The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-12

ly subordnated Timothy, but at the same
time they homer him, and must have been
received with great favor.
NKFUL.-P next opens his
heart as If unable to control his generous
emotion toward the one beloved oversees
and 3D. He declares his thankfulness for
the friendship of Timothy, as he had done
for the fidelity of the Roman Christians
(Rom. |, 81, and of the Ephesian saints,
(E,ph l. 1s). He processes that his SER
vice for God antedates his conversion and
reaches back to his forefathers CActs
xxii, 81, an announcement that his whole
life has been consecrated. He says that
in prayer he ceases not to remember
Timothy day or night, according to his
habit of personal petition Il Thes. l, y.
He refers to Timothy's tears, shed per-
haps at their parting (Acts Xxx, 1888, or
under the influence of instruction given,
and expresses an earnest desire to see
him, expecting that the meeting would
give him joy. How wonderful that the
heart of man can thus recall the sweet
associations of other days and yearn for
a reunion! Separation by a thousand
miles awakens memory, intensifes love,
and kindles holy desire and hope.
HEREDITARY.--Thus far the letter
had expire ssed the value of the relations
subsisting between the two men, and the
regard arising from those relations. Next
the thought turns to an estimate of Tim
othys real worth (verse 81. 1t was after
all his "unfeigned faith" that made him
so dear to the apostle, quality which
had been previously mentioned as the end
of all holy desire and achievement Il Tim.
l. 3D. A man free from all hypocrisy,
truthful and good, is universally admired.
Besides, Timothy came Of good stock. his
father was a Greek, but his mother and
grandmother were pious Jewish women,
who turned to Jesus on Paul's frst mis-
| sioniry tour in Iconium (Acts xiv, 19).
| 1t is evident that the regard for Timothy
was increased by the fact that he was
| descended from such coed women. How
| ever much we may rejoice over the con-
| version Of one raised up out Of degrade
| tion, we can never have as much genuine
| confidence in him as in one who has an
! inheritance of virtue. After the mock
sentimentalism OF some it is high time to
| put a premium on those who come OF
| truly good families, and who honor their
parents by walking in their footsteps
| (Ex Xxx, l2).
| REMINDING.-An this was intended ia
prepare Timothy for Pauls first advice
| oversees and D. The son Of such a
mother, held in high esteem by the emil
nent apostle to the Gentiles, was remind
| ed Of the office into which he had been in
Quoted, for he had been ordained to the
Christian ministry by the imposition OF
Paul's hands (Acts vi, 81, and he is nov
urged to great faithfulness u Tim. iv, 40
Stir up the gift of God" he says, a fig
ure of speech in which grace is likened tC
fire that needs to be stirred up lest II &c
out q Thes. " 19. In this there is Q
suggestion that possibly Timothy was re-
firing I'm his disposition, disposed tC
shrtlk from public service. He is remind
ed as a further incentive that the Scrip
ture was not given to awaken his diff
dence oS fear but rather to impair
strength and love and mental soundness
Coming from his superior, his old precep
tor and dearest friend, these words mus
have awakened Timothy to a higher ap
probation OF his duty as a minister o
Christ. Many men need only to be re