The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-12-27

by the Midinnites, a people living in the
southeast Of Canaan. They were de-
| scended from Abraham by Neturah. II
| was among them that Moses found an
| asylum when he fed from Egypt (sx-
odus, II, 15) Later they became trouble.
| some and Moses was commanded ia
smite them. (Numbers, XIV, 17.) A. war;
like and wealthy people they became
| strong and covered the land like grass
hoppers. Their exactions OF grain and
| cattle impoverished Israel. and God heard
| the cry of His people and raised up a de-
| liverer. Yet imposed conditions that
| clearly proved to all that the Almighty
had wrought against the national enemy
| and brought to them security.
TENTH LESSON.-Dec. Z, Ruth and
Naomi" Ruth, 1. 16-22--A mother-in law
and a daughter-in-law, two widows, a
Jewess and "a Moabitess, passing through
sore bereavement cling together and make
their journey to the old home of the form
er. The other woman out of affection for
| the younger, seeks to persuade her to re-
turn to the land of her fathers, fearing
that in Israel she will find little comfort
But the latter could not be persuaded.
With remarkable steadfastness she fol-
lows on processing personal attachmt ,t
and confessing the new faith. The ar
rival at the destination is described In
pathetic terms Naomi contrasts her
present with her past.
ELEVENTH LESSoN.--Dec. H.. THE
Boy Samuel" I Samuel, Ill, 1-4.-ln the
year 11G5 B. c. Eli. a. descendant of Aaron.
filled the two offices Of high priest and
judge in ISRAEL. Because Of the wicked
ness OF his sons, and his neglect Of pa
rental discipline, God determined to
transfer these governmental functions to
another of entirely different line. When
a mere child, Samuel was brought up by
his mother to minister before Eli. Our
lesson describes the manner Of his selec-
ton as successor. 1t was in the night
when a voice called him which lie did not
at first understand. At the third call the
boy answered and God delivered the COM
mission. We have here one mode by
which under the old dispensatioI selec-
ton was made OF persons for holy SER
vice. mode adopted to secure greater
faithfulness in office.
TWELFTH LIISSON.-Dec. 81. Christ
mas" Luke, ii, S-2o.-This is the story of
the shepherds doing homage to the infant
Jesus in Bethlehem. The following points
will enable one to recall the entire mar
rative: J.. The night scene, the shepherds
with their flocks on the plain .. The
sudden appearance Of the angel Of the
Lord and the supernatural phenomenon
of effulgence. 3. The speech Of the angel.
seeking to allay their fears. and announc-
ing the event of good tidings to be re-
ccived with great Joy. T. Tho declaration
of the birth of the Saviour, the Christ,
the Son of David. s. The announcement
of the manger cradle. 6. The appearance
OF the heavenly host praising God. Z. The
visit of the shepherds TO Bethlehem. S.
The report given by them to others. 8.
The astonishment felt by all. 10. The ST.
lcnce of Mary.
ECTIONS.-Summary statements
for the several lessons, valuable to our
time, may be given as follows: /. A good
man appointed leader in a great cause
will find strength in the word of God. :.
Entrance into new possessions leads often
through difficulties and God prepares the
way. 3. The obstacles to SUCCESS. like the
walls of a city, may be thrown down by
the. power that guides a good man. 4.
The man of faith may ned to wait many
years. but he shall not lose his reward.
S. There is place of refuge for every
sinner. 6. The good mans last words are
full of wisdom. Z. The people who forget
God fall into great trouble. s. Strong
drink destroys. o. God can conquer a
mighty host with a few who trust Him.
10. One may well surrender heather,
home for one with Gods people. II. A
child may enter Gods service. u. Wise
men honor Jesus Christ