The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-15
THE LESSON TEXT.

h-hN N-'-NoUe.
An Uplifting Message Bear in mind
that the epistle to the Philippians was
written during Pau's Imprisonment
at Rome, and yet note how CHEEKY and
inspiring it is. There is nothing in it
to show that the apostle is downcast.
Indeed, he declares that the things that
have happened unto him have turned
out to be for The progress of the Cos
pei Q;12). He hopes that he will be
delivered, but is ready to die; and for
his own sake alone, that he would be
glad to do, for then he would be with
Christ U:21-23). Paul had special
affection for the Philippian church,
and his love is plainly evidenced in this
letter. 1t should be read, all Of il, at
one sitting.
Last Sunday the lesson was the story
of the end of Paul's work in Philippi.
This simple personal letter from the
apostle, now perhaps nearing the end
of his life, to his old friends at Philippi.
was written from Roman prison. and
apparently after Paul's affairs lad
taken decided turn for the worse. lie
is still cheerful and hopes for release
and to see his friends again, but his
cause for hope and JOY is not in his
circumstances, but in the fact that he
is superior to them. The crisis which
should mean life or death to him was
near Q:20-24. He was ready for
either. He promises to send Timothy
to them forthwith, so soon as shall
see how it will go with me-" Head the
whole letter and more than once If
possible, and let the courage and con-
tentment and humility and affection
ateness of the man whose life is re-
vealed in it teach their own lessons.
wherefore" Referring to what he
has just said. Paul is counseling his
friends from his own experience to let
their faith in future glory be an in
spiration to everyday living. "Euodia
Syntyche:" Two women, both
of them Christians C'whose names are
in the Book of Life"), and yet who
were hurting the cause by their un-
pleasant disagreement. "True yoke
fellow" There has been much discus
sion as to who was meant, but prob
ably the word translated yokefellow
was the name of one of the Philippian
disciples, and we should read, 81 be-
seech thee also, Synzygus (yokefel-
low), rightly so named (true)."
"Rejoice in the Lord" This letter
comes from Paurs own life expert
ences. His advice has been tested and
tried. If we are to rejoice always we
must look from the small facts of life
to the great ones,-and the greatest Is
God and His love. "The Lord is at
hand:" The reference is to an early
temperance of Christ on earth, which
seems to have been generally looked
for by the Christians. "In nothing be
anxious:" The distressing anxiety of
those who are depending entirely upon
themselves. The Christian may take
all his troubles and cares to God, and
so find the peace of God" "Whatso-
ever things are true, think on
these things" Take account of them,
let the mind dwell on them, learn to
appreciate them wherever they are
found, and then, Paul goes on to say,
"these things do"
"Revived your thought" They had
wanted to send Paul aid before but
had lacked opportunity. In the next
verses Paul speaks of the secret of
Christian contentment. He had
learned how to abound and how to be
in want, and both with n thankful
heart; but the strength which enabled
him to do the hard things was his only
as result of his vital Dnion with
Christ Jesus his Lord.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.
Only one who has clear trust In
the Lord can be anxious for nothing.
AS one thinketh so is he; therefore
think of whatsoever things are true.
just, pure, etc.
Learn the great secret Of being con-
tent. Do not let your happiness de-
pend upon outward circumstances.
The Truth Teuely Told.
Prayer Is more than petition.
Faiths times bridge between man
and God.
Justice seeks those who will not
Beek mercy. .