Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-01-17
Che freeman.
Sunday School Lesson Notes.
BY REV. j. o. sHERBURN.
L.. ... n,ho lInnlinr llnMar-ACtS 3: LII.


securing it. Peter and John, we lind.
went to the temple with other pious Jews
at the accustomed hour of prayer. 1hlS
they did not as Jewish obsor vance, but
because prayer is always fitting, and to
observe the hour which was kept by their
people was in every sense appropriate
This hour of prayer was at the time OF
the evening sacrifice, at 3 O'Clock in the
afternoon.
As the usual hour of prayer was well
known, The beggars of Jerusalem, timed
their business so as to be near the temple
gate when the multitudes were going in.
At the very time Peter and John were
entering, upon the day mentioned, lame
man, who had never been able to walk,
was being carried toward the gate called
beautiful, where his friends daily laid him
that he might beg of the worshipers, as
they came and went. He was doubtless
accustomed to ask charity of anyone who
passed, at least where there appeared any
hope of favor Usually such persons
are wise in their choice of the persons
from whom they ask, and the appearance
of these two disciples seems to have
inspired him with hope of some gift,
This was not on account of any apparent
wealth, for they doubtless were in simple
habit, bu something about them inspired
the idea that they were of the class who
respond to the cry of the unfortunate and
needy. Nor were they mistaken. These
men, destitute of any earthly goods which
they could bestow, were yet able to do
more for this poor man than all of whom
he had ever asked before. The best he
had ever received before was probably II
few paltry coins, possibly an occasional
haf-shekel, or some gift of food or some
halfworn garment.
But here were men who had with them
wonderful divine power. Upon them had
descended the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1t
was not in vain, then, that he looked upon
them with the confident expectation of
receiving something. AS he looked earn
estly upon these men who had attracted
lis notice, one addressed him, and in
confident language bade him rise up and
walk. This command was given in the
name of one about whom he had most
likely heard much. No one in those days
could have lain long at any temple gate
without hearing of Jesus, the prophet
from Galiee. With the command to rise
brothcrly hand was extended to raise
him up. Faith enabled him to take that
hand and 10! to his joyful surprise, be
finds himself abl to stand upon his feet, and
lenpng Tor gladness he enters with the
throng into the temple, praising God for
the wonderful healing he had found.
The people at once recognizes in this
enthusiastic Worshiper the man who had
before been an impotent beggar at the
gate II is not remarkable that such an
occurrence produced q marked sensation
The people had been used to such wonders
while Christ was upon earth, but they had
not before witnessed them at the hands OF
his disciples. All eyes were now directed
to them, and Peter proceeds to speak to
the multitude of him by whose power the
work was wrought.
A few items OF this lesson may need
some notice before we seek practical
application of its teachings. There is grave
doubt whether we are able to locate the
beautiful gate here spoken of. Secular
historians speak of no one by that name.
one is described by Josephus however as
more gorgeous than the rest, constructed
Of Corinthian brass, covered with plates
of gold and silver, but just where this was
situated, i. e., opening eastward or west.
ward or in what direction we are not
told 1t has been assumed that this was
the main east gate and the fact that upon
entering the temple we find Peter and
John at once in Solomon's porch would
favor this idea: as it is known that this
porch was along the eastern side of the
temple.
Some lessons are easily drawn from the
passage we are studying. First; near
every church, often at its very door, are
the poor and unfortunate. If the spirit OF
the Master is in his people they will be
ready to do what they can for these
poor The best that can be given them is
often something beside aims. Many need
the word of life and knowledge oi
Christ more than they need clothing or
bread, though these ought not to be with.
held. Often calamity and want put mer
in condition of heart where they gladly
receive the gifts of grace which they
might reject if in health and comfort. The
conduct of this lame man furnishes some
important lessons. Whether or not hi
knew Peter and John, he sought help o
them and in SO doing virtually asked o
The church. Many unfortunate ant
suffering men might be helped, not only
10 bodily comforts but to the bread of life
flhey would apply to the people of God
Ii is mistake of our churches and of on
poor alike, that so many find place il
the almshouse. And often if the power 0
Christ can be brought to bear upon tn,
poor and unfortunate they will find sucl
healing as will preclude the necessity O
further aims.
With the soul healed and the man
renewed, many who are now dependen
would be amply able to support them
selves, and hence an end of their beggary
would be reached as in the case of thi.
impotent man. Again. after his healing
this man clung to Peter and John through
whose agency he had been made whole
By this means II multitude were brought
together and came within reach of the
gospel. Nothing will draw men to The
church more certainly than the knowledge
that the church is bringing healing tc
their fellow men; and in no better wav