The Brinkley argus., 1917-11-09
INTERNATIONAL. SUNDAYSQ1OOL
 LESSON (By REV. P. B. FITZWATER, D. D., Teacher of English Bible in the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago) Copyright. 1917, Western Newspaper Union.)
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER II
LESSON TEXT-Nehemiah 1.

LESSON TEXT-Nehemiah l.
 ! GOLDEN TEXT-"Whatsoeve we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do these things that are pleasing in his sight."-I John 3:22.
 Some twelve or fourteen years after ! the revival of the worship of Jehovah under the administration of Ezra, Ne hemiah led a company to Jerusalem to ] restore the city walls and civil author ity. The walls and gates of the city had lain in ruins ever since they were broken down by NebuchadneZZar. In this condition the remnant of the Jews who had gone back to Jerusalem were exposed to the dangers of as- saults from the surrounding enemies. Not only was this exposure detrimen- tai to the peace and comfort of the people, but it was a matter of severe reproach to them (v 3. Nehemiah was man of strong character. Though occupying a position of high honor and responsibility in the very center of the great heather capitol, the desire to honor God was uppermost in his heart. He is an example to all young men, demonstrating to them that it is pos sible to be true to God regardless of the environment in which he may be compelled to live. In order for man to thus stand, his life must be rooted in Christ, and these roots-our faith must be watered and kept alive through vital communion with God in prayer and study of Ills Holy Word.
 I. Nehemiah Learns of the AffIic- tion and Reproach of the Returned Remnant in Jerusalem (vv. 1-4).
 1. The time (v. D. It was in a winter month, November or December, in the 20th year of Artaxerxes. He was engaged in the performance of his accustomed duties as cup-bearer to the king, when the news came to him of the deplorable condition of Jeru- salem and the remnant who had gone there.
 2. The occasion of (vv. 2, 3. The visit of Nehemiah's brother and certain men of Judah made it possible for him to inquire concerning the state of the remnant and the conditions of Jeru- salem. They informed him that they were in great affliction and reproach.
 8. The effect upon Nehemiah (v. 4. He was greatly moved by the story of the distress of his brethren. Though occupying a position of honor, and en- toying all that heart could desire, he keenly took the misfortune of his brethren to heart. He not only shed tears of sympathy but took these bur dens in prayer to God. This is the proper way to sympathize with the un- fortunate. It Is manly to weep with those in distress, and to pray for those who have need. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and prayed for his own. Nehemiah exhibited the spirit of true patriotism. The affliction and shame of his own people went close to his own heart. National and racial soli- darity constitutes the real basis of patriotism. The reprOach and affiic- ton of a nation Is the reproach and aff1iction of every member thereof.
 II. Nehemiah's Prayer for Israel (vv 5-1D. We are taught that ln~the midst of affiiction, we shouldz~pfay Nehemiah in this early time practiced this New Testament direction. A study of his prayer is most helpful.
 1. It was earnest (v. A. He lasted and prayed for several days. When men are willing to desst from food and turn aside from their occupations to pray to God, they are unmistakably in earnest. This is true fasting.
 2. The ground of (v. 5. He plead covenant relationship and the faith fitness of God In keeping his covenant It Is good thing always in our pray ing to plead thus with God. He is delighted when we come as children pleading for the things we need on the basis of our relationship to him.
 3. Unselfsh (v. 6). He has as his supreme object the welfare of Israel. His personal interests were not af- fected, either for better or for worse, by the condition of the Jews In Jeru- salem. Many prayers do not count with God because they are self-cen- tered.
 4. Penitent (vv. 6, D. He acknowl- edges that the state of Israel was due to disobedience to Gods command ments and their corrupt dealings with God So completely had he identified himself with his people that he includ- cd himself with Israel as having slnned
 s. The prayer of faith (vv. 8, 9). I1 Io al, AI hod