The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-03
International Su,,daySchool
 Lesson

IE1 MX Aku NM DBt El " sHt hN MlAl 'lHl DM11 TAira o16artes. tessos V. Exodus xi.
 1-l3. 3l-90 AaaAnst 1, 1907.
 THE TABERNACLE.
 The description of the tabernacle Is philosopnically accurate. It proceeds from within outwardly. The heart of all is shown first and at once. It Is .he ark. This is the throne of the fn- visible. for whom the whole structure 10 reared. He seats himself between the wings Of the Cherubim, and his lid of the ark. the burnfshed plate of gold commonly called the mercy seat. and on which the blcod of the Pasehal lamb is sprinkled--fnercy is at his feet. In the ark are the stone tables of the law. It signifies that his throne is set upon law. Justice and mercy arc if pillars. Such an ineffable thronc- room must needs be screened from vul- gar gaze. So next comes the mystic veil. shot with threads of gold and broidcred with Angcl forms. It signi- hes the unapproacha bleness of God. Just outside of this shrine. the square ness of which signifies perfection. stands the golden altar of incehse (pfayer), indicating the nearest pos- sible point of daily approach to God. On one side is the golden table of showbread. on which are placed the fruits of human labor as a type of ded- ication to the service of God. Here it Is as If Johevah came forth from the inner shrine of unappros enable retire. rnent to banquet with his people. 1t is the symbol of communion ana fci- lowship. On the other side stands the golden candlestick. It's sevenfold branches indicating the perfect Hum ination of the Spirit. Tn the outer court stands the altar of burnt offer ing, which signifies that there Is no entrance to the holy place of illumiha- tion and communion without sacri. fee. It seems to have been called most holy altar. not so much by way of comparison as by way of warning. Standing where il did in the court, fl was more exposed to contact from the people than. for example. the altar of incense. They needed q reminder of its holiness. Finally, the outermnst article of tabernacle furniture vas the layer of brass, which, of course. sig nified the cleansing with which ac- ceptable worship and successful ser vice must certainly begin. and which was in itself an adumbration of New Testament baptism. e
 These splendid1y significant objects from one to the other of which the worshipper advanced either in person or by proxy of the oficiating priest were surrounded by certain wall scarcely higher han tall mans stature, and commonly supposed to measure 150 by 75 feet. The second court is usually estimated at 4s by i5 feet. in turn divided by the veil so a7 to leave the holy of holies fifteen feet square.
 Israel had been six months industri-
 A. knN nj a,,I l ing the tabernacle. It was none too long a time to get up such a building. with it's profusion of curious, costly, and elaborate workmanship. Every skilled art and artisan known in that day was employed. It was, easily The most elaborate and beautiful symbol ism in the world. and aptly called the mother of all cathedrals.
 It was finished and dedicated at the precise date. in order that 1t might be ready for the celebration of the great est religious function Of the nation the Feast of the Passover. The cere- mony of dedication is exceedingly sim ple. but al the same time appropriate and significant The orderliness and precision are superb On the first day of the first month the tabernacle is to be erected. Then each article Is to be set in its respective place with nice precision, from the ark to the layer. Then the oil, rare and sacred, com pounded according to the apothecary's art. is to be used for consecrating all both persons and things. oil was used in the Orient upon the human body to give 1t strength and suppleness. When the various articles of the tabernacle furniture each was touched with oil by tn. oficiating priest. 1t is to signify that they should be found and made efficient to the end for which they are devised.
 Finally, Aaron. the priest. chief. and highest of all who are to omciate ID this lovely shrine. has his ceremonial washing. anointing and vesturing'
 Jehovah honored and accepted this splendid shrine in the most remarkable and significant way. The cloud of Ills presence filled 1t to its outermost cur tain wall It was so full of God for the while that man could not enter It Is said "the glory of the Lord filled thu. tabernacle"
 ''' AnnIysis snd Key.
 1. Tabernacle Described.
 Philosophical method.
 From within out.
 g. Ark the heart.
 Gods Throne-Supported by tables ot law. Justice and mercy its
 Veil signifies unapproachableness
 q God.
 3. Altar of Incense (prayer)
 4 Table of show bread (fruits of la
 for dedicated)
 5. Candlestick (perfect illumination. 6. Altar of Burnt Offering Ono en-
 trance to place oi communion and
 illumination without sacrifice.) r. Brazen Laver Cleansing essential
 to worship and service.)
 8. Tabernacle six months in making
 All arts employed.
 3. The Dedication.
 The reople's offering.
 The Divine acceptance.
 The Teacher's Lantern.