The National tribune., 1894-08-16

in Vol. IL, p. 20S, there is none named that
would not intoxicaie; and il was with such
wine mixed with water, that the passover
cup was filed, and with such wine the
Lords Supper was instituted. OF this DIR.
Edersheim leaves no doubt whatever. III.
496, 497, 50S-511.)
Prof Green, of Princeton Theological
Seminary, an eminent biblical scholar, de-
clares My unhesitating conviction is that
wine, in the Bible and out Of it, means the
fermented juice of the grape and that when
approved or disapproved this is not due to
the different character of the wine ITSELF but
to its rational or immoderate use"
We have aimed to put fairly the two sides
of this important question, leaving each
student to form his own views. If one have
time, we recommend him TO study the litera-
ture noticed at the conclusion of these notes.
d. Woman. 4. Madam, lady. 1t was not
curt, disrespectful term. 1t was used in
common life among the most dignified. (See
st. Matt, 1923; st. L., 10: II; pol 10;
St. John, 4:21.) Notice particularly 1926.
The word translated wife," in / Cor, Z 16,
has the same original Greek. In Eastern
countries even princesses are so addressed.
(Jos. Ant, l, 16, 3; HON. H., 3: 204; Keno
phon's Men,, 2, 1, 26.) But one says:
However, its use shows that Jesus did not
recognize the human relationship between
them. He had broken away from that, and
mere natural affection could not be per-
mitted to influence his action in the slight
est degree. He must consult his Fathers
will alone"
s. What have l to do with thee? A.
This seems to have been gentle Gliding
a mild rebuke. Christ would not use his
miracle power at the direction of his earthly
parent. He was always obedient within the
whole range in which parental authority
holds sway. Miracle displays, however,
were to be used at divine discretion.
Doubtless much of the edge of this censure
was taken off by tender eye, sweetly-
toned voice We see Christ never exerted
his power to effect miracles for any selfish
purpose or 10 please his relatives or friends
Such power was always employed on ac-
count of-its religious bearing. At the same
time, Christ intimated to his mother that at
the right point in the festival, j. e., when his
hour arrived, he would comply with her
request.
6. Mine hour is not yet Gomez VA
Two views are held as to the meaning. q.
The hour Tor better, the time, or date, or
period in my life to begin the work of
effecting miracles an general. His miracle
time had not yet arrived. 1t is said plainly
in verse II, This beginning of miracles"
The moment when he performed his first
miracle was TO be a grand era or turning
point in the life of Christ This is the view
of the commentators Ewald, Euthymius,
Lightfoot, DR.. Hammond, DR.. Whedon. b.
The hour for effectiDg this particular miracle
had not yet been reached. He purposed to
wait till the supply of wine on hand was
wholly exhausted and real want was for a
little fully realized.
Bengel intimates the Mother of Christ
meant that on account of the probable CIV
ing out of provisions (the wine in particularly
he and his party, perhaps including herself,
had better withdraw; but Jesus declared it
was not yet time for them to retire from the
feast. He had in view the miracle which
he purposed to work as start-point in his
ministry.
z. Waterpots of stone. 6. Say, made of
stone-pots of stoneware. They were used
to hold water for washing hands before and
after meals, and for cleansing various arti-
cles. (St. Mt, 1872; st. Nix, 7:3, a st.
L., II: 39.) The Jews had numerous Gus
toms Of this kind--some commanded by the
law, others invented by men. Christ had
waterpots used so rs to render the miracle
still more impressive. II XII, Is: 1885,
A go0dly number was needed on account of
the large company.
g. Firkins. g. Say two and one-half
firkins in each waterproof. Estimate each
frkin at eight gallons. The entire amount of
wine, then, was 100 gallons. There was prob
ably enough anyway to last till the feast
ended, for Christ was not asked to repeat
the miracle. Perhaps the quantity when
used from the faucets did not decrease, thus
leaving the young couple supply for any
future use.
8. To the brim. Z. So no coloring- mat
ter, as e. &. wine, could be poured in addi-
tional 10 the water, causing the appearance
of wine. And, if full, the water surface
could be readily seen as such.
10. Believed on him. Say an him. They
must have believed in him before. Their
faith was, however, probably based on the
assertion of st. John Baptist. Now they
were confirmed in belief. They believed
more fully. Christ intimated to them in
! 81 that they would see still greater reason
to believe in Him.
II. Manifested forth. IL. Made known,
exhibited, displayed.
II. Glory. II. His divine character.
And this was Christs glory, inherent, unde
rived. 1:14.)
13 Beginning. H. This was the first of
our Savior's 38 specific miracles.
IA. Miracles. II. A miracle WAS TO
Christ an attestation of his divinity-a sup
port to faith in Him on the part of His fol-
lowers
6, Suggestions.
We are oppressed by the great number of
practical thoughts:
/. Always invite Jesus to be present and
to bless the union of marriage. He ought
to be expected at every wedding. (V. p
2. Marriage is right. Our Savior graced
a nuptial party by his presence and aid.
" Marriage is honorable" Heb, Is: d.
3. Never be premature. Have time for
everything. ". d.
A. Do not lose confidence in God because
of delay. Have patience God often waits
to aid until our resources are totally ex-
pended and we feel want, and not simply
it. Thus we appreciate his gifts
more. His hour comes when all we have is
gone.
5. Children should obey their Heavenly |
Father in religious matters, even if counter |
10 parents views. Religious duties are be-
tween God and each person, and out of pa
rental control whenever God and the parent |
do not harmonic. ". a.
6. Do not indicate to Jesus. Let him and |
our Father above adjust our matters-(a) as
to their features; ~ as to time.
T. We are invited to a marriage festival. |
Let us get ready. (Rev., 9:7-9) We shall |
sup with Christ, (Rev., 8: 20,) and drink the |
new wine Mar, IA: 25