The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-07-07

Jesus as they seemed TO think, but il was Jesus
One must feed on Him, be made a partaker of
Him by faith (John, vi:5D. This was a purely
spiritual act to be accomplished by each in.
divdual for himself. One must come to Jesus
accepting his grateful invitation Matt, M:2s-
2s). The mode OF that coming was not ex.
planned, but the result was affrmed-hunger
and thirst the earnest longings of the soul
shall be satisfied the chief point in these
verses. 1t is evident that the coming and
the believing are synonymous TERMS for Jesus
uses them INTERCHANGEABLE in verses 80 and
81, declaring that the people did not believe
and that all given by the Father would come
This last expression is taken by many TO teach
the doctrine of election by others it is supposed
to indicate the influence of the Holy Spirit that
helps men to believe
FATHERS WILL (ycrscs 3s, 80, 4O).--Thc con.
ncctive tor shows that the closing verses Of
our lesson intended 10 throw light on verse
81, in which il is asserted that those given by
the Father would be accepted. That fact rests
in three other facts l. That Jesus came from
Heaven 10 do the will of Him who sent him
came as a representative or agent under in.
structions which were TO be faithfully executed
GohnI Nii:D, suhordinating Himself to the
Fatner's great purpose; .. That it was the
Fathers will, antecedcntly determined that the
mission of Jesus should not be a failure, that
it should result in the salvation OF all those
who should be given 10 Him (John, xyii:l2),
who should be raised up at the last day; g.
That it was the further purpose of the Father
to give everlasting life TO all who believe in
the Son. In these three statements which
would be variously explained by theologians,
we have the ground of assurance that Jesus
L.rst, is the appointed Saviour Of all who
come 20 Him and believe in Him, and that
He is such because OF the Fathers will, or
purpose conceived in infinite wisdom,
REMAhKS.-l. Many men have but seven prin-
ciples-hye loaves and two fshes-by which to
regulate their conduct. They labor lncessantly,
anXousy and wholly for perishing vanitiCs un-
til death convinces them of their folly (Rom,
xW:lS). Their search for Christ is in the hope
of temporal gain. 9. While we must toll for
necessaries and comforts CI Thess., iii:l0), that
only is worthy of chief regard and primary dill
gence which will endure Matt, W:lO), and
may be enjoyed in the life TO come. 3. Habit
ual faith in Jesus Christ, as our only and all
sufficient Savior, is the most important indis-
pensable and arduous part Of the obedience re-
| quired of man (Rom,, i:5). Faith in Jesus
Christ is that attitude or condition upon which
He imparts life TO the soul (John, Wi7. As
unbelCf separates, so faith unites (Eph. iii:lO,
and becomes the source of righteousness. A..
When joined to Christ by faith, the soul receives
nourishment and support from Him. Pardon,
peace hope, communion-all that calms the
conscience, purihes and cheers the heart, or
promotes growth. is freely given by Him,
And this is life, real life, >Vhe true life OF a
spiritual man, everlasting life, begun in this
| world and continued in the next world. 9. The
symbol of bread here employed TO express the
| soul-satisfying portion which is in Christ, was
made permanent in the sacrament (John, H;5l),
All who partake of it declare that their life is
| from Him and in Him.