The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-09
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON
Sept 10, 1S99-Hagg III II, 1-9-EncOur-
agirg the Builders.

The prophets were not predicters. They
were comforters well. Prophecy came not in
ancient time merely to form an evidence for sub
sequent generations OF the supernatural character
OF religion. 1t was given inspirit Gods people
then living. 1t was token of His tender mind
fulness Of them. The prophecy of Haggai
was remarkable example of this. Gods people
were just back from Babylon. They had great
undertaking on hand enemies were numerous.
obstacles insurmountable. resources meager. The
heart of the people was much discouraged. AS
the wall of the temple began to rise they
were ready to cry: I'VE had better stop. We
only rearing a monument to our shame in the
eyes OF the heather. This temple, in its contrast
to Solomons golden house. is in itself illustra-
ton of our national decline. When completed.
If indeed we ever can complete it, it will have no
ark, no Shekinah. no sacred fire, no prophetic
voice from the high priests breast-plate. no gold
covered rafters, nor gorgeous tapestries.
In the very thickest of the gloom. while the un-
finished. unadorned walls echoing only with
their melancholy paints. one Of Jehovah's mes
sengers appears. His very has to them
joyous signihcance-Haggai. my feast. He stands
in the very midst of the homely and unfinished
temple. The sheepskin mantle. emblem of the
prophetic office. is upon his shoulder. The af-
fatus is on his brow. They wait breathlessly for
his message. He says: There
cient men here who the house in its first
glory. How do you ii now? 1t is in your eyes
as nothing. True; but never mind. Be strongl
Be strong, Be strong, o Prince Zerubbabel,
Priest Joshua. and all We peope The Lord says
be strong and work What matters your small re-
sources, your numerous enemies; for 1 with
you saith the Lord of hosts. The covenant L
made with you when took you out OF Egypt
mains In force. My spirit remaineth among you;
fear ye not" Then follows the specific predic
ton contained in verses 90. What
political and social commissions here fore
N SWi IA
down before Persia, Persia before Greece, Greece
before Rome. Mighty conquerors ready to
say: with mine own arm / have gotten me the
victory. How little did they see the hand OF
God shaking the nations, He said He would.
Much less did they see His purpose. He was
uniformity of law, custom. language. bringing in
an era Of universal peace, and thus preparing
the world for the advent of the Messiah. . .
The Messiah. as infant, child and man, was to
come TO the homely temple they were building.
His presence would be compensation enough for
glory the first could never boast.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
First-Every prophecy contains a Messianic
photograph. That is the chief charm. The pic
ture may be more less yelled. but little de-
vout attention cannot but unvel His lovely face.
1.-The testimony OF Jesus is the spirit of proph-
ecy." These are they that testify OF me-" ITO
Him give all the prophets witness"
Second-We have an inspiring example OF what
comes of the faithful OF humble and limited
resources. The builders OF the second temple
returned exiles. with comparatively empty
exchequer and national prestige. But they
built we'll they could. Their efforts
supplemented by the grace and help of God.