The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-08
THE SUNDAY-sCHOOL LESSON.
Lesson n, March o, 1902: The Disciples
scattered-Acts viii, 3-13.

1t was Passion week for the infant church
the burial of the first martyr, the dispersion OF
disciples and the rise Of the prosecutor saul.
Dark hopeless? No; history does not afford
more remarkable example OF good coming out
of evil. 1t was the disruption OF the nest which
taught the eaglets to fly These scattered Goals
were the ''blest sncendiaries OF the world This
storm carried the seed which had been gathered
in a single spot to many different regions. and
in several instances to a considerable distance
1t was a new epoch for the church, sanitary
widening of its influence. No historian records
more vivid illustration OF the blessings incident
10 persecution This event, which apparently
teemed with destruction. left behind il a most
beneficial result They that were scattered
abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
The evangelist now gives specific instance
under this general statement. 1t is in the case
of Philip The dispersion of the church leaves
him no room to exercise longer his office as
deacon 1t is discreet for him TO go. He stands
next to Stephen in his order. Stephens fate
awaits him If he renains. He is discreet also
in the place OF his retreat The Sanhedrin has
no Jurisdiction in Samaria He changes his resi-
dence. but not his creed. F1e appeared as a per
secuted fugitive but was really an ambassador
OF heaven
Philip has been aptly called 1.-The preacher TO
cities" 1t is said of him: He was found at
Azotus, and. passing through he preached in
all the cities till he came to Cesarea. In TINS
instance he struck for Sychem. the cathedral
city Of the Samaritans. He knew IL he could in
ject religion into the heart IL would quickly be
infused into the extremities- Here was a divine
philosophy which may well be learned-an ex-
ample which may we'll be initiated in our day.
Philip not only a city evangelist but he
was a foreign missionary. OF course ST. Paul
eclipses him; but he has this undisputed dis
tinction: he the first foreign missionary Of
the Christian church. He first crossed the
boundaries of his native State He carried the
gospel into foreign parts. He preached Christ to
the-as they were regarded in his day-most de-
graded people earth. the Samaritans
He found them in pitiable plight, just as
our missionaries do the heather races to-day
suffering all sorts Of moral and physical mala-
dies and dominated by a powerful sorcerer, who
practiced his magic and black arts upon them.
He preached the same Jesus TO them who, nine
years before had blessed them with His pres
ence and words Of power and grace. He gained
a ready and universal hearing. Soon there was
that great and characteristic joy which always
follows the reception of the gospel The sur
prisng news quickly reached Jerusalem that
Samaria had received the word of God. So i'm
portant was the emergency that the chiefest of
the apostles, Peter and John, went down 10 view
the field, conserve the fruits of the revival and
impart the miracle-workng power TO such of
the converts as were worthy to exercise II; for
an apostle only could transmit that power.
This preaching of the gospel to the Samaritans
was an eye-opener to the Jewish Christians. II
the gospel could be received by the Samaritans,
then no nation was too to receive IL. For
to the Jews the Samsritans were at the very
lowest social notch. If the gospel was for them.
it was for all Thus some one has well said.
samaria was the first pier in the bridge over
rtr1a
The conversion Of the Ethiopian and of Cor
nelus the founding OF the church at Antioch.
the commiss Joining of st. Paul the apostle to
the Gentiles-events occurring in rapid success
sion-rev called the fact that Christianity, unlike
Judaism, was to be a worldwide religion.
We are inclined to be severe in our judgment
of the Jews for their narrowness and jealousy
touching the Samaritans But before we judge
should we not inquire whether we are entirely
free from a similar narrowness? Do we realize
as keenly as we ought that there is no race so
mongrel debased to be incapable OF re-
ceiving the gospel; no race to which ii is not
adapted; none that would not be instantly
blessed and elevated by its reception? Do We
really believe that God looks compassionately
upon the Chinaman. with his cue and chop
sticks. and the African in his vulgar nudity
and the islander with his cruel cannibalism. as
upon an Englishman American? He who has
made all nations OF one DlOOu would make all
fellow citizens in one kingdom OF grace here and
glory hereafter.
THE TEACHERS LANTERN
The righteousness Of this narrative charms
our hearts, sustains interest and carries Con
viction of truth. Like the black and white pic
lures, popular to-day. there the fewest pos
sibIe strokes, but each has a purpose and none
in vain.
We introduced to Saul. the prosecutor
who, as Official witness of Stephens execution
considers that initiation to his cruel func-
ton. Stephens burial is like a sweet
interlude in the storm Of passion. The mere act