Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-02

studies It must be borne in mind that Abra-
ham was in training to be the father OF a
great people. in whom all nations should be
blessed. Every event in his history had
something to do with his preparation for
such mission. This will appear in what
lies between the last lesson and this-the
story Of Hasar and Ishmael. the renewal
of the covenant. the institution Of circum-
cision. the change of the name from Abram
to Abraham, the promise concerning Sara,
and 1t will be also manifest In the passage
before US. Two angels, having the appear
ance Of men. came to Abraham's tent on
their way to destroy the city Sodom on
account Of its sin. This was return to
the method employed by the antedilu-
VANS. The angels were entertained with
true oriental hospitality, but said nothing
of their business while they tarried. Their
stay was wholly devoted to such refresh
ment as travellers need.
CONSIDERED oversees 16-1S).-When
they departed Abraham accompanied them
short way. as an act of courtesy, that
they might find the best road and be most
comfortably and surely advanced toward
Sodom. One of the two as they walked con-
sidered the dignity of their companion as
predicted in his career, destined to become
mighty nation blessing to other nations:
This indicated that what had been promised
was known to the visitors, who. though
Abraham may not have been aware of 1t,
were from the celestial world, beings who
had for the time assumed bodily form for
the sake Of intercourse with men. One of
them was called Lord and some have sup
posed that he was Jesus. who manifested
himself on many occasions before the ad-
vent Daniel. vii:13). But others think
that that title was merely Of special honor,
used variously to designate those whose
rank needed to be distinguished. The two
messengers from God considered whether
they ought not to explain to Abraham what
| thew nrnnOSad tn do IL he entitled
to such information.
ESTEEMED (verse 19).-Along with
these reflections were others concerning
the personal qualities of Abraham, who was
esteemed not for his future position only.
but for the excellence of his character. And
In the measurement OF that the elements
priced most in our western civilization
such as honesty. truthfulness and friend
shlp-were not mentioned. Paternal or pa
triarchal virtues alone were named. those
which would render him valuable in those
times In advancing righteousness in the
earth. 1t was said that Abraham would
command his household-he would institute
a system of wholesome family government.
by which his faith and the terms of the
covenant might be transmitted prov,
xxii:6). Moreover. this was given as the
ground for the belief in his future great
ness-the Lord could consistently bestow
upon him what was promised, because he
that in that day family religion was es-
teemed as essential to the public welfare,
the condition of the divine blessing Gph.,
DISCLOSED oversees 2o-22).-For these
reasons the angel visitors felt that Abra-
ham should be made acquainted with
what they were about to do. But why?
For his good and for the worlds good. 1t
would punish the wicked, that the story of
retribution might be told as a warning to
all coming generations eek, xxxiv:O That
1t was told many times was due to the fact
fhof 10 no6o f,,o 11,av
to the father of Israel (Matt., x:15). The
recital was made in no uncertain way. In
telligence Of the city's sin had been carried
to heaven, and this embassy had been sent
forth to inspect, and If necessary, to judge
We see in this how good men are taken into
the plans and counseis Of God. He who is
allied with his Maker has part with Him
in the worlds great work, and revelations
are made that cooperation may be more
complete. and that the outcome, when 1t
appears. may be understood
PLEADED oversees 23-26)-The pros
pect of city's destruction awakened Abra
hams soncitude. proving him to have
heart that beat with sympathy for others,
and indicating also that he had qualities
benefactor. 1t is possible that he thought
first Of Lot. who was then a citizen of
sodom Gen., xiii:12). Having delivered
his nephew from enemies he would nat
urally desire to save him from the wrath
of Cod But he put forth plea on a diff
ferent basis, not making any request on
family considerations. wilt thou destroy
the righteous with the wicked?" he in
great city some had been able to maintain
their integrity. By a series Of questions all
centered in the thought that a righteous
judge would distinguish between the limo
cent and the guilty, he pressed his earnest
suit until promise was given that il fifty
righteous were found the city should not be
destroyed. The number was small, but
larger than the prophet sought Ger, v:D.
.QUERIED oversees 27-28).-1t Is inter-
esting to note the working of mind intent
on gaining a certain point. How quickly
the angle Of vision changes to take all par
ticulars and to adjust and readjust until q
satisfactory conclusion Is found. The
primary principle Of Abraham's plea had
been granted. There remained another
question, quite as important: How many
righteous will suffer to stay the hand of
judgment? Fifty had been named, but
would a less number answer the purpose?
side Of the subject into details that were
Of great moment Suppose there were five
less than fifty righteous in the city. would
as to urge a modification of the former de-
cision, and the angel consented. If forty
five can be found the city will be spared.
DIMINISHED oversees 29-32).-The OBJ
not yet reached. He had moved toward 1t
by slow steps, feeling constantly there was
some improperly in his pleading for which
he humbly requested pardon. But having
begun he had increased in courage and lib
erty Now he determined to diminish the
figures until the smallest number possible
should be reached. From forty-fv he
dropped to forty, from forty to thirty, from
thirty to twenty, from twenty to ten. Each
time came the angels assurance, and each
time the patriarch looked beyond the reply
to another request. 1t was a valuable ex-
perience to the pleader. He was being edu-
Gated In the ways of divine providence He
was learning lessons in prayer, In the value
of the righteous He was gathering up in
formation concerning the evil that is in the
world and learning how deep was the
DEGRADATION of men. It Is good thing to
stand before God and advocate for the
righteous.
moro was said ON either side. The mes
sengers moved toward Sodom and Abraham
toward his tent. Pleading has ceased and
Judgment must begin. But the conditions
Of that judgment have been settled and
they will not be violated. A pledge has
been given that for ten righteous souls
city shall not be destroyed. It would be in
teresting to enter into the reflections Of
Abraham as he walked alone after this in
terview, his thoughts of God. Of sin, of
righteousness, Of penalty. of mercy. filing |
his mind. How strange that man should
influence the doings of the Almighty! And
the angels as they journeyed probably con-
yerSed concerning the man they met-hiS