The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1909-09-07

The International Sunday Scfool Les
son for September II is "Paufs
Third Missionary JourIfey-Ciosing
Scenss. Acts 21: til.
By William T. Ellis.
Pilgrimages are common in eonnec-
ton with all the great ethnic faiths Of
Asia. These nave a social and educa-
tional significance apart from their
religious aspect. A IS certain
to return to his home, after a journey
to all the sacred places connected with
the life of Guatama, with a
horizon and an accretion of life inter-
ests. Somewhat similarly, it is worth
while to consider the educational
value Of these Sunday school studies
which have followed in the footsteps
Of the apostle Paul. They have at
forded an historical sweep which
larges the horizon Of every
who has traced the footsteps Of the
restless, pioneering, tent-maker
apostle.
The latest news dispatches from
Asia Minor are illuminated by these
old documents, with their
cal itineraries. One is lifted above
the narrow conception of his own
neighborhood and Ian by a study of
the past and present Of the places trod
by the feet of Paul two thousand
years. ago. Reading into these geo.
graphical names our present knowl-
3 " W1aO FA0Nd ~ ~
tivity opens before one. The traveller
who keeps company with Paul may
suffer in sympathy with his great
trials, but he will be delivered from
the thra1ldom of many present petty
cares.
of travel record. but it is also an In
tensely human document. Some per-
sons can write about their travels in
a way to repel every reader; they
merely recite a catalogue Of the
places they visit. and of their travel
ing schedule. Others can make the
very same tour glow with human in
tereSt.
Looking for the Best.
With the heart-break of his separa-
ton from the beloved Ephesian friends
still bowling him down. Paul took up
his journey toward Jerusalem. The
identical trip may be mad today. For
this ancient writing is corroborated
by its geographical and historical al
lusions. The man who gave this in
formation had been through the
scenes described. The land and the
sea testify to the book.
In ancient Tyre, where some trav-
elers would lave found archaeological
ruins, Paul found people. He was
ever looking for kindred spirits. In
whatsoever place he entered there he
sought for fellow disciples of the
Name. That was a good fashion which
is not often followed Travellers more
commonly seek for the worst than for
the best.
Hundreds of Americans touch at
every year, and they see
the tea houses and the geisha girls and
the native theatres, but they never
catch a glimpse Of the splendid edu-
cationaI and philanthropic institu-
tlons which American altruism and
Christianity have planted in that city.
~ 4 L. - 49,
pass through Shanghai there are
many who know the glitter Of Bulb
bling Well Road. and the sin and de-
gradation Of FOochow Road and the
opium divans; but who leave the city,
ignorant Of the fact hat on it's out
skirts is st. Johns University, the
greatest educational institution in the
Empire, and that within half an hours
rickshaw ride from the Aston House
are two great mission hospitals, a mis-
sion press, and native churches that
enfbody the greatness and beauty Of
the Christian propaganda
Even nearer home than the Orient,
there are many rural jewellers who go
to the city for business or pleasure
inc who feel it incumbent upon them
to see the worst that the city affords,
learning naught of its better aspects.
PauPs example is powerful preaching;
he established relationships as quick
ly as possible with the mobiles people
and forces in every community that
he visited. What a boon it would
have been for scores of country and
seashore churches if all the Christian
summe visitors this year had carried
their religious activity with them upon
their holidays.
The Man More Than the Preacher.
When we read some of PauPs letters
we are overwhelmed by the profundity
Of his reasoning, and the metaphysical
sweep Of his conceptions. Many things
His was a great mind and he was a
great man. In all ages he stands pre-
eminent as the foremost theoIogian.
Concerning a modern theologian it is
said: III is a great theofogian, but
he has no friends" Not so Paul. We
may be awed by his intellectual quail