The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1903-08-07
EPWORTH LEAGUE.
Topic For the WEEK Beginning Aug
o, ~stir I'd the Gtgt Of God Which
Is In Thee"--Text, III Tim. 4, 0-s.

Paul. the aged preacher, is prisoner
In Rome under sentence of death. His
anxiety Is not about his own fate, but
for the welfare of the churches after
his death and for the progress of the
Christian faith. He naturally turns to
the younger men who have been his
companions in travel and preaching.
Timothy is particularly dear to him.
and his mind many times day brings
up the scenes of his early ministry
where he found the young man in
godly home circle. He now longs for
the compsnionship and presence OF this
active and ardent helper. The fearful
sympathy of Timothy appealed strong
ly to Paul, who had resolutely endured
prlyations, bodily suffering and oppo-
sition of every kind. His own pious
ancestry was held in thankful reme1n
brance. So he will remipd Timothy of
his faithful mother and grandmother
and the heritage received from them.
OF greater value, however, wHs the
commission transmitted by the apostle
when by the laying of hands on the
young disciples head he set him apart
for the special service of Jesus Christ
and His gospel
The tender heartedness which seems
to have been so natural to Timothy
might lead him to shrink from the
ha rdships and opposition he had seen
heaped upon Paul. Sensitiveness to
shame and pain might cause a Pelaxa-
ton of effort and diligence. So he shall
be reminded of the danger and exhort-
ed not to be ashamed of the testimony
of the Lord nor of Paul. the prisoner,
but to suffer hardship, sustained by the
power of God. This Is a call to the
highest and noblest living. 1t Is the
recognition and acceptance Of the fact
that God has saved and called to
high and holy work. This was not
because of any business capacity or
special religious merit and moral ex-
cellence. 1t was because hong ages
ago. God had of His own grace and
His purpose in Christ Jesus planned
Just this gift Of good tidings to men.
This intention Of God, ages old, but
concealed from men. had now been
clearly shown by the appearing Of
Jesus Christ, who abolished death and
brought life and interruption to open
view
This glad news for men was sacred
deposit or gift intrusted 30 Paul Of
God. He was a herald, witness, a
teacher of this truth. This was the
reason why he suffered as he did and
yet was not ashamed God had not
given spirit of timidity or doubt but
instead of fearfulness was the spirit of
power and love and sober discipline.
Because he knew Him whom be be-
heved, he was confident the Lord would
be able to fully guard and protect I'M
til the day of consummatton Of Gods
purpose and grace all the gift and In
terest committed to His herald, wit
ness and teacher.
So Timothy should arouse his powers
and stir up the gift Of God In himself.
So should every one of us Leaguers
who profess to be followers of Jesus
tivity and renewed fidelity to the trust
given into our care. Never was there
greater need than now of clear, Chris
tan thought and deep heart devotion.
Laxtty In belief and practice widely
prevails. Earnestness In living Is too
rare. Anxiety for pleasure and worldly
gain press out of sight in too many
cases the claims Of God and our calling
by Him. His gift and His commission
are our richest possessions, There Is
danger Of eternal loss to US and others
unless we stir up this gift of God which
Is in us.