Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-09

en- verses preceding our lesson 1t will be
seen that the people were gathered together
In one of the streets Of Jerusalem for re-
ligious instruction. This was after tho wall
had been completed by which the city was
protected against enemies round about
Ezra, the great scribe. eminently qualified
by his vast learning, was put in charge OF
this educational work. With him were
associated a number OF eminent men, all OF
whom stood upon an elevated platform or
pulpit made Of wood in full view of the
people. The book OF the law of Moses
was brought out (verse y. probably the
whole of our Pentateuch. although some
think it was only the part containing the
statutes. This document, more than
thousand years old. had been edited dur
ing the captivity. Its appearance was
greeted with expressions of reverence from
the people, who bowed their heads while
prayer was offered.
BOOK EXPLAINED. Verse 81 Then
followed an exercise of rare interest. A
passage was read from the book in a dis
tinct voice, so that all might hear. After
the reading comments were made, setting
forth the sense. This explanation was nee
essary because some of the people could
not read and others were not supplied with
books, while at that time there was but
little acquaintance with the law. Later in
the history of the people synagogues were
SStdDilSIiSQ anu IIldluldlftu WIN O.
There old and young learned through COM
petent instructors what God required of
His children. But before such general diff
fusion of knowledge and especially at the
beginning Of the restoration, this public
exercise was highly necessary. Besides, it
was approprist tie that the book should be
honored in the sight of ALA book on
which the nation had been builded could
not be held in too great esteem. Here was
the worthy beginning, moreover. Of that
preaching exercise which has continued to
the present time.
DAY CONSECRATED. Oversees 9 and
10) When the people heard the law Of God
and the explanations made thereon they
wept to think how they had offended and
how they had exposed themselves by their
sins to the divine judgments. 1t was a re-
markable scene of penitence that was pre-
scented, attended by violent demonstrations
after the manner of orientalists. But the
masters of the assembly endeavored to re-
strain these expressions, and Nehemiah, the
governor, appeared to aid the teachers In
restoring the multitude to quietness. It
was urged that mourning and weeping
ought not TO be prolonged, for the day had
been set apart as holy, that Is, as a Sab
bath. The holy days among the Jews had
always been times OF rejoicing. Spiritual
delights were to be expected on the Sab
baths. There was every occasion for such
feelings. All the events leading up to that
hour-the weary days Of sef-denial, now
passed, the COMPLETION of labors upon the
city walls. the presence of the book of
God-called for rejoicing.
MIRTH PROMOTED. Oversees II and
12) Following the good advice of Ezra and
Nehemiah the Levites, who were the COM
mon ministers of the people, went among
the masses and urged them to desist from
their weeping and to take up instead the
voice of praise They directed how this
should be done. The response was speedy
and gratifying. The vast concourse that
had listened before the pulpit dispersed to
their homes. The prescribed feasts were
s,,or md 1,ftN yir,ry fnr1 4
From the table of the wel1-to-do there were
sent portions to those who had nothing
poor relatives and friends. Thus through
out Jerusalem among all classes there was
feasting and rejoicing. Mirth took the
place of tears. The depressing influence of
sorrow was exchanged for the eevating
influence of joy. 1t was understood, what
had been said by Ezra, that the Joy of
the Lord is the source of strength"
CONGREGATION GATHERED. Verse
49, The first meeting, as already outlined,
was popular. 1t included all, the rich and
the poor, the high and the low, the old
and the young. The result has been de-
scrihed - first weeping, then rejoicing,
spreading a most salutary influence into all
hearts and into all homes, and bringing all
upon one level. On the second day diff
ferent assembly was convened. There was
no need of further work among the popu-
lace-at least, not until it could be done In
a regulated and effective way. Hence there
were convened the chief OF the fathers. the
priests and the Levites, with Ezra as the
ruling spirit A highly dignifed and rep
resentative body 1t was, recognition OF
that principle which has been long applied
in church and state. 1t is impossible and
undesirable to bring into general consulta-
ton the whole body of the people when any
new measure is to be proposed. A more
select company is every way preferable.
BOOTHS REQUIRED. Oversees IA and
15) This wise and stateSmanlike measure
had one purpose-to learn more fully what