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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, II est fllmA A partir de Tangle supArleur gauche, de gauche d drolte, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent la mAthode. by errata led to Bnt jne pel u re. a^on d 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 '/ PATRIARCHS aid PROPHETS OR The Great Conflict Betwee.n Good and Evil <5 OQ (A 09 O 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 VI 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. mi 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. IX 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. xl 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 a 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 XX 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 l487 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 — 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 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 acself 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. 40 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. 41 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 *; 4 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. 42 PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS. I- ■J? i • 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. 43 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. 46 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 29 8. 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. W 48 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. 49 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 60 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. 51 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. M 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 disrer 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 54 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. 55 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. s 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. 67 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 68 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 hated. 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 «■ 60 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. 02 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] 64 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 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'erinroiiiisc. 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 n< TIIK PLAN OF It ADEMPTION. 67 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 2 Peter 2:19. » 2 Cor. 4:4. » Micah 4:8. « Eph. 1 : 14. »l8a. 45 : 18. • Ps. 37 : 29 ; Rev. 22 : 3. 5 08 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. 69 •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^' 70 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 72 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. 73 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-oui)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 i 74 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 c ^T 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. e a CAIN AND ABEL TESTED. 77 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\- 78 PATH I ARC IIS AM) I'lKH'UHTS. W< 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 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. o »■} '■'i ciiArri'R VI i n' 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' ms «taturi' than Cain or Ahel, and resemhled Adam more ( lo •Iv tl lan did I ns o ther sons. II 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 Aii 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(>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 in).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 th 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). ( i f a t 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 minerio(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 84 ml" ^ fl: r i I.} ]■■- m 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. So 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 D w « 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 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^ tv 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. ss J'ATJil Aliens AND I'ltOPirKTS. X :- iN- tl 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. 89 tlic ciirtli at the tiiiK Clii'ist's second advent. Then, as ii tlio world liet'ore ilie llnod, ini(|nity will jirevail. l''ollowinr()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'! m> ¥ t'r' Iji ■:-^ V^ ' is. i lli *: ?■( in 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; crowneortion, 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. !H 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 connected heautiful •lardcn.- ti'ees ot .'dl descni th 11 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 92 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 Tl lev (Ic lie ol animals; and the use of 1 li-ht. h for in 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 Id w 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^ wi 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 thinose, and directeil him to build an ark. ^^'hile buildinti the to preach that (Iod would brinu a Hood of water ar k 1 le was upon the earth to destroy the wicked. Those wdio would believe the niessa > ^.^* > ^l '>> y /!^ Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. M5«0 (716)S72-4S03 ^>' ■(#: THE FLOOD. 9 i> 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. 96 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 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 haedient. Guided by holy any 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. 99 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, 7 100 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 wony the jiulpits of our land? "There is no eauso for alarm," they cry. " Before Christ shall come, all tluMvorM is to be converted, and rie-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 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 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, 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 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 Goed 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 sprinerpetuated 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 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 lialcasurc, 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. doinvidence? 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 ane 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 aroUjj;ht in- creasee 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 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 hunut. 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 sacrey 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-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 "' 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 ha7 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 aneen 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."' m) 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 lauanle 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 Prince of heaven was hv his si]'.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 m C r. !> 11 m iti-' i 5 i'Hmn p: 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 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. Is 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 jiiositivo 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'. Ane 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. Lonw 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 Id won Id con le. On the other hand, there were ob- ligations resting u])on the possessor of the birthright. He who Lir.7] ■ ■i ■;; ■ ' m Hi if ' iil:lj" ^;.tai■l!■t: r;,tilrij iu 178 PATlil Aliens AND PROPIIKTS. ^k should inherit its hlcssinjiS must (U'Voto liis life to thrivilejj;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)ondairitual hirthriuht was the ohjcct of his lon,ainjr. To conunune with (iod as 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 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 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. k 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 -'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. IM 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 *»'>,;••-"" '^i*:v- . -^'0- ^-ii-/^^^- "I .;:';■ ■.^•■■:\:* j ■ . * -* ' ^ i^ 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.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^]. I 11 -lACOIVS DliKA.M. .shin liiu^ 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 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, anass 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», 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 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 m UQ L25 11 1.4 m o> /] 7 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 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 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. im 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- 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)ervadeuj.'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;^ hi 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 posscssirothers 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 ao 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 Is |l 1 Uio l)ittcrneHs of their Imtrrd. Tho si^ht of tho coat, tho token of their father's love, lilled 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, anoy 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 O > 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, 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 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. I ti 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 hcrplexed, 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 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 continuew 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 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)ilr 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 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 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 W If J MOSfJS. 2r>i J 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 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- I 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, antians 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'. y. y. 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' si0 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 <' 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 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. OS 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 tured images of heathen gods, before the monarch of the most ])Owerful kinrht 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 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 calleeast. 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 Avarney 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 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;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 (i liy his crimes turtritcd the nii'icy ot" (J(» 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 Epress- 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 , -, (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. I 4 1 /. Si'iriiiklini^ t/tf Blood. in. The Pussot>cr Sii/>/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 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. .') : V • 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 im tl le 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 s 1 Jc.lin 1 : 14. 1 C'( TIIK PASSOVFJIi. 279 I 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 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 0"^^^^; ^^<^ '^ o 283 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 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.'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 thy 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 ?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 iiay 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*.»( 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. : ! mo 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 Eeoi)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 ,iudeople. 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 ndlt' ; 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 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 <'liiimot 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 attractes. 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 tople, 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 guardeledge, 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. Durinresen('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. 3U PATRfAIWIfS AND PROPHETS. I 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 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 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 rirought 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 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 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 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 I truth, l- 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 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 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 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 was coinniittrd tlir (•duciitiou nl' tin' heir In the lliruiir. iiiul it wms this spirit ol' 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 kinn 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 Iionle 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- 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- 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 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 arinei})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)nerpetrated 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. 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/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 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 any the sanctuary service, " mercy and truth are met to^'ether; ri^diteousness and peace have kissed each other."'' No lan : 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)uildinn 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 lints 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 feelinon 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 law was not ehane 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^. m >( 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^.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. M' i if'.^-; I 308 rATItfAJiCIIS AM) PIlOPUETs. lias l)C't'n .strcamin<,' from tlu; cross of Calvary '.nance 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 r 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 liorary, 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 1. 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 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 1 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'erinared 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( ernaele, and near- est to it, were the tents of Moses an;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. ¥.^;' IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1^128 jns IIS m u US, 12.0 ik |L25|U,,.6 < 6" ► ^ y /: 'v* '/ /^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STtKT WnSTER.N.Y. 14S80 (716) 873-4503 ^"^ ^.V^ '^ ^ f>( ( > y.l TF J Aliens A M> P.'i O R1H-: TS. 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; ans order an, 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 lovo3 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'erinsp<)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(> 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 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;(^vnt 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