a jjriest,
or a Levite. He thought himself the least in his father's house.
But God saw in him a man of courage and integrity. He was dis-
trustful of himself, and willing to follow the guidance of the Lord.
God does not always choose, for his work, men oi the greatest
talents ; but he selects those whom he can best use. " Before honor
is humility." ^ The Lord can work most effectually through those
who are most sensible of their own insufficiency, and who will
rely upon him as their leader and source of strength. He will
make them strong by uniting their weakness to his might, and
wise l)y connecting their ignorance with his wisdom.

If they would cherish true humility, the Lord could do much
more for his people; Init there are few who can ])e trusted with
any large measure of responsibility or success without becoming

1 Prov. 1 5 : 33.

?, ''l-fl

Ml-:

■ 'Mm

554

rATlilARVlLS AXJJ rilOl'IIEl!:'.

.sell-confident, and Idi-.M'tful of tlieir (lepen'.i.cn( ••-upon (iod. Tlii-
is wliy, in choosin;,' tlu; instruments for his work, the Lord passes
liy tiiose whom the world honors as jrreat, talented, and 1)rilliant.
They are too oftc'n ])r()ud and self-suflieient. They feel com])etent
to act without counsel from (Jod.

The simple act of hlowing a hlast uj>on tlie trumpet hy the
army of Joshua around Jericho, and hy (rideon's little hand ahout
the hosts of ISFidian, was made efi'ectual, throuirh the ])ower ot
(rod, to overthrow the miirht of his enemies. The most complete
system that men have ever devised, ai»art from the ])ower and
wisdom of Clod, will i)rove a failure', v,liile the most uni)romis-
m<^ methods will succeed when divinely apj>ointed, and enterc(l
ujion with humility and faith. Trust in Ciod, and ohedience to
his will, are as essential to tin; Christian in the spiritual warfare
as to (lideon and Joshua in their hattles with the C'anaanites.
By the rei»eated manifestations of his ]»owei' in liehalf of Israel.

God would lead them to have faith in him, with confidence ti

seek his helj) in every emertfency. lie is just as willin*: to work
with the eflbrts of his ])eople now, an<l to accomplish ureai
things through weak instrumentalities. Ail heaven awaits our
demand U})on its wisdom and strength. (iod is "al)le to do
exceeding alamdantly al)ove all that we tsk cir think."'

Gideon returned from pursuing the enciuie-; of the nation, to
meet censure and accusation from his own (•.nnitrymcn. When
at his call the men r*' Israel had rallied against the Midianites.
the trihe of EphraiM h'd remained hehind. They looked upon
the effort as a perilous undertaking; and as Gideon sent them
no special sunnnons, they availed themselves of this excuse not
to join their hrethren. But when the news of Israel's trium[»li
reached them, the Ephraimites Avere envious hecause they had not
shared it. After the rout of the jNlidianitcs, tlie men of Ephraim
had, hy Gideon's direction, seized the fords t)f the Jordan, thus
l)rcventing the escape of the fugitives. Jiy this means a large
imnd)er of the enemy were slain, among whom were two ])rinces,
Orel) and Zeeh. Thus the men of Ejihraim followcil U|) the
battle, and hel[)cd complete the victory. Nevertheless, they wi-rc
jealous and angry, as thougli Ciideon had hccu led hy his own
will and judgment. They did not discern (iod's hand in the
triuni])!'. of Israel, they did not a|>prcciate his jiower and inei'cy

' Kph. :< ; 20.

THE EARTJKR JUDGES.

.').)t>

1 1

in tiH'ii' (U'livera-icc ; an*l this vorv fact .sliuwed them uuwu.tiiv lo
I)e chosen a.s his S4)ecial instru)).ents.

Returning with the trophies of victory, tliey an<irily reproad
(Jideon: "Why hast thou served us thus, that tliou called;--
not, ■\vhcu thou wcntest to fi<.dit with the Midianites? "

"' What have I done now, in comparison of you? " said ( Jidciin.
"Is not the (jleatiin;/ of the <irapes of Kph'-aim Itetter than the
riiitage of Aljiezer? God hath delivered into your hand the
])rinces of Midian, Oreh and Zeel); and what was I al»le to do in
comparison of you ? "

The spirit of jealousy might easily have been fanned into a
(quarrel that would have caused strife and l)loodshed ; hut Gid-
eon's modest answer soothed the anger of the men of E[)hraim, and
they returned in peace to their homes. Firm and uncompromis-
ing where principle was concerned, and in war a " mighty man of
valor," Gideon displayed also a spirit of courtesy that is rarely
witnessed.

The people of Israel, in their gratitude at deliverance from
the Midianites, proposed to Gideon that he should become then'
king, and that the throne should be confirmed to his descendants.
This proposition was in direct violation of the princi})le« of the
theocracy. God was the king of Israel, and for them to place a.
man upon the throne would be a rejection of their divine Sov-
ereign. Gideon recognized this fact ; his answer slu, s how true
and noble were liis motives. " I will not rule o\er yon.'' h.e
declared; "neither shall my son rule over you; tii*. "^ t)vd hall
rule over you."

But Gideon was ])etrnyed into another error, wliic'i brought
disaster upon his house and upon all Israel. The season mi 'nac-
tivity that succeeds a great struggle s often fraught M'th gieater
danger than is the period of conflict. To this danger (Jideon was
now exposed. A spirit of unrest was upon liim. Hitherto he had
been content to fulfill the directions given him from God; but
now, instead of waiting for divine guidance, he began to i)la:i for
himself. When the armies of tiie Lord have gained a signal vic-
tory, Satan will redouble his efibrts to overthrow the work of God.
Thus thoughts and plans were suggested to the mind of Gideon,
by which the people of Israel were led astray.

Because he had been connnanded to offer sacrifice upon the
rock where the Angel a{)peared t > him. (iideon concluded that

''*'ffjl

?'>f^,-.

556

PATIiTARCIlS AND PROPHETS.

ho liiid )»i'(ii ai)pointt'(l tt) ofliciato us a priest, ^^'ith(>ut waiting
for the (livi lo saiK-tion, he (U'terinined to provide a suitaMe place.
and to inst itute a, Hy.steni of worship siinihir to that carried on ;ii
the tabernacle. AVitli the strong poi)uhir feeUnir in liis faA'or h.
found no diHiculty in carrying out liis jdan. At his request, all
the earrings of gold taken from tin." ]\Iidianites were given him
as his share of the s})oil. The })eo])le also collected many otlici'
costly materials, together with the richly adorned garments of tlir
princes of Midian. From the material thus famished, Gideon
constructed an ephod and a breastplate, in imitation of those
worn by the high priest. His course proved a snare to himself
and his family, as well as to Israel. The unauthorized worship
led many of the })eople finally to forsake the Lord altogether, tu
serve idols. After Gideon's death, great numbers, among whom
were his own family, joined in this apostasy. The people were
led away fnjm God by the very man who had once overthrown
their idolatry.

There are few who realize how far-reaching is the influence of
their words and acts. How often the errors of parents produce
the most disastrous etiects upon their children and children's chil-
dren, long after the actors themselves have been laid in the grave.
Every one is exerting .a influence upon others, and will be held
accountable for the result of that influence. Words and actions
have a telling power, and the long hereafter will show the effect of
our life here. The impression made by our words and deeds will
surely react U])on ourselves in blessing or in cursing. This thought
gives an awful solenniity to life, and should draw us to God in
humble i)rayer that he will guide us by his wisdom.

Those wiio stand in the highest positions may lead astray. The
wisest err; the strongest may falter and stumble. There is need
that light from above should be constantly shed upon our path-
way. Our only safety lies in testing our way implicitly to Him
ivho has said, " Follow me."

After the death of Gideon, "the children of Israel remem-
bered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the
iiands' of all their enemies on everv side. Neither showed thev
kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to
all the goodness which he had showed unto Israel." Forgetful of
ail that they owed to Gideon, their judge and deliverer, the people
•of Israel accepted his base-born son Abimelech as theii' king, who,

v\ .

THE EAlilJEIl JUDGES.

,»,)(

to sustain his power, iDurdcrcd all l)Ut one of (lideon's lawful chil-
dren. When men east oif the fear of God, they are not lon^ in
departinjf from honor and inte^'rity. An appreciation of the liord's
mercy will lead to an ai)i)reciation of those who, like (lideon, have
been employed as instruments to hless liis i)eople. The cruel
course of Israel toward the house of Gideon was what might be
expected from a jjcople who manifested so great ingratitude to God.

After the death (/f Abimelech, the rule of judges who feare(l
the Tiord served fcr a time to i)ut a check ui)on idolatry; but
ere long the peo?>ie returned to the practices of the heathen com-
munities around them. Among the nijrthern tribes, the gods of
:8yria and Sidon had many worshipers. On the southwest the
idols of the Philistines, and on the east those of Moab and Am-
nion, had turned the hearts of Israel from the God of their
fathers. But apostasy speedily brought its punishment. The
Ammonites subdued the eastern tribes, and crossing the Jor-
dan, invaded the territory of Judah and Ephraim. On the west
the Philistines came up from their plain beside the sea, burning
and pillaging far and near. Again Israel seemed to be aban-
doned to the power of relentless foes.

Again the people sought hell) from Him whom they had so
forsaken and insulted. " The children of Israel cried unto the
Lord, saying. We have sinned against thee, Ijoth because we have
forsaken our God, and also served Baalim." ' But sorrow had not
worked true repentance. The people mourned because their sins
had brought suflfering upon themselves, but not because they had
dishonored God ])y transgression of his holy law. True repent-
ance is more than sorrow for sin. It is a resolute turning away
from evil.

The Lord answered them through one of his prophets : " Did I
not deliver you from the li]gyptians, and from the Amorites, from
the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Zi<l()-
nians also, and the Amalekites, and t'.e Maonites, did oppress you ;
and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet
ye have forsaken me, and served other gods; wherefore I will
deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have
chosen; let them deliver vou in the time of vour tribulation."

These solenm and fearful words carry the mind forward to
another scene, — the great day of final judgment, — when the
rejecters of God's mercy and the despisers of his grace shall be

• See Judt;; s 10 : 10-lrt.

7 if I

r)o8

PATIUAUCIIS .\M> I'Hori/KTS.

I>n»u<xlit tiicc to tiicc with his justice. At thiit triliuiial must they
rciKh'T iin iiccouut who hiivc dcN'otctl their ( Jo(l-;:iven talents of
time, of moans, or of iiitelleet, to servin;^ tlie <io(ls of tliis worhl.
Thev have forsaken their true and lovim;' Friend, to follow the
patli of convenience and worldly pleasure. They intended at
some tinu^ to return to (iod ; hut the world with its follies and de-
ceptions ahsorhcd the attention. Frivolous amusements, pride of
dress, indul«,fence of ap[)etite, hardened the heart and henunihed
the conscience, ho that the voice of truth was not heard. Duty
was despi.se(l, Thin<xs of infinite value wen; liuditly esteemed, un-
til the heart lost all <lesiro to sacrifice i'or Tlim who ha.s given so
much fur man. But in the reai)ing time the}' will gather tliat
which tliey have sown.

8aith tlie Lord: "I have called, and ye refused; 1 have
stretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; but ye have set at
nauglit all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; . . . when
your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction conieth as a
whirlwind ; when distress and anguish cometh upon you : then
shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me
early, but they shall not find me; for that they hated knowledge,
and did not choose the fear of the Lord; they would none of my
counsel; they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat
of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own de-
vices." " But wdioso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and
shall be (^uiet from fear of evil."'

The Lsraelites now humbled themselves ])efore the Lord.
'• And they i)Ut away the strange gods from among them, and
served JelK)Vah.'' And the Lord's heart of love was grieved, —
'• ?(Y(.s (jncrcd for the misery of Israel." 0, the long-suffering mercy
of our God! A\'hen his j)eoi»le ])Ut away the sins that had shut
out his presence, he heard their jirayers, and at once l)egan to
work for them.

A deliverer was 'aised U]) in the person of Jcphthah, a Gilead-
ite, who made war unon tlie Ammonites, and eiiectually destroyed
their ])ower. For eighteen years at this time, Israel had suii'ered
under the opi)ression of her foes, yet again the lesson taught by
suffering was forgotten.

As his people returned to their evil WMys, the Lord permitted
them to l»e still oppressed by their i)Owerful enemies, the Philis-

iProv. 1 ; 24-:Jl, 3.3.

TIIK EAR LI Kit .11' 1)11 KS.

tines. For many years tlicy were <(inst!intly hnrasscd, mid at
times ('<»iii|)lct('ly snl>)U;;at('(l, hy this <rut'l and warlike nation.
Tlicy liad nnn^dccl with these idohitcrs. unitin.ii with them in
ideasuH! and in worship, until they srenicd to he; one with them
in spirit and interest. Then these professed friends of Israel
hecame their ])itterest encjnnes, and sou;:ht itv evei-v means to
aeeomplish their destruction.

Like Israel, Christians too often vield t(. the iniUnMiee of the

WOl

rid, and conform to its principles and cnsti>ms. in ttrder to
secure the friendship of the nniiodly; hut in the end it will he
found that these professed friends are tin,' most dan,i,'erous of foes.
The Uilile plainly teaches that there can he no harmony hetween
the people of (iod and the world. "Marvel not, my hi'cthren, if
Hi!' world hate you." Our Saviour .says, '• Ye know that it hated me

'fore it hated v

ou.

Satan works thi'oULih the uu'^odlv. und

cover of a pretended IViendship, to allure (lod's people into sin,
that he may separate them IVoni him; and when their defense is
removed, then he will lead his a^icnts to turn auainst them, and
seek to accomplish their destruction.

::i«!i!i

1 .ii)ii

i:i; .Idlm l."> : IS.

1 ^Vi

chaptj:r LI v.

SAMSON

; i''

If-

Amid the widc-sjtn'iHl a|i(»stiisy, Ihr liiitlil'ul worshipers ol
(iod coiitiiuicd to jtlt'iul Avitli liiin lor the (Iclivcrimce of Jsi'aol.
Thou;j:li there was a|)[»arently iio response, tlioiiirh year alter yeai'
the i)ovvt'r of the opjiressor eontiniieil to rest iiioic lieavily upon
the land, (Jod's providence was |)re|>arinif help for tlieni. l''\-en in
the early years of the i'hilistine oppression, a child was horn
throiijih whom (Iod desiunied to huinl»le the ]»ower of these
lai^ihtv foes.

On the l)order of the hill country overlooking the Pinlistine
plain, was the little town of Zorah. Here dwelt the I'aniily of
Mauoali, of the trihe of I'an, one of the few households that
amid the general defection had remained true to Jehovah. To
the childless wife of Manoah, "tln^ An^icl of Jehovah" aj)])eared,
with the niessa;_f(! that she should have a son, throu.'ih whom
God would ])v'/u\ to deliver Israel. In view of this, the An^a'l
<iave her instruction concerninj^ her own hahits, and sdso for the
treatment of her child : "Now therefore beware, I i)ray thee, and
drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any uuelean thin;.
And the .same i)rohil)ition was to he imjiosed, from the first, ui)on
the child, with the addition that his hair .should not he cut; for
he was to he consecrated to (iod as a Nazarite from his hirth.

5) 1

le woi

nan souiiht her husl)and, and after descrihiii'f the

Angel, nhe repeated his message. Then, fearful that they should
make Home mistake in the imi)ortant Avork eonnnitted to them,
the husband i)rayed, " Let the man of God which thou didst send
eome again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child
that shall he l)orn."

^\'hen the Angel again appeared, Manoah's anxious in(|uiry
was, "How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto
him?" The jirevious instruction was repeated, — " Of all that I

[ .560 ]

See Juilgi's 13.

SA \rsoy.

5*il

,.,ii(l unto the woniiiu lit licr licwarr. She iii;iy not cat «»!' iiiiy-
tliiii.ir that coiiictli of the vine, iifitlicr ht lur drink wine or
stronj; drink, nor cat any uiiclran thin^i. All that I comniandcd
her let her ohscrvc."

(iod had an important work tor the promised child of Manoah
to do, and it was to secure for him the (|Ualilieations necessaiy for
this work, that the hal)its of lioth tl'c mother and the ehilil were

le carcluliv re^ula

te<l.

Neither let hei' drink wine or stron-r

ilnnK.
r;i,t any
serve.

as the An-'cl's instruction for the wife of ^fanoah, *" imr

unci

can

nil'

All that 1 coiiiiiiand''d her let her

The child will lie all'ecte(l for tiood or for e\il hy the
liahits of the iiiotlier, Shi; must herself he controlled hy priii-
ciple, and must practice temperance and self-<lenial, if slie wouM
seek the welfare of licr child. I'liwisi" advisers will ur^^c ii|»on the
mother the necessity of ;iratityinLr e\-ery wish and impulse; hut
such leaching' is false and inischie\'ous. The mother is hy the
comiiian<l of (iod liim.sclf placed nn<U'r the mo.st Holcmn oldi;:a-
tinii to exercise self-control.

And fathers as wi'll as mothers arc involved in this respon-
sihility. IJoth i)arcnts transmit their own charactcristi<s, mental
and ]»hysical, their dispositions and a]ipetit<'s, t(» their children.
.\s till! result of i)arental intemperance, children often lack |>hys-
ical strcUL'th and mental and moral power. Kiiiuor-ilrinkers and
tohacco-users may, and do, transmit their insatiahle cravin;^', their
inllamed hlood and irritahle nerves, to their children. The licen-
tious often hciiueathe their unholy desires, and cNcn loathsome
diseases, as a Ic^^acy to tlu'ir ollsprin<r. And as the cliildrcn have
less power to resist temptation than had the ]>arents, the tendency
is for each generation to fall lower and lower. 'I'o a <ireat dejj;ree,
parents are resi)onsihle, not only for the violi'iit passions and per-
vertt'd ajipctites of their children, hut for the intirmities of the
thousands horn deaf, Idind, diseased, or idiotic

The imiuiry of every father an<l mother should he, '" \\'hat
.shall we do unto the child that shall he horn unto us?" The
effect of i)re-natal intluences has heen hy many liuditly rej^arded ;
hut the instruction sent from heaven to those Ilehrew ]»arents, and
twice repeated in the most explicit and solemn maimer, shows
how this matter is looked upon hy our Creator.

And it was not enou<rh that the ])romised child should receive
a trood lejjacv from the ])arents. This must he followed hv careful

■•il,(

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TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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Sciences
Corporation

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WEBSTER, N.Y. MSM

(716) 872-4S03

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562

PATRIARCHS AND PROPIIKTS.

training, and the formation of right habits. God directed that the
future judge and deliverer of Israel should be trained to strict tem-
perance from infancy. He was to be a Nazarite from his l>irtli,
thus being placed under a perpetual i)rohibition against the use
of wine or strong drink. The lessons of temperance, self-denial,
and self-control, are to be taught to children even from babyhood.

The angel's prohibition included " every unclean thing.'' The
distinction between articles of food as clean and unclean was not a
merely ceremonial and arbitrary regulation, but was based upon
sanitary jirinciples. To the observance of this distinction may l)e
traced, in a great degree, the marvelous vitality which for thou-
sands of years has distinguished the Jewish people. The princi-
ples of temperance must be carried further than the mere use of
spirituous liquors. The use of stimulating and indigestible food
is often equally injurious to health, and in many cases sows the
seeds of drunkenness. True temperance teaches us to dispense
entirely with everything hurtful, and to use judiciously tiiat which
is healthful. There are few who realize as they should how much
their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character,
their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. The ap-
petite should ever be in subjection to the moral and intellectual
powers. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the
mind to the body.

The divine promise to Mr.^oah was in due time fulfilled in the
birth of a son, to whom the name of Samson was given. As the
boy grew up, it became evident that he possessed extraordinary
physical strength. This was not, however, as Samson and his
parents well knew, dependent upon his well-knit sinews, but upon
his condition as a Nazarite, of which his unshorn hair was a sym-
bol. Had Samson obeyed the divine commands as faithfully as
his j)arents had done, his would have l)een a nobler and ha[»i)ior
destiny. But association with idolaters corrupted him. The
town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Samson
came to mingle with them on friendly terms. Thus in his youth,
intimacies sprung up, the influence of which darkened his whole
life. A young woman dwelling in the Philistine town of Tinmath
engaged Samson's affections, and he determined to make her his
wife. To his God-fearing parents, who endeavored to dissuade
him from his purpose, his only answer was, " She pleaseth me
well." ' The parents at last yielded to his wishes, and the mar-
riage took place.

'See Judges 14-16.

SAMSON.

5(58

Just jiH he was entering; uj 'jii imiuhoo*!., tlu; time wlien Ik; must
execute liis divine luissicm, — the time above all others when he
.should have been true to God, — Samson connected himself with
the enemies of Israel. He did not ask whether he could better
(.dorify God when united with the object of his choice, or whether
lie was jdacint; himself in a jtosition where he could not fulfill
tlie jmrpose to be accomjdished by his life. To all who seek first
to honor him, God has iiromised wisdom; but there is no primiise
to those who are bent upon self-pleasinjr.

How many are pursuinjj; the same course as did Samson!
How often marriajjes are formed between the fiodly and the un-
{.'odly, because inclination governs in the selection of husband or
wife! The parties do not ask counsel of God, nor have his glory
in view. Christianity ought to have a controlling infiuence upon
the marriage relation; but it is too often the case that the motives
which lead to this union are not in keeping with Christian princi-
]des. Satan is constantly seeking to strengthen his power over
the people of Go 1 by inducing them to enter into alliance with
his subjects; and iu order to accomplish this ho endeavors to
arouse unsanctified passions in the heart. But the Lord has in
his word plainly instructed his people not to unite themselves
with those who have not his love abiding in them. " ^^'hat con-
cord hath Christ with Belial ? or what i)art hath he that believeth
with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God
with idols?"'

At his marriage feast, Samson was brought into familiar
association with those who hated the God of Israel. Whoever
voluntarily enters into such relations will feel it necessary to con-
form, to some degree, to the habits and customs of his companions.
The time thus spent is worse tluvn wasted. Thoughts are enter-
tained and words are spoken, that tend to break down the strong-
holds of princiiile, and to weaken the citadel of the soul.

The wife, to obtain whom Samson had transgressed the com-
mand of God, proved treacherous to her husband before the close
of the marriage feast. Incensed at her perfidy, Samson forsook
her for the time, and went alone to his home at Zorah. When,
afterward relenting, he returned for his bride, he found her the
wife of another. His revenge, in the wasting of all the fields and
vineyards of the Philistines, provoked them to murder her, al-
though their threats had driven her to the deceit with which the

» 2 Cor. 6 : 15, 16.

564

PATltlARCHS AND PROPHETS.

trouble he^sin, Samson liad already given evidence of his mar-
velous strength, hy slaying, single-handed, a young lion, and liy
killing thirty of the men of Askelon. Now, moved to anger hy
the barbarous murder of his wife, he attacked the Philistines,
and smote them " with a great slaughter." Then, wishing a safe
retreat from his enemies, he withdrew to " the rock Etam," in the
tribe of Judah.

To this place he was pursued by a strong force, and the inhab-
itants of Judah, in great alarm, 1)asely agreed to deliver him to
his enemies. Accordingly three thousand men of Judah went up
to him. But even at such odds they would not have dared ap-
proach him, had they not felt assured that he would not harm his
own countrymen. Samson consented to be bound, and delivered
to the Philistines, but first exacted from the men of Judali a
promise not to attack him themselves, and thus compel him to
destroy them. lie permitted them to bind him with two new
ropes, and he was led into the camp of his enemies amid demon-
strations of great joy. But while their shouts were vaking the
echoes of the hills, "the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon
him.'' He burst asunder the strong new cords as if they had ))een
flax burned in the fire. Then seizing the first weapon at liand,
which, though only the jawbone of an ass, was rendered more
effective than svvord or spear, he smote the Philistines until they
fled in terror, leaving a thousand men dead upon the field.

Had the Israelites been ready to unite with Samson, and fol-
low up the victory, they might at this time have freed themselves
from the i)ower of their o[)pressors. But they had become dis-
pirited and cowardly. They had neglected the work which God
commanded them to perform, in dispossessing the heathen, and
had united with them in their degrading practices, tolerating their
cruelty, and, so long as it was not directed against themselves, even
countenancing their injustice. When themselves brought under
the power of the oppressor, they tamely submitted to the degrada-
tion which they might have escaped, had they only ol)eyed God.
Even when the Lord raised up a deliverer for them, they would,
not infrequently, desert him, and unite with tiieir enemies.

Afte; his victory, the Israelites made Samson judge, and he
ruled Israel for twenty years. But one wrong step prepares the
way for another. Samson had transgressed the command of God

SAMSON.

665

by taking a wife from tho Phili.stine.s, and a<fain Ik^ ventured
anionj; tlieni — now Ids deadly enennes — in the indulj,'en<'0 ot
unlawful j)a.s.sion. Trustinji; to hi.s j^reat strength, whieh had in-
spired the Philistines with such terror, he went holdly to Gaza,
to visit a harlot of that place. The inhahitants o( the <'ity learned
of l»is presence, and they were eager for revenge. Their enemy
was shut safely within the walls of the most strongly fortified of
all their cities; tlujy felt sure of their prey, and only waited till
the morning to complete their triumi)h. At nddnight, Samson
was aroused. The accusing voice of conscience fdled him with
remorse, as he remend)ered that he had broken his vow as a
Nazarite. But notwithstanding his sin, (lod's mercy had not for-
saken hinj. His prodigious strength again served to deliver him.
(Joing to the city gate, he wrenched it from its place, and carried it,
with its ])osts and bars, to the toj) of a hill on the way to Hebron.

But even this narrow escape did not stay his evil course. Ho
did not again venture among the Philistines, but he continued
to seek those sensuous pleasures that were luring him to ruin.
"He loved a women in the valley of Sorek," not far from his
own birthplace. Her name was Delilah, "the consumer." The
vale of Sorek was celebrated for its vincvards ; these also had a
tem]»tation for the wavering Nazarite, who had already indulged
in the use of wine, thus breaking another tie that l»ound him to
purity and to God. The Philistines kept a vigilant watch over
the movements of their enemy, and when he degraded himself
by this new attachment, they determined, through Delilah, to
accomplish his ruin.

A deputation consisting of one leading man from each of the
Philistine provinces was sent to the vale of Sorek. They dared not
attempt to seize him while in possession of his great strength, but
it was their purpose to learn, if possible, tho secret of his jjower.
They therefore bribed Delilah to discover and reveal it.

As the betrayer plied Samson with her (luostions, ho deceived
her by declaring that the weakness of other men would (.'ome ui)on
him if certain processes were tried. When she put the matter to
the test, the cheat was discovered. Then she accused him of false-
hood, saying, " How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart
is not with me? Thou hast mocked me these three times, and
hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth." Three times

666

PATH /Aliens Ayj) PROPIIKTS.

SaniHon hiul the cleiircst evidence that tlie Philiytin 'H ha<l UsajiUcil
with his ohurmcr to deHtroy him; hut wlien her purpose failed,
she treated tl»e matter as a jest, and lie hlindly lianished fear.

Day hy day, Delilah urp^ed him, until " liis soul was vexed unt(»
death;" yet a sulitle i»ower kei)t Iiim hy lier side. Overcome at
last, Samson made known the secret : " There hath not come a
razor upon mine head ; for I liave heen a Nazarite unto God from
my mother's wond). If I he sliaven, then my strength will go
from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man."
A messenger was immediately dispatched to the lords of the
Philistines, urging them to come to her without delay. While
the warrior slept, the heavy masses of his hair were severed from
his head. Then, as she had done three times before, she called,
"The Philistines be upon thee, Samson! " Suddenly awaking, he
thought to exert his strength as before, and destroy them ; but his
powerless arms refused to do his biddinj^, and he knew that
" Jehovah was departed from him." When lie had l»een shaven,
Delilah began to annoy him and cause him jiain, thus making a
trial of his strength ; for the Philistines dared not approach him
till fully convinced that his power was gone. Then they seized
him, and having jiut out both his eyes, they took him to Gaza.
Here he was bound with fetters in their iirison-house, and con-
fined to hard labor.

What a change to him who had been the judge and cham-
pion of Israel! — now weak, blind, imi)risoned, degraded to the
most menial service! Little by little he had violated the con-
ditions of his sacred calling. God had borne long with him ; but
when he had so yielded himself to the power of sin as to betray
his secret, the Lord dejiarted from him. There was no virtue in
his long hair merely, but it was a token of his loyalty to God;
and when the symbol was sacrificed in the indulgence of passion,
the blessings of which it was a token were also forfeited.

In suffering and humiliation, a sport for the Philistines, Samson
learned more of his own weakness than he had ever known be-
fore ; and his afflictions led him to repentance. As his hair grew,
his power gradually returned ; but his enemies, regarding him as
a fettered and helpless prisoner, felt ro apprehensions.

The Philistines ascribed their victory to their gods; and, ex-
ulting, they defied the God of Israel. A feast was appointed in

SAMSON.

66T

ex-
1 in

honor of Dugon, the fish-god, "tlio ])rote(tor of tlio sen." From
town and country throughout the Philistine plain, the jjeople and
their lords assemhled. Throngs of worshipers filled the vast
teii4>le, and crowded the galleries about the roof. It was a scene
of festivity and rejoicing. There was the pomp of the sacrificial
service, followed hy music and feasting. Then, as the crowning
trophy of Dagon's power, Samson was brought in. Shouts of ex-
ultation greeted his appearance. People and rulers mocked his
misery, and adored the god >vho had overthrown " the destroyer
of their country." After a time, as if weary, Samson asked per-
mission to rest against the two central pillars which supported the
temple roof. Then he silently uttered the prayer, *' U Lord God,
remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray tliee, only
this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines."
With these words he encircled the pillars with his mighty arms ;
and crying, " Let me die with the Philistines 1 " he bowed himself,
and the roof fell, destroying, at one crash, all that vast multitude.
" So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they
which he slew in his life."

The idol and its worshipers, priest and i)easant, warrior and
noble, were buried together beneath the ruins of Dagon's temple.
And among them was the giant form of him whom God had
chosen to be the deliverer of his people. Tidings of the terrible
overthroAV were carried to the land of Israel, and Samson's kins-
men came down from their hills, and, unopposed, rescued the
body of the fallen hero. And they " brought him up, and buried
him between Zorah and Eshtaol, in the burying-place of Manoah
his father."

God's promise that through Samson he would " begin to de-
liver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines," was fulfilled ; but
how dark and terrible the record of that life which might have
been a praise to God and a glory to the nation ! Had Samson
been true to his divine calling, the purpose of God could have
been accomplished in his honor and exaltation. But he yielded
to temptation, and proved untrue to his trust, and his mission was
fulfilled in defeat, bondage, and death.

Physically, Samson was the strongest man upon the earth ; ])ut
in self-control, integrity, and firmness, he was one of the weakest
of men. Many mistake strong passions for a strong character ; but

568

I'ATlil.iRCUt^; AND J'liOI'IIETS.

the truth is that he who is nmstered hy his jmssions is a weak
man. The real greatness of the man is measured l»y the power of
the feehngs that he controls, not hy those that control him.

God's providential care had heen over Samson, that he mifrht
he prepared to accomplish the work which he was called to <lo.
At the very outset of life he was surrounded with favorahle con-
ditions for physical strength, intellectual vigor, and moral purity.
But under the influence of wicked associates he let go that hold
upon (Jod which is man's only safeguard, and he was swept away
hy the tide of evil. Those who in the way of duty are brought
into trial may he sure that Ciod will preserve them; but if men
willfully place themselve>: under the power of temptation, they
will fall, sooner or later.

The very ones whom God purposes to use as his instruments
for a special work, Satan employs his utmost power to lead astray.
He attacks us it our weak points, working through defects in the
character to gain control of the whole man ; and he knows that if
these defects are cherished, he will succeed. But none need l>e
overcome. Man is not left alone to conquer the power of evil hy
his own feeble efforts. Help is at hand, and will be given to every
soul who really desires it. Angels oi God, that ascend and de-
scend the ladder which Jacob saw in vision, will help every soul
who will, to climb even to the highest heaven.

purity.

CHAPTER LV.

TIIK (HIM) SAMfr.r,.

Elkanah, a Lc'vito of Mi)Uiit Ephraini, was a man of wealth

and iiiduence, and oiv^ wlio loved and foan-d the Lord. His wife,

Hannah, was a woman of fervent piety. (Jentle and unassuming',

• her cliaraeter wa.s marked with <leep earnestness and a lolty faith.

The hlessinj; so earnest! ' soujrlit hy every llehrew wa.s denied
this fiodly pair; their liome was not }.daddened hy the voice of
ehildliood ; and the desire to perpetuate liis name led the hus-
band — as it liad led many others — to contract a second mar-
riajxe. ]iut this step, prompted ly a lack of faith in (Jod, ditl not
brinji liapi)iness. Sons and daujihters were added to the house-
hold; but the joy and beauty of CJod's sacred institution had l)een
marred, and the })eace of the family was broken. Penninah, the
new wife, was jealous and narrow-minded, and she bore hvrself
with ])ridc and insolence. To Hannah, hope seemed crushed,
and Mfe a weary burden ; yet she met the trial with uncomplain-
ing meekness.

Elkanah. faithfully observed the ordinances of God. The wor-
ship at Shiloh was still maintained, but on account of irre<^ularities
in the ministration his services M'ere not recjuired at the sanctu-
ary, to which, being a Levite, he was to give attendance. Yet he
went up, with his family, to worship and sacrifice at the appointed
gatherings.

Even amid the sacred festivities connected with the service of
God, the evil spirit that had cursed his home intruded. After
l>re9enting the thank-oH'erings, all the family, according to the
estaldished custom, united in a solenni yet joyous feast. Ui)on
these occasions, Elkanah gave the mother of his children a por-
tion for herself and for each of her sons and daughters; and in
token of regard for Hannah, he gave her a doulde portion, sig-
nifying that his affection for her was the same as if she had had
a son. Then the second wife, fired with jealousy, claimed the

[ 560 ]

5Y0

PA Tin Aliens AXD PIKUUIKTS.

preccdenco an oiio highly favort-d of (Jod, and taunU'd Hannah
with her (;hildle^^s ntato as evidence of the Lord's displeasuif,
This was re|)eated from year to year, until Hannah coukl eniknc
it no longer. Unahlo to lii<le her f^rief, she wei)t without restraint,
and with(h*ew from the feast. Her husl)and vainly sought to
comfort her. '* Why weejjcst thou? and why eatest thou not?
and v.'iiy is thy lieart grieved?" he said; "am 1 not hetter to
thee tlian ten sons? " '

llannah uttered no reproach. The hurden which she couUl
share with no earthly friend, she cast upon God. Earnestly she
pleaded that he would take away her reproaeli, and grant lier
the precious gift of a son to nurture and train for liim. And she
made a solemn vow that if her recjuest were granted, she would'
dedicate lier child to (lod, even from its l)irth. Hannah had
drawn near to the entrance of the tahernacle, and in the anguish
of her spirit she " prayed, and wept sore." Yet she communed
with God in silence, uttering no SQund. In those evil times, such
scenes of worship were rarely witnessed. Irreverent feasting, and
even drunkenness, were not uncommon, even at the religious festi-
vals; and Eli the high priest, ol)serving Hannah, supposed that she
was overcome with wine. Thinking to administer a deserved re-
huke, he said sternly, " How long wilt thou be drunken ? put
away thy wine from thee."

Pained and startled, Hannah answered gently, " No, my lord,
I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit; I have drunk neither wine
nor strong drink, hut have i)oured out niy soul before the Lortl.
Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial ; for out of the
abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto."

The high priest was deeply moved, for he was a man of God;
and in place of rebuke he uttered a blessing : " Go in peace ; and
the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked
of him."

Hannah's prayer was granted; she received the gift for
which she had so earnestly entreated. As she looked upon the
child, she called him Samuel — " asked of God." As soon as the
little one was old enough to be separated from his mother, she ful-
filled her vow. She loved her child with all the devotion of a
mother's heart ; day by day, as she watched his expanding powers,
and listened to his childish prattle, her affections entwined about

iSeel Samuel 1; 2 : 1-11.

THE C1ULD f^AyfVRL.

.571

liiin more cloMcly. IIo wuh her only hom, tho special ^'ift »»l'
Heaven; Itiit sho had roceivtMl him as a trniHurc const't nituil to
(lod, and nho would not withhold from the (Jivcr Ids own.

Onco nioro Hannah journeyed with her husltand to Hhiloh,
and presented to the pricwt, in tint name (»t' (Jod, her preeiou.s ^il't,
saying', "Fortius child I prayed, and th(^ Lord hath ^'iven me n>y
petition which I asked of him. Therefore also T have lent him to
th(^ Lord; ns lon^ as he liv<'th, he shall he lent to the Lord." Kli
was deejdy impressed hy the faith and devotion of this woman
of Israel. Himself an over-indul^'cnt father, he was awed and
hundtled as he heheld this mother's ^reat sacrifice in parting?
with her only child, that she mi;;ht dev»»te him to the service of
God. He felt reproved for his own selfish love, and in hunnlia-
tion and reverence he howed hefore the Lord ami worshipcfl.

The mother's heart was tilled Avith joy and praise, and she
longed to pour forth her gratitude to God. The Spirit of inspira-
tion caiue upon her; "and Hannah prayed, and said: —

" My ht'iirt rojoiceth in the Lord ;
Mine liorn is exulted in the Lord ;
My mouth is enhirged over mine enemies ;
Because I rejoice in tiiy riulvation.
Tliere is none holy as the Lord ;
For there is none beside Ihee ;
Neither is there any rock like our God.
Talk no more so exceeding proudly ;
Let not arrogancy come out of your mouth ;
For Jehovah is a God of knowledge,
And by him actions are weighed. . . .
The Lord killeth, and maketli alive ;
He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up
The Lord mak'-th poor, and maketh rich;
He bringeth low, and lifteth up.
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust,
And lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill,
To set them among princes,
And lo make them inherit the throne of glory ;
For the pillars of the earth are tlie Lord's,
And he hath set the world u-^ )n them.
He w'll keep the feet of his saints,
And the wicked shall be silent in darkness
For by strength shall no man prevail.
The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to |)ieres

672

I'A Tit 1. 1 Hciis . 1 .v/> rnoi'/ih' Ts.

Out of |i(!HVcn hIiiiII iiu tliuiuiur iipnn thuiii.
Tlu> Lord hIiii'I jikIuc tliu ctitlH of tlu; curth;
And lit' hIiuII ^ivo Htn-ii^tli unto IiIm king,
Anil <-xiilt tlic born of his anointed."

lliiiiniih'H Words wm' iironhctic, hotli of David, who wliould
rii|:n as kin;; of Israel, and of tlu; Messiah, the; Lord's anointed.
Referrin-r first to th(5 boasting' of an insoh-nt and contentious
woman, the son;? jxfints to thcs destruction of the enemies of God,
and the final triumph of his redeemed people.

From Shiloh, Hannah quietly returned to her hoiiu; at Hamah,
leaving: the child Samuel to he trained for service in the house of
Clod, under the instruction «>f the hi^di priest. From tlu; eailiest
dawn of intellect she had tau;:ht lu-r son to love and reverence
(fod, and to re;;ard himself as tlu) Lord's. By every familiar oh-
ject surroundin^r him, she had sou^ilit to lead his thou^dits up to
the Creator. When separateil from her child, the faithful mother's
solicitude did not cease. Kverv duv he was the Hul>iect of her
prayers. Every year she made, with her own hands, a rohe of
servi<'e tor him ; and as she went uj» with her hushand to worship
at Shiloh, she ^ave the child this reminder of her love. ICvery
fil»er of the littlo fiarment had heen Avoven with a prayer that he
mi^dit l)e pure, nohle, and true. She did not ask for her son
Worldly greatness, hut she earnestly pK'aded that he mi^rht j'.ttain
that greatness which Heaven values. — that hv mi;.d»t honor (Jod,
and hless his fellow-men.

What a reward was Hannah's! and what an encourageuient
to faithfulness is her exami)le! There are oj)i>oi'tunities of ines-
tiniahle worth, interests infinitely ])reeious, conunitted to every
mother. The Immhle round of duties which women have come
to re^iard as a wearisome task, should ho looked upon as a
^ran<l and nohle work. It is the mother's privile^^o to hless
the world hy her influence, and in tloin;,' this she will hring joy
to lier own lieart. She may make straij^ht i)aths for the feet
of her children, through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious
heights ahove. But it is only when she seeks, in her own life, to
follow the teachings of Christ, that the mother can hope to form
the character of her children after the divine i)attern. The world
teems with corruj)ting influences. Fashion and eu.stom exert a
strong j)ower over the young. If the mother fails in her duty to
instruct, guide, and restrain, her children will naturally accei)t the

TIIK CHILD SAMVKI.

67S

I'vil, and turn from the pxul. Let ovcry inotlicr jro often to licr
J^iivioiir with tho prayer, " T«'ath us, how shall we onhr th«'. child,
iiiid what shall W(! do unto him?" Let her heed the instruetioii
which (iod has ^'iven in his word, and wisdom will he jriven licr
Uti rthe shall have need.

•'The child Samuel ^rew on, and was in favor hoth with tin*
Lord, and also with men." Thou^di Samuels youth was passed
at the tahernaele devoted to the worship of (iod, he was not fret;
from evil iniluenees or sinful example. The sons of Kli feared not
(iod, nor honored their father; hut Samuel did not seek their
t'om|tany nor follow tln'ir evil ways. It was his constant endeavor
to heeome what (iod wouhl have him. This is the privile^re of
every youth, (iod is plea.sed A\hen even little children fiive them-
.selves to his service.

Samuel had heen place«l unch-r the care of Eli, and the love-
liness of his character drew forth the warm allection of the a<;e(l
priest, lie was kind, jfcnerous, ohcdicnt, atiit res|iectful. Kli,
jtained hy the waywardness of his own sons, f(»und rest and com-
fort and hlessin^ in the presence of his char^re. Samuel was
helpful and alVectionate, and no father ever l<»ved his child more
tenderly than di<l Kli this youth, it was a sintiular thin^' that
hetween the eliief majristrate of the nation and the simple child
.so warm an afVection should exist. As the inlirmities of a^e came
upon Kli, and he was filled with anxiety and remorse hy the
Itrofli^'ate course of his own sons, lie turned to Samuel for comfort.

It was not custoujary for the Levites to enter u|>on their
]>eeuliar serviees until they were twenty-five yi-ars of a<re, hut
Samuel had heen an exception to this rule. Kvery year saw
more important trusts committed to him ; and while he was yet
a ehild, a linen ephod Avas ]>laced upon him as a token of hi.s
conseeration to the work of the sanctuary. Vounj; as he was
when hrou^ht to minister in the ta))ernacle, Samuel had even
then duties to perform in the service of (iod, accordinj: to his
ca})acity. These were at fii'st very humhle, and not always
pleasant; hut they were performed to the hest of his ahility, and
with a willing heart. His religion was carried into every duty
of life. He regarded himself as Tiod's servant, and his work
as God's work. His eflbrts were accepted, heeause they were
prompted hy love to God and a sincere desire to do his will.
It was thus that Samuel heeanic a co-worker with the Lord of

674

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

lieaven and earth. And God fitted him to acconii>li8li a great
work for Israel.

If children were taught to regard the humble round of every-
day duties as the course marked out for them by the Lord, as ii
school in which they were to be trained to render faithful and
efficient service, how much more pleasant and honorable would
their work appear. To perform every duty as unto the Lord,
throws a charm around the humblest employment, and links
the workers on earth with the holy beings who do Clod's will
in heaven.

Success in this life, success in gaining the future life, depends
upon a faithful, coiiscientious attention to the little things. Per-
fection is seen in the least, no less than in the greatest, of tlio
works of Ciod. The hand that hung the worlds in space is the
liand that wvought with delicate skill the lilies of the iield.
And as Crod is perfect in his sphere, so we are to be jicrfect in
ours. The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character
is built up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should
characterize our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its
details. Integrity in little tilings, the performance of little acts of
fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life;
and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every
one of the little duties faitlifully performed has exerted an intlu-
ence for good, — an influence tliat can never ])erish.

The youth of our time may l>ecome as i)recious in the sight of
God as was Hanmel. By faithfully maintaining their Christian
integrity, they may exert a strong influence in the work of
reform. Such men are needed at this time. God has a work
for every one of them. Never did men achieve greater results
for God and humanity than may be achieved in this our day
by those who will be faithful to their God-given trust.

KiX,,

CHAPTER LVI.

ELI AND HIS SONS.

Eli was priest and judge in Israel. He held the highest and
most responsible positions among the people of God. As a man
divinely chosen for the sacred duties of the priesthood, and set
over the land as the highest judicial authority, he was looked up
to as an example, and he wielded a great influence over the tribes
of Israel. But although he had been appointed to govern the peo-
ple, he did not rule his (^wn household. Eli was an indulgent
father. Loving peace and ease, he did not exercise his authority
to correct the evil habits and passions of his children. Rather
than contend with them or punish them, he would submit to
their will, and give them their own way. Instead of regarding
the education of his sons as one of the most important of his re-
sponsibilities, he treated the matter as of little consequence. The
priest and judge of Israel had not been left in darkness as to the
duty of restraining and governing the children that God had given
to his care. But Eli shrank from this duty, because it involved
crossing the will of his sons, and would make it necessary to pun-
ish and deny them. Without weighing the terrible conseciueii 'cs
that would follow his course, he indulged his children in whai( \ or
they desired, and neglected the work of fitting them for the service
of God and the duties of life.

God had said of Abraham, " I know him, that he will command
his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the
way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." ' But Eli allowed
his children to control him. The father became subject to the
children. The curse of transgression was apparent in the corrup-
tion and evil that marked the course of his sons. They had no
proper appreciation of the character of God or of the sacredness
of his law. His service was to them a common thing. From
childhood they had been accustomed to the sanctuary and its
service ; but instead of becoming more reverent, they had lost all

»Gen 18 : 19. [.575] ^7

576

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

dense of its holiness and significance. The fiithcr had not coi
rected their want of reverence for his authority, had not checkoil
their disrespect for the solemn services of the sanctuary; ami
when they reached manhood, they were full of tne deadly fruits
of skepticism and rehellion.

Though wholly unfit for the office, they were placed as pries^ts
in the sanctuary to minister hefore God. The Lord had given t\\v
most specific directions in regard to offering sacrifices ; hut these
wicked men carried their disregard of autho'lty into the service
of God, and did not give attention to the law of the offerings,
which were to be made in the most solenm manner. The sacri-
fices, pointing forward to the death of Christ, were designed to
preserve in the hearts of the people faith in the Redeemer to
come; hence it was of the greatest importance that the Lord's di-
rections concerning them should be strictly heeded. The peace-
offerings were especially an expression of thanksgiving to God.
In these off'erings the fat alone was to be l)urned upon the altar;
a certain specified portion was reserved for the priests, but the
greater part was returned to the off'erer, to be eaten by hini
and his friends in a sacrificial feast. Thus all hearts were to be
directed, in gratitude and faith, to the great Sacrifice that was to
take away the sin of the world.

The sons of Eli, instead of realizing the solemnity of this sym-
bolic service, only thought how they could make it a means of
self-indulgence. Not content with the part of the peace-offerings
allotted them, they demanded an additional portion ; and the great
number of these sacrifices presented at the annual feasts gave the
priests an opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense of the
people. They not only demanded more than their right, but re-
fused to wait even until the fat had been burned as an offering to
God. They persisted in claiming whatever portion pleased them,
and, if denied, threatened to take it by violence.

This irreverence on the part of the priests soon robbed the
service of its holy and solemn significance, and the people " al)-
horred the offering of the Lord."' The great antitypical sacri-
fice to which they were to look forward, was no longer recognized.
"Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before
the Lord." '

These unfaithful priests also transgressed God's law and dis-
honored their sacred office by their vile and degrading practices ;

iSee 1 Sam. 2 : 12-36.

ELI AND* I lis SONS.

i)k I

yet they continued to pollute l»y their presence the tabernacle of
God. Many of tiie jieople, filled Avitli indignation at the corrupt
course of Ho})hni and Phinehas, ceased to come up to the appointed
])lace of worship. Thus the service which (iod had ordained
was despised and neirlected because associated with the sins of
wicked men, while those whose hearts were inclined to evil were
emboldened in sin.. Ungodliness, })rofligacy, and even idolatry,
prevailed to a fearful extent.

Eli had greatly erred in i)ermitting his sons to minister in
holy office. By excusing their course, on one jiretext and another,
he became blinded to their sins; but at last they reached a pass
where he could no longer hide his eyes from the crimes of his sons.
The people complained of their violent deeds, and the high priest
was grieved and distressed. He dared remain silent no longer.
But his sons had been brought up to think of no one l)ut them-
selves, and now they cared for no one else. They saw the grief of
their father, but their hard hearts were not touched. Thev heard
his mild admonitions, but they were not impressed, nor would they
change their evil course though warned of the consequences of
their sin. Had Eli dealt justly with his wicked sons, they would
have been rejected from the priestly office, and punished with
death. Dreading thus to bring public disgrace and condemnation
upon them, he susl^ained them in the most sacred positions of
trust. He still permitted them to mingle their corruption with
the holy service of God, and to inflict upon the cause of truth an
injury which years could not efface. But when the judge of Israel
neglected his work, God took the matter in hand.

