Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1900-08-08
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvOR.
Topic For the Week Heginning Aug.
19-Comment by Rev. >. II. Doyle.


12-Comment by Rev. 5. H. Doyle.
Torr.-Zeal-Luke xvi. lis.
THE PARABLE.
The lesson contains the parable Of
'the unjust steward" A certain rich
man had a steward who proved false
D. his trust. He called him to account
for his stewardship and declared his
intention of depriving him of his posi-
ton. The steward was in great per-
plexity as to how to provide for his fu-
ture. He decided finally to reduce the
indebtedness of his lords debtors, that
when he lost his position they would
receive him into their homes. The
debtors were probably merchants who
had given their notes or bonds for the
amounts of their Indebtedness. The
steward called them together and gave
them the privilege Of reducing what
they owed. The lord-the lord of the
steward, not the Lord Jesus Christ
commended him for his prudence. but
undoubtedly not for his dishonesty.
The transaction was a shrewd one and
yet a dishonest one. In better and
nobier sense Jesus then urges the dis
ciples to use money and, indeed, all
worldly advantages to make friends
not of Gods debtors, but of Gods peo-
pie. so that they may help them to
heaven and when death comes receive
them into everlasting habitations.
THE INTERPRETATION.
This Is one of the most difficult para
bles of Christ to interpret. The differ
ent views held are many and varied.
To state them even would be impossi-
BILE. The best Interpretation seems to
be that this parable is to teach the
disciples Of Christ prudence and zeal
in their service of God. and the lesson
is taught by an illustration of the pru-
dence and zeal of a man of the world
in furthering his worldly interests. No
one can imagine for a moment that
Christ meant to commend the dishon-
esty Of the steward. He simply meant
to say. If wording used so much
zeal and prudence for furthering his
temporal interests, how much more
prudent and Jealous Christians should
be In advancing their heavenly inter
ests. This is ineligible. We can emu
late a mans method of action, while
we denounce its character. Christ
therefore simply teaches US to use the
same prudence and zeal In serving God
as the children of the world do In
serving the world.
THE APPLICATION.
This parable emphasizes zeal in the
service of God and in the advancement
of our heavenly interests. 1t is, alas,
too often the case that Gods children
display less wisdom and zeal in serving
Him than the children of the devil do
in serving their father The children
Of the world are indeed wiser. more
prudent, than the children of light. But
they should not be. As our aims, our
purposes, are nobler and loftier. as the
results at issue are more tremendously
important. SO our wisdom and our zeal
should be more pronounced. This para
bic places a premium neither on igno-
rance nor on laZiness, though many
Christians seem to do so. Let us be
jealous and prudent In our service of
our God.
THE PRAYER MEETING.
Have the parable explained. followed
by voluntary participation on the
topic.
BIBLE READINGS.
II Kings, X, 1l-17; Neh. iv. 1-G; Ps.
Xix, 8; Feel. tx, 10; Luke xiii. "a; John
ii, 1877; l Cor. XIV, IS; ii Cor tx, /, .;
Gal. vi, lie; Phu. Iii, Is, Ii.