The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-25

By Rev. JAMES E. GILBERT,
Secretary OF the American Society of Re
lgious Education.
CONTEXT.-There is but little space be-
tween his lesson and that of last week.
The parable of the prodigal son was fol-
lowed by the parable OF the unjust steward.
duke xvi, 1-13.) In the latter Jesus ex-
hibited the perversity of the Jewish leaders,
to whom had been committed the admins
tration OF the kingdom OF God, as the
stewards Of its mysteries. who used their
power not for the glory of God. but for
their own profit. He had uttered these
things as a warning to the disciples. de-
claring that they could not serve God and
mammon. luke xvi, 49, But the Pharisees
overheard and derided Him.. 1t became
necessary, therefore, to speak directly to
them and expose their practices. The situa-
ton was embarrassing. The apostles, under
training to be the future leaders and teach
ers. must be preserved against the contain
mating influence of these worldly minded
men. If they became sordid, a danger to
which they were greatly exposed. then the
whole Christian system would be involved.
To teach them on this subject and TO shed
some light on the relation OF this world
TO the next. Jesus delivered the parable of
the rich man and Lazarus.
CONDITION.-This parable presents two
men whose worldly lot Is in striking con-
trast. The first has extreme wealth. Two
items are mentioned concerning him-he was
clothed in purple and fine linen; and he
Jared sumptuously every day. His apparel
represented the two most honored classes.
purple being worn by kings Judges viii. go.
and fine linen by priests eek xviii, 40, so
that he had the insignia of all possible Dig
nifty. His food was in harmony with his
attire. The richest viands and the choicest
fruits brought from distant parts and served
table, and many guests of the wealthy and
honored were doubtless welcomed In q most
hospitable manner. So he lived in daily
splendor, luxury and jovial mirth. The other
man was a beggar, a member OF that large
class to be found then. as now. In all East
ern countries Luke XVIII; 49, afhicted as the
daily at the gate of the rich mar that he
might obtain the food that fell from the
rich mans table. (Acts Ill. % There the
dogs licked his sores. as they came in like
manner to receive their supplies Matt XIV,
I'D These, then, are the extremes In the
socias scale in the estimation OF men-none
could be higher than the first, none lower
than the second.
CHARACTER.IOur Savior has made the
matter of property SO prominent as quite to
obscure the item of character. Concerning
the first 1t is not said that he acquired
wealth by ~iniquity, that he robbed widows
and orphans. or that he used false weights
and measures. Gev. xix, ss) He may nave
inherited his possessions, or gathered them
by careful, pains-taking business. Neither is
fra saIa ihs' cr rec aaei He IL is not n accused Of
adultry. or drunkenness, or blasphemy. 1t
is not stated that he was uncharitable, re-
s lss eaSaI aSs silent feIl al as t to tR Ps' 6esg rne Rf f does
attempt whatever to portray his virtues.
tie, prayerful: but the Scripture says moth
ing on these matters. And yet the ordinary
reader will derive the impression that one
was bad and the other good. " words
.Sumptuous living signified ungodly living
(Ezek. xvi. 49,. an utter disregard Of re-
lig:ous things; The name Of c che beggar;
in Scripture gohn xl, 2, meant Goo my
PLEssEDNEss.%The beggar saint died
first, as might have been expected under
such circumstances Righteousness tends to
xci, 1s,. and sin shortens life. prov. ii. %
But there are merciful exceptions to this
law. When Lazarus died his troubles ended
disposition OF his body. That was of little
value. Long diseased 1t had been a burden.
Happy day when 1t was laid aside. even
though il may have been taken to the pot
ter's field! But his soul. the real man. was
carried away by angels. sent to receive II
Heb. 1, 40, into the bosom OF Abraham.
mems sn0w VI t inat %s pf wai h hoasehoid E a
i'll, 15) of which that eminent patriarch was
the head. composed of the righteous OF all
admitted into the most endearing relation,
not unlike that granted to the be.oved
apostle John kill. 2D. an Intimacy that
delightful; because Of the previous earthly
distresses. QI Cor. Nv. III All this occurred
without delay. One moment with the dogs
in poverty. the next moment with Abraham
MfSERY.-The rich man also died. His
wealth could not purchase immunity from
whom no physician could master. fRom. v,
I'D Death terminated his Joys and intro,
duced his sorrows. 1t is expressly stated
paid decent respect to his body. the mortal
part of which had chiefly engaged his at
tention. That long procession OF friends and
evidence OF sorrow as they passed to the
narrow house. the last resting place. But
the rich mans. soul lifted up It's eyes IN
out convoy. acts /. 3D. Suddenly from an
earthly mansion to the abcdes Of the lost!
II any shrink from this statement: remember
lies of love Is invested with tremendous in
terest. In that abode the man was in tor
ments. The text implies that his suffering
was so great that he lifted his eyes 20 con-
template his surroundings. If possible to dis.
cover some mode OF relief. The breyity OF
the description prompts one 10 nj IN details
In the unutterable horrors Of the new state
Rom. II. %
PLEADING.-The wandering gaze beheld
Abraham afar of and Lazarus in his
bosom. One realm was visible from the
other, though remote. This interesting fact
is sufficient ground for the old doctrine
that the Place of departed spirits Is in two
adjacent sections, and We know from the
words OF Jesus that at least one OF those
sections Is subdivided. John xiv. - The
rich man, In his sorrow, was not only able
to see Abraham In his JOY. but to speak
TO him as well. This was his only ground
of hope, based on the goodness OF the patri-
arch. 1t was a small favor that he asked
that Lazarus might come and cool his
tongue. Behold how quickly the fortunes
OF these men are changedi One pleading
for the ministrations OF the other. when a
short time ago that order was reversed.
In his cry for hep the intensity OF his suf-
fering Is proclaimed-"I am tormented in
this flame" What flame? Was 1t literal
fire? lisa. Xvi. 24.) One might at first so
conclude from several utterances in Scrip
ture. mark TX. AZ But. because spirits
cannot suffer from material fire, 1t must be
understood as figurative. II a man spend
Ills life in seeking earthly good. cultivaflng
the pleasures of sense, he must be In pain
when he enters the next life and those
things are removed. Perpetual longing for
the Impossible Is worse than the hottest
n -hhrahan ~o~,1A he.- 49,