The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-24
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON.
sept. rs. 1ses.-The Quarterly Review.

The period covered by the lessons of the quarter
is two centuries and a half. the lifetime of the
kingdom of Israel. 1t is crowded with events OF
great Importance peopled with characters, some
illustrious others infamous. Altogether. it is
of the most interesting and instructive epochs in
history
The period opens dramatically with the Hebrew
Marseillase.' ITO your tents, Israel" and the
revolt of the ten tribes. in which two-thirds of
the population and territory carried off. We
follow the fortunes of that brilliant genius
Jeroboam in the twenty-five years of his reign.
We see regretfuly his fatal error-hs interior
ence. for reasons of state. with the fundamental
principles of the Mosaic law.
In the deepening gloom of apostasy, the lum-
nous figure of Elijah, the of God, the re-
former of Israel, erects itself.
Two portraits appear this same page: A
queen, ambitious and cruel; widow on whom
and her dying son famine had fallen. Benev
olence and faith of the widow of Zarephath out
shine Jezebels jewels.
Elijah on Carmel makes impershabe pic
ture History affords no sublimer example OF
faith than in the man who. single handed, re-
paired the desecrated altar, and, in presence of
apostate king and people, competed with four
hundred and fifty alien priests. deliberately giving
them every advantage.
Elijah in fight is viewing the prophet at a new
angle. Not so pleasing but profitable, as it may
teach us how to deport in defeat: how to make
defeat serviceabe in evolution of character.
The incident of Naboths vineyard has mod
analogue in the windmill of Sans Souci. The
opposite outcome of the two cases, however. illus
trates the superiority of Frederick to Ahab and
the advance of justice and property right.
The contrast between Elijah and Elisha Illus
of unlike temperament without destroying
their individual dissimilarity. Elisha was an
educator. Under him this silent and undramatc
force worked for Israel's reformation.
The incident of the Shunammite and her is
of the most pathetic. Its spiritual anal ICY
has long been familiar STAFF of formal religion
cannot awaken the dead soul. Only breath of the
Spirit quicken into life
The incident of Naaman is parable of sin and
nature resultant upon evil choice. 1t oriy
be corrected when the will, by divine aid is a.s-
posed to make the coed choice. Some sociologis.s,
like the king have forgotten there is Prophet.
There is current preference for the streams OF
education and culture to the river of salvation.
Benhadad and his secrets discovered is par
able of the soul surprised that God find 1t
out. Too much liberalism spos the force of the
incident Horses and chariots represent the forces
of Providence available
Elshas patriotism famed up upon his death
bed. His last wish the overthrow of his coun
try's foes.
Amos, though of lowly origin and occupation is
the peer of any in the college of prophets. He
has been likened to Dante. He first TO
reduce his sayings to writing. His principles are
fundamental They apply to-day. Luxury oe-
stroys-righteousness exalts.
Fall of empire Is always an event of absorb
ing interest That of Israel is especially IT
defines the principles which make for and against
national perpetuity.