The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-07-31
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON
Aug. 1, 1so7-Acts xviii, LII.
BY DAVIS w. CLARK.

10y DAVIS ". CIARh.
CCrinth was the Venice of the Old World q"
The rich commercial streams of East and West
ccrnmngied in her double tide" The natural
beauty of her situation, combining as it did in
a remarkable and advantageous manner
acropos. isthmus and sea, was enhanced by such
architectural effects only Greeks knew how
TO make. The city cleaned in chiseled marble
and far famed Corinthian bronze. But all
a handsome veneer for a moral leprosy
Ccrinth ''hot-bed of wealth, excitement
ard vice. the most lascivious city of a deprayed
Art and philosophy, after a period suffi-
GENTLY long for experimental purposes. had proved
themselves impotent to mitigate, much less re-
form. One day in the year SO A. d. a
journeyman tent-maker entered the city. He was
penniless. and had idea where he could get
supper and a bed. He had been scourged at
Philippi put under bonds not to retLra to Thes-
salonca, and Knocked at Athens. But when
Claudns banished Acquina from RoIne he was
the instrument Of a kindly Providence. 1t was
that this Jew, originally from the shore of the
Black sea, might here in COrinth shelter his fell
lcw-countryman and craftsman. Thus unobsecved
the kingdom of heaven entered the Isthmian city
to effect there what aesthetics and philosophy
failed TO do. Paul Immediately began preaching
a gospel WHICH is Gods saving power. AS
he walked about this Vanity Fair of the Roman
empire his zeal burning as it was received
an Increment He was pressed and straitened to
accomplish his mission. > = But the Hebrew
ecclesiastical establishment in Corinth had not
the grace of the Baptist to say, THE Church
must increase, the synagogue decrease Their
jealousy famed out IN protane opposition Paul
took courageous stand. The incident ac-
tually overruled for the promotion OF the gospel.
1t by this that, though
Christianity was in a sense an evolution from
Judaism, the racial limitations and severe cere-
monial Of the latter did not inhere in the former.
Under the refining power or the gospel,
cross of Him whose followers were commanded
to walk in light, and have no Fellowship with the
Unfrutful works of darkness, cleaned above the
temple of Venus, which once sheltered thou
sand prostitutes. And Corinth was redeemed
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES.
Came to Corinth: Who could dream that this
travel-stained man. going from one tent-maker's
door to another seeking work, was carrying the
future of the world beneath his robe.-Stalker.
PRISCILLA: A pioneer of the devoted band of
women workers who have now for eighteen hum
dred years done such splendid work for their
Lords cause in all climes and among all people.
-Schaff.
And wrought: Apostles course gives us an in
stance of how spirituality of mind and a la
bcrious occupation co-exist.-McCullagh.
Tent-makers: Tents were in large demand by
Paul pressed in spirit: r. v, Was constrained
by the Word Meaning IS Paul was engross Sc
arrival of his friends. and stimulated to greater
activity in the work of preaching the word-Vin-
cent.
He reflected upon truth until it filled and
Shook his raiment: Nothing that pertained to
them should cling 70 him;-Cambridge Bible
a statement of fact that by their resistance they
brought destruction upon themselves. -Gloag.
jew and Gentle to meet.--Cambridge Bible.
And Crspus believed: Paul's decided conduct
AIDE others equally decided-Lindsay
I have much people: They not appointed
to become Christians any more than all the
Corinthians In all was the same power of ac-
ceptanee. Divine prescience foresaw who would
accept and styles that class by anticipation the
Lords people.-Whedon.
Though now serving at heather affairs. Slaves
now of the grossest vices, nevertheless they are
vile dust-heaps to gather out my jewels-Guthrie.
THE TEACHERS CULVER.
/. How little Paul dreamed in days of wealth
and power he would ever have to the trade
ne had been taught in boyhood. But that no
irsigr ificant element in constituting him choice
vessel. He could prove his disinterestedness by
self-support. Shows he sought them and not
theirs
2. All great soul-winners are those who. like
Paul, pressed in the spirit. Knox cried,
Give me Scotland, or die" Whitfield, Give
3. 1t is to Crispuss honor that he believed
with his house. The man who says, L Will
himself an almost insurmountable obstacle.
Joshua struck the right key when he said, AS
4. Cornth is rich in historical associations.
Byron afIirms that if the bones of those slain
there We're piled again, the pyramid would rise
no event that ever transpired there can compete
ir Importance with the humble entrance of the
5. Jerry McAulev planted his gospel-shop next
70 te t bnt pa I1 IA IN CnTntb ~
took the house of Justice. the convert, next door
to the synagogue. and made 1t headquarters OF
Christianity in Corinth
g. Speak and hold not thy peace!' is a good
antidote to religious detection
Z. [ lived three years in a paper-making town
filthy, infected rags transmitted into substance
hearts of the Corinthians what art Of man did for
the refuse textiles. q Cor. vi, Q, 10, III