Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-06-16

r E VI e w


VIEW.
GoLbIN Trxr :-"For even the Son Of Man came not
10 be mnistsred unto but minister and 10 give MS
life ransom for many MARK 10 10
Central Truth :-Christ's love for souls
and eagerness TO save them a quenchless
passion.
Our present lesson is a review of the
second quarter. IL includes nearly two.
thirds of Luke's entire Gospel, and
much that is not found in either of the
Others. The period of time is, how.
ever, not long. 1t extends Only from
November to April of the last year of
our Saviour's ministry.
For year and half he had been in
Galilee. But his work there was done.
The time of the end was drawing on.
Accordingly she steadfastly set his face
to 90 to Jerusalem With this an.
nouncement our quarters study began.
Some of the events included in the
chapters which follow may belong to an
earlier period. The order of time is
not exact, though doubtless in the
main, il is preserved.
Leaving Galilee, our Savour's course
was across corner OF Samaria, and
L
was not direct. lie was preceded by
messengers, and went where they were
received. Also little time must elapse
before the terrible hour OF his sutierings,
that the truths the disciples were be.
ginning 10 grasp might take deeper
root. Twice he anticipated his triumph.
al and final entrance into Jerusalem by
brief visits, the first being at the time
of the Feast OF Dedication, and the
other for the raising of Lazarus. In
both instances the threatened violence
of the rulers fastened his departure.
But the cross was his goal. ale was in
the grip of his grand purpose Of atom.
ing for the sins OF the world And his
soul was straitened till it should be ac.
complished.
The first lesson was
FOLLOWING JESUS.
1t is in two parts. The first presents a
picture of intolerance, together with a
lesson Of loving patience. The other
part shows the spirit with which one is
TO set out in the Christian life. Three
kinds of followers are described and ad.
monished-the impetuous, the procras-
tinating and the irresolute. The only
acceptable service, we are taught, is that
of the whole heart. IL must be delb
crate, unconditional and entire. The
surrender must be at once and forever.
The second lesson was
THE GOOD SAMARITAN.
OF all our Saviour's parallels this is one
of the most striking and familiar. Its
great lessons are two. First, the essen.
tial principle Of all true religion is love
love to God and to men; TO all men
without distinction OF race, rank, or
place. This is Christlike. This is
heaven. The other lesson is one that is
often missed. The Scribe regarded
eternal life as something to be earned
by "doing." The Saviour probed his
heart and showed him its great defects /
II saved, it must be by grace. This is
the conclusion TO which self knowledge !
must lead us all.
The third lesson was
THE PuARIsEEs RErRoyED.
1t was a characteristic Of the Pharisees !
that they made great account Of out |
ward appearances, indeed of the most
triiling external things, but neglected
to put sin away from the heart. For
such hollow pretensions to piety, Jesus
had only words of sternest rebuke. His
words are n solemn warning to all.
"Beware of the leaven Of the Pharisees,
which is hypocrisy
The fourth lesson was
CovETousSEss.
Chief among the tendencies native to
the heart is that which would lay up for
self, but is not rich toward God. 1t ap.
pears in other ambitions besides the
disposition to hoard wealth. 1t makes
riches, honor, social standing. pleasure,
worldly success, the grand aim of life.
The sin and the folly of all this is the
impressive lesson of the parable.
The fifth lesson was
LOST AND FOUND.
BY two charming parallels we were
made 10 see both Why and how God
seeks the sinner. Because he pities and
values him, he goes after him with pains
and patience, and the wisest choice of
means. Having found and rescued
him, his Joy, the JOY Of heaven, is faint
ly imaged by that Of the shepherd over
the recovered sheep, and that of the
woman who had found the missing
coin.
The sixth lesson was
THE PRODIGAL sOS.
This was found to be truly "the pearl
OF parallels" IL is a condensed history
Of wandering soul and its return to
God OF its sin, misery, repentance and
restoration. Its special design is to
show how ready God is to receive such.
He notes the first signs of repentance
and with great gladness goes forth to
meet them. The three parallels of the
chapter give most melting and win
ming glimpse of the heart of God.
The seventh lesson was
THE RICH NAN AND LAZARUS.
II was lesson we'll fitted to make upon
all thoughtful minds deep and serious
impression. For moment 1t lifts the
veil which hides the world TO come. 1t
k-.-l~. 4h.k ossr fntura roudttfnu IL