The Madisonian. (Richmond, Ky.) 1913-1914, 1913-06-24

READING Lnssor 3S :, 49, 1s:
Heb. 11:20-22. TX. M
GOLDEN TExT-''This e. { ne victory
that hath overcome the world, even
faith John ga.
The reading lessons for today are
New Testament commentary upon the
past quarters work. The first lesson
is taken from that marvellous defense
OF Stephen the first martyr. AS he
traces the history Of the people Of
Israel, he shows Gods continued &C.
tivities and purposes from the hour he
called Abraham until the holy one of
Israel came to fill to their fulness all
of these same activities and purposes.
Stephen also shows us that alongside
Gods activities was the equally per-
sistent disobedienee Of the people
which eliminated in the betrayal and
murder of that holy one. In the por-
ton selected he sets before us how
Joseph is sold into Egypt, yet God was
with him and delivered him; how the
famine came and Jacob is thereby
brought into Egypt only later to be-
carried back into the land Of promise.
Teach Faith.
The second lesson is taken from
| that great catalogue Of heroes as re-
| corded in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
! Here we have set before us the fact
that Gods eternal purpose with man
| is ever that Of faith. Isaac, Jacob
and Joseph are here mentioned and
the faith of each set before us.
| Leaving out the Easter lesson we
have covered a period of abont so
years, eight lessons dealing with Jo-
seph, and four with Jacob.
Attention has been called to Jo-
seph as one of the most remarkable
types of Christ to be found in the Old
Testament (see comments on lesson
of April 2O. AS We have also sug-
gested Jacob is not SO grand char
acter as Abraham yet is much more.
like the average man.
1t is interesting to go over these
lessons and follow Gods purposes and
to observe how like Christ Joseph was.
In LESSON l. we behold Jacob at the.
instigation of his mother deceiving his
poor old father and being compelled
, to fly that he might save his life. Re-
J bekah thought she could execute Coos
{ purposes; but it is never right to do
evil that good may result.
In LESSON II. Jehovah appeared be-
. fore this conscience smitten refugee
and again promised tina .ho blessing,
:, yes, his own divine purpose, would
be worked out in Jacobs life. This is
a lesson on the grace Of God.
LESSON III. sets Jacob before us
O after twenty-one years service and
= separation from his brother ! Esau.
:, This is a great lesson on Gods decire
h and Transforming power. He trans
y forms Jacob to Israel prince" and
q softened the heart of Esau. Faith
II oVercame and is strengthened and
@ confirmed
9 In LESSON ". we first behold Jo-
g seph particularly loved and favored
,, and. as bitterly hated; he was thrown
al into pit to- die but lis taken up
@. typical of the resurrectlon) and sold
" int slavery. The development Of en-
ID Wy and the persistent, delivering pur-
m pose of God are here presented In
O. strong contrast.
LESSON V. shows Joseph's enter
ing that dark maze beyond which God
was to highly exait him. By faith he
overcame that fierce temptation and
his treatment of his fellow prisoner
was Gods useful agency though il
seemed accidental and insignificant.
Gods Continued Purpose.
LESSON VI. is the completion Of
Lesson V. and in it we see Joseph
seated in the place of power, able tC
save the country and also his breth
8 rem.
8 LESSON VII shows us Gods con
B tinued purpose and the beginning OF
the .fulfllment of his word that the
descendants of Abraham were tc
dwell in captivity (Gen. 1913.
LESSON VIII. is a continuation OF
Joseph's dealings with his brothers il
which their guilty consciences are
still further pricked and God reveals
B to us his immutable purpose.
LESSON TX. is tender one Of the
meeting of Joseph and Benjamin while
at the same time it suggests to us the
certainty of the fact that we may ''be
sure your sin will find you out" I'm
less covered by his forgiving blood oul
sin is mercilessly upon our track.
In LESSON X. we behold Joseph
made known to his brethren and those
in fear are urged to draw near. 10
seph's faith in God saved him from ar
rogance and retaliation and inclined
II / his heart to tenderness and love in his
2 dealings with his brothers. Even as
Joseph revealed himself to his broth
~ MS SO will Christ reveal himself.
~ Jeseph's provision for his fathers
Spots on China.
The beauty of old china is often De