The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-04
READING FOR THE DAY.
Eunday-School Lesson for Oct. IL, 1885.
The FAMINE IN SAMARIA. 2 Kings, I'll.

Sunday-School Lesson for Oct IL, 1885.
The FAMINE IN SAMARIA. Kings, I'll.
Golden Text. Luke xviii 81.
The peace between the Syrians and Israel was
OF short duration. The promises of men made
IN the time of trouble and helplessness are
quickly forgotten, and the enemy that only q
lew months before was at the mercy of Israel al
this very place now surrounded and besieged
the city of Samara. Ben-badad, the king OF
Syria came this time with "all his host wi, 24)
he probably came without warning, and pushed
his army forward with great haste, SO that he
not only outnumbered the Israelites but he was
able to shut them up in the city with small
amount of provisions. They were obliged to ca.
the poorest and meanest food Then they ate
the mules and horses, and in their dire extrem
ity they killed and fed upon their own children.
And then followed the common sight of king
and people forgetting all the bene-
ITS they. had received from the Lord. in
the past, and charging to him their
present miseries. The king takes an oath that
the head of Elisha shall be removed that day.
lie declares by messenger that their trouble
or that 1.-The evil is of the Lord, and that there
was no reason why ne should wait for the Lord
any longer wi, $780, The delays of the Lord
seem to us to be very long, and sometimes we
are IN despair; but when it becomes evident that
no human power can help, then the Lord sends
deliverence in his own way.
APPLICATION.
|. Thus saith the Lord: The Lords word
Is sure against all the doubts and criticisms of
men. Much that may seem to US improbable
will be literally fulfilled.
III. The Lord, on whose hand the king leaned,
answered: There is a spirit of infidelity to-day
among those in high places. Christianity and
revelation are declared to be improbable and I'M
scientific. Modern unbelief assumes the garb
of logic and science, but it is none the truer be-
cause of the language in which it Is clothed.
ILL., Why sit we here until we die2 How
sensible Oh their partl They sure to die
there. And so men in their sins have no hope
of salvation. How wise on their part to try
Gods plan, to come to his storehouse when
there is bread enough and to spare. Those who
have long delayed are no nearer the kingdom
than years ago. Take the chance for life eter-
nal
Nv. This day is day of good tidings: They
felt that it was unwise and unfair to hold their
peace. They had bread enough and to spare
And so we, who have eaten of the heavenly
manna we owe it to God and to our fellows to
tell them the good news. If hide in our
hearts our peace and JOY they become stale.
V. As the man of God had said: The in
spired word is sure and exact The Lord can
hasten its fulfllment in His own time and way.
The history of Christianity and of individuals is
full of improbable things becoming true, of
Gods great promises being realized.
VI Thou shalt it, but not eat thereof:
30 the rich man in his misery and torment
gifted up his eyes and saw" the joys of the
beggar in Abraham's bosom. The lost shall see
and know the joys of the saved, but they are
forever beyond their reach