The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-09-28
Third Quarterly Review.

Genesis, xiii, 1.l6.-Thc method of separation
was gradual Abraham was removed first from
his general relations, next from his father, but
| finally from his nephew. This last was accom-.
plished only after long intimacy in which both
had been aided But Lot was an incumbrance
to be shaken of before the vision of his uncle
could be clear and his purpose strong. The re.
moyal was by very natural and easy processes.
, 1t was made in the interest of peace, the focks
OF the two having become 90 numerous as TO
provoke controversy among the herdmcn. The
selfshncss Of Lot and the generosity of Abra-
ham were disclosed in their choice of the land
to be occupied by them,
SIXTH LESSON. August II, Goods Pronis, to
Abraham" Genesis, ~, 1,lS.--1hc faith Of Abra.
ham did not wavcr, as the years passed, yet he
was much perpleNed as he considered the pledge
OF God, lie saw no way 10 it's fulRlmcnt and
desired explanations and assurances Then came
TO him the promise of a son and Of posterity
10 whom should be given the land All this was
guaranteed by Il remarkable vision in connection
with a sauihcal Offering In that vision was
disclosed the Egyptian bondage, the Judgment
upon Egypt, the return OF Israel to Canaan, IN
fact, brief outline Of the national history.
Thus Abraham was made to look into the distant
future for that which God had promised.
SEVENTH LESSON, August IS, "Abrahams In
tcrcession," Genesis xviii, l6-33.--Whie God had
chosen Abraham and hiS descendants 10 intro.
duce pure religion and bless the world lie
was not indifferent, as might be supposed, 70
other peoples, Sin was odious 10 Him every.
where, and all men were accountable for the
evil Of their lives This appeared in the destruc.
tion Of the cities of the plain. At the same
time any righteous people, found anywhere, were
| objects Of divine regard This truth needed to
he emphasized-that holiness outside the covenant
l
appears in special pleading to save city for
the sake Of a few righteous found therein, doubt
less with special reference and regard to Lot.
EIGHTH LESSON, August 2j, "Abraham and
| Isaac" Genesis, xii, l-lL-It is possible for a
mans faith in Gods promise 10 decline as he
sees the mode OF its fulflmcnt. The instrument
TO be used in given act may obscure him who
employs the instrument. Isaac might cause
Abraham TO think less Of the power OF God. be.
cause the son might awaken hope through ma.
tural descent A test was therefore needed Did
Abraham believe that God could keep His prom.
! i9e even without lsaacY Did he regard LOYALTY
to God more than fatherly affection? With his
| own hand would he sacrifice his child and trust
God to keep His word by some other method?
The trial was the severest ever given TO mortal.
Abraham endured it and proved himself Gods
servant,
NINTH LESsON, September I, "Isaac the Peace
Maker" Genesis, NXyI, l2.2j.-A single incident
in the lie Of Abraham's son is chosen to exhibit
his dominant characteristic. II was not for him
| to contend with others for rights. lie was not
a warrior Of leader Of greater enterprises lie
was the incarnation Of gcntler qualities the pro.
moter Of harmony even at the price of self.
sacrifice. lie was Just the man for the time
| the best possible successor Of his father, an OK.
ccllent predecessor for the earnest and fearless