The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-11-16
THE CHILDREN OF MOSES.
Exod, ii: 1-10.1

Introduction.-The king of Egypt. who had adopted oppressive measures to oi- minish the increasing power oI the tne !he. he. : they prospered in their afiliction. He was 4 unable to see that they were under a protecting care which could bring to increased the severity of his treatment and finally conceived plan of wholesale murder. Calling certain professionals to his assistance he resolved that all male children should be put to death at birth. while all the girl babies should be allow ed to live. But here again he miscai- culated the outcome. Those who were taken into his counseis conspired against him. As final measure he decreed and ordered the people to execute the decree, that every son when born should be cast into the river Nile. As that was held to be sacred stream this would be regard hopedsto accomplish. it's purpose through popular devotion and superstition.
 Infancy tverses l and 2)-New comes an infant boy into the narrative. one who is destined to fill large place in his- tory. His father and mother were both of the tribe of Levi, that tribe which was afterward taken for priestiy service dispensation 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 tn sentence ofadeath was upon him. His lit- tie body must be cast into the stream whose inundations made the land fertile and provided the people with abundance of grain. By his sacrifice Apis must be propitiated. Against such fate the hearts of his father and mother rebelled They were attracted by his beauty and moved by their affection, and for three II presence would he unknown and that might preserve his life. Three 0 uths of anxiety and love!
 Safety (verses and A-It was impossi- Hf- lnnrnr O $. sants of the king, passing to and fro. .Je e liable at any time to discover his Ila ing place. and then he would be forci- pl taken and the parents might be pun 6sd for disregarding the mandate. And eci what father ur mother, having given
 ce in their hearts to helpless inno-
 1t. could. with their own hands destroy
 n?I In such an hour of intense pain an expedient was devised. A little ark. made of bulrushes lcalled gome in Hebrew and daubed with bitumen to make it water tight. In this tiny vessel the infant was placed with maternal care and 1t 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 perils . or an unknown voyage; As further pre- name as Mary in the New Testament) was stationed near (Numb. xxvi,53), to watch a1,sno the result and offer assistance.
 
 a experimenting Providence is clearly taught In many passages of Scripture, 1Gen, l. 20, so that even the designs pI wicked men shall be made to bring &ood 10 those who are the objects of Divine care. This baby boy shall not be destroyed. .--there is power that shall Keep Keep him. a power above that of the a to that end. Shortly after Pharaoh's @aughser came down to the river in nathe. accompanied by her maidens. and 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 influence move dher heart as no gentle influence moved her heart as the mother was under no Divine guid- ance as she selected the mode and place Of safety for her babe? Did it all hap pen? Was it a fortuitous train of events? May We not rather believe that tEis discovery was part of a plan by which infinite wisdom would work out high purpose?
 Compassion.-(Verse S.)-When the covering was removed from the ark. Pha, raohs daughter recognized the child as Of Hebrew origin. The color of the skin whole story. There were marked phys- tcal characteristics of the Semitic peo- pies distinguishing them from the pos ter1ty of Mtzraim. The babe is now in What will she do with 1t? Knowing her fathers purpose and edict will she seal the fate of the child? If she had done so no one would have complained. But her womanly heart would not suffer any evil to be done. She had compassion which was excited by the babes tears. How true is it that every mans destiny is shaped by woman,-a mother, a wife a sister, a friend! In this case one is brought from the highest place of trust with power and wealth to do what need ed to be done, that a Hebrew boy might be saved from death and prepared for career of distinguished honor.
 Mother.-(Verses ! and S.)-However kind the heart and however generous the hand no one cares for an infant as tenderly as it's own mother. There can be no greater calamity than to lose this natural guardian. whose love exceeds