The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1911-12-16
LESSON
Number XII, International Series,
For Dec. II.
EZRA TEACHES THE LAW.


Senior Bsrsan Lesson, Nehemiah viii,
Standardization Text, the Law Of
the Lord 10 Perfect, Converting the
Soul, Psalm xix, 2.
Verses 1-G.-Hearing the word of Je-
hovah.
Nehemiah knew that national pros
perity Is conditioned on religious GER
tainty aud security; his ultimate pur-
pose therefore was to establish re-
ligion on a firm basis Of intelligent
worship. The most important part Of
his mission yet remained to be done,
and for this he, as layman, needed
the help of one versed in the law OF
God. This explains the appearance
Of Ezra the scribe upon the first day
of the seventh month" This day of
the month Tishri was observed us a
day of Sabbatical rest, and it was
ushered in with blast Of trumpets
Uev. xiii, 1926. 1t was also the day
Of the new moon, when the people
celebrated their festivals. This was
fitting time, therefore, the wall hay
ing been completed, to commence the
better worship of God. THE book
of the law of MOses"-Their troubles
as nation were due to a lack of un-
Outstanding the will Of Jehovah. They
are now determined not to repeat the
blunders of former times. Before the
congregation'-This was the religious
community of men, women and chill
dren. "All that could hear with I'M
derstanding"-They were intelligent,
attentive and interested hearers.
From morning until midday"-This
was before the unbearable heat of
the day became oppressive. 1t is
the custom of orientals TO rest in the
middle of the day. "A pulpit of
wood"-From a temporary platform,
where he could be seen and heard,
and supported by representative priests
and Levites. Ezra read out Of the
roll "All the people stood up"-A
mark of reverence and humility before
authority. blessed the I.Ord"-This
was the Invocation to which there was
a hearty response from the people
"Amen. amen = Their assent was
emphatic, and 1t was accompanied 10y
appropriate gestures. which signified
their readiness to receive the divine
gifts with open hands, in an attitude
of submission
Verses 7-S.-Interpreting the word.
| 1t Is significant fact that the law
was made popular and that its teach
ings became accessible and applicable
to all. The knowledge Of God is not
exclusive. for the priest alone; 1t Is
inclusive. for the benefit of all the
people. male and female, old and
young Ezra was assisted by band
Of "Levites," whose duties were to
teach the people. so that they would
understand the law" This public
reading was deliberate and distinct.
Gave the sense"-The words of the
law were carefully interpreted and
the hearers were able Ito understand
the reading The exposition was
plain and practical and not above the
heads Of the congregation.
Verses 1O-12.-Appreciating the word.
A profound impression was made by
these religious exercises. "All the pco-
pie wept"-They realized how numer.
Gus had been their sins of omission
and commission>aHd that they had ex-
posed themselves to the wrath Of God
The popular demonstrations Of grief
are, however, checked by Nehemiah
Ezra and their associates because II
was unseemly on this occasion. Holy
unto our I.ord'-This was day OF
festivity and rejoicing and not Of fast.
ing and repentance. "Sent portions
Let their religious enjoyment be
shared with the poor and needy, SO
that gladness may be experienced 10y
everybody. This counsel was follow
ed and the meeting was dismissed In
a spirit of gratitude.
The Joy Of the Lord. The note OF
Joy makes religion attractive and
helpful. The life that is submissively
related to God and is In filial fellow.
ship with him understands the secret
of strength: 1t also experiences the
inspiration Of energy and is enabled t.
face difficulties without discourage