The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-06-19
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON.
june 20, 1S97-ROmans xiv, 1921.
BY DAVIS w. CLARK

IA
The very position of the Epistle to the Romans
in the New Testament canon is significant The
first name to greet the eye in the episolary Sec
ton is that of Rome. A Church bent on uni
versal conquest must needs capture that throne
of power. I he special object of the letter is to
strengthen the Christian congregation already in
existence there. This is done by for-fending
against sedition, rectifying existing evils and
comforting in of impending tribulation
But there is larger purpose in the
episte. What Paul said to Rome he said to the
world. for the world conferred there. Con-
sequently 1t is most catholic of epistles. Reiche
calls IL a universal popular representation of the
necessity, glory and excellence of the Christian
method of salvation combined with a brief exhi-
bition of genuine Christian feeling and conduct"
Though the church at Rome was a large
church, may be inferred the apostles
eXcrdium. and famous--its faith being spoken
of throughout the whole world''-it was unhan-
PLY divided church. Some knowing the moth
ingness OF an idol and the spiritual nature of
Christianity, urge and exercise their right to eat
meat without questioning whether or not it has
been used fer sacriicial purposes. They also dis
s% 5eprw s, 1qaisIa Opposed to these con.
the others, believing the Mosaic ritual still in
force and being superstitious about idols The
latter judge the former. The former despise the
latter To meet the case, Paul in per-
spicuous manner shows the relations of Judaism
and heathensm to each other, and of both to
Christianity. He urges a suspension of the
Judging propensity: also a sacrifice of personal
liberty for the welfare of others, and the SUI
premacy OF one's own conscience for himself
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES.
Why judge thy brother: Even a very silly
mans actions often more to the purpose
than his friends comments upon them.-Helps.
Judgment seat of Christi r. ", of God
Let all these differences be referred to
the arbitration of Christ at the last day.-Henry.
Each shall stand in solemn solitude before his
Divine Exsminer.-Moule,
Every tongue confess: Bow to the award OF
God upon their eharacter.--J.. F. and B.
Not Judge, but Judge; A beautiful play on
the word. - Persuaded by the Lord: AS
sured by particular revelation from him.
Benson
ing right when they act according to their
sciences for conscience is not the ultimate stand
ard of right, since it may be only partially
lightened. But always guilty when they
act contrary to their consciences, when they do
what they do not believe to be right.
Brother be grieved: Expresses bitter feeling pro-
duced in the heart Of the weak by the spectacle
Edify another: Encourage and aid one another
in Christian progress Abbott.
keeps up the metaphor suggested by edify. Build
up, do not destroy the Christian community
which God has founded in Christ.-International
It is good There is nothing except what is
sacrifice our liberty to charity.-Godet.
THE TEACHERS CULVER.
l. Paul was ideal mediator between the
FACTIONS which threatened TO rend the church.
He was both a Roman and Jew. thorough
Westerner, familiar with Roman law and Greek
classics but at the same time a graduate OF
the rabbinical school and Pharsee. He could
lay hand on each and make them
2. AS from a photograph. Pauls very voice
seems to to us-out of his epistles,
"Dsputant
On points and questions touching Moses's law"
He is in dead earnest to gain his end, but he is
generous toward his antagonists. patriotic toward
knSmen according Of
candor and kindness toward all.
3. The principles here irradiated of uni
versal application. The gertrude of final
counting with his Maker the part of every
rational SOUL to the righteousness of the de-
crees of which each shall consent. In view OF
this, the duty of suspending Judgment upon
each other. The supremacy of ones
science for ones own self. The duty of charity
in foregoing for the sake Of others the liberty
which we might otherwise conscientiously enjoy.