The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-06-07
YOUNG PEOPLES SOCIETIES.
Topic: GLOW the Weak Become
Strong" Oh Cor, xii, go;
Isa., xxx, 10; lviii, III

h topic universal for the different de-
nominational young peoples societies is:
How the Weak Become Strong" founded
on three different scriptures: II Corinthians,
XII, $40; Isaiah, XII, 10, and lvtii, II.
These three scriptures, while kindred In
thought. have each a distinct historic basis.
The hrst-named has its basis in the expert
ence Of the apostle Paul arising out OF his
vision Of the third heavens and the thorn
IN the flesh" which was given him, Test he
should be exalted above measure" The
second, Isaiah, xvi, 10. has its basis In the
elective love of God in calling Israel out
constituting them his peculiar peo-
pie" The last, Isaiah. lviii. II, is a promise
made upon certain conditions stated in the
foregoing verses. But the central thought
of all is Gods infinite love and care for
his own, and his willingness TO strengthen
and uphold them under any and all cir
wBAKNEss-The first thought suggested
by the lesson in hand is that of the utter
weakness OF human nature in the presence
Of temptation or under severe trial. Let
him that thinketh he standeth take heed
lest he fair is the note of warning handed
down the ages by Paul the aged Peter
was overconfdent on the night of the be-
trayal. and so denied his Lord and Master.
He only is strong, who has faced and over
come temptation in the strength of the
Lord. The only safe course, therefore, for
the disciple of Christ is to be panoplied with
the armor which he has provided. as in
dictated in Ephesians, V, l0-1S. This in
Guides the gtrdle of truth. the breastplate of
righteousness, the sandals of peace. the
shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and
the sword of the Spirit. Thus only is the
weakness of man made strong to over
come the temptation and trial sure to be ex-
perienced.
STRENGTH-But alongside human weak
ness, stands the strength of God, that is
made perfect in weakness. This is what
God says 10 his people; Fear not thou,
Ror I am with thee; be not dismayed, for
] am thy God; 1 will strengthen thee. yea,
] will help three, yea, l will uphold thee by
the right hand of my righteousness The
consciousness of this fact led the apostle
Paul TO exclaim in his letter to the Corin-
THAN Church, as indicated in our lesson,
rtAnd he said unto me, My grace is suf-
hcient for thee; for my strength Is made
perfect in weakness. Most gladly there
fore will 1 rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore take pleasure in infirmities in
approaches, in necessities, in persecution. in
distresses for Christ's sake; for when ] am
weak, then am I strong"
Paul knew what It was to be tried, and
also what 1t was to lean upon the strong
arm of Christ by faith. In his missionary
work, in his perils by land and sea. in perils
bf robbers and by his own countrymen, and
now that out OF them all the Lord had de-
.iivered him. True, he was a pioneer Chris
tian hero, but there have been many such
since. Al may not have been as wise and
ktronE. but ali were willing to seal their
testimony with their blood. In a most re-
kmarkable degree. Chrisrs strength was