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SYMBOLIC MEANING OF "THE NORTH."

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THE North, in Scripture, seems connected with such of the governmental attributes of God as are especially adverse to the dark vapours and corruptions of earth. Thence He sends forth that clear and purifying wind before which clouds and misty vapours disperse so as for the light of heaven to shine in its clear, searching power-a power welcome to that which can bear inquisition and delight in being made manifest, but terrible to everything besides. Of the north it is said: "And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds, but the wind passeth and cleanseth them; fair (golden) weather cometh out of the north, with God is excellent majesty (Job xxxvii. 21, 22). And again, "The north wind driveth away rain" (Prov. xxv. 23). When Ezekiel was commissioned to testify against the dark corruptions of Israel, and beheld the glory of God in contrast therewith, 66 Behold, a whirlwind came out of the north" (Ezek. i. 4). And when he was taught the manner in which Israel met these northward attributes of God, he was brought to the door of the inner gate of the temple that looketh toward the north, and there was the seat of the image of Jealousy, that provoketh to jealousy, occupying the northward gate of the altar to the exclusion of their God (Ezek. viii. 3-5). And when the vision of Judgment was given, whereby these iniquities were to be swept away, "Behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand" (Ezek. ix. 2).—Thoughts on Leviticus, by B. W. Newton.

SYMBOLIC MEANING OF "THE EAST."

THE East is the quarter that is especially connected with the glory of the God of Israel. "Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: and behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east, and His voice was like a noise of many waters, and the earth shined with His glory” (Ezek. xliii. 1,2). The east wind also is continually mentioned in the Scripture as that which withereth and drieth up the powers of nature. "An east wind shall come-the wind of the Lord shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry and his fountain shall be dried up" (Hos. xiii. 15). If the north directs our thoughts to the searching power of the Divine holiness, which is as light, the east directs us to the unearthly glory, in the presence of which unaided nature cannot stand. Light may search, but glory withers or consumes." Thoughts on Leviticus," by B. W. Newton.

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SPIRIT'S POWER. "I am by birth," said a converted Hindoo, addressing his countrymen, "of an insignificant and contemptible caste; so low that, if a Brahmin should touch me, he must purify himself in the Ganges, and yet God has called me to the office of teaching the Gospel to others. If God had selected one of you learned Brahmins, and made him the preacher, bystanders would say that the cause was the amazing learning of the Brahmin, and his great weight of character; but now, when anyone is convinced by my instrumentality, no one thinks of ascribing any of the praise to me, and God, as is His due, has all the glory."-Whitecross.

Outline Lessons.

October 2.-Morning.

Descent of the Spirit.

READING, Acts ii. 1—21. GOLDEN TEXT, ver. 4. Before our Lord left this earth, He promised to send to His disciples "another Comforter." It was expedient for them that He should go away, so that the Spirit of Truth might come. The apostles, with the rest of the brethren, were expecting the fulfilment of the promise.

I.-The Wonderful Bestowment.

The number of the disciples was small, but they were united, and were seeking in prayer the gift that Jesus had promised. While so engaged there was— 1. A remarkable sound

A rushing noise like a strong wind, yet something different.

2. A remarkable appearance

"Tongues of flame dividing themselves," one of these flames resting over each apostle's head.

3. A remarkable effect

The sign was fire-the effect speech. The Spirit within gave a new power. They were able to speak to men of other lands. Christ, who gave the commission to preach the Gospel to all nations, now gives the power to carry out His own commands.

II. The Astonished Multitudes.

The disciples were Galileans, but they could speak the language of all their hearers!

1. They spoke so as to be understood. This was the last step in learning a foreign tongue. Well might the multitudes wonder. Truly this was a sign.

2. Their theme was the wonderful works of God. All God's works praise Him, but His best and greatest work is the redemption that is in Christ.

1. They gave offence to some. The Hebrews, who could not follow the addresses in strange language, mocked, while those who could understand were comforted.

III.-The Apostolic Preacher.

We most likely have only the substance of Peter's address.

1. His appeal to the Old Testament Scripture. He quotes the Scripture that was then being fulfilled, so that they must not wonder, but heed.

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Ver,25. The women take a prominent part; probably it is meant that they even anticipated the men.

