The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-02-19

that would soon cover them with re-
proach. In the street they must shake
the dust from their feet--an Oriental
practice, signifying condemnation, there
by announcing the sin of the people. And
what shall be the outcome? In the day
when God judges that city, not the gem
eral judgment of the world at the last
day (Rev. XXX, 12), but at the time when
He estimates a city's character and sends
retribution, the rejectors shall be deemed
more guilty than the people of Sodom and
Gomorah, who were destroyed by fire
(Gen. XIX. Fearful retribution. These
words were designed to make the apos-
ties feel the dignity and the solemnty
of their mission ana to lead them into
the most Jealous performances of duty.
A life and death errand was committed
to them.
THE CHARGE.-(Verse 16). The oppo-
stion which the apostles would encounter
appears to have come vividly to the Saw
iour's mind, as well 1t might, because of
His own experiences. Hence He fore
warns them by declaring, Behold, l send
you forth as sheep in the midst Of
wolves" beautiful tribute to them, a
scathing denunciation of their enemies
On that account He enjoins them to be
wise as serpents and'harmless as doves"
No animal equals the serpent in it's rap
idity aud skill in escaping from injury.
None Is more worthy to be an emblem Of
purpose Gen. i'll, d. best with diff
culties. To all that must be added simple,
inoffensive upriGhtness, such that no one
can justly bring any accusation. Or
briefly, harm no one, but be very careful
not to be harmed. In these few words
our Lord did not enjoin what some now
teach-a careless presumption upon Di-
vine providence-but rather that c1rcum-
spection and innocence which Providence
always employs in the protection of
men.
CONCLUSION. - Note these instruc-
tions. !. The minister should go where
Jesus sends him. There is right order
and direction in religious effort there
are strategic points to be taken first
(Acts xvi, 81. 2. The compassion of Jesus
survives ell the ill-treatment He re-
ceives. Though many turned against
Him, yet, like a good shepherd CJohn X,
~, He regards the wayward people as
lost sheep and sends messengers to fold
them III Peter iii, 81. 3. The Gospel is
free. No man, entering the ministry,
may fix a price upon it (Acts viii, 49,.
But he is entitled to a support, a living,
as good as that OF those to whom he min
listers q Cor tx, Ia. They may take him
! home and divide with him or supply a
home for him. 4. The best lodgings for
u minister are in the homes of the pious,
not in the place of worldly pride and
| wealth. There he may bless and BE
| blessed free from criticism and rempta-
| tion. 5. An urgent cause demands sacri-
| flee. He who goes to the poor may best
| go poor. But woe to the rich who suffer
| Gods ministers to want (Gal. vi, g.. There
are two proper measures of minister $
! income two extremes between which it
may vibrate-that pittance which he
( cheerfully accepts for the Masters sake
| when necessity requires. that abund-
ance which grateful wealth may bestow
| 6. In every work for Jesus men ought tc
| combine wisdom and harmlessness. This
world must be saved through the instru-
mentality of sanctified brains.