The Progressive West Virginian. [volume] (Williamson, W. Va.) 1911-1913, 1912-06-27


Destroy. but to fulfill. Matt. 5:17.
The lessons for this quarter be-
long for the most part to the year rs,
known as the year of popularity. Be.
ginning with the great Easter lesson
there Is set forth the fact, certainty,
and meaning OF the resurrection OF
our Lord, by which was demonstrated
his fulfilling Of the purpose of God
both in his own life and in his work
upon the cross whereby was made
possible the establishment OF the new
kingdom. Several of these lessons
are taken from his manifesto to show
us the application of the law which
he came to fill full with a newer and
richer meaning. Speaking of the ideal
Sabbath as contrasted with that pre-
scented by the religious teachers of
the day, Jesus uses the illustration OF
healing and also the plueking or grain
to show us that man is OF more value
than the ceremonial observance OF the
law. Jesus proceeds in the third les
son to choose and set apart those
who shall share with him in the es-
tablishing of this new kingdom This
was the fulfilling of purpose where
In the Jews had failed--Jesus called
these men to have fellowship with
him in fruit bearing
In the fourth lesson Jesus depicts
the character necessary for those who
shall share with him in the fulfilling
Of Gods purposes in this kingdom.
The blessings of poverty and the
danger Of riches form the subject mat
ter OF the fifth lesson wherein we are
taught full revelation concerning
had not where to lay his head and
whose estate" when he left this
world was the object of the rude sol
diers' flippant gamble tells us that
like him il we would be great in this
kingdom we too must lay up riches
not on earth but in heaven.
Key to Situation.
The sixth lesson has to do with
love as the secret OF the fuliillment Of
all that Is required, of all that has
been already stated, or that may
hereafter arise In this lesson by a
set OF skilful questions Jesus asks
and answers the fundamental princi.
pies OF this law of love. So deep
does he build and SO high does he
reach that we are compelled to ex-
claim. Who Is sufficient" And SO
1t is that the seventh lesson logically
follows the sixth. for In this we find
the key to the whole situation Begin
ming with the verse that forms the
golden text for today. Jesus goes on
to show us that what is impossible
with man is possible with God. That
while the law Is immutable and its
penalties therefore still in force, that
he, Jesus, Is the one and only one who
keeps the law outwardly and at the
Same time it's spirit and intent as
we'll; hence we have in him and his
righteousness all that is essential in
this now kingdom. In him we have
sufficient power.
The eighth lesson still further car
ries out this teaching by showing us
the fact that In the constant con.
seriousness OF God there lies power
that will enable men, independent OF
baths, In simple truth to fulfill all
The requirements of truth.
The ninth lesson is one of the prac-
lcal applications of these principles
which Jesus has been setting forth.
The ancient high priest with the bells
and pomegranates upon his garment
carried as much fruit as Doise into the
holy place. So Jesus, this new high
priest teaches US that though we are
justified In the sight OF God by our
faith we demonstrate that faith in the
sight Of men by our actions toward
those about us.
II we are truly and properly spirit
ually related to him our aims and
prayers and fasting Will not be for
The purpose of attracting the attention
st men but each disciple will be as
ais master who sought only to glorify
ne Father. This is the man who
,uilds upon solid ground and whose
.oilse stands amid the breaking storm
ather than the one Whole house not
SO founded goes to pieces amid the
storm. This is the tenth lesson.
Dominant Notes.
Following these lessons upon the
kingdom Jesus is shown In the
eleventh lesson as depicting John the
BaDtist's place and significance as the
forerunner of himself and because OF
that position az being the exalted
ar.ong those born of women yet he
who in humbleness is little shall be
greater even than John. John repro.
Eented the end of the old and Jesus
the beginning Of the new.
The last lesson affords US a signin
cant view, a radiant revelation, OF the
compassion and at the same time the
mercilcssly Keen discernment OF
Jesus. His dealing N-ith her who gave
her best as contrasted with Simon
who from his abundance gave only
discourtesy and friendIess criticism.
teaches us what should be the real
heart motive of our lives lie who
came to break the shell OF self com
placency glorifed the act OF the sinful
woman who in contrition broke her
alabaster box at his feet; he who low
Ing much could forgive much.
There are two or three notes that
are dominant throughout the lessons
Of this quarter. He, Jesus, who is the
light, not only sets up high standards
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