Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1888-08-16

constitute the occasions OF special promi-
hence in addition 20 the weekly Sabbath OBJ
servances which were in no way set aside
by those more elaborate festivals Neither
were these special occasions TO interfere
with the voluntary gifts which each individ-
usl brought privately, or In accordance
with vows.
Verses 500 begin q reorganization in
which Is woven added specifications. The
Revised Version translates "a Sabbath" a
Solemn rest''-the word signifying less
or little Sabbath, the prohibition In regard
70 work being relaxation from ordinary
avocations, but not the careful restriction
commanded on the regular seventh or holy
day. The word "boughs" also IL translated
fruits" In the new version. Hence 1t APP
pears that the worshipper took fruits in the
loft hand and branches ia the right, reioic-
Ing In the presence of the Lord.
On the last day OF the festival, IA IL was
observed in Jerusalem at the time Of Christ,
"four huge candelebra were lighted IN the
center of the temple court and the illumina-
ton emanating from these was visible all
over the city. Around these lights pious
mon marched with lighted fambeaux In
their hands, singing hymns and psalms of
praise while the Levites, stationed on the
fifteen steps which led 10 the court of the
women, accompanied them with instrumen-
tai music" at was doubtless on the last
evening of this brilliant festival, that
Christ called attention TO his mission woI X
in the words Il am the light Of the world. ,
Not to shine for few hours and illuminate
the temple and Jerusalem only-but the
light which will dispel the darkness OF the
whole world. "-Ginsbury.
Early in the morning Of the last day, the
people, headed by priest, marched TO the
fountain of Sloan, and drawing water re-
turned in time TO be present at the burning
OF the sacrifice. Immediately, Psalms 10
IA IIa1l alA ahat, Tod
svely, the Levites informing the first line,
and the people repeating it. while to each of
the other lines they responded also Praise
ye the Lord" (Hallelu YAH At the close
they waved the branches before the altar,
as expressive OF Joy and remembrance OF
Gods promises. -.Edersheim.
These great occasions melted 10 patriot
ism and love OF country, They also tended
to awaken in the people emulation in gifts
of rare products, as proofs Of skill and in
dustry. The change OF scene was conducive
to health and restoration OF elasticity of
spirit The young looked forward with
pleasure TO the pilgrimage over mountains
and through valleys, as the occasion always
presented opportunities for enlargement of
experience and knowledge The aged look
ed back upon many sweet memories and
happy incidents connected with these an
nual iourneyngs. Americans need more
holy days and holy pilgrimages filled with
rural pleasures and sacred songs.
SUGGESTED THOUGHTS.
Expression Of thankfulness strengthens
the emotion.
Religion was not intended TO make our
pleasures less but to dissipate gloom and
promote peaceful Joy. A worshipful spirit
should pervade all our joys and intensity
our pleasures.
An immense deal Of time was given TO re
ligious feasts, or worship, under the jewish
dispensation. ale who says he hasn't time
for christian service ought 10 remember
that he has time for nothing else, but by the
grace of God"
Thanksgiving day is not modern insti
tuition, but was instituted, IA we sec, 1906
years before Christ Let such days and
tho worshipful spirit be multiplied.
AT the birmingham camp meeting a man
voiced the above sentiment in relating his
christian experience. He said II have
been living at Grumble Corner, but lately
moved up TO THANKSGIVING street, and find
the air purer, the sunshine brighter and the
people more hospitable."
1t is said that the American Thanksgiving
was suggested BY New England farmer
The Puritans, discouraged and anxious,
proposed another day Of public fasting and
prayer, when farmer arose and said, I'm
stead Of fasting and praying for more bless
ings, let US hold thanksgiving for mercief
already received" The thought was hap
py one, and never since has year passed
that the descendants Of those pioneers have
not observed the day.
Houses, like clothing, are reminders Of
sin In holiness, man was part OF nature
untrammelled. Sin taught him his naked
ness before God. Leaves were his frs
covering. The booths of branches o.
trees and leaves were reminders of the frs
transgresSion.