The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-21

CONTEXT.-In the chapter preceding
our lesson, Paul considered the subject
of spiritual gifts, about which it is evil
dent the Corinthians had some dispute.
Many of them aspired to the chief places
in the church, desirous of the honor that
might come therefrom Extraordinary
offices and powers conferred upon minis
ters for the conviction of linbelievers and
the propagation of the gospel were COW
eted as investing the holders with dignity
and emitting them to reverence. The
apostle shows the origin and design of
such bestowments and urges that all the
members of the church are entitled to
consideration only as parts of one great
whole, the body of Christ. He closes the
chapter by proposing to show them a
more excellent way of life. That way he
unfolds in the thirteenth chapter, where
in he represents the excellence of char
ity by which he means, not alms-giving,
but love in its fullest and most extern
sive sense.
DISSEMINATING value of any disposi-
ton or quality readily appears when it is
taken away. Paul selects tve of those
graces which may be justly esteemed, and
shows--that unless love is joined with
them they are utterly worthless. (Verses
l to 80 The gift of tongues, an ability to
speak all the languages on earth with
the greatest propriety and fuency; the
gift of prophecy Matt vii: 22D and un-
derstanding of all the mysteries and
knowledge of Divine things, illumined by
the spirit of God; the gift of faith, the
faith that works miracles mark Xi: 23D
the woodworking power displayed by
men of God; the outward act of charity
even to the bestowment of ones goods
on the poor; the act of suffering, even to
allow the body TO be burned-all these are
protitless unless prompted and governed
by love. They are useless TO the one who
possesses them, to the world in general,
and to God and His cause, So that ac-
cording to this teaching, in all these
traits and activities of the Christian life,
so beautiful in themselves, the one es-
sential thing is a benevolent mind.
VICTORIOUS-NeX see what love,
when present. can and does accomplish.
Werses to ~ 1t triumphs over all evil.
1t Is long-sufferlhg in the midst of injury
and provocation, restraining resentment,
Indignation and revenge a. Peter, iv. 81
1t Is kind, benign, courteous and obliging,
seeking TO be useful, seizing opportunity
| to do good. 1t subdues envy, is not
greved at the good fortune of others.
neither at their honors or estates. 1t
| suppresses pride and vain-glory, (Phil IL:
A. is not bloated with self-conceit, does
not swell upon its acquisitions, nor AFRO
gate to itself that which does not belong
| to it, 1t does not pass the bounds of de-
| cency or propriety, but behaves towards
| all men, as becomes their rank and sta
| ton, with reverence to superiors and con-
| descenson to interiors, 1t is an enemy to
! selfishness and has no inordinate desire
! for praise. 1t restrains the passions,
| sweetens and softens the mind and thinks
| no evil. 1t finds pleasure, not in doing
injury to any (Rom. 1; 32) but in promot-
| ing truth 1t bears burdens and covers
fat11 &c II hll oil af
others, cherishing kind opinions of all
until forced to change them by we'll
| known facts,
| ENDURING.-The excellence of Chris
tian love is next exhibited by contrast
in the higher life. Indeed, they must put
| away the earlier and accept the later
they must come under the dominion OF
| love. II they would be matured into 1.-THE
| fuiness of the measure OF the stature OF
perfect men in Christ Jesus" How ex-
] cellent then is that grace which builds