" There came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him. Thus
saith tlie Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father,
when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? And did I choose
him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon
mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me ? And
did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by
fire of the children of Israel ? Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice
and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation ;
and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the
chiefest of all the off'erings of Israel my peoi)le? Wherefore the
Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the
house of thy father, should walk l)efore me forever: l)ut now the
Lord saith. Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will

678

PATRIARCHS JfND PROPHETS.

honor, and they that (lespisoinc sliall 1)0 IJirhtly esteemed. . . . And
I will raise me up a faithful i)riest, tliat shall do according to that
which is in mine heart and in my mind ; ani' I will build him a
sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed forever."

God charj.'t'd Eli with honoring his sons above the Lord. Eli
had permitted the offering ap])ointed l)y God, as a Idessing to
Israel, to be made a thing of abhorrence, rather than bring his sons
to shame for their impious and abominable practices. Those wlio
follow tlicir own inclination, in blind affection for their children,
indulging them in the gratification of their selfish desires, and do
not bring to bear the authority of God to rebuke sin and correct
evil, make it manifest that they are honoring their wicked chil-
dren more than they honor God. They are more anxious to
shield their reputation than to glorify God ; more desirous to
please their children than to i)lease the Lord and to keep his
service from every appearance of evil.

God held Eli, as a priest and judge of Israel, accountal)le for
the moral and religious standing of his i)eople, and in a si)ecial
sense for the character of his sons. He should first have at-
tempted to restrain evil by mild measures ; but if these did not
avail, he should have subdued the wrong by the severest means.
Ho incurred the Lord's displeasure by not reproving sin and exe-
cuting justice upon the sinner. He could not be depended upon
to keep Israel pure. Those who have too little courage to reprove
wrong, or who through indolence or lack of interest make no ear-
nest effort to purify the family or the church of God, are held
accountable for the evil that may result from their neglect of duty.
We are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in
others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority, as if the acts
had been our own.

Eli did not manage his household according to God's rules for
family government. He followed his own judgment. The fond
father overlooked the faults and sins of his sons in their child-
hood, flattering himself that after a time they would outgrow their
evil tendencies. ]\Iany are now making a similar mistake. They
think they know a better way of training their children than that
which God has given in his word. They foster wrong tendencies
in them, urging as an excuse, "They are too young to be pun-
ished. Wait till they become older, and can be reasoned with."
Thus Avrong hal)its are left to strengthen until they become second

ELI AND HIS SONS.

579

nature. The children grow up without restraint, with traits of
character that are a lifelong curse to them, and are liable to be
reproduced in others.

There is no greater curse upon households than to allow the
youth to have their own way. When parents regard every wish
of their children, and indulge them in what they know is not for
their good, the children soon lose all resi)ect for their i>arents, all
regard for the authority of God or man, and are led captive at the
will of Satan. The influence of an ill-regulated family is wide-
spread, and disastrous to all sijciety. It accumulates in a tide of
evil that affects families, comnmnities, and governments.

Because of Eli's position, his influence was more extended than
if he had been an ordinary man. His family life was ii^iitated
throughout Israel. The baleful results of his negligent, ease-loving
ways were seen in thousands of homes that were moulded l)y his
example. If children are indulged in evil i)ractices, while the
parents make a profession of religion, the truth of God is brought
into reproach. The best test of the Christianity of a home is the
type of character begotten by its influence. Actions speak louder
than the most positive i)rofession of godliness. If })rofessors of
religion, instead of putting forth earnest, persistent, and painstak-
ing effort to bring up a well-ordered household as a witness to the
benefits of faith in God, are lax in their government, and indul-
gent to the evil desires of their children, they are doing as did Eli,
and are bringing disgrace on the cause of Christ, and ruin upon
themselves and their households. But great as are the evils of
parental unfaithfulness under any circumstances, they are tenfold
greater when they exist in the families of those appointed as
teachers of the people. When these fail to control their own
households, they are, by their wrong exam]ile, misleading many.
Their guilt is as much greater than that of others as their position
is more responsible.

The promise had been made that the house of Aaron should
walk before God forever ; but this promise had been made on con-
dition that they should devote the selves to the work of the
sanctuary with singleness of heart, and honor God in all their
ways, not serving self, nor following their own perverse inclinations
Eli and his sons had been tested, and the Lord had found them
wholly unworthy of the exalted position of priests in his service.
And God declared, " Be it far from me." He could not accomplish

680

PATItlARVHS AND PltOPllETti.

the flood that he hiul meant to do tho.n, hecau,^e they failed to do
their part.

The example of those who minister in holy things should be
such as to impress the people with reverence for God, and with
fear to offend him. When men, standing " in Christ's stead " ^ to
speak to the people God's message of mercy and reconciliation,
use their sacred calling as a cloak for selfish or sensual gratifica-
tion, they make themselves the most effective agents of Satan.
Like Hophni and Phinehas, they cause men to '* ahnor the offer-
ing of the Lord." They may pursue their evil course in secret for
a time; but when at last their true character is exposed, the faith
of the people receives a ehock that often results in destroying their
confidence in religion. There is left upon the mind a, distrust of
all who i)rofess to teach the word of God. The message of tlie
true servant of Christ is doubtfully received. The question con-
stantly arises, " Will not this man prove to be like the one we
thought so holy, and found so corrupt? " Thus the word of God
loses its power upon the souls of men.

In Eli's reproof to ii^s sons are words of solemn and fearful im-
port, — words that all A/ho minister in sacred things would do
well to ponder: " If one man sin against another, the judge shall
judge him ; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat
for him ? " Had their crimes injured only their fellow-men, the
judge might have made reconciliation b}'^ ai)pointing a penalty,
and requiring restitution ; and thus the offenders might have been
pardoned. Or had they not been guilty of a presumptuous sin, a
sin-offering might have been presented for them. But their sins
were so interwoven with their ministration as priests of the Most
High, in offering sacrifice for sin; the work of God was so i)ro-
faned and dishonored before the people, that no expiation could
be .iccepted for them. Their own father, though himself hi^h
priest, dared not make intercession in their behalf; he could not
shield them from the wrath of a holy God. Of all sinners, those
are most guilty who cast contempt upon the means that Heaven
has provided for man's redemption, — who " crucify to themselves
the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.'"'
*2 Cor. 5 : 20. ^Heb. 6:6.

to (1(

CHAPTER LVII.

THE ARK TAKEN BY THE PHILISTINES.

Another warning; was to be given to Eli's house. God could
not communicate with the high i)riest and his sons ; their sins, like
a thick cloud, had shut out the presence of his Holy Spirit. But
in the midst of evil the child Samuel remained true to Heaven,
and the message of condemnation to the house of Eli was Samuel's
commission as a pro^ het of the Most High.

" The word of the Lord was precious in those days ; there was
no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was
laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he
could not see ; and ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of
the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down
to sleep ; that the Lord called Samuel." ' Supposing the voice to
be that of Eli, the child hastened to the bedside of the priest, say-
ing, *' Here am I, for thou calledst me." The answer was, " I
called not, my son, lie down again." Three times Samuel was
called, and thrice he responded in like manner. And then Eli
was convinced that the mysterioi\s call was the voice of God.
The Lord had passed by his chosen servant, the man of hoary hairs,
to commune with a child. This in itself was a bitter yet deserved
rebuke to Eli and his house.

No feeling of envy or jealousy was awakened in Eli's heart.
He directed Samuel to answer, if again called, "Sj^eak, Lord, for
thy servant heareth." Once more the voice was heard, and the
child answered, " Speak, for thy servant heareth." So awed was
he at the thought that the great God should speak to him, that he
could not remember the exact words which Eli bade him say.

" And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in
Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall
tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I
have spoken concerning his house. When I begin, I will also

1 See 1 Samuel 3-7.

[.581]

5S2

PATUIAltCIIS AND PIWPUET8.

make an on<1. For I Imve told liiiii that I will judfjio bis liousi-
forever for the ii\i(iuity which he kiio\,eth ; bccau.se liis houw made
themselves vile, and ho restrained them not. And tncrefore I hav
sworn unto the house of Eli, that the inicjuity of Eli's house shall
not be purged with sacrifice nor oft'ering forever."

Before receiving this message from God, 'Sanmel did not yt f
know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealcti
unto him;" that is, he was not ac(|aainted with buch direct mani-
festations of God's i)resence as were granted U) the prophets. It
was the Lord's purpose to reveal hiniMelf in an unexpected man-
ner, that Eli might hear of it through the surprise and inquiry ot
the youth.

Samuel was filled with .ear and amazement at the thought (/I
having so terrible a message committed to him. In the morning liu
went about his duties as usual, but with a heavy burden upon his
young heart. The Lord had not commanded him to reveal the
fearful denunciation, lience he remained silent, avoiding, as far as
possible, the i)resence of Eli. He trembled, lest some question
should compel him to declare the divine judgments against one
whom he loved and reverenced. Eli was confident that the mes-
sage foretold some great calamity to him and his house. He called
Samuel, and charged him to relate faithfully what the Lord had
revealed. The youth obeyet,, and the aged man bowed in hum-
ble submission to the appalling sentence. " It is the Lord," he
said ; *' let him do what seemeth him good."

Yet Eli did not manifest the fruits of true repentance. He
confessed his guilt, but failr 1 to renounce the sin. Year after year
the Lord delayed his tLreatoned judgments. Much might have
been done in those years to redeem the failures of the past; but
the aged priest took no effective measures to correct the evils that
were polluting the sanctuary of the Lord, and leading thousands
in Israel to ruin. The forbearance of God caused Hophni and
Phinehas to harden their hearts, and to become still bolder in trans-
gression. The messages of warning and reproof to his house were
made known by Eli to the wi.ole nation. By this means he hoped
to counteract, in some measure, the evil influence of his past neg-
lect. But the warnings were disregarded by the people, as they
had been by the priests. The people of surrounding nations
also, who were not ignorant of the iniquities openly practiced in
Israel, became still bolder in their idolatry and crime. They felt

THE ARK TAKEN BY THE PITTLrSTTXES.

58a

no sense of guilt for their sins, an tliey would have felt, hud tho
Israelites preserved their inte^'rity. But a day of retril>utit)u was
approaehing, God's authority had been set aside, and his worHhi|>
neglected and despised, and it became necessary for him to inter-
pose, that the honor of his name nnght be maintained.

"Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and
])itche(l beside Ebenezer, and the Philistines ])itched in Aphek."
Tliis expedition was undertaken by the Israelites without counsel
from <iod, without the concurrence of high priest or i)rophet.
" And the Philistines ])Ut themselves in array against Israel ; and
vvhe.i they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines;
and they slew of the army in the field about four tliousand men."
As the shattered and disheartened force returned to their en-
campment, " the elders of Israel said, Wlierefore hath the Lord
smitten us to-day before the Philistines?" The nation was ripe
for the judgments of God, yet they did not see that their own
sins had been the cause of this terrible disaster. And thev said,
"Let us fetch tiie ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh
unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of
the hand of our enemies." The Lord had given no command or
j)ermission that the ark should come into the army ; yet the
Israelites felt confident that victory would be theirs, and uttered a
great shout when it was borne into the camp by the sons of Eli.

The Philistines looked upon the ark as the god of Israel, All
the mighty works that Jehovah had wrought for his people were
attributed to its power. As they heard the shouts of joy at its
approach, they said, " What meaneth the noise of this great
shout in the camp of the Hebrews ? And they understood that
the ark of the Lord was come into the camp. And the Philis-
tines were afraid, for they said, God has come into the camp.
And they said, Woe unto us ! for there hath not been such a
thing heretofore. Woe unto us! Who shall deliver us out of
the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods that smote
the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. Be strong,
and quit yourselves like men, ye Philistines, that ye be not
servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Quit
yourselves like men, and fight."

The Philistines made a fierce assault, which resulted in the
defeat of Israel,, with great slaughter. Thirty thousand men lay
dead upon the field, and the ark of God was taken, the two sons

r)S4

PATTirAiirrrs .wn vnorirKTs.

of Kli hiiving lullen whih' fijj;litin:; to defend it. Tims Ji^'iiin wa,"
left upon the pajute of history a testimony for all future ti^cH, —
that tlio ini<iuity of Clod's professed jteople will not ^'o \inpuii-
ished. Th" t tliu knowledjre of (lod's will, the jrreater the

sin of tho! .0 disrejrard it.

Th<> most ti'rrifviti'' eiilamitv that could oc-ur had hefallen
Israel. The ark of (lod had lu'en eaptureil, and was in the pos-
session of the enemy. The ^dory liad indeed departed from Israel
when the synd)ol of the ahidinj; presence and power of Jehovah
was removed from the midst of them. \\'ith this sacred chest
we^o associated the most wonderlul revelations of (tod's truth and
l)ower. In former days, miraculous victorii'S had heen achieved
whenevei it ai)peared. It was shadowed hy the win;.'.s of the
golden cheruhim, and the unspeakahle glory of the shekinah,
the visihle symhol of tho most hi<i;h (iod, had rested over it in
the holy of holies. Hut now it had l>rou<rht no victory. It had
x\oi j)roved a defense on this oecasion, and there was mourninj:;
throujihout Israel.

They had not realized that their faith was only a nominal
faith, and had lost its power to jtrevail with (Jod. The law ot
God, contained in the ark, was also a symhol of his presence; hut
they had cast c«mtempt U])on the commandments, had desi)ised
their requirements, and had j^rieved the Spirit of the Lord from
amonji; them. Vv'hen the i)eople oheyed the holy precepts, the
Lord was with them to work for them hy his infinite power; l)ut
when they looked ui)on the ark, and did not associate it with Cuxl.
nor honor his revealed will hy ohedience to his law, it could avail
them little more than a connnon hox. They looked to the ark as
the idolatrous nations looked to their jj;ods, as if it jtossessed in
itself the elements of ]>ower and salvation. They transgressed
the law it containe<l ; for their very worship of the ark led to
formalism, hypocrisy, and idolatry. Their sin had sejiarated
them from God, and he could not give them the victory until
they had repented of and forsaken their ini(|uity.

It was not enough that the ark and the sanctuary were in the
midst of Israel. It was not enough that the priests ottered sacri-
fices, and that the peoi)le were called the children of God. The
Lord does not regard the recjuest of those who cherish iniquity in
the heart ; it is written that " he that turneth away his ear from
hearing the law, even his prayer shall he abomination." '

» Prov. 28 : 9.

THE AUK TAKEN liV TllK PIIirJSTIXKS.

5S5

Wlicn tlio army WL-nt out to luittlc. Kli, Miiul and old, had
tarrird at Shiloli. It wa.s with troiihU'd ton'l>odinj,'rt thvit he
awaitt'd tho ri'sult of tin; loidliit; "for his hctirt tronddi'd for
the ark of (rod." Taking' his position outsi(h; the ^ato of the
tahornach', ho nat hv tlu; iiiLdiwav-si(h> dav after dav, aiixiouslv
expecting th(( arrival of a messenjicr from the l»attU'-(i»'ld.

At length a Ik-njandti- from tlu; army, " with his clothes rent,
and with oartli upon his head," came hurryinj; up tho ascent
Icadinji to the city. I'assinj; hoofllossly tho a^'od man hcsidc the
way, lio rushed on to tho town, and repeated to ea^'er thrones tho
tidinj^s of defeat and loss.

Tho sound of wailinj; and lamentation reache(l the v/atchor
lieside tho tahernacle. Tho messenger was l»rou<:ht to him. ^And
tho man said unto Eli, " Israel is tied hoforo the I'hilistines, and
there liath heon also a groat slauj^hter amon^j: tho people, and
thy twt) sons also, llophni and Phinehas, are dead." P^li could
endure all this, terrihlo as it was, for lio had expected it. But
when tho messeni^er added, " And tho ark of (Jod is taken," a
look of unutterable an<;uish ]»asse(l over his countenance. The
thoUf^ht that his sin had thus dishonored (Jod, and caused him to
withdraw liis presence from Israel, was more than he could htwr;
his strenj^h was ji;one, he fell, " and his neck brake, and he died."

The wife of Phinehas, notwithstandin;,' the impiety of her
husband, was a woman wh feared tho Lord. Tho death of
her father-in-law and her husband, and above all, the terrible
tidings that the ark of God was taken, caused her death. She
felt that the last hope of Israel was gone; and she named the
child l)orn in this hour of adversity, Ichal)od, or " inglorious ; "
with her dying breath mournfully repeating tho words, " The
glory is departed from Israel ; for tho ark of God is taken."

But the Lord had not wholly cast aside his people, nor would
he long bu Ter the exultation of the heathen. He had used the
Philistines as the instrument to punish Israel, and he employed
the ark to ])unish the Philistines. In time past tho divine i)rcs-
ence had attended it, to be the strength and glory of liis obedient
l>eople. That invisible presence would still attend it, to bring
terror and destruction to the transgressors of his holy law. The
Lord often employs his bitterest enemies to punish the unfaithful-
ness of his professed people. The wicked may triumph for a time
as they see Israel suffering chastisement ; but the time will come

58H

PATH I Aliens AM) I'lHU'Ifh'TS.

whrii they too must nicrt tlu' Ht'iitcncr of ii holy. Hiii-liiitin;i <io(|.
Wlirrcvcr ini<|uity is clicrislKMl, tlicri", swilt iiiul uiicrriii;.', thf
divino jud^iiiu-iits will follow.

Tlu) IMiilintiiH's iciuovimI the urk in triumph to Ashdnd, uih'
of tlu'ir f'lvt) i»rin('i|»:d cities, iind pliiccd it in the house of tlitir
fHu\ Diijion. TIh'V imiijiiiu'd that the power which had hithcitu
attcndcil th(! iirk would he theirs, and that this, united with tin-
powerof Du^'on, would render them invinciltle. Hut upon enteriii.:
the tetnple on the following day, they hcheld a si;rht which tilled
them with c()nsternati(»n. Da^^on had fallen upon his face to the
earth heforo tlio ark of Jehovah. Tin; |»rie.sts reverently liftcil the
i<l(il, and restored it to its place. lUit tlu; next morning' they
foun<l it, stranj^cly mutilated, a^ain lyin«i upon the earth IicIoit
the ark. The ujtpcr part of this idol was like that o4' a man, and
the lower part was in the likeness of a (ish. Now every part that
resend)led the human form had heen cut oil", and only the body of
the fish remained. Priests and peoph; were horror struck; tiny
looked upon this mysterious eveiit as nn evil omen, forehodin:
destruction to themselves and their idols before the (Jod of the
Hebrews. They now removed the ark from their temple, and
placed it in a buildin-j; by itself.

The inhabitants of Ashdod were smitten with a distre.ssintr and
fatal (liseaHe. UenuMnberinij; the plajiues that were inllicted upon
Egypt by the God of Israel, the people attributed their aHlictions
to the presence of the ark among them. It was decided to convey
it to Gath. But the plague followed close upon its removal, and
the men of that city sent it to Kkron. Here the people received
it with terror, crying, " They have brought about the ark of the
God of Israel to us, to slay us and our i)eople." They turned to
their gods for protection, as the people of Gath and Ashdod had
done; but the work of the destroyer went on, until, in their
distress, " the cry of the city went up to heaven." Fearing longer
to retain the ark among the homes of men, the people next placed
it in the open field. There followed a jdague of ndce, which
infested the land, destroying the products of the soil, l)oth in the
store-house and in the field. Utter destruction, by disease or
famine, now threatened the nation.

For seven months the ark remained in Philistia, and during
all this time the Israelites made no effort for its recovery. But
the Philistines were now^ as anxious to free themselves from iis

THE AHK TAKES' liV TIIH 1*1111. ISTINES.

6.s:

prfHenci' ns i\\vy hinl Itcon to <>l)tuin it. Instfiid oT ln-iup; a soun't>
of Htrcnjith to tlu'Tu, it wuh u jrrcat bunU'n iiixl ii hi-uvy curm'. Yet
tliiy know Hot what course to iiursuc; for whrrrvcr it went, tlio
judjiincnts of (loil followccl. The lu'oplc called for the prineeH of
the nation, with the |)riests and diviners, jiind ea^'erly in(|uire(l,
"What shall we do to the ark (»f Jehovah? Tell us wln'rcwitJi
we shall send it to his |)laci?" They wen; advised to return it
with a costly trespa.Ms-otlerinjr. "Then," .>^aid the j»riestH, " yo
shall he healed, and it shall he known to you why his hand i.s not
removed from you."

To ward olf (»r to removi' a pla;.nie, it was anciently tlic
custom anion;; the heathen, to make an ima^'c in ^'old, silver, or
other material, of that which caused the destruction, (»r of the
ohject or part of t!ic hody specially atlected. This was set up on
a pillar or in some conspicuous place, and was sujtposed to he an
clfectual i»rotection a^'ainst the evils thus rejjresented. A similar
practice still exists amon^ some heathen pet/ 1 s. When a person
suffering from diseaHc goes for cure to the tem|)le of his idol, ho
carries with liim a figure of the part alfected, which he ])resents
as an offering to his god.

It was in accordance with the prevailing superstition that the
Philistine h)rds directed the people to make representations of the
j)lagues hy which they had l)een afflicted, — " five golden emerods,
and five golden mice, according to the iniml)er of the lords of the
Philistines ; for," said they, " one i)lague was on you all, and on
your lords."

These wise men acknowledged a mysterious power accompany-
ing the ark — a power which they had no wisdom to meet. Yet
they did not counsel the peoi)le to turn from their idolatry to serve
the Lord. They still hated the God of Israel, though compelled
hy overwhelming judgments to suhmit to his authority. Thus
sinners may be convinced l)y the judgments of God that it is in
vain to contend against him. They may he compelled to suhmit
to his power, while at heart they rebel against his control. Such
submission cannot save the sinner. The heart mu.st be yielded to
God — must be subdued by divine grace — before man's repentance
can be accepted.

How great is the long-suffering of God toward the wicked !
The idolatrous Philistines and backsliding Israel had alike en-
joyed the gifts of his providence. Ten thousand unnoticed mer-

.5S8

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

'cies wero silently fallinj^ in the pathway of ungrateful, rel)elliou!<
men. Every bleasing si)oke to them of the Giver, l)ut they wtro
indifferent to his love. The forbearance of God was very great
toward the children of men; l)ut when they stul)bornly per.sist(.(l
in their impenitence, he removed from them his })rotecting hand.
Tlu'V refused to liisten to the voice of God in his created work.^.
and in the warnings, counsels, and reproofs of his word, and tlius
he was forced to speak to them through judgments.

There were some among the Philistines who stood ready to
oppose the return of the ark to its own land. Such an acknowl-
edgment of the ])Ower of Israel's God would be humiliating to
the j)ride of Philistia. But " the priests and the diviners " admon-
ished the people not to imitate the stubbornness of Pharaoh and
the Egyi)tiaiis, and thus bring upon themselves still greater afflic-
tions. A plan which won the consent of all was now proposed,
and immediately ])ut in execution. The ark, with the golden
trespass-oflering, was placed upon a new cart, thus precluding
all danger of defilement; to this cart, or car, were attached two
kine, upon whose necks a yoke had never been placed. Their
calves M'ere shut up at home, and the cows wore left free to
go where they pleased. If the ark should thus be returned to
the Israelites by the way of Beth-shemesh, the nearest city of
the Levites, the Philistines would accept this as evidence that the
God of Israel had clone unto them this great evil ; " but if not,"
they said, " then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote
us ; it was a chance that happened to us."

On being set free, the kine turned from their young, and low-
ing as they went, took the direct road to Beth-shemesh. Guided
by no human hand, the patient animals kept on their way. The
divine presence accompanied the ark, and it passed on safely to
the very place designated.

It was now the time of wheat harvest, and the men of Beth-
shemesh were reaping in the valley. " And they lifted up their
eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. And the cart came
into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood there, where
there was a great stone ; and they clave the wood of the cart, and
offered the kine a burnt-offering unto the Lord." The lords of
the Philistines, who had followed the ark " unto the border of
Beth-shemesh," and had witnessed its reception, now returned to

sin.

THE ARK TAKEN BY THE PHILISTINES.

591

Ekron. The })la<j:ue had ceased, and tliey were convineed that
their calamities liad been a judgment Irom the God of Israel.

The men of Beth-shemesh quickly spread the tidings that the
ark was in their possession, and the i)eople from the surrounding
country flocked to welcome its return. The ark had been placed
U})on the stone that first served for an altar, and before it additional
sacrifices were off"ered unto the Lord. Had the worshipers repented
of their sins, Ood's blessing would have attended them. But llii'V
were not faithfully obeying his law ; and while they rejoiced at the
return of the ark as a harbinger of 4Jood, they had no true sense of
its sacredness. Instead of preparing a suitable ])lace for its receji-
tion, they i)ermitted it to remain in the harvest-field. As they
continued to gaze upon the sacretl chest, and to talk of the
wonderful manner in which it had been restored, they began to
conjecture wherein lay its peculiar power. At last, overcome l^y
curiosity, they removed the coverings, and ventured to open it. .

All Israel had been taught to regard the ark with awe and
reverence. When required to remove it from place to })lace, the
Levites were not so much as to look upon it. Only once a year
was the higii pH.tst i)ermitted to behold the ark of God. Even the
heathen Philistines had not dared to remove its coverings. Angels
of heaven, unseen, ever attended it in all its journeyings. The
irreverent daring of the i)C()ple at Beth-shemesh was speedily
punished. Many Avere smitten with sudden death.

The survivors were not led by this judgment to repent of their
sin, but only to regard the ark with superstitious fear. Eager
to be freed from its i)resence, yet not daring to remove it, the
Beth-shemites sent a message to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim,
inviting them to take it away. With great joy the men of this
}»lace welcomed the sacred chest. They knew that it was the
pledge of divine favor to the obedient and faithful. With solenni
gladness they brought it to their city, and placed it in the house
of Abinadab, a Levite. This man appointed his son Eleazar to
take charge of it, and it remained there for mf y years.

During the years since the Lord first manif(;bted himself to the
son of Hannah, Samuel's call to the prophetic office had come to
be acknowledged by the whole nation. By faithfully delivering
the divine warning to the house of Eli, painful and trying as tiie
duty had been, Samuel had given proof of his fidelity as Jehovah's

•r

592

PATRIARVH8 AND PROPHETS.

messenger; "and the Lord was with liim, and did let none of his
words fall to the ground. And all Israel, from Dan even to
Beersheha, knew that Sanmel was estalilished to he a proi)het
of the Lord."

The Israelites as a nation still continued in a state of irreligioii
and idolatry, and as a i)unishment they remained in suhjeetion to
the Philistines. During this time, Sanmel visited the cities and
villages throughout the land, seeking to turn the hearts of the
peojde to the God of their fathers ; and his efforts were not with-
out good results. After suffering the oppression of their enemies
for twenty years, the Israelites " mourned after the Lord." Hamucl
counseled them, " If ye do return unto the Lord with all youi
hearts, then put away the strange gods, and Ashtaroth, from
among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him
only;" — here we see that practical piety, heart religion, was
taught in the days of Sanmel as taught hy Christ when he wii^
upon the earth. Without the grace of Christ, the outward forms
of religion were valueless to ancient Israel. They are the same to
modern Israel.

There is need to-day of such a reviv.al of true heart religion a.-,
was experienced hy ancient Israel. Repentance is the first step
that must he taken hy all who would return to God. No one can
do this work for another. We must individually huml)le our
souls hefore God, and put away our idols. When we have dono
all that we can do, the Lord will manifest to us his salvatit)n.

With the co-operotion of the heads of the trihes, a large
assemhly v/as gathered at ]\Iizpeh. Here a solenm fast was held.
With d(;ep humiliation the ])eople confessed their sins ; and as an
evidence of their determination to obey the instructions they had
heard, they invested Samuel with the authority of judge.

Tlie Philistines interpreted this gathering to be a council of
war, and with a strong force set out to disi)erse the Israelites
before their plans could be matured. The tidings of their iij -
proach caused great terror in Israel. The people entreated
Sanmel, ' Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, tiuit
he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines."

While Samuel was in tlie act of i)resentiug a land) as a l)Unit-
offering, the Philistines drew near for battle. Then the Mighty
One who had descended U|)on Sinai amid fire and smoke and
thunder; who had parted tlie Red Sea, and made a way throUiih

"'K

THE AUK TAKEN BY THE PirrrjSTrXES.

» I »'• f

Jordan for tlie children of Lsrael, afiaii- manifijsted his ])owor. A
terrible storm })ur8t upon the advancing host, and the earth was
strewn witli the dead bodies of miijhtv warriors.

The Israelites had stood in silent awe, trerublin<i; with hope
and fear. When they beheld thu sslaiij^hter of their enemies, they
knew that God had accepted their repentance. Thou;jh unpre-
pared for l»attle, they seized the weai)ons of the slauijhtered Pliil-
istincs, and pursued the fleeinj; host to Beth-car. This sijjjnal
victory was ji^ained ujion the very field where, twenty years before,
Israel had been smitten before the Philistines, the priests slain,
and the ark of Clod taken. For nations as well as for individuals,
the path of obedience to God is the path of safety and happiness,
while that of transtjression leads only to disaster and defeat. The
Philistines were now so completely subdued that they surrendered
the strongholds which had been taken fn^m Israel, and refraineil
from acts of hostility for many years. Other n itions followed
this example, and the Israelites enjoyed i)eace ..atil the close of
Samuel's sole administration.

That the occasion might never l)e forgotten, Sanmel set up,
between Mizpeh and Shen, a great stone as a memorial. He
called, the name of it Ebenezt-r, "the stone of help," saying to the
])eople, " Hitherto hath Jehovah helped us."

CHAPTER LVIII.

THE SCHOOLS OF THE PR0PHP:TS.

The Lord himself dircctt'd tlie education of Lsrael. Hi.s care
was not restricted to their religious interests; Avhatever affected
their mental or })hysical well-being was also the subject of divine
providence, and came within the sphere of divine law.

God had conmianded the Hebrews to teach their children
his reiiuirements, and to make them acijuainted with all Ins
dealings with their Withers. This was one of the special duties
of every i)arcnt, — one tliat was not to be delegated to another.
In the place of stranger lips, the loving hearts of the father and
mother were to give instruction to their children. Thoughts of
God were to be associated with all the events of daily lil'e. The
mighty works of God in the deliverance of his i)eople, and the
promises of the Redeemer to come, were to be often recounted
in the homes of Israel; and the use of figures and synd)()Ls
caused the lessons given to be more firmly fixed in the memory.
The great truths of God's providence and of the future lif(; were
impressed on the young mind. It was trained to see God alike in
the scenes of nature and the words of revelation. The stars of
heaven, the trees and flowers of the field, the lofty mountains, the
rip})ling brooks, — all spoke of the Creator. The solemn service
of sacrifice and worship at the sanctuary, and the utterances of
the j)rophets, were a revelation of God.

Such was the training of Moses in the lowly cabin home in
Goshen; of Samuel, by the faithful Hannah ; of David, in the hill
dwelling at Bethlehem ; of Daniel, before the scenes of the cap-
tivity separated him from the home of his fathers. Such, too, was
the early life of Christ at Nazareth; such the training by which
the child Timothy learned from the lips of his " grandmother
Lois, and his mother Eunice." * the truths of Holy Writ.

12 Tim. 1 : 5; 3 : 15.
r .594 ]

TIIH SrnoOLS of TIIK PliOPIfETS.

51»5

Fuftlicr |»r()vision was niado for tin; instruction of tlu' younir,
by tlic cstahlislnnent of the schools of the prophets. Jf a yt.atii
desired to searcli deeper into the truths of the word of (Jod, and
to seek Avisdoni from ahove, that he niij^lit l»econie a terndier in
Israel, these schools were open to him. The schools of the
proplx'ts were founded by Samuel, to serve as a barrier auainst
the wide-spread corruption, to ])rovide for the moral and s))iritual
welfare of the youth, and to promote the future jjrosperity of
the nation by furnishinj^ it with men (pialified to act in the fear of
God as leaders and counselors. In the accomplishment of this
object, Sanniel gathered com[)anies of young men who were pious,
intelligent, and studious. These were called the sons of the
])rophets. As they communed with God, and studied his word
and his works, wisdom from above was added to their natural
endowments. The instructors were men not only well versed in
divine truth, but those who had themselves enjoyed connnunion
with (ilod, and had received the special endowment of his Spirit.
They enjoyed the respect and confidence of the peo})le, both for
learning and i)iety.

In Samuel's day there wc »> two of these schools, — one at
Ramah, the home of the pro])het, and the other at Kirjath-
jearim, where the ark then was. Others were established in
later times.

Tlie pupils of these schools sustained themselves by their own
labor in tilling the soil or in some mechanical employment. In
Israel this was not thought strange or degrading; indeed, it was
regarded a crime to allow children to grow up in ignorance of
useful labor. By the command of God, every child was taught
some trade, even though he was to l)e educated for holy oflice.
Many of the religious teachers sup])orted themselves by manual
labor. Even so late as the time of the ai)Ostles, Paul and Aijuila
W(;re no less honored because they earned a livelihood by their
trade of tent-making.

The chief subjects of study in these schools were the law of
God, with the instructions given to Moses, sacred history, sacred
music, and {)oetry. The manner of instruction Avas far diilereut
from that in the theological schools of the present day. from
A\hich many students graduate with less real knowledge of Go<l
and religious truth than when thev entered. In those schools
of the olden time it was the grand ol)ject of all study to learn

50f;

PATRTARCIIS AND PROnilETS.

the will t)f (tod, iind inan'.s duty toward liiiii. In the records ct
HJicred liistory were traced the footstei».s of .leliovah. The fjreat
truths Het forth hy the typen were hroufrht to view, ap.(' faith
grasped tlie central ohject of all that system, — the Jiand> of (lod
that was to take away the sin of the Avorid.

A spirit of devotion Ava.s cherished. Not only were students
tau^dii the duty of i)rayer, hut they were taufjht how to i»ray, how
to approach their Creator, how tt) exercise faith in him, and how
to understand and ohey the teachings of his Spirit. .Sanctified
intellects hrought forth from the treasure-house of (lod, things new
and old, and the Spirit of (Jod was manifested in })rophecv and
sacred song.

Music Avas made to serve a holy jmrposf', to lift the thoughts to
that which is ])ure, nohle, and elevating, and to u vaken in the
soul devotion and gratitude to (iod. What a contrast hetween the
ancient custom and the uses to which music is now too often
devoted! How many employ this gift to exalt self, instead of
using it to glorify God ! A love for music leads the unwary to
unite with world-lovers in i)leasure-gatherings where God has
forhidden his children to go. Thus that which is a great hlessing
when rightly used, becomes one of the most successful agencies l»y
which Satan allures the mind from duty and from the contempla-
tion of eternal things..

Music forms a i)art t)f (iod's worship in the courts above, and
we should endeavor, in our songs of j^raise, to approach as nearly
as possible to the hainiony of the heavenly choirs. The i)roi)er
training of the voice is an im})ortant feature in education, and
should not be neglected. Singing, as a part of religious service,
is as much an act of worship as is prayer. The heart must feel
the spirit of the song, to give it right expression.

How wide the difference between those schools taught l)y the
prophets of God, and our modern institutions of learning ! How
few schools are to be found that are not governed by the maxims
and customs of the Avorld ! There is a deplorable lack of pro})er
restraint and judicious discipline. The existing ignorance of God's
word, among a people professedly Christian, is alarming. Super-
ficial talk, mere sentimentalism, passes for instruction in morals
and religion. The justice and mercy of God, the beauty of holi-
ness, and the sure reward of right-doing, the heinous character oi

THE SCHOOLS (fF THE riiOPHfCrs.

r)07

•^in, sind the certainty of its terrilije result.-!, iire not inii)resse<l npon
the minds of the youn^'. Evil associates are instructinj,' the youth
ill the ways of crime, dissipation, and licentiousnesb.

Are there not some lessons whicli the educators of our day
niifrht learn with })rofit from the ancient schools of the Hebrews?
He wlu) created man has jtrovided for his development in hody
and mind and soul. Hence, real success in education deiu'iuls
upon the fidelity with which men carry out the Creators plan.

The true ol)ject of education is to restore the imaj^e of God
in the soul. In the he<:inninj:, (Jod created man in his own
likeness. He endowed him with nol)le (jualities. His mind Avas
well-balanced, and all the i)owers of liis beinf; were harmonious.
But the fall and its ettects have jjcrverted these ^dfts. Sin has
juarred and well-nigh obliterated the ima<re of (Jod in man. It
was to restore this that the jdan of salvation was devised, and
a life of probation was granted to man. To bring him back to
the })erfection in which he was first created, is the great object
of life, — the object that underlies every other. It is tiie work of
parents and teachers, in the education of the youth, to co-operate
with the divine })uri)0se; and in so doing they are "laborers
together with God." '

All the varied cai)abilities that men j)ossess — of ndnd and
soul and body — are given them by God, to be so emjdoyed as
to reach the highest possible degree of excellence. But this can-
nc)t l)e a selfish and exclusive culture ; for tht; character of CJod,
whose likeness we are to receive, is benevolence and love. Every
faculty, every attribute, with which the Creator has endowed us,
is to be employed for his glory and for tlie uplifting of our fellow-
men. And in this employment is found its })urest, noblest, and
happiest exercise.

Were this principle given the attention which its importance
demands, there would be a radical change in some of the current
methods of education. Instead of appealing to ])ride and selfish
ambition, kindling a spirit of emulation, teachers would endeavor
to awaken the love for goodness and truth and beauty, — to
arouse the desire for excellence. The student would seek the
development of God's gifts in himself, not to excel others, Ijut
to fulfill the jturpose of the Creator and to receive his likeness.
Instead of l)eing directed to mere earthly standards, or being

1 1 Cor. 3 : 9.

698

PATHIAHCHS AND mo/'/fh'TS.

actUiitcd by tlic desire lor selt-exiiltati(»M, wliidi in itselt' (Iwir.-
and helittles, tin; mind Avould l)e directed tu the Creator, to know
him, and to hecomc like lum.

"The fear of tlio Tiord is the ))e^imiin^' of wisdom; and tif
knmclr<h/r. of the Ilnhj is understanding.'" Tlie jrreat work of Win is
character-buildinj;; and a knowledire of find is the foundation
of all true education. To impart this knowledjie, and to mouM
the diaracter in harmony with it, nhould he the object of the
teacher's work. The law of (lod is a retieetion of his character.
Hence the psalmist says, " All thy connnandments arc riiihteous-
ness ; " and "throujj;h thy prece])ts I p't understand in<f."' (iod
has revealed himself to us in his word and in tlw? works of crea-
tion. Throuj^h the volume of inspiration and the hook of nature,
we are to obtain a knowled}i;o of (Jod.

It is a law of the mind that it jjradually adapts itself to tiie
subjects upon which it in trained to dwell. If occupied with
commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeel)K'd.
If never reijuired to grapple with dillicult problems, it will after
a time almost lose the power of growth. As an educating ])owcr,
the Bible is without a rival. In the word of God the mind
finds subject for the deejjest thought, the loftiest aspiration. The
Bible is the most instructive history that men po.ssess. It came
fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has
preserved its i)urity through all the ages. It lights up the far-
distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. Jn
God's word Ave behold the ])ower that laid the foundation of the
earth and that stretched out tlie heavens. Here only can we iind
a history of our race unsullied by human jirejudice or human
pride. Here are recorded the struggles, the defeats, and the victo-
ries of the greatest men this world has ever known. Here the
great i)roblems of duty and destiny are unfi)ldcd. The curtain
that sei)arates the visible from the invisi)»le world is lifted, and v»o
behold the contiict of the opposing forces of good and evil, from
the first entrance of sin, to the final triumph of righteousness
and truth; and all is l)ut a revelation of the character of God.
In the reverent contemplation of the truths presented in His
word, the mind of the student is brought into connnunion with
the infinite mind. 8uch a study will not only refine and ennoble

iProv. 9 : 10.

'■^Ps. 119

77/ A' sriIOOl.S OF rifh' I'liurjIKTS.

;»!•'.»

the cliariictcr, I>ut it caiinnt fail to cxpaMil and itivi'jrorato the
iritiital jiowrrs.

Tlic teaching of tluv Hihlr has a vital licarini: U|»on man's
lirospcrity iii all the ivlations of this life It unfoMs the priiiciplus
that art! the coriicr-stoiu' of a nation's prosiK-rity, — jtriiiciph's with
which is hound up the wdl-huinj; of socifty. and which arc the
salejiuard of the family, — principles without which no man can
attain usefulness, happiness, and honor in this life, or can ho|)e to
secure the future, innnortal life. There is no position in life, no
pliase of human experience, for which the teaching' of the ]Ul)le is
not an essential jtreparation. Studied and ohcyed, the word uf
(lod Would f^ive to the wurld ]nvn of stroni^er and more active
intellect than will the elos<st a|)plication to all the suhjeets that
humai\ philosophy emhraccs. It would jjive men of strenjith and
solidity of characti'r, of keen jterception and sound jud^rment. —
men who Avould he an honor to (iod and a l»lessin^ to the world.

In the study of the sciences also, we are to ohtain a knowlediio
of the Creator. All true seience is hut an interpretation of the
handwritinj; of God in the material world. Science hrin«rs from
her research only fresh evidences of the wisdom and ])ower of
(rod. Ivijihtly understood, Itoth the l)ook ot nature and the written
word make us ac(iuainted with God hy ceachinj^ us somethinu; of
the wise and heneficent laws throuj^h which he works.

The student should he led to see God in all the works of
creation. Teachers should copy the example of the (Jreat Teacher,
who from the familiar scenes of nature drew illustrations that
simj)lified his teachin<fs, and impressed them more decfdy up(jn
the minds of his hearers. The hirds carolinsi in the leafy hranches,
the flowers of the valley, the lolty trees, the fruitful lands, the
pprintrinji; grain, the harren soil, the settinu; sun irilding the heavens
with its fxolden l)eams, — all served as means of instruction. He
connected the visible works of the Creattn- with the words of life
which he spoke, that whenever these objects should he j)resented
to t!ie eyes of his hearers, their thoughts niijiht revert to the
lessons of truth he had linked with them.

The impress of Deity, manifest in the pages of revelation, is
seen upon the lofty mountains, the fruitful valleys, the hroad,
deep ocean. The things of nature speak to man of his Creator's
love. He has linked us to himself hv unnumberetl tokens in

IKK)

I'ATHIARCIIS AND nnol'llKTS.

ln'uv»'ii and in ciutli. TIiIm wttrld is nut nil Morrt»w and inis«'ry
"(lod is love," is written U|miii cvcrv (»|.('nin).' liud, U|m»h the iMtal.-*
of ev<rv liou'tT, amt ii|it»u every sjtire i)f jrrass. Tli<»n^li tlx; curst'
of sin lian caused the earth to hrin^ forth thorns and thistles,
there are flowers U|M»n the thistles, and the thorns are hiddiii
hv roses. All thing's in nature testitV to the tender, latherlv care
«(t" our (lod, and to his desin; to make his chihlren ha|»|iy. Ills
|irohil»itions and injuneti<»ns are not intended merely to display
his authority, hut in all that la; does, he has the well-lteinjr ot" hi-
children in view. lie does n(»t re(|uir<f them to \i\\v up anythiu'.:
that it wouhl he lor their hest interest to retain.

The ((pinion which prevails in some classes ot" society, that
reli^rion is not c(»ndueive to health or to happiness in this life, is
one of the most miscliievous of errors. The Scri|»ture says; "'{'he
fear of the Lord tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall ahide
satistieil."' " What man is lie that desireth life, and loveth many
(lays, that he may see jrood? Kee{) thy tongue from evil, and thy
lips from speaking' ^'nih'. l)ei)art from evil, and do irood ; seek
jteace, and pursue it.'"'^ The words of wisdom "are life unto those
that find them, and health to all their flesh."''

True reli^'ion lirin^'S man into harmony with the laws of (iod,
physical, mental, and moral. It teaches si'lf-eontrol, serenity,
temperance. Keli^ion ennobles the nnnd, refines the taste, and
sanctities tlu; judfiinent. It makes the soul a partaker of the
purity of heaven. Faith in (lod's love and overruling providence
liglitens the hurdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with
joy and contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot. Keliiiion
tends directly t(( ]»romote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten
our enjoyment of all its blessings. Jt oj>ens to the soul a never-
failing fountain of hap])iness. V\'oul(l that all who have not chosen
Christ might realize that he has something vastly better to ofVer
them than they are seeking for themselves. ^lan is doing the
greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he tliinks and
acts contrary to the will of (lod. No real joy can he found in the
patli forbidden l>y liim who knows what is hest, and who i)lans
for the good of his creatures. The i)ath of transgression leads
to misery and destruction; but wisdom's "ways are ways of
pleasantness, and all her jiaths are peace."*

iProv. 19:23. *Ps. 34 : 13-14. ^ Prov. 4 : 22. *Prov. 3:17

riih: sciinm.s ith' tiih i^nnniiHrs.

Xitl

Tlie |iliysi(iil lis wrll iis tlic rtli;.'iitiiM ti'iiiiiiiijr iinicticcd in tin-
Ht imols of tin- lIcl>n\VM may Ix' imtlitaMy stmlicd. Tin- wuiHi ni
siuli traininjr \^ n<»t apprrciattil. Tlitn' is an intimat)' relation
Ix'twt'cn tli(( mind inid the Kudy, and in nrd«'r to n-arh a Idudi
.^tiiiidard of moral and intrllcctnal attainment, tlio laws that con-
trol our idiysical ln'in;.' nuist lie hccdj-fl. To Hocurc a stro!!'-',
wt'll-l>alan('('<l character, l»oth the mental and the physical |»ower^
must he exercised and developed. What study can Im> more iln-
p(»rtant lor the youn;/ than that which treats of this wonderfid
organism that (lod lias connnittid to us, untl ot" the laws hy
which it may ho preserved in health?

And now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should he
instructed in the duties of jtractical life. Kach should ac<|uire
a knowlcdiro of s(»me hranch of manual lahor, hy which, if need
he, he may ohtain a livelihood. This is essential, not only as ji
safe;_'Uard a<:ainst the vicissitudes of lil'e, hut iVom its hearini^
upon physical, mental, and moral develo|»ment. Even if it were
certain that ono w»»uld never need to resort to manual lahor for
his support, still he should he taujrht to work. Without physical
ext'rcise, no one can have a sound constituti(»n and vi<rorous health :
an<l the discipline of well-renulated lahor is no less essential to the
securinjr of a strong and active nnnd and a nohle character.

Every student should dev(»te a |»ortion of each day to active
lahor. Thus hahits of industry Avould he formed, and asjiirit of
self-reliance encouraired. while the youth would he shielded from
many evil and dejrradin^' i)ractices that are so often the result of
idleness. And this is all in keepiuff with the primary ohject of
education; for iu encourajiinj,' activity, dilitrence, and purity, we
are comin<r into harmony with tlu^ Creator.

Let the youth he led to understand the ohject of their crea-
tion, — to honor (Jod, and hless their fellow-men; let them see the
tender love which the Father in heaven has manifeste<l toward
them, and the hi^di destiny for which the discipline of this life is
to jtrepare them, — the di^Miity and honor to which they are called,
even to hecome the sons of (Jod, — and thousands W(juld turn with
contempt and loathint!; from the low and selfish aims and the
frivolous pleasures that have hitherto en^n'ossod them. They
would learn to hate sin, and to shun it, not merely from hope
of reward (jr fear of jtunisliment, hut from a sense of its inherent

eK)2

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Iiascnoss, — hecauso it would bo ii degradinii ol" tlu'ir (iod-invcn
powers, ji Htaiii upon tlieir God-like manhood.

Ciod does not ])id the youth to l)e less asj»iriu,L>'. The element^
of character that make a man successful and honored auKMiu; lucu,
— tlie irrepressible desire for some greater good, the indomitahle
will, the strenuous exertion, the untiring jterseverunce, — are not
to be crushed out. By the grace of (iod they are to be directed to
objects as much liigher than mere selfish and temporal interests as
the heaA'ens are higher than the earth. And tiie education Iiegun
in this life will be continued in the life to come. Day by day the
wonderful works of God, the evidences of his wisdom and jiown
in creating and sustaining the universe, the infinite mystery of
love and wisdom in the jdan of redemption, will open to the
mind in new beauty. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neitiicr
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God h;;th
l»rci)ared for them that love him."' Even in this life we ni:iy
catch glim})ses of His presence, and may taste the joy of coni-
munion with heaven; but the fullness of its joy and blessing will
be reached in the hereafter. Eternity alone can reveal the glorious
destiny to which man, restored to God's image, may attain.

