The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-11-25
Sunday-SchOOI Lesson for November 26
Woes of IntemperarCe.
PROV. XXIl:2o-35.
BY J. E. GILBERT D. D., IL. D.,
Secretary of American Society of Religious Education

INTRODUCTION-.T sacred writ
ers surpass even Shakespeare in their
ability to describe the experiences and
conduct of men, and their representa-
tions are universally recognized as cor
rect. Solomon, who wrote most of the
Proverbs, flourished three thousand
years ago. His observations were linz
tied to people whose customs, manners,
speech and religion were wholly unlike
any now prevailing in our country.
And yet he gave maAims that are per-
fectly adapted to the everyday life
with which we are familiar. as much
SO as If they were composed but yes
terday. The truthfulncss OF this state
ment will appear 70 all as we study
the lesson of the day. The evils Of
strong drink are heye portrayed with
a faithfulness that will astOnish us,
showing how this vice has perpetu-
ated itself through the centuries.
QUESTIONS (verse 2oi--In concise,
abrupt and energetic manner the les
son opens with a series OF five ques-
tons, one of them being repeated for
the sake Of emphasis. These questions
call attention to the deplorable condi-
tions, which. must have been common.
The first pertains to q disoTdered in
ward state that produces misery; tie
second to disturbed social relations re-
sulting in conflict: the third, to IL
regular incoherent speech, when tho
tongue is not governed by the iudg-
ment: the fourth, to physical injuries
inflicted by others in Unnecessary strife
or caused by eccident; the fifth, to the
injury of the organs Of sight. Where
are all these ills-some inward, some
outward, some spiritual, some physi-
cal some personal, some social? TO
whom are they attached? The qucs.
tion is designed to startle the reader
and awaken reflection.
ANSWER (verse 30)--The inspired
writer himself replies to the questions,
affirming that they suffer thus VINO are
| addicted to the excessive use Of wine.
! The original word here used is yayin,
! the generic Hebrew term. that includes
| all classes of vine, farmented and un-
! fermented, and is employed more than
one hundred and forty tires in Scrip
/ ture. more than all other special terms
| together This word is found in the
earliest and latest history (Gen., iX.21,
| Neh., Xiii:1O, and 1t appears in the
| laws. the precepts ana the prophetic
writings covering the three ages OF
| Hebrew literature But If this verse
does not distinguish the kind of drink
it does lay stress on the quantity BY
| long tarrying and over Indulgence the
evil habit is formed, and by mixing
drinks intoXication is produced, Here
Is a description of those !icentious Ter
sons who go about our cities. from
| saloon to saloon with jovial friends,
and drink repeatedly until overcome.
ADVICE Verse 3D.-ln the last
! verse the wise man exposed the folly
| of the drinking habit, showing what
comes of excess. Had he said no more
| some might be encouraged to the mod
crate use of strong drink, which is
| the fruitful source of intemperanCe.
| Morning subject rs Thine Heart
Right?" evening subject, Put ON Thy
| Strength, O Zion" \ cordial welcome
to all.