The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-03-06
BY WILIAM T. ELLIS.

son Tor March Is, "RnlDp ana the
Ethiopian" Acts s: 26-40.
BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS.
The reported death of the great
Negus of Abyssinia, King Menelek,
links this old Bible story to present.
day news. The Ethiopia of the New
Testament episode is generally identi-
fed with Abyssinia, the country which
a few years ago startled civilization
by defeating the forces of Italy. Abys-
nominally Christian. Its ruler claims
descent not only from the Candace of
the present lesson, but also from King
Solomon.
The outstanding character in the in
cident which constitutes this Sunday
school lesson is the prime minister of
the queen of Ethiopia. The common
impression is the eunuchs are mere
mental servants and palace messen-
gers. Quite the contrary is frequently
the case, as in this instance. For fif
teen years past one of the most potent
figures in the national affairs of China
has been q certain eunuch, who has
been raised to princely rank. Probably
the recent overthrow of Yuan Shi-Kai
was in part due to this eunuch's reac-
tionary Vaccinations. In winning Can
dace's prime minister Philip achieved
q distinct victory for Christianity.
The Great Procession.
The scene of this dramatic meeting
desert place on the way between
Jerusalem and GAIA. The spectacle
makes an appeal to the imagination,
for this eunuch was one of, the prose-
lytes OF the gate, believers in Judaism,
who was on his way from the temple
at Jerusalem. Alone he was, except
for his retinue. yet he was a part of
the most significant procession of his
day. From all parts of the known
world devout Jews and converts made
their way to and from the hill of Zion. |
They were multitude in number and
an influence beyond measure.
Yet vastly greater is the procession |
which today goes up every Sabbath |
to the new Zion, the house of God. |
There is stimulus for ones faith in q |
contemplation of the innum cradle |
host OF men, in teeming cities and in |
desert highways. who are going to
and from the church of the Christ |
whom Philip eXpOunded to the Ethio-
plan. The modern Zion is represented |
by the stately cathedrals of Europe,
by the New England meeting houses,
by the great Christian temple in Ugan-
da. by churches in every heather land,
and men of all colors and races and
conditions are following in the train
of the Ethiopian church. Whose has
open eyes may see, like the servant
of Israel's ancient prophet, a whole
host of the army of God in procession
to Zion.
What a Person Reads.
One uncOnSciOuSly puts his fellow
into certain classifications by
what he sees them reading. The kind
of literature which engrosses one is a
pretty clear index to ones character,
culture, and calibre. Even the social
status of a stranger may be reasonably
gagged by the kind Of book which he
is reading. 1t is interesting to recall
how a common book has brought to-
gether many of the best friends; a,
of taste in literature is still
Of a dA1fRhff1l fiaS |
bind friends ,i--..
1t was well for the eunuch that out
on the desert, where nobody was at
hand to pass Judgment upon him, he I
glimpses into the latest issue of the
Jerusalem Scandal-Monger." He was
rather. in reading a scroll !
of Holy Writ, thus employing his time
art of beguiling journey, and he used {
It as an opportunity for the culture of {
his best self. Many persons who travel
are idle all the while; others, more
careful of their time, plan that even =
the momentary passage through a tun-
mel shall minister to their spiritual de-
One of the most striking
bits of recent magazine poetry ex-
pressed a workers worship while rid
ing in the New York Subway Some
persons carry pocket volumes of good
literature-in most cases, of course, '
the Bible itself-that they may thus !
minister TO their Spirits IN moments OF
leisure.
The Hard Book.
It may frankly be confessed that /
there is a great deal of cant in much 6
that is said concerning the Bible. The {
advice is given Unfortunately to all {
classes of people to read the Bible, as I
IL all parts of the Bible were alike en- t
and inspiring, and all minds
were fitted to extract profit from it. Z
The truth is that the Bible in most s
places is a hard book to read. Bible {
reading is an acquired taste. Even
those who do faithfully peruse the
Scriptures do not always do so intel !
ligently. The class, to which the
eunuch belonged is large one, read Y
ers who do not understand what they
read. Nor are all so honest as he
Some are content with the mere sound {
Of the familiar and sacred words. and :
are little troubled that they do not dis {
Germ the deeper meaning of the in i
spired page. {
The Bible needs Interpretation. It /
should be read in the latest, simplest,
and best translation. Scripture should
be compared with Scripture. Every =
available source of light upon its pages :
should be utilized, for it is a unique