The Detroit times., 1910-07-23

and the parable relates to these only.
The first servant mentioned In the
parable mad been very derelict as a
servant of God As follower of
Christ he had come far short. The
time OF reckoning came. He realized
II and besought Divine favor and
mercy, promising to do all he could to
make up for the deficiencies. He was
heard; the sentence upon him was
stayed. But when he went forth to
find fellow servant who owed him
a trifing sum. and would have no
mercy upon him, his master was very
angry and declared that he. too, must
be harshly dealt with and receive no
mercy, because he had shown none
to his fellow-seryant. His lords
words were, "Shouldest not thou also
have had compassion (mercyD upon
thy fellow servant even as I had
mercy or thee?" And his lord de
liVered him TO the tormentors until
he should pay all that was due" The
amount due would not include any
part OF the penalty OF original sin.
but merely the penalty for the short
comings OF the tTansgressor as re-
spects his Covenant relationship. as
servant who was also a debtor from
the time he became a servant.
The Lords words concluding the
parable are. so shall also my heav-
emily Father do unto you. II We from
your hearts forgive not every one his
( brother his trespasses." In another
text cur Lord inculcates the same
! thought in different words. saying
III ye forgive men their trespasses
your heavenly Father will also for.
give you"
The purpose and object of our
/ heavenly Father in thus dealing with
us seems not clear TO all Ii Is not
that he wishes TO retaliate. IL is not
that he would say TO us, IN you are
mean towards others | will be mean
| towards YOU" Rather the lesson Is
| this, IL am kind TO the unthankful:
| have been very gracious to you in
the forgiveness of your original sin
and In accepting your conservation to
be my servant and in bringing you In
to my family. but have called you
into this position for a special pur.
pose and you will not be At nor be
prepared for the service I desire for
you unless you learn the lesson of
your sake | make the rule that | will
be no more generous to you and your
imperfections than you are generous
toward your brethren in their imper-
fections. | do this in order to teach
you great lesson which canno g S
well learned in any other way. What
| am seeking in you as my servant
Is perfection In my Observation-Disclosures.
You are inclined look at the Justice
OF my character and TO copy IL and to
deal severely with others who are
your debtors. wish to make clear
TO you that the grandest elements OF
my character are illustrated from the
standpoint Of my love and sympathy,
my kindness and forbearance Be.
cause | desire you to progress in this
character-likeness and so come to the
position where ! can use you in my
service more abundantly, therefore I
rule that You must be forgiving and
gracious one toward another even as
| have already been gracious toward
you, and even as | propose yet fur.
Their to be gracious to you. II you will
abide in harmony with my spirit OF
love and seek TO walk In my way.
am ready to forgive the loving and
generous who are seeking to copy my
character; | am ready to be kind and
generous and forgiving to the great
est degree"
The kindest and the happiest pair
VIII find occasion to forbear.
And something every day they live
To pity, and perhaps forgive"