Blue and purple and scarlet. The blue was a dark violet, and the purple probably some kind of red, both obtained from Mediterranean shell fish. The scarlet was a crimson dye obtained from a small insect.

The rulers brought the most costly offerings, but seem to have been the last in coming forward. The fire of enthusiasm, like other fires, is lit from below and burns upwards.

Curious works, cunning work; i.e., works of skill. Bezaleel was the chief artificer or smith, overseer of the workmen in metal, stone, and wood. He had also to superintend the apothecary's work in the composition of the anointing oil and incense (xxxvii. 29). Aholiab had charge of the textile work, in which also there were three classes of workmen. 1. The cunning workman or skilled weaver, literally the reckoner, he who counts and calcu'ates the threads as he interweaves his figures. 2. The embroiderer who works together the different colours. 3. The weaver, weaving in the ordinary way materials of a single colour. Besides these workmen, there were the spinners and dyers, who

were women.

God asks a gift from me;

What shall it be?

I want thy heart,' He says, Each heart owes praise. Vast is the debt I owe,

Let my heart go. Ere life's gain we would tell,

Let us GIVE WELL.

October 2.-Afternoon.

Free Giving.

READING, Ex. xxxv. 20-35. GOLDEN TEXT, 2 Cor. ix. 7.

Our Lord used to say, "More blessed to give than to receive." All feel this when the person for whom the gift is meant is loved. What a privilege to be allowed to give to God!

I. The Gift Wanted.

Slaves redeemed from slavery could hardly fail to feel gratitude to deliverer; and God not only delivere l Israel, but also gave present protection and a good hope for the future. One way they can show gratitude is by obedience to command; but besides this they are permitted to do more, a gift to which they may subscribe or not as they please (ver. 5).

II. The Gift Provided.

Many things wanted (ver. 5-9). All may give something, and most do. All kinds of material (ver, 22-24). Ready workers (ver. 25, 26). Gems and spices (ver. 27, 28). All who had willing hearts helped to bring this willing offering (ver. 29).

III. The Gift Utilized.

Supply in excess of demand (xxxvi. 7). Material used to make (1) a tent for God, a dwelling amongst the dwellings of His people. (2) Livery for God's servants to wait in His tent (xxxv. 21). Master workmen appointed by God. Bezaleel ("under God's shadow") to direct the workers in wood and metals. Aholiab ("the Father's tent") to direct the weavers and embroiderers. Both willing-hearted, fit to instruct, willing workers.

APPLICATION. God would have us give Him gifts. First our hearts, ourselves, then other things. He is building a temple (Eph. ii. 20, 21) of living stones (1 Pet. ii. 5). Ministers, missionaries, teachers, the appointed master workmen-all can help who have willing hearts. Prayers wanted. Deeds wanted. Money wanted. What and how are we giving? REV. C. A. GOODHART.

NOTE. Conversion is put first when a man's recovery from sin and return to his right mind is meant; it is put afterwards when his return, when the unity of the penitent to God is meant (see ch. xxvi. 20, and Jer. xxxi. 19).— Bengel.

SUGGESTED LESSONS.1. Repentance. 2. Hope for the guilty. 3. Promise for the penitent. 4. To be turned from our sins, the greatest blessing. 5. Perfect soundness through faith in His name. 6. Danger of refusing Christ. 7. None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good.

For Elementary Teachers. -Questioning out all that can be remembered of the miracle, recall, point by point, Peter's address to the Jews (e, g., What is the first thing Peter told them? the second? &c.). Peter told them to do two things -(1) Repent (2) Be converted. Explain both. Show that if they did repent two things would happen : 1. Their sins would be blotted out; 2. times of refreshing would come. Treat the blotting out of sins as described below.

Blackboard Outline.Get scholars to name as many of the sins as they can think of. (Write them on board.) Appeal to consciences as to which they may have been guilty of. Speak of their hatefulness. Ask if they would not like them rubbed out. Rub out, and then write PARDON. Speak of Christ's blotting them out. He only can save us from sin.

October 9.-Morning.

The Way of Salvation.

