The St. Louis Republic., 1903-01-03
THE SUNOAY-sCHOOL LESSON.
For January II, "Christian Liv-
ing" phil. ", 1-12.)

1NTRODUCTION-Aft the persecution
AZ fniiippi. an account of which was studied
last week. Paul and Silas departed for ether
fields Of labor Passing through Macedonia
and Greece and making several tours in
various directions. he came at length to
Rome, fulfilling thus the great desire of his
heart to minister in the imperial city,
SRomans /. 49, Up to that time he had by
ms s,s Personal presence comforted and
gospel through his preaching. His visits to
the churches had been occasions of rejOic-
ing ana inspiration. But on reaching Rome
me method OF his work was necessarily
changed. He could no longer go among
those whom he had loved as disciples and
could reach them only by letters That
metnSd n. ,n he had employed previously. writing
70 Ihessaionica, Corinth and Galatia. But
now this was his only form of ministry.
While confined in Roman prison he wrote
to three churches. those at Philippi. Colosse
and Ephesus. now called the prison letters.
We study a few verses from the first OF
these, written A. D. 81.
FRATERN1TY-(Vers l. 2 81 Epa-
phroditus brought to Paul from the church
at philippi contribution for his needs.
sphii. ~ ", ~ He was taken sick and came
answer to prayer. He was sent home with
this letter. All this tended TO awaken in
Paups mind brotherly feeling which is ex-
rem. dearly beloved and longeu for" he
says. Then he names Euodias, Syntyche,
Clement and the other fellow -Iaborers and
the women, Of all he speaks of having
their name in the "book of life There are
lew PASSAGES in literature where the spirit
OF fraternity is more fully manifest. But
Pauls endearing words were joined to other
words. showing that he desired above all
else the spiritual good of those to whom he
wrote. It was no sentimental gush in which
he indulged. Instead. he exhorted, on the
basis Of his high regard, to stand fast, to be
of the same mind or harmonious, to be
mutually helpful in the cause of Christ.
This Is Christian friendship of the highest
and best type, and affectionate regard Joined
with an earnest desire for religious welfare
and service.
GLADNESS-Verses 4 and 81. Some fol-
lowers of Christ are gloomy and pessimistic.
They see the evil that Is in the world and
more speedily established. Thus they lose
heart and do all their work with irresolu-
tion, expecting to fail. Faith looks at the
brighter side and anticipates and So achieves
success. (Heb, xi. 30 1t is in the interests
Of Christ's kingdom to infuse the latter
spirit as far as possible into all those who
follow the master, and In order thereto
hopefulness and gladness are to be encour-
aged. There is no circumstance or condition
in which the Christian may not be joyful.
Paul and Silas at Phiiippi made the prison
when their feet were fast in the stocks.
(Acts xvi, 2s) Jesus admonished the disci-
pies to be exceeding glad when reviIed and
prosecuted. CMatt. x. 12.) So here Paul
urges the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord,
that is. to experience gladness because they
as well as every other experience. was to be
in moderation. not excessive and fanatical.
+ PRAYER-(Verses and ~ The rejoicing
of the Christian is valuable In many ways.
+ puts new compIexion upon life and lifts
great mass Of mankind. The glad heart
made 20 by assurances Of divine favor, -
Ahla r. 0t9miaH eerA: 6oel11G fhAt ~ 1h1n(