The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1939-06-15

LESSON TEXT-I1 Timothy 1:1-6; Phile-
mon IT, 81, %.
GOLDEN TExT-Study to show thvseIt
approved unto God, workman that need
eth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth.-n Timothy 2:15.
Letters-what interest we all take
in them! We 60 to town to get the
mail, or we stop our work at the ia
miliar signal of the postman. Too
little thought is given to the posi-
bility that our letters may be a
means of blessing in Gods hand.
Paul has given us model Christian
epistles.
In considering our lesson it is diff
ficult to indicate specific verses, but
the reader can readily identify the
truth taken from the lesson under
each division.
|. Remembrance.
Paul did not write letters which
were impersonal and distant in spir-
it. The warmth of loving heart,
the refreshing recollection of past
fellowship, a genuine interest in the
joys and sorrows of his brethren
put love into every sentence of his
letters.
We need to learn the art of writ
ing letters. Even so-called business
communications may often carry a
touch of encouragement or inspi-
ration. Personal letters should
certainly be a constant medium of
keeping bright the fame of affec-
ton between parents and children,
brothers and sisters, and Christian
friends separated by distance.
Observe that the remembrance of
Paul had to do with both personal
and spiritual matters, and note how
naturally and easily the two blend.
There should be no need of being
Extensively "preachy" in writing let
tiers. The personal and spiritual in
terests of our lives should be so
"a close together that we normally
and without effort can put them
forth as one in spirit.
II. Inspiration.
Who has not had the unforgetta-
Bile experience of receiving a letter
just when its cheering word was
y needed. Many man has been saved
from despair and possible destruc-
ton by such "a word fifty spoken"
which is like apples of gold in pic
lures of silver" prov. 25:1D. "a
word spoken in due season, how
good is i'll" prov. 1929.
We enjoy receiving such letters
6n olyo offorf 10 -
to others? Or do we excuse our
selves by saying, "You know 1 am
such poor letter-writer!" when the
fact is that we are probably lazy or
Indifferent to the needs of our
friends?
Notice that Paups inspiration and
e instruction to his friends revolved
around two points-his constant
prayers on their behalf and his faith
full presentation of the teaching of
God Word. If we would follow his
example we must first really pray
and then study Gods Word for our
selves before we shall be ready to
pass 1t on to others.
III. AdmOnition.
Scolding has no place in a letter,
but kindly admonition is quite in or
der. Paul improved every oppor-
tunity to urge his readers to per-
sonal piety, Christian fellowship, at
tendance upon the means of grace,
prayer, and the study of God S
Word, He also urged his young
brother in the Lords service to "stir
up the gift of God" which was in
him. The influence of the world,
4 the pressure of work, or some bur-
den of spirit might cause man to
bog down in the slough of despond
or of mediocrity. A letter from a
true Christian friend at such time
might well be the means in God S
hand of renewing holy resolves and
OF stimulating renewed endeavor. Do
you think of someone who is waiting
for that kind of letter from you?
~. Cooperation.
Friendship and fellowship are not
one-sided. The very words demand
the existence and interaction of two
personal beings. "a man that hath
friends must show himself friendly"
prov. 1924. Paul recognized this,
and when he wrote to Philemon he
gave him opportunity to respond in
loving obedience to request while
at the same time he showed the
highest degree of Christian consid-
GRAFTON and courtesy toward Phile-
mon. The epistle is masterpiece
OF persuasive tact and delicacy and
an enduring model of truest Chris
tan courtesy" (Ellicott).
No right thinking person is salts
fed to be the constant recipient Of
the love and thoughtfulness of anoth-
er with no opportunity to recipro-
cate. The smallest child or the hum
blest individual who must receive
help wants to show his loving ap.
probation. A considerable friend will
therefore open such an opportunity
mot as a command or in a spirit Of
expecting something In return, but
as an act of Christian courtesy.
Codtc Gum Cuipit