Exodus 20:21

Moses drew near.

Of his own motion Moses would scarcely have durst to venture into the thick darkness from which ever and anon the appalling gleams of lightning burst forth; but being specially called and encouraged of God, he was virtually taken by the hand and lead up into the precincts of the divine presence. The incident plainly pointed to their and our need of. mediator in all our attempts to deal with. God of immaculate purity and inflexible justice.-- Bush.

PRACTICAL AND SUGGESTIVE.

God demands reverence toward parents, as the foundation of an orderly and permanent organization of society. Ver. 12.

God demands respect for human life, as his gift, which no man has the right to take from another. Ver. 13.

God demands purity of morals, as the great protection of the family Ver. 15.

God demands respect for property, as an encouragement to honest labor and the enjoyment of honest earnings. In these days of socialistic schemes it is well to note the law of God.

There is the same love in the law as the Gospel, the difference is only in expression; as when. warn one against venturing into the roaring flood, and when, on his leaping madly in,. follow to save him. In the law, love warns; in the cross it redeems. Both are, as. undertake to show, the true mirror of him who thus defines his own character--"God is love."-- Guthrie.

POINTS FOR TEACHERS.

1. Note the place and surroundings of Israel at the date of this lesson. 2. Note the circumstances of the giving of the law. 3. Note the two divisions of the law made by Christ and which this lesson considers. 4. Bring out what Honor to Parents implies and the results of obedience or disobedience. 5. Point out why taking life is the greatest of crimes and what this command implies. 6. Note the various "Shalt Nots" with the Savior's explanation of these. 7. Note what is embraced in the command "Thou shalt not covet." 9. Show how these commands are all comprehended in the Golden Text. 9. Observe the consternation of Israel at the voice of God and why. 10. Contrast the terrors of the law and the love of the Gospel.