1 I Cor. 2 : 9.

CHAPTER LIX.

T?iE FIRST KING OF ISRAPLL

The government of Israel v>-as a'lniinistcrcd in tiie name and ])y
the authority'' of God. The work of Moses, of the seventy eiders, ot
the rulers and judges, was simply to enforce the laws that God had
given ; they had no authority to legislate for the nation. This was,
and continued to he, the condition of Israel's existence as a nation.
From age to age, men inspired Ijy God were sent to instruct the
people, and to direct in the enforcement of the laws.

The Lord foresaw that Israel would desire a king, hut lie did
not consent to a change in the principles upon which the State was
founded. The king Avas to l)e the vicegerent of the Most Iliuh.
God was to be recognized as the head of the nation, and his law
was to he enforced as the supreme law of the land.^

When the Israelites first settled in Canaan, they acknowledged
the principles of the theocracy, and the nation prospered under
the rule of Joshua. But increase of ])opulation, and intercourse
with other nations, brought a change. The i)eople adopted many
of the customs of their heathen neighbors, and thus sacrificed, to a
great degree, their own peculiar, holy character. CJradually they
lost their reverence for God, and ceased to prize the honor of being
his chosen people. Attracted by the pomp and display of heathen
nionarchs, they tired of their own simplicity. Jealousy and envy
sprung up l)etween the tribes. Internal dissensions made them
weak; they were continually exposed to the invasion of their
heathen foes, and the people were coming to l)elieve that in orrler
to maintain their standing among the nations, the tribes must be
united under a strong central government. As they departed from
obedience to God's law, they desired to bo freed from the rule of
their divine Sovereign; and thus the demand Ibr a monarchy
])ecame wide-spread throughout Israel.

Since the days of Joshua, the government had never l)een
conducted with so great wisdom and success as under Samuels

* See Appendix, Note 11.

f;u4

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

administration. Divinely invested with the threefold oftice o*
judge, prophet, and priest, he had labored with untirinjj; and
disinterested zeal for the welfare of his people, and the nation
had prospered under his wise control. Order had been restoreii,
and gocfliness promoted, and the spirit of discontent was checked
for the time. But with advancing years the prophet was forced
to share with others the cares of government, and he appointed
his two sons to act as his assistants. While Samuel continued the
duties of his office at Ramah, the young men were stationed at
Beershel)a, to administer justice among the j)eople near the
southern border of the land.

It was with the full assent of the nation that Samuel had
appointed his sons to office ; but they did not prove themselves
worthy of their father's choice. The Lord had, through Moses,
given sjiecial dii'ections to his people that the rulers of Israel
should judge righteously, deal justly with the widow and the
fatherless, and receive no bribes. But the sons of Sanuiel
"turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and ])erverted judg-
ment." The sons of the prophet had not heeded the precepts
which he had sought to impress upon their minds. They had
not copied the jmre, unselfish life of their father. The warning
given to Eli had not exerted the influence upon the mind of
Samuel that it should have done. He had been to some extent
too indulgent with his sons, and the result was ap])arent in tiieir
character and life.

The injustice of these judges caused much dissatisfaction, and
a pretext tvas thus furnished for urging the change that had long
been secretly desired. "All the elders of Israel gathered them-
selves together, and came to Sanmel unto Ramah, and said unto
him. Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways;
novv' make us a king to judge us like all the nations.'" ' The cases
of abuse among the peojjle had not been referred to Samuel.
Mad the evil course of his sons been known to him, he would
have removed them without delay ; but this was not what the
petitioners desired. Samuel saw that their real motive was dis-
content and pride, and that their demand was the result of a de-
liberate and determined j)urpose. No comi)laint had beer made
against Samuel, All acknowledged the integrity and wisdom of
liis adnunistration ; but the aged prophet looked upon the request

*Sfe 1 Samuel 8-1 -J.

THE FIRST KING OF IffRAFl

m»r)

a.s a censure upon Limsi.f, and a direct effort to set him iiside.
He did not, however, reveal liis feelings ; he uttered no reproach,
but carried the matter to the Lord in i»rayer, and sought counsel
from him alone.

And the Lord said unto Sanmel : " Hearken unto the voice of
the peo^de in all that they say unto thee ; for they have not
rejected thee, hut they have rejected me, that I should not reign
over them. According to all the works which they have done
since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto
this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other
gods, so do they also unto thee." The prophet was reproved for
grieving at the conduct of the people toward himself as an indi-
vidual. They had not manifested disrespect for nim, but for
the authority of God, who had appointed the rulers of his people.
Those who despise and reject the faithful servant of God, show
contempt, not merely for the man, but for the Master who sent
him. It is God's words, his reproofs and counsel, that are set at
naught ; it is his authority that is rejected.

The days of Israel's greatest })rosperity had been those in
which they acknowledged Jehovah as their king, — when the
laws and the government which he had established were re-
garded as sui)erior to those of all other nations. Moses iuid
declared to Israel concerning the commandments of the Lord:
"This is vour wisdom and vour understanding in the sight of the
nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say. Surely this
great nation is a wise and understanding ])eople."' Hut by
departing from God's law the Hebrews had failed to ])e('oiiu' the
pet)ple that God desired to make them, and then all the evils
whicli were the result of their own sin and folly they charged
upon the government of God. So completely liad they become
blinded l)y sin.

The Lord had, through his i)roi diets, foretold tliiit Israel wouM
be governed by a king; hut it does not follow that this form of
government was best for them, or according to hi, '''''l. He per-
luitti'd the i)eop]e to follow their own choice, because they refused
to be guided l>y his counsel. Hosea dechm^s that (u)d gave them
a king in his anger.^ When men choose to have their own w,iy,
without seeking counsel from (Jod. or in opposition to his icvealed
will, he often grants their desires, in order tliat. tlirough the bitter
>Dc'ut. 4 : «. -llus. i:i : 11.

606

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

experience tluit Ibllo'vvs, they may be led to realize their folly nnil
to rej)ent of their sin. Hiinuin pride and wisdom will ] trove a
dangerous guide. That which the heart desires contrary to tlie
will of God, will in the end be found a curse rather than a Itlcssiiiir.

God desired his jteople to look to him alone as their lawiiivcr
and their source of strength. Feeling their dependence upon CJod,
they would be constantly drawn nearer to him. They would be-
come elevated and ennobled, fitted for the high destiny to which
he had called them as his chosen people. But when a man was
jdaced upon the throne, it would tend to turn tlie minds of the
I)eople from God. The^' would trust juorc to human stivni>tli,
and less to divine i)Ower, and the errors of their king would leail
them into sin, and separate the nation from God.

Samuel was instructed to grant the request of the people, but
to warn them of the Lord's disapproval, and also make known
what would l)e the result of their course. "And Samuel told all
the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a kiuu."
He faithfully set Itefore them the ])urdens that would be laid ui)on
them, and showed the contrast between such a state of oppres-
sion and their present comparatively free and {)ro^'per()Us con-
dition. Their king would imitate tlie pcmip and luxury of other
monarchs, to support which, grievous exactions upon their \)v\'-
sons and property would be necessary. The goodliest of their
young men he would require for his service. They would be
made charioteers and horsemen and runners Itefore him. They
must fill the ranks of his army, and they would be rcMjuircd to
till his fields, to reap liifi harvests, and to manulacture imitbiincnts
of war for Jiis service. The daughters of Israel would be taken Ibr
confectioners and bakers lor the royal household. To supjtort his
kingly state he would seize ujntn the best of their lands, Itestowed
upon tlie people by Jehovah himself. The most valuable of their
servants also, and of their cattle, he would take, and " put them to
his own work." Besides all this, the king would require a tt-nth
of all their income, the profits of their labor, or the products of the
soil. " Ye shall be his servants," concluded the prophet. '' And
ye shall cry out in that day l)ecause of your king which ye shall
have chosen you ; and the Lord will not hear you in that da v."
However burdensome its exactions should be found, when once a
monarchy was established, they cowld not set it aside at pleasure

THE FTRST KING OF ISRAEL.

(50 7

But the jjcoplo returned tlie answer, '"Nay; but we will have
a V\\\<^ over us; that we also may he like all the nations; and
that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our
battles."

" Like all the nations." — The Israelites did not realize that to
he in this rcspeet unlike other nations was a speeial privilege and
])lessing. (Jod had separated tin; Israelites from every other i)eople,
to make them his own peculiar treasure. lUit they, disregarding
this high honor, eagerly desiivd to imitati' the example of the
heathen! And .still the louirini to conform to worldlv i)racticcs
and customs exists among the proiessed people of (Jod. As they
depart from the Lord, they l)ecome and)itious for the gains and
honors of the world. Christians are constantly seeking to imitate
the })ractices of those who worshij) the god of this world. M:iny
urge that by uniting with worldlings and conforming to their cus-
toms, they nnght exert a stronger influence over the ungodly. Jiut
all who pursue this course, therel)y separate from the Source of
their strength. Becoming the friends of the world, they are the
enemies of God. For the sake of earthly distinction they sacrifice
the unspeakable honor to which God has called them, of showing
forth the j)raises of Him who hatli called us out of darkness into
his marvelous light.'

With deep sadness, Sanmel listene<l to the words of the jjcople;
but the Lord said unto him, " Hearken unto their voice, and make
them a king." The prophet luid done his duty. He had faith-
fully presented the warning, and it had been rejected. AVith a
heavy heart he dismissed the i)eople, and himself departed to
prepare for the great change in the government.

Samuel's life of purity and unselfish devotion was a peri)etual
rebuke both to self-serving priests and elders, and to the ])roud,
sensual congregation of Israel. Although he assumed no pomp
and made no display, his lalwrs bore the signet of Heaven. He
was honored by the world's Redeemer, under whose guidance he
ruled the Hebrew nation. But the people had become weary of
his piety and devotion; they despised his humble authority, and
rejected him for a man who should rule them as a king.

In the character of Samuel we see reflected the likeness of
Christ. It was the purity of our Saviour's life that provoked
the wrath of Satan. That life was the light of the world, and

1 1 Peter 3:9. j^

60S

PATJilARCns AND PROPHETS.

revealed the hidden depravity in the hearts of men. It was th
holiness of Christ tiiat stirred up against him the fiercest passion.-
of false-hearted ])r()fessors of godliness. Christ came not with tlu
wealth and honors of earth, yet the works which he wrought
showed him to p(jssess i)ower greater .than that of any human
prince. TIk; Jews looked for the Messiah to l)reak the o{)pressor's
yoke, yet tliey cherished the sins that had hound it upon tiieir
necks. Had C'hrist cloaked their sins and a[)plauded their piety,
they would have accepted him as their king; l)ut they would
not hear his fearless rehuke of their vices. The loveliness of
a chara(!ter in which henevolenco, purity, and holiness reigned
supreme, which entertained no hatred excei)t for sin, they dc-
si)ised. Thus it has l)een in every age of the world. The light
from heaven hrings condenniation on all who refuse to walk in
it. A\'hen rebuked by the example of tl.>ose who hate sin, hyi>o-
crites Avill become agents of Satan to harass and i)ersecute the
faith fv\ " All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
pers^ . ation." '

Though a monarchical form of government for Israel had been
foretold in i)rophecy, God had reserved to himself the right to
choose tlieir king. The Hebrews so far respected the authority
of God as to leave the selection entirely to him. The choice fell
upon Saul, a son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin.

The personal (qualities of tiio future monarch were such as to
gratify that pride of heart which promj)ted the desire for a king.
"There was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person
than he."^ Of nol)le and dignified bearing, in the prime of life,
comely and tall, ho appeared like one born to command. Yet with
these external attractions, Saul was destitute of those higher quali-
ties that constitute true wisdom. He had not in youth learned
to control his rash, impetuous passions ; he had never felt the
renewing power of divine grace.

Saul was the son of a powerful and wealthy chief, yet in
accordance with the simplicity of the times, ho was engaged
with his father in the humble duties of a husbandman. Some ot
his father's animals having strayed upon the mountains, Saul went
with a servant to seek for them. For three days they searched in
vain, when, as they were not far from Ramah,Hhe home of Samuel,
the servant proposed that they should inquire of the prophet
concerning the missing i)roperty. " I have here at hand the fourth

1 3 Tim. 3 : 13. « 1 Sam. 9:2. 3 Sec Appendix, Note 13.

THE FIRST KIXG OF ISItAKL.

flD!)

part of a snoki'l of silver," he .said ; "that will I giro to the man
of God, to tell us our wav." Thi.-s was in aeeoruance with the cus-
toui of the times. A person a|>i)roaehing a superior in rank or
office made him a small present, as an expression of respeet.

As they drew near to the city, they met some young maidens
who had come out to draw water, and inijuired of them for the
seer. In reply they were told that a religious service was about
to take jilace, that the i)rophet had already arr'ed, there was to
he an offering upon " the high place," and after liat a sacrificial
feast. A great change had taken place under Sanmcl's admin-
istration. When the call of God first came to him, the services
of the sanctuary were held in contem})t. " Men abhorred the
offering of the Lord." ' But the worship of God was now main-
tained throughout the land, and the people manifested an interest
in religious services. There being no ministration in the taber-
nacle, sacrifices were for the time oflered elsewhere; and the cities
of the priests and Levites, where the people resorted for instruc-
tion, were chosen for this jmrpose. The highest i)oints in these
cities were usually selected as the place of sacrifice, and hence
were called the high places.

At the gate of the city, Saul was met by the ])rophet himself.
God had revealed to Samuel that at that time the chosen king
of Israel would present himself ])efore him. As they now stood
face to face, the Lord said to Samuel, " Behold the man whom I
spake to thee of ! this same shall reign over my people."

To the request of Saul, " Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's
house is," Samuel re])lied, '' I am the seer." Assuring liim also
that the lost animals had been found, he urged iiim to tarry
and attend the feast, at the same time giving some intimation
of the great destiny before him: " On whom is all the desire of
Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?" The
listener's heart thrilled at the prophet's words. He could not but
perceive something of their significance; for the demand for a
king had becon^e a matter of absorbing interest to the whole
nation. Yet with modest self-depreciation, Saul replied, "Am
not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tril)es of Israel? and
my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?
wherefore then speakest thou so to me? "

Sanmel conducted the stranger to the place of assem))ly. where
the principal men of the town were gathered. Among them, at

U Sam. 3 : 17.

010

PATItTARCITS AND PROmETS.

the prophet'H direction, the place of honor wan <;iven to HauK und
at the feast the choicest portion was set V)efore him. The services
over, Samuel took his jnicst to his own home, and there upon the
housetop he communed with him, settinfj; forth the {^reat princi|)lts
on which the government of Israel had heen estal dished, and thus
seeking to prepare him, in some measure, for his high station.

When Haul departetl, early next morning, the prophet went
forth with him. Having passed through the town, he directed
the servant to go forward. Then he hade Saul stand still to
receive a message sent him from God. "And Samuel took a vial
of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is
it not because Jehovah luith anointed thee to l)e captain (jver his
inheritance? " As evidence that this was done hy divine authority,
he foretold the incidents that would occur on the homeward jour-
ney, and assured Saul that he would be (lualilied ])y'the Spirit of
God for the station awaiting him. '' The Spirit of Jehovah will
come upon thee," said the prophet, and thou "slialt be turned
into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto
thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee ; for God is with thee."

As Saul went on his way, all came to j)ass as the i)roi)het
had said. . Near the border of Benjamin he was informed that
the lost animals had been found. In the plain of Tabor he met
three men who Avere going to worship God at Bethel. One of
them carried three kids for sacrifice, another three loaves of
bread, and the third a bottle of wine, for the sacrificial feast.
They gave Saul the usual salutation, and also presented him
with two of the three loaves of bread. At Gibeah, his own city,
a band of prophets returning from the " high place " were singing
the praise of God to the music of the pipe and the harp, the
psaltery and the tabret. As Saul approached them, the Spirit of
the Lord came upon him also, and he joined in their song of praise,
and prophesied with them. He spoke with so great fluency and
wisdom, and joined so earnestly in the service, that those who had
known him exclaimed in astonishment, " What is this that is
come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the proj^hets?"

As Saul united with the prophets in their worship, a great
change was wrought in him by the Holy Spirit. The light of
divine purity and holiness shone in upon the darkness of the
natural heart. He saw himself as he was before God, He saw
the beauty of holiness. He was now called to begin the warfare

SAMUEL BLESSING SAUL.

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TIIR FIRST KING OF fSllAKL

(Ml]

ajfiiinst sin and Satan, and he was made to Iccl that in this contiift
his strt'n<:tli must conio wiioily from (lod. The jdan of salvation,
which liud before seemed dim and uncci-tain, was opened to Ins
understand in}.r. The Tiord endowed him with eoura<,'e and wisdom
for his hijih station. H(! revealed to him i\\v Source of strength
and ^raee, and enli;.ditened his understanding,' as to the divine
claims and his own duty.

The anointin<,'of Saul as kin^ had not heen made known to the
nation. The choice of (Jod was to he puhlicly manifested hy lot.
For this purpose, Samuel {!onv(jked the p(H)ple at Mizpeh. I'rayer
was offered for divine ^'uidance; then followed the solenni cere-
mony of casting the lot. In silence the assend)led multitude
awaited the issue. The tribe, the family, and the household were
successively designated, and then Saul, th<! .son of Kish, was
j)ointed out as the individual chosen, liut Saul was not in the
assembly, liurdened with a sense of the great responsibility
about to fall upon him, he had secretly withdrawn. He was
brought back to the congregation, who observed with pride and
satisfaction that he was of kingly bearing and noble form, being
"higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward."
Even Samuel, when ])resenting him to the assemldy, exclaimed,
" See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like
him among all the people?" And in response arose from the
vast throng one long, loud shout of joy, " God save the king ! "

Samuel then set before the people " the manner of the king-
dom," stating the principles upon which the monarchical govern-
ment was based, and by which it should be controlled. The king
was not to be an absolute monarcli, but was to hold his ])ower
in subjection to the will of the Most High. This address was
recorded in a book, wherein were set forth the prerogatives ot the
prince and the rights and privileges of the people. Though the
nation had despised Samuel's warning, the faithful prophet, while
forced to yield to their desires, still endeavored, as far as possible,
to guard their liberties.

While the people in general were ready to acknowledge Saul
as their king, there was a large })arty in opposition. For a
monarch to be chosen from Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes
of Israel — and that to the neglect of both Judah and p]phraim,
the largest and most powerful — was a slight which they could
not brook. They refused to profess allegiance to Saul, or to

flU

I'A Til 1. 1 n cifs A XI) rn o piik rs.

I»rin;.' Iiiiii the custoiniiiy presents. Those who hml hei'ii most
invent in their (h-ninnd for u kin;.' wero tlio very one.s that refiiseil
to iiceept with ^M'iititu(h' the man of (Jod's appointment. The
mrmhers of each faction had their favorite, whom they wished
to Hue placed on the throiu', and several amon,:^ the K-aders had
(h'sired the honor for themselves. Knvv and jealousy hurned in
the hearts of many. The ellorts of pride and and»ition had
resultecl in disapp<»intment and discontent.

In this condition of affairs, Saul did not see lit to assume the
royal di«inity. Ficavin^' Samuel to administer tho jiovernment as
formerlv, he returned to (Jiheah. lie was honorahlv escorted
thither hy a company, who, seein'j; the divine ehoico in his selec-
tion, were detcrnuned to sustain him. Hut lu; mad(» no attemjit
to maintain Ity force his ri;.rht tt» the throne. In his homo amonii
the uplands of Benjamin he ([Uictly occupied himself in tho duties
of a hushandman, leavin<r the estahlishmont of liis authority
entirely to (iod.

Soon after Saul's appt)intment. the Anunonites, uniler their
kin,L% Nahash, invaded tho territory of the trihos cast of Jordan,
and threatened tho city of Jahesh-udlead. Tho inhahitants tried
to secure terms (»f peac;; hy od'eriiiir to l)ecomo trihutary to the
Ammonites. To this tho erui'l kinu would not oonsont hut on
condition that lie nn;.dit ])ut out tho riirht oyo of ovory one of
them, thus makin<j; them ahidin^' witnesses to his power.

The peoi)le of tho hosioued city lioiijfod a respite of seven days.
To this tho Anunonites consented, thinkin*^ thus to hoijxhten the
honor of their oxi)ected triumph. ^Icssonf^ors wore at once; dis-
]»atched from Jahosh, to seek holi> from tho tril)os west of Jordan.
Thoy carried tho tidings to (iihoah, creating' wido-sjjroad terror.
Saul, roturninu- at ni.iht from followinjr tho oxen in tho field,
heard tho loud wail that told of some j^roat calamity. Ho said,
"What ailoth tho people that they weep?" When the shameful
story Avas roi)oate(l. all his dormant jjowors wore roused. "The
Spirit of (iod came upon Saul, . . . and ho took a yoke of oxen,
and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throuuhout all the
eoasts of Israel hy tho hands of messenuors, sayinji". Whosoever
conioth not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done
unto his oxen."

Three hundred and thirtv thou.sand men jfathorod on tho
plain of Bczek. under tho eonmiand of Saul. Messengors were

77/ a; Filter KIXG OF fSHAKr

»;i:.

iinmctliiitt'ly Hciit to the iM'sicjrcd city, with tlic iiMsurimcr tlmt
they iiiiulit cxpt'ct li<'l|t on the mioitdw, tlic very day (tii wliich
tln'y Were to ?<iilniiit to the Aiiinioiiitt's. My a rapid iii^dit march,
Saul and his army crossed the Jordan, and arrived hefore Jahesh in
"the moriiinf; watch." Like (lideon, dividiiiji his force into three
companies, hu I'ell upon the Ammonite <'amp at that early hour,
wheu, not suspecting' thinner, tiiey were h-ast secure. In the |»ani(!
that followed, they were routed, with ^reat slau^diter. And "they
which remained were scattcreil, so that two of them were not left
tu^'ether."

The i)romptuess and hravery of Saul, as well as the ^'eiieralship
.shown in the successful conduct of so larixe a force, were «|ualitiu8
which the people of Israel liad desire(| in a monarch, that they
might he ahle to cope with other nations. They now greeted
him as their king, attrihuting the honor of the victory to human
agencies, and forgetting that without (lod's special hlessing all
their (dlbrts would havi; heen in vain. In their enthusiasm,
.some j>r()|>osed to j»ut to death those who had at first refused
to acknowledge the authority of Saul. Hut the king interfereil,
.saying, "There shall not a man he put to death this day; for
to-day the Lor<l hath wrought salvation in Israel." Here Saul
gave evidence of the change that had taken jdace in his char-
acter. Instead of taking honor to himself, he gave the gloiy to
God. Instead of showing a desire for revenge, he manifested
a spirit of compassion and forgiveness. This is unmi.stakahle
evidence that the grace of (lod dwells in the heart.

Samuel now j)roposed that a national assend)ly should he
convoked at (lilgal, that the kingdom nnght there he i>ul»licly
confirmed to Saul. It was done; "and there they sacrificed
.sacvifice.s of ))eace-of1erings 1)efore the Lord; and there Saul and
all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly."

Gilgal had been the place f)f Israel's first encampment in the
promised land. It was here that Joshua, l)y divine direction, set
up the pillar of twelve .stones to commemorate the miraculous
passage of the Jordan. Here circumcision had l)een renewed.
Here they had kept the first Passover after the sin at Kadesh,
and the desert sojourn. Here the manna ceased. Here the Gaj)-
tain of the Lord's host had revealed himself as chief in connnand
of tlie armies of Israel. From this jdace they marched to the
overthrow of Jericho and the conquest of Ai. Here Achan met

010

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

the })en{ilty of his sin, and hero was made that treaty Avith the
Gibconites which punished Israel's neglect to ask counsel of (iod.
Ujjon this plain, linked with so many thrilling associations, stood
Samuel and 8aul; and when the shouts of welcome to the king
had died away, the aged prophet gave his parting words as ruler
of the nation.

" Behold," he said, " I have hearkened unto your voice in all
that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. And
now, behold, the king walketh l)efore you; and I am old and
gray-headed ; . . . and I have walked before you from my cliild-
hood unto this da.y. Behold, here I am : witness against nie
before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I
taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded?
whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any
bribe to blind mine eyes therewith ? and I will restore it to you."

With one voice the people answered, " Thou hast not defrauded
us, nor t)ppressed us, neither hast thou taken aught of any man's
haml."

Samuel was not seeking merely to justify his own course. He
had previously set forth the i^rinciples that should ^overn botli
the king and the people, and he desired to add to his words the
weight of his own example. From childhood he had been con-
ne ^ed with the work of God, and during his long life one oliject
had been ever before him, — the glory of God and the highest
jiood of Israel.

Before there could be any hope of prosperity for Israel, they
nmst be led to re[)entance before God. In consequence of sin
they had lost their faith in God, and their discernment of his
power and Avisdom to rule the nation, — lost their confidence
in his ability to vindicate his cause. Before they could find
true peace, they must be led to see and confess the very sin
of which they had been guilty. They had declared the object of
the demand for a king to l)e, " That our king may judge us, and
go out before us, and fight our battles." Samuel recounted the
history of Israel, from the day when God brought them from
Egypt. Jehovah, the King of kings, had gone out before them,
and had fought their battles. Often their sins had sold them
into the jiower of their enemies, but no sooner did they turn
from their evil ways than God's mercy raised up a deliverer.
The Lord sent Gideon and Barak, and " Jephthah and Samuel,

THE FIRST KING OF ISRAEL.

♦'.17

and (lulivored vou out of the hand of vo' r enemies on every
side, and ye dwelled safe." Yet when threatened with danger
they had deelared, " A king shall reign over us," when, said
the i)rophet, " Jehovah your God was your king."

" Now therefore," continued Samuel, " stand and see this great
thing, whi(;h the Lord will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat
harvest to-day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send
thunder and rain ; that ye may jierceive and see that your wick-
edness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord,
in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the Lord ; and the
Lord sent thunder and rain that day." At the time of wheat
harvest, in May and June, no rain fell in tiie East. The sky
was cloudless, and the air serene and mild. So violent a storm
at this season filled all hearts Ivitli fear. In humiliation the
people now confessed their sin, — the very sin of which they had
been guilty: " Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that
we die not ; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask
us a king."

Sanmel did not leave the people in a state of discouragement,
for this w'ould have i)revented all effort for a better life. Satan
would lead them to look upon God as severe and unforgiving,
and they would thus be exposed to manifold temi)tations. God
is merciful and forgiving, ever desiring to show favor to his people,
when they will obey his voice. " Fear not," was the message of
God by his servant ; " ye have done all this wickedness ; yet turn
not aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all
your heart; and turn ye not aside; for then should ye go after
vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
For the Lord will not forsake his peo})le."

Samuel said nothing of the slight which had been i)ut upon
himself; he uttered no reproach for the ingratitude with which
Israel had repaid his life-long devotion; but he assured them of
his unceasing interest for them : " God forbid that I should sin
against the Lord in ceasing to ])ray for you ; but I will teach you
the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve him
in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he
hath done for you. Jiut if yc sluill still do wickedly, ye shall
be consumed, both ye and your king."

CHAPTER LX.

THE PRESUMPTION OF SAUL.

Ap'trii tlic ussembly at Gilgal, Saul disbanded the army that
had at his call arisen to overthrow the Ammonites, reserving only
two thousand men to be stationed under his command at Mioh-
masli, and one thousand to attend liis son Jonathan at Gibeah.
Here was a serious error. His army was filled with hoi)e and
courage l)y the recent victory; and had he proceeded at once
against other enemies of Israel, a telling blow might have ])een
struck for the lil»ertics of the nation.

Meanwhile their Avarlike neiglibors, the Philistines, vrere active.
After the defeat at Ebenezcr, they had still retained possession of
some hill fortresses in the land of Israel ; and now they established
themselves in the very heart of the country. In fiicilities, arms,
and c(iuipments, the Philistines had great advantage over Israel.
During the long jjeriod of their oppressive rule, they had endeav-
ored to strengthen their power by forbidding the Israelites to
practice the trade of smiths, lest they should make weapons of
war. After the conclusion of i)eace, the Hebrews had still resorted
to the Philistine garrisons for such work as needed to be done.
( 'ontrolled by love of ease, and the al)ject s})irit induced by long
oppression, the men of Israel liad, to a great extent, neglected to
j)rovi(le themselves with weapons of war. Bows and slings were
used in warfare, and these the Israelites could obtain ; but there
were none among them, except Saul and his son Jonathan, who
possessed a spear or a sword. '

It was not until the second year of Saul's reign that an attempt
was made to sul)due the Philistines. The first Idow was struck
l)v Jonathan, the king's son, who attacked and overcame their
garrison at Gel)a. The Philistines, exas})erated by this defeat,
made ready for a speedy attack upon Israel. Saul now caused

1 1 Sam. 13 : 22.
[618]

THE PRESUMPTION OF SAUL.

t5lJ>

war to be proclaimed l)y the sound of tlie trumpet tlirou^liout
the land, callin<«; upon all the men of war, in('ludin<!; the tril)e.s
across the Jordan, to assemble at (Jilgal. This sunnnons was
obeyed.

The Philistines had gathered an immense force atMichniash, —
"thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and i)eoi)le
as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude." ' When
the tidings reached Saul and his army at Gilgal, the {)eoi)le were
appalled at thought of the mighty forces they would liave to
encounter in battle. They were not prepared to meet tiie en-
emy, and many were so terrified that they dared not come io
the test of an encounter. Some crossed the Jordan, while
others hid themselves in caves and pits, and amid the rocks
that abounded in that region. As the time for the encounter
drew near, the number of desertions rai)idly increased, and those
wdio did not withdraw from the ranks were filled with foreboding
and terror.

When Saul was first anointed king of Israel, he had received
from Samuel explicit directions concerning the course to l)e pur-
sued at this time. " Thou shalt go down before me to Clilgal,"
said the prophet; "and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to
offer burnt-offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace-offering.
Seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and show thee
what thou shalt do,"^

Day after day Saul tarried, but without making decided efforts
toward encouraging the people and inspiring confidence in (lod.
Before the time appointed by the prophet had fully expired,
he became impatient at tiie delay, and pUowed himself to be
discouraged l>y the trying circumstances that surrounded him.
Instead of faifhfully seeking to prepare the people for the service
that Samuel was coming to perform, he indulged in unbelief and
foreboding. The work of seeking God by sacrifice was a most
solemn and important work; and God required that his i»eoi)le
should search their hearts and re})ent of their sins, that the
offering might be made with accei)tance before him, and that
his blessing might attend their efforts to concjuer the enemy.
But Saul had grown restless; and the })eople, instead of tnnting
in God for help, were looking to the king whom they had chosen,
to lead and direct them.

'1 Sam. 13 : 5. n Sam. 10 : 8.

620

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Vet the Lord still cared for them, and did not give them up to
the disasters that would have come upon them if the frail arm of
flesh had l)ecome their only su[)port. He hrought them into close
places, that they mijiht he convicted of the folly of dei)endin<f on
man, nnd that they mi,i!;nt turn to him as their only helj). The
time for the i)roving of Saul had come. He was now to show
whether or not he would dei)end on God, and i)atiently wait
accciding to his command thus revealing himself as one whom
God could trust in tryin^; places as the ruler of his people, oi
whether he would he vacillating, and unworthy of the sacred
responsibility that had devolved upon him. Would the king
whom Israel had chosen, listen to the Ruler of all kings? Would
he turn the attention of his faint-heart( soldiers to the One in
whom is everlasting strength and deliverance?

\Mth growing impatience he awaited the arrival of Samuel,
and attributed the confusion and distress and desertion of his
army to the absence of the i)rophet. The a})pointed time came,
but the man of God did not inuuediately appear. God's provi-
dence had detained his servant. V>\\i Saul's restless, impulsive
spirit would no longer be restrained. Feeling that something
must be done to calm the fears of the people, he determimnl to
sununon an assend)ly for religious service, and by sacrifice entreat
the divine aid. God had directed that only those consecrated to
the' office should present sacrifices before him. But Saul com-
manded, " Bring hither a burnt-offering ; " ^ and, equipi)ed as he
was with armor and weaj)ons of war, he approached the altar, and
offered sacrifice l^efore God.

" And it came to ])ass, that as soon as he had made an end of
offering the burnt-offering, behold, Samuel came ; and Saul went
out to meet him, that he nnght salute him," Samuel saw at once
that Saul had gone contrary to the cxi)ress directions that had
been given him. The Lord had spoken l)y his prophet that at
this time he would reveal what Israel must do in this crisis. If
Saul had fulfilled the conditions upon which divine help was
promised, the Lord would have wrought a marvelous deliverance
for Israel, with the few who were loyal to the king. But Saul
was so well satisfied with himself and his work, that he went out
to meet the prophet as one who should be connnended rather than
disapproved,

iSfe I Samuel 13.

THE PliESUMPT/py OF SAUL.

621

tSaniuel'.s countcniincowas lull of anxiety and trouble; but to
his in([uiry, "What hast thou done?" Saul ottered exeuses for
his i)resuniptuous act. He said : " I saw that the people were
scattered from me, and that thou earnest not within the days
apjtointed, and that the Piiilistines gathered themselves toj^ether
at ^riehmash ; therefore said I, The Philistines will come down
now U}>on me to (iiltial, and I hav(! not made supplication unto
the Lord ; I forced myself therefore, and ottered a burnt-ottering.

"And Sanmel said to Saul: Thou hast done foolishly; thou
hast not kept the connnandment of the Lord thy God, which he
connnanded thei.'; for now would the Lord have established thy
kinirdom upon Israel forever. Jiut now thy kingdom shall not
continue ; the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart,
and the Ixird hath connnanded hhn to be captain over his pe()])le.
. . . And Sanmel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah
of Benjamin."

Either Israel nmst cease to be the people of God, or the
principle upon which the monarchy was founded must Ije main-
tained, and the nation must be governed by a divine i)ower. If
Israel would be wholly the Lord's, if the will of the human
and earthly were held in subjection to the will of God, he would
continue to be the ruler of Israel. So long as the king and
the peoi)le would conduct themselves as subordinate to God, so
long he could be their defense, liut in Israel no monarchy
could prosper that did not in all things acknowledge the supreme
authority of God.

If Saul had siiown a regard for the requirements of God in
this time of trial, God could have worked his will through him.
His failure now proved him unfit to l)e.the vicegerent of God to
his people. He would mislead Israel. His will, rather than the
will of God, would be the controlling i)ower. If Saul had l)een
faithful, his kingdom would have been estal)lished forever; but
since he had failed, the purpose of God nmst be accomi)lished by
another. The government of Israel must be committed to one
who would rule the people according to the Avill of Heaven.

We do not kno>v what great interests may be at stake in the
l)roving of God. There is no safety excei)t in strict obedience to
the word of God. All his promises are made upon condition of
faith and obedience, and a failure to comply with his commands

622

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

cuts off the tulfilliuent to u.s of the rich provisions of the Scriptures.
We should not follow impulse, nor rely on tlie judgment of men;
we should look to the revealed will of (lod, and walk according
to his definite commandment, no matter what circumstances may
surround us. Clod will take care of tiie results; l>y laithfulncss to
his word we may in time of trial prove before men and angels that
the Lord can trust us in difiicult places to carry out his will,
honor his name, and bless his people.

Saul was in disfavor with God, and yet unwilling to huml)le
his heart in penitence. What he lacked in real piety, he would
try to make U}) by his zeal in the forms of religion. Saul was not
ignorant of Israel's defeat when the ark of God was brought into
the camp by Hophni and Phinehas; and yet, knowing all tiiis, lie
determined to send for the sacred chest and its attendant priest.
Could he by this means ins])ire confidence in the pcoj)lc, lie
hoped to re-assemble his scattered army, and give battle to the
Philistines, He would now disi)ense with Samuel's jjresence and
support, and thus free himself from the prophet's unwelcome
criticisms and reproofs.

The Holy Spirit had been granted to Saul to enlighten his
understanding and soften his heart. He had received faithful
instruction and reproof from the pro^ihet of God. And yet how
great was his perversity ! The history of Israel's first king pre-
sents a sad example of the power of early wrong habits. In his
youth, Saul did not love and fear God ; antl that impetuous spirit,
not early trained to submission, was ever ready to rebel against
divine authority. Those who in their youth cherish a sacred
regard for the will of God, and who faithfully perform the duties
of their position, will be prepared for higher service in after-life.
But men cannot for years i)ervert the powers that God has given
them, and then, when they choose to change, find these powers
fresh and free for an entirely o[)posite course.

Sand's efibrts to arouse the })eople proved unavailing. Finding
his force reduced to six hundred men, he lelt Gilgal, and retired
to the fortress at Geba, lately taken from the Philistines. This
stronghold was on the south side of a deep, rugged valley, or
gorge, a few miles north of the site of Jerusalem. On the north
side of the same valley, at Michmash, the Philistine force lay
encamped, while detachments of troops went out in different
directions to ravage the country.

THE PRESUMPTION OF SAUL.

623

God had perinitti'd miittt'r.s to be thus l)r()U,<fht to ii criHl-^, th;it
he might rebuke the perversity of Suul, and teaeli Ids people a
lesson of humility and faith. Because of Saul's sin in his pre-
sumptuous offering, the Lord would not give him the honor of
vancjuishing tlie Philistines. Jonathan, the king's son, a man who
feared the Lord, was chosen as the instrument to deliver Israeh
Moved by a divine impulse, he projjosed to his armor-ljearer that
they should make a secret attack upon the enemy's camp. " It
may be," he urged, " that the Lord will work for us ; for there is
no restraint to the Lord to save l)y many or by few." '

The armor-bearer, who also was a man of faith and ])rayer,
encouraged the design, and together they withdrew from the
camp, secretly, lest their pur})ose should be opposed. \\"\i\\
earnest prayer to the Guide of their fathers, they agreed ui)on a
sign by which they might deternnne how to proceed. Then
passing down into the gorge sejiarating the two armies, they
silently threaded their way, under the shadow of the cliff, and
])artially concealed by the mounds and ridges of the valley.
Approaching the Philistine fortress, they were revealed to the
view of their enemies, who said, tauntingly, " Behold, the Hebrews
come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves," then
challenged them, " Come up to us, and we will show you a thing,"
meaning that they would punish the two Israelites for their
daring. This challenge was the token that Jonathan and his
companion had agreed to accept as evidence that the Lord would
prosi)er their undertaking. Passing now from the siglit of the
Philistines, and choosing a secret and difficult path, the warriors
made their way to the summit of a cliff that liad been deemed
inaccessible, and was not very strongly guarded. Thus they
penetrated the enemy's camp, and slew the sentinels, who, over-
come with surprise and fear, offered no resistance.

Angels of heaven shielded Jonathan and his attendant, angels
fought by their side, and the Philistines fell l»efore them. The
earth trembled as though a great nudtitude with horsemen and
chariots were approaching. Jonathan recognized the tokens of
divine aid, and even the Philistines knew that God was working
for the deliverance of Israel. Great fear seized uptin the host,
both in the field and in the garrison. In the confusion, mistaking
their own soldiers for enemies, the Philistines began to slay one
another.

^See 1 Samuel 14. 40

624

PATRIARCHS AXD PROPHETS.

Hoon the noise of the l)attk> was heard in the camj) of Israel.
The kinjr's sentinels reijorted that there was j^reat confusion anion^
the Philistines, and that their nuiiil)erH were decrcasinj;. Yet it
was not known that any })art of the Hehrew army had left the
camp. lJ])on iiKjuiry it was found that none were ahsent except
Jonathan and his annor-lxjarer. lUit seeing that the Philistines
were meeting with a repulse, Saul led his army to join the assault.
The Hehrews who had deserted to the enemy now turned against
them ; great nund)ers also came out of their hiding-pl'icjs, and as
the Philistines tied, discomfittid, Saul's army connnitted terrible
liavoc ui)on the fugitives.

Determined to make the most of his advantage, the king rashly
forbade his soldiers to ])artake of food for the entire da}', enforcing
his command by the solenni imprecation, "Cursed be the man
that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on
mine enemies." The victory had already been gained, without
Saul's knowledge or co-operation; but he hoped to distinguish
himself by the utter destruction of the van^iuishcd army. 'J'he
command to refrain from food was prompted by selfish ambition,
and it showed the king to be indifferent to the needs of his people
when these conflicted with his desire for self-exaltation. To
confirm this prohibition by a solemn oath showed Saul to be
both rash and profane. The very words of the curse give evidence
that Saul's zeal was for himself, and not for the honor of God. He
declared his object to be, not "that the Lord may be avenged on
his enemies," but " that / may l)e avenged on mine enemies."

The prohibition resulted in leading the people to transgress the
connnand of God. They had l)een engaged in warfare all day,
and were faint for want of food; and as soon as the hours of
restriction were over, they fell U])on the spoil, and devoured the
flesh with the blood, thus violating the law that forbade the
eating of blood.

During the daj^'s battle, Jonathan, who had not heard of the
king's command, unwittingly offended by eating a little honey as
lie passed through a Avood. Saul learned of this at evening. He
had declared that the violation of his edict should be punished
with death ; and though Jonathan had not been guilty of a willful
sin, though God had miraculously jireserved his life, and had
wrought deliverance through him, the king declared that the
sentence jnust be executed. To s])are the life of his son would

THE PRESUMPTION Ot SAUL.

r.-ji'

have been an acknowlod^inent on tlio part of 8aul that he had
•sinned in niakinj; so rasli a vow. This wouhl have Iteen huniih-
atiM^r to liin pride. " (Jod do so, and more also," was liis terrilde
sentence; "thou shalt surely die, Jonathan."

Saul could not claim the honor of the victory, hut he hoped
to he honored for his zeal in maintaininji the sacredness of his
oath. Even at the sacrifice of his son, he would impress uj)()n his
subjects the fact that the royal authority nuist be maintained. At
Gilgal, but a short time before, Saul had presumed to ofliciate as
priest, contrary to the connuand of God. When reproved by
Samuel, he had stubbornly justified himself. Now, when his
own command was disobeyed, — thoujih the command was unrea-
sonable and had been violated through ignorance, — the king
and father sentenced his son to death.

The j)eople refused to alloAV the sentence to be executed.
Braving the anger of the king, they declared, " Shall Jonathan
die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God for-
bid; as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall
to the ground ; for he liath wrought with God this day." The
])roud monarch dared not disregard this unanimous verdict, and
the life of Jonathan was jjreserved.

Saul could not but feel that his son was preferred before him,
both by the people and by the Lord. Jonathan's deliverance was
a severe reproof to the king's rashness. He felt a presentiment
that his curses would return upon his own head. He did not
longer continue the war with the Philistines, but returned to his
home, moodv and dissatisfied.

Those who are most ready to excuse or justify themselves in
sin are often most severe in judging and condenniing others.
Many, like Saul, bring upon themselves the displeasure of God,
])ut they reject counsel and despise reproof. Even when con-
vinced that the Lord is not with tliem, they refuse to see in
tiiemselves the cause of their trouble. They cherish a proud,
l)oastful spirit, while they indulge in cruel judgment or severe
rel)uke of others who are better than they. Well would it l)e
for such self-constituted judges to jjonder those woids of Christ:
"With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with
what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." '

Often those who are seeking to exalt themselves are brought
into positions where their true character is revealed. So it was in

'Matt, r .2.

620

PATIilAIiCIIS AND PHOl'IIKTS.

tlu^ casi! of Saul. His own courHc; convinced the peoidc tl.ai
kingly honor and iiuthority were (h^'urer to him tluin justice,
mercy, or benevolence. Thus the people were led to see tlu ir
error in r(!Jecting the government that God had given them. Tin y
liad exchanged the ])ioua prophet, whosi' prayers had Imtught
down blessings, for a king who in his blind zeal had piaycil for
a curse upon tiiem.

Had not the men of Israel interposed to save the life of
Jonathan, their deliverer would have i)erished by the king's
decree. With what misgivings must that p(.'o|)le afterward have
followed Saul's gui(hmce ! How bitter the thought that he had
been phiced upon the throne by their own act! Tlie Lord Itears
long with the waywardness of men, and to all he grants oppor-
tunity to see and forsake their sins; but while he may seem to
prosper those who disregard liis will and despise his warnings, he
will, in his own time, surely make manifest their folly.

CHAPTER LXI.

SAUL RKJKCTED.

Saul had failed to bear the test of faith in the tryin"; situation
at f>il},fal, and had Itrouudit di.slionor upon tlie service of Ood; l)ut
Ids errors were not yet irretrievable, and the Lord would 'jrrant
hini another oi)i)ortunity to learn the lesson of untiuestioning
faith in his word and ol)edience to his coniniands.

When reproved by the })ro})het at CJiljj;al, Saul saw no j^reat sin
in the course he had })ursue<l. He felt that he had been treated
unjustly, and endeavored to vindicate his actions, an<l offered
excuses for his error. From that time he hud little intercourse
with the ])ro|)het. Samuel loved Saul as his own son, wdnle Saul,
bold and ardent in temper, had held the i)ro]>het in hi<fh rej^^ard;
Itut he resented Sanmel's rebuke, and thenceforth avoided him so
far as possilde.

But the Lord sent his servant with another message to Saul.
By obedience he might still prove his fidelity to God, and his
worthiness to walk l>efore Israel. Sanmel came to the king,
and delivered the word of the Lord. That the monarch nught
realize the importance of heeding the connnand, Sanmel expressly
declared that he spoke by divine direction, by the same authority
that had called Saul to the throne. The i)rophet said, "Thus
saith the Lord of hosts : I rememl)er that which Amalek did to
Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up
from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy
all that they have, and spare them not; l)ut slay both man and
woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass." ' The
Amalekites had been the first to make war upon Israel in the
wilderness ; and for this sin, together with their defiance of God
and their debasing idolatry, the Lord, through Closes, had pro-
nounced sentence upon them. By divine direction, the history of
their cruelty toward Israel had been recorded, with the connnand,

1 See 1 Samui'l 15.

[627]

628

I'ArillAIiC/fs .i\/) PUai'lIKTS.

"Thdii slmlt lilot out the rciiicmlM'Miict' (if Aiiiaick iVoiii uimIii
lu'iivcii; ♦liifU sliiilt not tnrLM't it.'" For lour liuiidrcd years tlu,'
execution of tlii.s Hcnteiice had heeti (Icferrcd ; hut th(! Aniaickitcs
had n(»t turned from their niuH. The; Lord knew tiiat this wjckeil
people would, if it were possihle, hlot out his |>eople ifnd his
worship from the earth. Now the tinu' ha<l come for tlu^ Hentence,
HO lonj,' delayed, t(» he exeeuted.

The forhearance that (lod has exercised toward the wicked,
emholdcns men in trans^rression ; hut their punishment will iio
none tlie less certain and ti'rrihle for heinj^ lonir delayed. '"The
Lord yhall rise up as in Mount IVrazim, lie shall he wroth as
in the valley of (Jiheon, thii,^ I'e may do his work, his straiiL'e
work; and hrin^ to pass his act, his stranue act. ^ To our
merciful (1(kI the act of j»uiushment is a stranire act. " As 1
live, .saith the Lord (Jod, 1 have no pleasure in tlu; death of the
wicked; l>ut that the wicked turn from his way and live."' The
Lord is *' merciful and gracious, lon;.,'-su tiering, and ahundant in
goodness and truth, . . . forgiving iniquity and transgression and
sin." Yet he will '"hy no means clear the guilty."^ While he
does not delight in vengeance, he will execute judgment upon the
transgressors of his law. He is forced to do this, to preserve the
inhal)itants of the earth from utter dei)ravity and ruin. h\ ordei'
to save some, he must cut oil' those who have hecome hardened in
sin. " Tlie Lord is slow to anger, and great in ])ower, and will not
at all acquit the wicked."* By terrihlo things in righteousness
he will vindicate the authority of his downtrodden law. And
the very fact of his reluctance to execute justice, testifies to the
enormity of the sins that call forth his judgments, and to the
severity of the retrihution awaiting the transgressor.

But while inflicting judgment, God rememhered mercy. The
Amalekites were to be destroyed, but the Kenites, who dwelt
among them, were spared. This people, though not wholly free
from idolatry, Avere worshipers of God, and were friendly to Israel.
Of this tribe was the brother-in-law of Moses, Hobab, who had
accomi)anied the Israelites in their travels through the wilder-
ness, and by his knowledge of the country had rendered them valu-
able assistance.

Since the defeat of the Philistines at Michmash, Saui had made
war against Moab, Amnion, and Edom, and against the Ama-
IDeut. 25 : 19. 'Isa. 28 : 21. ^Eze. 33 : 11; Ex. 34 : 6, 7. *Nah. I • 3.

SAIL li E.I Err HI).

