The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-11-06
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Lesson W.-Fourth Quarter. For
Nov. 7, 1909.
THE INTERNATIONAL SERIES.

Text Of the Lesson, Acts xvii. 80, to
xviii. 1o-Msmery Verses, xviii, 3,
1o-Goiden Text. p. xxxiv, 22-Cem-
msntary by Rev. Q. N. Stearns.
One night as they took soundinss
ing less, aud, fearing lest they should
be cast upon the rocks. they cast four
anchors out OF the stern and longed
for the morning. AS the sailors were
about to make OF with the boat under
pretense OF casting anchors out OF the
foreship Paul said to the centurion
and to the soldiers. Except these
abide in the ship ye cannot be saved"
(3D. Some may say. But had not Paul
assured them that all would be saved?
So We learn that. while God Is not
willing that any should perish and
desires all to be saved. He. having
provided a way. says that II men will
not accept His way they must per-
ish. When morning came they discov-
cred q place with a beach where they
might run the ship aground. And
now death again threatens Paul. for
the soldiers advised that the prison
ers be killed lest they should escape.
The centurion. for Paufs sake, pre-
vented this. and 50 In one way or
another all escaped safe to land. as
Paul had told them while out in the
storm at sea. And SO it came to
pass" (44. and in that saying there is
one Of the finest of Bible studies. for
it is true Of every prediction concern
ing the sufferinss OF Christ and will
certainly be true Of every prediction
concerning His kingdom and glory.
They found themselves on the island
Of Melita. or Malta. in time Of much
rain. and cold rain. too. but the people
of the island showed them great kind
ness and kindled a fire aud welcomed
them as we'll as they could. When I
read Of kindness l recall that David
asked II there was any one left Of the
house Of Saul that be might show 1.-The
kindness Of Cod unto him for Jona-
than's sake QI Sam. tx. l. 3. y. There
is ordinary kindness such as was
shown by these Maltese. but believers
are here to show the kindness OF God.
Paul did not fail to help make this
fire burn and to keep it going, for he.
too. gathered a bundle Of sticks and
laid 1t on the fire. A good prayer
meeting ought to be q good place to
warm one. but how often the leader
is almost the only one to help make
the fire burn. whereas II 4 dozen or
more each threw on a stick or two
what a good fire there might be! One
;~L h.
giveness Of my SINS" another might
add. Il am glad that the Son OF God
loved me and gave Himself for me-"
another. Il praise Him for making me
a joint heir with Himself" l am sure
that a few contributions like these
would help to make a great blaze. and
many would get warmed up. for it 10
very cold at some prayer meetings.
That old serpent the devil or some Of
his generation Of vipers would be sure
to get warmed up, too. and fasten on
kind, which might lead some one to
say, well. I'll never open my mouth
in meeting again." but II they would
just shake OF the beast into the IRE
where he belongs they would feel no
harm. Again. Paul IL misjudged and
numbered with transgressors. but soon
they change their minds about him.
and IL we will simply pay no heed to
false accusations and misrepresenta-
lions the Lord will take care Of all
and make true His assurance, "No
weapon that is formed against thee
shall prosper. and every tongue that
shall rise against thee In judgment
thou shalt condemn" Qsa. liv. III.
Some people look q great while to sec
some harm come to a child of God.
but no real harm can come to such.
and what looks like evil God will over
rule for good (Rom. viii. %. 29).
Paul was permitted by God to work
a miracle OF healing upon the father
Of the chief man Of the island. who
happened to live in those parts. He
was suffering from fever and a bloody
dux, but in the name Of the Lord
Jesus Paul laid his hands on him and
healed him. This led to others bring
ing their sick ones, and many miracles
of healing were wrought during those
three months Of unexpected blessing
which had come to that island. We
may be sure that Paul would seize
every opportunity to tell Of Him who
graciously healed the people through
His servant. and by him and his COM
panions it would seem as II all on the
island must have heard the glad It'd
ings. not only Of salvation through a
crucified and risen Jesus Christ. but
also Of the kingdom which He will
yet establish on the earth when there
shall be no more death, neither sorrow.