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

INTRODUCTIoN.-.As remarked in the
notes on the lesson Of June 20 QV) the
latter part of Paul's letter to the Romans
is deduction from the earlier part. or an
application of the doctrine OF Justification
by faith He evidently seeks to correct
tho mistake, IL 1t arose i'll any mind, that
the free forgiveness of the sinner by a
sovereign prerogative, carried with 1T any
license to subsequent SHINING. on tho
contrary holy living Is enjoined upon all
who are thus by faith restored to Divine
favor. Verse y. The remission OF PEN
atty because of penitence obligates hence
forth supreme regard TO the law and SUI
preme service to the Law-givcr. (Ch. vi,
1-0. In our lesson today, the apostle out
lines the new life of the believer under
several important heads. The themes
are stated in brief sentences that appear
to be but little related. 1t is therefore
difficult to make any close analysis, but
the one here used will be helpful, though
imperfect. AS we proceed in the study 1t
will be noticed that the apostle gravitates
between inward conditions and outward
expressions, the life and its fruitage.
AFFECTIONS. - AT the beginning
Oversees and 10) we have directions con-
cerning the affections, the heart being
the fountain ond demanding chief atten-
tion. prov. iv, 28. Paul seeks to pro-
mote brotherly love among the Roman
Christians, recognizing the fact that they
sustain the most intimate relations to
each other, and that, therefore, they
should cultivate a special regard among
themselves. U Peter. II, I'D. Three items
are here mentioned concerning brotherly
love-it must "be without discrimination"
free from hypocrisy, absolutely genuine;
1t must be KINDLY" disposed to do good; I;
1t must awaken a sense of honor so that
each would prefer the other" Q Peter V,
%, causing one to allow position and priv
ilege to brethren rather than to claim
them for himself. And yet this affection
must not blind the eyes of the Christian
to questions of right and wrong. He must
at the same time abhor that which is evil,
and, forsaking it, he must always cleave
ito that which is good" Psalm xxxiv,
lD. Or, to state 1t more briefly, a gem
uine, active, deferential affection for the
brethren must be Joined with a sincere,
supreme and uncompromislng love for
Righteousness.
BUSINESS. Christian life must be
broader than the church relations. 1t
must regulate all intercourse with the
great outside world. Paul therefore next
refers to mans business pursuits (verse
p, in sentence aeapted to our time. He
declares that enc must not be slothful
q Thess. iv, p, implying that an earnest
pursuit of a chosen calling is a duty.
The reason for such injunction may be
readily found in the welfare of the indi-
vidual and of society as whole. He who
goes sluggishly to his secular task be-
trays ignorance of the deep import of all
earthly undertakings and brings dishonor
upon Him whom he processes to repro
sent and serve. prov. X, 2G). And yet to
avoid ,anothe~ extreme, that of becoming
absorbed in the earthly service, the apos-
tie applies the corrective. A man must
temper his industry by a fervent religious
spirit, and he must do all as 81 servant of
God. q. Cor. X, 81. 1t is possible to man.
age a factory, the shop and the store with
an eye single to the glory of God.