\\'I\)

h kites iiiid i\\v Philistiius ; mimI wlu'rcvcr ho turned his jiriiis, ho
jraiiuMl iVcsh victorii'S. Oii n'ci'ivin;,' thu ((miiiiissioii a^iiiinst tlio
Aiiinlckitcs, ho iit oiico pnHliiiiiio<| war. To his own authority waH
a(hU'(l that oi the |iro|ili('t, and at tlio rail to hattlo the men of
Israel llockctl to his standard. This ox|iodition was not to ho
cntorod upon for tho jiurposo of solf-a;:<j;randi/i'nu'nt; tho Israolitos
wore not to roccivo oithrr tlif honor of tho oonciuost or tho spoils
of thoir t'noinit'S. They won; to on^'aj^o in tho war solely as an aet
of ohodienco to (iod, for tho purpose of executing' his jud^'uient
upon th(! Ainalekites. (iod intended that all nations should ho-
hold tlu! doom of that people that had delied his sovereiirnty,
and should mark that they wore tiestroyod hy tho vory people
whom tlu'l had despised.

''Saul HUioto tho Anialekites from Ilavilah until thou comost
to Shur, that is over atiainst Kjryjit. And he took Ajj;aj.', tho kinj;
of tho Anialekites, alive, and utterly destroyed all tho |)eo|»lo with
tho odirc! of tho sword. lUit Saul and the; people spared A<raj:,
and tho host of tho sheep, and of tho o.\en, and of tho falling's,
and tho hunhs, and all that was ^'ood ; and would not utterly
destroy thorn. lUit every tiling' that was vile and refuse, that
they destroyed utterly."

This victory over tho Ainalekites was tho most hrilliant victory
that Saul had ever jrained, and it served to rokindli! tho pride of
heart that was his greatest i)eril. Tho divine; edict devotinu the
enemies of (Iod to utter destruction was hut parti'dly luHilled.
Amhitious to heiuhten tho lionor of his triumi)hal return hy the
presence of a royal captive, Saul ventured to imitate the customs
of the nations around him, and spared A»ra<r, the fierce and war-
like king of the Anialekites. The people reserved for themselves
the finest of tho flocks, herds, and heasts of hurdcn, excusing
their sin, on the ground that the cattle were reserved to ho olfcnMl
as sacrifices to the Lord. Jt was their purpose, however, to use
these merely as a suhstitute, to save tlu'ir own cattle.

Saul had now hcen suhjected to the final test. His jjresumptu-
ous disregard of the will of God, showing his determination to rule
as an independent monarch, jiroved tliat he could not he trusted
with royal power as the vicegerent of the Lord. While Saul
and his army were marching home in tho flush of victory, there
was deep anguish in the home of Samuel the ])rophct. Ho had
received a message from the Lortl, denouncing the course of the

630

PATEIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

kinji;: "It rcpentctli nie tliat I have sot ii]) Baul to be king; for
he is turned l)ack from following nie, antl hath not i)erfornuMl
my eonimanihnents." ' The prophet was deeply grieved over the
course of the rebellious king, and he wept and prayed all nigiit
for a reversing of the terrible sentence.

God's rei)entanee is not like man's repentance. " The Strength
of Israel will not lie, nor repent; for he is not a man, that he
should repent."' Man's repentance implies a change of mind.
God's repentance implies a change of circumstances and relations.
Man may change his relation to God by complying with the
conditions upon which he may be brought into the divine favor,
or he may, by his own action, })lace himself outside the favoring
condition ; l)ut the Lord is the same '' yesterday, and to-day, and
forever."'^ Saul's disobedience changed his relation to God; l)ut
the conditions of acceptance with God were unaltered, — God's
requirements were still the same ; for with him there " is no
variableness, neither shadow of turning."*

With an aching heart the })ro])liet set forth the next morning
to meet the erring king. Samuel cherished a hope that, ui)on
reflection, Saui might become conscious of his sin, and by repent-
ance and humiliation, be again restored to the divine favor. But
when the first step is taken in the path of transgression, the way
becomes easy. Saul, debased by his disobedience, came to meet
Samuel with a lie upon his lips. He exclaimed, " Blessed be thuu
of the Lord ; I have performed the commandment of the Lord."

The sounds that fell on the ])rophet's ears disproved the state-
ment of the disol)edient king. To the pointed question, " Wliat
meaneth then this bleating of the sheej) in mine ears, and the
lowing of the oxen which I hear?" Saul made answer, "They
have brought them from the Amalekitcs; for the i)eople s})ared
the best of the shee}) and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord
thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.'' The people
had obeyed Saul's directions ; l)ut in order to shield himself, he
wa3 willing to charge upon them the sin of his disobedience.

The message of Saul's rejection brought unspeakal)le grief to
the heart of Samuel. It had to be delivered before the whole
army of Israel, when they were filled with pride and triumphal
rejoicing over a victory that was accredited to the valor and
generalship of their king, for Saul had not associated God with

1 1 Sain. 15 : 11, 29. 2 jleb. 13 : 8. Mames 1:17.

SAUL REJECTED.

631

the success of Israel in this conflict; but when the prophet saw
the evidence of Saul's rebellion, he was stirred with indignation,
that he, who had been so highly favored of God, should transgress
the commandment of Heaven, and lead Israel into sin. Samuel
was not aoceived by the su)>terfuge of the king. With mingled
grief and indignation he declared, "Stay, and I will tell thee what
the Lord hath said to me this night. . . . When thou wast little
in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes
of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?" He
repeated the command of the Lord concerning Amalek, and
demanded the reason of the king's disol)edience.

Saul ])ersisted in self-justification : " Yea, I have obeyed the
voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent
me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly
destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil,
sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should liave been
utt(^rly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal."

In stern and solemn words the proi)het swe})t away the refuge
of lies, and pronounced the irrevocable sentence : " Hath the Lord
as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the
voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and
to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of
witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because
thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected
thee from bf^ing king."

As the king heard this fearful sentence, he cried out, " I
have sinned ; for I have transgressed the commandment of the
Lord, and thy words ; because I feared the people, and obeyed
their voice." Terrified by the denunciation of the prophet, Saul
acknowledged his guilt, which he had before stubbornly denied ;
but he still persisted in casting l)lame upon the people, declaring
that he had sinned through fear of tliem.

It was not sorrow for sin, but fear of its i)enalty, that actuated
the king of Israel as he entreated Samuel, " I pray thee, pardon
my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord."
If Saul liad had true repentance, he would have made public
confession of his sin ; l)ut it was his cliief anxiety to maintain
his authority, and retain the allegiance of the people. He desired
the honor of Samuel's presence in order to strengthen his own
influence with the nation.

632

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

" I will not return with thee," was the answer of the i)roi)het ;
" for thou ha«t rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath
rejected thee from Ijeing kinj^ over Isrnnl." As Samuel turned to
depart, the king, in an agony of fear, laid hold of his mantle to
hold him back, but it rent in his hands. Upon this, the i)roi)het
declared, " The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee
this day, and hath given it to a neighbor of thine, that is better
than thou."

Saul was more disturbed by the alienation of Samuel than by
the displeasure of God. He knew that the people liad greater
confidence in the prophet than in himself. Should another by
divine command be now anointed king, Saul felt that it would
be impossible to maintain his own authority. lie feared an
immediate revolt, should Sanmel utterly forsake him. Saul en-
treated the pro})het to honor him before the elders and the people
by publicly uniting with him in a religious service. By divine
direction, Sanmel yielded to the king's request, that no occiision
might be given for a revolt. But he remained only as a silent
witness of the service.

An act of justice, stern and terrible, was yet to be performed.
Samuel must publicly vindicate the honor of God, and rebuke the
course of Saul. He commanded that the king of the Amalekites
be brought before him. Above all who had fallen by the sword
of Israel, Agag was the most guilty and merciless ; one who had
hated and sought to destroy the people of God, and whoso influ-
ence had been strongest to promote idolatry. He came at the
prophet's command, flattering himself that the danger of death
was past. Samuel declared : " As thy sword hath made women
childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And
Samuel hewed Agag in pieces l)efore the Lord." This done,
Samuel returned to his home at Ramah, Saul to his at Gibeah.
Only once thereafter did the i)rophet and the king ever meet
each other.

When called to the throne, Saul had a humble opinion of his
own capabilities, and was willing to be instructed. He was defi-
cient in knowledge and experience, and had serious defects of
character. But the Lord granted him the Holy S[)irit as a guide
and helper, and placed him in a position where he could develop
the qualities requisite for a ruler of Israel. Had he remained
humble, seeking constantly to be guided by divine wisdom, he

SAUL REJECTED.

t;33

would have been enabled to discharge the duties of his high
position with success and honor. Under the intluence of divine
grace, every good quality would have been gaining strength, while
evil tendencies would have lost their i)(>wer. This is the work
which the Lord proposes to do for all wlio consecrate themselves
to him. There are many whom he has called to i)ositions in his
work because they have a humble and teachable spirit. In ins
providence he places them where they may learn of him. He
will reveal to them their defects of character, and to all who seek
his aid he will give strength to correct their errors.

But Saul presumed upon his exaltation, and dishonored God
by unbelief and disobedience. Though when first called to the
throne he was humble and self distrustful, success made him
self-confident. The very first victoiv of his reign had kindled
that pride of heart which was his greatest danger. The valor
and military skill displayed in the deliverance of Jabesh-gdead
had roused the enthusiasm of the Avhole nation. The people
honored their king, forgetting that he was but the agent by whom
God had wrought; and though at first Saul ascribed the glory to
God, he afterward took honor to himself. He lost sight of his
jdependence upon God, and in heart departed from the Lord.
Thus the way was prepared for his sin of presumption and sac-
rilege at Gilgal. The same V)lind self-confidence led him to reject
Samuel's reproof. Saul acknowledged Samuel to be a prophet
sent from God ; hence he should have accepted the reproof,
though he could not himself see that he had sinned. Had he
been willing to see and confess his error, this bitter experience
would have provcnl a safeguard for the future.

If the Lord had tlien separated himself entirely from Saul, he
would not have again spoken to him through his proi)het, intrust-
ing him with a definite work to perform, that he might correct
the errors of the i)ast. When one who professes to be a child
of God becomes careless in doing his will, thereby influencing
others to be irreverent, and unmindful of the Lord's injunctions,
it is still possible for his failures to be turned into victories if he
will but accept reproof with true contrition of soul, and return
to God in humility and faith. The humiliiition of defeat often
proves a l)lessing by showing us our inability to do the will of God
without his aid.

When Saul turned away from the reproof sent him liy God's

634

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Holy Spirit, and jjersisted in liis .stubborn self-justification, lio
rejected the only means by which God could work to save him
from himself. He had willfully separated himself from God. He
could not receive divine helj) or guidance until he should return
to God 1)y confession of his sin.

At Gilgalj Saul had made an appearance of great conscien-
tiousness, as he stood before the army of Israel offering uj) a
sacrifice to God. But his piety was not genuine. A religious
service performed in direct orposition to the command of God,
only served to weaken Saul's hands, placing him beyond the
help that God was so willing to grant him.

In the expedition against Amalek, Saul thought he had done
all that ,xs essential of that which the Lord had commanded
him ; but the Lord was not pleased with partial obedience, nor
willing to pass over what had been neglected through so plausi-
ble a motive. God has given men no liberty to depart from his
requirements. The Lord had declared to Israel, "Ye shall not
do . . . every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;" but ye
shall " observe and hear all these words which I command thee." '
In deciding upon any course of action, we are not to ask whetlier
we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in
keeping with the will of God. " There is a way which seemeth
right unto a man; but 'the end thereof are the ways of death."*

" To obey is better than sacrifice." The sacrificial offerings
were, in themselves, of no value in the sight of God. They were
designed to express, on the part of the oiTerer, penitence for sin
and faith in Clirist, and to pledge future obedience to the law of
God. But without penitence, faith, and an obedient heart, the
off'erings were worthless. When, in direct violation of God's
command, Saul proposed to present a sacrifice of that which
God had devoted to destruction, open contempt was shown for
the divine authority. The service would have been an insult to
Heaven. Yet with the sin of Saul and its result before us, how
many are })ursuing a similar course. While they refuse to l^elieve
and obey some requirement of the Lord, they persevere in offering
up to God their formal services of religion. There is no response
of the Spirit of God to such service. No matter how zealous men
may be in their observance of religious ceremonies, the Lord
cannot accept them if they persist in willful violation of one of
his commands.

^ D-^ut. 12 ; 8, 28.

« Prov. 14 : 12.

SAUL REJECTED.

t;35

" Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as
iniquity and idolatry." Rebellion originated with Satan, and all
rebellion against God is directly due to satanic influence. Thos*.}
who set themselves against the government of God have 'entered
into an alliance with the arch-apostate, and he will exercise his
power and cunning to captivate the senses and mislead the under-
standing. He will cause everything to appear in a false light.
Like our first parents, those who are under his l)Owitching spell
see only the great benefits to be received by transgression.

No stronger evidence can l;e given of Satan's delusivjj power
than that many who are thu ^ led by him, deceive themselves with
the belit^f that they are in the service of G(jd. When Korah,
Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against the authority of Moses, they
thought they were opposing only a human leader, a man like
themselves ; and they came to believe that they were verily doing
God service. But in rejecting God's chosen instrument, they
rejected Christ; they insulted the S[)irit of God. So, in the days
of Christ, the Jewish scribes and elders, who ])rofessed great zeal
for the honor of God, crucified his Son. The same spirit still exists
in the hearts of those who set themselves to follow their own will
in opposition to the Avill of God.

Saul had Lad the most ample proof that Samuel was divinely
inspired. His venturing to disregard the command of God
through the proi)het, was against the dictates of reason and
sound judgment. His fatal presumption nmst be attributed to
satanic sorcery. Saul had manifested great zeal in supi)ressing
idolatry and witchcraft ; yet in his disobedience to the divine com-
mand he had been actuated hy the same spirit of opposition to
(iod, and had been as really inspired by Satan, as are those who
practice sorcery ; and when rej)roved, he had added stubbornness
to rebellion. He could have offered no greater insult to the Spirit
of God, had he openly united with idolaters.

It is a perilous step to slight the reproofs and warnings of
God's word or of his S{)irit. JNIany, like Saul, yield to tempta-
tion until they become l)lind to the true character of sin. They
flatter themselves that tliey have had some good object in view,
and have done no wrong in departing from the Tiord's require-
ments. Thus they do despite to the Spirit of grace, until its voice
is no longer heard, and they are left to the delusions which tliey
have chosen.

63()

PATRIARCHS AND PROFILE TS.

In Saul, God nad given to Israel a king after their own
heart, as Samuel said when the kingdom was confirmed to
Saul at Gilgal, " Behold the king ivhnm ye have chosen, and whom
ye have dcsire(V^ ^ Comely in jierson, of nohle stature and princely
bearing, his a])pearance accorded with their conceptions of royal
dignity ; and his personal valor and his ability in the conduct of
armies, were the qualities which they regarded as best calculated
to secure respect and honor from other nations. They felt little
solicitude that their king should jiossess those higher (palities
which alone could fit him to rule with justice and equity. They
did not ask for one who had true nobility of character, who pos-
sessed the love and fear of God. They had not sought counsel
from God as to the qualities a ruler should possess, in order to
preserve their distinctive, holy character as his chosen people.
They were not seeking God's way, but their own way. There-
fore God gave them such a king as they desired, — one whose
character was a reflection of their own. Their hearts were not
in submission to God, and their king also was unsubdued by
divine grace. Under the rule of this king, they would obtr.in thu
exi^erience necessary in order that they might see their error, and
return to their allegiance to God.

Yet the Lord, having placed on Saul the responsibility of the
kingdom, did not leave him to liimself. He caused the Holy
Spirit to rest upon Saul to reveal to him his own weakness, and
his need of divine grace; and had Saul relied upon God, God
would have been Avith him. So long as his will Avas controlled
by the will of God, so long as he yielded to the discipline of his
Spirit, God could crown his efforts with success. But when Saul
chose to act independently of God, the Lord could no longer
be his guide, and was forced to set him aside. Then he called
to the throne "a man after his own heart; "^ — not one who
was faultless in character, but who, instead of trusting to him-
self, would rely upon God, and be guided by his Spirit; who,
when he sinned, would submit to reproof and correction.
' 1 Sam. 13 : 13. "1 Sam. 13 : 14.

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CHAPTER LXII.

THE ANOINTING Ui' DAVID.

A FKW niilcH soutli of Jerusalcin, "tlio city of the groat Kin<:,"
is Bethlt'heiii, whcro Duvid, the Hon of Jesse, was l)orii iiioro than a
thousand years heforo the in^mt Jesus m",\s cradled in the nian<j;er,
and worshiped hy the wise ) cu ''"oni the East. Centuries Ix'fore
the advent of tlio.Haviour Da . ', in the freslniess of l)ovhood,
kept watch of liis flocks as tiiey grazed on the hills surrounding
Bethlehem. The simple shepherd hoy sang the songs of his own
comj)Osing, -and the music ot his har]! made a sweet accomi)ani-
ment to the melody o his fresh young voice. The Lord had
chosen David, and was j)reparing him, in his solitary life with
his flocks, for the work he designed to commit to his trust in
after-years.

While David was thus living in the retirement of his hundde
shepherd's life, the Lord God was speaking about him to the
prophet Samuel. " And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long
wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him froni reign-
ing over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee
to Jesse the Bethlehemite ; for I have provided me a king among
his sons; . . . Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to
sacrifice to the Lord. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will
show thee what thou shalt do ; and thou shalt anoint unto me
him whom I name unto thee. And Sanmel did that which the
Lord spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town
trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou i)eacea])ly? And
he said. Peaceably."^ The ciders accepted an invitation to the
sacrifice, and Samuel called also Jesse and his sons. The altar
was built, and the sacrifice was ready. All the liousehold of
Jesse were present, with the exception of David, the youngest
son, who had been left to guard the sheep, for it was not safe
to leave the flocks unprotected.

iSee 1 Samuel 16.

[ t;:iii

A I

ym-'i

64(»

/'ATltlAIiClfS AND PROPHETS.

W'licM the Miicrilicc; was ciidtMl, and l)ef()rL' i)artakin^ of the
o He riiiji- feast, Saimu'l l»t'}j;an liis ])r()|)heti(! inspection of the nolile-
ajutearin;; son.s of .lense. Eiiah was the eldest, and more nearly
resembled Saul for stature- and beauty than the others. His
comely features and linely di'veloped form attracted the attentiuu
of th(! prophet. As Samuel looked upon his ])rincely hearinj;,
ho thou^rht, "This is indeed the man whom (tod lias chosen as
successor to Saul," and he waited for the divine sanction that he
might anoint him. But Jehovah did not look upon the outward
api)earance. Eliah did not fear the Lord. Had he been called
to the throne, he would have been a i)roud, exacting ruler. The
Lord's word to Samuel was, " Look not on his countenance, or on
the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the
Lord seeth not as man secth ; for man looketli on the outward
appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." No outward
beauty can reconmiend the soul to God. The wisdom and ex-
cellence revealed in the character and deportment,, express the
true beauty of the man ; and it is the inner worth, the excellency
of the heart, that determines our acceptance with the Lord of
hosts. How deeply should we feel this truth in the judgment of
ourselves and others. We may learn, from the mistake of Sanmel,
how vain is the estimation that rests on beauty of face or nobility
of stature. We may see how incapable is man's wisdom of under-
standing the secrets of the heart, or of comprehending the counsels
of God, without special enlightimment from heaven. The thoughts
and ways of God in relation to his creatures are above our finite
minds ; but we may be assured that his children will be brought
to fill the very place for which they are qualified, and will be
enabled to accomplish the very work committed to their hands,
if they will but submit their will to God, that his beneficent plans
may not be frustrated by the perversity of man.

Eliab passed from the inspection of Samuel, and the six
brothers who were in attendance at the service, followed in suc-
cession to ]je observed by the prophet; but the Lord did not
signify his choice of any one of them. With painful suspense,
Samuel had looked upon the last of the young men ; the i)rophet
was perplexed and bewildered. He inquired of Jesse, " Are here
all thy children?" The father answered, "There remaineth
yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep." Samuel
directed that he should be summoned, saying, " We will not sit
down till he come hither."

THE AXOfXTrXG OF DAVfD.

041

Tlic liiiicly slirplicnl \v;i.s stiirtlcd l»y tlic uncxinn'tt'd call of
the iucsscn<j:cr, who iimioiinc(.'(l thiit the prophet had eome to
Bethicljciii and had sent for him. With surprise he <|iiestionod
why the j»ropliet and judjj;e of Israel should desire to see him;
but without delay he obeyeil the call. " Now he was ruddy, and
withal of a l»eautiful countenance, and j^oodly to look to." As
Samuel lii'held with pleasure the handsome, manly, modest shep-
herd l>oy, the voice of the Lortl spoke to the proplu^t, sayinj.,',
"Arise, anoint him; for this is he." David had |)roved himself
})rave and faithful in the humlde oflice of a shepherd, and now
God had chosen him to be captain of his people. "Then Samuel
took the \\ovn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of [from
anion;.'] his brethren; and the Spirit of the liord came upon
David from that day forward." The ])rophet had accomplished
his appointed work, and with a relieved heart he returned to
Ramah.

Samuel had not made known his errand, even to the family of
Jesse, and the ceremony of anointing David had been performed
in secret. It Avas an intimation to the youth of the high destiny
awaiting him, that amid all the varied experiences and perils of
his coming years, this knowledge might inspire him to be true to
the ])urpose of God to be accomplished by his life.

The great honor conferred upon David did not serve to elate
him. Notwithstanding the high position which he was to occupy,
he (quietly continued his employment, content to await the develop-
ment of the Lord's plans in his own time and way. As humble
and modest as before his anointing, the shepherd boy returned to
the hills, and watched and guarded his flocks as tenderly as ever.
But with new inspiration he composed his melodies, and played
upon his harp. Before him spread a landscaj)e of rich and varied
beauty. The vines, with their clustering fruit, brightened in the
sunshine. The forest trees, with their green foliage, swayed in the
breeze. He beheld the sun flooding the heavens with light,
coming forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoicing as
a strong man to run a race. There were the bold sunnnits of the
hills reaching "toward the sky; in the far-away distance rose the
barren cliffs of the mountain wall of Moab ; above all si)read the
tender blue of the overarching heavens. And beyond was God.
He could not see him, but his works were full of his praise. The
# light of day, gilding forest and mountain, meadow and stream,
carried the mind up to ])ehold the Father of lights, the Author of

♦142

/'ATItfAIiCns AND riiorilHTS.

every j^chmI iiiid pert'cct ^it't. Daily revelations (»!' the cliaraeter ami
iiiajesty of lii.s Creator, filled the yoiiiij,' poet's heart with adoratjun
and rejoicing. In eonteiii|ilati(m of (lod uiid hin works, the fa( iil-
tiuH of Duvid'H mind and heart were (leM'lo|»iMj; and strenutlK'nini:
for the work of his after-life. He was daily coining' intt> a inure
intiniat(! coniniunion with (Jod. His mind was constantly iienr-
tratinj^' into new de|tths, for fresh themes to inspire his son;:', and
to wake the music of his harp. The rich melody of Ids vnjic
poured out U|)on the air, eclioed from the liills as if responsive to
the rejoicing of the an|j;elH' son^'S in heaven.

Who can nieasun; the results of those years of toil and wander-
in;,' anion;!; the lonely hills? The eonnnunion with natui'e an<l
with (Jod, the care of his Hocks, tin; perils and deliverances, the
;,'riefs and joys, of his lowly lot, wi're not only to mould the
character of David, and to influence his future life, hut throu;:li
the psalms of Israel's sweet sin^jer, they were, in all connn;; a^ies,
to kindle love and faith in the hearts of (iod's people, l»rin,i:in;i
them nearer to the ever-lovin;j; heart of Him in whom all his
creatures live.

David, in the heauty and vi;:or of his youn;; manhood, was
])reparin;^ to take a hi,Lih position with the nohlest of the earth.
His talents, as i)re('ious gifts from God, were enn)loyed to extol the
glory of the divine (liver. His opportunities of contemplation
and meditation served to enrich him with that wisdom and piety
that made him heloved of God and angels. As he contemplated
the perfections of his Creator, clearer conceptions of God oi>ened
l)eforc his soul. Ohscure themes were illuminated, difHcultics
were made plain, peri)lexities were harmonized, and each ray of
new light called forth fre.>:ih hursts of ra])ture, and sweeter anthems
of devotion, to the glory of God and the Redeemer. The love that
moved him, the sorrows that heset him, the triumi)hs that attend 'd
him, were all themes for his active thought; and as he l)eheld the
love of God in all the providences of his life, his heart throhhed
with more fervent adoration and gratitude, his voice rang out in a
richer melody, his harp was swept with more exultant joy; and
theshei)herd hoy proceeded from strength to strength, from knowl-
edge to knowledge; for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him.

CIIAPTRR LXIII.

DAVID AND (lOl-lATH.

W'hkn Kiu'^ Saul rcali/cd that \\v hud hi'cn rcjcctnl hy (Jod,
and wht'ii hn felt tijo force of the wordn of denunciation that hud
heen addressed to liim by tlie prophet, he was lllh'd with hitter
reltellion and despair. It was not true repentanci! that hud howed
the |)roud head of the kiiiji. II(? had no clt'ar perception of the
otVcnsive character of his sin, and did not arouse to the work of
reforming- his lile, l)ut hroodud over what he tluni^iht was the
injustice of Clod in (U'j)rivin<i; him of tlie throne of Israel, and in
takinji the succession uwuy from his posterity. He was ever
occupied in anticipating' the ruin that hud heen hrouj^ht upon his
house. He felt that the valor which he had displayed in encount-
erin;,f his enemies, should odsethissinof disohedience. He did not
accept with meekness the chastisement of (lod ; hut his haughty
spirit Itecumo desperate, until he wus on the verge of losing his
reason. His counselors advised him to seek for the services of a
skillful musician, in the hope that the soothing notes of a sweet
instrument miglit calm his troubled spirit. In the providence of
God, David, as a skillful i)erformer upon the harp, was brought
before the king. His lofty and heaven-inspired strains had the
desired effect. The brooding melancholy that had settled like
a dark cloud over the mind of Saul was charmed away.

When his services were not required at the court of Saul, David
returned to his flocks among the hills, and continued to maintain
his simplicity of spirit and demeanor. Whenever it was necessary,
ho was recalled to minister before the king, to soothe the mind of
the troubled monarch till the evil spirit should depart from him.
But although Saul expressed delight in David and his music, the
young shepherd went from the king's house to the fields and hills
of his i)asture with a sense of relief and gladness.

David was growing in favor with God d man. He had been
instructed in the way of the Lord, and ht <i jw set his heart more

[«43]

644

rATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Iiilly to do the will of God tluui ever before, lie had new themes
for thoim'lit. Me liad been in the court of the k'wv^, and had seen
tlie re,!|>onsibi]ities of royalty. lie had discovered some of the
temi)tations that beset tlie soul of Saul, and had penetrated soiut
of the mysteries in the (character and dealing's of Israel's first kirn:'.
lie had seen the gh^y of royalty shadowed Avith a dark cloud of
sorrow, and ho know that the household of Said, in their jirivate
life, were fj'.r from hap];y. All these thiniis served to l)riiiii-
troubled thoa<rhts to him Avho had been anointed to be kinu' over
Israel, lint while he was absorbed in dee[) mecljtation. and
harassed by thoujihts of anxiety, he turned t(j his harp, and
called forth strains that elevated his mind to the Author of every
•rood, and the dark clouds that seemed to shadow the horizon of
the future were dispelled.

God was teaehin<^ David lessons of trust. As Moses was
trained for his work, so the Lord was fitting the son of Jesse to
become the guide of his chosen people. In his watchcare for his
flocks, he was gaining an appreciation of the care that the ( ireat
Shepherd has for the sheep of his pasture.

The lonely hills and the wild ravines where David wandered
with his flocks were the lurking-place of beasts of prey. Not
infre(|uently the lion from the thickets by the Jordan, or the bear
from his lair among the hills, came, fierce with hunger, to attack
the flocks. According to the custom of his time, David was armed
only with, his sling and shepherd's staff'; yet he early gave proof
of his strength and courage in protecting his charge. Afterward
describing these encounters, he said : " When there came a lion, or
a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after him, and
smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and Avhen be an)se
against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and sIcav
him."' His experience in these matters proved the heart of
David, and develoi)ed in him courage and fortitude and faith.

Even before he was summoned to the court of Saul, David had
distinguished himself by deeds of valor. The officer who brought
him to the notice of the king declared him to be " a mighty valiant
man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters," and he said,
" The Lord is with him." ''

When war was declared by Israel against the Philistines, three
of the sons of Jesse joined the army under Saul; but David

» 1 Sam. 17 : 34, 35, Rev. Vcr. « 1 Sam. 16 : 18.

DAVID AND QOLIATII.

♦Uo

remained at home. After a time, howevei', he went to visit tlie
eann» of Saul, \^y his father's direction lie was to carry a mes-
sage and a gift to his elder hrothers, and to learn if they were still
in safety and health. But, unknown to Jesse, the youthful shei)-
herd had l)een intrusted with a liitiher mission. The armies of
Israel were in peril, and David had been directed l»y an angel to
save his people.

As David drew near to the army, he heard the sound of com-
motion, as if an engagement was alxut to begin. And '"the host
was going forth to the fight, and shouted for tlie battle." ' Israel and
the Philistines were drawn up in array, army against army. David
ran to the army, and came and saluted his l)rothcrs. \\'liile he
was talking with them, Goliath, the chami)ion of the Philistines,
came forth, and with insulting language defied Israel, and chal-
lenged them to ])rovide a man from their ranks who would meet
him in single cond)at. He rei)eated his challenge, and when
David saw that all Israel were filled with fear, and learned that
the Philistine's defiance was hurled at them day after day, without
arousing a champion to silence tlie boaster, his spirit was stirred
within him. lie was fired Avith zeal to jireserve the honor of the
living God and the credit of his peo})le.

The armies of Israel were depressed. Their courage failed.
They said one to another, " Have ye seen this man that is come
up? surely to defy Israel is he come up." In shame and indig-
nation, David exclaimed, " Who is this uncircumcised Philistine,
that he should defy the armies of the living God ? "

Eliab, David's eldest brother, when he heard these words, knew
well the feelings that were st^'rring the young man's soul. Even as
a shepherd, David had manifested daring, courage, and strength
but rarely witnessed ; and the mysterious visit of Samuel to their
father's house, and his silent departure, had awakened in the
minds of the brothers suspicions of the real object of his visit.
Their jealousy had l^^en aroused as they saw David honored al)ove
them, and they did not regard him with the respect and love due
to his integrity and brotherly tenderness. They looked upon Ijim
as merely a stripling shepherd, and now the (piestiou which he
asked was regarded by Eliab as a censure upon his own cowardice
in mak'.ng no attempt to silence the giant of the Philistines. The
elder brother exclaimed angrily, " Why camest thou down hither?

'See 1 Samuel 17.

K: [I

640

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

and with whom luist thou left those few sht'ej) in the wilderness"
I know thy pricU', and the nau<i;htines.s of thine heart; for thou art
come down that thou mit^htest see the hattle." David's answer
was respectful l>ut decided: "What have I now done? Is there
not a cause ? "

The words of David were repeated to the kin<j:, who summoned
the youth ])efore him. .Saul listened with astonishment to the
words of the shepherd, as he said, "Let no nian's heart i'ail
hecause of hiih ; thy servant will go and fijiht with this Philistine."
Saul strove to turn David from his purpose, hut the young man
was not to he moved. He replied in a simi)le, unassuming way,
relating his experiences while guarding his fother's flocks. And
he said, " The Lord that delivered mo out of the paw of the lion,
and out :,f the paw of the hear, he will deliver me out of the hand
of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord
be with thee."

For forty days the host of Israel had trembled before the
haughty challenge of the Pliilistiue giant. Their hearts failed
within them as they looked upon his massive form, in height
measuring six cubits and a span. Upon his head was a helmet
of brass, he was clothed with a coat of mail that weighed iivo
thousand shekels, and he had greaves of brass ujwn his legs.
The coat was made of plates of brass that overlaid one another,
like the scales of a fish, and they were so closely joined that no
dart or arrow could possibly penetrate the armor. At his back
the giant })ore a huge javelin, or lance, also of brass. "The
staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam ; and his spear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and one bearing a shield
went before him."

Morning and evening, Goliath had approached the camp of
Israel, saying with a loud voice, " Why are ye come out to set
your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to
Saul ? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be
your servants ; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then
shall ye be our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said,
I defy the armies of Israel this day ; give me a man, that we may
fight together."

Though Saul had given David permission to accept Goliath's
challenge, the king had small hope that David would be successful

DAVID AND GOLTATIl.

(}47

in liis courageous undert.ikinf;. C'oinnuind was ,u;ivon to clotlu' tiio
youtli in tlie king's own armor. The heavy liehuet of hrass was
put U|ton his head, and tlie coat of mail was placed upon his
hody; the monarch's sword was at his side. Thus eijuipped, he
started U])on his errand, l)ut erelong l)egan to retrace his stei)s.
The first thought in the minds of the anxious si)cctators was that
David iiad decided not to risk his life in meeting an antagonist in
so unequal an encounter. But this was far from tlio thought of
the hrave voung man. Wlien he returned to Saul, he begged
permission to lay aside the heavy armor, saying, " I cannot go
with these ; for I have not i)roved them." He laid off the king's
armor, and in its stead took only his staff in his hand, with his
shepherd's scrip, and a simple sling. Choosing five smooth stones
out of the brook, he put them in his bag, and, with his sling in
his hand, drew near to, the Philistine. The giant strode boldly
forward, exi)ecting to meet the mightiest of the warriors of Israel.
His armor-l)earer walked before him, and he looked as if nothing
could withstand him. As he came nearer to J)avid, he saw l)ut
a stripling, called a boy because of his youth. David's counte-
nance was ruddy with health, and his well-knit form, unprotected
by armor, was displayed to advantage; yet between its youthful
outline and the massive proportions of the Philistine, there was a
marked contrast.

Goliath was filled with amazement and anger. '' Am I a dog,"
he exclaimed, "that thou comest to me with staves?" Then he
})oured U|)on David the most terril)le curses by all the gods of his
knowledge. He cried in derision, " Come to me, and I will give
thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field."

David did not weaken l^efore the cham})ion of the Philisti'ies.
Stepping forv/ard, he said to his antagonist : " Thou comest ^.o me
Avith I. sword, and with a sjjcar, and with a shield ; ]>ut T come to
thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the C^od of the armies of
Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver
thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head
from thee ; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philis-
tines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of
the eartli ; that all the earth may know that there is a God in
Israel. And all this assenildy shall know that the Lord saveth
not with sword and si)ear; for the battl^ is the Lord's, and he will
give you into our hands."

048

PATRIARCHS AND PROP (ETS.

There was a rinj^ of fearlessness in liis ti,nu, a look of triui)i|ili
and rejoicinji; upon his fair countenance. This speech, <j;ivcn in a
clear, musical voic(;, rang out oii the air, and was distinctly liciird
l)y the listening thousands marshaled for war. The auger of
Goliath was roused to the very highest heat. In his nigc he
[)ushed up tlie lielmet that protected his forehead, and rushed
forward to wreak vengeance upon his opponent. The son of Jesse
was ])re[)aring for his foe. " And* it came to pass, whei' tlie Pliilis-
tine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David
hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Pliilistine. And
David put his iiand in his l)ag, and took thence a stone, and slang
it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk
into his forehead ; and he fell ui)on his face to the earth."

Amazement spread along the lines of the two armies. They
had been confident that David would, l^e slain; but Avhen the
stone went whizzing thnjugli the air, straight to the mark, they
saw the mighty warrior tremble, and reach forth his hands, as if
he were struck with sudden blindness. The giant reeled, and
staggered, and like a smitten oak, fell to the ground. David did
not wait an instant. Ho sprung upon the prostrate form of the
Philistine, and with 1)oth hantls laid hold of Goliath V, heavy
sword. A moment ])efore, the gii nt had l)oasted that with it he
would sever the youth's head from his shoulders, and give his
body to the fowls- of the air. Now it was lifted in the air, and
then the hej\d o+' the boaster rolled from his trunk, and a shout of
exultation Avont ap from the camp of Israel.

The Philistines were smitten with terror, and the confusion
which ensued, resulted in a precipitate retreat. The shouts oY the
triumi)hant Hebrews echoed along the summits of the mountains,
as tliey rushed after their fleeing enemies ; and they " pui'sued the
Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gate of
Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the
way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. And the
children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and
they spoiled their tents. And David took the head of the Philis-
tine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he ])ut his armor in
his tent."

CHAPTER LXIV.

DAVID A FL'(irriVl'..

After the Hlaying of Goliuth, Suul kci)t Diivi<l with liiiu, nm]
would not permit hiiu to return to liis iUther's house And it
came to pass that "' the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of
David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.*" Jonathan and
David made a covenant to he united as hrethren, and the king's
son " stripj)ed himself of the rohe that was U})on him, and uave it to
David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his l>o\v, and
to his girdle." David was intrusted with im[)ortant responsi-
hilities, yet he preserved his modesty, and won tlie aifeetion of
the i)eople as well as of the royal household.

"David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and hehaved
himself wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war."' David
was prudent and faithful, and it was evident that tlu Idessing of
God was with him. Saul at times realized his own unfitness for
the government of Israel, and he felt that th . kingdcn would he
more secure if there could he connected with i-.i . one \» ho received
instruction from the Lord. Saul hoped a^ Uiat ids connection
with David would be a safeguard to himstif. Since David was
favored and shielded by the Lord, his ])resen< c mi'xht be a [irotec-
tion to Saul when, he went out Avith lum to war.

It was the i)rovidence of God that had cuiUiected David with
Saul. David's position at court would give him a knowledge of
afi'airs, in preparation for his future greatness. It would enalde
him to gain the confidence of the nation. The vicis-utudes and
hardships which befell him, through the enmity of Saul, would
lead him to feel his dependence upon God, and to ])ut his whole
trust in him. And the friendship of Jonathai\ for David v. us also
of God's providence, to jireserve the life of thr I'uturc rukr of
Israel. In all these things, God was working out his gracious
purposes, both for David and for the people of Israel.

iSt^ t Samuel 18-22.

[(U-t]

■ if
'if. ■ '

\':m

650

PATItlAliCJIS AND PROPHETS.

Saul, howcvpr, did not loiij^ remain friendly ti) David, W'licn
Saul and David were returning from l)attlc with the Philistines,
" the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancinir,
to meet King Saul, with tahrets, with joy, and with instruments of
music." One company sang, " Saul hath slain his th(jusands,"
while another company took up the strain, and responded, "And
David his ten thousands." The demon of jealousy entered the
heart of the king. He was angry because David was exalted
ahove himself in tiie song of the women of Israel. In i)lace of
sulxluing these envious feelings, he displayed the weakness of liis
character, and exclaimed, " They have ascribed unto David ten
thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands; and what
can he have more but the kingdom ? "

One great defect in the character of Saul was his love of
ajiprobation. This trait had had a controlling influence over his
actions and thoughts; everything was marked by his desire for
praise and self-exaltation. His standard of right and wrong was
the low standard of popular applause. No man is safe who lives
that he may please men, and does not seek first for the approbation
of God. It was the ambition of Saul to be first in the estimation
of men; and when this song of praise was sung, a settled convic-
tion entered the mind of the king, that David would obtain the
hearts of the people, and reign in his stead.

Saul opened his heart to the spirit of jealousy by which his
soul was i)oisoned. Notwithstanding the lessons which he had
received from the prophet Samuel, instructing him that God
would accomplish wdiatsoever he chose, and that no one could
hinder it, the king made it evident that he had no true knowledge
of the plans or power of God. The monarch of Israel was
opposing his will to the will of the Infinite One. Saul had not
learned, while ruling the kingdom of Israel, that he should
rule his own spirit. He allowed his impulses to control his
judgment, until he was plunged into a fury of passion. He
had paroxysms of rage, when he was ready to take the life of any
who dared oppose his will. From this frenzy he would pass into
a state of despondency and self-contempt, and remorse would take
possession of his soul.

He loved to hear David play upon his harp, and the evil spirit
seemed to be charmed away for the time; but one day when the
youth was ministering before him, and bringing sweet music from

DAVID A FUGITIVE.

t',:,i

his instruiuent, acconi])anyin^' liis voict' as lio san^ tlu' praises of
Ciod, Saul suddenly threw his sjjoar at the uuisiciau, toi- the pur-
pose of ])uttin}i; an end to his life. David was ))reserved liy the
inter))()siti()n of (lod, and without injury lied from the rage of
the niiiddened king.

As Saul's hatred of David inereased, he l)eeaine more and more
wateiiful to fi'id an op{>oi-tunity to take his life; hut none of his
})lans against the anointed of th(! Lord were sueeessful. Saul trave
himself Uj) to the eontrol of the wieked spirit that ruled over him;
while David trusted in Ilim who is mijfhty in counsel, and stron<r
to (k'liver. "The fear of the Lord is the be,<rinnin,u- of Avisdom,'"
and David's }»rayer was continually <lirecte(l to (uxl, that lie
miiiht walk hefore him in a perfect way.

Desiring to l.)e freed from the i)resence of his rival, tlu; king
"removed him from him, and made him his captain over' a
thousand. . . . But all Israel and Judah loved David."' The
people were not slow to see tliat David was a competent jterson,
and that the affairs intrusted to his hands were managed with
wisdom and skill. The counsels of the young man were of a wise
and discreet character, and proved to 1)0 safe to follow; while the
judgment of Saul was at times unreliable, and his decisions were
not wise.

Though Saul was ever on the alert for an opi)ortunity to
destroy David, he stood in fear of him, since it was evident that
the Lord was with him. David's blameless character aroused
the wrath of the king; he deemed that the very life and presence
of David cast a reproach upon him, since by (jontrast it i>resented
his own character to disadvantage. It was envy that made Saul
miserable, and put the humble subject of his throne in jeo))ardy.
What untold mischief has this evil trait of character worked in
our world! The same enmity existed in the heart of Saul that
stirred the heart of Cain ag ,nst his brother Abel, because Abel's
works Avere righteous, and God honored him, and his own works
were evil, and the Lord could not bless him. Envy is the otVspring
of pride, and if it is entertained in the heart, it will lead to hatred,
and eventually to revenge and murder. Sntan displayed his own
character in exciting the fury of Saul against him who had never
done him harm.

The king kept a strict Avatch upon David, hoping to find some
occasion of indiscretion or rashness that might serve as an excuse

1 Prov. 9:10.

65l>

PAriilAIiCJfS AM) PHOPHKTS

to ItriiiiT liiiii into disgrace. Hi' Mi that he r(»ul(l not lio satisjicd
until he could take tho young man's life and still l)c justilicd
l)olbre the nation for his evil act. lie laid a snare tor the tret
of David, urging him to conduct the war against the IMiilistincs
with still greater vigor, and |»romising, as a rcAvard of his vulor,
an alliance with the eldest daughter of the royal house. To llii.-.
proposal, David's modest answer mis, "Who am I? and what
is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should he son-
in-law to the king?" The monarch manifested his insincerity Iiy
wedding the princess to another.

An attachment for David on the part of Michal, Saul's youngest
daughter, afforded the king another opportunity to jdot against liis
rival. Michal's hand was offered the young man, on condition
that evidence should he given of the defeat and slaughter of a
specified number of their national foes. " Saul thought to make
David fall by the hand of the Philistines ; " but God shielded his
servant. David returned, a victor, from the battle, to become the
king's son-in-law. " Michal Saul's daughter loved him," and the
monarch, enraged, saw that his plots had resulted in the elevation
of him whom he sought to destroy. He was still more assured
that this was the man whom the Lord had said was better than
he, and Avho should reign on the throne of Israel in his place.
Throwing off all disguise, he issued a command to Jonathan and
to the officers of the court to take the life of the one he hated.

Jonathan revealed the king's intention to David, and bade him
conceal himself, while he would plead with his father to spare the
life of the deliverer of Israel. He presented before the king what
David had done to preserve the honor and even the life of the
nation, and what terrible guilt would rest upon the murderer
of the o.ie whom God had used to scatter their enemies. The
conscience of the king was touched, and his heart was softened.
"And Sail sware. As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain."
David wa. brought to Saul, and he ministered in his presence^
as he had done in the past.

Again war was declared between the Israelites and the Philis-
tines, and David led the army against their enemies. A great
victory was gained by the Hebrews, and the people of the realm
praised his wisdom and heroism. This served to stir up the for-
mer bitterness of Saul against him. While the young man was
playing l>efore the king, filling the palace with sweet harmony,

ItA \'f/> A FUGITIVE.

651?

Saul's passion ovcrcaiin; him, and lie hurled a javelin at David,
thinkiuL' to pin the musician to the wall; hut the an^el of the
Lord turned aside the deadly weapon. David eseajK'd, and lied
to his own house. 8aul sent spies tliat tliey mitdit take him as
he sliould eorae out in the morninfi, and put an end to his life

^liehal informed David of the |)Urpose of her father. She
ur^^ed him to flee for his life, and let him down from the Avindow,
thus enahling him to make Ids escape. He; flecl to Samuel at
Ramah, and the ])ro]diet, fearless of the kin^j's .disi)leasure, wel-
comed the fu<.'itive. The home of Samuel was a })eaceful phwc in
contrast with the royal palace. It was here, amid the hills, that
the honored servant of the Lord continued his work. A comi)any
of seers Avas with him, and they studied closely the will of God,
and listened re\ erently to the words of instruction that fell from
the lips of Samuel. Precious were the lessims that David learned
from the teacher of Israel. David believed that the trooj)s of Saul
would not be ordered to invade this sacred place ; but no place
seemed to be sacred to the darkened mind of the desperate king.
David's connection with Sanmel aroused the jealousy of the king,
lest he who was revered as a prophet of God throughout all Israel
should lend his influence to the advancement of Saul's rival.
When the king learned where David was, he sent oflficers to bring
him to Gibeah, where he intended to carry out his murderous •
design.

The messengers went on their way, intent upon taking David's
life ; but One greater than Saul controlled them. They were met
by unseen angels, as was Balaam when he was on his way to
curse Israel. They began to utter prophetic sayings of what
would occur in the future, and proclaimed the glory and majesty
of Jehovah. Thus God overruled the wrath of man, and mani-
fested his jjower to restrain evil, while he walled in his servant by
a guard of angels.

The tidings reached Saul as he eagerly waited to have David
in his ^ower ; but instead of feeling the rebuke of God, he was
still more exasperated, and sent other messengers. These also
wore overpowered by the Spirit of God, and united with the first
in prophesying. The third embassage was sent by the king ; but
when they came into the company of the prophets, the divine
influence fell upon them also, and they prophesied. Saul then
decided that he himself would go, for his fierce enmity had

654

J'ATIil \1{('IIS AM> ri{(H'llH'tS.

lu'coiiu! uiicoiitrollaltlc. He was (Ictfriiiincd to wait 1'<»r no rurtlicr
chaiici! to kill David; as soon as he slioiilU coiik! witliiii rc.ich of
him, ho iiitciidcd with his own hand to slay him, whatt-vcr miy:lit
bo tlio <'ons('(|U('n('('S.

]>ut an aiiLTcl of (iod met liim on the way, and controllrd liiiii.
The Hpirit of (!od held liim in its jiowor, and lie went t'oi-ward
iittcrini; jiraycis 1(» (iod, intcrsix-rscd witii pro(H('tion> and saciv<l
melodies, lie |iro|)liesie<l of the cominj; Messiah as the \\'orI(rs
Re(U'cni(i'. When he eanu; to tlie |iro[)het's home in lia.uah, he
laiti aside the outer ^^arnu'iits that hetokened his raid<, and all
(hiy, and all niirht, lie lay iK.'fon; Samuel and his pupils, under tla;
influoneo of the divino S|)irit. The people wen; drawn louether
to witness this stranjro soono, and the exi)erioneo of the kin;,' was
reported far and wide. Thus a^'ain, near tho close of his reiun, it
becamo a jiroverb in Israel that Saul also was amon^f tlie prophets.

A^'ain the pi-rsi'cutor was defeated in his purpose. He assured
Dtivid that he was at peaee with him; hut David had little con-
fidonce in the kinj^'s rei)entancc. He took this opportunity to
escape, lest the moo<l of the king should change, as formerly. Ilis
heart was wounded Avithin him, and ho longed to see his friend
Jonathan once more. Conscious of his innocence, he sought i\w.
king's son, and made a most touching appeal. " ^^'hat hav(! I
done?" li(i asked, ''what is nnno iniijuity? and wdiat is my sin
before thy father, that he seeketh my life?" Jonathan l)elieved
that his father had changed his purpose, and no longer intended
to take the life of David. And Jonathan said unto him, "God
forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing
either great or small, ])ut that he will show it mo; and why
should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so." After
the remarkal)le exhiltition of the power of Clod, Jonathan could
not believe that his fatlier would still harm David, since this
would be manifest rebellion against God. But David was not
convinced. With intense earnestness he declared to Jonathan,
"As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is In* a step
between me and death."

