The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-29
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON.


The Bible is a microcosm. A little world is
crowded between its lids AS in camera. one
sees in it all the familiar objects of nature. This
paragraph is example
The arbitrary division between the tenth and
eleventh chapters is to be regretted 1t breaks
the continuity of the illustration. The figure is
from forestry. The Assyrian enemies are for num-
Der like the thckets OF the forest, and for
Strength and stature like the cedars of Lebanon.
But the angel of Jehovah lops the boughs and
fells the trunks. From the PROSTATE state of the
invander the prophet passes naturally to the
humbed condition of Israel He too. is like
tree cut off at the root Yet there is this
trast Asshur's state is remediless: but IsraeTs
is improbable The kingy house of David has
been cut down close to earth The royal descend
ants had sunk to nothingness. A stump of Jesse
only remained. But from this improbable source
God would yet bring the promised branch. The
parentage place of nativity and residence of
Jesus were most unlikely-by -words. in fact. Yet
this was little matter to omnipotence-
The figure of the tree is perhaps vet in the
prophets mind. and he sees the shoot springng
from such unlikely source attaining a noble
stature and radiating in six branches. The spirit
of jehovah, ever with him, forms the central
shaft The first pair of branches are intellectual
endowments. understanding and wsdom the Sec
ond. practical counsel to form right conclusions
and might to carry them out; the third fellow
ship with jehovah knowledge acquaintance with
Him: fear. reverence toward Him. Thus he
ike the respondent ornament of the temple the
golden tree shedding its lovly radiance. Only he
rises higher casts his beams wider, and cries,
Il am the light of the world"
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES
Rod-stem: Beautifully applied to ancient
family fallen into decay, yet where there may be
descendant that shall rise and flourish.-Barnes.
Counsel and might: David and Solomon in one.
equally great in knowledge and in practice.
-Cheyne.
All these qualities existed in the greatest per-
lection in our Lord.-Pulpit Commentary.
Quick understanding: 'Of quick scent The
fear of the Lord shall be fragrance to him.-De-
With righteousness: An intended contrast be-
tween Messiahs rule and that of the princes of
Judah.
Stay wicked: A strong hand on the wrong
doer is an essential of good government.-Pulpit
Commentary.
THE TEACHERS CULVER.
First-The Branch continuously exercises his
royal prerogative of judge. His DEGREES are in
marked contrast to those of the average Oriental
court He does not judge specifically nor with
prejudice. Even the poor and meek gain an
audience with him. But his breath is a typhoon
to the wicked.
Second-Such Branch bears glorious fruit.
There is the gradual spread of his knowledge and
dominion men by the cooperation of the
Holy Spirit with jealous effort of the whole body
OF believers, until there is substantial ascend
ency of righteousness and its concomitants, peace
and Joy.
Third--An ideal millennium would call for peace
between beast and beast. and man and beast.
well as betw cen man and man; end of hurting
and destroying.
Fourth-Every rational soul is in or out of the
kingdom of the Branch The means of entrance
/ is by Him who said, 81 the way
Fffth-spread this kingdom DO you see the Ills
of life. Would you reform them? This is the
reform within all reforms.