The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-08
THE SUNDAY-sCHOOL LESSON.
Lesson vi, The Sin of Lying; Acts
Y, 1-11-Feb. q, 1902.

TIL. BEAUTIFUL predominates In the Bible. The
lurid and frightful pages are few and excep-
tionai. Of course, there Is the Hood, Sooom'
the plaques and the miracles, destructive 10
individuals and masses. But as compared win
the whole volume, these are about In the ratio
OF cyclones to fair weather. One OF these out
Of the usual pages opens UP to US here.
Five thousand names more on the church rec
ord at Jerusalem within a few weeks after
psnt.oosti Many of these persons were stran-
gers from distant parts. They had overstaid
their time to learn more OF their nswly-espoused
faith. The present speedy methods OF obtaining
remittances were undreamed OF. They began
to be In need. 1t is evident that many OF the
resident converts also were poor. All adner-
ents to the new religion. also. would De boy
cotted by others. Distress prevailed Under
circumstances like these, that radiant flower,
benevoIence, burst forth in beauty and filled the
church with its lasting fragrance.
The congregation OF believers set themselves
to meet the emergency. Not by any edict or
decree. but spontaneously. there arose a species
of communism. Fortunate possessors of real
estate converted 1t into cash. and put the pro-
ceeds, in whole or in part, at the disposal OF
the apostles for the relief of their fellow-be-
levers.
One Of the most conspicuous examples OF this
voluntary surrender of property was that OF
Joses. a Levite of Cyprus. The apostles called
him "Son of Consolation" in recognition OF
the relief his generosity afforded.
The root Of Ananias's sin was envy. He
wanted to outshine Joses. He wanted a still
higher sounding title. He would r~elegate that
Cyprian to the rear. But there was a dash OF
cupidity with his envy. He was not willing to
pay the full price. He would lie to avoid IT,
There would be room for pity had Ananias
been overtaken by sudden temptation, and fallen
after some show Of resistance. But the act
was deliberate, with malice aforethought- 1t
was matter of conversation between the guilty
man and his wife.
The punishment OF Ananias and Sapphire Is
confessedly terrible. II is fairly siniatic. 1t
seems out Of proportion to the ofense. 1t makes
a shocking page in the New Testament. What
shall we say to it? Why, its very exceptional
character serves to accentuate the general and
persistent forbearance of God. The Lords rule
is to be mercifu1 and gracious. II all lying hypo-
critics were smitten dead, the slain Of the Lord
would be counted by regiments. That they are
not smitten illustrates the long-suffering patience
of God.
The punishment did not exceed the bounds of
desert. Yet its awful severity. and the scenic
manner of its infection, show that it was de-
signed TO be exemplary. This tragic picture
was hung on the wall of the early church as
a powerful deterrent from hypocrisy. II was
a divine insistencs upon purity OF motive In
religious service. 1t was Illustrative of the
strength of Gods displeasure at insincerity. 1t
was educative. 1t had the desired effect. Twice
it is recorded. Great fear came upon all that
heard these things" In this instance severity
TO one was kindness to many.
THE
Communism is unphilosophical, impossible. II
a forced and equal division of material things
was made to-day among the population of any
nation, a redivision would have to be made to-
morrow. Some inveterately acquire, others as
inveterately lose. Equalization in material
things will be achieved. If ever. by equalization
in moral, mental and physical qualities. Such
communism cannot be forced. 1t cannot be
put on. 1t is from within outward. -
The unfortunate and arbitrary character OF
the divisions of the sacred text into chapters
has striking Illustration in this instance. > The
fifth chapter starts with the distinctive but"
One must needs go back into the fourth chap
ter to find the true connection The root OF
Ananias's sin strikes across this forced hiatus.
II was envy OF Joses.
Ananias is an odius name. 1t is synonym OF
hypocrisy, as Cain is of murder, Herod of
cruelty and Judas Of treachery. The fate OF
each illustrates the aphorism, The wages Of
sin is death"
Hypocrisy, envy, rivalry are the dead flies that
make the ointment of much OF the current
benevolences to send forth a sinking SAVIOR.
Sincerity is indispensable. The eye must be
single. the motive pure. The would-be benevo-
lent man must not cherish the secret and un-
worthy hope that his apparently disinterested
deed will rebound to his own advantage. Like
his master, he is not TO be ministered unto. but
to minister and give.
The Bible abounds in punitive judgments.
There are so many object lessons to the race.
They must needs be striking to duly arrest at