Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-10-18
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
INTERNATIONAL LESSON COM
MENTS FOR OCTOBER Fl.

Subject: The Parable Of the Talents,
Matt. XIV, 14-3O-Golden Text,
Prov. xviii, ,2O-Memory Verse,
21-Topic: Fidelity to Duty.
I. The servants receive the tai
ents Tvs. 14-18). IA. "A man."
Christ represents Himself as man
going into another country, or heav-
en-. Called his own servants The
outward framework of the parable
lies in the Eastern way of dealing
with property in the absence of the
owner; the more primitive way be-
ing for the absentee to make his
slaves his agents. The apostles,
ministers, all true Christians, are the
servants Of Christ "His goods"
The goods" are the Lords; all we
have belongs to God.
IS. give talents" The Interna-
tional Bible gives the value OF a tai
ent of silver in the Old Testament
period at 1920, and in the New
Testament period at $1146. The tai
ents represent all of those peculiar
gifts which God has given us in this
world. His several ability" The
slaves of the Greeks and Romans
were often men of great attainments
and skill.
IS. Then" "Straightway." r.
v. We are here taught a lesson in
promptness. Went and traded"
We now see the use that the servants
made of their masters goods. Two
~f ha <hroo I'm nrnunH the
trust committed to them. "Other
five." He who receives much from
God must make an Improvement
upon the whole. while of the one
who receives little but little is re-
quired.
18. "Digged in the earth" This
is the peculiar temptation Of the man
who has little ability. and he sullenly
retires from service in which he
cannot shine and play conspicuous
part. Hid his lords money" He
did not embezzle or squander 1t, but
he hid it. How sad to bury ones
talent!
II. Faithful service rewarded Tvs.
1929. But while this no doubt re-
fers to His second coming, yet there
are many comings in the great
crises of life, in times of trouble, and
especially in the hour of death. 10.
"a long time" Time enough was
given for Improvement "Cometh.
Christ is certain to come. The time
may seem long. but let us not be de-
ceived-He is coming again.
20. Brought other five." l.. The
good servant was ready. 2. There
was nothing hid; he rendered full
account. 3. He came joyfully. 4.
Quickly. S. Without fear; there
right and he came with confidence.
Thou deliveredst unto me-" Rec
ognizing that all he had belonged to
his master. 81 have gained" He
had put forth an effort Those peo-
pie who fold their arms and talk
about trusting God will find, sooner
or later, that God does not help the
idler.
81. "Well done" The master
gives his full and hearty approval.
Thou good" 1t is possible to be
good" even in this sinful world. to
be pure and upright within. Faith
full" Faithfulness rather than sue
cess was rewarded. over few
things" At best we can do but lit
tie for the Lord here. Ruler over
many things" The faithful one is
made ruler over a larger sphere.
"Joy of thy lord" We are not only
to have the Joy of the Lord in us, but
we are to enter into His joy
90. 1.-TWO talents" This servant
had been as faithful and successful
as the one who received five talents.
23. We'll done" The rewards were
according to his ability. He could
not have handled or enjoyed more.
III. Unfaithfulness punished Tvs.
24-3O). "a. Il knew thee" No
person really knows Christ who
thinks Him hard master "An
hard man" This servant entertains
hard thoughts of his lord Gather
ing where thou didst not scatter"
Or. W This was not a true charge,
for each one received much more
than he had gained; God always lib
orally rewards all who serve Him.
%. II was afraid" All sinners
are afraid. Thou hast thine own"
(R. W He seems to boast of his
honesty and uprightness. 26.
wicked and slothful." His master
was not to be trifed with. Thou
knewest." Out of thine own mouth
shalt thou be judged.
27. Thou oughtest." The fact
that he knew what his master re-
quired was reason why he should
have used the talent God appeals
to us as reasonable" beings and
tells us what we Ought" to do.
"Exchangers. Bankers" r. V.
Literally, "To those who stand at ta-
bles," because the bankers had ta-
bles before them. with interest"
(R. W His master had right to
expect reasonable profit from the
labors of his servant. 28 "The tai
'ent from him." The unfaithful serv-
ant Is not only reproached by his
master, but he is actually punished.
He loses what he had failed to USE
20. Shall be given" The one
who really has powers and abilities,
and makes good use of them, to
him shall be given greater posses
sions. Shall be taken away" From
him that hath not, even that which
he seemeth to have Uuke S:1S)
shall be taken away. 80. "Unprof-
TABLE" He was cast into outer
darkness, merely because he was un-
profitable and idle and buried his
talent. "Outer darkness" Those
who fail to obey Christ will be cast
from His presence. The punishment
| of the wicked will be terrible and