is Sermons, and his Table-Talk, are
worth more than the most elaborate speculations about him. The Jews
learned what God is, not from theological dissertations on the Divine
attributes, but from the facts of a Divine history. They knew Him for
themselves in His own acts and His own words."

Some one asked an Arab: "How do you know that there is a God?" "How do
I know whether a man or a camel passed my tent last night?" he
replied. God's footprints in nature and in our own experience are the
best evidence of His existence and character.

THE ISRAELITES WERE EXPOSED TO DANGER.

Remember to whom this commandment was given, and we shall see further
how necessary it was. The forefathers of the Israelites had worshipped
idols, not many generations back. They had recently been delivered out
of Egypt, a land of many gods. The Egyptians worshipped the sun, the
moon, insects, animals, etc. The ten plagues were undoubtedly meant by
God to bring confusion upon many of their sacred objects. The children
of Israel were going up to take possession of a land that was
inhabited by heathen, who also worshipped idols. There was therefore
great need of such a commandment as this. There could be no right
relationship between God and man in those days any more than to-day,
until man understood that he must recognize God alone, and not offer
Him a divided heart.

If He created us, He certainly ought to have our homage. Is it not
right that He should have the first and only place in our affections?

NO COMPROMISE.

This is one matter in which no toleration can be shown. Religious
liberty is a good thing, within certain limits. But it is one thing to
show toleration to those who agree on essentials, and another, to
those who differ on fundamental beliefs. They were willing to admit
any god to the Roman Pantheon. One reason why the early Christians
were persecuted was that they would not accept a place for Jesus
Christ there. Napoleon is said to have entertained the idea of having
separate temples in Paris for every known religion, so that every
stranger should have a place of worship when attracted toward that
city. Such plans are directly opposed to the Divine one. God sounded
no uncertain note in this commandment. It is plain, unmistakable,
uncompromising.

We may learn a lesson from the way a farmer deals with the little
shoots that spring up around the trunk of an apple tree. They look
promising, and one who has not learned better