READING, Acts iii. 12-26. GOLDEN TEXT, Acts iv. 12. Briefly refer to the miracle recorded in ver. 1-11; and note

I. What the Name of Jesus did for the Cripple.

Describe the beggar's helpless condition. Told to do what he had no power in himself to do-never had walked (ver. 2). Must have faith to be healed. So with us. Faith necessary to salvation. In making the effort, received strength (Illus. man with withered hand).

One who had found Christ helped him to faith. Can we help some one to trust in Jesus?

It was Christ that did all. He put strength into the lame man. Look to Jesus only, not to men. Jesus only can save.

Gather more immediately from the reading

II. What the Name of Jesus could do for the Jews.

The miracle a proof that Jesus was alive-risen again-the Messiah. It was His power that had healed the man. That power they could not now. deny. innocent Their sin in crucifying One who was terrible, but might be pardoned. The hope of pardon a powerful incentive to repentance.

Observe that the Jews were looking for one who would drive out the Romans. No thought of what they needed most. Deliverance from slavery of sin. Restoration to God's favour. This to be had only through Jesus, through faith in His name, &c.

What must they do?

Repent-Change their minds about Jesus. -Turn round and serve Him.

Convert

For only through Him could they be saved-restored to the Divine favour.

III. What the Name of Jesus can do for us.

In respect to all the crippled faculties of our fallen nature. Jesus Christ can make us whole, and He alone. Note

Sin, a disease, a deformity, hinders our seeing beauty in religion, from walking in the way of holiness.

Repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ the true order of conversion.

Salvation is implied in the name Jesus, Saviour. (Golden Text.) Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation.

H.

The length of the Tabernacle was probably about fifty-four feet; its breadth and height about eighteen ; directly in front of it an open area or court was left of about 120 feet in length.

THE

CANDLESTICK.

The seven extremities of the main stem and branches were employed as so many lamps, all of which were kept burning in the night, but three only in the day. -Bib. Treas.

The cost of the Tabernacle was defrayed chiefly by voluntary contributions, and probably amounted, including the dress of the priests, to not less than £250,000 (see p. 388). Tabernacle reared, According to pattern, By God's command. Enclosed in a court. Received the Ark, Necessary vessels, Altars,

Candlestick,

Laver.

Enveloped in glory.

A CHILD'S ZEAL FOR GOD'S HOUSE.- A new chapel was much needed, but at a meeting it was decided that funds could not be provided. The next morning a little boy arrived at the minister's house, his toy wheelbarrow laden with two bricks, to begin the building. His earnestness stimulated all, and the result was a House of God, long known as "Charlie's Chapel."

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Picture the encampment; three tribes each side, leaving large space in the centre. Whose tent should be there? The King of this people needed no dwelling-place (Isa. lxvi. 1); but the people needed His manifest presence, and a place to present their offerings, and assemble for worship.

I. The Tabernacle Reared.

Children have watched the building of a church. Such a structure would not have been suitable; must be movable. The pattern given by God (Exod. xxvi.). Walls formed of boards, overlaid with gold, fastened together by bars passed through sockets. No roof, but covered with curtains. A veil divided the interior into two compartments, the outer twice as long as the inner. Only priests entered. The people assembled in the court, which was enclosed by curtains hung on rods, supported by brazen pillars.

II.-Its Furniture.

The inner compartment contained the ark of the testimony (Exod. xxv. 10-22). Its contents were emblematical of God as King claiming obedience and reverence. The outer compartment contained the altar of incense, emblematical of prayer, the table of shewbread. Teach, that each tribe in offering its weekly cake acknowledged dependence and thankfulThe candlestick always burning, artificial light was necessary; it was also emblematical of constant watchfulness. In the court was the brazen laver, in which the priests washed their hands and feet before entering the tabernacle, and the brazen altar on which sacrifices were offered.

ness.

III.-Its Ministers.

The Levites performed inferior duties. The priests offered sacrifices, &c. The high priest was the mediator between God and man-a type of our Lord.

IV. The Consecration.

The tabernacle, its contents, and priests, all anointed. Explain this as a solemn setting apart for God's service. Then what happened. Repeat ver. 34, and picture the scene.

LESSONS. God is the King of kings, and claims our best gifts and reverent worship.

Never neglect the house of prayer, God has promised to meet His people there.

Be thankful that types and shadows are done away, and we may approach God through His dear Son. EMILY E. L.

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