The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-08-17

Ereatness-the Lord could consistently
 bestow upon him what was promised
 because he was worthy to receive it.
 Thustt appears that in that day family
 religion was esteemed as essential to
 the public welfare, the condition of the
 Divine blessing. (Eph. vi, 4.)
 Disclosed-(Verses 20, 21, 22) For
 these reasons the angelic visitors felt
 that Abraham should be made ac-
 quainted with what they were about
 to do. But why? For his good. and
 for the worlds good. It was important
 to let men know that God would punish
 the wicked. that the story of retribu-
 ton might be told as a warning to all coming generations. (Ex. xxxiv, D That it was told many times was due to the fact that angels made the dis closure in advance to the father of Israel. CMatt. X, 15) The recital was made in no uncertain way. 1ntelu- gcnce of the city's sin had been car ried to heaven, and this embassy had been sent forth to inspect and if nec-
 ess1ry to judge. We see In his how
 good men are taken into the plans and
 counsels of God. He who Is allied with his Maker has part with him in the worlds great work, and revela- tions are made that cooperation may be more complete, and that the out come, when 1t appears, may be under stood.
 Pieaded-(verses 23 to 26) The pros pect of a city's destruction awakened Abrahams solicitude, proving him to have a heart that beat with sympathy for others, and indicating also that he had qualities which. brought out, might make him a benefactor. It is possible that he thought first of Lot. who was then a citizen of Sodom. (Gen. xiii, 12) Having delivered hl nephew from enemies he would naturally desire to save him from the wrath of God. But he put forth a plea on different basis, not making any request on fami- ly considerations. Wilt thou destroy the righteous with the wicked?" he en- quired He evidently believer that in a great city some had been able to maintain their integrity By series of questions. all centered in the thought that a righteous judge would Gistin- gush between the innocent and the guilty, he pressed his earnest suit Cntil a promise was given that if fifty righteous were found the city should not be destroyed. The number was small but larger than the prophet sought. Ger. V, 1.)
 cISoS anu -oD IL IS H. teresting to note the working of a n ind iatent on gaining a certsln point. How quickly the angle of vision changes to take in all particulars and to adjust and re-adjust until satisfac- tory conclusion is found. The primary principle of Abraham's plea had been granted, that the wicked should not involve the righteous in punishment There remained another question. quite as important, How many righteous will suffice to stay the hand of judg- ment? Fifty had been named, but would a less number answer the pur- pose? The queries were running along a practical side of the subject into de. tails that were of great moment. Sup. pose there were vie less than fifty righteous in the city would 1t be des. troyed? That was quite the same as to urge a modification of the former decision, and the angel consented. If forty-f1ve can be found the city may be spared.
 Dir-irished--(Verses 29 to 32) The ob jective point in the intercessor's mind toward 1t by slow steps, feeling con- stantly that there was some impro- priety in his pleading for which he requested pardon. But hav- ing begun he had increased in courage and liberty. Now he determined to diminish the figures until the smallest number possible should be reached From forty-flve he dropped to forty, from forty to thirty. from thirty to twenty. from twenty to ten. Each time came the angels assurance and each time the patriarch looked beyond the reply to another request. It was a valuable experience to the pleader He was being educated In the ways of Divine providence. He was learning lessons in prayer. in the value of the righteous. He was gathering up in formation concerning the evil that is in the world and learning how deep was the degradation of men. It is a good thing to stand before God an advocate for the righteous.
 Separated-(Verses 33) Nothing more was said on either side. The messen- gers moved toward Sodom, and Abra- ham toward his tent. Pleading has ceased and judgment must begin. But the conditions of that judgment have been settled, and they will not be viola ted. A pledge has been given that for ten righteous souls a city shall not be destroyed. It would be interesting to enter into the reflections of Abra- ham as he walked alone after this in- terview. his thoughts of God, of sin. of righteous, of penalty, of mercy, fill ipS his mind. How strange that a