The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-11-26

again to the good way Verse 1S. But
this time il is not merely the way of
wisdom, presented in verse II, good
because regulated by virtue, but it Is
the sclf-Chosen path of the just which
Is considered. This is declared to be
bright and shining as the light, shin
ing more and more as the Just man adj
vances even unto the perfect day, the
time when all the shadows of earth
disappear i'm the unCeGsir" splendor
of heavenly glow CRev. xxi. 2j). What
makes that pathway luminous? Gods
smile rests upon IL, the light or favor
of His Countenance psalm lyxNiv. 15),
a brightness above that of the sun g
sam. xiii. ~. not natural like that
given to Paul on his way to Damas-
Gus (Acts iX. ., but spiritual. vastly
more important menticner later by
the same apostle 60 Cor iv. g.. Be
sides. there is the light which proceeds
directly from the Just man Matt. V.
40, who was maze to shine tPhil, ii.
lO, so that others might understand
his coed works and on that account
slorify God Matt. V. 16). In other
words, the just man, passing through
the world, makes bright path.
DARK WAY.--ln opposition to this
luminous path wisdom calls attention
to the way of the wicked, which is not
only evil but dark. Verse 19D The
distinction is important. 1t is bad
enough for one to enter upon course
of living that will be beset by trouble
at every step, ending In disaster IL
is infinitely worse TO have that course
tsnif gn a.
ed that the real cause of the troue!e
will not appear at any time. Nhat
moment accident or peril may arise no
one knows. Walking on in the I'M
penetrable darkness, stumbling against
unseen objects, liable to fall at any
moment, without knowing where or
how-such is the state of the wicked.
q. Samuel ii. 81 The patriarch under
stood this. dob, xviii, g. Cropping.
| haltng. stumbling, the sinner passes
along his way Usaah. liX, lO). un-
! able to go forward or backward or to
| either hand with CompOsure Jeremiah,
xiii. 1g. always peering into the
| gloom for some ray OF light and hope.
only to be disappointed and filed with
| fear. CHebrews, X, 27) This closing
picture Of our lesson is by no means too
| dreary. 1t has been presented to many
who have trembled under the awful
condition of their souls.
| Stripped of all flSu-
rative language our lesson presents a
strong plea for righteousness. Here
| stands the combined wisdom of CEN
turies lifting up her voice to those who
are just entering into life. proverbs
i. 20-21D The right way is pointed out
the way of the just. leading to long
| life shining way ending in the bless
ednoss of eternal life. The wrong way
| is shown in which go wicked men who
| delight in mischief, way that is dnri
! and uncertain. constantly heset witt
| danger. Here Is the double argument
! by the alluremeuts and promises OF
! the one side. by the peris and warn
ings on the Other--the true life Is Of
fpred 1t is for every person to choose
| Doutermony, xxx, l5) and thus deter
! mine his portion and his destiny
! Throughout the entire life comes The
! tender voice urging the choice of good
| What is ii that binds so many anC
| holds them i'm chains and leads theT
! on to death? What is it that throws
! such charm over the evil? May every
soul heed the instruction and choose
| wisely.