The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-26

Nov. ~, 1S9S-PrOverbs Nv, 1919.
The Old Testament is not old. 1t is virile and
practical in it's application to current life. No
better illustration of 1t than the Book of Prov
cribs. aptly called the philosophy of life and the
sanctihcation Of common sense These pithy
periods stand as substitutes for extended argu-
ments. They stick in memory like arrows In .
target. The book is splendidly broad. 1t does not
harp or lecture 1t hreathes the kindliest OF
spirits While sufficiently specific for practical
purposes. 1t as a rule deals with general prin-
ciples. For example, the intenperance against
which II animadverts lis not merely the unre-
strained of intoxicating liquors but that self
indulgence which mansfestS itself In many re-
pulsive and destructive forms Though this book
Of proverbial philosophy hurls It's Javelias with
unerring aim at various vices, 1t Is readily ad-
any other: The best temperance tract IN the
world could be made up of these Solomonlo
aphorisms, printed without note or comment.
Old? Yes, three thousand years old, but far
from effete. They picture the costliness shame
funess useiessnesS aeaore mes or ~ tb BibIs
is that II does net merely animadVert--
it straightway presents the antidote. 1t does not
only criticise 1t cures. 1t aiiiTms wisdom
in the heart 70 be the sovereign safe
The way Of wisdom loved and adhered to
insures safety-and liberty tool The freest are
!H straitened'" They do not stumble They i've
in the best sense OF the word. Others exist. Here
Solomon waves a red lantern across the path o.
"AVoId,@ Turn Pass! The contrast be-
tween obedience ana dlsODeulence Is Indb Oh sum
rise and midnight
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES.
Hear: Look at the result Of the two courses o.
life.-Com. Com
My son: These instructions are addressed IN
fatherly tones to all youth.-Detsch.
Years many: Because Kept from the vices which
shorten mems days.-Gray
Steps not straitened: Ample ROOM. F. B.
Instruction. Let her be wrapped up in the very
center Of thy affections that she may spring te\
every desire.--Clarke.
Enter not: Our teacher, like faithful guide,
having shown the right paths, warns OF the
by-paths into which are in danger Of being
drawn-Henry.
Go not: Soon as sensible of mistake retire inn
mediately.--Ibid.
Pass away: Speed from it.-Clarks.
They sleep not AS a man given to sin cannot
rest from sinning.Whittle.
Shining light: Light Of the rising sun--Gray.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
FTrst-Here Solomon appears in noblest form.
greater far than when directing fleets and car
avans, building temple receiving queen; or
writing sonnets and proverbs discoursing
natural history. There is here the loftiest moral
purpose; a paternal and persuasive appeal TO
virtue. He seeks TO shelter and caution the in
experienced and tempted,
Second-The broadness of the Bible is illus
trated. Here is a Temperance lesson in which
intoxicants and drinking not mentioned. The
book deals mainly with principles.
Third-Obedience is liberty 1t may not always
seem so. Look at that railroad track How
stiff. straight narrow How constrained the We
hice which traVerses II! Step aside and let the
Limited express passi DO you call that bond
age? the contrary! Conformity to the track gives
speed, comfort safety.