The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-29
READING FOR THE DAY.
sunday-school Lesson for Sept. s. 1886.

JESUS THE TRUE VINE-John XIV. I-16.
Golden Text the vine ye the branches
John XIV, 5.
The three previous lessons occurred in connec-
ton with ''the last supper" This had now been
finished and they arise" from the table TO Ego
hence" xiv, 3D. But while they stand, the Sa-
vior full Of love, detains them in the same place
xviii, II for the wonderful discourse and prayer
that have been selected for this and
the two lessons that follow We do
rot know what suggested the use of the
vine as the subject of the allegory-possibly the
wine used in the feast-but it was perfect illus
tration of the union that was to exist between
himself and his disciples. He wishes to impress
them with the truth that in spite of all that was
about to occur. he would live on and be to them
a constant source of IFS. The cross and the
sepulcher were in view, but through 1t all, every
instant the outflow of love and life from him
self to them would be as real as that from the
vine to the branches, real in the darkness of
the night as In the brightness of the day,
PRACTICAL LESSONS.
l. Fruitfulness the great duty of those who
are in Christ We entirely fail of the great end
of our conversion unless we Immediately begin
to produce the fruits of holy tempers and habits,
and to make efforts for the salvation of those
who are unsaved.
2. God carries on the work of cleansing and
pruning in this life in order to make US more
holy and useful. The providences that seem
harsh, the losses that seem cruel, the disap-
pointments that seem needless, all have pur-
pose, and are all intended for our good. David
and Paul both bless God for their Affections.
Many suffering saint has thereby been made
helper of the faith Of others
3. Without Christ We can do nothng-your
own best and wisest efforts will fail; but with
Him you can do all things"
a. Withered branches are cast forth and
burned A truly converted soul may become
separated from the vine, and lose all spiritual
lfe and be lost at last and cast into "everlast-
ing burning"
5. Rewards of abiding in Christ are wonder
full: a. He bringeth forth much fruit T. J
Great privilege and power in prayer. e. A
continuance in the love of Christ a. full
ness of joy like to that of Cnrist's Is A par
ticpant in the confidential friendship of the Lord
Jesus.
SPECIAL TEACHING.
/. For Belief-The Christian life is not an im-
tation of high example, but it is a living or
ganic union to divine person, like that of the
branch to the vine, so that the Christian feels
and knows the impulses of the divine life within
himself He may have an intellectual union to
a creed a social union to Christians, a heart
union to the church, but the living union is to
Christ himself.
g For Practice-The great duty taught is that
of love to each other-a love deep, and tender,
and true. A mere general sympathy with good
people is by no means genuine Christian love
There is nothing that the great mass of Chris
tians so much need as the tender manifested
love of their brethren. Human love is a source
of hope and life. We each feel so much our own
need of love that we sometimes forget our duty
and power of loving others