The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-14
READING FOR THE DAY.

hEAUlNu TUn HE UAls
Sunday-School Lesson for March 81, 1885.
MEssTAH's MESSENGER. Malachi iii, 10; iv, 10.
Golden Text-Behold. viii send my messenger,
and he shall prepare the way before me-Mal, iii, l.
We have now reached the last book and the
last prophecy of the Old Testament. Standing
where we do it is easy to see that the magnif-
cent pictures and prophecies of Isaiah were to
be fulfilled by spiritual reign and kingdom,
rather than by some descendant of David COM
ing to the throne of Judah, and restoring the
former glories of the nation. But the Jews
persistently degraded the prophecies. as
men to-day lower the purpose of the
gospels, and seek to find their realization
In the lower kingdom of the body instead of in
the higher life Of the soul It is so easy by
c tanning the title of genuineness and faith to
make grossly material that which was designed
to be highly spiritual. So long as Nehemiah re-
NAMED among the people he was able by his own
intelligent faith and strong character to keep
them keyed up to his reforms, and there were
few years of faithful observance of tithes
and feasts of offerings and Sab
bath worship. But when he went back
again to Persia they were like children
freed from the restraints of higher, stronger
minds. and they quickly lapsed to the old neg
lect We have in this book the winding up of
the long series of prophecies, and the last words
of this inspired seer were bitter words of con-
domination for their SINS The Old Testament
ends with the word curse" and threatening
because of violated law 'lest come and smite
the earth with CURSE The ministry of Jesus
and the gospel of the New Testament open with
the beatitude, with the blessings" that are
wider, deeper, higher than the Course"
The great truth of this last prophecy is in its
declaration that the Messiah -foretold by the
prophets Is to be Jehovah himself. the Lord of
Hosts. And it is undoubtedly true that the last
chapter of Old Testament history, that Of Nehe-
miah, and its last prophecy, that Of Malachi,
close together, and that for 440 years there was
Through all this long, dark period they waited
and watched for the coming of the promised
Deliverer
LESSONS FOR DAILY LIFE.
/. We may have the best OF laws on the
statute books, as did the Jews, but may neglect
and violate them, unless there be popular con-
science holding the practice up to the law Keep
the good law, but in some way seek to produce
q conscience behind it
q A community needs the high example and
courageous lead of men like Nehemiah to keep
them up to their duty, and when he removes
power.
g. A personal Christ in the life and heart fills
the place of Nehemiah, and keeps rs toned up to
goodness and truth.
g. Inc good are put IN Cne furnace anu re-
fined, for God wants purity and truth. The re-
finer sits and watches the metal, and does not
leave it to another. And SO Jesus patiently sits
beside you and watches the result of your trials
s. The most beautiful and valuable offering
you can make is that of yourself. We may
place too much stress on the offering of prayers
and money in comparison with the gifts of our
hearts
g. God is himself witness of all the evils
and expressions that afflict his children, and
will come swiftly, suddenly, to their help.
THE GREAT LESSON.
l. For Belief. The Scriptures teach in many
ways the coming of Christ He has come. His
first coming is historic But there is coming
of Christ at death, and they are blessed who
watch and are ready. There is another general
manifestation when HE shall appear the second
time" Heb. tx, %. Whether it be near at
hand, who can tell2 But it may be very near
and there is much to Dead as to think we are in
''the last days
q For Practice. Such truth should lead to
earnest. instant action. We are to prepare the
way" for his coming. We are to ego before"
with instruction. with appeals with example,
and lead men to see the beauty of religion. We
are to accept and use all progress and science,
and knowledge, all travel and commerce. and
civilization, as agencies to open up the way for
the second coming of the King, when he shall
appear to take possession Of the kingdoms of the
world.