24. (1) Same only that which the young men have eaten, and the (5) portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; et them take their (3) portion.

1. Except.-2. Share that belongs to.-3. Share.

24. What did Abram save, or except, from the things Thich were not to be taken? What who had eaten? Whose portion was to be excepted? With whom had the men gone? Who were the men who went with Abram? What did Abram say Aner, Eschol, and Mamre were to take? Their portion of what? Who said they might take their portion? How much did Abram take?

LESSONS.

331. Abram resolved to attempt Lot's rescue, ver. 14. We should endeavour to assist, or relieve those who are in distress.

332. Abram's servants followed and fought as he desired, ver. 14.-Servants, and dependants, when called to do any thing not in itself sinful, are not to neglect their duty, or refuse, because they doubt of its expediency or necessity.

333. Abram pursued the conquerors, ver. 14.-Defensive, or retributive warfare, is not in itself sinful. 834. Abram divided his men against the enemy by night, ver. 15.-It is lawful and prudent to use innocent stratagems, for the attainment of lawful purposes.

335. Abram not only smote, but pursued the enemy after defeating them, ver. 15.-It is lawful to follow up advantages gained over a public enemy.

336. Abram brought back all the goods belonging to the people of Sodom, ver. 16.-We should, when we have opportunity, do good to all, even to the unthankful and the evil.

337. Abram brought back Lot, and all his goods, ver. 16. We should endeavour to relieve the distress,

and lessen the afflictions of those who have injured or taken advantage of us.

338. The women and the people of Sodom were also brought back with Lot, ver. 16.-The wicked are often benefited by the prayers and the neighbourhood of good men.

339. The king of Sodom went out to meet Abram, ver. 17.-We should be grateful for the benefits which we receive from others.

340. Melchizedeck brought forth bread and wine, ver. 18. We should countenance, assist, and refresh those who are dedicating themselves to the good of others.

341. Melchizedeck was the priest of God, ver. 18. -God's priests and people should shew a good example of usefulness, hospitality, and kindness.

342. Melchizedeck blessed Abram, ver. 19.-We should desire and value the blessing of good men.

343. God delivered Abram's enemy into his hand, ver. 20. We should give God all the glory of the good we are enabled to do.

344. Abram paid tythes of all, ver. 20.-We should cheerfully contribute for the support of our ministers and teachers.

345. The king of Sodom preferred the persons to the goods, ver. 21.-We should be more zealous for the good of souls, then for the increase of property.

346. The king offered Abram all the goods, ver. 21. We should acknowledge our obligations to others, and be grateful for their services.

347. Abram had sworn, or vowed, ver. 22. Solemn vows, and oaths on necessary occasions, are not in themselves unlawful.

348 Abram had lifted up his hand to God, ver. 22. Oaths and vows are to be made in the name of God only.

349. God is the possessor of heaven and earth, ver,

22.-All that we have, or receive, is the property of God, and comes to us from him only.

350. Abram would take nothing for his services, ver. 23.-We should never be selfish, covetous, or hypocritical, in doing good to others.

351. Abram sacrificed his own interest to prevent evil surmises in others, ver. 23.-We should be willing to suffer loss, if it be likely to prevent evil speaking, or dishonouring surmises against God or his peoplc.

352. Abram wished all to know that God only had made him rich, ver. 23.—We should depend on the care of God, be contented with, and grateful for, what he is pleased to bestow; and should give him all the glory of our happiness and prosperity.

353. Abram excepted what his servants had eaten, ver. 24. The labourer is worthy of his meat, which should not be withheld.

354. Abram excepted the share of his confederates, ver. 24. We should never be liberal at the expense

of others.

355. Aner, Eschol, and Mamre, were allowed to take their portion, ver. 24.-We should never make our own liberality a measure for others, nor blame nor despise those who are less bountiful than ourselves.

22.

SECTION XXII.

A Son, and a numerous Seed promised to
Abram.-Gen. xv. 1-18.

1. After these things (1) the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a (2) vision, saying, (3) Fear not, Abram: I am thy (4) shield, and thy (5) exceeding great reward.

1. A revelation of God's will was made known.-2. Dream, or in a su pernatural manner.-3. Do not be afraid.-4. Protector.-5. Very.

1. What came to Abram ? Whose word came to

Abram? When did the word of the Lord come to Abram? In what manner did the word of the Lord come to Abram? What did God say to Abram? What was Abram not to do? Why was Abram not to fear? Who was Abram's shield? What was God to Abram? Who was Abram's reward? What kind of a reward was God? To whom was God a shield and a reward?

2. And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, (1) seeing I go (2) childless, and the (5) steward of my house is this Eliezer of Da mascus ?

1. Since.-2. Without children.-3. Person who conducts my affairs, and takes care.

2. What did Abram ask at God? Who went childless? To whom did. Abram say he went childless? What did he say of his steward? Who was Abram's steward? To whom was Eliezer a steward? Of what was Eliezer the steward? Of what country was Eliezer?

3. And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no (1) seed: and lo, (2) ane born in my house (3) is mine heir.

1. Caild.-2. A person.-3. Will come, at my death, to possess all the I have

3. What had God not given Abram? No what? Who had given no seed to Abram? To whom had God given no seed? Who was Abram's heir? Born where? In whose house? What was this person who was born in Abram's house?

4. And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto (1) him, saying, (2) This shall not be thine heir: but (3) he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

1. Abram.-2. The person whom you have mentioned.-3. Your own

son.

What came to Abram? Who was not to be Abram's heir? What was that person not to be? Who was to be his heir? What was he that was to come out of Abram's own bowels to be? Whose heir?

5. And (1) he brought (2) him forth (3) abroad, and said, Look now (4) toward heaven, and (5) tell the stars if thou be able to (6) number thein. And (1) he said unto (2) him, So snail thy (7) seed be

1. God-2. Abram.-3. To the fields.-4. Upwards to.-5. Count6. Tell how many there are of.-7. Children and descendants.

5. Who was brought forth? Who brought him forth? What did God bid Abram do when he brought him forth? To what was he to look? What was he to tell? Who was to tell the stars? If he was able to do what? Number what? What was to be like the stars? Whose seed? Like what was Abram's seed to be?

6. And (1) he (2) believed in the Lord, and (3) he (4) counted it to him for righteousness.

1. Abram.-2. Doubted not the truth, but relied upon the word of 3. God.-4. Reckoned, or gave credit for.

6. Who believed? Whom did Abram believe? What did God do when Abram believed? For what was his faith counted? What was counted to Abram for righteousness? Who counted his faith for righteousness?

7. And (1) he said unto (2) him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Urr of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to (3) inherit it. 1. God.-2. Abram.-3. Possess.

7. Who spake to Abram? What did God say he was? From whence had God brought Abram? Why did God bring him out of Urr of the Chaldees? To give him what? What land? Who was to give him that land? Who was to get that land? For what purpose was Abram to get that land? What was he to inherit?

8. And (1) he said, Lord God, (2) whereby shall I know that I shall (3) inherit (4) it.

1. Abram.-2. By what.-3. Possess.-4. This land.

8. What did Abram call God? What did Abram ask at God? Know what? Inherit what? Who wished to know this? From whom did Abram wish to know this?

9. And (1) he said unto nim, Take me (2) an helfer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.

1. God.-2. A young cow.

9. What did God bid Abram take? What kind of an heifer? What was he to take besides the heifer? What kind of she-goat was he to take? What kind