Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-02

lurking within the city, he rearranged the
,ntfre population on the inside OF the walls.
grouping them by families. In this way
they could at any time determine whether
any strangers We're present. He also put
SWORDS, spears and bows I'm the hands or
the men: and directed them to fight. II at
lacked, Tor their wives, their daughters and
their sons. The wisdom OF this plan may
be readily seen. for every man will defend
his own household. To strengthen all for
the possible conflict he urged them not TO be
afraid (xivp o. but to remember that God
was their deliverer and 10 trust in Him In
this he Initiated Moses (Deut i;2g-3O) and
the chief captain of David. UI Sam. KIP.
At the same time there must have been en-
kindled in all hearts feeling of deeper 10y
atty to the home.
UNITY Oversees 15-f6)-wheneyer A
community is mena ced by common enemy
and plans are laid and efforts put forth for
the general defense the people forget their
little differences and unite with one heart
U4sm. HEAD in the necessary work of the
hour For this reason afiictlon, whether
present or prospective, Is a blessing I'm dis
guise. Matt. iv:12). Wherefore, It came 20
pass that the Jews. who. short time be-
fore were timid and distressed expecting
their enemies to come upon them and over
power them In their weakness, as soon as
they had been cast into an armed camp OF
families We're filled with hope. ready to re-
sumo their duty. Their improved spirit,
moreover. was known to those who were
without, and they, finding that their coun-
sci had come to naught, made no further
demonstrations against the city. Besides.
there were regular relays-hslf of the men
bore arms and the other half wrought IN
the work. Behind all were tho rulers, CIV
ing orders and announcement.
BUILDERS verses 1T-ts).-AIthough
matters had settled down into apparent
security under the new regulations. Jeruss
lem was still exposed The allied forces of
the enemies having abandoned their first
plan of attack might determine 10 take the
city by assault Before the walls were
finished they might be scaled or broken
down and an entrance forced To provide
against such a contingency Nehemiah armed
all the workInen, so that at any moment
the builders might be transformed into SOL
ders. The condition was not unlike that
OF the Pilgrims in New Engla nd. who car
ried their guns TO fight the Indians. while
they erected their dwellings attended
Divine worship. Moreover, as the wall eN-
tended around the entire city. and the
enemy might attack at any point without
warning, trumpeter was stationed to give
the signal, so calling the men from other
parts. Under such circumstances OF dis
comfort and anxiety the weeks passed ana
the work progressed as related in the fur
Their narrative OF this book It was a time
of patience. of heroism and of faith.
REFLECTIONS These are the most
salient points in the lesson:
/. No opposition will prove any real
hindrance to us in our endeayors to do
goou IL we be lea Dy IL 10 a more Slinpie
confidence in God and to the more di!gent
use of proper means OF obtaining success.
III God be for us. who can be against Es?'
However crafty the plots of oppose-s are
laid, He is able TO bring their counsels
to naught.
2. II our enemies cannot Brighten Us
from our duty, or deceive us into sn or
find us unwatchful. they cannot hurt ne.
When ministers Of religion add the exam
pie of diligence. courage and self-ieniai
to their exhortatons, others viii be stirred
up to united effort.
9. Every true Christian is both a laborer
and n soldier. working with one hand.
fighting with the other called by the sound
OF the gospel alterna tely IN his work ana
to the conflict. Widely dispersed IA our
several employments we form one army.
and must be ready to unite against the
common enemy in whatever place The as
sault Is made. We must learn TO labor and
to fight.