The National tribune., 1897-05-13

60 all the OfeGnTens V. >.
c. The cases Of Cornelius and others were
mentioned by St. Peter. VI.
d. God had evidently chosen Gentiles. VI.
6. At different times the Holy Spirit had
descended converted, but uucircumcised,
Gentiles. Vs.
f. Apparently God showed no Partially in
favor of Jews when both Jews and Gentiles
were in consideration, when religious adj
vantages were offered. vs..
q. No unnecessary yoke should be put on
persons. V. TO-
h. Gentiles had shared in miracles and
wonders. v. IL.
i. 1t had been prophesied that GentiIes would
be included in the provisions for salvation.
vs.. 1913.
j. Genties should be excused from mere
forms. but no laxity should be allowed as to
them with reference to any compromise with
sin; no margin of liberty granted az to dOlatry.
They must separate fully and forever from any
possible alliance with heather customs doc
trines, etc. We. 20-29.
There could be liberal Interpretation OF mere
ceremonial Flaw" ". pa, but no compromise
Of the moral statutes. As to necessary things"
there must be positive unfinching stringency.
Sentence.-Read VS.. 1921. The sentence was
pronounced by st. James. He was probably
the presiding officer and spokesman of the Off
cal proceedings Of the Council. When we re-.
member the eHtire court consisted of Jews we
appreciate their wise decision. It was the
product of genuine Christian spirit. 1t was a
very brave sentence. issued. as it was. at the
Capital Of the Jewish Nation in the presence
of people most pronounced in their prejudices,
most bitter against Gentiles. Liberal as to
ritual, it had q severe ring as to moral obed-
ence. The separation Of Gentiles from all
heather practices was to be entire, immediate,
public. emphatic. National lines were to be
forgotten. ALI were to be one in Christine
Jew. no Greek, no Barbarian.
Sentence promntgated.- matter had been
referred to the Council at Jerusalem by repre-
sentatives from Antioch. A decision reached,
it was fitting it be formally announced at the
latter place. The company which had gone to
Jerusalem went back. With them, by appoint
ment Of the Council, went Judas (Barsabas) and
Siias tSilvaDus) to represent at Antioch the
Council at Jerusalem. We have the wording of
the document recorded in VS.. 1898, inclusive.
1t is clear, dignifed. authoritative.
SUGGESTIONS
This lesson is full of very practical hints.
We can point to only one now. It is suggested
by the words necessary things" in verse 20.
Great efforts are being made to unite the Chris.
favor this, and see no way to effect it save by
emitting in all proposed bases Of union any
thing not clearly necessary" to salvation.
May VIC not be helped by hints from a de.
livery Of the Hon. K P. Porter, ex-Superin.
tendent of tho 18th census? He said, referring
to reflections stirred up in his mind by the
statistics relating to religious matters fur
nisIled for the last 40 years:
mot only have tho statistics of the great
denominations been gathered and analysed,
but the numerous branches and off-shoots of
these religious associations have been picked
out and presented. with tho shades of differ.
cnce carefully noted. A close study of tho
doctrines and tenets Of these numerous associa-
tions dscloses the fact that but q shade of
difference exists between many of them A
superficial glance at the relations of these re-
ligous associations by layman like myself
suggests the thought that a consolidation and
capitalization OF some of these shades of re-
ligous belief would not be violent shock to
the consciences, and would strengthen the
great armies of Christians.
after the seven great denominations Con-
gregationa. Lutheran, Methodist. Presby to-.
rian. Roman Catholic, Baptist and Episcopal
have been accounted for the other l34 religious
associations represent less than Is per cent. of
the church edifices and less than IL per cent. of
the aggregate value Of church property. The
tendency to multiply sects or associations rep
resenting shades of religious beliefs often re-
suits in eight or 10 half.sustained religious
organizations in small cities or towns, when
the concentration of forces would give us four
or five strong churches with power to attract
non communicants into the fold. The Gems
returns point out the necessity of concentrate
ing the religious forces Of the country They
show the need Of fewer branch associations and
greater unity. These differences, slight as
they may seen to some, are often important
enough in small places to prevent the establish.
ment on strong financial basis of prosperous
house Of God with q strong and able preacher
of the gospel"