The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-11-16
THE SUNDAY-SCH0Ol LESSON.
The Childhood of Moses. (ExOd.
ii, 1-1U.D

Prepared Tor The Republic by the Reverend J..
+ Gilbert. =. n. secretary 81 the American
society Of Religipys Education.
INTRODUCTION-The King Of Egypt.
who had adopted oppressive measures 10
diminish the increasing power OF the He
brews, learned nothing from the fact that
they prOsUercd in their affiction. He was
unable TO see that they We're under n pro-
tcctinE care which could bring TO aught
all his evil devices. He. therefore, in
creased the severity of his treatment and
finally conceived 4 plan of wholesale muir
der. Calling certain professionals 10 his
assistance. he resolved that all male chill
drer should be put to death at birth. while
AL the girl babies should he allowed TO live
But here again hc miscalcuIated the out
come. Those who were taken into his coun-
sells consnjrej against him. A. a final meas
TIRE he decreed. and ordered the people to
execute the decree, that every son when
born should be cast into the River Nile. Az
that was held to be a sacred stream this
would he regarded rs a religions act. y
wicked heart hoped to accomplish its pur-
lion.
INFANCY-Ncrses l and - Now comes
an infant boy into the narrative, one who
is destined TO Mi Il large place in history.
His father and mother were both Of the
tribe of Levi. that tribe which was after
wards taken for prtestly service Numb.
xviii. .. giving its name {" the dfspensa-
IlOn that followed Until Christ came. The
little fellow came at the most unfavOrable
time. He not only belonged TO an oppressed
people. but at birth the sentence of death
was upon him. His little body must be cast
into the stream whose foundations ma1e
the land fer.ilc and provided the people
with abundance Of grain. BY his sacrifice
Apis must be prOpitiated. Against such 4
fate the hearts Of his father and mother re-
belled. They We're attracted by his beauty
and moved by their affection. and for three
months they concealed him. hoping that
his presence would be unknown. and that
they might preserve his life. Three months
of anxiety and love.
SAFETY-(Verses 3 and ~ 1t was i'm
possible longer 10 conceal the precious boy.
Servants of the King. Easing TO and fro.
hiding place, and :heD he would be forcibiy
taken. and the parents might be punished
what father or mother, having given place
in their hearts to u helpless innocent. could
with their own hands destroy him? In such
devised. a little ark, made q buIrushes
called gone In Hebrew and btblios In
Creek was prepared. and daubed with bit
umen to make IL water-tight. In his tiny
vessel the infant was placed with maternal
care. and it was launched among the reeds
by the brink of the river. This was chosen
as the only place of safety. complying with
the Kings order, but trusting a good God
to guard the little one against the possible
peri!s of an unknown voyage. As a further
precaution. the sister, Miriam 1.-THE same
name as Mary Of the New TestamenD. was
stationed near Numb. XVI. so. to watch
LAAh ANEAAN Ahh1 nv
Observation-Disclosures So The doctrine Of
a experimenting Providence Is clearly
taught in many passages OF Scripture tGen.
]. 20. so that even the designs of wicked
men shali. be made 10 bring good to those
who ere the objects of divine care. This baby
boy shall not be destroyed-there is a power
that shall keep him. a power above that OF
the King, and circumstances shall be ar
ranged to that end. Shortly PharaOh's
daughter came down to the river to battle.
accompanied by her maidens, and she saw
the ark and sent for IL. Who shall say
that the feet Of the Princess were not
guided that day. both as to direction and
time? Who shall say that no gentle infiu-
eEce moved her heart as she saw the child?
Who shall say that the mother was under
no divine guidance as she selected the mode
and place OF safety for her babe? Did 1t ali
happen? Was IL "A fortultous train of eve nts'
May we rot rather believe that this dis
covery was part Of a plan by which Infinite
Wisdom would work out a high purpose?
COMPASSION-fVerse g. When the COW
ering was removed from the ark Pharaoh's
daughter recognized the child as OF Hebrew
origin. The color of the skin and the con-
tour Of the face tsld the whole storH There