The National tribune., 1891-12-31

70. Gods dealings with men lead them to
reformation.
13. God is patient with the evil
Rejecting on the above items one forms n
most exalted idea Of the literal Jerusalem and
Of temporary salvation. 10 wit, rescue from
Babylon.
II is we'll to turn from merely literal con-
sideratiOn OF the above and apply 10 all 10 the
coming TO jerusalem Of Jesus as savior.
And profitable thonght also awaits him who
passes on in thought to the Jerusalem, Para
disc and Heaven above, and who reflects on the
glory of our final rescue from sin. A hymn is
prepared for Va then to sing. REV, a 10, IL !;
5: l3; l9:6.7.J
Osweet and blessed country,
The home OF Gods elect,
o sweet and blessed country,
That eager hearts expect
Jesus, in mercy bring us
To that dear land Of rest:
Who art with God the Father,
And Spirit, ever blest.
B. Notes
I. City. (Y. ~ The reference is TO Jerusa-
lem. Force il given by the fact we have the
Jewish Capital in contrast with the city Of the
captivity of the jews, Babylon. (25: 2 Babylon
was a strong city. but it proved unable TO de-
fend itself by mere material walls. The glory
of jerusalem was that il had for It's walls aud
bulwarks salvation. So We have the sacred
city contrasted with the prOfsne. And we have
spiritual deieuses superior to carnal weapons.
2. Righteous nations. (V.2) We have refer
ence here evidently to the incoming of the
Gentiles. Open the gates. Away with bigQtry.
Down with national prejudice. Bar no one out
from salvation.
3. But Gentiles must not climb over some
other way. They may enter the Gate. Christ
IS the Door (Gats). Christ is the Truth. ST.
John, Il: 81 To be saved men Of all nations
must keep the truth. (Y. 2)
l. In verse on thee" is not in the original
We get good sense by emitting it, Then say
whose mind is stayed. who has a fixed E0anda-
tiOn, who cannot be moved by threatening nor
suffering. There is peace in fxedness We
remember the word strength" in verse 4
means rock and we get the familiar expression
" Rock Of Ages" We trace a connection be-
tween the fixed Rock and the settled, we'll
supported (stayed) mind. We can trust the
reliable, the permanent. the unshifting. We
can faSten to Christ. As the poet Newton,
says:
Content with behoiding hIs face,
My all TO his pleasure resigned.
No changes OF season place
Would make any change in my mind"
s. Verse sets God before us a personal actor.
Nature is governed by laws. but laws have back
Of them q Maker. Laws cannot become per-
sonal nor self active. Evolution gives us pro-
cess; explains a method; imparts system as
snres Of accuracy but is never Oblterates God
nor creates God. " lie bringeth down" (Y 81
4. Lessons
I. National songs born amid victories are
natural expressions Of gratitude.
2. The Church needs its hymnals, and song
must be always an important part Of worship.
3. In composing our hymns we may get ase-
ful hints by studying the poetic parts Of the
Bible
4. Trust in the Lord CVs. 3, 4: Ps. 25 : 2. J
Akin to trust is faith. Goethe said, Give me
the benefit Of your convictions if yOu have any, ,
but keep your doubts to yourself for have
enough Of my own"
5. Wait for God (V o. Patience is an ele-
ment of SUCCESS. Thomas Campbell was author
of the line, TO bear is to conquer our fate"
And Bishop Hopkins declared, Patience is tho
ballast Of the soul. that will keep it from roll
ing and tumbling in the greatest storm"
.. Have desire for God. This should grow
rather out Of our love for him than because we
need his assistance. VERSES 8. 81
Z. Remember God. (V. 81; st. Lu., %: 10;
Cor, IL 25.l
8. Seek God early. ". 81 Begin each day
with him IN mipd. Begin bis service in your
youth. PRO. s: III
g. Learn righteousness. Cv. 9; St. Mt, 5: 81
TO. Cultivate peace. In GraUer Thoughts Of a
Country ParSOa we find. after quotation Of Verse
3 Of this lesson, the following:
When you look at the believers busy life you
may see no trace Of his inward peace OF soul But
you know that the ocean under the hurricane is
| dashed into those huge waves and that wild foam
only upon the surface. Not very far down the
waters are as still Autumn there is not
ripple or breath or motion; and 80, my friends,
If we had the faith ought to have though there
might be rtppies upon the surface Of our lot, we
should have the inward peace Of perfect faith in
God.
Amid the dreary noises Of this world amid its
cares and tears. amid its hoteuntentiOns am ions
and disnppoiutments, we should have an inner
calm like the ocean depths, to which Che influences
uL III NIL