At the time of the new moon, a sacred festival was celel)riited
in Israel. This festival recurred \\\)on the day following the
interview Itetween David and Jonathan. At this fea.st it was
expected that both the young men would ap})ear at the king's
tabic; 1)ut David feared to lie j)resent, and it was arranged that

DAVID A FVillTIVK.

Who

lit' should visit his hrotlicrs in iJcthlfhrin. < )ii his return ho wiis
to hi(h> hiniscll' in ii lit-hl not tar from tin; lKin(|U*'tin;; liall, tor
three (lavs al»sentin.; himself from the presiMiee itf the kinu' ; and
Jonathan would note the etleet upon Saul. If lni|uiiT sliould he
made as to the nhereahout?* of the; son of Jesse, Jonathan was to
say that he had <rone Ijonm to attend the saeriliee t)tlereil hy his
fathur's household, if no ai-.irry demonstrations were mailo hy tlu^
kin;:, hut he should answer, " It is well," then it would lie safe for
Duvid to n-turn to i\\v, court. Mut if he should heeome enraged
at Ins ahsenee, it WMiuhl decide the matter of David's tli^iht.

On the tirst day of the feast the kin^ ma<l(! no inquiry con-
<:erniu^' the ahsenee of David ; hut when his place was vacant the
second day, he qui'stioned, "Wherefore cometh not the son of
Jesse to meat, neitlun* yesterday nor to-day? And Jonathan
answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to uo to Beth-
lehem ; and lu; .said, Ii<'t me ^o, I i>ray theci; fur our fannly hath
a sacrifice in the city; and my hrother, he iiath commanded me
to he there: and now, if 1 have found favor in thine eyes, h't me
^et away, I pray thee, and see my hrethren. Therefore he cometh
not unto the kin^'.s tahle." When Saul heard these words, \\\a
anger was ungovernahle. Jle declared that as long as David lived,
Jonathan could not come to the throne of Israel, and lie demanded
that David should l)e sent for innuediatcdy, that he ndght he jtut
to death. Jonathan again made intercession for his friend, plead-
ing, "Wherefore shall he he slain? what hath \w done?" Thi.s
appeal to the king only made him more satanie in his fury, and
the spear which he had intended for David, lie now hurled at
his own son.

The prinee was grieved and indignant, and leaving the royal

))resence, he was no more a guest at the feast. His .soul was l»owed

down with sorrow, as he re[)aired, at the appointed time, to the

spot wdiere David was to learn the king's intentions toward him.

Each fell ui)on the other's neck, and they we})t hitterly. The dark

passion of the king cast its shadow ujjon the life of the young

men, and their grief was too intense for expression. Jonathan's

last words fell upon the ear of David as they separated to pursue

their different paths, "Go in peace, forasnmch as we have sworn

hoth of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord he lietween

me and thee, and hetween my seed and thy seed forever."

The kiniz's son returned to Giheah, and David hastened to

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656

PATRIAUCIIS AND PROPHETS.

reach Nob, a city but a few miles distant, and also belonging to
the tribe of Benjamin. The tabernacle had been taken to thia
place from Shiloh, and here Ahimelech the high priest ministered.
David knew not whither to flee for refuge, except to the servant of
God. The priest looked upon him with astonishment, as he came,
in haste, and apparently alone, with a countenance marked by
anxiety and sorrow. He inquired what had brought him there.
The young man was in constant fear of discovery, and in his
extremity he resorted to deception. David told the priest that he
had been sent by the king on a secret errand, one which required
the utmost expedition. Here he manifested a want of faith in
God, and his sin resulted in causing the death of the high priest.
Had the facts been plainly stated, Ahimelech would have known
what course to pursue to preserve his life. God requires that
truthfulness shall mark his people, even in the greatest peril.
David asked the priest for five loaves of bread. There was nothing
but hallowed bread in the possession of the man of God, but
David succeeded in removing his scruples, and obtained the bread
to satisfy his hunger.

A new danger now presented itself Doeg, the chief of Saul's
herdsmen, who had professed the faith of the Hebrews, was now
paying his vows in the place of worship. At sight of this jxian,
David determined to make haste to secure another place of refuge,
and to obtain some weapon with which to defend himself if defense
should become necessary. He asked Ahimelech for a sword, and
was told that he had none except the sword of Goliath, which had
been kept as a relic in the tabernacle. David replied, " There is
none like that ; give it me." His courage revived as he grasped
the sword that he had once used in destroying the champion of
the Philistines.

David fled to Achish, the king of Gath ; for he felt that there
was more safety in the midst of the enemies of his people than in
the dominions of Saul. But it was reported to Achish that David
was the man who had slain the Philistine champion years before;
and now he who had sought refuge with the foes of Israel, found
himself in great peril. But feigning madness, he deceived his
enemies, and thus made his escape.

The first error of David was his distrust of God at Nob, and
his second mistake was his deception before Achish. David had
displayed noble traits of character, and his moral worth had won

DAVID A FUGITIVE.

yiim Ijivur with tlic pcoijle; l>ut as trial came upon him, liis faith
was shaken, and human weaknoss appeared. He saw in every
man a spy and a hetrayer. In a great emergency, David had
looked U)i to (fod with the steady eye of faith, and had vanquished
*>he Philistine giant. He believed in God, he went in Ins name.
But as he had been liunted and persecuted, perplexity and dis-
tress had nearly hidden his heavenly Father from his sight.

Yet this exiierience was serving to teach David wisdom; for
it led liim to realize his weakness, and the necessity of constant
dependence ui»on God. 0, how precious is the sweet influence
of the Spirit of God as it comes to depressed or despairing souls,
encouraging the faint-hearted, strengthening the feeble, and im-
parting courage and help to the tried servants of the Lord! O,
what a God is ours, who deals gently with the erring, and mani-
fests his ]>atience and tenderness in adversity, and when we are
•)vcrwhelmed with some great sorrow !

Every failure on the part of the children of God is due to
their lack of faith. When shadows encompass the soul, when
we want light and guidance, we must look up; there is light
beyond the darkness. David ought not to have distrusted God
for one moment. He had cause for trusting in him : he was the
Lord's anointed, and in the midst of danger he had been protected
by tlie angels of God; he had been armed with courage to do
wonderful things ; and if he had but removed his mind from the
distressing situation in which he was placed, and had thought
of God's power and majesty, he would have been at peace even
in the midst of the shadows of death ; he could with confidence
liave repeated the promise of the Lord, " The mountains shall
depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not
depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my pence be
removed.'' '

Among the mountains of Judah, David sought refuge from
the iiursuit of Saul. He made good his escape to the cavo of
AdulUim, a place that, with a small force, could be held against
a large army. '' And when his brethren and all his father's house
heard it, they went down thither to him." The family of David
could not feel secure, knowing that at any time the unreasonable
suspicions of Saul might be directed against them on account
of their relation to David. They had now learned — what was
coming t< be generally known in Israel — that God had chosen

» Is>a. 54 : 10.

658

PATRIARCHS AND PROPIIKTS.

David as the future ruler of hiH people; and they believed that
they would bo safer with him, even though ho was a fugitive in
a lonely cave, than they could he while exposed to the insane
madness of a jealous king.

In the cave of Adullam, the family were united in synii>athy
and affection. The son of Jesse could make melody with voice
and harp as he sang, " Behold, how good and how plea.-^ant it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity ! " ' He had tasted the
bitterness of distrust on the part of his own brothers; and the
harmony that had taken the place of discord, brought joy to the
exile's heart. It was here that David composed the fifty-seventh
psalm.

It was not long before David's company v/as joined by (jtiiers
who desired to escape the exactions of the king. There were
many who had lost confidence in the ruler of Israel, for they
could see that he was no longer guided by the Spirit of tiie
Lord. " And every one that was in distress, and every one that
was in debt, and every one that was discontented," resorted
to David, " and he became a captain over thern ; and there were
with him about four hundred men." Here David had a little
kingdom of his own, and in it order and discipline prevailed.
But even in his retreat in the mountains, he was for from feeling
secure ; for he received continual evidence that the king had not
relinquished his murderous purpose.

He found a refuge for his parents with the king of Moab, and
then, at a warning of danger from a prophet of the Lord, he fled
from his hiding-place to the forest of Hareth. The exi)erience
through which David was passing, was not unnecessary or fruitless.
God was giving him a course of discipline to fit him to become a
wise general, as well as a just and merciful kin>r. With his band
of fugitives he was gaining a preparation to take up the work tiiat
Saul, because of hpis murderous passion and blind indiscretion, was
becoming wholly unfitted to do. Men cannot depart from the
counsel of God, and still retain that calmness and wisdom which
will enable them to act with justice and discretion. There is no
insanity so dreadful, so hopeless, as that of following human wis-
dom, unguided by the wisdom of God.

Saul had been preparing to ensnare and capture David in the
cave of Adullam, and when it was discovered that David had left
this place of refuge, the king was greatly onrageil. The flight of

>Fs. ia-5 : 1.

DAVID A FUGITTVK

(U)\)

David Avas a iiivsterv to Saul. H(! could account lor it onlv l»v
the l)elit't' that there had l)cen traitors in Ids camp, who had
informed the son of Jesse of his i)roximity and desijfn.

He aflirmeil to his counselors that a conspiracy had heen
formed a>rainst him, and with the otfer of ricli <:ifts and j)ositions
of honor he l>ril>ed them to reveal who amonj^ Ins ]>eople had he-
friended l>avi<l. Doe*: the Edonute turned informer. Moved l)y
and)ition sind avarice, and hy hatred of the priest, who had re-
l)roved his sins, Doejr reported David's visit to Ahimelech, repre-
sentinj.' the matti-r in sucli a li<iht as to kindle Saul's anger
against tlie man of CJod. The words of that ndschievous tongue,
set on fire of liell, stirred up the worst jiassions in Saul's heart.
Gladdened witli rage, ho declared that the whole family of the
priest should perish. And the terrible decree was executed. Not
only Ahimelech, hut the members of his father's house, — "four-
score and five per.'-ons that did wear a linen ei)hod," — werejilain
at the kings connnand, by the murderous hand of Doeg.

"And Nolt, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of
the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and
oxen, and asses, and sheep." This is what Saul could do under
the control of Satan. When God had said that the iniijuity of
the Amalekites was full, and had commanded him to destroy
them utterly, he thought himself too compassionate to execute
the divine sentence, and he spared that which was devoted to
destruction: but now, without a command from God, under the
guidanie of Satan, he could slay the priests of the Lord, and
bring ruin upon the inhabitants of Nob. Such is the perversity of
the human heart that has refused the guidance of- God.

This deed filled all Israel with horror. It was the king Avhom
they had chosen that had connnitted this outrage; and he had
only done after the manner of the kings of other nations that feared
not God. The ark was with them; but the })riests of whom they
had inquired were slain with the sword. What would come next?

CHAPTER LXV.

THE MAGNANIMirV OK DAVID.

Ai" .:r Saul's- atrocious slaujrlitov of the priests (»t" tlir Lord,
''' one of the sons of Aliinielech the son of Ahitul), naniotl Aldatliar,
escaped, and fled after David. And Abiathar showed David that
Saul had slain the Lord's priests. And David said unto Ahiathar,
I knew it tliat day, when Doeg the P^doinite was there, that he
would surely tell Saul; I have occasioned the death of all the
persons of thy father's house. Abide thou with nie, fear not; for
he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life; but with nie thou shalt
be in safeguard." '

Still hunted by the king, David found no i)lace of rest (jr
security. At Keilah his brave band saved the town from capture
by the Philistines, but they were not safe, even among the people
whom they had delivered. From Keilah they rei)ain'(l to the
wilderness of Ziph.

At this time, when there were so few bright spots in the path
of David, he was rejoi*^ed to receive an unex])ected visit from
Jonathan, who had learned the jdace of his refuge. Precious were
the moments which these two friends passed in each other's society.
They related their varied experiences, and Jonathan strengthened
the heart of David, saying, "Fear not; for the hand of Saul my
father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and
I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul mv father knoweth."
As they talked of the wonderful dealings of God with David,
the hunted fugitive was greatly encouraged. " And they two
made a covenant before the Lord; and David abode in the wood,
and Jonathan went to his house."

After the visit of Jonathan, David encouraged his soul with
songs of praise, accompanying his voic(j with his harp as he
sang : —

1 See 1 Sam. 22 : 20-'2:J ; iliapter.- '23-27.
[ ««l) ]

ri{E MAGNANIMITY OF DAVID.

tUil

" In the Lord put I luy trust;
Ilow say yc to my soul,
Flco as a bird to your mountain?
For, lo, the wicked l)end their b iw,
They make ready tlieir arrow upon the strin>r,
That tliey may privily shoot at the u|)rij;iit in heart.
If the foundations be destroyed,
What can the rij^hteou-* do?
The Lord is in his holy temple,
The Lord's throne is in heaven;

His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the rliildren of men.
The Lord trieth the righteous;
But the wicked, and him that loveth violence, his sou! hateth."'

The Zii)liitoH, into wliose wild rojrions David went from Ki-ilah,
sent word to Saul in (lil)eah that they knew Avhere David was
hidinj:, and that they Avould guide the king to his retreat. But
David, warned of their intentions, ehanged his position, seeking
refuge in the mountains between INIaon and the Dead Sea.

Again word was sent to Saul, " liehold, David is in the wilder-
ness of Enge<li. Then Saul took three thousand men ehosen out
of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the roeks
of the wild goats." David had only six hundred men in his
company, while Saul advanced against him with an army of three
thousand. In a secluded cave the son of Jesse and his men
Avaited for the guidance of God as to what should he done. As
Saul was pr<;ssing liis way up the mountains, he turned aside, and
entered, alone, the very cavern in which David and his band were
hidden. When David's men saw this, they urged their leader to
kill Saul. The fact that the king was now in their j)ower, was
interpreted by them as certain evidence that God himself had
delivered the enemy into their hand, that they might destroy him.
David was tempted to take this view of the matter; but the; voice
of conscience spoke to him, saying, " Touch nt)t the anoiiitctl of
the Lord."

David's men were still unwilling to leave Saul in jieace, and
they reminded their commander of the words of God, '■'■ liehold, I
will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayost do to
him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut
off the skirt of Saul's ro!>e privily." But his conscience smote him
afterward, l)ecause he had even marred the garment of the king.

'Pr. 11 : 1-5.

♦Ifi'J

PAriilAliCllS AM) I'HOI'IIKTS.

Saul roHo up ftiid went nut of the cave to continue liis scaicli
\\\\v\\ 'A voice fell U|ton his Htnitled ears, nayin^', "My lord the
kin^f." He turned to see who was addreHHin.i,' him, and lo! it wa.>
the son of .lesse, the man whom lie hud so long desired to have in
liis |tower that ho mijiht kill him. David howed himself to the
kinj:, acknowledjiing him as his master. Then he addressed Saul
in these words: " Wherefor*' hearest thou men's words, sayinji.
Hehold, l)i.»id seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes
have seen how that the Lord hu,1 delivered the«! to-day into mine
hand i-i the cave; and some hade me kill thee; hut mine eye
spared thee; and I said, I will not jmt iorth mine hand against
my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed. Moreover, my father, sec.
yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand ; for in that I cut oH
tlie skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that
thl're is neither evil nor trans<;ression in mine hand, and I have
not sinned against thee; yet thou huniest my soul to take it."

When Saul heard the words of David hu was luunhled, and
couhl not l)Ut admit their truthfulness. His feelings were dee|)ly
moved is he reahzed how com])letely he had been in the power ot
the man whose life he sought. David stood before him in con-
scious innocence. With a softened spirit, Saul exclaimed, " Is
this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and
wept." Then he declared to David : " Thou art more righteous
than I ; for thou hast rewarded me good, Avhereas I have rewarded
thee evil. . . . For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go
well away ? Wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou
hast done unto me this day. And now, behold, I know well that
thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be
established in thine hand." And David made a covenant with
Saul that when this should take place he would favorably regard
the house of Saul, and not cut off his name.

Knowing Avhat he did of Sanl's past course, David could i)ut
no confidence in the assurances of the king, nor hope that his
penitent condition would long continue. So when Saul returned
to his home, Da^ id remained in the strongholds of the mountains.

The enmity that is cherished toward the servants of God l»y
those who have yielded to the power of Satan, changes at times to
a feeling of reconciliation and fa;'3r; but the change does not
always i)rove to bo lasting. After evil-minded men have engaged
in doing and saying wicked things against the Lord's servants, the

TIIK AL\(LyA\L}fITy OF IhWIP.

«;♦>:;

conviction that they liiivr Ix'cn in the wnjnj; sonictiMu's takes dvv\\
hold U|ton tlit'ir minds. The S|)irit of tliu Lord strives with theiu,
and they hunihle their hearts helbre (Jod, a\id hetore tliose ^vliose
inHuence they have sought to destroy, and they may ehanjre their
eonrse towanl them. JUit as they ajzain o|ten the door to the
HUgjrestions of the evil one, the oM doiiht-^: are revived, the old
enmity is awakene<l, am! th< y return to enjrajri^ in the same work
wliieh they repented of, and for a time ahiu>doned. A;rain they
speak evil, aeousinj; an<l eondenniinfj; in the hitterest in.uiner the
very ones to whom they made most humhle confession. Satan
can use such souli;' with far greater power after such a course has
l)een pursued than he could hefore, hecause they liave sinned
ajrainst jrreater li;jht.

" And Samuel died ; and ail the Israelites Wec. jrathered
together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at
Ramah.'" The death of Samuel was regarded as an irreparable
loss by the nation of Israel. A great and good pro])het and an
eminent judge had fallen in death; and the grief of the people
was deep and heartfelt. From his youth up, Samuel had walked
before Israel in the integrity of his heart; although Saul had been
the acknowledged king, Samuel had wielded a more jiowerful
influence than he, hecause his record was one of fitithfulness,
obedience, and vievotion. We read that he judged Israel all the
days of his life.

As the people contrasted the course of Saul with that of
Samuel, they saw what a mistake they had made in desiring a
king that they might not be different from the nations around
them. Many looked with alarm at the condition of society, fast
becoming leavened with irreligion and godlessness. The example
of their ruler was exerting a wide-spread influence, and well might
Israel mourn that ^anmel, the prophet of the Lord, was dead.

The nation had lost the founder and president of its sacred
schools; but that was not all. It had lost him to whom the
people had been accustomed to go with their great troubles, — lost
one who had constantly Irterceded with God in behalf of the best
interests of its people. The intercession of Samuel had given a
feeling of security ; for " the efl'ectuai, fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth much."' The people felt now that Clod was forsaking
them. The king seemed little less than a madman. Justice was
])erverted. and order was turned to confusion.

' James .5 : 10.

064

PATHlMtrilS AN,) I'ltitPilKTS.

It wjiH when the uiition wiih nicki'd with nitcrnnl strit'r. wlnii
the cahn, God-loariu^ coumhcI o^ Saniut'l Ht't'iiicd to ho most iwcdod,
that God fiave hin aj;ed Hcrvant rest. Hitter were the reHectioiis
of the peoph) as tliev looked upon hi.s (luiet restiiiir-plaec. jind
reiiieinltered tlieir lolly ill rejeetinji him as their ruler ; for In- Jiad
had HO eUwe a eomieetion with Heaven that he seemed to liind mII
Isniel to the til rone of Jehovah. It was Samuel who had t:iu;.dit
tliem to love and ohey Clod ; hut now tiiat he was d(;ad, the people
felt that they were left to the mercies of a kiiij; who was joined to
Satan, and who would divorce the jteople from (lod and heaven.

David could not he present at tlu^ hurial of Samuel ; l»ut he
mourned for him as deei»ly and tenderly jis a faithful son muld
m(^urn for a devoted father. He knew that Samuers death had
broker another liond of restraint from the actions of Saul, and he
felt less secure than when the prophet lived. While the attention
of Saul was enpifjed in mourning for the death of Samuel, David
took the opportunity to seek a place of greater security ; so he iled
to the wilderness of Paran. It was liere that he composed the one
hundred and twentieth and twenty-first j>salms. In these desolate
wilds, realizinj^ that the prophet was dead, and the king was his
enemy, he sang : —

" My help coraeth from the Lord,
Which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved;
He that keepcth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepetl) Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep. ...
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil;
He shall preserve thy soul.

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy t'ominu' in
From this time forth, and even forevermore." '

While David and his men were in the wilderness of Paran,
they protected from the depredations of marauders the flocks and
herds of a wealthy man named Nahal, who had vast posse.ssions
ft\ that regioi\ Nabal was a descendant of Caleb, but his character
was churlish und niggardly.

It was the time of sheep-shearing, a season of hospitality.
David and his men were in sore need of provisions; and in
accordance 'vith the custom of the times, the son of Jesse sent

»Ps. 121 : 2-8.

TIIH MAiiSAMMITY i>F hAVlI).

mis

ten younj; men to NiiKul, liiddin;.' tliciii ;:r('(t him in tlirir imii^t. rs
name; and he added: "Thus nhall ye May to him that iivctli in
prosperity, I'eace he l»oth to thee, and peace he to thine house,
and peace he unt() all that thou hast. And now I have jicard that
thou hast sliearers; now thy shephenls which were with u-^. we
hurt them not, neither was tliere au^dit missin^r unt(» them, all the
while they were in Carmel.* Ask thy youn^' men, and thev will
show thee. Wherefore let the youn^' men find favnr in thine
eyt's; for we come in a ^ood day; ^'ive, I jiray thee, what-oever
Cometh to thini; liand unto thy servants, and to thy fH)\\ David."

David and his men had heen like a wall of protection to the
shepherds and Hocks of Nahal ; and now this rich man was asked
to furnish from his ahundanee some relief to the necessities of
those who had done him such valuahle service. David and his
men miyht have helped themselves from the flocks and herds;
hut they did not. They hehave-1 themselves in an honest way.
Their kimlness, however, was lost upon Nahal. The answer lie
returned to David was indicative of his character: 'Who is
David? and who is the son of Jesse? There he many servants
nowadays that hroak away every man from his master. Shall I
then take my hread, and my watvT, and my flesh that I have
killed for my .shearers, and give it unto men, whom 1 know not
whence they he?"

When the young men returned empty-handed, and related the
affair to David, he was filled with indignation. He commanded
his men to equip themselves for an encounter; for he had deter-
mined to punish the man who had denied him what was his right,
and had added insult to injury. This impulsive movement was
more in harmony with the character of Saul than with that of
David; hut the son of Jesse had yet to learn lessons ot patience
in the school of affliction.

One of Nahal's servants hastened to Ahigail, the wife of Nahal,
after he had dismissed David's young men, and told her what had
happened. " Behold," he said, " David sent mesftcngers out ot the
wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them, liut tlie
men were very good unto us, and wo were not hurt, neither missed
we anything, as long as we were conversant with them, when we
were in the fields. They were a wall unto us hoth hy night and

' Not Mount Carmel, but a place in the territory of Judah, near the hill-town
of Maon.

66H

I'ATii/.mri/s AM) ruori/h'Ts

day. 111! tlir while we wrif with tht-m k«'('|tinj,' thr shci'it. .\i»\,
tht'rt'tuiv know imd coiiMidcr whiit thou wilt do; lor rvil is dt'tiT-
iiiincd a;raiiist our iiiastci', and a^^ainst all his household."

NN'ithout ronsuUiii".' her hushand, or tcllin;? him of her inten-
tion, Alii^'ail made U|) an amph- supitly of provisions, which, laded
U|»on asses, she sent forward in the ehar^'e of servants, and herself
Htailed (»ut to meet the hand of David, She met them in a e(»vert
of a hill. '• And when Ahijjail saw David, she hasted, and li;.dited
oil' the ass. and fell hefore David on her face, and howed herself
to the L'round, and It'll at his feet, and said, I'pon me, my lord,
upon me let this ini(|uity he; and h't thine handmaid. 1 pray
thee, speak in thine audience." Ahi^ail addressed David with
as much reverence as thou;,di .speakinji to a erownod monarch.
Nahal had .scornfully exclaimed, "Who i.s David?" hut Ahi^'ail
called him, " my lord." With kind words she sought to soothe
his irritated feelinjfs, and she pleaded with him in hehalf of her
hushand. With nothing? of o.stentation or pride, hut full «if the
wisdom and love of God, Ahij^ail revealed the strenjith of her
devotion to her hou.sehold ; and she made it plain to David that
the unkind course of her hushand was in no wise premeditated
apiinst him as a ])ersonal affront, hut was simply the outhurst of
an unhapi)y and selfish nature.

" Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul
liveth, seeinji the Lord hath withholden thee from eomiufj; to shed
Wood, and from aven^inj; thyself with thine own hand, now let
thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, he as Nahal."
Ahi^ail did not take to herself the credit of this reasoning to turn
David from his hasty jmrpose, l)Ut gave to God the honor and the
praise. She then offered her rich provision as a peaee-off'ering to
tlie men of David, and still pleaded as if she herself were the one
who had so excited the resentment of the chief.

"1 i»ray thee," she said, "forgive the tresi)ass of thine hand-
maid; for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house;
hecause my lord fighteth the hattles of the Lord, and evil hath
not heen found in thee all thy days." Ahigail presented hy
imj)lication the course that David ought to i)ursue. He should
fight the hattles of the Lord. He was not to seek revenge for
personal wrongs, even though persecuted as a traitor. She con-
tinued : "Though man he ri.sen up to pursue thee, and to seek
thy soul, yet the soul of my lord shall he hound in the bundle

77/ a; .I/.K/.V.LV7.1//7)' OF DAVID.

iWn

«if lil'r with tilt) I,<»nl tliy (Jtxl; . . . smd it A\\\\\ rwww to puss,
ulii'ii tli<> Lord shall havt> done to my h't'd nccordiii^ to ail
the ^ood that he hath spoki-n coiuTnuii^r thee, and shall havo
appointed tlwc jirincc over Israel ; that this shall he no ;:rii.'t
unto thee, nor olleiise of heart unto my lord, either that thou
hast hIkmI hlood eaUHeloss, or that my lord hath avenged hims«'lf:
and when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then
remember thine handmaid."'

These wonls eouhl have eonio only from the lips ot" one who
had jtartaUen ot" the wisdom from rhove. The piety of Alii^'ail,
like the frauraneo of u flower, breathed out all uneonseiously in
fiwe and wonl and action. Tbt* Spirit of the Son of (Jod wan
ubidinj; in her soul. Her speech, seasoned with jiraee, and full
of kindness an<l ))oace, shed a heavenly intluence. Better im-
pulses came to David, and be treml)led as be thou^dit what miudit
have been the consecjuences of bis rash purpose. '• Mle<sed are
the ])eacemakers ; for they shall he called the children of (Jod.'"
Would that there were many more like this woman of Israel,
who would soothe the irritated feelings, prevent rash impulses,
and (|uell jjreat evils ]>y words of calm and well-directed wisdonj.

A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding; lijrbt and comfort
and peace. It is characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, iind
usefulness. It is cont»*olled by that unselfish love that sanctifies
the influence. It is full of Christ, and leaves a track of light
wherever its ])ossessor may go. Al)igail was a wist' reprover and
counselor. David's j)assion died away under the j tower of her
influence and reasoning. He was convinced that be bad taken
an unwise course, and had lost control of bis own sjiirit.

With a humble heart, be received the rebuke, in harmony
with his own words, " Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a
kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall l>e an excellent oil."''
He gave thanks and blessings because she advised him righteously.
There are many who, when they are rejtroved, think it praise-
worthy if they receive the rebuke without becoming impatient;
but how few take reproof with gratitude of heart, and bless those
who seek to save them from pursuing an evil course.

When Abigail returned home, she found Nabal and his guests
in the enjoyment of a great feast, which they bad converted into a
scene of drunken revelry. Not until the next morning did she

' 1 Sam. 2.5 : 29-31, Rev. Ver. *Matt. 5 : 9. ^Ps. 141 : 5.

66S

PAriUAIiCIIS AND PROPHETS.

relatf to hor husband what had occurred in her interview with
David. Nabal was a coward at heart; and when he realized how
near his folly had brought him to a sudden death, he seemed
smitten with Daralysis. Fearful that David would still pursue
his purjtose of revenge, he was filled with horror, and sank down
in a condition of helpless insensibility. After ten days he died.
The life that God had given him had been only a curse to the
world. In tlie midst of his rejoicing and making merry, God had
sai(^ to liim, as he said to the rich man of the parable, " This night
thy soul shall be required of thee." '

David afterward married Abigail. He was already the hus-
band of one wife ; but the custom of the nations of his time had
perverted his judgment and influenced his actions. Even great and
good men have erred in following the practices of- the world. The
bitter result of marrying many wives was sorely felt throughout all
the life of David,

After the death of Samuel, David was left in peace for a few
months. Again he repaired to the solitude of the Ziphites ; but
these enemies, hoping to secure the favor of the king, informed
him of David's hiding-place. This intelligence aroused the demon
of passion that had been slumbering in Saul's breast. Once more
ho sunnnoned his men of arms, and led them out in pursuit of
David. But friendly spies brought tidings to the son of Jesse that
Saul was again pursuing him ; and with a few of his men, David
started out to learn the location of his enemy. It was night when,
cautiously advancing, they came upon the encampment, and saw
before them the tents of the king and his attendants. They were
unobserved ; for the camp was quiet in slumber. David called
ujjon his friends to go with him into the very midst of the foe.
In answer to his question, '' Who will go down with me to Saul
to the camp?" Abishai promptly responded, "I will go down
with thee."

Hidden by the deep shadows of the hills, David and hif
attendant entered the encampment of the enemy. As they sought
to ascertain the exact number of their foes, they came upon Saul
sleeping, his spear stuck in the ground, and a cruse of water at his
head. Beside him lay Abner, his chief commander, and all around
them were the soldiers, locked in slumber. Abishai raised his
spear, and said to David, "God hath delivered thine enemy into
thine hand this day ; now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee,

1 Luke 13 : 20.

THE MAGNANIMITY OF DAVID.

♦;«;i»

with the spear even to the earth at onee, and I will not Hinite hini
the second time." He waited for the word of i)ernii8.sion ; hut
there fell upon his ear the whi^ red words: " Destroy him noti^
for who can stretch forth his hand ajrainst the Lord's anointed, and
be <i:uiltless? ... As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him;
or liis day shall come to die; or he shall descend into hattle, and
perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand
against the Lord's anointed; but, I pray thee, take thou now tlu
spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's
bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it
neither awakened; for they wer-j all asleep; because a deep sleep
from the Lord was fallen upon them." How easily the Lord can
weaken the strongest, remove ])rudence from the wisest, and baffle
the skill of the most watchful !

When David was at a safe distance from the camp, he stood on
the top of a hill, and cried with a loud voice to the people, and
to Altner, saying, "Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like
to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not ke[)t thy lord the
king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy
lord. This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the Lord
liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master,
the Lord's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and
the cruse of water that was at his bolster. And Saul knew David's
voice, and said. Is this thy voice, my son David? And David
said, It is my voice, my lord, O king. And he said, Wherefore
doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I
done? or what evil is in mine hand? Now therefore, I pray thee,
let my lord the king hear the words of his servant." Again the
acknowledgment fell from the lips of the king, " I have sinned ;
return, my son David ; for I will no more do thee harm, because
my soul was j^recious in thine eyes this day ; behold, I have
jdayed the fool, and have erred exceedingly. And David
answered and said. Behold the king's spear! and let one of the
young men come over and fetch it." Although Saul had made
the ])rGmise, " I will no more do thee harm," David did not place
himself in his power.

This second instance of David's respect for his sovereign's life,
made a still deeper impression upon the mind of Saul, and brought
from him a more humble acknowledgment of his fault. He

670

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

was a tonished and subdued at the manifestation of such kindness.
In parting from David, Saul exclaimed, " Blessed be thou, my -ion
David ; thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still |)re-
vail." But the son of Jesse liad no hope that the king would
long continue in this frame of mind.

David despaired of a reconciliation with Saul. It seemed
inevitalde that he should at last fall a victim to the malice of the
king, and he determined again to seek refuge in the land of the
Philistines. With the six hundred men under his command, he
passed over to Achish, the king of Gath.

David's conclusion that Saul would certainly accomplish his
murderous purpose, was formed without the counsel of God.
Even while Saul was plotting and seeking to accomplish his
destruction, the Lord was working to secure David the kingdom.
God works out his plans, though to human eyes they ai. vailed in
mystery. Men cannot understand the ways of God; and, look-
ing at appearances, they interpret the trials and tests and provings
that God permits to come ui)on them, as things that are against
them, and that will only work their ruin. Thus David looked
on appearances, and not at the promises of God. He doubted
that he would ever come to the throne. Long trials had wearied
his faith and exhausted his patience.

The Lord did not send David for protection to the Philistines,
the most bitter foes of Israel. This very nation would be among
his worst enemies to the last; and yet he had fled to them for help
in his time of need. Having lost all confidence in Saul and in
those who served him, he threw himself upon the mercies of the
enemies of his peo]de. David was a brave general, and had
proved himself a wise and successful warrior ; but he was working
directly against his own interests when he went to the Pliilistims.
God had appointed him to set up his standard in the land of
Judah, and it was want of faith that led him to forsake his post
of duty without a command from the Lord.

God was dishonored by David's unbelief. The Philistines had
feared David more than thev had feared Saul and his armies ; and
by placing himself under the protection of the Philistines, David
discovered to them the weakness of his own people. Thus he
encouraged these relentless foes to oppress Israel. David had
been anointed to stand in defense of the people of God ; and
the Lord would not have his servants give encouragement to

THE MAGNANIMITY OF DAVID.

($71

the wicked by disclosing the weakness of his people, or by an
appearance of indifference to their welfare. Furthermore, the
impression was received by his brethren that he had gone to the
heathen to serve their gods. By this act he gave occasion for
misconstruing his motives, and many were led to hold prejudice
against him. The very thing that Satan desired to have him do,
he was led to do; for, in seeking refuge among the Philistines,
David caused great exultation to the enemies of God and his
people. David did not renounce his worship of God nor cease
his devotion to his cause; but he sacrificed his trust in him to
his personal safety, and thus tarnished the upright and faithful
character that God requires his servants to possess.

David was cordially received by the king of the Philistines.
The warmth of this reception was partly due to the fact that the
king admired him, and partly to the fact that it was flattering
to his vanity to have a Hebrew seek his protection. David felt
secure from l)etrayal in the dominions of Achish. He brought his
family, his household, and his possessions, as did also his men;
and to all appearance he had come to settle permanently in the
land of Philistia. All this was gratifying to Achish, who promised
to protect the fugitive Israelites.

At David's request for a residence in the country, removed
from the royal city, the king graciously granted Ziklag as a
possession. David realized that it would be dangerous for iiimself
and his men to be under the influence of idolaters. In a town
wholly separated for their use, they might worship God with more
freedom than they could if they remained in Gatli, where the
heathen rites could not l)ut prove a source of evil and annoyance.

While dwelling in this isolated town, David made war ujion

the Geshurites, the Gezrites, and the Amalekites, and he left none

alive to bring tidings to Gath. When he returned from l)attle, lie

gave Achish to understand that he had been warring against those

of his own nation, the men of Judah. By tliis dissem])ling he

was the means of strengthening the hand of the Philistines; for

the king said, " He hath made his peo{)le Israel utterly to al)hor

him; therefore he shall l)e my servant forever." David knew

that it was the will of God that those heathen tril)es should be

destroyed, and he knew that he was apj)ointed to do this work ;

but he was not walking in the counsel of God when he i)racticed

dece])tion.

' 43

672

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

" And it came to pass in those clays, that the Philistines
gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel.
And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou
shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men." DuA'id had no
intention of lifting his hand against his people; liut he was not
certain as to what course he would pursue, until circumstances
should indicate his duty. He answered the king evasively, and
said, " Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do." Achish
understood these words as a promise of assistance in the approach-
ing war, and pledged his word to bestow upon David great honor,
and give him a high position at the Philistine court.

But although David's faith had staggered somewhat at the
promises of God, he still remembered that Samuel had anointed
him king of Israel. He recalled the victories that God had given
him over his enemies in the ])ast. - He reviewed the great mercy
of God in preserving him from the hand of Saul, and determined
not to betray a sacred trust. Even though the king of Israel ha<l
sought his life, he would not join his forces with the enemies of
his people.

',«<',

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On t
The shai

CHAPTER LXVI.

THl": DKATH OF SAUL.

AcAiN Will' was (leclarod 1>etweon Israel and the Philistines,
" The Phihstines gathered tlieniselves tojiether, and oanie and
pitched in Shuneiii," on the northern ed<i:e of the phiin of Jezreel;
while Saul and his forces encamped hut a few miles distant, at the
foot of Mount Gilhoa, on the southern horder of the plain. It was
on tins plain that Gideon, with three hundred men, had put to
flijrht the hosts of Midian. But the s|)irit that inspired Israel's
deliverer was widely different from that which now stirred the
heart of the kill,L^ (iideon went ft)rth stronj:; in faith in the mighty
Godof Jacoh; hut Saul felt himself to he alone and defenseless,
hecause God had forsaken him. As he looked ahroad upon the
Philistine host, " he was afraid, and his heart greatly tremhled.'"

Saul had learned that David and his force were with the
Philistines, and he expected that the son of Jesse would take this
ojjportunity to revenge the wrongs he had suffered. The king was
in sore distress. It was his own unreasoning passion, s[)urring
him on to destroy the chosen of God, that had involved the nation
in so great ])eril. While he had heen engrossed in pursuing
David, he had neglected the defense of his kingdom. The Philis-
tines, taking advantage of its unguarded condition, had penetrated
into the very heart of the country. Thus while Satan had heen
urging Saul to employ every energy in hunting David, that he
might destroy him, the same malignant spirit had inspired the
Philistines to seize their o[)i>ortunity to work Saul's ruin, and
overthrow the peo})le of God. How often is the same i)olicy stili
employed hy the arch-enemy! He moves upon some unconse-
erated heart to kindle envy and strife in the church, and then,
taking advantage of the divided condition of God s people, he stirs
up his agents to work their ruin.

On the morrow, Saul must engage the Philistines in l)attle.
The shadows of impending doom gathered dark ahout him ; he

» See I Samuel 38, 31. [675]

67«

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

lonj^c'd for hel]) Jind ^'uidiirce. liut it Avas in vain that lie soufrlit
counsel from rjo<l. "The Lord answered liini not, neither hy
dreams, nor ]»y T^rim, ror by jtroidiets." The Lord lu-ver turned
away a ioul that eamo to him in sineerity and liumiHty. ^\■lly
did lie turn Saul away unanswered? — The kinj,' had l»y his own
act forfeited the benefits of all the methods of inciuirinjr of CJod.
He had rejected the counsel of 8anmel the i)roi)het; he had exil'jd
David, the chosen of God; he had slain the priests of the Lord.
Could he expect to be answered l)y God, when hi; had ciit oH" the
channels of conmiunication that Heaven had ordained? He had
sinned away the Spirit of •irnccs and could he l)e answered by
dreams and revelations from the Lord? Saul did not urn to (lod
with humility and rei)entance. It was not i)ardon for sin, and
reconciliation with God, that ho souj^ht, but deliverance from his
foes. By his own stubbornness and rebellion he had cut l.imself
off from God. There could be no return but by tiie way of
penitence and contrition ; but the proud monarch, in liis anjiuish
and desi)air, determined to seek help from another source.

Then said Saul unto his servants, " Seek me a woman that
hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and imiuiro of her."
Saul had a full knowledge of the character of necromancy. It
had l)een expressly forl)idden by the Lord, and the sentence of
death was pronounced against all who practiced its ujilioly arts.
During the life of Samuel, Saul had commanded that all wizards
and those that had familiar spirits should be })ut to death ; l)Ut
now, in the rashness of desi)eration, he had recour e to that
oracle which he had ('ondemned as an a1)omination.

It was told the king that a woman who had a familiar s})irit
was living in concealment at Endor. This woman had entered
into covenant with Satan to vield herself to his control, to fulfill
his puri)oses; and in return, the i)rince of evil wrought wonders
for her, and revealed secret things to her.

Disguising himself, Saul went forth by night with but two
attendants, to seek the retreat of the sorceress. O, pitia jle sight!
the king of Israel led captive by Satan at his will I What path
so dark for human feet to tread as that chosen by one who has
persisted in having his own waj', resisting the hoi}' influences of
the Spirit of God! What bondage so terrible as that of him who
is given over to the control of the worst of tyrants — himself!

snare toi

THE DEATJI OF SAUL.

07T

Tru.st in God, and ohedieni'e to his will, were the only conditions
upon which baul could he kinj^ of Israel, lltid he complied with
these conditions throu^diout his reijin, Ids kingdom would have
been secure; God would, have heen his }ruide, the Omnipotent his
shichl. (Jod had horne lonj; with Saul ; and althou^di his rel)ellion
ami obstinacy liad well-nigh sileneed the divine voice in the soul,
there was still ojtjiortun'ty for rej)entance. But when in his jieril
he turned from God, to obtain light from a confederate of Satan,
he had cut the last tie that bound him to his Maker; he had
placed himself fully under tlie control of that demoniac power
which for years had been exercised upon him, and which had
brought Mm to the verge of destruction.

Under the cover of darkness, Saul and his attendants made
their way across the i)lain, and safely passing the Philistine host,
they crossed the mountain ridge, to the lonely home of the
sorceress of Endor. Here the woman with a familiar s{)irit had
hidden herself away that she might secretly continue her profane
incantations. Disguised as he was, Saul's lofty stature and kingly
port declared that he was no connnon soldier. The woman
suspected that her visitor was Saul, and his ridi gifts strengthened
her suspicions. To his re([Uest, " I pray thee, divine unto me by
the familiar spirit, and bring me him uj), whom I shall nanie unto
thee," the woman answered, " Behold, thou knowest what Saul
hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits,
and the wizards, out of the land ; wherefore then layest thou a
snare for my life, to cause me to die? " Then "Saul sware to her
l)y the Lord, saying. As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment
happen to thee for this thing." And when she said, " Whom shall
I bring up unto thee ? " he answered, " Samuel."

After practicing her incantations, she said, " I saw gods
ascending out of the earth. . . . An old man cometh uj), and he is
covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel,
and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself."

It was not God's holy i)rophet that came forth at the spell of
a sorcerer's incantation. Sanmel was n(jt i)resent in that haunt
of evil spirits. That supernatural ap])earance was i)roduced solely
by the power of Satan. He could as easily assume the forni of
Samuel as he could assume that of an angel of light, when he
tempted Christ in the wilderness.

«78

PATRIiRCHS AND PROPIIKTS.

The W(Hiuin'H Hrwt wuhIh under the Hpell of her inniiitutidti liml
hcen addreHHed to tlie kiii^, " Why hast thou iU'reivcd iiir? for
thou art Saul." Thus the firnt ac* "♦' the evil spirit wliiih
personated the prophet, was to c iiieate .secretly with this

wieke<l woman, to warn her of the deception that had Keen
I mcticed Uj)on her. The messajie to Saul from the pretended
prophet was, "Why hast thou <lis(|uieted me, to l»rin^' me up?
And Saul answered, I am sore distressed ; for the I'hilistines make
war against me, and Clod is de|»arted from me, and answereth iiie
no more, neither hy prophets, nor hy dreams; therefore' 1 have
called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what 1
shall do."

When Sanmel was livinji, Saul had desi)i.sed his counsel, and
hatl resented his reproofs. But now, in the hour of his distress
and calamity, he felt that the prophet's jjuidance was his only
hope, and in order to eonnnunicate with Heaven's aml»assador, lie
vainly had recourse to the messenj^er of hell! Saul had placed
himself fully in the ])OWer of S;>tan ; and now he whose only
delitrht is in causinji; misery and destruction, made the most of
his advantage, to work the ruin of the unha])py king. In answer
to Saul's agonized entreaty eiune the terrihle message, i)rofessedly
from the lips of Samuel ; —

"Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is
departed from thee, and is l)ecomc thine enemy? And the Lord
hath done to him, as he spake hy me; for the Lord hath rent
the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighhor,
even to David, Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the
Lord, nor cxecutedst his fierce wrath upon Anialek, therefore
hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover
the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the
Philistines."

All through his course of rebellion, Saul had been flattered
and deceived 1)y Satan. It is the tempter's work to belittle sin,
to make the path of transgression easy and inviting, to blind the
niind to the warnings and thrtai-enings of the Lord. Satan, l>y
his bewitching power, had led Saul to justify himself in defiance
of Samuel's reproofs and warning. But now, in his extremity,
he turned upon him, ])resenting the enormity of his sin and the
hopelessness of pardon, that he might goad him to desperation.

THE VEATII OF SAUL.

«81

Nothiti;; could have brcti better cliosen to destnty his eouraj?»»
iiiid eoiit'iiHe his jud^ineiit, or to drive liiiii to denpnir and Helf-
destruetioii.

Haul was faint iVoiii wearineHs and fasti ny ; he was territitMl
and eonseienee-strieken. As the fearful prediction fell U|>oii his
car, his form swaye<l like an oak liofore the t<'inpest, an<l he fell
prostrate to the earth.

The sorceress was filled with nlann. The kinjr of Israel lay
before her like one dead. Shouhl he perish in her retreat, what
would lie the consiMjUences to herself? She l)(>sou^,'ht him to
arise and |»artake of food, ur^in^ that since she had imperiliMl
her life in jjrantinj; his desire, he should yield to her request for
the jtreservation of his own. His servants joinin«; their entreatieH,
Saul yielded at last, and the woman set before him the fatted calf
and unleavened bread hastily pn'pared. What a scene! — In tho
wild cave of the sorceress, which but a litth; before had echoed
with the words of doom — in the presence of Satan's messenger —
he who had been anointed of (lod as kinu' over Israel sat down to
eat, in })rei)aration for the day's deadly strife.

Before the break of day he returned with his attendants to tho
camp of Israel, to make ready for the contlict. Wy consultinj?
that spirit of darkne.ss, Saul had destroyed himself. Oppresstid
by the horror of desjKiir, it would be impossible for him to
inspire his army with courajj;e. Separated from the Source of
strength, he could not lead the minds of Israel to look to (Jod
as their helper. Thus the prediction of evil would work its own
accomplishment.

On the plain of Shunem and the Hloj)es of Mount Oilboa, the
arnyes of Israel and the hosts of the Philistines closed in mortal
cond)at. Though the fearful scene in the cave at Endor had
driven all hope from bis heart, Saul fought with desperate valor
for his throne and his king(U)ni. But it was in vain. " The men
of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in
Mount Gilboa." Three brave sons of the king died at his side.
The archers pressed upon Saul. He had seen his soldiers falling
around him, and his })rincely sons cut down by the sword. Him.self
wounded, he could neither fight nor lly. Escape was imj)ossible,
and determined not to be taken alive by the Philistines, he bade
his armor-bearer, " DraAV thy sword, and thrust me through there-

682

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

with." When the man refused to lift his hand against the Lord's
anointed, Saul took his own life by falling upon his sword.

Thus the first king of Israel perished, with the guilt of self-
murder upon his soul. His life had been a failure, and he went
down in dishonor and despair, because he had set up his own
perverse will against the will of God.

The tidings of defeat spread far and wide, carrying terror to all
Israel. The people fled from the cities, and the Philistines took
undisturbed possession. Saul's reign, independent of God, had
well-nigh proved the ruin of his people.

On the day following the engagement, the Philistines, searching
the battle-field to rob the slain, discovered the bodies of Saul and
his three sons. To complete their triumph, they cut ott" the head
of Saul and stripped him of his armor; then the head and the
armor, reeking with blood, were sent to the country of the Philis-
tines as a trophy of victory, " to publish it in the house of their
idols, and among the people." The armor was finally put in " the
house of Ashtaroth," while the head was fastened in the temi)le of
Dagon. Thus the glory of the victory was ascribed to the power
of these false gods, and the name of Jehovah was dishonored.

The dead bodies of Saul and his sons were dragged to Beth-
shan, a city not far from Gilboa, and near the river Jordan.
Here they were hung up in chains, to be devoured by birds of
prey. But the brave men of Jabesh-gilead, remembering Saul's
deliverance of their city in his earlier and happier years, now
manifested their gratitude by rescuing the bodies of the king and
princes, and giving them honorable burial. Crossing the Jordan
by night, they " took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons
from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt t],iem
there. And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree
at Jabesh, and fasted seven days." Thus the noble deed performed
forty years before, secured for Saul and his sons burial by tender
and pitying hands, in that dark hour of defeat and dishonor.

r^i

CHAPTER LXVIl.

ANXIENT AND MODERN SORCERY.

The Scripture account of Saul's visit to the woman of Endor
has been a source of perplexity to many students of the Bible.
There are some who take the position that Samuel was actually
present at the interview with Saul, but the Bible itself furnishes
sufficient ground for a contrary conclusion. If, as claimed by
some, Samuel was in heaven, he must have been summoned
thence, either by the power of God or by that of Satan. None
can believe for a moment that Satan had power to call the holy
prophet of God from heaven to honor the incantations of an
abandoned woman. Nor can we conclude that God summoned
him to the witch's cave; for the Lortl had already refused to
communicate with Saul, by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets.'
These were God's own appointed mediums of communication, and
he did not pass them by to deliver the message through the agent
of Satan.

