The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-11-24
Sober Living.
Titus ii, lis.

consider these many means for increasing
usefulness to he employed with care.
TIE MINISTER'S AUDIENCE
AGED MEN.--(verse 2.)-It might seem q
piece OF presumption, especially in young man,
to speak to those much older than himself, at
whose feet he might properly sit TO learn. But
he has a duty to them which may not be neglect
ed. and it is probable that they more than any
others will have respect for his words. He must
commend to them what will be recognized by
all as highly becoming to their years-gravity
temperance, faith, charity. These four virtues
would render any old man an object of peculiar
delight to all bel.olders, and prepare him TO cN.
ert most salutary influence upon those about
him. They are the crowning qualities of an ex.
tended experience in the service Of Christ.
AGED WOMEN--(versc 3.)-'rhesc must be
urged to a department that bccomcth holiness,
Il course OF life coinporting with the teachings
OF Christianity This is substantially the same
as was cnioincd upon the aged men, only IL is
the diverse side. Here gospel ideals are to he
regarded; their manly ideals, yet gospel also.
The reason Tor this Is that womah's place in that
time MAS less defined Paul cautious against two
unwonanly practices which must have been quite
common or they would not have been mentioned
false accusation, or slandering, and intemperance.
II seems very strange that such vices should
have disgraced the women OF that time. lie en-.
Joins that These aged women be teachers of good
things to the young women, thereby extending
their influence. proverbs, xxi, 2G)
YOUNG woMEN-(Verses 4 and 5,)---A beau.
tiiul cluster OF virtues must he presented by
the minister to the young women Of his con,
eregation Three OF them are persona--shc must
be discreet, chaste good-thc elements OF true
wonanhood in every land and age Two OF them
are domcslic--kcepcrs at home, obedicnt to huS
bands. II appears that the advice is Tor young
married women, the unmarried women are bound
by the law OF their parents. EXODUS, xN, l2.)
She who enters into wedloCk Is thereafter obli-
gated to make her home the center OF her world
and regard herself as the help'meet Of one who
makes that home Tor her. Genesis, N 49,
What is here cnjoinod is for the Christian house,
holds. The wife may there well obey her hus'
band, not in servilc fear, but in holy love, count,
ing him the rigltful head!
YOUNG MEN.-(verse G.)-Paul expected that
Titus would have Young men in his audience aud
that instruction would be given them In our
time it is no easy task to secure their presence.
Al intervals the preacher announces discourse
OF series OF discourses 10 attract Them Various
are the themes discussed sometimes with rhctor-
ie and oratoy, with anecdote and sensation.
Sec how briefly and simply Paul treats this part
OF ministerial service. II Is all done in
single sentence. lie does not refer to the prac-
tices, associations and dangers Of young men,
but strikes at the very center OF the subject,
Sober miudedneSs, in opposition 10 irvolity is
all that he enjoins, That secured, all other eS.
eellences follow. Lamentations, iii, 27)
CHRISTIAN SERVANTS -(yerses 8 and l9)-
It would have been very strange II Paul had
said nothing on the labor question. Servants
were slaves in those days, and by common con.
sent they were left under their masters without
instruction. But some OF them became Chris