The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-01-25

mon attained nearest to fullest boundaries, but
the people never achieved victory over the en-
tire land promised to Abram. The direct dis
lance from Haran to Shechem, where we first
find Abram IN Canaan, would be about 400
miles, but he probably Travelled many more
miles in reaching Shechem. He would go
south ". 81 bearing somewhat to the west.
The line from Shechem to Haran would be at
an angle of about 20 degrees. The land was
inhabited by Cauaanites in general subdivided
however, into Amorites, Jebusites, Girgashites
Hittites, Perizzites, etc. 15: 10 21)
That was a work demanding courage and
faith and perseverance to 90 from HaraB, his
own land, occupied by his own people, to take
possession of the land of Canaan having with
him only wife aud nephew. three against
almost nnumerable and cruel hosts. We can
well imagine how lonely group went out from
Haran. They were the pioneers of the Jewish
race. We can see what st. Paul meant when
he said by faith Abraham, when be was
called 10 go out into place which he should
after receive for an inheritance. obeyed and
he went, not knowing whittier he went"
Heb, H. 81 The fact Abram did not know
his place of destination accounts for the words
in the first verse of our lesson. = a land that |
will show thee" How God indicated Abrams
course is not stated; it was probably By verbal
instructions.
Abram first stopped at an oak grove tplain in
V. g. near Shechem. Next we find him at
Bethel LUZ, 10 miles south of Shechem aud
~ north of Jerusalem
The Emigrants.
We know by name only three Of the party
who left Haran-Abram, Sarai and Lot. Verse
adds 1.-The souls that they had gotten in Ha-
ran" We know Abram was childless and Lot
probably unmarried. The "souIs were prob
ably the servants of Abram and Lot, with
wives and children.
Gods object was to select a certain family
most promising in piety, aud make it the
special depositary of religious truth. and the
agency in particular for maintaining and incul-
eating the doctrine of Monotheism. The per-
sons selected must be such as were plastic to
holy influence and faithful to trusts God
found such in Abrsm, and. as a rule. in his
descendants. It must be said Of the Jews that
they were tenacious of their peculiar religion
Through the family chosen. God purpossd to
preserve the traditions of the patriarchal faith
to keep religious truth from extinction to hold
up before the world the doctrine of the one and
only true God to serve for a constant rebuke TO
ghboring peoples given to Idolstfy. to pre-
pare the heather world for tho coming Of
Christ.
Suggestions.
/. We are all called and sent and should 90
bravely to our missions
2. Exercise faith. Go as Abram did
3. God will be with US in our route
A. If need be, abandon native land, friends
etc, in interest of Christi Kingdom.
5. Obey God. If called, go.
6. Be careful how you treat Abrsm for God
resents evil to his messengers and workers
z. Do what You set out to accomplish Com
pare V. 5.
8. If travelling, carry your religious princi-
pies with you. Build an altar.
8. Worship God Never be too busy to
pray.
10. To young men called to leave home and
go to some distant city this lesson has sugges-
TONS
IL. Garry on mission work.
IL Rely on Gods promises
13 We are all pilgrims on way to Canaan
Heaven.