The message itself is sufficient evidence of its origin. Its
object was not to lead Saul to repentance, but to urge him on to
ruin ; and this is not the work of God, but of Satan. Furthermore,
the act of Saul in consulting a sorceress is cited in Scripture as one
reason why he was rejected by God and abandoned to destruction :
" Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the
Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and
also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire
of it; and inquired not of the Lord; therefore he slew him, and
turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.'"* Here it is
distinctly stated that Saul inquired of the familiar spirit, not of
the Lord. He did not communicate with Samuel, the prophet of
God; but through the sorceress he held intercourse with Satan.
Satan could not present the real Samuel, but he did present a
counterfeit, that served his purpose of deception.

» 1 Sam. 28 : 6. ^1 Chron. 10 : 13, 14.

[683]

i \v

684

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Nearly all forms of ancient sorcery and witchcraft were founded
upon a belief in coiumunion with the dead. Those who })racticed
the arts of necromancy claimed to have intercourse with departed
spirits, and to obtain through them a knowledge of future events.
This custom of consulting tlie dcud is referred to in the prophecy
of Isaiah : " When thoy shall say unto you, Seek unto them
that have familiar s})irits, and unto wizards that ])eep and that
mutter ; should not a i)eople seek unto their God ? for the Uviny to
the dead?'''

This same belief in communion with the dead formed the
corner-stone of heathen idolatry. The gods of the heathen were
believed to be the deified si)irits of departed heroes. Tims the
religion of the heathen was a worship of the dead. This is
evident from the Scriptures. In the account of the sin of Israel
at Beth-peor, it is stated : " Israel abode in Shittim, and the
people began to connnit whoredom with the daughters of Moul).
And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods ; and
the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel
joined himself unto Baal-peor."^ The i)salmist tells us to what
kind of gods these sacrifices wcjre offered. Speaking of the same
apostasy of the Israelites, he says, "They joined themselves unto
Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead ; " ' that is, sacrifices that
had been offered to the dead.

The deification of the dead has held a prominent jDlace in
nearly every system of heathenism, as has also the supposed
communion with the dead. The gods were believed to communi-
cate their will to men, and also, when consulted, to give them
counsel. Of this character were the famous oracles of Greece
an<l Rome.

The belief in coranmnion with the dead is still held, even in
professedly Christian lands. Under the name of S])iritualism, the
practice of communicating with beings claiming to be the spirits
of the de})arted, has become Avide-spread. It is calculated to take
hold of the sympathies of those Avho have laid their loved ones in
the grave. Spiritual beings sometimes appear to jjcrsons in the
form of their deceased friends, and relate incidents connected with
their lives, and perform acts which they performed while living.
In this way they lead men to believe that their dead friends

> Isa. 8:19. . '^ Num. 25 : 1-3. ' Ps. 106 : 28.

manner, i

ANCIENT AND MODERN SORCERY

685

are angels, liovering over them, and communicating with them.
Those who thus assume to he the spirits of the de})arte(l, are
reganhid with a certain idolatry, and with many their word lias
greater weight than the word of God.

There are many, however, who regard Spiritualism as a mere
imposture. The manifestations by which it sujiports its claims to
a supernatural character are attributed to fraud on the part of
the medium. But while it is true that the results of trickery have
often been palmed off' as genuine manifestations, there have also
been marked evidences of supernatural power. And many who
reject Spiritualism as the result of human skill or cunning, will,
when confronted with manifestations which they cannot account
for upon this ground, be led to acknowledge its claims.

Modern Spiritualism, and the forms of ancient Avitchcraft and
idol worship, — all having communion with the dead as their vital
principle, — are founded upon that first lie by which Satan
beguiled Eve in Eden: "Ye shall not surely die; for God doth
know that in the day ye eat thereof, ... ye shall be as gods." ^
Alike based upon falsehood and perpetuating the same, they are
alike from the father of lies.

The Hebrews were expressly forbidden to engage, in any
manner, in pretended communion with the dead. God closed this
door effectually when he said : " The dead know not anything.
. . . Neither have they any more a portion forever in anything
that is done under the sun."" " His breath goeth forth, he return-
eth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish."^ And
the Lord declared to Israel : " The soul that turneth after such
as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a Avhoring after
them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him
off" from among his people."*

The " familiar spirits " were not the spirits of the dead, but evil
angels, the messengers of Satan. Ancient idolatry, which, us we
have seen, comprises both worship of the dead and pretended
communion with them, is declared by the Biljle to have been
demon-worship. The apostle Paul, in warning his brethren
against i)articipating, in any manner, in the idolatry of their
heathen neighbors, says, " The things which the Gentiles sacrifice,
they sacrifice to devils, and not to God ; and I would not that yc

» Gen. 3 : 4, 5. « Eccl. 9 : 5, 6. » Ps. 146 : 4. * l.fv. 'JO : •>.

6Si>

PATIilUiCHS AND PROPHETS.

should havo fellowship Avith devils.'" The iisalniist, speaking of
Israel, says that "they sacrificed their sons and their daujihtcrs
unto devils,"' and in the next verse he ex})lains that they sacrificed
them "unto the idols of Canaan."* In their sui)posed worship of
dead men, they were, in reality, worshiping demons.

Modern Spiritualism, resting upon the same foundation, is l»ut
a revival, in a new form, of the witchcraft and demon-Avorship
that God condemned and prohibited of old. It is foretold in the
Scriptures, which declare that " in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines
of devils."'' Paul, irf his second letter to the Thessalonians, j)oints
to the special working of Satan in Spiritualism as an event t.)
take place immediately before the second advent of Christ. Speak-
ing of Christ's second coming, he declares that it is " after tlu;
working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders."*
And Peter, describing the dangers to which the church was to be
exposed in the last days, says that as there were false proi)het.s
who led Israel into sin, so there will be false teachers, " who privily
shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that
bought them. . . . And many shall follow their pernicious ways. " '
Here the apostle has pointed out one of the marked characteristics
of Spiritualist teachers. They refuse to acknowledge Christ as
the Son of God. Concerning such teachers the beloved John
declares : " Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the
Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
"Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father."*
Spiritualism, by denying Christ, denies both the Father and the
Son, and the Bible pronounces it the manifestation of antichrist.

By the prediction of Saul's doom, given through the woman of
Endor, Satan planned to ensnare the people of Israel. He hoped
that they would be inspired with confidence in the sorceress, and
would be led to consult her. Thus they would turn from God
as their counselor, and would place themselves under the guid-
ance of Satan. The lure by which Spiritualism attracts the
multitudes is its pretended power to draw aside the vail from
the future, and reveal to men what God has hidden. God has in
his word opened before us the great events of the future, — all

» 1 Cor. 10 . 20.
* 2 Thess. 2 : 9.

«P8. 106 : 37, 38.
B 2 Peter 2 : 1, 2.

3 1 Tim. 4 : 1.

6 1 John 2 : 23, 23.

ANCIENT AND MODERN SORCERY.

tliiit it is L'Si^'ntial for us to know, — and he has given us a safe
guide for our feet amid all its perils ; l>ut it is Satan's i)urpose to
destroy men's eonfidence in God, to make them dissatisfied with
their condition in life, and to lead them to seek a knowledge of
what God has wisely vailed from them, and to desi)i8e what he
has revealed in his holy word.

There are many who heeome restless when they cannot know
the definite outcome of affairs. They cannot endure uncertainty,
and in their impatience they refuse to wait to see the salvation of
God. Apprehended evils drive them nearly distracted. They
give way to their rebellious feelings, and run hither and thither
in passionate grief, seeking intelligence concerning that which
has not been revealed. If they would but trust in God, and
Avatch unto prayer, they would find divine consolation. Their
sj)irit would l^e calmed by conmiunion with God. The weary and
the heavy-laden would find rest unto their souls, if they would
only go to Jesus ; but when they neglect the means that God has
ordained for their comfort, and resort to other sources, hoping to
learn what God has withheld, they commit the error of Sa al, and
thereby gain only a knowledge of evil.

God is not pleased with this course, and has expressed it in
the most explicit terms. This impatient haste to tear away the
vail from the futuie reveals a lack of faith in God, and leaves the
soul open to the suggestions of the master-deceiver. Satan leads
men to consult those that have familiar spirits ; and by revealing
hidden things of the past, he inspires confidence in his power to
foretell things to come. By experience gained through the long
ages, he can reason from cause to effect, and often forecast, with a
degree of accuracy, some of the future events of man's life. Thus
he is enabled to deceive poor, misguided souls, and bring them
under his power, and lead them captive at his will.

God has given us the warning by his prophet : " When they
shall say unto you. Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and
unto wizards that peep and that mutter ; should not a people seek
unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to
the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them." '

Shall those who. have a holy God, infinite in wisdom and

1 Isa. 8 : 19, 20.

688

PAritfAIiCJIS AND PliOPIIKrS.

power, ^o unto wizards, whosci knowlodgo conio.s tVuiu intiiiiiicy
with the cneiny of our Lord? (lod liimself is tho li<.dit of liis
people; he bids them fix their (jye.s hy faith upon the tflories that
are vailed from human sight. The Sun of Righteousness sends its,
bright beams into their hearts; they have liglit from tiie throne of
heaven, and they have no desii j to turn away from the source of
light, to the messengers of Satan.

The demon's message to 'Jaul, although it was a denuni.-iation
of sin and a proi)hecy of retribution, was not meant to reform
him, but to goad him to despair and ruin. Oftener, however, it
serves the tempter's purpose best to lure men to destruction l)y
flattery. The teaching of the demon-gods, in ancient times, fos-
tered the vilest license. The divine precepts condenming sin and
enforcing righteousness, were set aside ; truth was lightly regarded,
and impurity was not only permitted but enjoined. Spiritualism
declares that there is no death, no sin, no judgment, no retribu-
tion ; that " men are unfallen demigods ; " that desire is the highest
law; and that man is accountable only to himself. The barriers
that God has erected to guard truth, purity, and reverence, are
broken down, and many are thus emboldened in sin. Does not
such teaching suggest ai origin similar to that of demon worship ?

The Lord presented before Israel the results of holding com-
munion with evil spirits, in the abominations of the Canaanites :
they were without natural affection, idolaters, adulterers, nmr-
derers, and abominable by every corrupt thought and revolting
practice. Men do not know their own hearts ; for ' the heart is
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." ' But God
understands the tend'^ncies of the depraved nature of man. Then,
as now, Satan was watching to bring about conditions favorable to
rebellion, that the people of Israel might make themselves as
abhorrent to God as were the Canaanites. The adversary of souls
is ever on the alert to open channels for the unrestrained flow of
evil in us; for he desires that we may be ruined, and be con-
demned before God.

Satan was determined to keep his hold on the land of Canaan,
and when it was made the habitation of the children of Israel,
and the law of God was made the law of the land, he hated Israel
with a cruel and malignant hatred, and plotted their destruction.

i.Ter. 17 : 9.

AXCTE.YT AND MODERN SORCERY. 689

•

Throu;.'h tlic iifxeiicy (jf evil spirits, >^triiiij_'(' jrods wort* introduced;
and l)ecause ot" transj^resHion, the ohoHen people were finally
Bcatterod from the land of" i)ronii.se. This liistory Satan is strivin<^
to repeat in our day. God is li'adin<r his i)eople out from the
ahominations of the world, that they may kei p his law ; and
hecause of this, the ra^e of "the accuser of our brethren" knows
no Ijounds. "The devil is come down unto you, having' j;reat
wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."' The
antityi)ical land of i)romise is just before us, and Satan is deter-
mined to destroy the people of God, and cut them off' from their
inheritance. The admonition, " AVatch ye and pray, lest ye enter
into tem})tation," '"' was never more needed than now.

The word of the Lord to ancient Israel is addressed also to his
j)eople in this age : " Regard not them that have familiar spirits,
neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them ; " " for all that
do these things are an abomination unto the Lord." '

' Rev. 12 : 10, 12. » Mark 14 38 » Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18 : 12.

CHAPTER LXVIII.

DAVID AT ZIKLAG.

David and his men had not taken part in the batth- hL'twwn
Saul and the Philistines, though they had niarciied with the
Philistines to the field of conflict. As the two armies i)rei)ared
to join battle, the son of Jesse found himself in a situation of
great perplexity. .It was expected that he would fight for the
Philistines. Should he in the engagement c^uit the post assigned
him, and retire from the field, he would not only l)rand himself
with cowardice, but with ingratitude and treachery to Achish,
who had protected him and confided in him. Such an act would
cover his name with infamy, and would expose him to the wrath
of enemies more to be feared than Saul. Yet he could not for a
moment consent to fight against Israel. Should he do this, he
would become a traitor to his country, — the enemy of God and
of his people. It would forever bar his way to the throne of
Israel; and should Saul be slain in the engagement, his death
would be charged upon David.

David was caused to feel that he had missed his i)ath. Far
better would it have been for him to find refuge in God's strong
fortresses of the mountains than with the avowed enemies of
Jehovah and hia people. But the Lord, in his great mercy, did
not punish this error of his servant by leaving him to himself in
his distress and 'perplexity ; for though David, losing his grasp
on divine power, had faltered, and turned aside from the path of
strict integrity, it was still the purpose of his heart to be true to
God. While Satan and his host were busy, helping the adversa-
ries of God and of Israel to plan against a king who had forsaken
God, the angels of the Lord were working to deliver David from
the peril into which he had fallen. Heavenly messengers moved
upon the Philistine princes to protest against the presence of David
and his force with the army in the approaching conflict.

[690]

DAVID AT ZIKLA(}.

fllU

"What do tla'Ho IIol)rL'Ws Ijlti!? "' cried the Philistine lords,
presyinj,' id»out Aehish. The latter, uinviliiii^' to ]>iirt with so
iiiiportiint nil ally, answered, " In not this David the servant of
.Saul tlu! kinji o( Israel, which hath heen with nie these days, or
these years, and 1 have lound no fault in him «ince he fell unto
nie unto this <lay ? "

Hut the princes anjirily persisted in their demand : " Make
this fellow return, that he may ^o apiin to his [)lace which thou
hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to hattle,
lest in the hattle he ho an adversary to us; for wherewith should
he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not he with the
heads of these men? Is not this David, of whom they sanj; one
to another in dances, sayin<r, Saul slew his thousan Is, and David
his ten thousands?" The slaughter of their famed • ham))ion and
the triumph of Israel upon that occasion were still fresh in the
memory of the Philistine lords. They did not helieve that David
would fight against his own i)eople; and should he, in the heat of
oattle, take sides with them, he could inflict greater harm on the
Philistines than would the whole of Saul's army.

Thus Achish Avas forced to yield, and calling David, said unto
him, "Surely as Jehovah liveth, thou hast heen ui)right, and thy
going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my
sight; for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy
coming unto me unto this day. Nevertheless the lords favor thee
not. Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou dis-
please not the lords of the Philistines."

David, fearing to betray his real feelings, answered, " But what
have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as
I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight
against the enemies of my lord the king ? "

The reply of Achish must have sent a thrill of shame and
remorse through David's heart, as he thought how unworthy of a.
servant of Jehovah were the deceptions to which he had stooped.
' I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God," said
the king ; " notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have
said. He shall not go up with us to the battle. Wherefore now
i-ise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are
^^ome with thee ; and as soon as ye be up early in the morning,
.«,nd have light, depart." Thus the snare in which David had
oecome entangled was broken, and he was set free.

1 See 1 Samuel 29, 30.

C92

I'. \ rniA ti( 'lis A sn riiorifK rs.

After thrt'o cIiivh' travel, Diivid imd bin Imnd of wix huiirlnd
men reiulied Ziklii^.', their IMiilistiiie liotue. Hut a Hcene of deso-
lation met tlu'ir view. The Ainalekites, taking; advantaj^e of
David's altsence, with his force, had aven^'ed themselves for his
incursions into their t»'rritorv. They had surprised the citv while
it was left un;.'uarded, and havinj^ saciked and hurne(l it, hail
departed, taking' all the women and cliildren as eai)tives, with
much sp(»il.

Dumb with horror and amaz(!ment, David and his men for a
little time j.'aze<l in silence ui>on the hlackeivd and smouldering
ruins. Then as a sense of their tt-rrihle desolation hurst upon
them, those hattle-searred warriors " lifted up their voice and wept,
until they had no more ])OWcr to weep."

Here, a^jain, David was eliastened for the lack of faith that
had led him t() place himself among the Philistines. He had
opportunity to see how nmch safety could be found among the
foes of God and his i)eople. David's followers turned upon liiin
as the cause of tlieir calamities. He had provoked the vengeance
of the Amalekites l>y his attack upon them ; yet, too confident
of 8e(!urity in the midst of his enemies, he had left the city un-
guarded. Maddened with grief and rage, his soldiers were now
ready for any desperate measures, and they threatened even to
stone their leader.

David seemed to be cut off' from every human support. All
that he held dear on earth had been swejjt from him. Saul had
driven him from his country ; the Philistines had driven him from
the camp ; the Amalekites had plundered iiis city ; his wives and
children had been made prisoners ; and his own familiar friends
had banded against him, and threatened him even with death.
In this hour of utmost extremity, David, instead of permitting
his mind to dwell upon these painful circumstances, looked
earnestly to God for help. He " encouraged himself in the Lord."
He reviewed his past eventful life. Wherein had the Lord ever
forsaken him ? His soul was refreshed in recalling the many evi-
dences of God's favor. The followers of David, by their discontent
and impatience, made their affliction doubly grievous; but the
man of God, having even greater cause for grief, bore himself with
fortitude. " What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee," ' was the
language of his heart,

sps. 56 : 3

Though he himself could not discern a

DA VTD A T 7JKLA G.

(\*X\

Wiiv nut ol llif (liflicultv, Uotl could .see it, iin«l would tnuli hiiu
wliiit to «lo.

Sending lor Aluatlinr the priest, tlic son of Ahimcln li, " David
in«|uir('d of tlio Fiord, snyin^', If I pursue after this troop, shall I
overtake thmin ? " The answj^r was, '' I'ursue ; for thou shalt surt'ly
overtake theiii, and shalt without fail recover all."'

At thes*' words the tumult of ^'rief and passion ceased, David
and his s(»ldiers at once set out in pursuit of their tleeinj; fo<\ So
rapid was their march, that upon reaching' the hrook Hesor, which
e!n|>ties, near (laza, int») the Mediterranean Sea, two hundred of
the hand were eonipelled l>y exhaustion to remain hehind. Hut
David with the reinaininj; four hundred pressed forward, nothing
daunted.

Advancing, they eame upon an Ej^yptian slave, aj)purently
ahout to perish from weariness and hun^rer. Upon receivinj^ food
and drink, liowever, lie revived, and they learned that he had
heen left to die, l»y liis cruel master, an Amalekite helonf^ing to
the invading ft)rce. lie told the story of the raid and pillage;
and then, having exacted a promise that ho should not he slain or
delivered to his master, he consented to lead David's company to
the camp of their enemies.

As they came in sigiit of the encampment, a scene of revelry
met their gaze. The victorious lio.st w<.'re liolding high festival.
"They were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating, and drink-
ing, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had
taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of
Judah.'" An immediate attack was ordered, and the pursuers
rushed fiercely upon their i)rey. The Amalekites wore surprised
and thrown into confusion. The battle was continued all that
night and the following day, until nrarly the entire host was
slain. Only a ))and of four hundred men, mounted upon camels,
succeeded in making their escape. The word of the Lord was
fulfilled. " David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried
away ; and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing
lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daugh-
ters, neither spoil, nor anything that they had taken to them;
David recovered all."

When David had invaded the territory of the Amalekites, he
had put to the sword all the inhabitants that fell into his hands.

1 1 Sam. .so : S, Rev. Vor.

iiH,

694

PAritnUWlIS AND PROPHETS.

But for the restrainiiij^ power of God, the Amalekites w(nil(l have
retaliated by destroying the people of Ziklag. They decided to
spare the captives, desiring to heighten the honor of the triumph
by leading home a large number of {)risoners, and intending after-
ward to sell them as slaves. Thus, unwittingly, tliev fulfilled
God's purpose, keeping the prisoners unharmed, to be restored to
their husbands and fathers.

All eartldy powers are under the control of the Inlinite One.
To the mightiest ruler, to the most cruel oppressor, he says,
" Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further."* God's power is con-
stantly exercised to counteract the agencies of evil : he is ever
at work among men, not for their destruction, but for their cor-
rection and preservation.

With great rejoicing, the victors took up their homeward
march. Upon reaching their companions who had remained
behind, the more selfisli and unruly of the four hundred urged
that those who had had no part in the battle should not share the
spoils ; that it was enough for them to recover each his wife and
children. But David would permit no such arrangement. "Ye
shall not do so, my brethren," he said, " with that which the Lord
hath given us, ... as his part is that goeth down to the battle,
so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff; they shall part
alike." Thus the matter was settled, and it afterward l)ecame
a statute in Israel that all who were honorably connected with a
military campaign should share the spoils equally with those who
engaged in actual combat.

Besides recovering all the spoil that had been taken from
Ziklag, David and his band had captured extensive flocks and
herds belonging to the Amalekites. These were called '' David's
spoil ; " and upon returning to Ziklag, he sent from this spoil
presents to the elders of his own tribe of Judah. In tliis
distribution, all those were remembered who had befriended him
and his followers in the mountain fastnesses, when he had been,
forced to flee from place to place for his life. Their kindness and
sympathy, so precious to the hunted fugitive, were thus gratefully
acknowledged.

It was the third day since David and his warriors returned to
Ziklag. As they labored to restore their ruined homes, they
watched with anxious hearts for tidings of the battle which they

'Job 38 : 11.

DAVID AT ZIKLAO.

ri95

knew must have ]ieen foUL'ht hctween Israel and the Philistines.
8u<ldenly a inessen<ier entered the town, " with his clothes rent,
and earth upon his head.'" He was at once l)rought to David,
before whom he bowed with reverence, expressing recognition ot
him as a powerful prince, whose favor he desired. David eagerly
inijuired how the battle had gone. The fugitive reported Saul's
defeat and death, and the death of Jonathan. But he went
beyond a simple statement of facts. Evidently supposing that
David must cherish enmity toward his relentless persecutor, the
stranger hoped to secure honor to himself as the slayer of the
king. With an air of boasting, the man went on to relate that
during the battle he found the monarch of Israel wounded, and
sore pressed by his foes, and that at his own request the messenger
had slain him. .The crown from his head and the golden bracelets
from his arm he had brought to David. He confidently expected
that these tidings would be hailed with joy, and tliat a rich reward
would be his for the part that he had acted.

But " David took hold on his clothes, and rent them ; and
likewise all the men that were with him. And they mourned,
and wept, and fasted, until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his
son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel ;
because they were fallen by the sword."

The first shock of the fearful tidings past, David's thoughts
returned to the stranger herald, and the crime of which, according
to his own statement, he was guilty. The chief demanded of the
young man, " Whence art thou ? " And he answered, " I am the
son of a stranger, an Amalekite. And David said unto him. How
wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the
Lord's anointed ? " Twice, David had had Saul in his power ; but
when urged to slay him, he had refused to lift his hand against
him who had been consecrated by the command of God to rule
over Israel. Yet the Amalekite feared not to boast that he had
slain the king of Israel. He had accused himself of a crime
worthy of death, and the penalty was indicted at once. David
said, " Thy blood be upon thy head ; for thy mouth hath testified
against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord's anointed."

David's grief at the death of Saul was sincere and deep, evinc-
ing the generosity of a noble nature. He did not exult in the fall
of his enemy. The obstacle that had barred his access to the

1 See 2 Samuel 1 : 2-16.

696

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

throne of Israel was removed, but at this he did not rejoice.
Death had obliterated the remembrance of Saul's distrust and
cruelty, and now nothing in his history was thought of but that
which was noble and kingly. The name of Saul was linked witli
that of Jonathan, whose friendship had been so true and su
unselfish.

The song in which David gave utterance to the feelings of his
heart, became a treasure to his nation, and to the people of God in
all subsequent ages : —

"Thy glory, O Israel, is slain upon thy high places!
How are the mighty fallen !
Tell it not in Gath,

Publish it not in the streets of Askelon;
Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
Lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
Ye mountains of Gilboa,

Let there be no dew nor rain upon yor., neither fields of ofiferings;
For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away.
The shield of Saul as of one not anointed with oil. . . .
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives,
And in their death they were not divided;
They were swifter than eagles,
They were stronger than lions.
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
Who clothed you in scarlet delicately.
Who put ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle !
Jonathan is slain upon thy higL places.
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan-
Very pleasant hast thou been unto me;
Thy love to me was wonderful.
Passing the love of women.
How are the mighty fallen.
And the weapons of war perished ! " '

« 2 Sam. 1 : 19-37, Rev. Ver.

CHAPTER LXIX.

DAVID CALLED TO THE THRONE.

The death of Saul removed the dangers that had made David
an exile. The way was now open for him to return to his own
land. When the days of mourning for Saul and Jonathan were
ended, " David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into
any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him. Go
up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto
Hebron." '

Hebron was twenty miles north from Beersheba, and about
midway between that city and the future site of Jerusalem. It
was originally called Kirjath-arba, the city of Arba, the father of
Anak. Later it was called Mamre, and here was the burial-place
of the patriarchs, " the cave of Machpelah." Hebron had been the
possession of Caleb, and was now the chief city of Judah. It lies
in a valley surrounded by fertile hill country and fruitful lands.
The most beautiful vineyards of Palestine were on its borders,
together with numerous plantations of olive and other fruit trees.

David and his followers immediately prepared to obey the
instruction which they had received from God. The six hundred
armed men, with their wives and children, their flocks and herds,
were soon on the way to Hebron. As the caravan entered the
city, the men of Judah were waiting to welcome David as the
future king of Israel. Arrangements were at once made for his
coronation. "And there they anointed David king over the house
of Judah." But no effort was made to establish his authority, by^
force, over the other tribes.

One of the first acts of the new-crowned monarch was to
express his tender regard for the memory of Saul and Jonathan.
Upon learning of the brave deed of the men of Jabesh-gilead in
rescuing the bodies of the fallen leaders, and giving them honor-
able burial, David sent an embassage to Jabesh with the message,

'See 2 Samuel 2-4; 5 : 1-5.

[m]

698

PATIilARClIS AND PROPHETS.

"Blessed be ye of the Lord, that ye have showed this kindness
unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. And now
the Lord show kindness and truth unto you; and I also will
requite you this kindness." And he announced his own accession
to the throne of Judah, and invited the allegiance of those who
had proved themselves so true-hearted.

The Philistines did not oppose the action of Judah in making
David king. They had befriended him in his exile, in order to
harass and weaken the kingdom of Saul, and now they hoped
that because of their former kindness to David the extension of
his power would, in the end, work to their advantage. But
David's reign was not to be free from trouble. With his corona-
tion began the dark record of conspiracy and rebellion. David
did not sit upon a traitor's throne; God had chosen him to l)e
king of Israel, and there had been no occasion for distrust or
opposition. Yet hardly had his authority been acknowledged by
the men of Judah, when through the influence of Abner, Ishbo-
sheth, the son of Saul, was proclaimed king, and set upon a rival
throne in Israel.

Ishbosheth was but a weak and incompetent representative of
the house of Saul, while David was pre-eminently qualified to
bear the responsibilities of the kingdom. Abner, the chief agent
in raising Ishbosheth to kingly power, had been commander-in-
chief of Saul's army, and was the most distinguished man in
Israel. Abner knew that David had been appointed by the Lord
to the throro of Israel, but having so long hunted and pursued
him, he was not now willing that the son of Jesse should succeed
to the kingdom over which Saul had reigned.

The circumstances under which Abner was placed, served to
develop his real character, and showed him to be ambitious and
unprincipled. He had been intimately associated with Saul, and
had been influenced by the spirit of the king to despise the man
Vhom God had chosen to reign over Israel. His hatred had been
increased by the cutting rebuke tliat David had given him at the
time when the cruse of water and the spear of the king had been
taken from the side of Saul, as he slept in the camp. He remem-
bered how David had cried in the hearing of the king and the
people of Israel, *' Art not thou a valiant man ? And who is like
to thee in Israel? Wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord
the king ? . . . This thing is not good that thou hast done. As

DAVID CALLED TO THE TIIROX

690

the Lord liveth, ye are Avorthy to die, because ye liave not kept
your master, the Lord's anointed.'" This reproof liad rankled in
his breast, and he determined to carry out his revengeful purpose,
and create division in Israel, whereby he himself might be exalted.
He employed the representative of departed royalty to advance
his own selfish ambitions and purposes. He knew that the people
loved Jonathan. His memory was cherished, and Saul's first suc-
cessful campaigns had not been forgotten })y tlie army. With
determination worthy a better cause, this rebellious leader went
forward to carry out his plans.

Mahanaim, on the farther side of Jordan, was chosen as the
royal residence, since it offered the greatest securi^; against attack,
either from David or from the Philistines. Here the coronation
of Ishbosheth took place. His reign was first accepted by the
tribes east of Jordan, and was finally extended over all Israel
except Judah. For two years the son of Saul enjoyed his honors
in his secluded capital. But Abner, intent upon extending his
power over all Israel, prepared for aggressive warfare. And
"there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of
David ; but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of
Saul waxed weaker and weaker."

At last, treachery overthrew the throne that malice and am-
bition had established. Abner, becoming incensed against the
weak and incompetent Ishbosheth, deserted to David, with the
offer to bring over to him all the tribes of Israel. His proposals
were accepted by the king, and he was dismissed with honor, to
accomplish his purpose. But the favorable reception of so valiant
and famed a warrior excited the jealousy of Joab, the commander-
in-chief of David's army. There was a blood-feud between Abner
and Joab, the former having slain Asahel, Joab's brother, during
the war l)etween Israel and Judah. Now Joab, seeing an oppor-
tunity to avenge his brother's death, and rid himself of a pro-
spective rival, basely took occasion to waylay and murder Abner.

David, upon hearing of this treacherous assault, exclaimed, *' I
and my kingdom are guiltleso before the Lord forever from the
blood of Abner the son of Ner; let it rest on the head of Joab,
and on all his father's Louse." In view of the unsettled state of
the kingdom, and the power and position of the murderers, — for
Joab's l)rother Abishai had been united with him, — David could
not visit the crime with just retribution, yet he j^ublicly mani-

» 1 Sam. 16 : 15, Ifi.

700

PATRLUWHS AND PllOPlIETS.

fe.sted liis abhorrence of the bloody deed. The burial of Al)ner
was attended with pubhc honors. The army, with Joab at their
head, were required to ta]:o part in the services of mourning, with
rent garments and clothed in sackcloth. The king manifested his
grief by keeping a fast upon the day of burial; he followed the
bier as chief mourner ; and at the grave he pronounced an elegy
which was a cutting rebuke of the murderers. " The king lamented
over Abner, and said : —

" Died Abner as a fool dieth ?
Thy hands were not bound,
Nor thy feet put into fetters ;
As a man falleth before wicked men,
So fellest thou."

David's magnanimous recognition of one who had been his
bitter enemy, won the confidence and admiration of all Israel.
" All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as whatso-
ever the king did pleased all the people. For all the people and
all Israel understood that day th it was not of the king to slay
Abner the son of Ner." In the private circle of his trusted
counselors and attendants, the king spoke of the crime, and
recognizing his own inability to p inish the murderers as he
desired, he left them to the justice of God : " Know ye not that
there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel ? And
I am this day weak, though anointed king ; and these men, the
sons of Zerniah, be too hard for me. The Lord shall reward the
doer of evil according to his wickedness."

Abner had been sincere in his oifers and representations to
David, yet his motives were base and selfish. He had persistently
opposed the king of God's appointment, in the expectation of
securing honor to himself. It was resentment, wounded pride,
and passion, that led him to forsake the cause he had so long
served ; and in deserting to David he hoped to receive the highest
position of honor in his service. Had he succeeded in his purpose,
his talents and ambition, his great influence and want of godliness,
would have endangered the throne of David and the peace and
prosperity of the nation.

" When Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his
iiands were feeble, and all the Israelites v,'ere troul)led." It was
evident that the kingdom could not long be maintained. Soon

DAVID CALLED TO THE THRONE.

701

another act of treachery completed the downfall of the waning
power. Ishbosheth was foully murdered by two of his captains,
who, cutting off his head, hastened with it to the king of Judah,
hoping thus to ingratiate themselves in his favor.

They appeared before David with the gory witness to their
crime, saying, " Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul
thine enemy, which sought thy life ; and the Lord hath avenged
my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed." But David,
whose throne God himself had established, and whom God had
delivered from his adversaries, did not desire the aid of treachery
to establish his })Ower. He told these murderers of the doom
visited upon him who boasted of slaying Saul. " How much
more," he added, " when wicked men have slain a righteous
person in his own house upon his bed? Shall I not therefore
now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the
earth? And David commanded his young men, and they slew
them. . . . But they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it in
the sepulcher of Abner in Hebron."

After the death of Ishbosheth, there was a general desire
among the leading men of Israel that David should become
king of all the tribes. " Then came all the tribes of Israel to
David unto Hebron, and spake, saying. Behold, we are thy bone
and thy flesh." They declared, " Thou wast he that leddest out
and broughtest in Israel ; and the Lord said to thee. Thou shalt
feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron ; and King
David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord."
Thus through the providence of God the way had been opened
for him to come to the throne. He had no personal ambition to
gratify, for he had not sought the honor to which he had been
brought.

More than eighl thousand of the descendants of Aaron, and of
tie Levites, waited upon David. The change in the sentiments
of the people was marked and decisive. The revolution was
quiet and dignified, befitting the great work they were doing.
Nearly half a million souls, the former subjects of Saul, thronged
Hebron and its environs. The very hills and valleys were alive
with the multitudes. The hour for the coronation was appoir ted ;
the man who had been expelled from the court of Saul, who had

702

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

fled to the mountains and hills and to the caves of the earth to
preserve his life, was ahout to receive the hij^hest hont)r that
can be conferred upon man l)y his fellow-man. liriests and
elders clothed in the garments of their sacred office, officers and
soldiers with ^'littering sjiear and helmet, and strangers from long
distances, stood to witness the coronation of the chosen king.
David was arraj^ed in the royal rohe. The sacred oil was put
upon hi3 brow by the high priest; for the anointing by Samuel
had been prophetic of what would take place at the inauguration
of the king. The time had come, and David, by solenni rite, was
consecrated to his office as God's vicegerent. The sce})ter was
placed in his hands. The covenant of his righteous sovereignty
was written, and the people gave their pledges of loyalty. The
diadem was placed upon his brow, and the coronation ceremony
was over. Israel had a king by divine appointment. He who
had waited patiently for the Lord, beheld the promise of God
fulfilled. " And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord
God of hosts was with him."'

12 Sam. 5:10.

CHAPTER LXX.

THE REIGN OF DAVID.

As soon as David was estahlished on the throne of Israel, he
began to seek a more appropriate location for the cai)ital of his
realm. Twenty miles from Hebron, u place was selected as the
future metropolis of the kingdom. Before Joshua had led the
armies of Israel over Jordan, it had been called Salem. Near
this place, Abraham had proved his loyalty to God. Eight hun-
dred years before the coronation of David, it had been the home
of Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God. It held a
central and elevated position in the country, and was i)rotectcd by
an environment of hills. Being on the border between Benjamin
and Judah, it was in close proximity to Ephraim, and was easy
of access to the other tribes.

In order to secure this location, the Hebrews must dispossess a
remnant of the Canaanites, who held a fortified position on the
mountains of Zion and Moriah. This stronghold was called Jo' lus,
and its inhabitants were known as Jebusites. For centuries, Jebus
had been looked upon as impregnable; but it was besieged and
taken by the Hebrews under the command of Joab, who, as the
reward of his valor, was made commander-in-chief of the armies
of Israel. Jebus now became the national capital, and its heathen
name was changed to Jerusalem.

Hiram, king of the wealthy city of Tyre, on the Mediterranean
Sea, now sought an alliance with the king ot Israel, and lent his
aid to David in the work of erecting a palace at Jerusalem.
Ambassadors were sent from Tyro, accompanied by architects
and workmen, and long trains laden with costly wood, cedar-trees,
and other valuable material.

The increasing strength of Israel in its union under David, the
acquisition of the stronghold of Jebus, and the alliance with
Hiram, king of Tyre, excited the hostility of the Philistines, and
they again invaded the country with a strong force, taking up

r-o.s]

704

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHET!^.

tlieir position in the valley of Rei)lmini, ])ut a short distance from
Jerusalem. David with his men of war retin-d to the stronghold
of Zion, to await divine direction. " And David in(|uired of the
Lord, sayinj;, Shall I j^o up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver
them into mine hand? And tin; Lord said unto David, (Jo up:
for I. will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.'"

David advanced upon the enemy at once, defeated and
destroyed them, and took from them the gods which tiiey liad
brought with them to insure their victory. Exasperated by the
humiliation of their defeat, the Philistines gathered a still larger
force, and returned to the conflict. And again they " spread them-
selves in the valley of Rephaim." Again David sought the Lord,
and the great I AM took the direction of tlie armies of Israel.

God instructed David, saying, " Thou shalt not go up ; but
fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against
the mulberry trees. And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of
a going in the tops of the nuill<erry trees, tliat then thou shalt
bestir thyself; for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite
the host of the Philistines." If David, like Saul, had chosen his
own way, success would not have attended him. But he did as
the Lord had commanded, and he " smote the host of the Philis-
tines from Gibeon even to Gazer. And the fame of David went
out into all lands ; and the Lord brought the fear of him ui)on
all nations.'"

Now that David was firmly established upon the throne, and
free from the invasions of foreign foes, he turned to the accom-
plishment of a cherished purpose, — to bring up the ark of God
to Jerusalem. For many years the ark had remained at Kirjath-
jearim, nine miles distant ; but it was fitting that the capital of the
nation should be honored with the token of the divine presence.

David summoned thirty thousand of the leading men of Israel ;
for it was his purpose to make the occasion a scene of great
rejoicing and imposing display. The people responded gladly to
the call. The high priest, with his brethren in sacred office, and
the princes and leading men of the tribes, assembled at Kirjath-
jearim. David was aglow with holy zeal. The ark was brought
out from the house of Abinadab, and placed upon a new cart
drawn by oxen, while two of the sons of Abinadal) attended it.

The men of Israel followed, with exultant shouts, and songs of
1 3 Sam. 5 : 17-25. ^ i Chron. 14 : 16, 17.

THE liEIGN OF DAVID.

7(>5

rejoicing:, ji inultitudo of voiceH joiiiinj; in melody with the sound
of musical instruniontH; "David and all the houne of Israel
played hefore tlu* Lord . . . on harps, and on psalteries, and on
tind)rels, and on cornets, and on cynd)als."' It had heen lonj;
since Israel had witnessed such a scene of triumph. With solemn
gladness the vast ])roce8sion wound its way along the hills and
vallej's toward the holy city.

But '* when they came to Nachon's thresh ingfloor, T^zzah jmt
forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the
oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against
Uzzah; and (rod smote him there for his rashness'; and there he
died hy the ark of God." A sudden terror fell upon the rejoicing
throng. David was astonished and greatly alarmed, and in his
heart he (juestioned the justice of God. He had been seeking to
honor the ark as the symbol of the divine presence. Why, then,
had that fearful judgment been sent to turn the season of gladness
into an occasion of grief and mourning? Feeling that it would be
unsafe to have the ark near him, David determined to let it remain
where it was. A place was found for it near by, at the house
of Obed-odom the Gittite.

The fate of Uzzah was a divine judgment upon the violation of
a most explicit command. Through Moses the Lord had given
special instruction concerning the transportation of the ark. None
but the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were to touch it, or
even to look upon it uncovered. The divine direction was, " The
sons of Kohath shall come to bear it; but they shall not touch
any holy thing, lest they die."'' The priests were to cover the ark,
and then the Kohathites nmst lift it by the staves, which were
placed in rings upon each side the ark, and were never removed.
To the Gershonitcs and Meraritcs, who had in charge the curtains
and boards and i)illars of the tabernacle, Moses gave carts and
oxen for the transportation of tl. it which was committed to them.
" But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none ; because the service
of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear
upon their shonlders.^^ * Thus in the bringing of tlie ark from
Kirjath-jearim, there had been a direct and inexcusable disregard
of the Lord's directions.

David and his people had assembled to perform a sacred work,
and they had engaged in it with glad and willing hearts ; but the

■4

^ See 2 Samuel 6. ^ Marginal reading.

3 Num. 4 ; 15.

*Num. 7 • 9.

70«

PATRIAUrilS AND PltOPlIKTS.

Lord could Hot iici'i'pt tilt' stTN i('«', licciiusc it wa.s not pertornit'd
in accorduuce with hin directionH. Tin; IMiilistincs, who ha<l not
a knowledge of (Jod's law, lui<l jilaccd thu ark upon a cart when
they returned it to Lsrael, and the Lord accepted the etl'ort whicji
they made. Hut the Israelites had in their hands a plain state-
ment of the Avill of (iod in all these matters, and their neglect of
these instructions was dishonoring to (Jod. Upon Uzzah rested
the greater guilt of jtresumption. Transgression of (Uxl's law had
lessened his sense of its sacredness, and with unconfessed sins
upon him, he had, in face of the divine prohihition, presumed to
touch the 8ynd»ol of God's presence. Clixl can accei)t no partial
ohedience, no lax way of treating Ids connnandments. By the
judgment upon Uzzah, ho designed to imi)ress ui)on all Israel the
inii)ortanco of giving strict lieed to his re(|uirements. Thus the
death of that one man, by leading the people to repentance, nnght
}jrevent the necessity of inHicting judgments upon thousands.

Feeling that his own heart was not wholly right with God,
"David, seeing the stroke upon Uzzah, had feareil the ark, lest some
sin on his ])art should bring judgments nyon him. But ()l»ed-
edoin, though lie rejoiced with trendding, welcomed the sacred
symbol as the pledge of God's favor to the obedient. The atten-
tion of all Israel was now directed to the Gittite and his household ;
all watched to see hoAV it would faro with them. " And the Lord
blessed Obed-edom, and all his household."

Upon David the divine rebuke accomplished its work. He
was led to realize, as he had never realized before, the sa(!redness
of the law of God, and the necessity of strict obedience. The
favor shown to the house of Obed-edom led David again to hope
that the ark nnght bring a blessing to him and to his i)eople.

At the end of three months, he resolved to make another
attempt to remove the ark, and he now gave earnest heed to carry
out in every particular the directions of the Lord. Again the
chief men of the nation were summoned ; and a vast assendjlage
gathered about the dwelling-place of the Gittite. With reverent
care the ark was now jdaced upon the shoulders of men of divine
appointment, the multitude fell into line, and with trembling
hearts the vast procession again set forth. After advancing six
paces, the trumpet sounded a halt. By David's direction, sacrifices
of " oxen and fatlings " were to be offered. Rejoicing now took
the ])lace of trembling and terror. The king had laid aside his

THK liKIGN OF DAVID.

707

royal rolien, and hu<l attirtni hiiiiHolt' in a plaiii liiu'n (>])liii(i, Hiirli
a.s wan worn l>y i\\v. jtriijsts. II« did not liy this act Hi^nit'y that ho
asHUiiu'd |)ri«!stly fun('ti«)nM, tor the; ephojl wan Honit'tiin«'s worn by
cthtu'H heaidcH th»; priests. lUit in this lioly service he would tako
Ids phice as, before (lod, on an ei|Uality with his subjects. Upon,
tiiat (hiy, Jehovah was to bo a(U)red. He was to l»e tlie sole object
of reverence.

Apun the lon^ train waH in motion, and the music* of harp and
cornet, trumpet and cymbal, floated heavenward, blended with
the melody of many voices. " And David danced before the
Lord," in his gladness keeping; time to the measure of the S(»ng.

David's dancing in reverent joy l»efore (Jod has been cited })y
j)leasure-lovers in justification of the fashionable modern dance;
but there is no ground for such an argument. Tn our day,
dancing is a.ssociated with folly and nndnight reveling. Health
and morals are sacrificed to ])lea8ure. Hy the fre<iuenters of the
ballroom, God is not an object of thought and reverence ; prayer
or the song of prais* would be felt to be out of place in their
assemblies. This test should be decdsive. Amusements that have
a tendency to weaken the love for sacred things and lessen our
joy in the service of God, are not to be sought l)y Christians. The
nmsio and dancing in joyful praise to God at the removal of the
ark had not the faintest resemblance to the dissipation of niodern
dancing. The one tended to the remembrance of God, and exulted
his holy name. The other is a device of Satan to cause men to
forget God and to dishonor him.

The triumphal procession approached the capital, following
the sacred symbol of their invisible King. Then a burst of song
demanded of the watchers upon the walls that the gates of the
holy city should be thrown oi)en : —

" Lift up your heads, O ye gates ;
And be ye lifted up, ye everlnstiug doors ;
And the King of glory shall come in."

A band of singers and players answered, —

" Who .8 this King of glory ? "

From another company came the respon.se, —

" The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle."

708

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Then hundreds of voices, uniting, swelled the triumphal
chorus, —

" Lift up your heads, O ye gates ;
Even lift tliera up, ye everlasting doors ;
And the King of glory shall come in."

Again the joyful inl- rrogation was heard, " Who is this King of
glory?" And the voice of the great multitude, "like the sound
of many waters," was heard in the rapturous reply, —

"The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory." ^

Then the gates were opened wide, the procession entered,
and with reverent j'we the ark was deposited in the tent that
had been prepared it '!. its reception. Before the sacred inclosure,
altars for sacrifice were erected ; the smoke of peace-offerings and
burnt-offerings, and the clouds of incense, with the praises and
supplications of Israel, ascended to heaven. The service ended,
the king himself pronounced a benediction upon his people.
Then Avith regal bounty he caused gifts of food and wine to be
distributed for their refreshment.

All the tribes had b^ep represented in this service, the celebra-
tion of the most sa' -ed event that had yet marked the reign of
David. The Spirit of divin'^ inspiration had rested upon the
king, and now as the 1" ;t beams of the setting sun bathed the
tabernacle in a hallowed light, hi.-: Leart was uplifted in gratitude
to Ctod that the blessed symbol of his presence was now so near
the throne of Israel.

Thus musing, David turned toward his palace, " to bless his
household." But there was one who had witnessed the scene of
rejoicing, Avith a spirit widely different from that which moved
the heart of David. " As the ark of the Lord came into the
city of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window,
and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord ; and
she despised him in her heart." In the l)itterness of her passion,
she could not await David's return to the palace, but went out to
meet him, and to his kindly greeting i)oured forth a torrent of
bitter words. Keen and cutting was the irony of lier s})eech : —

" How glorious was the king of Israel to-day, who uncovered
himself to-day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one
of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! "

1 P.«. 24 : 7-10.

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THE REION OF DAVID.

711

David felt that it was the service of God which Michal had
despised and dishonored, and he sternly answered: " It was l)efore
the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all Ids
house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over
Israel; therefore will I play before the Lord. And I will yet l)e
more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight ; and of
the maid-servants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be
had in honor." To David's rebuke was added that of the Lord:
because of her pride and arrogance, Michal " had no child unto
the day of her death."

The solemn ceremonies attending the removal of the ark had
made a lasting impression upon the people of Israel, arousing a
deeper interest in the sanctuary service, and kindling anew their
zeal for Jehovah. David endeavored, by every means in his
power, to deepen these impressions. The service* of song was
made a regular part of religious worship, and David composed
psalms, not only for the use of the priests in the sanctuary service,
but also to be sung by the people in their journeys to the national
altar at the annual feasts. The influence thus exerted was far-
reaching, and it resulted in freeing the nation from idolatry.
Many of the surrounding peoples, beholding the prosperity of
Israel, were led to think favorably of Israel's God, who had done
such great things for his i)eople.

The tabernacle built V)y Moses, with all that appertained to the
sanctuary service, except the ark, was still at Gibeah. It was
David's purpose to make Jerusalem the religious center of the
nation. He had erected a palace for himself, and he felt that it
was not fitting for the ark of God to rest witliin a tent. He
determined to build for it a temple of suoh magnificence as
should express Israel's appreciation of the honor granted the
nation in the abiding i)resence of Jehovah their King. Com-
municating his purpose to the prophet Nathan, he received the
encouraging response, " Do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord
is with thee." ^

But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan,
giving him a message for the king. David was to be deprived
of the privilege of building a house for God, 1)ut he was granted
an assurance of the divine favor to him, to his ])osterity, and to
the kingdom of Israel : " Thus saith Jehovah of hosts ; I took thee

1 See 2 Samuel 7.

712

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

from the sheepcoto, from following the sheep, to oe ruler over
my people, over Israel ; and I was with thee whithersoever thou
wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and
have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men
that are in the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for my
people Israel, and will plant thom, that they may dwell in a place
of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of
wickedness afflict them any moi< as beforetime."

