The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-06-12
INTERNATIONAL LESSONS.
BY REV. F. Il. mARoREAvEs.
Lesson IL,

Lesson IL, June 81.
JESUS THE CHRIST.
John Z, 1852. Golden Text, Matt. lG,
16. Time, Oct. II. A. d. 20. Place,
Jerusalem, in the Temple Court.
1t was the feast of the Tabernaclcs.
The harvest was gathered and the people
were assembled in Jerusalem to render
thanks to God, ms well us to commemor-
nie the life of Israel in the wilderness
and their settlement in permanent places
of abode. AT this feast every one lived
in booths, rough huts of living boughs
and twigs Of trees. These were erected
in open squares and courts and upon the
house tops. The feast lasted seven days,
and every day the priests. with large
choir and followed by vast crowds of
people, went cut to the spring of Sloan,
where they drew water in golden vessel,
amidst the most extraordinary reioicings.
Magnificent chants from the writings of
Isaiah rose ON the morning air as the
singers and people joined in the beautiful
invitation, "llo every one that thirsteth,
come We to the waters;" and with iov
shall We draw water from the wells of
salvation. Returning to the temple the
water was poured upon the altarand the
impressive services of the day were
celebrated. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem
during this icnst, and ut once took up a
position in the temple and began to teach.
His words aroused bitter feeling of
antag ,nism in the minds and hearts of
the Rabbis and leaders, as we'll US many
of the common people; and yet nota few
believed on Him. A warrant was issued
for His arrest and given to the temple
police; but, although they kept Him un-
der constant surveillance they did attempt
to arrest Him. The last day of the feast
was the elimination of its rejoicing and
splendor. The people went forth with
branch ofcitron in one hand and mlab
Ia branch of palm woven round with
willow and myrtle) in the other. An
immense procession passed round the
walls seven times amidst the most
tremendous enthusiasm, and inspire d with
glorious music, in commemoration of the
fall Of Jericho. From the vast multitude
arose, everand anon, the ringing Hosannu
and Hallelujnh ofpraise, while every one
was carried away with the intense
enthusiasm of the hour. Another and
similar procession went, as usual, to the
pool of Seloam to draw the pitcher of
water for Use at the altar. 1t was when
this procession was returning that Jesus
seized the opportunity for making grand
declaration Of His divinity, and at the
same time giving a true spiritual signiti-
ance to the exercise in which they were
engaged During temporary lull in the
outbursts of song and shout the voice Of
Jesus, sweet, soft and clear, was heard:
"lf any man thirst, let him come unto me
and drink. He that belieyeth on me ~
the scripture hath said, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of living water" In
that burning parched autumn weather,
the very word "water" would have
magical interest for every hcarer. We
can well imagine that the words of Jesus
commanded instant attention, and we do
not wonder that they made profound
Impression. This was the last recorded
utterance of Christ at this feast, and it is
great and fitting close to His remark
able teachings, and His claims of divine
Sonship on this occasion. His divinity
was unimpeachable, for, as the temple
police said in justification of their neglect
to arrest Him, "Never man spake like
this man."