The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-09-11
Rom. XII, 9-21.

VIRTUES.-Whcther in the church or
out of 1t, as much out of it as in It, a man
will have opportunity to display many
virtues which are here commended.
(Verses ~ and 10. First a joyful antici-
patton of the future, or hope tPhil. iii, -;
second, patience( Heb. X, 36), under the
misfortunes of the present; third, a con-
stant exercise in prayer duke xviii, y,
knowing that Divine grace is always
needed; furth contributions to the needs
of Others; fifth, hospitality. ready to snare
with Others the comforts of home. (Heb.
iii, p. These virtues adjust the soul to
as many different RELATIONSHIP the ex-
pected good, to the present adversity, to
the help of God, to the misfortune of
others, to the demands of strangers and
friends. They call into play many noble
traits of the spiritual life exhibit charac-
ter in its best aspects, render life more
enjoyable, attract the good will of nen
and secure tehe favor of God. Each of
these virtues grows in some degree in
every believing heart. but cultivation will
increase their growth. Hence the apos-
ties command.
PERSECUTION. - The next precept
(verse 1D Is now but little needed. There
was a time when he who attempted to
serve God would find serious and even
cruel opposition. In that intolerant age
those who did not agree with them. (Acts
XVI, 81. Our Lord forewarned His dis
ciples that they would suffer at the hands
of enemies as He had done (John XIV, S0),
and He assured them that it would be to
their great profit. Matt. v, p. Here the
apostle inculcates the spirit of meek
ness and of non-resistance, even as the
Saviour had done. Luke vi, 2S-29) For
every injury received the Christian must
return a blessing. He must be particular
ly careful not to invoke any i'll, Cursing,
imprecation, wrath, are unbecoming a
follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. who
prayed for His enemies. Uuke Xxiii:3i,)
even while suffering the most eXcruciat-
ing, pain at their hands. So that the apos-
tie is here only re-affirming and applying
the teaching of the Master.
SYMPATHY.-It is exceedingly difficult
for a Christian to adjust himself properly
toward the different classes whom he is
called to meet and to cherish the right
spirit toward each. The natural man has
his attachments and antipathies. What
shall the follower of Jesus do? Verses Is
and 16 call him to sympathetic state
With those who rejoice, he must rejoice
with those who weep. he must weep. Il
Cor. xii:26) This is only the principle. of
love manifested toward the fortunate and
the unfortunate. But in the sympa thetic
condition one is measurably plastic, re-
ceiving impressions for good or i'll. 1t
would be natural to look most favorably
upon the fortunate. Two rules are laid
down. both wholesome, to meet any such
result There must be the same mind or
disposition toward ala uniform bearing,
regardless of another's lot. Furthermore
be cautious, lest those who are in exalted
| station gain the greater favor, and, to
avoid this, condescend, bend down or
stoop to the lowly and humble. Matt Xi
29) This is also another expression of
love, a regard for those who are beneath
us being a sure proof that our hearts are
moved by generous impulses. duke xiv,
1S-14)