The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1894-09-07
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
SERIOUS SUBJECTS CAREFULLY
CONSIDERED.
A Scholarly Exposition of the Lesson
Thoughts Worthy OF Calm Reflection
Half an Hours study of the Scriptures
Time Well Spent.


Lesson for Sept. o.
The subject of this le son, found inr
John 3: .-1e, is Jesus and Nicodemus.
"There was man OF the fharisees
named Nicodemus." There was such
man in an old chapter. But now
new divulgence, and, pray God, new
it was convenient after the busy hours
OF the day, convenient both for Jesus
and for Nicodemus; possibly 1t was
safe, and the ruler VS. coming in
something of timidity. In any case
this is plain: Jesus received him. He
thrusts away no man who comes in
quiringly; he rebukes no n yious seek
or, however weak or questioning his
approach. Speak to him now for
he lrs thee" Rabbi, we know that
thou art a teacher coma from God"
The worlds re sonable declaration. A
teacher sent from God Is the least that
man can justly say, even in his unen-
lightened state. The plain facts OF
history prove this much, and no man
can fairly gainsay the statement.
And the proof is in the miracle, the
miracle and the life behind it. The
earthly life OF Jesus, with its attest
ing purity and power, wa but 10 es-
tablish his competency as a teacher,
sent from God. But now being Gods
voice for us, "Hear We him. aWhat-
soever he saith unto you, do it." His
word is to be accept ted without dispute.
And here is his word, his gre latest
word, "Ye must be born again" How
shall we respond to IL! Nicodemu5
goes TO questioning, testi-g on scier-
tific grounds. Christ responds that this
is q matter beyond earthly ken and yet
~ he. rHo I'D
bloweth where it listeth, and we live in
it and by it, spite OF our partial knowl-
edge. 30 give aith his place here.
Receive the message of him who can
and does tell us heavenly things" Ye
must be born again. Bow how? All,
here is the gospel in a nutshell; vs.. IA,
| Is, Is, contain the message OF the
whole Old and New Testament in
epitome. The first two verses tell the
import and significance of all ancient
Biblical record and rite "As Moses
lifted up the Sc pent." IL was all point.
in forward to the Lamb of God that
taketh away the sin OF the world"
And here it is in its full New les sta
ment erunc alton. For Col so Lowell
the world" Glorious, John iii. IL.
Jesus him elf is the new birth. Jesus
b IN in us. And so it comes to pass
that the one who alone can declare
this teaching is also the only one who
can interpret and fulfill it.
Hints AMI Illustrations
A lesson on doctrine. The New Birth
and Atonement. God be p aised fos'
such solid rock under our feet. Are
we speaking as much as we should on
these eternal verities? Make much IF
them. If we are to have reyi,a' of
religion the coming season In cOngre
cations and Sunday schools, it will
come from strong prCc amatiOn of
these saving truths. Tell men that
they are lost; that hel and Judgment
are imminent, that their only saliva
tion is In rege~ GRAFTON through the
b God OF the Cruoitied. o, for revival
of these old searching doctrines in the
pulpit and desk; resi,a of religion
wills follow ip church ald community.
How ought one TO live after renewal
Why like renewed man. 1t is the
same man made over; his traits and
characteristics unchanged in the
main, but all turned into new chan
mel and to a new end. DIR. Vaudeville
puts it thus: A man ought to be a
Jealous for Christ after conversion as
he was for himself before. Apply this
rule to yourself. Are you doing as
much for the new King as you were
for the old! Are you as earnest to
make success of the Kings business
as you previously were OF mere worldly
business? Suppose Paul, Jealous for
his own work righteousness, had been
else than Jealous afior the Ii ht for
Cnrist's righteousness? What mis-
renewal
Lift up Christ Ee not so anxious to
be in sight yourself as to bring Christ
to view. DR.. Adams, OF the Chautau-
qua devotional hour, says that a friend
once sent him a book on "Trout-fish-
ing, and he got just two sentences
from it that helped him in another
sort of fishing. The first was, 10
catch trout the fisher must hide
himself" He NUT il crease, but /
must decrease. AMI thu Ctncr SEN
tie. CO was this, when the fish is
hooked, keep the pul steady" Hold
fast Keep faith strong. The Doctor
ap Gals for illustration, to his personal
experience. One time, discouraged1
over lack of re suits in his congrega-S
ton, he was about to ask a change of
location Then came the Scripture
concerning those who through faith"
subdued kin gdoms. Mt by sight, just
b. kee ing on in faith, and the Lord
takes care of the vi tory. lift up
Jesus. Keep him lifted up, and COM
NIT the issue to God. A harvest OF
souls followed the apprehension + that
Scripture.
Il oppose l ought to be the happiest
woman in town, aid TIE housewife TO
her domestic; I've got such noble
husband, such Kind and dutiful chill
dren such a beautiful home, and no.
an enemy that | know Of" Said the
servant: And have something bettax-
tina all those good things. What
it" "Fesce with God and - SSrr-... ~
the kingdom of hi, dear y 81 Tl&x
woman went TO her room az lanx -
her knees. Presently she reN xrned.
new light in her eye Il haven't too.
she said. Have you?