Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-09-15
Lesson l2.
r REVIEW

we nave now TSaCntu our tulIu quar-
terly review.
The lessons Of the quarter began with
the first chapter of Exodus, and have
taken us nearly through that book. To
those who have faithfully studied them
they cannot have been otherwise than
deeply interesting. Probably to most
in our Sunday schools, the early por.
tions of the Old Testament are less
familiar than the new. But the things
of which they tell us are not afar of.
They do have to do with our every day
experiences and needs. Gods dealings
with his ancient people were intended
to reveal his character and ways. And
he is unchanging in character. His
ways, too, are essentially the same. 1t
has often been noticed that the manner
in which he now rescGes a soul from sin
and prepares it for the heavenly land.
is much like that by which he delivered
Israel from bondage and trained them
in the wilderness fC' shr promised in
heritance. In the story of lsraefs es,
cape from Egypt and wanderings in the
desert, Christians have found great in.
struction and cheer. Ii colors some OF
best hymns. Much of the phraseology
of the oldtime prayer meetings was
derived from it.
Our first lesson was
ISRAEL IN EGYPT.
In il we are told of the wonderful in
crease of Israel in Egypt, and of the
means the new Pharaoh used to check
their growth. But the more they were
afflicted, the more they grew. Gods
watchful care Of his people is never
ceasing.
Our second lesson was
THE COMING DELIyERER.
Just when the night Of Gods people
seemed darkest, Moses was born. In
this interesting lesson we have the
charming story of his preservation, as
delightful as any romance; of his train
ing in the wisdom of Egypt, and of his
flight to Midian. His great choice to
suffer affliction with t'sc people OF God,
rather than to enjoy the pleasures OF
sin for season. was heroic example
for US. Some like summons to great
life choice comes 10 Us ell.
The third lesson was
THE CALL OF MOSES.
At the burning bush God commissioned
Moses 20 be his peoples leader, and
pledged his own faithful presence and
help. He taught him that in the fires
of affliotion they should never be con
sumed.
The fourth lesson was
MOSES AND AARON.
From the great task the Lord assigned
him, Moses drew back and so God gave
to him Aaron as his helper. He also in.
structed Aaron to perform certain signs
in the presence Of the people, that they
might see that the Lord was with him.
It is noteworthy that these signs we're
the first miracles wrought by mans agen-
cy spoken OF in the Bible.
The fifth lesson was
NOSES AND Tue NAGIcIASs.
God now began series of visitations
upon Egypt TO move Pharaoh to let Is
rael 90. The magicians initiated some
of the divine miracles. Pharaoh was
unmoved. or only momentarily impress
ed. His heart was hardened by judg
ments which were really mercies. He
went, as all do who resist the calls OF
God, from bad to worse. The lesson
teaches the great peril Of trifling with
the patience and grace OF God.
The sixth lesson was
THE PASSOVER.
The crowning visitation upon Egypt
was the destruction of all It's first born.
1t filed the land with terror. But
Israel was exempt. The means OF their
escape was the blood Of lamb sprink
led ON the door.p posts Of all their dwell.
ings. Every dwelling thus marked was
'.passed over" by the destroying Angel.
So, through the blood of the Lamb.
provided for Us, we can be saved from
greater III.
The seventh lesson was
THR RED SEA.
The destruction Of Egypts frstborn
made such an impression of Gods pow.
or on Pharaoh that he now consented
to let Israel 20. But hardly had they
set out when Pharaoh started TO pursue
them. But God opened for them way
through the sea and, by the same wa
ters which parted at their approach,
their enemies were overwhelmed IA
sure proof that "none can harm those
whom God protects"
The eighth lesson was
THE MAMMA.
It was the interesting and instructive
story Of the way in which God fed his
people, fsmishlng IN the wilderness. e .
resources OF God abundant for Us all,
and for All timesf We are taught TO
pray for our daily bread with fullest
trust. In Christ, too, we have living
spiritual bread, OF which, If one eat, he
shall never hunger.
The ninth and tenth lessons were
rnx COMMANDMENTS.
The manner tn which these we're given
/, was solemn and impressive. Having
been prsciaimed from the Mount, they
we're written with the finger Of God on
two tables Of stone. These command
ments aere formally given 70 Israel.
But the reasons underlying them are
universal. They are therefore for US.