The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1906-08-02

INTERNATIONAL LESSON COMMENTS
FOR AUGUST 8.
Subject: false Excuses. Luke xiv,
15-2i--Golden Text. Luke xiv.
1S-NIemory Verses, 23, "a
Topic: blessings of Salvation.

/. An invitation to Il great feast Tvs,
15-17). ~. zone of them One OF
the rich friends Of the phnrisaic host
whose remark gave the Saviour occa-
sion for delivering this parable which
Is called the parable of the great sup
per. "Sat at meat" They were re-
cllning on couches around the table.
"Heard these things" The recompense
at the resurrection of the just ". 14).
suggested to this guest n great banquet
i'm the kingdom of the Messiah.
Blessed is he" lie cStols the great
ness of the privilege. In the kingdom
of God" The Kingdom of God. here.
does not signify the kingdom of heaven
In the highest sense. hut only the king
dom of the Messiah. Of which the car
nal Jew here speaks. as the place of
their happiness
10. Then said He" The remark
Of the guest gave Jesus an opportunity
20 state important truths. He deliv-
cred the following parable to show
that though the Messiah's kingdom
would be offered to them under the
most favorable circumstances. yet they
would reject IT, the Gentles would en-
brace the gospel. "A certain man."
r.
~ great supper" Representing the
rich and abundant provisions of the
gospel. only two regular meals are or
dinarily uartaten Of in Eastern lands.
II. Sent His servant" The com
mission TO all those who hold the office
of sunmoning the world to enter the
Kingdom OF God is the same. hence but
one servant is referred to. John the
Baptist. Christ. the apostles and disci-
pies all delivered the gospel message
and issued Il call 10 the Jewish people.
The same call was afterwards given to
the Gentilcs. THAT were bidden. -
The Jews to whom the gospel was first
offered. Come The invitations of
the gospel are full and complete Matt.
II :2S; Rev. 22:1T). "All things are
now ready" "Now is the accepted
time" Every provision is made for
the redemption of lost world; not
one thing is lacking. The plan of sal
yation is perfect
II. The excuses made Tvs. 1920.
is. They all" But few of the scribes
and PhariSees responded. Began to
make excuse In worldly affairs peo-
pie would be anxious to accept an inv-
tation to such supper" but in relig-
i0uS matter it is very different. Men
are unwilling to accept the offers of
salvation. "'rhc first said" When the
time came they all refused to enter in.
each having some excuse. They We're
typical excuses /. Cares of wealth.
=. Pursuit of wealth >. Attractions
of earthly ties. "iIave bought-must
see it, He lived as do all in that
country. in a village. and had to go
out into the country to reach his farm.
These excuses were all trivial, and yet
they appeared TO those making them to
be real reasons why they could not
possibly attend the feast. IL pray
thee ! beg of thee. "Have me ex-
cused.' Release me from my obliga-
ton.
10. 81 20 TO prove them Mark the
Increasing rudenesS of the speakers.
The first pleads II must needs;' the
second merely states his intention--"I
go;" the third says bluntly, Il cannot"
and omits the courtesy of asking to be
excused. The true lesson from all
three is, that innocent and right things
keep men away from the gospel feast.
Feeble excuses: l. Worldlness of
spirit . Absorption in commercial
Pun lHUlNSs htlUAlNe ODllSdllOIlS. ~.
Married wife, He should have said
I to his wife, Come. let MS both accept
the invitation TO this gospel feast, at
once" therefore / cannot come"
This was just the reason why he
should have come. /. When young
people enter upon the active duties of
life they need the help and guidance of
the Holy Spirit. .. No home is a
truly happy home without Christ 8
4 We need Christ to bear out burdens
with us ana help us through the hard
! places. 4. A Christian home is a pow.
: er for good in the community. .. The
/ influences of the home mold the char
acters and lives of the entire family
III. The invitation enlarged and
/ urged Tvs. 21-2H. 2l Being angry. g
Not the anger of passion, but of indig-
nation $50 out quickly" There is nc
/ time to be lost The feast is ready
"Streets and lanes" Extend the invi.
/ tation to the pubicans and sinners
/ the outcasts. Bring in-the poor
/ etc. The picture Is one impossible for
/ us TO realize i'm our land. In the East
/ rich in heggars, opulent in misery
, without pOorhOuseS or hospitals, oil
! other organized means of caring fol
! and lessening misery, 'and with laws
/ and social organism multiplying it.
such Il thrOng as Is here described may
/ be often seen in the city streets OF
squares. %. ut Is done" Gods true
ministers carry the gospel TO the worst
j classes. "Npt-room.' Tie lord of the
house has prepared very great feast
/ for very many.
- "HighWaVS and hedges " Ont.