The National tribune., 1885-09-24
SUNDAY MEDITATION.
Practical Duties Taught by a Study Of the Inter-
national Sunday School Lesson Appointed for
Oct. A. ki.. 6: S-233.

Oct. r. h1.. d: 30.
Zone reading these notes should first carefully
study the paragraph from the Holy Scriptures as
indicated abovel
We are now to study two miracles performed
by the Prophet Elisha-to wit, the 18th and
the 18th, the first miracle being, supernatural
vision impaired to his servant the second, blind
ness inflicted on the Syrian ARMY. Jehoram is
King of Israel and Benhadad of Syria. We
place ourselves S93 years L. C. The scene of
the lesson is Dothan. This city was IL miles
nOrthward from Samaria. 1t was at Dothan
that Joseph was sold to the Egyptian merchants.
The modern name is Tell -Dothaim. DR.. Rob
| inson found it still bearing its old name. 1t
was a heap of ruins as seen by Wander Nelde
War is going on between Israel and Syria.
Benhadad after a council of war, decided to
pitch his camp at a certain place. Elisha sent
word to JehOram, warning him of the plans OF
the King OF Syria. Thus the army Of Israel
was saved several times {" not once nor twice y
from battle at a treacherous spot. Benhadad
suspects one Of his cabinet, or staff, guilty of
being traitor, and tries to discover which
man is the culprit. 1t puzzles him when he
sees his plans frustrated. One of the council
of war probably Naaman) suspects Elisha is
the person who thus informs Jehoram. . Ben
hadad gloats for the Prophets blood. He learns
Elisha is at Dothan. He sends a large detach-
ment of his army, with chariots and horses, to
arrest the Prophet. They reach the city and
| surround it by night. (Why did not Benhadad
get the thought that one who could thus fore
know the purposes of the Syrian leader could
protect hinlself?) Elishas servant, rising early
| in the morning, noticed how the city was be-
siegcd, and was alarmed. He cries out in his
fear to his master, "Alas! how shall We do?"
Elisha, in an assuring voice, says: They that
be for us are more than they that be for them"
At the Prophets prayer spiritual vision was
given to the servant, enabling him to see bands
of angels lowering between the city and its
enemies. In little the Syrian army begins
| attack. Elisha prays, and all the soldiers are
stricken with blindness. Now they are at the
mercy of the IMAM of God" ". 10D He led
them into Samaria. When they were all within
the capital, prisoners of war and probably de-
prived of arms their sight is restored. Jeho-
rams first impulse is to slay them. Elisha re-
Dukes such treatment Of captives. He directs
they be furnished with an ample feast and per-
mitted to return to Syria. A long cessation of
hostiltics followed.
Here are facts, each pregnant with practical
thoughts for the 10Th century. To use the
language of another, let us Steady ourselves
| in the presence Of these facts" and learn their
significance.
/. Warn persons of danger. Elisha cautioned
Jehoram lest he might be caught by Benhadads
strategy 1t is our duty to put persons on
guard. Erect signals of danger.
=. Ii duly warned, look out. JehOram did
not say, Nonsense! There is no danger!
Elijah has been dreaming. lie is more scared
than hurt The account declares: "The King
sent to the place which the man of God told
him and warned him OF, and saved himself
there, not once nor twice"
g. Treat enemies considerably. When we
get them into our power, do not be cruel.
Christianity forbids indignities to prisoners of
war. When men are captives, then Is our OPP
portunity-then be generous.
L. Pray. How much this duty and privilege
distress his servant was, and besought God to
give him spiritual vision, by which he might
not sec only Bcnhadad's forces but also the an
geiic hosts from Heaven. Often we find per-
sons in distress of mind because ignorant of
religious consultations and spiritual resources.
Let Us pray for such, that Gods spirit may en-
tighten them and give them courage and COM
fort.
5. Have confidence in God. Hc cares for us.
He viii come to our rescue in emergencies.
That very morning Elisha and his servant
needed assistance God did not forget them.
Angels were not asleep. As Elisha knew the
whereabouts of Benhadad's strategic points, so
angels were aware of the dangers besetting the
Prophet. Trust in God and you will not be
filled with trepidation when enemies beset you.
You will feel more are for you than for yOur
enemies. Is, 81; Al :10.) The pulpit ora
tor Whitefeld gave a body of soldiers this
motto: Fear nothing, Christ leading" (Lu.,
IL :22.
g. See the utility of Christianity-the great
! advantage of having God for our Friend-the
benefit of maintaining the ministry. The true
religion is worth more to n nation than an
army is-bettcr than human counsel. Elisha
was of greater service to Jehoram than were his
hosts and his staff of officers to Benhadad.
T. Learn all you can Of the whereabouts and
plans OF your enemies. Thus you can keep on
guard. Gods word viii prove of grear service
to us. 1t shows where the evil lie in wait.
Elisha knew supernaturally the stratcgics of
Benhadad and Informed Jehoram The Bible is
| inspired. 1t explains the devices of Satan. 1t
lifts signals over dangerous places. (Ps, 1873,
IL
s. Initiate the kind spirit of Elisha in his
treatment of the alarmed servant. He did not
upbraid him, bat soothed him into trusting
quiet. Gently he said. q" Fear not" Then the
vision. Be patient with those who lack conf
dcnce BE tender with the young and inexpe-
rienced. Taunt them not with cowardice if
they be alarmed. Show to them the super
natural forces WHICH wait the need of those
who love God. How forbearng our Savior was
with the stumbling, fearful, skeptical disciples.
g. Remember, the scene of DOthan was not
exceptionable 1t was true to life. Angels are
still minsteTing spirits sent forth to aid us. To
say angels visits are few and far between" " is
the language of skepticism. Can we sec the
invisible? Yes; by faith and imagination. Is
the lesson true? Are there angels? Do they
come to earth and help mankind? Grant the
above We have evidence enough to warrant
our belief in these facts Now give play to
Imagination. What beautiful visions we have!
What comfort in sorrow What courage in
danger! Pity the man who, in trial, cannot
see the spiritual forces at his service. What n
blessing is faith in the invisible We can know
of that which it is not possible actually to see
i. g.: You familiar with the outlying
points which hem in valley. You know the
| structures which crown the hills. You know
there is a tower at the right hand and steeple
at the left Suppose. Of Il morning you rise,
casting your eyes up and down the valley and
off toward the receding hills. But it is very
foggy, and you see but little way, no stecple,
no beautiful landscape. no mountain stream
lets, no elevation capped by a village. But you
know all these are within vision when the
msts clear up. That foggy morning you see
them by faith. So the Christian, though he
secs no angels, believes such Heavenly helpers
are at hand; acts with courage because he feels
they arc at his service braves enemies, because
ha is certain the forces to aid him are greater
than those of his opponents
What contrast is furnished in the lesson
between spiritual vision and moral darkness
n