Evening star., 1922-02-04


end. The champion Of the peoples
rights, the defender Of pure religion
and the educator, whose system of
training the prophets In schools in
troduced new era In the religious
life Of hts times. Is about to depart.
Before going hence Elijah knowing
that the time when God would take
him Up was rapidly approaching, de-
termined to visit the sons Of the
prophets, who lived in settlements in
various parts Of the land. Our les
son tells OF his farewell visits TO
Gilgal, Bethel and Jericho, where di.
Vtnity schools had been established In
communities filled with sacred men,
ories. 1t may have been that Elijah
located these schools at these his
toric places of conservation, COM
munion and conquest because they
had been stained by sin. The first
two had become centers Of idolatry.
and Jericho was q monument Of dis
obedience.
During this tour, which covered at
least nifty miles. Elijah had as his
constant companion. Elisha. the plow-
man of Abel-rnehoiah, who for ten
years had been serving his appren-
ticeship "as washer OF hands" min
uHtO inc pfOpu6k 3 HtSub. kit
had attached himself to Elijah imme-
diately upon being called to be his
successor by the prophet upon his
return from Horod. so that he might
learn by personal contact with the
sturdy, stalwart servant Of God the
the trip was made for the purpose OF
strengthening the ministerial stu
dents OF the various schools by the
inspiration and instruction OF the
prophets farewell message, yet
Elisha understood that the issues OF
life. When Elijah tested his COM
panion by politely. but plainly re-
questinE him to stay behind at each
school visited, SO that the prophet
could continue his journey alone.
Elisha three times declined to leave
xEiitah may have suggested that
Elisha tarry 80 that he could be alone
when he was summoned TO meet
Jehovah. He may have wished to
spare his son In the faith from the
would bring to both: His suggestion
tested the fidelity Of his servant and
served to strengthen his faith and
devotion. When tho pessimistic crit
lies Of the schools tried to turn him
ing that 1t was against his best in
terest to continue with Elijah. in
view of his approaching end, Elisha
demonstrated his ability by his re-
plies to his carping critics and proved
his loyalty by refusing to quit. His
was fit to succeed Elijah as prophet.
Elisha's devotion to duty was
prompted by love for Elijah rather
tpan any personal consideration: He
-scognized Elijah's need for friend
who could fathom the deepest portion
nent positions seldom find a kindred
soul that understands and sympa-
thizes with them. Every great man
has some unknown friend with whom
protected from the intrusion Of the
world. talking over the affairs Of
his life. Selfish men never develop
great friendships. Failures In life are
largely due to tho fact that there has
been no such tic formed to inspire
the soul. Back OF every success in
life there In some great love that has
inspired effort and labor. In most
cases it has been either our mother
or wife that has aroused the best
Lies greatest friendships are
Of religious service. Tho church
planted by the Lord Jesus is the
greatest fraternity. in the world to-
hood based upon love for Christ and
formed to foster labor for tho well
ARE OF humanity and the glory Of
God. Elijah found In Elisha the
friend he needed to sustain him in
faced the end Of his earthly career
by his constancy and devotion to duty
The contrast in their character served
to strengthen the ties that united
them in fellowship. Elisha demon
hat he could not be swerved from
the path Of duty or danger. 1t is
only when we are supported by the
desire to share Christ's glory that
we can continue with the tenacity Of
Elisha in the pathway of sacrifcial
service.
Fifty ministerial students watched
Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan
and move toward Gilead. 1t was after
the miracle wrought by the prophet.
could pass over on dry ground. that
Elijah asked Elisha to name the Rift
he desired from the prophet. The
latter's request for "a, double portion
of the prophets spifit revealed the
man. 1t was more than a request for
his father. 1t showed that Elisha had
! no desire to become Elijah's sue
cessor without possessing the ability
and power to carry on the work. The
uneducated and unframed herdsman
before he had been summoned by the
Ice recognized that his ten years of
training under the prophets per-
sonal supervision would be valueless
unless he was doubly endued with
power. He recognised his need of
spiritual power from above, II he
were to fuifll his ministry as the
The students. who watched the two
move out OF sight. did not understand
the departure Of Elijah on his journey
toward the place prepared for him In
the Fathers house In glory: They
failed to- understand because they saw
i. it from afar. Peter. following Jesus
tar off on his last journey. was lead
to deny Him. i is y Q only Il th9ss ,s.,, Tho ;i3o
and love will receive power for serv-
Ice. Although the foundations of
civilization, the prosperity OF our
country, and the success of the
i churches of Christ depend upon hav-
ing men prepared BY Calling: culture
yet when the risen Christ sent His
gift Of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost,
He did not limit the gift to the
apostles, but the fire touched the
tongues Of all 50 that they all com
menced to preach. If We wish 70 De
men and women OF power We must
Be w,illns to = Pay the ,d prsss Mssn waiSe To Se
filled with the Holy Ghost.
Elisha asked Of the prophet what
he could not give. so he pointed out
to him that he had to meet one more
test before he could be endued with
power from above. The condition I'M !.
posed called for continuation OF
watching, waiting and work. 10
Na1~noc Snipif,taI vision II he