The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1900-08-29
THE SABBATH SCHOOL.
INTERNATIONAL AESSON COMMENTS
FOR SEPTEMBER 2.

2-Mernory Verses, e-6 Commentary
on tile Days Lesson.
l. "The Lord appointed" This an,
po'ntment was temporary and not perma-
nent like the appointment Of the twelve
apostles. Seventy Others" (R. W The
twelve apostles had been commissioned
and sent out about year before this. As
the number of the apostles had reference
to the number of the tribes of Israel so
the seventy disciples sent out call to mind
the number of the elders who were chosen
to assist Moses in governing the people.
And sent them" The chief purpose of
this sending was not to train these messen-
gers for later independent mission, but
sion at least part of the people, and by
word and deed to prepare the coming Of
the kingdom of God in the midst of them.
1.-TWO and two" The same manner in
which He sent out the apostles This was
done. /. To teach them the necessity of
concord among the ministers of righteous
ness. 2. That in the mouth of two wit
nesses every thing might be established.
8. That they might comfort and support
each other in their difficult labor. "Be-
fore His face" They were to visit those
cities and places that He intended soon to
visit. 1t was an important mission. Christ
i
| the common people. AS John the Baptist
had, at the first, heralded the coming of
] Christ, so now two heralds appeared to
! announce His advent at the close of His
! ministry.
2. Therefore said He unto them" The
instructions given them were distinct from
and yet similar to the instructions given
the twelve apostles. The twelve had great
er authority to work miracles, and they
were to receive prosecutions which are
not mentioned with reference to the sew
enty. "The harvest truly is great" The
harvest is plenteous, the grain is ripe and
spelling and must be garnered Immediately
or it will be lost. There was need for such
mission. as the district in Pcrca had been
little visited by Jesus. There were multi:
tudes who had not yet heard of the COM
ing of "the kingdom of God" We. "The
| laborers are few" True workers have al
ways been hard to find. This is the great
est calling in the world, and yet there are
80 few who are ready to make the small,
temporary self-denial that is necessary in
order to see success in Christian work.
pray ye therefore" They must set out
precious souls "Send FORTH True labor
ers must receive their commission from
God. "Laborers." Real workers. If souls
. are brought to God to-day it will take ear
nest, persevering effort on the part of His
people.
8. GAS lambs among wolves" This was
a strange way to encourage seventy men
just starting out TO preach, but they had
faith and knew that when Christ sent
them they were safe even among their ene-
; mics.
! 4: Garry neither purse" etc. Trust
God for your support. Salute no man."
Loa ol,tfn 0rnn oil
emonious This would take great deal of
time, and their mission was urgent !:
They had their particular places assigned
them, and they must deliver their mes
sage without needless ceremonies. 2. They
must 20 as men of business.
S. "Peace be to this house." Peace
among the Hebrews had a very extensive
!, meaning; it comprehended all blessings,
spiritual and temporal. 70 wish peace to
a family, in the name and by the authority
of Christ, was in effect promise of al
the good implied in the wish. This was
paying in advance.
6. IF the son of peace" Any truly
pious man who is worthy of such bless
ing. The disciples were to communicate
their message of peace to all whether wor-
thy or not, and if it falls on inattentive
ears or stubborn hearts, yet it shall not be
fruitless, since the duty performed shall
bring peace to themselves-'it shall turn
to you again"
I. "In the same house remain" Their
stay was to be short. They were not to
choose the best places and neglect the
poor, and were not to spend time going
commodations. "Is worthy Of his hire"
The one who really labors is worthy of
being supported, but drones need not ex-
pect the workers to feed them very long.
s. "As are set before you Probably
Christ here refers to the traditions of the
elders about their meat. They were ex-
tremely critical and dish of meat could
hardly be set before them but there was
some scruple concerning it. Christ would
not have them regard those things, but
eat what was set before them.
g. Heal the sick" Their mission was
twofold. l. They were to gain the. atten!
tion of the people by healing their bodies.
"Say unto them" 2. The important part
the kingdom.
10. Receive you not" Do not receive
you kindly and accept your message. Into
the streets The most public place. Let
every one see the result of rejecting the
truths concerning the kingdom Of God.
IL. 1--WE do wipe of against YOU" The
Jews considered themselves defled with
the dust of heather countries, and the ac-
ton here enjoined signihed that these
Jews were holy no longer; it was. in reali-
ty, placing them on a leyel with the heath
en-. "Be ye sure" The message was
again to be repeated, if. perchance, some
might hear at the last moment.
II. with JOY" They had succeeded
Devils are subject" Their commission
did not reach this far: they were merely
commanded to heal the sick, but, gaining
confidence as they went forth, they had
commanded the devils, and they had
obeyed. Through Thy name Here was
the secret of their power and success. I
Is. "I beheld Satan-fall." In this brief
sneech He sums up the whole great con-
Aict with and defeat of the power Of evil. !
He refers to the original fall of Satan,
which had been proceeding ever since, step
by step, and should continue until all
things were put under the feet Of Jesus.
The fall was both very sudden and very
apparent. Thus should be the fall of the
currupt Jewish state. and Of idolatry in
the Gentle world.
70. "I give unto you power. Authority.
(R. W And this forbids our taking the
words in q literal sense. 1t is possible that
by serpents our Lord means the scribes
and Pharisees. whom He calls serpents:
Matt. 1898 BY treading on such would
signify a complete victory over them.
%. Names are written Do not re-
ioice in anything which you may be able
to accomplish, for this might lead to self
seeking and pride, but rejoice rather that
vou are heirs of God.