The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-24
I Thess. v, 14-2S-PauFs CounseI to
the ThessalOnians.
sUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON.

the IhessaiOn1ans.
The first epistle to the Thessalonians has the
distinction of being the initial contribution to
an entirely unique form of literature-the epistes
of the New Testament. In these apostolic letters
Christian doctrine finds its ultimate definition.
defense and enforcement; they are Fundamental
to theology; thev are also vitality related to &c
clesiastical organization and discipline; they are
a storehouse as we'll for the nutrition OF the in
dividual religious life containing. as they do, the
precepts and principles for the Christian disciple
the promises and injunctions TO inspire and guide
him in his way The unfortunate misapprehen-
sion and ministerpretation Of the epistles the
''overworking' of them has given rise TO warning
schools of theology and the division Of the church
into numerous and antagonistic sects. This dis
astrous incident is due to human infrmity. not
to the epistles themselves which, in spite of their
misuse. have been of ncalculable value TO the
church and to the world.
A single phrase in the present paragraph indi-
Gates the unusual character and use of the epis-
ties in general. Paul says: II adjure you by the
Lord this epstle read to all the brethren"
Such language takes the writing Immediately and
forever out of the category of ordinary and ia
miliar letters. 1t is If Paul said. II put you
on your oath before the Lord to do this" In
this solemn order originated the reading of the
epistle in the congregation. usage which has
maintained for twenty centuries.
First Thessalonians is interesting. however,
not only because IL is the Inauguration of a new
type of literature and custom distinctive of the
Christian congregation. The epistle is Of absorb
ing interest its own account 1t was writ
ten by Paul to his converts at Thessalonica,
from whom he had been abruptly separated by a
storm of persecution. He could not return to
| them in person, but soon possible within
| four months) sent them this letter. written at
| a personal visit of the apostle to Thessalonca
could have been valuable to the church
in that city than this admirable letter. There
| is no question but what the church at large
| is the gamer by reason of the fact that in this
| instance Paul wrote letter instead of going in
| person. This "encyclical." freighted with doc
trine. precept and promise, has been ION its
rounds since among the churches.
The function of the epistle is not. however.
| limited to ecclesiastical life. 1t has been alb
sorbed in hours Of devotion by millions of be-
levers to the sustenance of their souls. 1t has
been the source of renovation of life the infusion
| OF ethical ideas and ideals. 1t has impressed
anew upon every reader the dignity and serious
ness of life. its hopes. promises and responsible
! tiles 1t asserts the paradox OF 10y in much
afiiction:'' that in endured for Christ
| sake there is hidden new spring OF joy While
the epistle has characteristics peculiar TO itself.
il is yet cast in the mold of all the Pauline
tiers. 1t has its ID greeting CD thanksgiving. 90
doctrinal section, CD practical section. t5) per-
sonal messages. 80 final salutation.
| The paragraph especially suggested for study is
the very heart of the epistle. The selection could
not have been more happy in this respect. These
pithy phrases stick in memory like arrows in a
| target.
| The paragraph Immediately preceding may be
| advantageously used by way OF introduction. 1t
| is one of the military SMILES which st. Paul
uses with such consummate skill. In the camp
there are always two sorts of soldiers. There
those who hatter themselves with security.
They throw their armor aside and give them
selves TO drunkenness and RIGHTEOUSNESS, saying.
| Peace and safety" Then there is the better
class the soldiers of the day. the children OF
| light who do sleep but are alert and
vigilant. who are sober and panoplied with
| breastplate and helmet. To such the mill
| tary commands which follow like orders from
headquarters.
| THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
We exhort you. No Christian man can draw
a circle of short diameter around himself None
| can say. Me and mine and more" No man
liveth TO himself He has duties TO others He
stands falls according to his fidelity.
Warn them that are unruly. degree Of dis
order was incident to the newness of creed and
4
faithful dealing with all classes, unruly.
le-minded and weak
The Injunction Is of course. primarily to the
| clergy; but the laity Is evidently TO share in
these wholesome Offices of correction. Each and
all are to admonish warm the unruly. the disor-
Derby Christian soldier who falls out OF his rank
Comfort the feebie-minded: better. as in the
revised version. Encourage the faint-hearted;'
literally. those Of little soul" A larger class.
no doubt than the ''disorderly" Comfort" lit
| orally. strengthen together
| Support the weak; literally. LAY fast hold
upon" go 10 hold up, or to hold ones self
against" to stand directly opposite one. so as TO
! sustain him.
Patient toward all. and not rendering evil for
evil II should be remembered that this injunc-
| ton was given the of a general and un-
paralleled persecution The command is TO be
song suffering" literally long spirited
Evil not TO be rendered for evil-a brand
| new precept. OF which the ethics OF heather
! civilization had never dreamed.