The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-07-01

THE BoOK.--The lesson committee
has abruptly turned backward about
eight centuries, from the closing chapters
Of Johns gospel to the last chapter of
one of the minor prophets. AS a pre-
paration for this transition one needs to
to recall the history of the period into
which we are introduced and then to read
the entire book from which the lesson is
taken. Hosea was citizen OF the north
ern kingdom, deeply distressed by the sin
OF his people, which he likens to adul-
terry the most offensive of Oriental vices.
He was lead to this symbolism by his
own experiences, whether actual or ny.
pCthetical does not matter. He repre-
sents himself (chap. ]: 81 as entering into
wedlock, excepting purity and happiness.
His wife proved unfaithful. He bore
with her hoping for amendment. She
continued her evil way and fell into great
distress and slavery. Under the prompt
ings of pity he still sought to win her
back. All this represented the idolatrous
course of Israel. long continued. not
withstanding the forbearance and en-
studied is the conclusion of the prophets
message.
THE CALL.--Verse contains an ex-
hortation of this man of God. 1t is ad-
dressed to Israel, the ten tribes who had
set up Il separate monarchy, and hal
ADDED to that offense one far greater,
that of instituting heather worship-a
political and religious revolt. They are
asked to return unto the Lord their God
Jehovah, with whom their fathers had
been In covenant, who defended and be-
friended them. This reminder of a past
allegiance was well calculated to awaken
sense of obligation, to arouse the con-
science and secure an appropriate res
ponse. Return implied then as now two
things, the renunciation of sins, which
must necessarily be first, and the after
performance of duties, a conversion, a
change from false gods to the true God.
In making this call to new life the pro-
phet did not hesitate to charge the pco-
pie with their iniquity, and to declare
that they had fallen on account of that
iniquity. lie desired them to know that
the national reverses which had been
sustained, as well as the dreary outlook,
were all due to religious declensions.
(Prov. xiv: 3i)
THE MODE Many reforms are half
hearted and partial. 1t is possible for
an individual or q nation to seem to do
what is not honestly purposed. Israel
might easily have changed certain forms
to avert coming trouble, and afterward
they might have relapscd to their abom-
Unable practices. TO avoid this Hosea
prescribed a mode of reform. lie would
have them take words, that is, express
in prayer the desires of their hearts.
Prayer is always n proof of religious
sincerity. (ACts tx: IL. But there are
different kinds of prayer, and for this
occasion the prayer of pentence and sup
plicatiOn is prescribed Nerse p not lrn-
like that by which the publican found
money. Luke xviii: >. Israel was di-
rected to confess its sins, needed as
much then as under the gospel q John /:
81 for the laws of spiritual life are al
ways the same There must be no at
tempt to excuse or belittlc the national
fault. Pardon must he sought on the one
basis of acknowledged wrong doing. This
petition WAS to be accompanied by an
other, asking that the Divine favor might
be restored, and promising that thanks
glvings would be rendered. Calves of
our lips" refers to the thank offering ac-
cording to Jewish law.