The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-10-12


accented Christianity would carry the news
abroad and thus the first knowledge of Chris
tianty at Rome may have been acquired. 1t is
plain ST. Paul did not establish the Christian
Church in Rome When he wrote he addressed
a body of Christians already existent We find
he was anxious to spread the facts and doctrines
of Christianity in the West. tRo., Is: 49, as he
had in the East. (Ro., Is: % 49,
1t is plain Christian Church composed OF
Jews who had lived for some time quite sepa-
rated from jerusalem and of Gentiles who had
been more or less acquainted with the Jewish
customs and somewhat affiliated with them,
presented a field of interest to St. Paul and
made call for the greatest wisdom In lS
manipulation.
It would seem ST. Paul wrote his letter in
considerable knowledge of the state Of things
at Rome. 1t msy have been intended to pave
the way for his advent among the Romans
sort of introduction of himself. We see from
his Epistle he personally knew some of the
Christians at Rome aud this fact warranted
him 10 some degree in addressing the Church
in that city.
ROMANS, IL: lis.
1. Preliminary.
We remember that the first II chapters Of
the Epste to the Romans are taken up in
the way of argument. We now enter on the
practical deductions which st. Paul states,
illustrates, and enforces.
g Notes.
1. Therefore. l. In view of the foregoing
arguments to wit, the statements in the IL pre-
ceding chapters.
2. Beseech. /. ST. Paul was in very great
earnestness about the matters which he
brought to the attention Of the Christian cir
Gle at Rome.
s. Mercies of God. l. The presentation of
our bodies to God their dedication to his serv-
leo; the conservation Of all our physical organs
to the interest Of tho Church; all this is very
reasonable in consideration of his fav0rs to as.
4. Present. /. A metaphor from the Offer
ing of sacrifices, and hence word sacrifice
used so often. Two acts were invoived-con-
secration, dedication. Sacrifices in the Jewish
practice werc of three kinds: l. Sacrifices for
sin aoning, sin offerings, and trespass offerings.
2. Self-dedicatory sacrifices, called burnt offer
ings. 3. Thanksgiving sacrifices. styled meat
and peace offerings Christ was an Offering for
sin. He was sacrificed in the first sense of the
word sacrifice. Hence we notice St Paul calls
US to make sacrifices in the two other senses
of the word sacrifice.
Origin said In the old law they had many
kinds of sacrifices killed and offered. Now. in
stead Of a ram, We kill our, ireful passions; in
stead of goat unclean affections; instead
of flying fowls our idle thoughts"
5. Living sacrifice. /. AS opposed to the
dead sacrifices of the Temple So Bloomfield
ing sacrifices, which might, be said to be alive at
only about a. N. and 3 p. m, but sacrifices
forever continuous, knowing no hours. Pho
titus and Jaspis take living in the sense OF
spiritual or real, as opposed to the corporeal
and merely typical Of the law. Bloomfield
leaned to this view.
g. Bodies l. But inclusive of all there Is
of us-psrt for whole. The body in particular
is specified so as to carry out the sacrifcial fg
ure. Only the body of al animal was offered.
The service of the body is involved in the pre-
sentation. VS.. 6-S.
T. Holy acceptable, reasonable. 1. Holy
sacrifices, by Mosaic requirements. were to be
spotless We should have pure bodies; Guilt
vate cleanliness and hsalthiness. 2. Accept
able to God. AS we become sons of God He
will regard US as in St Matt, 3: II. g. Reason
able. Not like brutes, irrational. Fit service
OF God. God, our Creator, Preseryer, Re-
deemer, ought to have all there is of us. Not
irrational as heather rites, corporal AS the
Jewish. Spiritual; not lifeless nor merely
Iaonial; offered with spirit and heart. In the
lesson we have brought to our attention reason
able service, reasonable experimentation, reas-
enable estimate of SELF reasonable duties
quired.
8. CONFIRMED. 2. Do not get into the sim
full forms, fashions ways, etc., OF the people OF
the world (worldlngs); avoid their evil prac-
tees. Do not conform in spirit motive, prin-
ciple with those who live only for earth. The
reference is more to the subjective, relating not
so much 70 limitations OF dress. manner, speech,
or other externals, but emphasizing the spirit
nal states, motives. final ends, etc. The nom
conforming involves the transforming.
9. Grace given unto me. 3. By apostolic
hands; by Divine grace; by inspiration.
10. Gifts differing. 6. preachers must
keep in mind the general proportions or SYM
metry of the faith or doctrine of the Gospel;
not exaggerating one part of it to the exclusion
neglect of another, but preaching the whole
counsel of God (Acts. 20: 30 in its due har-
mony."
H. Brethren. l. Christianity is cosmopoli-
tan and fraternal. Many to whom st. Paul
wrote were Gentiles. Notice, also, brotherly
love-" in V. 10. The original Greek is Phla-
dephia.
~ Kindly affectioned. 10. The original
is from stergo. not phileo. Stergo relates moro
especially TO natural Affection in particular
that between parents and children; more
motely to all kindred; then rather loosely it
embraces tender affection for any person.
g. Suggestions
1. Have reference to God and His cause in
considering the body The body should be &C
ceptable to God. In the Holy Communion con-
secration service of some religious bodies special
mention is made of the physical The devotees
present their souls and bodies to God as living
sacrifices.
In detailed way we may consecrate to Gods
service every organ of the body. For example,
the hand: let it write pillow. work in gen
eral, gather scatter to the glory of God. The
tongue: let it witness. sing, preach. converse,
promise in the interests OF Christ. The feet:
let them walk. at times run, in the service of
rightness So of eye ear. etc.
=" Take my life and let IL be
Consecra.ed, Lord, to Thee.
"Take my hands and let them move
Al The Impulse Of Thy love.
"Tske my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King.
Take my lips and let them he
Filled with messages from Thee.
take my silver and my gold.
Not a mite do withhold.
stake my moments and my days,
Let them flow lii coaseless praise.
Take my intellect, and use
Every power Thou shalt choose.
take my will and make 1t Thine,
Let ii he no longer mine.
stake MY heart. 1t is Thy own.
Let it be Thy royal Throne.
tE.lra TO-, 1..f,