The National tribune., 1892-07-07

see Deu., %: 5; st. Mt, II: 1919; 16: 4; % +:
| 1919. 23 ST. st. Nix, 8: 50; st. L., 3: y
C. We notice three classes referred TO in Y.
So you-your children-the "afar off," The
prophet Joel uttered the promise 600 &c. The
You " would refer strictly to those Jews living
in the time of Joel Your children" would
then mean the descendants of the adults con-
temporary with joel, and hence the hearers of
st. Peter were included. The "afar off" seem
TO be Gentles. This last class do not appear to
be referred to in Joels prophecy t2: 49, save
in very general, very widely inclusive way.
as we see in the expression, " all flesh" But
not Peter ahead of himself2 Did he not
speak rather from inspiration Is there not
intimation in his language that he was under
a divine influence, and spoke rather words
given by the Holy Spirit than by any rational
deduction Of his own? We think the express
sion " all that are afar off, is eupbemism Cor
Gentiles, neither the orator nor the crowd then
being prepared to understand and accept the
doctrine of salvation for Jews and all other
nations
5. All Things Common
See vs. A, As a. 31-37; 5: Ill. Having
things common was not a divine ordinance
We find the early Church did not pretend to
act by an instruction The special circumstan-
ces suggested tho method. CommonneSs of
property is nowhere prescribed by Christ. No
instance save this incidental one is found in
the New Testament. This continued but a
little while and was adopted by no other church;
as, e. g., Corinth, Rome or other. 1t was a
voluntary matter entirely. 1t was not con-
dtion of church membership. Early Church
history does not show the adoption upon any
general plan Of any such method. How did it
happen? Peculiar circumstances retained at
Jerusalem the early Christians longer than
usual. Many must have gotten ont of money.
The richer came to their temporary relief:
The case was simply extraordinary and called
for special plan. Then notice that, becoming
Christians, they would be prosecuted. Those
who Knocked e.: 49, would in time abuse. The
converts were thrown out Of favor. They lost
in trade or were dismissed from work.
Then many expected Christ to return very
soon, and they tried to get On, till he came
back, in any way they could devise.
In 4: 81 we have in Greek for AS many as"
not a universal adjective, all (pantcs), but
rather some thosoi). We do not learn that erery
person sold or pooled all his possessions. The
way in which ,Ioscs is spoken of ID: SO, 81 in
dicates greatest yoluntariness or spontaneity,
implying the practice was not obligatory and
universal among early Christians.
Agrarianism, phalansterianism (Fourierism),
much of socialism, communism in general,
have proved to be errors.
What is communist? One who hath yearnings
For equal division of unequal earnings.
To fork out his penny and pocket your shilling"
The famous Brook Farm (near Boston,, the
Community of st. Nazians (Michigan), the
Harmonites Economy, Pa.). the Zoarites
Vicinity Of Wheeling, w. Va, the Oneida
Community (near Utica, n. " have proved
Utopian.
God does not bestow on us all things in COM
mon. One has one gift and his neighbor has
another. Il Cor, II: 49, We have learned
before now that, even granting the doctrine
true that all men are born equal, yet though
seemingly paradoxical, it is tremendously
apparent fact that all men are not born equally
equal.
6. Lessons
/. Repent &c.
2. Be baptized. 80, Al.
3. Promise is to children. Care for them. 80.
4. Support missions, the afsr off. 80.
5. Seek Christian fellowship. az. Be q
church COMMUNICATE az.
6. Pray. 42.
7. Partake of Holy Communion. az.
8. Gladly hear study, Gods Word. Al. At
tend church, Sunday school, etc.
9. Be steadfast-hold out. AZ.
10. Praise God AZ.