Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-03-29
A THORN In THEFLESH
Paul's Trouble, as Explained by Rev.
DR.. Sutherland at
THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSOCIATION.
The Christian Principles of Civil Govern
ment to be Discussed.
NEWSY ITEMS OF RELIGIOUS WORK

At the Presbyterian Ministerial Associa-
tion of the 18th inst, as was noted in this
column last week, the Rev. DR.. Sutherland,
pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church.
read paper on a subject which has caused
great deal of discussion among students OF
the Bible. The views expressed by the
speaker were generally Endorsed, although
some OF the ministers dissented almost en-
tlrely from the views expressed. Although
it does not make any difference as to saliva
ton what we consider the thorn St. Paul
endured, yet it is we'll for us to gain as clear
an understanding of all parts of the word
as possible. A synopsis of the paper is here
given:
We will all agree that the word thorn is
here used in fgurative sense-that it does not
mean q natural thorn run into the flesh. If
hgurative, what are the figure meanings of
thorn in the Bible? They are trouble, temp
tation, folly, bodily affliction.
Which of these meanings are we to attach to
this word thorn as used by Paul? Different an
swers have been given. An EngIishman pub
lished book some years ago in which he tried
to prove that it was scolding wife. and cites
the matrimonial experience of Whitfield and
others in proof of his position. A scolding wife
would certainly be a thorn in the flesh, but
don't think that was Pauls thorn-in fact it is
doubtful if he had a wife at all. What then,
was Pauls thornf 1t was simply sore eyes, the
chronic ophthalmia of the East. This disease
infames the eye. In the lids are formed small
vessels filled with humor, and when they dis
charge the eyelashes are sealed to the lids. If
the eye moves the sensation will be just like a
thorn in the flesh. The analogy is complete.
1t would be, too. in the flesh, and Paul tells us
that it was given him.
When on his way to Damascus to persecute
the Christians we are told IN Acts ii. that he
was thrown to the ground by the bright ap-
pearance of Jesus Christ A light brighter
than the MONDAY sun struck him in the face.
When he was lifted up he was blind, and he
was led into the city of Damascus Three days
after Ananias laid his hands upon him, and as
it were great scales fell from his eyes and he
could again see dimly. That is when the thorn
was given him. There are many peculiarities
in the life of Paul easily explained when one
knows what .he thorn was. In Galations Will,
he says: "Ye see how large letter l have
written unto you with mine own handsome
thing he was not in the habit of doing.
although a polished scribe. on account Of his
defective eye-sight, or the thorn in his flesh
The fact that his eyes were afflicted in this way
explains why he could not see in the court
room at Jerusalem.
Being tried before the High Priest. Ananias,
with whom he was familiar before his conver-
sion, he called him whited wall. A man stand
ing by rebuked HIM, and Paul replied, 81 wist
not that he was the High Priest" and he apollo
gized. The fact is, he could not see across the
room because of his "thorn in the flesh" Then
again, in Galatians, vi:l7 he says: "From hence
forth let no man trouble me, for bear in my
body the marks of the Lord Jesus" Some say
that means certain scars or cuts received in his
several prosecutions. 1t means just what he
says:
The Lord Jesus came down when Paul was
on his road to Damascus, and struck him by
his marvellous radiance in the eyes, leaving the
marks there. They are 1.-THE marks of the Lord
Jesus" Then again, take Galatians, iv:l4 Is,
which reads as follows: "Ye know how through
intirmity of the flesh preached the gospel to
you at the first, and my temptation, which was
in my flesh, ye despised not nor rejected but
received me as an angel of God, even as Christ
Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye
spake of, for bear you record that if it had
been possible ye would have plucked out your
own eyes and have given them to me-" He
thus locates his infirmity in his eyes.
Have a tear for the wretched, smile for the
glad;
For the worthy applause an excuse for the bad;
Some help for the needy, some pity for those
Who stray from the path where true happiness
flows.
Have laugh for the child in her play at thy feet
Have respect for the aged, and pleasantly greet
The stranger that seeketh for shelter from thee;
Have a covering TO spare if he naked should be,
Have hope in thy sorrow, a calm in thy Joy;
Have work that is worthy thy life to employ;
And, oh! above all things on this side the sod,
Have peace with thy conscience and peace with
thy God.