As David had desired to build a house for God, '. i ; })romise
was given, " The Lord telleth thee that he will make thee a house.
... I will set up thy seed after thee. . . . He shall build a house
for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever."

The reason why David was not to build the temple, was de-
clared : " Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great
wars; thou shalt not build a house unto my name. . . . Be-
hold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest;
and I will give him rest from all his enemies ; ". . . his name shall
be Solomon [peaceable], and I will give peace and quietness unto
Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name." '

Though the cherished purpose of his heart had been denied,
David jeceived the message with gratitude. " Who am 1, O Lord
God ? " he exclaimed, " and what is my house, that thou hast
brought me hitherto? And this was yet a small thing in thy
sight, Lord God ; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's
house for a great while to come ; " and he then renewed his cove-
nant with God.

David knew that it would be an honor to his name, and would
bring glory to his government, to perform the work that he had
purposed in his heart to do ; but he was ready to submit his will
to the will of God. The grateful resignation thus manifested is
rarely seen, even among Christians. How often do those who
have passed the strength of manhood, cling to the hope of accom-
plishing some great work upon which their hearts are set, but
which they are unfitted to perform ! God's providence may speak
to them, as did his prophet to David, declaring that the work
which they so much desire is not committed to them. It is theirs
\xi prepare the way for another to accomplish it. But instead of
gratefully submitting to the divine direction, many tall l)ack as
if slighted and rejected, feeling that if they cannot do the one

1 1 Cliroii. 23 : 8-10.

THE REION OF DAVID.

thing v'hich they desire to do, they will do nothing. Many
cling, with desperate energy, to responsil>ilities which they are
incapahle of hearing, and vainly endeavor to accomplish a work
for which they are insufficdent, while that which they might
do, lies neglected. And because of this lack of co-operation
on their part, the greater work is hindered or frustrated.

David, in his covenant with Jonathan, had promised that when
he should have rest from his enemies, he would show kindness to
the house of Saul. In his prosperity, mindful of this covenant,
the king made inquiry, " Is -there yet any that is left of tlie
house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's
sake?''^ He was told of a son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who
had been lame from childhood. At the time of Saul's defeat by
the Philistines at Jezreel, the nurse of this child, attempting to
flee with him, had let him fall, thus making him a life-long
cripple. David now summoned the young man to court, and
received him with great kindness. The private possessions of
Saul were restored to him, for the support of his household; but
the son of Jonathan was himself to be the constant guest of the
king, sitting daily at the royal table. Through reports from the
enemies of David, Mephibosheth had been led to cherish a strong
prejudice against him as a usurper; but the monarch's generous
and courteous reception of him, and his continued kindness, won
the heart of the young man; he became strongly attached to
David, and like his father Jonathan, he felt that his interest was
one with that of the king whom God had chosen.

After David's establishment upon the throne of Israel, the
nation enjoyed a long interval of peace. The surrounding ])eoples,
seeing the strength and unity of the kingdom, soon thought it
prudent to desist from open hostilities ; and David, occupied with
the organization and upbuilding of his kingdom, refrained from
aggressive war. At last, however, he made war upon Israel's old
enemies, the Philistines, and upon the Moabites, and succeeded in
overcoming both, and making them tributary.

Then there was formed against the kingdom of David a A^ast
coalition of the surrounding nations, out of which grew the
greato^it wars and victories of his reign, and the most extensive
accessions to his i)Ower. This hostile alliance, which really sprung
from jealousy of David's increasing power, had been wholly unpro-

1 See 2 Sauuu'l 9.

''it

_i*.i

714

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

voked by him. The circumstances that led to its rise were those : —

Tidings were received at Jerusalem announcing the death of
Nahash, king of the Ammonites, — a monarch who had shown
kindness to David when he was a fugitive from the rage of Saul.
Now, desiring to express his grateful appreciation of the favor
shown him in his distress, David sent ambassadors with a message
of sympathy to Hanun, the son and successor of the Ammonite
king. " Said David, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of
Nahash, as his father showed kindness unto me." '

But his courteouiA act was misinterpreted. The Ammonites
hated the true God, and were the bitter enemies of Israel. The
apparent kindness of Nahash to David had been prompted
wholly by hostility to Saul as king of Israel. The message of
David was misconstrued by Hanun's counselors. They " said
unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honor tliy
father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee ? hath not David
rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it
out, and to overthrow it? " It was by the advice of his counselors
that Nahash, half a century before, had been led to make the
cruel condition required of the people of Jabesh-gilead, when,
besieged by the Ammonites, they sued for a covenant of peace.
Nahash had demanded the privilege of thrusting out all their
right eyes. The Ammonites still vividly remembered how the
king of Israel had foiled their cruel design, and had rescued the
people whom they would have humbled and mutilated. The same
hatred of Israel still prompted them. They could have no concep-
tion of the generous spirit that had inspired David's message.
When Satan controls the minds of men, he will excite envy
and suspicion which will misconstrue the very best intentions.
Listening to his counselors, Hanun regarded David's messengers
as spies, and loaded them with scorn and insult.

The Ammonites had been permitted to carry out the evil pur-
poses of their hearts without restraint, that their real character
might be res'ealed to David. It was not God's will that Israel
should enter into a league with this treacherous heathen people.

In ancient times, as now, the office of ambassador was held
sacred. By the universal law of nations it insured protection
from personal violence or insult. The ambassador standing as a
representative of his sovereign, any indignity oflered to him de-

1 See 2 Samuel 10.

THJi^ HEION OF DAVID.

ilii

manded prompt letaiiation. The Aminonites, knowing? that the
insult ofl'ered to Israel would surely be avenged, made j)reparation
for war. " When the children of Amnion saw that they had
made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of
Amnion sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and
horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of .Syria-maachah, and
out of Zobah. So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots.
. . . And the children of Amnion gathered themselves together
from their cities, and came to battle."'

It was indeed a formidable alliance. The inhabitants of the
region lying between the river Euphrates and the Mediterranean
Sea had leagued with the Ammonites. The north and east of
Canaan was encircled with armed foes, banded together to crush the
kingdom of Israel.

The Hebrews did not wait for the -invasion of their country.
Their forces, under Joab, crossed the Jordan, and advanced toward
the Ammonite capital. As the Hebrew captain led his army to the
field, he sought to inspire them for the conflict, saying, " Be of
good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our jjeople,
and for the cities of our God ; and let the Lord do that which is
good in his sight."' The united forces of the allies were over-
come in the first engagement. But they were not yet willing to
give over the contest, and the next year, renewed the war. The
king of Syria gathered his forces, threatening Israel with an im-
mense army. David, realizing how much depended upon the
result of this contest, took the field in person, and by the bless-
ing of God inflicted upon the allies a defeat so disastrous that
the Syrians, from Lebanon to the Euphrates, not only gave up
the war, but became tributary to Israel. Against the Ammonites,
David pushed the war with vigor, until their strongholds fell, and
the whole region came under the dominion of Israel.

The dangers which had threatened the nation with utter
destruction, proved, through the providence of God, to be the
very means by which it rose to unprecedented greatness. In
commemorating his remarkable deliverances, David sings : —

"The Lord liveth ; and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God
of my salvation;
Even the God that executeth vengeance for me, and subdueth
peoples under me.

1 1 Chron. 19 : 0, 7, 13.

710

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

He rescueth me from mine enemies;

Yea, thou liftest me up nhove tliem that rise up aijainst. me;

Thou deliverest me from tlie violent man.

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord. amon<^ the nations,

And will sing praises unto thy name.

Great deliverance giveth he to his king;

And showeth loving-kindness to liis anointed,

To David and to his seed, forevermore."*

And throughout the songs of David, tlio thought was iniprossctl
on his people that Jehovah was their strength and deliverer : —

" There is no king saved by the multitude of a host;
A mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
A horse is a vain thing for safety;
Neither shall he deliver any by his great strength."

"Thou art my king, O God;
Command deliverances for Jacob.
Through thee, will we pushdown our enemies;

Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
For I will not trust in my bow,
Neither shall my sword save me.
But thou hast saved us from our enemies.
And hast put them to shame that hated us."

■ " Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;

But we will remember the name of Jehovah our God."^

The kingdom of Israel had now reached in extent the fulfill-
ment of the promise given to Abraham, and afterward repeated
to Moses : " Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river
of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates."^ Israel had
become a mighty nation, respected and feared by surrounding
peoples. In his own realm, David's i)ower had become very
great. He commanded, as few sovereigns in any age have been
able to command, the affections and allegiance of his people. He
had honored God, and God was now honoring him.

But in the midst of prosperity lurked danger. In the time of
his greatest outward triumph, David Avas in the greatest peril, and
met his most humiliating defeat.

iPs. 18:46-50, Rev. Ver. ^Ps. 33 : 16, 17; 44 : 4-7; 20 : 7.

3 Gen. 15 : 18 ; Deut. 11 : 22-25.

CHAPTER LXXI.

DAVID'S SLN AND REPENTANCE.

The Bible has littlu to say in praise of men. Little space is
given to recounting the virtues of even the best men who have
ever lived. This silence is not without purpose ; it is not without
a lesson. All the good qualities that men possess are the gift of
God; their good deeds are performed by the grace of God through
Christ. Since they owe all to God, the glory of wliatever they are
or do, belongs to him alone; they are but instruments in his
hands. More than this — as all the lessons of Bible history teach
— it is a perilous thing to praise or exalt men ; for if one comes to
lose sight of his entire dependence on God, and to trust to his own
strength, he is sure to fall. Man is contending with foes who are
stronger than he. " We wrestle not against flesli and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high i)laces." ' It
is impossible for us, in our own strength, to maintain the conflict;
and whatever diverts the mind from God, whatever leads to self-
exaltation or to self-dependence, is surely preparing the way for
our overthrow. The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate distrust of
human power and to encourage trust in divine power.

It was the spirit of self-confidence and- self-exaltation that
prepared the way for David's fall. Flattery, and the subtle
allurements of power and luxury, were not without effect upon
him. Intercourse Avith surrounding nations also exerted an
influence for evil. According to the customs prevailing among
Eastern rulers, crimes not to be tolerated in subjects were uncon-
demned in the king; the monarch was not under obligation to
exercise the same self-restraint as the subject. All this tended to
lessen David's sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. And
instead of relying in humility upon the power of Jehovah, he
begaii to trust to his own Avisdoni and might. As soon as Satan

J Eph. 6 . 13 (margin). [rir] ^^

J'ATlilA/iCIfX AM) PROPITKTS.

can separate the soul from (rod, the only source of Htronjjctli, he
will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man's carnal nature.
The work of the enemy is not al)rui»t; it is not, at the outset,
sudden and startlinj;; it is a secret und(!rmininj< of the stronj^diolds
of j)rincij»le. It begins in apparently small thinjjs, — the n(';rl('ct
to be true to (iod and to rely upon him wholly, the disposition to
follow the customs and practices of the world.

Before the conclusion "of the war with the Ammonites, David,
leaving the conduct of the army to Joab, returned to Jerusalem.
The Syrians had already submitted to Israel, and the complete
overthrow of the Annnonites ajjpeartKl certain. David was sur-
rounded by the fruits of victory and the honors of his wise and
able rule. It Avas now, while he was at ease and unguarded, tliat
the tempter seized the opportunity to occuj)y his mind. The fact
that God had taken David into so close connection with liimself,
and had manifested so great favor toward him, should have been
to him the strongest of incentives to preserve his character unblem-
ished. But when, in ease and self-security, he let go his hold
upon God, David yielded to Satan, and brought upon his soul the
stain of guilt. He, the Heaven-appointed leader of the nation,
chosen by God to execute his law, himself trampled upon its
precepts. He who should have been a terror to evil-doers, by his
own act strengthened their hands.

Amid the perils of his earlier life, David, in conscious integ-
rity, could trust his case with God. The Lord's hand had guided
him safely past the unnumbered snares that had been laid for his
feet. But now, guilty and unrepentant, he did not ask help and
guidance from Heaven, but sought to extricate himself from the
dangers in which sin had involved him. Bathsheba, whose fatal
beauty had proved a snare to the king, was the wife of Uriah
the Hittite, one of David's bravest and most faithful officers.
None could foresee what would be the result should the crime
become known. The law of God pronounced the adulterer guilty
of death, and the proud-spirited soldier, so shamefully wronged,
might avenge himself by taking the life of the king, or by exciting
the nation to revolt.

Every effort which David made to conceal his guilt proved
unavailing. He had betrayed himself into the power of Satan;
danger surrounded him, dishonor more bitter than death was
before him. There appeared but one way of escape, and in his

DAVID'S SIN AND RKPKNTANCK.

711>

despprution he was hurried oii to add luunh'r to adultery. He
who liad coJupa.sHed the destructiou of Saul, was Heeking to lead
David also to ruin. Thou«,di the teJui)tations were different, they
were alike in leadinji^ to transgression of God's law. Davi<l rea-
soned that if Uriah were slain by the hand of enendes in battle,
the guilt of his death could not he traced home to the king,
Bathshelta would be free to become David's wife, suspicion could
be averted, and the royal honor would be maintained.

Uriah was made the bearer of his own death-warrant. A
letter sent by his hand to Joub from the king commanded, "Set
ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from
him, that he may be smitten, and die."' Joab, already stained
with the guilt of t)ne wanton nmrder, did not hesitate to obey the
king's instructions, and Uriah fell by the sword of the children
of Annn(»n.

Heretofore' David's record as a ruler had been such as few
monarchs have ever equaled. It is written of him that he " exe-
cuted judgment and justice unto all his people."' His integrity
had won the confidence and fealty of the nation. But as he
departed from God, and yielded himself to the wicked one, he
became, for the time, the agent of Satan; yet he still held the
position and authority that God had given him, and because
of this, claimed obedience that would imperil the soul of him
who should yield it. And Joab, whose allegiance had been given
to the king rather than to God, transgressed God's law because
the king had commanded it.

David's power had been given him by God, but to be exercised
only in harmony with the divine law. When he commanded that
which was contrary to God's law, it became sin to obey. " The
powers that be are ordained of God,"' but we are not to obey
them contrary to God's law. The apostle Paul, writing to the
Corinthians, sets forth the principle by which we should be
governed. He says, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am
of Christ."*

An account of the execution of his order was sent to David,
but so carefully worded as not to implicate either Joab or the
king. Joab "charged the messenger, saying. When thou hast
made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king,

» See 2 Samuel 11, 12. ^ 2 Sam. 8 : 15.

3 Rom. 13:1. *1 Cor. 11:1.

■J

720

PATlilMtClIS A\l> I'UO/'/fh'TS.

ami if HO l»() that tlio kiiij,''H wnitli nrlHc, . . . tlu-n say tliou, Tliy
Horvant Uriah tlu; Ilittite is (U'a<l also. So tl»o nu-ssun^'er went.
and came and showi'd David all that Joah had sent him fur."

Tho kinj;'H answer was, "Thus slialt thou say unto Joali: Let
not this thinjj; displcaso thee, for tlu sword dcvourt'th uno as well
as anotlu'r. Make thy hattlu nioro strong,' a<,'ainst the eity, and
overtlirow it; and encourage thou him."

Bathshcha ohserved tho customary days of niournin^i: for her
hushand ; and at their close, "David sent and fetched her to hi,y
house, and she hecame his wife." Ho whoso tender conscience
and hi^h sense of honor would not })erinit him, even when in i)eril
of his life, to put forth his hand against tho Lord's anointed, had
so fallen that he could wronf< and murder one of his most faithful
Riid most valiant soldiers, and hope to enjoy undisturbed the re-
■yard of his sin. Alas ! how had the fine gold become dim ! how
had the most fine gold changed !

From the l^eginning, Satan has portrayed to men the gains to he
won by transgression. Thus he seduced angels. Thus he tempted
Adam and Eve to sin. And thus he is still leading nmltitudes
away from obedience to God. Tho path of transgression is made
to appear desirable ; " ])ut the end thereof are the ways of death."'
Happy they who, having ventured in this way, learn how ])itter
are the fruits of sin, and turn from it betimes. God, in his mercy,
did not leave David to be lured to utter ruin Ijy the deceitful
rewards of sin.

For tho sake of Israel also, there was a necessity for (iod to
interpose. As time i)assed on, David's sin toward Bathsheba
became known, and suspicion was excited that he had i)lanned
the death of Uriah. Tho Lord was dishonored. He had favored
and exalted David, and David's sin misrepresented the character
of God, and cast reproach upon his name. It tended to loAver the
standard of godliness in Israel, to lessen in many minds the
abhorrence of sin; while those who did not love and fear God
were by it emboldened in transgression.

Nathan the prophet was bidden to bear a message of reprooj
to David. It was a message terrible in its severitv. To few sov-
ereigns could such a reproof be given but at the price of certain
death to the reprover. Nathan delivered the divine sentence un-
flinchingly, yet with such heaven-born wisdom as to engage the

iProv. 14 : 12.

DAVIDS SIN AXD UEPKNTANCK.

721

Hytn|ijithi('s t>f tho kin^, to urouso hin conHcicnoe, and to rail from
lii.s lips tlic Hcntenct; of death upon liinisclf. Apjtcalinji to David
as tlio divinely appointed guardian of his people's rij,dits, the
prophet rei)eated a story of wntnj; !»nd oppression that denmnded
redress.

"There \\.Yv two men in one eity,"' he said, "the one rich, and
the other jioor. The rieh man liad exceeding,' many tloeks and
herds; hut the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe hunh,
which he had liroujjht and nourished up; and it ^'rew up together
with him, and with his children; it did eat of hia own meat, and
(Irank of his own eui», and lay in Ids ]»osom, and was unto him as
a daujrhter. And there came a traveler unto tho rieh man, and lie
spared to take of his own lloek and of his own herd, to dress for
tho wayfaring man that was come unto him; hut took the i)oor
man's land», and dressed it for tho man that was como to him."

The anger of the king was roused, and l»o exclaimed, " As the
Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing is worthy to die.
And he shall restore the land) fourfold, hecause he did this thing,
and hecause he had no pity." '

Nathan fixed his eyes upon the king; then lifting his right
hand to heaven, he solemrdy declared, " Thou art the man."
" Wherefore," he continued, " hast thou despised tho conmuind-
ment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight?" Tho guilty may
attempt, as David had done, to conceal their crime from men;
they may seek to bury the evil deed forever from human sight or
knowledge : hut " all things are naked and opened unto the eyes
of Him with whom wo have to do."* " There is nothing covered,
that shall not he revealed ; and hid, that shall not be known." ^

Nathan declared : " Thus saith the Lord God of Israel : I
anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the
hand of 8aul. . . . Wherefore hast thou despised the command-
ment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? Thou hast killed
Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy
wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Amnion.
Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house.
. . . Beliold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own
house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them
unto thy neighbor. . . . For thou didst it secretly ; but I will do
this thing Ijefore all Israel, and before the sun."

J '2 Sam. V2 : 5, 6 (margin).

»Heb. 4 : 13.

3 Matt. 10 ; 26.

722

PATRlAltClIS AND PROPHETS.

The prophet's rebuke touched the lieart of David ; eunseienee
was aroused ; his guilt appeared in all its enormity. His soul was
bowed in penitence before God. With trembling lips he said, " I
have sinned against the Lord." All wrong done to others reaches
back from the injured one to God. David had committed a
grievous sin, toward both Uriah and Bathsheba, and he keenly
felt this. But infinitely greater was his sin against God.

Though there would be found none in Israel to execute the sen-
tence of death upon the anointed of the Lord, David trembled, lest,
guilty and unforgiven, he should be cut down by the swift judg-
ment of God. But the message was sent him by the pro})het,
" The Lord also li.ith put away thy sin ; thou shalt not die." Yet
justice must be maintained. The sentence of death was trans-
ferred from David to the child of his sin. Thus the king was
given opportunity for repentance ; while to him the suffering and
death of the child, as a part of his punishment, was far more
bitter than his own death could have been. The prophet said,
" Because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the
enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto
thee shall surely die."

When his child was stricken, David, with fasting and deep
humiliation, jjleaded for its life. He put off his royal ro))es, he
laid aside his crown, and night after night he lay upon the earth,
in heart-broken grief interceding for the innocent one suffering for
his guilt. " The elders of his house arose, and went to him, to
raise him up from the earth ; but he would not." Often when
judgments had been pronounced upon persons or cities, humilia-
tion and repentance had turned aside the blow, and the Ever-
Merciful, swift to pardon, had sent messengers of peace.
Encouraged by this thought, David persevered in his supplication
so long as the child was spared. Upon learning that it was dead,
he quietly submitted to the decree of God. The first stroke had
fallen of that retribution which he himself had declared just;
but David, trusting in God's mercy, was not without comfort.

Very many, reading the history of David's fall, have inquired,
" Why has this record been made public ? Why did God see fit
to throw open to the world this dark passage in the life of one so
highly honoured of Heaven ? " The prophet, in his reproof to David,
had declared concerning his sin, *' By this deed thou hast given
great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." Through

W-^::

DAVID'S 8IN AND REPENTANCE.

723

successive generations, infidels have pointed to the character of
David, bearing this dark stain, and have exclaimed in triumph
and derision, " This is the man after God's own heart ! " Thus a
reproach has been brought upon religion, God and his word have
been blasphemed, souls have been hardened in unbelief, and
many, under a cloak of piety, have become bold in sin.

But the history of David furnishes no countenance to sin. It
was when he was walking in the counsel of God, that he was
called a man after God's own heart. When he sinned, this ceased
to be true of him until by repentance he had returned to tlie Lord.
The word of God plainly declares, "The thing that David had
done was evil in the eyes of Jehovah." ' And the Lord said to
David by the prophet, " Wherefore hast thou despised the com-
mandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? . . . Now therefore
the sword shall never depart from thine house ; because thou hast
despised me." Though David repented of his sin, and was
forgiven and accepted by the Lord, he reaped the baleful harvest
of the seed he himself had sown. The judgments upon him and
upon his hou§e testify to God's abhorrence of the sin.

Heretofore God's providence had preserved David, against all
the plottings of his enemies, and had been directly exercised to
restrain Saul. But David's transgression had changed his relation
to God. The Lord could not in any wise sanction iniquity. He
could not exercise his power to protect David from the results of
his sin as he had protected him from the enmity of Saul.

There was a great change in Davia himself. He was broken in
spirit by the consciousness of his sin and its far-reaching results.
He felt humbled in the eyes of his subjects. His influence
was weakened. Hitherto his prosperity had been attributed to
his conscientious obedience to the commandments of the Lord.
But now his subjects, having a knowledge of his sin, would be led
to sin more freely. His authority in his own household, his claim
to respect and obedience from his sons, was weakened. A sense of
his guilt kept him silent when he should have condemned sin ; it
made his arm feeble to execute justice in his house. His evil
example exerted its influence upon his sons, and God would not
interpose to prevent the result. He Avould permit things to take
their natural course, and thus David was severely chastised.

For a whole year after his fall, David lived in apparent security j
there was no outward evidence of God's displeasure. But the

1 2 Sam. 11 : 37 (margin).

724

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

divine sentence was hanging over him. Swiftly and surely a day of
judgment and retribution was approaching, which no repentance
could avert, agony and shame that would darken his whole
earthly life. Those who, by pointing to the example of DavM,
try to lessen the guilt of their own sins, should learn from the
Bible record that the way of transgression is hard. Though like
David thev should turn from their evil course, the results of sin,
even in this life, will be found bitter and hard to bear.

God intended the history of David's fall to serve as a warning
that even those whom he has greatly blessed and favored are not
to feel secure, and neglect watchfulness and prayer. And thus
it has proved to those who in humility have sought to learn
the lesson that God designeci to teach. From generation to
generation, thousands have thus been led to realize their own
danger from the tempter's power. The fall of David, one so greatly
honored by the Lord, has awakened in them distrust of self. They
have felt that God alone could keep them by his power through
faith. Knowing that in him was their strength, and safety, they
have feared to take the first step on Satan's ground.

Even before the divine sentence was pronounced against David,
he had begun to reap the fruit of transgression. His conscience
was not at rest. The agony of spirit which he then endured is
brought to view in the thirty-second psalm. He says : —

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no guile.
When I. kept silence, my bones waxed old,
Through my roaring all the day long.
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me;
My moisture was changed as with the drought of summer." ^

And the fifty-first psalm is an expression of David's repentance,
when the message of reproof came to him from God : —

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness;
According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my trans-

gresslopd.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions ; and my sin is ever before

me. . . .
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow. ^

» Ptf. 33 : 1-4, Rev. Ver.

DAVID'S Sm AND REPENTANCE.

725

Make me to hear joy and gladness,

That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoica

Hide thy face from my sins,

And blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God;

And renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence;

And take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation,

And uphold me with thy free Spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;

And sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation,

And my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness."^

Thus in a sacred song to be sung in the public assemblies of
his people, in the presence of the court, — priests and judges,
princes and men of war, — and which would preserve to the latest
generation the knowledge of his fall, the king of Israel recounted
his sin, his repentance, and his hope of pardon through the mercy
of God. Instead of endeavoring to conceal his guilt, he desired
that others might be instructed by the sad history of his fall.

David's repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort
to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments threat-
ened, inspired his prayer. But he saw the enormity of his trans-
gression against God; he saw the defilement of his soul; he
loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but
for purity of heart. David did not in despair give over the
struggle. In the promises of God to repentant sinners, he saw the
evidence of his pardon and acceptance.

"For thou desirest not sacrifice ; else would I give it ;
Thou delightest not in burnt-oflfering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit ;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." ^

Though David had fallen, the Lord lifted him up. He was
now more fully in harmony with God and in sympathy with his
fellow-men than before he fell. In the joy of his release he sang, —

"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid.
1 said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,
And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. ...
Thou art my hiding-place ; thou shalt preserve me from trouble ;
Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance."*
iPs. 51 : 1-14, 16, 17. "Ps. .32 : 5-7.

726

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Many have murmured at what they called God's injustice in
sparing David, whose guilt was so great, after having rejected 8iuil
for what appear to them to be far less flagrant sins. But David
humbled himself and confessed his sin, while Saul despised
reproof, and liardened his heart in impenitence.

This passage in David's history is full of significance to the
repenting sinner. It is one of tlie most forcible illustrati(jns given
us of the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine
repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through all the ages, it has proved a source of encouiugemcnt to
souls that, having fallen into sin, were struggling under the ]>ur(len
of their guilt. Thousands of the children of God, who have l>een
betrayed into sin, when ready to cri'''e up to despair have remem-
bered how David's sincere repentanca and confession were accepted
by God, notwithstanding he suffered for his transgression; and
they also have taken courage to repent, and try again to walk in
the way of God's commandments.

Whoever under the reproof of God will humble the soul with
confession and repentance, as did David, may be sure that there
is hope for him. Whotv'er will in faith accept God's promises,
will find pardon. The Lord will never cast away one truly
repentant soul. He has given this promise : " Let him take hold
of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall
make peace with me." ' " Let the wicked forsake his way, and
the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him return unto the
Lord, and he will have mercy upon him ; and to our God, for he
will abundantly pardon." *

»l8a. 37

»Isa. 55 : 7.

CHAPTER LXXII.

THE REBELLION OF ABSALOM.

" He shall restore fourfold," had been David's unwitting
sentence upon himself, on listening to the prophet Nathan's
parable; and according to his own sentence he w.n^ to bo judged.
Four of his sons must fall, and ■^he loss of each would be a result
of the father's sin.

The shameful crime of Amnon, the first-born, was per-
mitted by David to pass unpunished and unrebuked. The law
pronounced death upon the adulterer, and the unnatural crime
of Amnon made him doubly guilty. But David, self-condemned
for his own sin, failed to bring the offender to justice. For two
full years, Absalom, the natural protector of the sister so foully
wronged, concealed his purpose of revenge, but only to strike
more surely at the last. At a feast of the king's sons, the drunken,
incestuous Amnon was slain, by his brother's command.

Twofold judgment had been meted out to David. The terrible
message was carried to him, " Absalom hath slain all the king's
sons, and there is not one of them left. Then the king arose, and
tare his garments, and lay on the earth ; and all his servants stood
by with their clothes rent." ' The king's sons, returning in alarm to
Jerusalem, revealed to their father the truth ; Amnon alone had
been slain ; and they " lifted up their voice and wept ; and tlie king
also and all his servants wept very sore." But Absalom fled to
Talmai, the king of Geshur, his mother's father.

Like other sons of David, Amnon had been left to selfish
indulgence. He had sought to gratify every thought of his
heart, regardless of the requirements of God. Notwithstanding
his great sin, God had borne long with him. For two years he
had been granted opportunity for repentance; Ijut he continued
in sin, and with his guilt upon him, he was cut down by death^
to await the awful tribunal of the Judgment.

' See 3 Samuel 13-19.

[727]

728

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

David had neglected the duty of punishing the crime of Am-
non, and because of the unfaithfulness of the king and father, and
the impenitence of the son, the Lord permitted events to take their
natural course, and did not restrain Absalom. When parents or
rulers- neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, God himself will
take the case in hand. His restraining power will be in a measure
removed from the agencies of evil, so that a train of circumstances
will arise which will punish sin with sin.

The evil results of David's unjust indulgence toward Amnon
were not ended; for it wps here that Absalom's alienation from
his iiither began. After he fled to Geshur, David, feeling that
the crime of his son demanded some punishment, refused him
permission to return. And this had a tendency to increase rather
than to lessen the inextricable evils in which the king had come
to be involved. Absalom, energetic, ambitious, and unprincipled,
shut out by his exile from participation in the affairs of the king-
dom, soon gave himself up to dangerous scheming.

At the close of two years, Joab determined to effect a recon-
ciliation between the father and his son. Arid with this object
in view he secured the services of a woman of Tekoah, reputed
for wisdom. Instructed by Joab, the woman represented herself
to David as a widow whose two sons had been her only comfort
and support. In a quarrel, one of these had slain the other, and
now all the relatives of the family demanded that the survivor
should be given up to the avenger of blood. " And so," said the
mother, " they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not
leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the
earth." The king's feelings were touched by this appeal, and he
assured the woman of the royal protection for her son.

After drawing from him repeated promises for the young
man's safety, she entreated the king's forbearance, declaring that
he had spoivon as one at fault, in that he did not fetch home
again his banished. " For," she said, " we must needs die, and
are as Avater spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up
again; neither doth God respect any person; yet doth he devise
means, that his banished be not expelled from /w'»i." This tender and
touching portrayal of the love of God toward the sinner, — coming
as it did from Joab, the rude soldier, — is a striking evidence of
the familiarity of the Israelites with the great truths of redemp-
tion. The king, feeling his own need of ^ God's mercy, could not

77//; REBELLION OF ABSALOM.

729

resist this appeal. To Joal) the command was given, "Go, there-
fore, bring the young man Absalom again."

Absalom was permitted to return to Jerusalem, hut not to
appear at court, or to meet his father. David had begun to see
the evil effects of his indulgence toward his children ; and tenderly
as he loved this beautiful and gifted son, he felt it necessary, as
a lesson both to Absalom and to the people, that abhorrence for
such a crime should be manifested. Absalom lived two years
in his own house, but banished from the court. His sister dwelt
with him, and her presence kept alive the memory of the
irreparable wrong she had suffered. In the popular estimation,
the prince was a hero rather than an offender. And having this
advantage, he set himself to gain the hearts of the people. His
personal appearance was such as to win the admiration of all
beholders. " In all Israel there was none to be so much praised
as Absalom for his beauty ; from the sole of his foot even to the
crown of his head there was no blemish in him." It was not wise
for the king to leave a man of Absalom's character — ambitious,
impulsive, and passionate — to brood for two years over supposed
grievances. And David's action, in permitting him to return to
Jerusalem, and yet refusing to admit him to his presence, enlisted
in his behalf the sympathies of the people.

With the memory ever before him of his own transgression of
the law of God, David seemed morally paralyzed ; he was weak
and irresolute, when before his sin he had been courageous and
decided. His influence with the people had been weakened.
And all this favored the designs of his unnatural son.

Through the influence of Joab, Absalom was again admitted to
his father's presence ; but though there was an outward reconcilia-
tion, he continued his ambitious scheming. He now assumed an
alniost royal state, having chariots and horses, and fifty men to
run before him. And while the king was more and more inclined
to desire retirement and solitude, Absalom sedulously courted the
popular favor.

The influence of David's listlessness and irresolution extended
to his subordinates ; negligence and delay characterized the admin-
istration of justice. Absalom artfully turned every cause of dis-
satisfaction to his own advantage. Day by day this man of noble
mien might be seen at the gate of the city, where a crowd of
suppliants waited to present their wrongs for redress. Absalom

7 HO

PATIilAIiCnS AND PltOPHErs.

mingled with them, and listened to their fi;rievanres, cxiirossinj^
Hvmpathy with their suflerings, and regret at the inelliciency of
the government. Having thus listened to the story of a man of
Israel, the prince would reply, " Thy matters are good and riglit ;
but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee ; " adding,
" O that I were made' judge in the land, that every man which
hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do liim
justice ! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to do him
obeisance, he i)ut forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him."

Fomented by the artful insinuations of the prince, discontent
with the governmeM ■"'tis fast spreading. The praise of Absalom
was on the lips of aii tie \ as generally regarded as heir to the
kingdom; the people i>oked ".^on him with pride as worthy of
this high station, and a desire was kindled that he might occupy
the throne. " So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."
Yet the king, blinded by affection for his son, suspected nothing.
The i)rincely state which Absalom had assumed, was regarded l)y
David as intended to do honor to his court, — as an expression of
joy at the reconciliation.

The minds of the people being prepared for what was to
follow, Absalom secretly sent picked men throughout the tribes,
to concert measures for a revolt. And now the cloak of religious
devotion was assumed to conceal his traitorous designs. A vow
made long before while he was in exile must be paid in Hebron.
Absalom said to the king, " I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow,
which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron. For thy servant
vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur, in Syria, saying. If the
Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve
the Lord." The fond father, comforted with this evidence of piety
in his son, dismissed him with his blessing. The conspiracy was
now fully matured. Absalom's crowning act of hypocrisy was
designed not only to blind the king, but to establish the confidence
of the people, and thus to lead them on to rebellion against the
king whom God had chosen.

Absalom set forth for Hebron, and there went with him " two
hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called ; and they went
in their simplicity, and they knew not anything." These men
went with Absalom, little thinking that their love for the son was
leading them into rebellion against the father. Upon arriving at
Hebron, Absalom immediately summoned Ahithophel, one of the

THE REnELLION OF ABSALOM.

Tin

chief counselors of David, a man in lii^li repute for windoin, whose
oi)inion was thou^dit to he as safe and wioo as that of an oracle.
Ahithophel joined the conspirators and his sui)i)ort luado the
cause of Ahsaloni ai)i)ear certain of success, attractinj^ to his
standard many influential men from all ])arts of the land. As the
trunqtct of revolt was sounded, the prince's spies throughout the
country sjjread the tidings that Ahsaloni was king, and many of
the i)eople gathered to him.

Meanwhile the alarm was carried to Jerusalem, to the king.
David was suddenly aroused, to see rebellion breaking out close
beside his throne. His own son — the son whom he had loved
and trusted — had been plotting to seize his crown, and doubtless
to take his life. In his great j)eril, David shook off' the def)ression
that had so long rested ui)on him, and with the spirit of his earlier
years he prepared to meet this terrible emergency. Ah dom was
mustering his forces at Hebron, only twenty mil^s a,, y. The
rebels would soon be at the gates of Jerusalem.

From his palace, David looked out upon his capital — "beauti-
ful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, . . . tiie city of the
great King.'" He shuddered at the thought f exposing it to
carnage and devastation. Should he call to his help the subjects
still loyal to his throne, and make a stand to hold his capital?
Should he permit Jerusalem to be deluged with blood? His
decision was taken. The horrors of war should not fall U{)on the
chosen city. He would leave Jerusalem, and then test the fidelity
of his peojjle, giving them an opportunity to rally to his support.
In this great crisis it was his duty to God and to his people to
maintain the authority with which Heaven had invested him.
The issue of the conflict he would trust with God.

In humility and sorrow, David passed out of the gate of
Jerusalem, — driven from his throne, from his palace, from the
ark of God, liy the insurrection of his cherished son. The i)eople
followed in long, sad procession, like a funeral train. David's
body-guard of Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites
from Gath, under the command of Ittai, accompanied the king.
But David, with characteristic unselfishness, could not consent
that these strangers who had sought his protection should be
involved in his calamity. He expressed surprise that they should
be ready to make this sacrifice for him. Then said the king to
Ittai tlie CJittite, "Wherefore goest thou also with us? Return to

1 Ps. 4S : 2.

732

PATItrARCnS AM) I'ltOI'irKTS.

thy plaoe, iind abide with the king; for thou art a straii;:or, and
also an oxik'. Whereas thou earnest but vesterday, should I this
day make thee f?o up and down with us? Peeing I go whither I
may, return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth
be with thee."

Ittai answered, " As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king
liveth, surely in Avhat place my lord the king shall l)e, whether
in death or life, even there also will thy servant be." These men
had been converted from j)aganism to the worshij) of Jehovah,
and nobly they now proved their fidelity to their God and their
king. David, with grateful heart, accepted their devotion to his
apparently sinking cause, and all passed over the brook Kedron,
on the way toward the wilderness.

Again the procession halted. A company clad in holy vest-
ments was approaching. " And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites
were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God." The fol-
lowers of David looked upon this as a hapjiy omen. The presence
of that sacred symbol was to them a pledge of their deliverance
and ultimate victory. It would inspire the people with courage to
rally to the king. Its absence from Jerusalem would bring terror
to the adherents of Absalom.

At sight of the ark, joy and hope for a brief moment thrilled
the heart of David. But soon other thoughts came to him.
As the appointed ruler of God's heritage, he was under solemn
responsibility. Not personal interests, but the glory of God and
the good of his people, were to be uppermost in the mind of
Israel's king. God, who dwelt between the cherubim, had said
of Jerusalem, '' This is my rest ; " ' and without divine authority,
neither priest nor king had a right to remove therefrom the
symbol of his presence. And David knew that his heart and life
must be in harmony with the divine precepts, else the ark would
be the means of disaster rather than of success. His great sin
was ever before him. He recognized in this conspiracy the just
judgment of God. The sword that was not to depart from his
house had been unsheathed. He knew not what the result of the
struggle might be. It was not for him to remove from the capital
of the nation the sacred statutes which embodied the will of their
divine Sovereign, which were the constitution of the realm and the
foundation of its prosperity.

>Ps. 133 : 14.

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TIIH HKIiKl.LlON OF ABSALOM.

735

He ('()niman(l(»l Zjulok, "Carry Imck tin' ark of (tod into tho
city. If I Hliall tiiid favor in the eyes of the Lord, ho will hring
nu' ajrain, and hIiow me l)oth it and his hal)itation; Imt if lie thun
say, 1 have no delight it) thee; behold, here uni 1, let him do tu
niu as Hoemeth good unto him."

David added, "Art not thou a Heer?" — a man appointed of
God to iuHtruet the people? " Return into the city in [)ea('e, and
your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy sou, and Jonathan the Hon
of Ahiathur. See, 1 will tarry in the plain of the wilderneHs, until
there come word from you to certify me." In the city the priests
might do him good service by learning the movements and pur-
poses of the rebels, and secretly connnunicating them to the king
by their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan.

As the priests turned back toward Jerusalem, a deeper shadow
fell upon the departing throng. Their king a fugitive, themselves
outcasts, forsaken even by the ark of God; — the future was dark
with terror and foreboding. "And David went up by the ascent
of Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and
he went barefoot; and all the people that was with him covered
every man his head, and they went up, weej)ing as they went up.
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators
with Al)salom." Again David was forced to recognize in his
calamities the results of his own sin. The defection of Ahithophel,
the ablest and most wily of political leaders, was prompted by
revenge for the family disgrace involved in the wrong to Bath-
sheba, who was his granddaughter.

"And David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of
Ahithophel into foolishness." Upon reaching the top of the mount,
the king bowed in prayer, casting upon God the burden of his
soul, and humbly supplicating divine mercy. His prayer seemed
to be at once answered. Hushai the Archite, a wise and able
counselor, who had proved himself a faithful friend to David, now
came to h. m with his robes rent, and with earth upon his head,
to cast in his fortunes with the dethroned and fugitive king.
David saw, a^ by a divine enlightenment, that this man, faithful
and true-hearted, was the one needed to serve the interests of the
king in the councils at the capital. At David's request, Hushai
returned to Jerusalem, to offer his services to Absalom, and defeat
the crafty counsel of Ahithophel.

730

pathiarciis and phopiiets.

With this gleam of light in tlio darkness, the king and liis
followers pursued their way 'down the eastern slojje of Olivet
through a rocky and desolate waste, throned i wild ravines, and
along st(>ny and precii)it<)us paths, toward the Jordan. "And
when King David came to Bahurini, behold, thence eanie out a
man of the family of the house of .Saul, whose name was Shimei,
the son of Gera; he came fortli, and cursed, still as he came. And
ho cast stones at David, ;niu at all the servants of King David;
and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand
and on his left. And thu.s said Shimei when he cursed : Come out,
come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial. The Lord
hath returned ui^on tliee all the l)loo(l of the house of Saul, in
whose stead thou hast reigned ; and the Lord hath delivered the
kingdom unto the hand of Absalom thy son; and, behold, thou
art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man."

In David's prosperity, Shimei had not shown by word or act
that he was not a loyal subject. But in the affliction of the king,
this Benjamite revealed his true character. He had honored
David U])on his throne, but he cursed him in his humiliation.
Base and selfish, he looked upon others as of the same character
as him^Alf, and, inspired by Satan, he wreaked his hatred upon
hhu wliom God had chastened. The spirit that leads man to
triumph over, to revile or distress, one who is in affliction, is the
spirit of Satan.

Shimei's accusations against David were utterly false, — a base-
less and malignant slander. David had not been guilty of wrong
toward Saul or his house. When Saul was wholly in his power,
and he could have slain him, he merely (^ut the skirt of his robe,
and he reproaclied himself for showing even this disrespect for the
Lord's anointed.

Of David's sacred regard for human life, striking evidence had
Vjecn given, even while he himself was hunted like a beast of prey.
One day while he was hidden in the cave of Adullam, his thoughts
turning back to the untroubled freedom of his boyhood life, the
fugitive exclaimed, " that one would give me drink of the water
of the Avell of Bethlehem, which is by lie gate ! " ' Bethlehem was
at that time in the hands of the Philistines; but tiinn^ mighty
men of David's band l)roke through the guard, and brought of the
water of Bethlehem to their master. David could not drink it.
" Be it far from me," he cried ; " is not this the blood of the meu

1 2 Sam. 23 : 13-lT.

— ««l.

THE REBELLION OF ABSALOM.

737

that went in jeopardy of their lives? " AikI he reverently poured
out the water as an offering to God. David had been a man of
war, much of his life had been spent amid scenes of violence;
but of all who have passed through such an ordeal, few indeed
have been so little atfected by its hardening, demoralizing influence
as was David.

David's nephew, Abishai, one of the bravest of his captains,
could not listen patiently to Shimei's insulting words. " Why,"
he exclaimed, "should this dead dog curse my lord the king?
Let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head." But the
king forbade him. " Behold," he said, " my son seeketh my life ;
how much more now may this Benjamito do it? Let him alone,
and let him curse; for the Lord hath l)idden him. It may be
that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will
requite me good for his cursing this day."

Conscience Avas uttering bitter and hun iliating truths to David.
While his faithful subjects Avondered at his sudden reverse of
fortune, it was no mystery to the king. He had often had fore-
bodings of m hour like this. He had wondered that God had
so long borne with his sins, and liad delayed the merited retri-
bution. And now in his hurried and sorrowful flight, his feet
bare, his royal robes changed for sackcloth, the lamentations of
his followers awaking the echoes of the hills, he thought of his
loved capital, — of the place which had been the scene of his sin,
— and as he remembered the goodness and long-suffering of God,
he was not altogether without hope. He felt that the Lord would
still deal with him in mercy.

Many a wrong-doer has excused his own sin by pointing to
David's fall ; but how few there are who manifest David's peni-
tence and humility. How few would bear reproof and retribution
with the patience and fortitude that he manifested. He had
confessed his sin, and for years had sought to do his duty as a
faithful servant of God ; he had labored for the upbuilding of his
kingdom, and under his rule it had attained to strength and
prosperity never reached before. He had gathered rich stores
of material for the building of the house of God ; and now was
all the labor of his life to be swept away? Must the results of
years of consecrated toil, the work of genius and devotion and
statesmanship, pass into the hands of his reckless and traitorous
son, who regarded not the honor of God nor tlie i)ros})erity of

738

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

Israel? How natuml it would have seemed for David to inurnmr
against God in this groat affliction !

But he saw in his own sin the cause of his troul)le. The
words of the prophet Micah 1)reathetlie spirit that inspired David's
heart. "When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall he a light unto
me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have
sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judg-
ment for me." * And the Lord did not forsake David. This cha}>tcr
in his exi)erience, when, under crudest Avrong and insult, he sliows
himself to be humble, unselfish, generous, and sul)missive, is one of
the noldest in his whole exi)erience. Never was the ruler of Israel
more truly great in the sight of heaven than at this hour of his
deepest outward humiliation.

Had God permitted David to go on unrebuked in sin, and
while transgressing the divine precepts, to remain in ])eace and
prosperity upon his throne, the skeptic and infidel might have had
some excuse for citing the history of David as a reproach to tl)e
religion of the Bible. But in the experience through which he
cause'i David to i)ass, the Ijord shows that he cannot tolerato or
excu: e sin. And David's history enal)les us to see also the great
ends which God has in view in his dealings with sin ; it enal)les us
to trace, even through darkest judgments, the working out of his
puri)oses of mercy and beneficence. Pie caused David to pass
under the rod, but he did not destroy him ; the furnace is to
purify, but not to consume. The liord says, " If they break my
statutes, and kee[) not my commandments, then will I visit tlieir
transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stri])es. Never-
theless my loving-kindness will I not Utterly take from him, nor
suffer my faithfulness to fail."^

Soon after David left Jerusalem, Absalom and his army entered,
and without a struggle took })ossession of the stronghold of Lsrael.
Hushai was among tlie first to greet the new-crowned monarch,
and the prince was suri)rised and gratified at tlie accession of his
father's old friend and counselor. Absalom was confident of
success. Thus far his schemes had prospered, and eager to
strengthen his throne and secure the confidence of the nation,
he welcomed Hushai to his court.

Absalom was now surrounded by a large force, l)ut it was
mostly composed of men untrained for war. As yet they had not
» Micah 7 : S, 9. '■' Pe. 89 : ."Jl-aS.

THE REBELLION OF ABSALOM.

730

been brought into eonllit-t. Ahithojjhol well knew that David s
situation was far from hopeless. A lar<ie part of the nation were
still true to hiiK ; he was surrounded by tried warriors, who were
i'aithful to their king, and his army was commanded by able and
experienced generals. Ahitho])hel knew that alter the first l)urst
of enthusiasm in favor of the new king, a reaction would come.
Should the rel)ellion fail, A])salom might be able to secure a recon-
ciliation with his father; then Ahithophel, as his chief counselor,
would l)e held most guilty i'orthe rel)ellion ; ui)onhini the heaviest
j)unishment would fall. To prevent Al>salom from retracing his
stei)S, Ahithoj)hel counseled him to an act that in the eyes of the
whole nation would make reconciliation imi)ossible. With hellish
cunning, this wily and un{)rincii)led statesman, urged Al)salom to
add the crime of incest to that of rebellion. In the sight of all Israel
he was to take to himself his lather's concubines, according to the
custom of oriental nations, thus declaring that he succeeded to his
father's throne. And Absalom carried out the vile suggestion.
Thus was fulfilled the word of God to Diivid by the prophet,
" Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house,
and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto
thy neighbor. . . . For thou didst it secretly, l)Ut I will do this
thing before all Israel, and before the sun." ' Not that God
prompted these acts of wickedness ; l»ut because of David's sin he
did not exercise his power to prevent them.

Ahithophel had been held in high esteem for his wisdom,
but he was destitute of the enlightenment which comes from God.
"The fear of i-he Lord is the beginning of wisdom;"^ and this,
Ahithophel did not possess, or ho could hardly have based the
success of treason upon the crime of incest. ISIen of corrupt hearts
plot wickedness, as if there were no overruling Providence to cross
their designs ; but " He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh ;
the Lord shall have them in derision."' The Lord <leclares:
"They would none of my counsel; they desi)ise(l all my reproof.
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled
with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall
slay them, and the i)rosi)erity of fools shall destroy them." *

Having succeeded in the ])lot for securing his own safety,
Ahithophel urged upcm Absalom the necessity of immediate

»2 Sam. 13 : 11, 12.
3 Ps. 2 • 4.

