The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-12-26

rlchly perIumeu incense 10 Hoat away ON the
air.
H. Angel H. Supposedly the Angel Ga
briel. Angels have much to do in our interest.
They were greatly concerned about cur saliva
ton. The form was probably that of an ap-
parently incsrnated man. IL is not likely
Zacharias had ever before seen an Angel, and
that he felt much fear is no wonder. VS.. IL,
13.
10. Joy and gladness. a. These words are
not only slightly different in meaning, but
their use is to make the fact Of delight more
emphatic-a sort Of dwelling on a desirable
thought.
13. Many. ID. Doubtless Zscharias and
Elizabeth were greatly congratulated when
their son was born. We can imagine neighbors
and friends gathering at the priests home and
saying many happy words to the venerable
father and mother But more yet. Many still
rejoice at the birth of St. John Baptist. We
are happy our Savior had n forerunner so faith.
ful as Zscharias's son. We have day in the
Church Kalendsr for keeping in memory his
birth and mission.
IA. Verse Is shows ST. John Baptist was
Nazarine-one who took on himself very strict
VOWS. NJ. 6: 2-2l.
To- Filled. 10. Under the influence of the
Holy Spirit.
16 Turn 16 We read the life of st. John
Baptist and find he led hosts Of persons to rec.
ognze Christ rs their Savior.
II. In the spirit and power of Elias (Elijah).
V. IL In spirit and power like those ex-
hibited by that great prophet; full of energy
and very effective; not zeal without strength,
nor power to do with no disposition to use il;
spiritual power. Connect Holy Ghost Spirit
of verse Is with spirit and (of) power in verse
II.
49, Before him. V. IT. Before him in time.
st. John Baptist was born six months before
Christ, and began his ministry six months
before Jesus entered on his work mission.
Before him +" has also the sense of introd ucing
him to the world
49, We see the work of st. John Baptist was
Embellishments and civil. paternal and gov
ernmental Families should become interested
in each other. Society is concerned in having
all the subjects obey the laws and maintain
Justice in community. 1t is sad when fathers
are not concerned for their offspring 1t is
serious sta'e of things when the laws dis
obeyed and injustice gains place.
90 People prepared. IL. There is call for
a pause in ordinary afairs-a separation at
times from secular concerns for religious
thought or work. A part Of the work OF every
clergyman is to instruct people in such lines
as may best fit them for becoming followers of
Christ. preliminary training is necessary.
The work, in large part, Of the Sunday school
is to make ready body of children prepared
for the Lord-dscipIined for religious duties,
practiced in obedience. So of the home of
our schools for secular instruction. All train
ing should look forward to the preparation of
children for Church and state.
Suggestions.
l. We SEQ in Zacharias and Elizabeth a beau
tifnl instance of an exemplary marriage. 1t is
evident too. that such consistency-such de-
votiOn 10 each other-wa5 due to the cultiva-
ton of pety. In domestic life pure religion
is a guarantee of harmony. When so many
homes are wrecked when divorces are so
numerous, when family life is often quarrel
some. the question of cause comes up and wants
answer. While the Protestant branch OF the
Church does not regard marriage in the light
OF a sacrament. yet it does not to have the
public understand it imagines that marriage
should he entered into lightly or lived without
the spirit of Christ. The demand of the COun-
try to-day is for homes built the principles
of Gods Word. Marriage must be magnified
in its sacredness Divorces should be rare and
always dreaded-never sought save as the last
resort; never granted for minor reasons; never
bought. never sold. Tho home of Zacbarias
and Elizabeth was model. The character of
the parents gives tone to the home. They who
are parents should in special be devout, so that
the first impressions of children may inspire
them to goodness.
9. We must learn to obey. g. The power to
do this is first element of success. No one
bedent" in Y. II.
3. Cultivate righteousness. V. 6. Try to
maintain good status in society. Commend
your conduct to your associates. If you cannot
escape human blame, try to gain divine APP
prevail. Persons may raise a wrong standard
or mis- Judge, but God is always fair.
a. We learn that prayer is acceptable to God.
Let it daily ascend as incense from the altar of
your hearts God hears prayer. V. IL.
,. Angels are our mil istering spirits. " IL.
q. Seek the influence of the Holy spirit. V.
10.
Z. Temperance principles should be taught
and practiced
8. Be forerunners of Christ. Get things
ready for him. Remove obstacles Prepare
his way.
o. Justice is wisdom. To be Just is the part
of discretion. TO love and obey God proofs
we fear God, and the fear of God is the begin
ming of wisdom.
TO- Turn to the Lord. Is, IL. Head for the
right. Walk in paths that lead to holiness.
Turn away from sin.
Prayer.
Almighty God, by whose providence thy
servant John Baptist was wonderfully born,
and sent to prepare the way of Thy Son our
Savior, by preaching repentance; make TO
follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may
truly repent according to his preaching; and
after his example constantly sneak the truth,
boldly rebuke vice. and patiently suffer for the
truths sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.