The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-15
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR TOMORROW
DY .. E. GIL BERT, n. D.,

to the prophets of Israel. (Isa 1, 1.)
 Vision-( Verses 12 and 13) This first appeal to the sense of hearing was fol- lowed by another to the sense of sight. The voice had arrested the attention The vision was in two parts. both designed to make a powerful impress sion upon the mind. There were seven golden candlesticks. representing the chandelier with its branches in the temple at JeruSalm, (Icx. xxxvii, 17-23) seen also by one of the prophets. Czech. iv, 3 This figure was sufficient to suggest to one of Jewish origin somS religious and ecclesiastical purpose which was afterward explained. And in the midst of the golden candlestick was one Hike unto the son of man." This was Jesus who uniformly spoke of Himself under that title (John iii, 13) and was so mentioned by the prophet in Babylon. Oan. vii. 3 This sudden appearance In such form identified the person as the one who had previously spoken. John was Therefore aware that the message which he had been summoned to write was to be one from the Master he loved. special message to particular churches.
 Appearance-(Verses 13, 14, 10 Tn the vision Jesus appeared in form and ap' parel, not as He did in the days of His flesh, but in sacerdotal robes. as high prist, (Heb. iX, ID which office He has filled since His ascension. His long garment reaching down to the foot, like the garment of Aaron, (Ex. xviii. 3 was fastened with a golden girdle. an emblem both of regal and priestly dignity. His hair, white like wool or snow, was an emblem Of His antiquity CDan. vii and the evidence rNR .~V- -lJ-.. Il head doubtless proceeded from the rays of light and glory which encircled Him and darted in all directions, an em- blem of deity among almost all nations. (See Herodotus. Thalia) This was the origin, doubtless, of the nimbus, or halo, in Roman art. The eyes Af Jesus were as "a flame of fire" denot- ing the penetrating nature of His knowledge. His feet were like brass, an emblem of His stability and per manence, brass being the most durable of all metals. His voice was like the sound of many waters (Ezek. xiii, 9 indicating power and authority
 Emblems--(Verse 16) So much for the personal appearance of the Son of man. as seen in the Vision, the high priest of the new dispensation. There were besides presented to John two emblenis of the high service to be rendered by this exalted person. These two emblems stod over against each other in very intimate and interesting rela- tton. In His right hand He held seven stars, representing as explained afterward, Verse 20) the angels or pastors of the seven churches of Asia Verse ID This indicates that those men were under the special care and powerful protection of Jesus, a fact very full of comfort in that time of persecution. (Matt. xvii, ,20.) Every true minister Is very dear to his Lord. 2. "out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword" The word of God Is described as the sword of the spirit, (Eph. VI, ID afsd is said to be sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb. iy, I2) It Is proper therefore to interpret this as an emblem of the influence to be exerted In the world by the words of Christ. Qsa. lv. ID Thus there was symbolized to the apostle the great fact that Jesus defended His ser wants and that the word proclaimed should be effective.
 TeStimony-(Verses r and 1S) John was deeply affected by this vision. If he rightly interpreted what he saw, as with good knowledge of sacred sym bolism he presumably did. this was the most startling event of his life. The Son of man whom he had known as master, appearing among the candle sticks (the churches) with the apparel of the high priest, with radiant head and feet like brass. supporting the i pastors of His churches and sending forth His word of victory-this must have been sufficient to awaken in the mind of the banshed apostle mingled
 feelings of awe and gladness. Fall ing down to worship, well-night over
 come, he received another message. This time Jesus testified of Himself
 as the first and the last. as once dead
 now living to die no more. as having
 the keys of hell 0he gravel and or | death, or as the resurrection and the life. (Psalm xviii. POD This was not so | much d disclosure of something un- | known, as re-affiTmation of what had
 been said in the time of His earthly ministry, John xii. 36) and therefore an | identification that John might know the word of Jesus was fulfilled and | sustained.
 | Mystery-(Verses l9 and 20) With | this reference to Himself Jesus directed | John to write the. things which he had l seen, and some other things given to l him bY the Spirit. He then explained what the canGlestieks and the stars represented. but made no allusion to the other figrrative expressions. Thus N