Arizona republican., 1908-09-22
ANNIVERSARY LECTURE DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH
Subject of the DAcourse By Rev. c.
 Sidney Maddox.

| The following is a synopsis of the | lecture delivered by Rev. MT. Maddox at the Baptists church on Sunday on
 the occasion of the fifty seventh an-
 niversary of the Daughters of Re bekahs:
 Three years have elapsed since
 Sarah died Machpelahs lonely tomb
 is yet fresh in the memory of both
 father and son. Abraham, the father
 of nations, grieying for lost compa-
 nion Isaac brokenhearted because of his departed mother. At this time when Abraham is ready to die, and
 join his loved one over yonder Isaac at forty, about to assume the respon- sibility of his inheritance, and embark upon the sea of matrimony, make up the beautiful idyl of olden time. There is a more beautiful historical setting about this bit of sacred romance than any in all the realm of romantic fiction and possibly is only second in beauty and sublimity to the story of Ruth and Boaz.
 Of the contemporary royal families of Abraham, there is only the remotest thread of history; now and then a pictured brick, a carved stone or an ancient legend. But the minutest de- tails of Abraham's sons courtship and marriage are written in Gods sacred word to guide his people in the way of holiness, peace and tranquility. Abra- ham calls the faithful Eliazar and commands him to swear to fetch a wife for his son from his own kins- people. She must be a woman well fitted for the position; much depends upon her. She must not be heather, but a worshipper of Jehovah. Not a Caananite. but a Hebrew. With some provisions that ElieZar asks to be put into the binding compact, he places his hand under Abraham's thigh and swears to do his duty. Taking ten camels from his masters herd and many precious gifts of his own choos- ing, he starts to woo a bride for. Isaac. He takes much and is prepared to bring back more.
 After a long and tedious journey to the north country. EliaZar finds him self in the iand of Abraham's kin. Looking ahead he sees a well, and lifes up his face and praises God in his heart, that he may be guided and di- rected to the right woman. He prays in his heart lest some damsel might hear his prayer. He asks God that when the right woman comes she will ask to water his camel. after giving him drink from her pitcher. EliaZar the well and sees a Jewish maiden coming with a pitcher on her shoulder. After filling her pitcher. he asks her for a drink Rebekah had not come to gaze on a strange man and his caravan, but after her pitcher was fill ed she was hurring away. and only stopped at the request of the stranger to give him a drink of cold water. And I will draw for thy camels also2" Was an indication of the wOman's character and hospitable disposition. To draw for ten thirsty camels was no easy task, and abundance of health, and patience was necessary. Eliazar had realized more than his dream. had received more than he had prayed for, and he proceeds to give of his gifts to Rebekah.
 With rather a doubtful look, Laban beholds this man and his train of cam ! els. We cannot afford to entertain such a host" Is his first thought. but on seeing Rebekah's valuable presents ] of jewelry. he realizes his mistake. "Oh. here in a man of whom I can gain | And immediately Eliazar | has a hosDitable welcome. which is | typical only of an oriental home. But | the shrewd -Laban, who is not to be | in trickery. until the son O. | claims the hand of his daugh- ter. cannot thwart the purpose of the ] faithful Eliazar. with his tempting sup per. He immediately states his busi i ness. The wise. old servant gains his | point by ingenuity and usefulness. Icliazar is anxious to leave early be- ,ause of the anxiety at home, and we might suppose that he was anxious to know how well Isaac would be pleased with Rebekah They begged for Re 7 )elxah to remain with them for at least en days longer, but the urgency of E,liaZar's demand caused them to ask Rebekah what she would dO As chil- lren should not marry without their consent, neither should pa 'ents contract their children for mar 'iage without their consent.
 On the Damascus road, possigly over he same road that Paul travelled to
  ms his caravan. bearing it's precioussh reight towards the camp of Abraham. At eventide they are approaching Abraham's premises, Isaac has gone : ut for prayer and meditation. The ilence of the evening is upon him, the . -ision of a sainted mother who has lain : or three years in Machpelah's lonely |. omb? The wound in Isaac's heart is . ct fresh he prays possibly for guid- : nces in the direction of his fathers states and more than likely. that the . ourney of Eliazar may be shortened. I Ie looks and behold the caravan is be- ore him. The blushing Rebekah ap- . ,ears reality. Eliazar has made [ ood. What a wonderful picture the . esson is of Christ's church. Abraham 2 epresenting God, the Father, sends ,liazer, who represents the Spirit,
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