The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-03-22
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
LESSON FOR MARCH %
TEMPERANCE LESSON.
Eph., v: 11-23.
BY REV. j. L. GILBERT, D. d.

| bf hEN. y. T.. ~. ~.
Secretary of American Society of Religious
| Education.
| INTRODUCTON.-Th scripture appointed for
| our presc.t study was not designed primarily
| to inculcate temperance. That virtue is com
mended but once in the entire passage and then
| in negative precept, Verse 49, which is
grouped with other virtues intimately related TO
| it. Paul's chief motive in writing may be learn.
| ed from the conteXtto promote i'll the church
at Ephesus the higher types of Christian charac-
| ter This is indeed the purpose OF the entire
episte. In the brief extract before us the apos-
tie first warns against the evil influences of the
| ngody, (Verses IL and 13,) then offers certain
practical directions by which those influences
may be overcome, (NerSes Is TO l6,) and closes
with a statement OF those fundamentals upon
which every genuine and holy life must be
| builded. (Verses II to 2l) In this analysis,
which will be followed in this exposition, TEN.
perance finds its place under the last head. 1t
is hoped that in this Incidental way the topic
| assigned By the lesson committee may receive
at least the emphasis intended by the inspired
| writer.
WARNING.-Paul urges the Ephesians 10 have
no fellowship with the conduct of the unSOdy
which he calls the works OF darkness. lie presents
two motives.
UNFRuITFUL--tVeIse III Because they are
altogether Improbable, they bring financial or
social gain, no real pleasure or advantage OF any
kind. If, for the moment there seems TO be
some desirable quality, something attractive, this
will wholly disappear in the long run, and will
be surely followed by loss, by suffering and
death. This is one OF the most powerful dis
suasons that can be offered concerning sinful
indulgence.
SHAMEFuL-(yerse 12.) But on the other hand,
the deeds of the wicked are so filthy and loath-
some that one may not even speak OF them, SO
Atty that they are perpetrated in secret, the
actors themselves being unwilling to have them
known, The apostle is here speaking Of the
Gentle dolaters, and Of their horrid mysteries,
which abounded with detestable wickedness and
which none were permitted to dvulge upon pain
OF death. Heroditus the father of profane his,
tory gives an account OF the practices in heather
worship, but concesls the worst features. out OF
regard TO his readers, Surely, the Christian
ought to refrain from such scsndalous conduct.
stain from the prevailing Nices, lie must seek
to overcome them, and Paul shows how this may
be done.
REPROyING.-(Ne H. We must in our
places and at proper times witness against the sins
of Others, and endeavor TO convince them of ther
snfulness We must do this seasonably and
reasonably. We may speak 10 them, but this is
very delicate matter and must be attempted
with great prudence lest ofense he given and
matters made worse. But sometimes pure CON
yersation and holy life is the best kind OF re-
proof, making speech entirely unnecessary.
MANIFEST. .--(Nerse 49, The good conduct of
the Christian set oyer against the bad conduct
Of the sinner is TO be priced, furthermore because
by contrast the evil OF the latter is disclosed
What is excused, and even commended when seen
all alone, becomes odious Shen the light OF a
good life shines upon H. (>latt. V, l6l And it
Is by this exposure that sin is reproved, and this
is one of the most effective methods OF overcoming
evil Without ever speaking word OF com
mendation or rebuke man may help in eN-
terminating the Improbable and shameful things