Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1916-10-05
LESSON FOR OCTOBER sTH.


Lesson Text: Acts "a. Memorize
vss. Ia, Is.
Golden Text: Herein also ex-
ercise myself to have conscience
void Of offense toward God and men
always" Acts "a :16.
After Paul's arrest he was prose-
cuted by lawyer named Tertullus, a
plausible speaker, who made three
charges against him: (1D That he
was a trouble maker; (2) that he
was the ring leader of the Nazarenes
and (3) that he had committed sac
rilege by permitting a Gentle within
the temple enclosure. Paul makes a
vigorous and interesting defense.
I.-"Many Years a Judge"
Paul graciously compliments the
governor who presides at the trial. be-
cause he has been many years Il
Judge" We are expecting more of
our judges than we did a generation
age. The complex character of our
citizenship, our industrial life, and
our society, make it more difficult to
decide justly. What are the qualitica-
tious Of good Judge? Is the prime
need a knowledge of the law or a
viewpoint upon life? Have you ever
criticized Judge for his decision?
Was It because he failed to rule equi-
tably or because the law compelled
him to decide on technicality?
Have you ever praised judge for his
fearless and righteous decisions,
made in the face of adverse public
opinion? How far do you think the
decisions of judges determine the law,
more than the law determines the
decision? What is the result?
1.-THE Man With a Conscience.
The man who has n conscience in
good working condition ought to be
glad. OF course man may warp his
conscience so that it seems to approve
what is right, when really it ap-
proves what the man desires. Exam
Inc Ii closely and you will discover
that your conscience has changed in
the last ten years! Has it been ''for
better, for worse?" Are you Stacker
in your Christian duties than you used
to be? And satisfied about it, too?
When did conscience tumble, and
why?
Ne wonder Paul said with such
seriousness, Herein 1 also exercise
myself to have a conscience void of
sfense toward God and men always"
Maay Of US need exercise of the same
sort! 1t may make the moral muscles
ache some, but it will be worth while.
Give Ysur conscience a setting-up drill
every morning!
HI.-A Confession of Faith.
Paul frequently makes Il bold, brief
confession of his faith. 1t is not al
ways in the same words. 1t does not
always contain the same elements. II
is frequently in the form of Il err
sonal testimony. 1t is not something
which binds, something which he
speaks reluctantly and from compul-
sion. 1t flows out of his life nat
urally and freely. 1t is a joyous, con-
vincing expression of his feelings
and purposes.
why should men belittle confes.
sion Of faith, when it represents the
most sure and sacred convictions OF
the heart? / have heard men Sneel
at the church's confession Of faith
as though 1t were childish and unrea,
sOnable. But hatred of the church's
confession is simply another confes.
sion Of different sort. Sneering al
another mans confession is simply
making confession of your own
VIZ, a confession that you do not
respect your neighbors confession
because it disagrees with your own
He may be rs sincere as you are. His
confession is worth as much as yours
at least, and there are reasons why il
is worth more! Try to be broadmind
ed enough to respect another mans
confession of faith. See to it thai
your own confession is genuine anC
fundamental.
COULD NOT UNLOCK HANpcUFFs