- Prf)V. : 10.
1 Prov. 1 : 8()-;{'.>.

Y40

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

acti'jii agninsi David. " Let me now choose out twelve thoLu*^; /I
/lien,'' he Haid, "and I will arise and pursue after David Ihirf
night; and I will come ui)on him while he is weary and weak-
handed, and Avill make liim afraid ; and all the people that are
with him sliall flee; and I will smite the king only; and I will
bring back all the i)eople unto thee." This i)lan was approved
by the king's counselors. Had it been followed, David would
surely have been slain, unless the Lord had directly interposed
to save him. But a wisdom higher than that of the renowned
Ahithophel was directing events. " The Lord had appointed to
defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the
Lord might l)ring evil upon Absalom."

Hushai had not been called to the council, and he would not
intrude himself unasked, lest suspicion should be drawn upon
him as a spy; but after the assembly liad dispersed, Absalom,
who had a high regard for the judgment of his father's counselor,
submitted to him the plan of Ahithophel. Hushai saw that if
the proposed plan were followed, David would ])e lost. And he
said, " The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at tliis
time. For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father, and his men,
that they be might}^ men, and they be chafed in their minds, as
a bear robbed of her whel})s in the field ; and thy father is a man
of war, and will not lodge with the people. Behold, he is hid
now in some pit, or in some other place;" he argued that, if
Absalom's forces should pursue David, they would not capture
the kii;g ; and should they sufl'er a rc'eise, it would tend to dis-
hearten them, and work great harm % Absalom's cause. "For,"
he said, " all Israel knoweth that thj^ lather is a mighty man,
and they which be with him are valiant men." And he sug-
gested a plan attractive to a vain and selfish nature, fond of the
show of power : " I counsel that all Israel l)e generally gathered
together unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand
that is 1)y the sea for nmltitude; and that thou go to l)attle in
thine own person. So shall we come upon him in some place
where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew
falleth on the ground ; and. of liim and of all the men that are
with him there shall not be left so much as one. ^Moreover, if
he be gotU a into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that
city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one
smali i:;t yaa found there.

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THE REBELLION OF ABSALOM.

r4i

"And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of
Hushai the Archite is better than the ^junsel of Ahithuphel."
But there was one who was not deceived, — one who clearly fore-
saw the result of this fatal mistake of Absalom's. Ahitlioj)hel
knew that the cause of the rebels was lost. And he knew that
Avhatever might be the fate of the prince, there was no hoj)e for
the counselor who had instigated his greatest crimes. Aliithophel
had encouraged Absalom in rebellion ; he had counseled liim to
the mo.st abominable wickedness, to the dishonor of his father ; he
had advised the slaying of David, and had planned its ac('om[)lish-
ment; he had cut ofi' the last possibility of las own reconcilia-
tion with the king; and now another was preferred before him,
even by Absalom. Jealous, angry, and des])erate, Ahitliophel
" gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in
order, and hanged himself, and died." Such was the result of the
wisdom of one, who, with all his high endowments, did not make
God his counselor. Satan allures men with flattering i)romises,
but in the end it will be found by every soal, that the " wages of
sin is death." '

Hushai, noii certain that his counsel would be followed by the
fickle king, lost no time in warning David to escape beyond
Jordan without delay. To the priests, who were to forward it by
their sons, Hushai sent the message: " Thus and thus did Al-.itho-
phel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel ; and thus and thus
have I counseled. Now therefore . . . lodge not this night in the
plains of the wilderness, but speedily })ass over ; lest the king be
swallowed up, and all the i)eople that are with him."

The young men were suspected and pursued, yet they suc-
ceeded in performing their perilous mission. David, sj^ent with
toil and grief after that first day of flight, receive 1 the message
that he must cross the Jordan that night, for his son was seek-
ing his life. '

What were the feelings of the father and king, so cruelly
wronged, in this terrible peril? "A mighty valiant man," a man
of war, a king, whose word was law, betrayed by his son whom he
had loved and indulged and unwisely trusted, wronged and de-
serted by subjects bound to him by the strongest ties of honor and
fealty, — in what words did David ])our out the feelings of his
soul? In the hour of his darkest trial, David's lieart was stayed
upon God, and he sang : —

' Koiii. : -i^.

.♦*

|i!

742

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

"Lord, how are they in' reased that trouble me !
Mauy are they that ri ; up against me.
Ma:iy there be which say of my soul,
There is no help for him in God.

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me ; ,,

My glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice.
And he heard me out of his holy hill.
I laid me down and slept ;
I awaked ; for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of ])eoi)le,
That have set themselves against me round about. . . ,
Salvation belongeth unto the Lord ;
Thy blessing is upon thy jjeople."'

David and all his company, — Avarriors and statesmen, old men
and youth, the women and the little children, — in the darkness
of night crossed tlic deep and swift-fl owing river. " By the morn-
ing light there lacked nt)t one of them that was not gone over
Jordan."

David and his forces fell back to Mahanaim, which had been
the royal seat of Ishbosheth. This was a strongly fortified city,
surrounded hy a mountainous district favorable for retreat in case
of war. Th<> country was well-i)rovisioii .1, and the people were
friendly to the cause of David. Here many adherents joined him,
while wealthy trib(ismen brought abundant gifts of provision, and
other needed supplies.

Hushai's counsel had achieved its object, gaining for David
opportunity for escape ; but the rash and impetuous j)rince could
not be long restrained, and he soon set out in i»ursuit of his father,
" And Alisalom i)assed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel
with lum." Absalom made Amasa, the son of David's sister
Abigail, comnn-nder-in-c;hief of his forces. His army was large,
but it was undis''i|)lined and poorly prepared to cope with the
tried soldier.-; of his father.

David divided his forces into three battalions under the com-
mand of Joab, Abi.shaj, and Ittai the Gittite. It had been his
purpose himself to lead his army in tbe field; but against this tbe
officers of the army, tlie counselors, and the people vehemently
protested. " Thou shalt not go forth," they said ; " for if we fiee
away, they will not cave for us; neither if half of us die, will they

iPs. 3 : i-s.

THE REBELLION OF ABSALOM.

743

care for us; but thou art worth ten thousand of us; therefore now
it is better that thou be ready to succor us out of the city. And
the kint; said unto them, What seenieth you best I will do."'

From the walls of the city, the lon<>; lines of the rebel army
were in full view. The usurper was acconqtanied l)y a vast lu)st,
in comparison with which David's force seemed but a handful.
But as the kin<i lookt^l ui)on the ojtposing ibrces, the thou<,dit
uppermost in his mind was not of the crown and the kingdom,
nor of his own life, that depended uj'on the wa,ua> of Itattle. The
father's heart Avas filled with love and pity for his rebellious son.
As the army file<l out from the city jratcs, David i'nc()ura«:cd his
faithful soldiers, l)iddin<>; tlicm <io ibrth trustinji that the (iod of
Israel would give them the victory. But even here he could not
repress his love for Absalom. As Joab, leadin^f tlu; first colunni,
passed his king, the conqueror of a hundred battle-fields stooped
his ])roud head to hear the monarch's last message, as with
trembling voice he said, " Deal gently for m;/ sake, witli the young
man, even with Absalom." And A])ishai and Ittai received the
same charge, — " Deal gently />/• ?/;// .sa/rc with the young man, even
with Absalom." But the king's solicitude, seeming to declare that
Absalom was dearer to him than his kingdom, dearer even than
the subjects faithful to his throne, only increased the indignation
of the soldiers against the unnatural son.

The place of battle was a wood near the Jordan, in which
the great numbers of Absalom's army were only a disadvantage
to him. Among the thickets and marshes of the forest, tliese
undisciplined troops became confused and unmanageable. And
" the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and
there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand
men." Absalom, seeing that the day was lost, had turned to fiee,
when his head was caught between the branches of a wide-si)read-
ing tree, and his mule going out from under him, he was left
helplessly suspended, a prey to his enemies. In this c edition ho
was found by a soldier, who, for fear of disi>leasing the king,
spared Absalom, but reported to Joal) what he had seen. Joab
was restrained by no scrui)les. He had l)efrien(led Absalom, hav-
ing twice secured his reconciliation with David, and the trust had
been shamelessly betrayed. But for the advantages gained by
Absalom through Joab's intercession, this rebellion, with mU its

1 3 Sam. 18:3, 4, Rev. Ver.

PATIIIARCIIS AND PltOPHETS.

horrors, could never have occurred. Now it was in Joah's power
at one blow to destroy the instipitor of all this evil. " And he
took three darts in his hand, and thrust them throufih the heart
of Absalom. . . . And they took AV)salom, and cast him into a ^reat
pit in the wood, and laid a very j^reat heap of stones upon him."

Thus })erished the instifjators of rebellion in Israel. Ahitho-
phel had died by his own hand. The princely Absalom, whose
glorious beauty had been the pride of Israel, had been cut down
in the vi^or of his youth, his dead body thrust into a pit, and
covered with a heap of stones, in token of everlasting reproach.
During his lifetime, Absalom had reared for himself a costly
monument in the king's dale, but the only memorial which
marked his grave was that heap of stones in the wilderness.

The leader of the rebellion being slain, Joab by the sound of
the trumpet re(!alled his army from the pursuit of the fleeing host,
and messengers were at once dispatched to bear the tidings to
the king.

The watchman upon the city wall, looking out toward the
battle-field, discovered a man running alone, fcjoon a second came
in sight. As the first drew nearer, the watchman said to the king,
who was waiting beside the gate, " Methinketh the running of the
foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And
the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.
And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king. All is well. And he
fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said.
Blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the men
that lifted up their hand against my lord the king." To the
king's eager inquiry, " Is the young man Absalom safe?" Ahimaaz
returned an evasive answer.

The second messenger came, crying, " Tidings, my lord the
king; for the Lord hath avenged thee this day of all them that
rose up against thee." Again from the father's lii^s came the
absorbing question, " Is the young nan Absalom safe?" Unable
to conceal the heavj'^ tidings, the htrald answered, " The enemies
of my lord the king, and all that rise up against thee to do thee
hurt, be as that young man is." It was enough. David ques-
tioned no further, ])ut with bowed head he "went up to the
chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, thus he said,
O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom ! would God I had
died for thee, Absalom, my son, my son ! "

THE HE BE LI JON OF ABSALOM.

745

Tlie viotoriouH {inny, returning from the field, approached the
city, their Hhoiits of triumph iiwakitig tlie echoes of the hills.
But as they entered tlie <'ity ^'ute, the shout died away, their
hanners drooped in their hands, and with downcast pize they
advanced more like those \\'\\o had sullered defeat than like
comjuerors. For the kinj; was not waitinj; to ])id them welcome,
but from the chamher ahov(i the j^ate his wailin*,' cry was heanl,
"O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would (Jod I
had died for thee, () Absalom, my son, my son ! "

" The victory that day was turned into mournin«; unto all the
people; for the people heard say that <Jay how the kinj-' was
grieved for his son. And the peojde gat them by stealth that day
into the city, as ])eople being ashamed steal away when they flee
in battle."

Joab was filled with indignation. God had given them reason
for triumph and gladness; the greatest rebellion that had ever
been known in Israel had been crushed ; and yet this great victory
was turned to mourning for him whose crime had cost the blood
of thousands of brave men. The rude, blunt cai)tain pushed his
way into the presence of the king, and boldly said, " Thou hast
shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have
saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters ; . • .
in that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For
thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither jjrinces
nor servants ; for this day I ])erceive, that if Absalom had lived,
and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. Now
therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants;
fori swear l)y the L(3rd, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry
one with thee this night; and that will bo worse unto thee than all
the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now."

Harsh and even cruel as was the re])roof to the heart-stricken
king, David did not resent it. Seeing that his general was right,
he went down to the gate, and with words of courage and com-
mendation greeted his brave soldiers as they marched past him.

CHAPTER LXXIII.

THE LAST YKARS OF DAVID.

The overthrow of Absalom did not at once brinjr peace to the
kingdom. So large a i)art of the nation had joined in revolt, that
David would not return to his capital and resume his authority
without an invitation from the tribes. In tlie confusion thiit
followed Absalom's defeat, there was no prompt and decided
action to recall the king, and when at last Judah undertook
to bring back David, the jeahtusy of the other tril)es was roused,
and a counter-revolution followed. This, however, was si)eedily
quelled, and peace returned to Israel.

The history of David affords one of the most impressive testi-
monies ever given, to the dangers that threaten the soul i'rom
power and riches and worldly honor, — those things that are most
eagerly desired among nu'n. Few have ever passed tlirough an
ex])erience better adapted to })repare them for enduring such a
test. David's earlv life as a shenherd, with its lessons of humilitv,
of patient toil, and of tender care for his flocks ; the conmnmion
with nature in the solitude of the hills, developing his genius for
music and poetry, and directing his thoughts to the Creator; the
long discipline of his wilderness life, calling into exercise courage,
fortitude, patience, and faith in God, had 1)ccn appointed by the
Lord as a preparation for the throne of Israel. David had enjoyed
precious experiences of the love of God, and had been richly
endowed with his Spirit ; in the history of Saul he had seen the
utter worthlessness of mere human wisdom. And yet wt)rldly
success and honor so weakened the character of David that he
was repeatedly overcome by the tempter.

, Intercourse with heathen peoples led to a desire to follow their
national customs, and kindled ambition for worldly grcaine.-^B. As
the people of Jehovah, Israel was to be honored ; but as pride and
self-confidence increased, the Israelites were not content with this

[746 1

"THE SWEET SINGER OF ISRAEL."

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PATITAIirnS AND PROPHETS.

that the sword of thine enemies overtake thee ; or else three
days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and
the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of
Israel. Now therefore," said the prophet, " advise thyself what
word I shall bring again to Him that sent me."

The king's answer was, " I am in a great strait : let us fall
now into the hand of the Lord ; for his mercies are great : and let
me not full into the hand of man." '

The land was smitten with pestilence, which destroyed seventy
thousand in Israel. The scourge had not yet entered the capital,
when " David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord
stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword
in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the
elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their
faces." The king pleaded with God in behalf of Israel : " Is it
not I that commanded the people to be numbered ? even I it is
that have sinned, and done evil indeed ; but as for these sheep,
what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee,- Lord my
God, be on me, and on my father's house ; but not on thy people,
that they should be plagued." »

The taking of the census had caused disaffection among the
people; yet they had themselves cherished the same sins that
prompted David's action. As the Lord throi:,gh Absalom's sin
visited judgment upon David, so through David's error he pun-
ished the sins of Israel.

The destroying angel had stayed his course outside Jeru-
salem. He stood upon Mount Moriah, " in the threshing-floor of
Oman the Jebusite." Directed by the prophet, David went to
the mourtain, and there built an altar to the Lord, "and offered
burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and called upon the Lord-; and
he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt-
offering." " So the Lord was entreated for the land, and the
plague was stayed from Israel.""

The spot upon which the altar was erected, henceforth ever to
be regarded as holy ground, was tendered to the king by Oman as
a gift. But the king declined thus to receive it. " I will verily
buy it for the full price," he said ; " for I will not take that which
is thine for the liord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost. So
David gave to Oman for the place six hundred shekels of gold

» 3 Sam. 24 : 14.

« 1 Chron. 31 : 36 ; 3 Sam. 24 : 35.

THE LAST TEARS OF DAVID,

r4i>

by weight." This spot, memorable as the place where Abraham
had built the altar to offer up his son, and now hallowed by this
great deliverance, was afterward chosen as the site of the temple
erected by Solomon.

Still another shadow was to gather over the last years of
David. He had reached the age of threescore and ten. The
hardships and exposures of his early wanderings, his many wai*s,
the cares and afflictions of his later years, had sapped the fountain
of life. Though his mind retained its clearness and strength,
feebleness and age, with their desire for seclusion, prevented a quick
apprehension of what Avas passing in the kingdom, and again
rebellion sprung up in the very shadow of the throne. Again the
fruit of David's parental indulgence was manifest. The one who
now aspired to the throne was Adonijah, " a very goodly man " in
person and bearing, but unprincipled and reckless. In his youth
he had been subjected to but little restraint ; for " his father had not
displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so ? " *
He now rebelled against the authority of God, who had appointed
Solomon to the throne. Both .»y natural endowments and relig-
ious character, Solomon was better qualified than his elder brother
to become ruler of Israel; yet although the choice of God had
been clearly indicated, Adonijah did not fail to find sympathizers.
Joab, though guilty of many crimes, had heretofore been loyal to
the throne ; but he now joined the conspiracy against Solomon, as
did also Abiathar the priest.

The rebellion was ripe; the conspirators had assembled at a
great feast just without the city to proclaim Adonijah king, when
their plans were thwarted by the prompt action of a few faithful
persons, chief among whom were Zadok the priest, Nathan the
prophet, and Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. They represented
the state of affairs to the king, reminding him of the divine
direction that Solomon should succeed to the throne. David at
once abdicated in favor of Solomon, who was immediately anointed
and proclaimed king. The conspiracy was crushed. Its chief
actors had incurred the penalty of death. Abiathar's life was
spared, out of respect to his office and his former fidelity to David ;
but he was degraded from the office of high priest, which passed
to the line of Zadok. Joab and Adonijah were spared for the
time, but after the death of David they suffered the penalty of

> See 1 Kings 1.

750

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

their crime. The execution of the Hentence upon the son ot' I)avi(l
completed the fourfold judgment that testified to God'n al)h(»rrt'nre
of the father's sin.

From the very openin<; of David's reign, one of liis most
cherished plans had been that of erecting a temi)le to the Lord.
Though he had not been permitted to execute this design, he
had manifested no less zeal and earnestness in its ])ohalf. He
had provided an abundance of the most costly material, — gold,
silver, onyx stones, and stones of divers colors; marble, and the
most precious woods. And now these valuable treasures that he
had collected must be committed to others; for other hands nmst
build the house for the ark, the symbol of God's presence.

Seeing that his end was near, the king summoned the princes
of Israel, with representative men from all parts of the kingdom,
to receive this legacy in trust. He desired to commit to them
his dying charge, and secure their concurrence and support in the
great work to be accomplished. Because of his physical weakness,
it had not been expected that he would attend to this transfer in
person; but the inspiration of God came upon him, and with
more than his wonted fervor and power, he was able, for the last
time, to address his people. He told them of his own desire to
build the temple, and of the Lord's command that the work
should be committed to Solomon his son. The divine assurance
was, " Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts ;
for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.
Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he ])e constant to
do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day." " Now
therefore," David said, " in the sight of all Israel the congregation
of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all
the commandments of the Lord your God ; that ye may possess
this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children
after you forever." '

David had learned by his own experience how hard is the path
of him who departs from God. He had felt the condemnation of
the broken law, and had reaped the fruits of transgression ; and his
whole soul was moved with solicitude that the leaders of Israel
should be true to Go!, and that Solomon should obey God's law,
shunning the sins that had weakened his father's authority, imbit-
tered his life, and dishonored God. David knew that it would

J See 1 Chronicles 28, 29.

THE I AST YEARS OF DAVID.

751

re(juirt' humility of heart, a constant trust in God, and unceasing
watcht'uhiess, to withstand the temptations that would surely beset
SolonK)n in his exalted station ; for such prominent characters are
a special mark for the shafts of Satan. Turning to his son,
already acknowledged as his successor on the throne, David said :
" And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father,
and serve him with a ])erfect heart and with a willing mind ; for
the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imagi-
nations of the thoughts : if thou seek him, he will be found of
tliee ; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever. Take
heed now ; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the
sanctuary : be strong, and do it."

David gave Solomon minute directions for building the temple,
with ])atterns of every part, and of all its instruments of service,
as had been revealed to him by divine inspiration. Solomon was
still young, and shrank from the weighty responsibilities that
would devolve upon him in the erection of the temple and in the
government of God's i)eople. David said to his son, " Be strong
and of good courage, and do it ; fear not, nor be dismayed ; for the
Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee."

Again David appealed to the congregation : " Solomon my son,
whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the
work is great; for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord
God." He said, " I have prepared with all my might for the
house of my God," and he went on to enumerate the materials he
had gathered. More than this, he said, " I have set my affection
to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold
and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and
above all that I have prepared for the holy house, even three
thousand ' ilents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand
talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal."
" Who then," he asked of the assembled multitude that had
brought their liberal gifts, — "who then is willing to consecrate
his service this day unto the Lord ? "

There was a ready response from the assembly. " The chief of
the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of
thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work,
of!'ered willingl}'^, and gave for the service of the house of God, of

752

PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS.

gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drama, and of silver
ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and
one hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom
precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house
of the Lord. . . . Then the people rejoiced, for tnat thov offered
willingly, because with i)erfect heart they offered willingly to the
Lord ; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy,

"Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congrega-
tion ; and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our
father, forever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the
power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all
that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine ; thine is the king-
dom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches
and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all ; and in thine
hand is power and might ; and in thine hand it is to make great,
and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, w^; thank
thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is
my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this
sort ? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given
thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were
all our fathers ; our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there
is none abiding. Lord our God, all this store that we have
prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of
thine hand, and is all thine own. I know al^o, my God, that thou
triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.

" As for my,, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly
oflFered all these things ; and now have I seen with joy thy people,
which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. O Lord God
of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in
the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and
prepare their heart unto thee ; and give unto Solomon my son a
perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and
thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace,
for the which I have made provision. And David said to all the
congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congre-
gation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down
their heads, and worshiped the Lord."

With deepest interest the king had gathered the rich material
for building and beautifying the temple. He had composed the

iWi

TJfE LAST YEARS OF DAVID.

',\

glorious stntheiiiH tluit in after-years sliould echo throujrh its
courts. Now liis lieart was made glad in God, as the chief of the
fathers and the princes of Israel so nohly responded to l>is appeal,
and offered themselves to the important work hefore them. And
as they gave their service, they were disposed to do more. They
swelled the offerings, giving of their own possessions into the
treasury. David had felt deej)ly his own unwt)rthiness in gather-
ing the material for the house of God, and the expression of
loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as
with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah, and
devoted themselves to his service, filled him with joy. But it was
God alone who had imparted this disposition to his people. He,
not man, must be glorified. It was he who had provided the
people with the riches of earth, and his Spirit had made them
willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of
the Lord ; if his love had not moved upon the hearts of the
people, the king's efforts would have been vain, and the temple
would never have l)een erected.

All that man receives of God's bounty still belongs to God.
Whatever God has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things
of earth, is jjlaced in the hands of men to test them, — to sound
the depths of their love for him and their appreciation of his
favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they
are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus ; the giver
saying, meanwhile, with David, " All things come of thee, and of
thine own have we given thee."

When he felt that death was approaching, the burden of
David's heart was still for Solomon and for the kingdom of Israel,
whose prosperity must so largely depend upon the fidelity of her
king. " And he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of
all the earth ; be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man ;
and keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in bis A^'ays, to
keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and
his testimonies, . . . that thou maycst prosper in all that thou
doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself; that the Lord may
continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy
children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with
all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee
(said he ) a man on the throne of Israel." '

> 1 Kincs 3 : 1-4.

754

PATRIARCHS AND ''ROPIIKTS.

David'8 " last words," as recorded, are a Hong, — a 8onj? o\' trust,
of loftiest principle, and undying faith : —

" David the son of Jesse saith,
And the man who was raised on high suith,
Tlie anointed of the God of Jacob,
And the sweet psalmist of Israel :
The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me : . . .
One that rulelh over men righteously,
That ruleth in the fear of God,

Ho shall bo is the light of the morning, when the sun risetti,
A morning without clouds ,

When the tender grasp springeth out of the earth,
« Through clear shining after rain.

Verily my house is not so with God ,

Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant.

Ordered in all things, and sure ;

For it is all my salvation, and all my desire." '

Great had been David's fall, but deep was his repentance,
ardent was his love, and strong hi? faith. He had been forgiven
much, and therefore he loved much. *

The psalms of David pass through the whole range of experi-
ence, from the depths of conscious guilt and self-condemnation to
the loftiest faith and the most exalted communing with God. His
life record declares that sin can bring only shame and woe, but
that God's love and mercy can reach to the deepest depths, that
faith will lift up the repenting soul to share the adoption of the
sons of God. Of all the assurances which his word contains, it is
one of the strongest testimonies to the faithfulness, the justice, and
the covenant mercy of God.

Man " fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not," " but the word
of our God shall stand forever." " The mercy of Jehovah is
from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his
righteousness unto children's children ; to such as keep his cove-
nant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.'"

' 3 Sam. 23 : 1-5, Rev. Ver. • Luke 7 : 48.

»Job 14 : 2 ; Vsa. 40 . 8 , Ps. 103 : 17, 18.

■w*

mmi

APPENDIX.

NOTE 1. Page 9'i. — Though not only the justice of Got!, but even hta
faithfulness to h<8 gracious promise demanded this, the tender loving-kindness of
Jeho^'ah appears in such expressions as these : "It repented Jehovah that he bad
laade iran on the ^arth, and It grieved him " — lltei '.lly, " It pained Into his heart."
The one term, of course, explains the other. When we read that God repented, it Is
'>n)y our human way of speaking, for, as Calvin says, " nothing happens by accident
or that has not been foreseen." It brings before our minds "the iorrow of divine
love over the sins of man," in the words of Calvin, "that when the terrible sins of
men offend God, it is not otherwise than as if his heart had been wounded by
extreme sorrow." — Dr. Edersheim.

NOTE 2. Page 125. — Adam lived till Methuselah ^vas 243 yiars old.
Methuselah lived till Shem, the son of Noah, had reached the age of 98 years.
Shem must have had 150 years to live after the birth of Abraham, and 50 years
after the birth of Isaac. Abraham lived till Jacob and Esau were 15 years old,
Isa«c till the;' were 120. Thus we see how directly the knowledge of all that God
had taught Adam ccuid be communicated to his descendants ; Adam imparting it to
Methuselah, Methuselah to Shem, Shem to Abraham and Isaac, and these patriarchs
to Jacob, the father of the tribes of Israel.

NOTE 3. Page 253. — This miracle had a meaning which Moses could not
mistake. The serpect was probably the basilisk or Uraeus, the Cobra. . . . This
was the symbol of royal and divine power on the diadem of every Pharaoh. It
was a itoisonous snake, as is shown by the flight of Moses, and by most passages in
which *he .«ame word occur.*, nahash, derived from hissing. This snake never attacks
without first inflating its neck, and then hissing: on the monuments it is always
represented with its neck enormously swollen. The conversion of the rod was not
merely a portent, it was a sign, at once a pledge and representation of victory over
the king and gods of Egj'pt. — Speaher^a Commentary.

NOTE 4- Page 2H0. — In the command for Israel's release, the Lord said
to Pharaoh. '• Israel is my son, c.en my flrst-born. . . . Let my son go, that he may
serve me." Ex. 4 : 22, 23. The p.salmist tells us why God delivered Israel from
Egypt: "He brought forth his people with joy, aud his chosen with gladness; and
gave them the lands of the heathen ; and they inherited the labor of the people ;

[755i

76«

APPENDIX.

that they mlj<ht oh««rv«' hN MtatuU-s, ninl kirp hln Ibwh." Po. 105 : 48-4^. Merc
we learn that, tho Hebrews <oul(l not serve (icnl in Kj<>'pt.

In Tfput. 5 : 14, 15, we And 8poeiiil einphaHin ^iv(>n to that portion of the fourth
commandment whieh requires the man-servant and the mald-Hervant to rest, and the
Israelite was told to rememlH-r that he had been a servant in the land of Ki;v|)t.
The Lord said, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord tliy(iod: in it thuu
shalt not <io any worl<, thou, nor thy son, nor thy dauj^hter, nor thy mun-xcrvant,
nor thy maid-servant, nor thine ox, nor thino ass, nor any of thy eattie, nor thy
stranger that is within thy jjates; that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may
rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast u sen'ant in the land of Eitypt,
and that the Lord thy (iod brought thee out thenee tbrouf^h a mitflity hand and Ity a
stretehed-out arm: therefore the Lord thy Oo«l eommunded thee to keep the Sahltath
day." In Ex. 5 : 5 we learn that Moses and Aaron made the jteople '• rmf from
their burdens."

From these facts we may eonclude that the Sabbath was one of the thinjfs in
which they could not serve the Lord in Egypt; and when Mohcs and Aaron euine
with the message of CJoil (Ex. 4 : 29-31), they attempted a reform, which only
increased the oppression. The Israelites were delivered that they miijht oliHcrve the
statutes of the Lord, including the fourth commandment, and this placed ui)on them
an additional obligation to keep the Sabbath strictly, as well as to keep all the
commandments. Thus In Deut. 34 : 17, 18, the fact of their lieliverancf! from
Egypt is cited as placing them under special obligation to show kindnexs to tlie
widow and the fatherless: "Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger,
nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: but thou shalt remeniljcr
that thou wast a bondman lu Egypt, and the Lord thy GoU redeemed thee theuca;
therefore I command thee to do this thing."

NOTE 5. Page 272. — That the plagues were designed to destroy the eoufl-
dence of the Egyptians in the power and protection of their idols, is cleiirly shown in
the following extracts from the " Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation " : —

• " The first miracle, while It authenticated the mission of Moses, destroyed the
serpents, which among the Egyptians were objects of worship; thus evincing, in the
outset, that their gods could neither help the people nor save themselves.

" The second miracle was directed against the river Nile, another ol)ject which
they regarded with religious reverence. This river they held sacred, as the Hindoos
do the Ganges; and even the fish in its waters they revered as objects of worship.
They drank the water with reverence and delight, and supposed that a divine efBcacy
dwelt in its waves to heal diseases of the body. The water of this their cherished
object of idolatrous homage was transmuted to blood ; and its finny idols became a
mass of putridity.

" The third miracle was directed to the accomplishment of the same end, — the
c'estruction of faith in the river as an object of worship. The waters of the Nile
wv're caused to send forth legions of frogs, which infested the whole land, and
became a nuisance and a torment to the people. Thus their idol, by the power of
the 1 rue God, was ijolluted, and turned into a source of pollution to its worshipers.

" By the fourth miracle of a series constantly increasing in power and severity,
lice came upon man and beast throughout th:; land. ' Now, if it be remembered,'

API'ESDIX.

757

nayn (ilcl({. 'that no one couhl uitprosch tlit> ulturH of Ktfypt upon whoiii r>o iinpuro
an hiHOct liarlM)rcil; iind that tli«' pricntH, to ^uanl at;aini«t tlic i>liulitrht rlHk of
rontanilimtion, won- only linen pirniontM, and Hhavcd their hcaiU and lioillt-^ every
day,' tlie Heverlty of thl« ndraelc as ii Judgment upon K^vptlun Idolatry inaylx
inia^lncd. WhlUt It la^teU, no uet of wnrmhlp eonld he performed, and ^>o keenly
was thin felt that the very maulelann exelaimed, "Thin Is the flnu'er of (iuij." '

"The fifth iidraelo wan deHl^;ned to destroy the trust of the people in Heelzihuli,
or the Fly-n<Ml, who was reverenced aH their proteetor from visitations of swariuH of
ravenous files, whh-h Infested the land ffenerally ahout the time of the dox-days, and
n'inoved only, as they 8Upi)ospd, at the will of this Idol. The miracle now wrouirht
by Moses evineed the lin|M)tenee of Beelzehuh, and eaused the jjeoiile to look else-
where for relief from the fearful visitation uniler which they were sulTcrinu'.

"The sixth ndraele, which destroyed the cuttle, excepting those of i\v Israellteo,
was aimed at the destruction of the entire system of hrute worship. Thi-> system,
degradlnf^ and bestial as It was, had become a monster of many heads In Kgypt.
They had their sacred bull, and ram, and heifer, ami goi<t, and many others, all of
which were destroyed by the agency of the (Jod of Moses. Thus, by one act of
power, Jehovah manifested his own supremacy, and destroyed the vi-ry existence of
their brute Idols.

"Of the peculiar fitness of the sixth plague (the sev^mth miracle), says the
writer before quoted, the reader will receive a better impression, when he is reminded
that in Egj'pt there were several altars upon which human sacrifices were occasionally
offered, when they desired to propitiate Typhon, or the Evil Principle. These victims
being burned alive, their ashes were gathered together by the ofllclatlng priests, and
thrown up Into the air. In oider that evil might be averted from every place to which
an atom of the ashes was wafted. By the direction of Jehovah, Moses took a handful
of ashes from the furnace (which, very probably, the Egyptians at this time had
frequently used to turn aside the plagues with which they were smitten), ami he cast
It into the air, as they were accustomed to do; and instead of averting evil, bolls
and blalns fell upon all the people of the land. Neither king, nor priest, nor people
escaped. Thus the bloody rites of Typhon became a curse to the Idolaters, the
supremacy of Jehovah was aflirmed, and the deliverance of the Israelites Insisted upon.

"The ninth miracle was directed against the worship of Serapls, whose peculiar
office was supposed to be to protect the country from locusts. At periods these
destructive insects came in clouds upon the land, and, like an overshadowing curse,
they blighted the fruits of the field and the verdure of the forest. At the command
of Moses these terrible insects came, and they retired only at his bidding. Tims was
the impotence of Serapls made manifest, and the idolaters taught the folly of trusting
In any other protection than that of Jehovah, the God of Israel.

" The eighth and tenth miracles were d.ri>cted against the worship of Isls and
Osiris, to whom and the river Nile they awarded the flrst place** in the long catalogue
of their Idolatry. These idols were originally the representatives of he sun and

1 Every third day, according to Herodotus.

2 Against the worship of the Nile two miracles were directed, and two likewise against
Isis ana Osiris, because they were supposed to be the supreme gods. Many placed the N'ile
first, as tbey said it had power to water Egypt independently of the action of the elements.

APPENDIX.

mnon: they were hi'lii-vi'd to control tlu* IlKlit ami tli«> HeiiicntH : ami tin Ir wi)n<ht|i
prcvuHcil III Koiiic form uimmK nil tin* t'urly iiutloni*. Tliu iiilrui-lcH (lln-tti-il iiifiiiii?.t
the worship of InIm bihI OiilrlH miiitt liuvt> maih' a (Iccp Impn'ttHlon on tlii> niiiidit hotli
of tli(> UraflitcH uml tlii^ KKyptlunii. In a «>ountry wh«>ro ruin m-liloin fiilU, Mlnrc
the utinoHphcri' Ih iiIwuvk calm, and the ll^ht of the heavenly liiNlieH ulways continued,
what wiiR the horror pervading ull inlnd§ durhiK the elemental war dertcrlhed in the
Hebrew record; during the loiiK perlixl of three dayx and three iilKlitH, while the
gloom of thick durkneHR Hettled, like the oiitxprcad pull of death, over the whole
land! Jehovuh of lioHti* Hummonvd Natur« to priK-luiin him the true (iod; the (icmI
of iRrnel anccrted hU HUpremacy, and exerted hlH jM)wer to de^frade the IdolH, dentroy
Idolatry, and libernte the deneendautH of Abraham from the land of their bondu(;e.
'■ The Almin^hty huvliiK thuH revealed hitnHelf aH the true God by mlruculoiiri
agency, and pursued those ineaHUres, In the exerelso of his power, tli;it were
directly adapted U* destroy the various forms of idolatry which existed In Kifvpt, the
eleventh und last miracle was a Judgment, in order to manifest to all minds thut
Jehovah wus the Oo<l who executes Judgment in the earth."

NOTE 6. Paoe 282. — In Gen. 15: 13 wu read that the Lord huid to
Abraham, " Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not
theirs, and shp.ll serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years," Kx.
12 : 40 says, "The sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt In Egypt, was
four hundred and thirty years." But Paul in Gal. 8 : 15-17 says that from the
making of the covenant with Abraham to the giving of the law at Sinai was four
hundred and thirty years.

From these scriptures, then, we are not to understand that the Israelites were
in Egypt four hundred years. The actual time spent In Egypt couhi have Iwen
only about two hundred and fifteen years. The Bible says that " the Hojoumiwj of
the children of Israel " was four hundred and thirty years. Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, the ancestors of the Israelites, were sojourners in Canaan. The period of
four hundred and thirty years dates from the promise given to Abraham when he
was commanded to leave Ur of the Chaldees. The four hundred years of Gen.
15 : 13 dates from a later period. Notice that the period of four hundred years
is not only u time of sojourning, but of qfflietion. This, according to the Scriptures,
must be reckoned from thirty years later, about the time when Ishmael, " he that
was born after the flesh persecuted him [Isaac] that was Lorn after the Spirit."
Gal. 4 : 20.

NOTE 7. Page 316, — The golden calf was a representation of the sacred
bull called Apis, which the Egyptians worshiped, and with which the Israelites had
necessarily become very familiar during their long sojourn In Egypt. Concerning
this god Apis and what it signified, we find the following: —

"Apis, the bull worshiped by the ancient Egyptians, who regarded It as a
symbol of Osiris, the god of the Nile, the husband of Isis, and the great divinity of
Egypt." — Chambers's Eturyclopedia.

The "Encyclopedia Britannica" (art. "Apis"), referring to the Greek writers
and the hieroglyphic inscriptions, says: "According to this view the Apis was the
Incarnation of Osiris manifested in the shape of a bull."

APPENDIX.

!•>

8:iic«> A|iIm wan n>|{anlr(i an thi> vlitlblo niknifi'iitatlon of OnlrU, wf muxt li-arii
what <>i<irlH fitiHMl for, In onhT to uiuliTtttaiiil tliu calf-wornhli) of tlii> iKraclitcH.
AkhIii wc i(uoto from tin: " Encyclo|M'(llu Hrltunnlctt" : —

" All tlic inytfricH of the KjrvptliuiH, ami tlii'lr whoh- <1n('trliic of tbf fiitur*'
Htatf, Httarli tlicmH<>lvi>H to tliU Worship [of ()i«lrlH|. OMirlH wiik lili'iitltlcil with th<-
Mill. . . , Siiii-worithlp wuM till' primitive form of Ktrypilun rclitrioii, pi-rbupH fveii
pn'-Ejfj'ptlan."

" It wan to OdlrU that the prayorrt and offerlnj?* for the ileatl wen- ?niiilf, and all
oepuU'hral liiHcrl|)tlonH, except those of the olile«t perloil, nr«' directly iid(lrenHcd to
him." "The hull Apln, who l)eurA In K^yptlun the name name an the Nile, llupl,
wad worshiped at Memphis. . . . Aplo was conHlih'red to he the llvln;;; emhiem of
OnlrlK, and waH thuH eimneeted with the Hun and the Nile."

From thette extracts it appears that the worship which the Israellteo paid to the
golden calf was really the K|j:yptlan form of sun-wurshlp, — that form of l(h)lalry
which has always stood foremost as the antagonist of tnu true worship of (i(Ml. It
Is Indeed significant that Just at the time when (tod manifested himself to the
Israelites la a peculiar manner, and made known to them his 8alil)ath, they should
have fallen back Into th' old sun-worship, whose chief festival day — the tli)«t tlay of
the week — has always contended for supremacy with the day specially dlstin; live of
the worship of the true God.

The Israelites, In their adoration of the golden calf, pro/fniieti to be worshiping
Ood. Thus Aaron, when inaugurating the worship of the idol, pna-laimfd, " To-
morrow is a feast unto Jehovah." They proposed to worship (Jod, us the Kifyptlaus
worshiped Osiris, under the semblance of the image. But (iod could not ac('e])t the
service. Though offered in his name, the sun-god, and not Jehovah, was the real
object of their adoration.

The worship of Apis was accompanied with the grossest licentiousness, and the
Scripture record indicates that the calf-worship by the Israelites was attended with
all the license usual in heathen worship. We read : " They rose up early on the
morrow, and offered burnt-offerings, and brought peace-offerings ; and the people sat
down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play." Ex. 32 : 6. The Hebrew word
rendered " to play " signifies playing with leaping, singing, and danclni;. This
dancing, especially among the Egyptians, was sensual and indecent. The word
rendered "corrupted" in the next verse, where it is said, "Thy people, which thou
broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves," Is the same that
Is used in Gen. 6 : 11, 12, where we read that the earth was corrupt, "for all Hesh
had corrupted his way upon the earth." This explains the terrible auger of the
Lord, and why he desired io consume the people at once.

NOTE 8. Page 329. — The ten commandments were the "covenant" to
which the Lord referred, when in proposing a covenant with Israel, he said, " If ye
win obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant," etc. Ex. 19 : 5. The ten com-
mandments were termed God's covenant, before the covenant was made with Israel.
They were ttot an agreement made, but something which God commatidtd them tu j>er-
form. Thus the ten commandments — God's covenant — lx;came the baxiH of the
covenant made between him and Israel. The ten commandments, in all their de-
tails, are "all these words," concerning which the covenant was made. See Ex. 24:8.

TLi

7f)(>

APPENDIX.

NOTE 9. Page 354. When a sin-offering was presenU-d for a pru-st or for
the whole congregation, the blood was carried into the holy place, en'.l sprinkkMl
before the vail, and placed upon the horns of the golden altar. The fat was con-
sumed ui)on tlie altar of burnt-offering in the court, but the body of the victim was
burned v.ithout the camp. See Lev. 4 : 1-31.

When, however, the offering was for a ruler or for one of the people, the blood
wac not taken Into the holy place, but the flesh was to be eaten by the priest, as the
Lord directed Moses : " The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it : in a holy place
shall it be eaten, in the court of the tent of meeting." Lev. G ; 26, Rev, Vcr. See
also Le\ . 4 : 22-35.

NOTE 10. Page 366. — That the one who spoke the law, who called Moses
into the mount and talked with him, was our Lord Jesus Christ, is evident from the
following considerations : —

Christ is the one through whom God has at all times revealed himself to man.
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." 1 Cor. 8 : 6.
" This is he [Moccs] that was in thr cuurch in the wilderness, with the Angel Mhich
spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; who received the lively
oi-acles to give unto us." Acts 7 : 38. This Angel was the Angel of God's presence
(Isa. 63 : 9), the Angel In whom was the name of the great Jehovah (Ex. 23 : 20-
23) . The expression can refer to no other than the Son of God.

Again : Christ is called the Word of God. John 1 : 1-3. He is so called
because G Jd gave his revelations to man in all ages through Christ. It was his Spirit
ihat Inspired the prophets. 1 Peter 1 : 10,11. He was revealed to them as the Angel
of Jehovah, the Captain of the Lord's host, Michael the archangel.

NOTE II. Page 603. — The question has been raised, and is now much
agitated, If a theocracy was good in the time of Israel, why would not a theocratical
form jf government be equally good for this time? The answer is easy: —

A theocracy is a government which derives its power immediately from God.
The government of Israel was a true theocracy. That was really a government of
God. At the burning bush, God commissioned Moses to lead bis people out of
Egypt. By signs and wonders and mighty miracles multiplied, God delivered Israel
from Egypt, and led them through the wilderness, and finally Into the promised
land. There he ruled them by judges " until Samuel the prophet," to whom, when
he was a child, God spoke, and by whom he made known his will. In the days of
Samuel, the people asked that they might have a king. This was allowed, and God
chose Saul, and Samuel anointed him king of Israel. Saul failed to do the will of
God; and as he rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord rejected him from being
king, and sent Samuel to anoint David king of Israel; and David'.; throne God
established forevermore. When Solomon succeeded to the kingdom in the place of
David his father, the record is : " Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as
king instead of David his father." 1 Chron. 29 : 23. David's throne was the
throne of the Lord, and Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king over the
earthly kingdom of Go;l. The succession to the throne descended in David's line to
Zedekiah, who was made subject to the king of Babylon, and who entered into a

APPENDIX.

7«51

solemn covenant before (Jod that he would loyally render allegiance to the kin^j of
Babylon. But, Zedekiah broke his covenant ; and then God said to hlni : —

"Thou profane, wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity
shall httve an end, thus Uh the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take olT the
crown: this shall not l the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that Is
high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it : and It shall be uo more, until he come
whose right it is; and I will give it him." Eze. lil : 25-27; see chap. 17 : 1-21.

The kingdom was then subject to Babylon. When Babylon fell, and Medo-
Persia succeeded, it was overturned the first time. When Medo-Persia fell, and was
succeeded by Grecia, it was overturned the second time. When the Greek empire
gave way to Rome, it was overturned the third time. And then says the word, " It
shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him." Who is
he whose right it is ; — "Thou . . shalt call his namf; Jesus. He shall be great,
and shall be called the Sou of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him
the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1 : 31-33. And while he was
here as " that prophet," a, man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, the night In
which he was betrayed he himself declared, " My kingdom is not of this world."
Thus the throue of the Lord has been removed from this world, and will " be no
more, until he come whose right it is," and then It will be given him. And that time
is the end of this world, and the beginning of "the world to come."

To the twelve apostles the Saviour salJ, " I appoint unto you a kingdom, as
my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my
kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Luke 22 : 29, 30.
From Matthew's account of Christ's promise to the twelve we learn when It will be
fulfilled : " In the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory,
yc al?o shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Matt.
19 : 28. In the parable of tbe talents, Christ represents himself under the figure of
a nobleman who " went Into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to
return." Luke 19 : 12. And he himself has told us when he will sit upon the
throne of his glory: "When the Son of man* shall come in his glory, and all the
holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throue of hia glory; and before him
shall be gathered all nations." Matt. 25 : 31, 32.

To this time the Revelator looks forward when he says, " Tlie kingdoms of this
world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign
forever and ever." Rev. 11 : 15. The context clearly shows when this will
take place : " The nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the
dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy
servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and
great; and shouldst destroy them which destroy the earth." Verse 18. It is
at the time of the final Judgment, the reward of the righteous, and the punish-
ment of the wicked, that the kingdom of Christ will be set up. When all who
oppose the sovereignty of Christ have been destroyed, ths kingdoms of this world
become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.

Then Christ will reign, " King of kings, and Lord of lords." Rev. 19 : 16.
" And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the

762

APPENDIX.

whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most H-igh." And
"the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom
forever, even forever and ever." Dan. 7 : 37, 18.

Until that time the kingdom of Christ cannot be established on the earth.
His kingdom is not of this world. His followers are to account themselves
"strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Paul says, " Our citizenship is In heaven,
from whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Heh. 11 : 13 ;
Phil. 3 : 20, Rev. Ver.

Since the kingdom of Israel passed away, God has never delegated authority to
any man or body of men to execute his laws as such. " Vengeance is mine: I will
repay, saith the Lord." Rom. 12 : 19. Civil governments have to do witn the
relations of man with man; but they have nothing whatever to do with the duties
that grow out of man's relation to God.

Except the kingdom of Israel, no government has ever existed on the earth, in
which God by inspired men directed the affairs of State. Whenever men have
endeavored to form such a government as that of Israel, they have, of necessity
taken it upon themselves to Interpret and enforce the law of God. They have
assumed the right to control the conscience, and thus have usurped the prerog-
ative of God.

In the foimer dispeusatiuu, while sins against God were visited with tfmix)ral
penalties, the judgments executed were not only by divine sanction, but under his
direct control, and by hi^ command. Sorcerers were to be put to death. Idolaters
were to be slain. Profanity and sacrilege were punished with death. And whole
nations of idolaters were to be exterminated. But the infliction of these penalties
was directed by Him who reads the hearts of men, who kncws the measure of their
guilt, and who deals with his creatures In wisdom and mercy. When men, with
human frailties and passions, undertake to do this work, it needs no argument to
show that the door is opened to unrestrained injustice and cruelty. The most
inhuman crimes will be perpetrated, and all in the sacred name of Christ.

From the laws of Israel, which punished offenses against God, arguments have
been drawn to prove the duty of punishing similar sins in this age. All persecutors
have employed them to justify their deeds. The principle that God has delegated
to human authority the right to control the conscience, is the very foundation of
religious tyranny and persecution. But all who reason thus lose sight of the fact
that we are now living in a different dispensation, under conditions wholly different
from those of Israel; that the kingdom of Israel was a type of the kingdom of
Christ, which will not be set up until his second coming; and that the duties which
pertain to man's relation to God are not to be regulated or enfortcd by human
authority.

NOTE 12. Page 608. — Concerning the identity of the Ramuh of Samuel
with the Ramah of Benjamin, Dr. Edersheim says: "These two points seem estal)-
lished : Saul's residence was at Gibeah, and he first met Samuel in Ramah. But if
so, it seems impossible, in view of 1 Samuel 10 : 2, to identify the Ramah of Samuel
with the Ramah of Benjamin, or to regard it as the modern Nehy Samufl, four miles
north-west of Jerusalem."

OTHER WORKS BY THE AUTHOR.

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THE CONTROVERSY ENDED. A companion volume to
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This volume presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting^history tnat
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SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF PAUL.

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[Now IN Preparation.]
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but angels, aad to deny the authority of his law. Christ, who was "God manifest in
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of the law. Thus the love and the justice of God are vindicated. As Christ himself
said, looking forward to his death, " Now is the judgment of this world : now shall
the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw
all unto me." The working out of this purpose is traced through the life of Christ
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becoming a partaker of the divine nature, is enabled to overcome as Christ over-
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